I've been looking forward to this one for a while now. After reading Auralia's Colors a little over a year ago, I've been looking forward to heading back to the Expanse. And with Jeffrey Overstreet's latest book, Cyndere's Midnight, we get to go back to that fascinating realm.
The story picks up a few months after the first book leaves off. The survivors of House Abascar are clinging to existence in the Blackstone Caves. But the story itself focuses around the House Bel Amica. Cyndere, the "crown princess" for that house, and her consort, Deuneroi, have big plans for the beastmen of former House Cent Regus. But Deuneroi, on a trip to the ruins of Abascar, gets killed.
This sends Cyndere into a tailspin. She eventually retreats to an old Bel Amican fortress called Tilianpurth. Her family and friends believe it's to find some healing. In reality, it's to carry on her dreams.
This brings her into contact with Jordam, a Cent Regus beastman with a difference: he's met Auralia. He's seen her colors. And as a result, he's changing. This causes him a great deal of strife, for he's in a pack with three of his brothers. One of them, Mordafey, has big plans for himself and the rest of the Cent Regus, one that could topple everything Cyndere is working for and threatens to destroy House Abascar a second time.
There wasn't as much mystery in this book, but that's okay. For me, the description of the Cent Regus beastmen and their history was fascinating, especially when the Four Brothers entered the ruins. Overstreet's prose continues to shine through this story and when I was done, I was ready for the next book in the series.
I'm once again a little puzzled by the theology surrounding Auralia and the Keeper, but I'll get into that tomorrow.
You definitely will enjoy this book. Make sure you pick it up soon.
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3 comments:
Yeah, I found the Cent Regis history interesting, as well.
I haven't read the first book, so I don't know if the answer is revealed there, but I have a strong suspicion as to the source of the Essence that they drink.
I thought the book ended in a good place, too.
Great plot summary, John! The best I've seen!
Weren't you surprised by what happened to Deuneroi? I knew something was being kept back from us, but the reality was quite surprising.
But then again, I have my own theories about Pretor Xa!!
-Robert
http://robert.epictales.org
Yet another praise of the series. I guess that means I should definitely pick it up!
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