Heather’s Bookshelf: Eubeltic Quest
Author: Nadine C. Keels
Released: 10/11/20
Genre: Historical Fantasy Fiction (Book 2)
“He was no lovesick adolescent losing his wits over a girl, but he needed to be way now, being about dutiful business as he rotated shifts with other guardsmen, and using downtime he’d have on this trip and on the ship as a chance to search his soul, for reasons related to but also beyond…her.”
“Eubeltic Quest” follows Dauntless (Daun) on assignment as a guardsman for an inauguration in his kingdom. He initially believes he will have some time away to clear his head, but a surprise invitation finds him with unexpected company.
The story is told mostly through Daun’s present point of view with clear world development and flashback/memories to tie in what happened in the first book as well as past experiences essential for plot development.
Daun becomes torn between his duties as a guardsman, his desire to spend time with his unexpected guests, and two complications from the past. He has to emotionally and physically navigate all of these challenges while still fulfilling the needs of his position. I will not spoil anything here, but will say the twists tie in well to the characters pasts and their experiences from the first book.
Trigger Warning: There is reference to domestic violence and bullying
Overall, I enjoyed this sequel. The story picks up a short time after the end of the first. However, the author does a nice job in giving enough details in this story that it could stand alone or be read out of order while note making it seem redundant for those who read Eubeltic Descent. All of the main characters are back, but the point of view has changed to that of Daun’s. This allows for much more insight into his character as well as further development for his relationships with his sister, Valorie, and Abigaia. The world building is well done, consistent with the first book, and easily believable. The main characters are likeable and damaged with the romance subtle nd sweet. I also really enjoyed the history telling and how the author intertwined the past and the present. However, I found the ending to be too open ended and kind of anti-climatic for me.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
I have also read and reviewed the first book in this series: Eubeltic Descent.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A sequel focused on character development with twists that tie in the both books and provide dramatic intrigue. An unsatisfying ending left me wanting.
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