Daughter of Lies and Ruin

See my review for A Curse of Ash and Embers here
Daughter of Lies and Ruin
The Witches of Blackbone Book Two
Written by Jo Spurrier
Paranormal, Witches, #LoveOZYA
352 Pages
Published September 24th 2019
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★★★★
If they didn't want to get turned into beasts and used to fuel a ritual, they shouldn't have attacked a witch. That's all there is to it.

There's something strange brewing in this tinder dry forest, a girl with a sword and a secret, a troupe of vicious bandits vanished without a trace, beasts that don't belong and a witch with a macabre plan.

Elodie hasn't been learning witchcraft for long, but she knows enough to be worried, and the fact that her mentor Aleida wants to pack up and leave in short order isn't helping to settle her nerves.

Elodie just hopes to get everyone out of this mess unharmed, but it's looking more unlikely with every passing hour. And when the strange witch's ire falls on her, Aleida's wrath sparks a fire that threatens to scorch the earth itself.
Elodie Blackbone is an apprentice sorceress, bygone is the young woman denied an education and labouring on her family farm, now disciplined in the artistry of witchcraft under the guidance of Aleida Blackbone. The two new companions have departed the Black Oak Cottage in Lilsfield and travelling the dusty, lonely roads when ambushed by a band of roadside bandits ransacking the wares and treasures of stagecoaches and travelling merchants.

Elodie is no longer the naive young woman summoned to the Black Oak Cottage and although she's wisened to the world of sorcery and alchemy, the young apprentice is continuously experimenting with her newfound abilities under Aleida's guidance. Elodie has the ability to inhabit the body of wildlife and birds, often soaring high about the landscape and observing their journey from the skies. Unlike Aleida, Elodie also has the ability to walk between worlds, opening a fissure and guided by an ethereal sprite.

Aleida slayed Gyssha Blackbone and the protege has now become the mentor, albeit cursed by her predecessor. Weakened by the fissure opening to the otherworld, Aleida and Elodie depart the cottage, along the journey they meet the stoic and resolute Kara, being held at the local abbey since her father disappeared. Armed with her sword, Kara has enlisted the aid of local bandits to escape and is searching for her father, an outlaw masquerading as a mercenary while throughout the arduous, backbreaking landscape, an otherworldly disturbance is gathering. Men have become monsters, manipulated by a mage taking shelter in the desolate mountains.

Kara is an interesting character, surly and unapologetically ambitious. Kara has been unwillingly taken into the care of the abbey, devising her escape to find her father as the arrival of Aleida and Elodie provides the opportunity to disappear under the cover of darkness. Although her father is an outlaw, Kara remembers her father for his kindness, a gentle father and loyal friend and after Elodie's insistence, Aleida reluctantly agrees to assist the young brusque woman. The conflict and intensity within Elodie and Aleida's tentative friendship emanates from Kara and their conflicting opinions. Elodie's humble beginnings have resurfaced as a humanitarian crusade, playing the role of saviour especially where Kara is concerned. She constantly undermines Aleida, questioning her judgement and expertise. It's frustrating but an important learning moment for Elodie, it also brought out a compassionate and gentleness from Aleida who masks her emotions.

The subtle attraction between Elodie and Kara is enchanting, although it seems to impair Elodie's judgement and her ability to make rational decisions. Given her interest in Kian in A Curse of Ash and Embers, Elodie may identify as being bisexual. Friendship and sisterhood are the central focus of the Witches of Blackbone series, independent women in an environment where women are chaperoned by men, often dominated by men and their significance determined by men. Capable women with the ability to slain grown men, those who share a quiet resilience, who encourage and endure. The sisterhood who are reclaiming their sovereignty.

Simply magical. 

16 comments

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    1. Absolutely stunning isn't it and such a brilliant series Noel, I'd love to see what you think of it!

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  2. I like the idea of the women reclaiming their autonomy. I also am always partial to stories that feature strong female friendships, and it sounds like this book had a great one.

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    1. It does and it's magnificent! I was absolutely thrilled to see my review quoted on the back cover as well, it's a series that I implore all young adult readers to pick up a copy, not only to support Australian authors but novels with strong female characters unreliant on male characters or a romance to further their character.

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  3. I definitely need to pick up the first book, as well as this sequel!
    And the covers are to die for!

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    1. And with the hint at a girl crush, you'll absolutely love the series, I can't wait to see what you think of it!

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  4. That friendship and sisterhood are the centre of this makes my heart glad. There are too many times I've found wonderful books about female characters resort to romance to make the books palatable or whatever. Sisterhood is just as important, IMO.

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    1. Completely agree Verushka. Young adult doesn't need to rely on romance to further a female characters narrative or used to make a book more palatable as you've mentioned. Female characters are remarkable in their own right. Female friendships are so incredibly important and I think more relatable to teens than a whirlwind and intense romance or instant love.

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  5. Ah yes. That dang attraction getting in the way of saving the world. Kara sounds like a fierce character, but even the strong ones need saving sometimes. :)

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    1. I loved seeing that moment of realisation for Kara that she needed to place her faith in others for help, that vulnerability added strength to her character. It's such a brilliant read Joy, I think you'll really enjoy the series.

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  6. I'm not familiar with this series but it sounds like something I would really enjoy, especially with its focus on the female characters, the sisterhood, and reclaiming their power.

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    1. Witches are doing it for themselves! It's a wonderful Australian series Suzanne, so brilliantly entertaining.

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  7. Great review and now I'm wondering why I've not read the first book. It sounds brilliant, I love that friendship and sisterhood is central throughout this book and the last.

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    1. You'll absolutely love the series, it's brilliant! I love a book with romance but have been leaning towards books with strong female friendships more so lately. I'd actually love to see this adapted into a television series, it has a very old school Charmed feel to it.

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  8. It's so nice to see friendships being featured front and center in YA now. I love a good romance but we need other types of relationships shown as well.

    Karen @ For What It's worth

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    1. We do! I remember back when I was a teen and friendships were first and foremost and what helped me through those years. Not all teenagers are interested in dating or relationships an while it's great to explore these relationships through fiction, strong, supportive friendships are far more important.

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