Ruby Throne 2: Shadow War

This book is an excellent follow-up to Book 1. The story really takes off and keeps you interested!

This book takes place over a year after the finish of 'Reign of Shadows'. Caelan is now a champion gladiator and the most famous slave in the city, still fighting to try and regain his freedom. He is a changed man from the first book, as the continual slaughter has made him cynical and he has developed and an almost stupid loyalty to his master Prince Tirhin..Elandra is about to be crowned empress in her own right, but can she hold the throne with plots of treason and betrayal surrounding her? Caelan discovers a treasonous plot that could bring down the empire and end all they know, even before the emperor dies, but can he, a mere slave, get the emperors ear and warn him before it comes to fruition?Caelan and Elandra finally cross paths in this book, the plot of which takes place over a few days. Its an enjoyable novel, slightly marred by great jumps in unexplained time, whether this will be a series worth reading again will be determined by how well book 3 in the series brings together the plot threads in books 1 and 2. I'm not sure if this deserves 3 or 4 stars, but given I haven't read the conclusion yet, I'll go with 4.

I love this trilogy. Deborah Chester makes you feel all the feelings the characters in the book feel. Deborah Chester has yet to disappoint me.

It was not as good as the first one... but a great book just the same. I love fantasies and this was surely one. The characters are enough to fall in love with and the story... although somewhat predictable... was thrilling and creative. Excellant.

The second installment in the Ruby Throne trilogy, Shadow War picks up where the first (also awesome) book left off, and doesn't let go. Caelan's trials as a slave/gladiator are awesomely detailed (great fight scenes), and the growing tension between him and Elandra is a great prelude to the third book. I was dying to know how it would all turn out. This is a truly amazing series and I hated having to wait for the third installment. Caelan's dual powers of healing and destruction (severance and sevaisin) are beautifully described, and very believable. Chester's colorful, sensuous settings and writing style really sets a great mood - I couldn't put these books down. I can't wait for her to write another series!