Among Gods and Monsters (Fallen Gods Series Book 2) Kindle Edition

The character development and plot continue to be engaging, but the editing, syntax, and style are all over the place. Words are frequently misused, and entire chapters read like a young kid trying out a courtly speech pattern at their first faire. The style is inconsistent enough to be a near-constant distraction.

Well, this was a slight change of pace. I read book one and loved the world that it built. I loved the small glimpses into the rules of magic, the races that fill the world, and how the world works. I loved it!But this book dives into the countries, cities, and people of the world. The narrowed focus is a great thing. We are able to see the world through the eyes of Flowridia, and I love it. Because of how she grew up, she knows a bunch about the cogs of the world, but nothing about the people that run them. So, she gets to adventure and see the people in it. She gets to learn about people, and for better or worse, gets to see a wide range of personalities. Stoic and honorable to sly and sleazy, and everything in between.Flowridia is delightfully naive, and it makes it more and more exciting to see that shell cracked. Instead of thinking that the world is filled with good people and "good" people, she gets to get a rude awakening. Everyone in this world seems to have actual nuance. The good people are good, but they have to work at it, the "good" people are perhaps more honorable than actually good, and the bad people are delightfully evil, and seem to revel in their wickedness.This brings me to my new man-crush. Casvir spent all of book one looming over the cast. While he was not directly involved until the end, he was palpably there. We get to meet him in this book, and I could not be more delighted. He is a character that seems to live up to every rumor, every worried whisper, and every hushed meeting that happens around and about him. His characterization of benevolent dictator it just delicious. He is doing what is right by his people, but only because it will serve him better in the long run. He seems to live by that world view, and it makes him such a compelling character.With everything that we learn about everyone from book one and the new characters that we meet here in book two, I am even more invested in this world and the poor people that inhabit it. It feels like it is only going to get worse for our heroine, but I just can't wait to see how she overcomes what is coming!

This book continues right where the first one left off. Flowridia leaves Staelash to accompany the tyrant of Nox'Kartha, Casvir, in finding a magical artifact, unearthed when Flowridia exhausted emotional anguish at Ayla's passing. The notion itself is pretty romantic. During this quest we learn a lot more about Casvir. I'd say next to Flowridia, he was the main character in this book, which was nice since he didn't get much play time in The Sting of Victory. Casvir is an interesting character who dismantles common tropes and stereotypes. He's a ruthless leader who doesn't see the harm in bending social norms to benefit the lives of his people, employs a strict sense of chivalry, and has fierce ambitions to reach godhood. The God of Order is still roaming around for orbs and I don’t want to give too much away but there may or may not be an epic battle scene involving Casvir and The God of Order. Simper knows how to throw down a fight sequence.During their travels, Casvir becomes something of a mentor to Flowridia, helping her mourn and grow. I thought Casvir’s ideologies not only lent a lot to his character, but also set the tone for this book. The lines between good and evil are discussed and dissected throughout the book. Flowridia struggles inwardly with the concept of morality and this is paired nicely with Casvir’s thoughts and beliefs which are seen as unconventional to say the least. However, I even felt myself question whether raising the dead should be such a taboo if it means a thriving economy.The romance in this book is a little more subtle than the first. With nothing but a dark legacy left behind, Ayla’s past haunts Flowridia as she struggles to accept her lover for all she is; a ruthless monster. I don’t want to say too much here because this story line is a ride. I enjoyed learning about Ayla and I am even more intrigued with how things will work out in the next installment.

After reading the first book in this series, 'The Sting of Victory,' I could not wait until book 2 was released. I instantly bought it upon availability and began reading. And reading. Reading...This book felt SO LONG. Another reviewer referred to it as a 'journey.' I think that was a creative way of saying exhausting. This is not the critique you may be thinking.YES, it was hard for me to get through. It was grief ridden and somber. Painful to be with Flowridia as she found her way outside of Staelash. But I powered through all that was uncomfortable so that I could reap the rewards within this melancholy installment. And there were many. Love, companions, friendship, unexpected allies.The author has a way of creating a complex world with even more elaborate characters. The constant thought in my mind while reading both books was 'How can something so bad, feel so right?' I felt guilty and distressed. How could Simper make me think one thing and then completely convince me otherwise later? She keeps me frequently trying to guess how the story will unfold. It is always a surprise.And there is truly no depth as to how sick and twisted Ayla Darkleaf can be. Wow.Magic. Necromancy. Untapped potential. Completely bereft of her love, Flowridia may have just made a deal with the devil. WHEN IS THE FINAL BOOK GOING TO BE RELEASED?!I'm giving this a 4, only because of the length and some repetitiveness. There were too many times we read about Flowridia riding her death horse with Ana in her lap and her hand in Demitri's fur. Several times we were explained how Flowridia pulled energy from the earth and death. Tell us once and then abbreviate it in subsequent uses.But it was still fantastic.

Amazing sequel to what is becoming my favorite fantasy series. Twisted and heartfelt filled with interesting and flawed characters that you can't help but root for even as they push the boundaries of what is right.

It's really hard for series to maintain the momentum and intensity they started in the first novel. But this one delivers. I was rapt from the first page through to the end, and even wanted to yell when I reached the last page and realized there was no more! lol! I absolutely ADORE the characters. S.D. Simper has manager to create this intense, imaginative, thrilling world with complex characters that draw you in and keep you there. The story is dark and beautifully romantic. Simper does an excellent job conveying deep human emotion in a fantasy world. I am completely enchanted by Flowridia and her intricately crafted personality. The love and loss is tangible. This author is a master storyteller who has created a world you will want to explore from start to finish. Love it. Please hurry with the next part!!!!

This was again amazing read. Best part is writter move forward with story and did not try to repeat first book high feel point.At first I thought I am expecting more from 2nd book 1st book was awesome it may be fluke but writter nailed it in the second one too.The character develops mc gets stronger darker.

This book turned the main character from my favorite character to my least favorite. She does messed up things and for no reason starts to care for a man that manipulates her and pushes her to do things she does not want to do. Their whole relationship just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Habe das Buch wirklich genossen, die Charaktere und die Welt haben mich in ihren Bann gezogen.