Title: Two Serpents Rise
Author: Max Gladstone
First published October 29, 2013
347 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780765333124 (ISBN10: 0765333120)
Rating: 3.9
Overview
Bernard Cornwell’s latest addition to his bestselling series The Saxon Tales, unveils a world where peace is a fleeting concept. The kingdoms of Wessex, East Anglia, and Mercia are in a fragile state of equilibrium under the rule of King Edward and his sister Aethelflaed.
Uhtred, the greatest warrior and champion of Aethelflaed, controls the northern regions from Chester’s fortified city. However, the looming storm of the Northmen, allied with the Irish, threatens to destroy everything in its path.
Led by the ruthless Viking warrior, Ragnall Iverson, they march towards the north, ready to attack Chester or pillage through Mercia. Ragnall’s brother is married to Uhtred’s daughter, making it even more personal.
Uhtred is determined to take back his land of Northumbria and secure the future of Bebbanburg. However, his loyalty to his family and the Mercians is called into question, leading to a clash between oaths and political demands.
The battle between the Vikings and the Saxons will echo through the land, and the future of England hangs in the balance.
About the Author
Meet Max Gladstone, author of the popular Craft Sequence series. His latest work, LAST FIRST SNOW, joins THREE PARTS DEAD, TWO SERPENTS RISE, and FULL FATHOM FIVE.
Max’s talent has earned him nominations for several prestigious awards, including John W Campbell Best New Writer, XYZZY, and Lambda.
Max’s adventures take him all over the world. He’s taught in southern Anhui, had a bicycle accident in Angkor Wat, and even been thrown from a horse in Mongolia.
Max’s academic background includes studying Chinese at Yale University.
Editoral Review
Two Serpents Rise by Max Gladstone is a riveting addition to the world of urban fantasy thriller novels. Gladstone’s writing style has captivated the attention of many readers and has established him as one of the best writers in this genre.
His ability to create complex and relatable characters has made him a fan-favorite among readers of the series. Two Serpents Rise is the second installment in the Craft Sequence series.
In this book, Gladstone has woven a compelling story that hooks the reader in from the very start. The setting is based in a desert city, filled with mystique, magic, and a sense of danger lurking around every corner.
Gladstone has done an excellent job of weaving these elements into the story, creating a world that is both fascinating and terrifying. The central character in the book is Caleb Altemoc, who is depicted as a risk-assessor who lives in the city of Dresediel Lex.
Caleb’s job is to assess the risks associated with using a magical power source to generate electricity for the city. In the course of his work, he stumbles upon a conspiracy that puts the entire city at risk, and he must use his unique abilities to save his people.
The relationships between the characters are well-developed, with each character having their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The interplay between Caleb and his father, Temoc, is particularly compelling.
Caleb’s journey to understand his father’s past and come to terms with his own inheritance forms the central theme of the novel. One of the strengths of Two Serpents Rise is Gladstone’s ability to weave in political and social commentary into his story without overshadowing the plot.
Gladstone paints a picture of a city struggling to come to terms with a difficult past and the conflicts that result from it. Through the use of magical elements, Gladstone takes us on a journey into the heart of the city’s struggle.
The book is not without its flaws, however. The pacing of the book is sometimes slow, and the complexity of the storyline might be overwhelming for some readers.
Additionally, some of the magical elements in the book are not fully explained, which might leave some readers feeling confused. Overall, Two Serpents Rise is a solid addition to the urban fantasy genre.
Gladstone’s strength lies in his ability to create well-rounded characters that are relatable and complex. The book is filled with stunning imagery, intriguing plot twists, and a gripping storyline that will keep the reader engaged until the end.
For fans of urban fantasy thrillers, this book is a must-read. It is a book that explores the complexities of human nature, the power of magic, and the dangers of power.
If you’re interested in reading a well-written book that will engage your mind and your emotions, then Two Serpents Rise is the book for you.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
