On the Eve (Eagre 2) by Ron Sami

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.

My review will follow the format of CAWPILE

Characters

Atmosphere

Writing

Plot

Intrigue

Logic

Enjoyment

Characters

I stand by what I said in my first review about the characters in this series. My favourites still stand too. I was most impressed however with the steep arcs all of the characters went on throughout the course of the book. Everyone I have become invested in had some hugely impactful events to deal with. Ilana’s journey was very interesting although coming later in the book, I really felt she had the most personal of journeys in this book. I was able to read between the lines a great deal more to understand her. She is a very dignified character in my opinion which is nice to see in fantasy. She can hold her own in a story that is jam packed and I found I felt the utmost respect for her, and in turn the author for writing her in such a way.

Loyon, is a morally gray character that I really enjoyed. His capabilities in both good and bad capacities is what I think drew him to my attention.

Overall this book felt much more character driven than the first which was a fresh change of pace for me that was enjoyable.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere in these books has never disappointed, although in difference to the first, this book was very much darker. It's immersive nature is all consuming, you can't help but get sucked in every time. The ease of the atmospherics makes for a much easier and enjoyable reading experience because its an area of imagination that doesn't need a great deal of effort to feel worth it. It was great to be back within this deep and richly explored world to explore what happens next.

Writing

While it’s been a while since I read the first book, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I was able to recall of it whilst progressing through book 2. Being back in this world was a great experience.

I found the writing much more accessible this time around, perhaps because I had a better idea of the style to expect having already read a book by this author. I would be interested to explore his backlist of work to see how much more I can enjoy.

Plot

I've spoken already about how the atmosphere aids in the reading of this fantasy world, it makes it feel stable and easy. All of which I was looking forward to going into the next book. I had up until reading avoided any plot descriptions or blurbs of what this book would entail because I wanted to find out for myself as I turned the pages, needless to say, I was shocked and made somewhat uneasy by the fact that may stability within this world was turned on its head, when the world that I felt so sure of was plunged into utter chaos! It was a very brave move I think from the author to do this because it encouraged a deeper level of concentration whilst reading. Much like my experience with the first, this book required a longer length of time than my usual reading turnover. I think this was worth it though because there was a great deal to absorb within these pages that required my full attention at all times. This book felt much more character driven as I have previously mentioned, and I am a character reader, I was very pleased to see it. I would definitely be interested to see if in any continuation of this series, this approach is continued or if much like the first book the overall plot of the series once again becomes the author's main focus.

Intrigue

As I have mentioned probably more than once in other reviews, I am of the opinion that Intrigue is one of the most important aspects of any reading experience for me no matter the genre or story being told. I have to be pulled in by the first few chapters, if not pages of a book in order to give it my time, if not I will not read it. This may seem like a harsh approach to some, but as I have an extensive library of books that require my attention I have to some how narrow down when and indeed if I will pick them up to read. Again like the first, this book did what I requested of it and pulled me in to another experience that was highly enjoyable.

Logic

Again as I have previously said in reviews, fantasy stories are always difficult to class as logical, I must say again however that this book maintained its ability to never steep too far into the unbelievable nor did it steep to far out of fantasy into reality. The balance was held solidly throughout, which is once again testament to the skill and writing of the author.

Enjoyment

I think I have made it clear throughout this review that I enjoyed my experience reading this book. Once again I am very glad I had the opportunity to read this book as I had not come across it myself I must credit the author by saying thank you for approaching me to review it and I look forward to working together again soon.

My overall rating for On the Eve is 4/5 stars remaining on a par with The Cradle the first book in The Eagre Series.