Book Review: Empire of Night by Kelley Armstrong

Empire of Night
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Age of Legends Trilogy, Book 2
Publication: HarperCollins (April 7, 2015)

Description: In this heart-stopping sequel to the New York Times bestselling Sea of Shadows, which Kirkus Reviews called "a standout," Ashyn and Moria must overcome deadly enemies—not all of them human—as they attempt to help avert a war for the empire. Blending fantasy, romance, danger, and action, Kelley Armstrong sends readers on a thrilling journey through an unforgettable world, perfect for fans of Graceling and Game of Thrones.

Sisters Moria and Ashyn are the Keeper and Seeker of Edgewood. Or at least they were. Their village is gone. Their friends have betrayed them. And now, the emperor has sent them on a mission to rescue the captured children of Edgewood—accompanied by Prince Tyrus and a small band of imperial warriors. But the journey proves more perilous than any of them could have imagined. And with treachery and unrest mounting in the empire, the girls are running out of places to turn.

With all the pulse-pounding action and romance that have made her a #1 New York Times bestselling author, this second book in the Age of Legends trilogy will appeal to Kelley Armstrong's legions of fans around the world and win her many new ones.

My Thoughts: This book book had a strong "middle book in a series" feel. Moria and Ashyn are both at the Emperor's palace treated as honored guests but feeling like prisoners. Both are eager, in their own ways, to be out and doing - something. Moria is spending time sparring with Imperial bastard Tyrus. They are eager to get out to find out what has happened to the children of their town who were captured by a sorcerer who is trying to take over the Empire.

While Moria is attracted to Tyrus, her heart is still bruised from the betrayal she felt when Gavril - her traveling companion in the first book - decides to side with his father, the evil sorcerer. Davril is also Tyrus's best friend and he can't believe that he is actually working with the enemy.

The three - Ashyn, Moria, and Tyrus - are sent to find out what is happening in the land the sorcerer controls. Coming along is Ronan who is Ashyn's love interest. The group has adventures alone and together as Moria is captured by the sorcerer and mistreated before Davril engineers her escape. The story has all kinds of action but nothing really reaches resolution.

I'll be waiting for the next book and hoping for happy endings for all of these characters.

Favorite Quote:

They locked gazes, but she would not back down. If he wanted to give her sword lesson, she would not object to that. If he wanted to befriend her, she would not object to that. If he wanted to be more than a friend . . . well, that was open to consideration.

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.