Plague Bloom Book Two | New Apocalypse Series [Review]

We have finally done it. After twenty agonizing years, we have finally reached the lands promised to us by our great god.

But we are not the only ones meant to be here.

The sweeping valley—known to us as the Promised Lands, but to others as the Dudak Wastes—is home to not one, and not two, but three different peoples, all of whom have been struggling to coexist since the plague bloom’s beginning. The first of these people, the Kakadar of the Low Wastes, are quick to offer us refuge within their lands, under the condition that we obey their laws, maintain order, and never, ever, go beyond where the red flowers grow.

It is only when the Bone People appear that a grim declaration is made.

Their living god—who dwells within the mountains to the valley’s east—is watching, and will do anything to drive us away. Even if it means bringing the plague to the Wastes.

A WICKED WIND by Kody Boye is the second book in the Plague Bloom series, and full of revelations about the Promised Lands. Obviously, discovering there are multiple communities is a shock to the Kirans, but the history between the different groups is particularly disturbing. This story arc is another great example of Boye's skill with character development. Even if you skipped the Prequel and Book 1, you would still have a good idea what everyone has been through based on their current thoughts and feelings.

I do have one issue with this installment: I can't understand, for the life of me, why Bryce doesn't demand more information about the horn. I sincerely hope readers will find out what is so special about the freaking relic.

Once again, Boye offers some resolution with the ending, but, of course, the hardships the Kirans must face are far from over. I'm looking forward to the third book, and I recommend this series to all readers (especially if you happen to be a fan of Fred Saberhagen).

As always,

AstraDaemon

AstraDaemon

Plague Bloom Book One | New Apocalypse Series [Review]

My name is Bryce Song, and for my entire life, I have lived in the shadow of a deadly Bloom that not only kills, but raises the dead. Since the plague’s beginning, my people have journeyed toward our God’s Promised Lands atop the backs of the Guardians. I have always wondered if we would reach our destination and felt helpless against the seemingly insurmountable odds.

A great valley, filled with its Fallen peoples and their undead protector, separates us from our salvation. The only chance of killing our monstrous enemy is to find a weapon, once wielded by our God. During the long journey, our heroes have been slain, and few are willing to embark on a quest to retrieve the holy relic.

There’s no question what I must do. I must journey to the last resting place of our God, and reclaim the weapon that will save my people from certain destruction.

A DEADLY BLOOM by Kody Boye is the first book in the Plague Bloom series (although there is a prequel). While there is a lot to take in, the storyline is easy to follow. Bryce's people, the Kirans, are finally nearing the Promised Lands, but they have three major problems to solve first: find the holy weapon of their goddess, fight through a sea of Fallen, and defeat the undead Guardian.

The situation becomes more complicated, as the Kirans and the Elves don't see eye to eye on how the weapon should be used, if it is recovered. Bryce's people have lived in relative peace for nearly twenty years and do not have enough warriors to face the Fallen, so they need help from the Elves. However, the two races, with their Earthwalkers and Sky Whales, might not be enough to destroy a Guardian infected by the Bloom.

I want to emphasize, I appreciate the way the author completed this story arc, instead of leaving readers with an abrupt cliff-hanger. Of course, the future of Bryce's people is still unknown, but I'm glad all the major issues were addressed, for better or worse. When Ziara's form was revealed towards the end, I nearly lost my mind over the implied history of Boye's Bloom world. Last but not least, I love how the author uses Bryce to connect the two races and offer insight into the personalities of the various characters. I was hoping for a romantic relationship to form between a Kiran and one of the Elves, but no such luck.

I can't wait to read the second book, and I highly recommend this series!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Plague Bloom Prequel | New Apocalypse Series [Review]

In this prequel to Kody Boye's Plague Bloom Series, discover what happens when the undead take to the air, and attack a small settlement questing toward the Promised Lands.

SMOKE AND BONE by Kody Boye great flash fiction introduction to Bryce and her post-apocalyptic world. The survivors of a global plague are traveling to the promised land on the back of an Earthwalker. While attending a prayer service, the settlement is attacked by flying death predators. Most people outside of the temple are killed.

The creatures alone are enough to make me want to read this series, but I'm intrigued by the idea of a plague originating from flower pollen. Boye has fashioned elements of fantasy, horror and science fiction into a terrifying new world, and I can't wait to experience Bryce's struggle to save her community.

As always,

AstraDaemon