Martyr's Moon

I was given a copy of this book by the author, J.E. Lowder, in exchange for an honest review. I thought I like the first book, but this one is even better! They both were long reads and you have to pay attention, not a light weekend read. I will now have to finish up the “War of the Whispers’ series to find out what happens to our unlikely heroes. This is a wonderful allegory that reminds me of “Lord of the Rings” and “Narnia.” I find myself rooting for the characters. The story is told from many angles following several key players who’s parts take them in different directions, thus the Tolkien feel. I highly recommend this book. I give it five solid stars.

I can’t believe it was late 2011 when I reviewed J.E. Lowder’s Tears of Min Brock, the first offering in the War of Whispers series. I admitted back then I’m not smart enough to understand fantasy and allegory, but Lowder is an amazing storyteller. He demands, simply with action packed words and haunting imagery, that even a dense reader like me pick up his work and keep reading.

Martyr’s Moon starts with action and doesn’t let up. There are twists and turns as the characters battle good and evil, and perhaps a bigger battle, discerning which is which. The characters have to forgive and let go of guilt. Again, all with incredible storytelling and beautiful visuals laid out in imagination thanks to the foundation the author prepared.

Often when I see a series I believe the books can be standalones. I don’t believe this is the case with Martyr’s Moon. It’s worth your time, especially as a fantasy and allegory reader, to devour Tears of Min Brock first. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, I think the War of Whispers series will be a new favorite for you.

From Amazon:

The story…
The Council of Ebon encircle the Cauldron, their grotesque features shrouded in shadows. With voices like ice shards scraping against stone, they disclosed their dark prophesy…

Mothers, guard babes: Fathers, draw steel,
Thunder approaches, soon blood on the fields.
Tempest of war, so black and so vile,
Spreads o’er Allsbruth; lament suckling child.

War between the dark nation of Ebon and rebel forces is imminent.
The Martyr’s Moon rises. The blood of a storyteller is spilled.
Hope vanishes.
Yet in night, the King of Claire whispers.



I received Martyr’s Moon from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Martyr's Moon picks up right where Tears of Min Brock ends. I enjoyed the continuation of all the characters' adventure, as a few clear minded ones prepare for the oncoming war with Ebon and others continue to war with themselves. There is still an allegorical tone, but wasn't as heavy as in the first book. That or I got used to it and started overlooking it.

As I mentioned in my review for the first book, the author is very creative with his creatures and landscape. His characters' struggled with themselves, as humans do (though a times a bit overly dramatic.) It was interesting to see their growth or their descent. I do wish there was a map, so the reader can better visualize the terrain. But the locales were interesting and unique; the creatures, terrifying or beautiful. Hands down, my favorite thing about this novel was the Worms. So creative and painted such an awesome visual image!

However, it felt like there were some inconsistencies, or at least things that needed further explanations in my opinion, throughout the book. For example, in the first book, they mention only the 'true whisper' can say their names, yet at least twice in this book the Cauldron says their names I also wish the author explained who or rather what the King of Claire is. I understand who he's supposed to "represent" but in their world, is he human? A god? A sorcerer? How does he have all that power?
A lot of references and descriptions to tulips were made throughout the book. It made me wonder the significance of the flower, whether there was a reason the author chose it to signify Claire. Yet, no explanation was given as to why a tulip, and not some other flower.

There are more spelling, italic, and quotation errors than in the first book, but only a handful thankfully. A synonym for cadence would have been a great help, since towards the end of the book, its use becomes a bit repetitive.

All in all, it was a good sequel. Lowder is a talented new writer with a pleasant voice, "like a lark in spring." I'm intrigued as to where the story will go in the final 2 books. 4.5 stars

Note: I received a free copy from the author for a fair and honest review.

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In the millions of books to choose from on the shelves and online libraries out there, along with the very limited time for leisure reading we tend to have in this day and age, I can honestly say that choosing to give a piece of my time to this book was time well spent. The imagery J.E. Lowder creates with his words can be compared to a multi-layered painting. Never was there a stale time in the read and the invention of new place, people and cultures not only inspired my imagination but intrigued my mind to totally engross myself into the possibility of being a character myself in the midst of the town of Heatherlin. My emotions covered all the basis from horror to pride to elation to relief. This is a book that should be read. I never read books twice, I remember too much from the first time, but this one....I've already started again. Join me.

Martyr's Moon is an action-packed fantasy novel that will keep you in suspense throughout every chapter. If you like mythical creatures, magic, and supernatural elements then this book is a must read.

“Martyr’s Moon” is a captivating, action filled tale that leads you into a magical land where the age old struggle of good verses evil takes center stage. This epic story presents an arresting glimpse into the supernatural and bids the reader to consider lofty notions like providence, purpose and a pre-eminent narrative, undetectable to the human eye. As you anxiously turn page after page you’ll find yourself rooting for the outgunned and undermanned heroes, who soon discover exceptional gifts and otherworldly creatures that will aid them as they oppose villainous forces bent on their destruction. Lowder’s second book in “The War of Whispers” series is a great success and a must read. I found myself engrossed in the journey and dreaming about my own adventure.