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Eidyn #2
The Bitter Crown
A war once held in the shadows now escalates into full-scale revolution in the second novel of Justin Lee Anderson’s epic Eidyn Saga. The fog of war is lifted and the conspiracy at the heart of Eidyn finally exposed. Now that they know the truth, Aranok and his allies must find a way to free a country that doesn’t know it’s held captive. But with divided loyalties and his closest friendship shaken, can their alliance hold against overwhelming odds? The quest to retake the country begins here.
“An eclectic cast of characters traverse a war-ravaged kingdom as Anderson's cleverly constructed plot winds its way towards a truly unexpected denouement. Rich in action and intrigue, this fantasy adventure with a Scottish flavor is sure to please fans of David Gemmell.” – Anthony Ryan, New York Times bestselling author
For more from Justin Lee Anderson, check
The Lost War
“An eclectic cast of characters traverse a war-ravaged kingdom as Anderson's cleverly constructed plot winds its way towards a truly unexpected denouement. Rich in action and intrigue, this fantasy adventure with a Scottish flavor is sure to please fans of David Gemmell.” – Anthony Ryan, New York Times bestselling author
For more from Justin Lee Anderson, check
The Lost War
544 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2023
129 people are currently reading
1195 people want to read
About the author
Justin Lee Anderson
9 books462 followersJustin spent 15 years as a professional writer and editor before his debut novel, Carpet Diem, was published in 2015. It became a best-seller and won a 2018 Audie award. His second book, The Lost War, was shortlisted in the 2019 Booknest Awards and won the 2020 SPFBO competition. A new release is coming from Orbit Books as the first in the four-book Eidyn Saga.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
August 13, 2024
The follow up to #SPFBO champion THE LOST WAR.
I have many things to say!
I liked the first book - it was well written and felt like standard-ish fantasy nicely executed, with a big twist. The big twist didn't wholly work for me, but that was because I missed the clues, and so when it happened I didn't slap my forehead and say "how could I have not seen that?" I just went, "What..."
Book 2, although intimately connected with book 1, immediately carrying on the same story with the same people, felt very different to me, and I liked it even more because of those differences (plus the lack of a big twist).
Before going into all of those good things, I'll just flag the one thing I wasn't so keen on, and this was also the case in the first book. I'm not that keen on reading books where lots of characters feature - and that will sound strange given that I have lots in my current trilogy. I'm a fan of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, so clearly I'm fine with large casts in some cases. I think the difference there is that each book is so fat it's like 3 regular books and each character has plenty of time to breathe, with long, dedicated chapters.
I do find though, that a book has to work harder to capture my love if it has many characters squashed up within a more reasonable wordcount. And that's just a personal thing - many other readers prefer that to single character books with a small support cast and lots of introspection.
So, with that out of the way:
Book 2 felt like a much more sophisticated novel than book 1. It still has plenty going on - fights, demons, surprises, horrific deeds and the like, so don't let me have you thinking it's some dry literary treatise.
But, it does examine a number of interesting themes through the dilemmas facing our characters. Now that the crushing urgency of the book 1 quest is over, the focus that was imposed on the group of characters is lessened, and their different personalities and perspectives on what should be done are allowed to impose themselves on what IS done.
We have characters that we like both of, and who are both 'the goodies', look at a number of situations and decisions, have access to the same set of facts, and come away with very different takes on things.
This happens quite a number of times, and although not revelatory in general, it's a level of 'adultness' that's often glossed over in fantasy novels for the sake of an exciting plot where we're allowed to hate the 'baddies' without reservation and where we don't have the gloss taken off our heroes by bickering.
But it's really well done. Add into this the fact that memory magic is at work and we get explorations of what truth means and how fiercely some people can willingly cling to a lie in order to protect their identity. Questions of memory, truth, time, and identity ... the astute reader will notice these are themes that play out in many of my books and which also have particular relevance in the modern day world of politics and internet and post-truth society.
So, The Bitter Crown, gets a full 5* from me for stimulating both my fantasy-fan need to see paladins slice up demons etc and my semi-intellectual need to be challenged by interesting discussions (note - not lectured) of important themes.
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I have many things to say!
I liked the first book - it was well written and felt like standard-ish fantasy nicely executed, with a big twist. The big twist didn't wholly work for me, but that was because I missed the clues, and so when it happened I didn't slap my forehead and say "how could I have not seen that?" I just went, "What..."
Book 2, although intimately connected with book 1, immediately carrying on the same story with the same people, felt very different to me, and I liked it even more because of those differences (plus the lack of a big twist).
Before going into all of those good things, I'll just flag the one thing I wasn't so keen on, and this was also the case in the first book. I'm not that keen on reading books where lots of characters feature - and that will sound strange given that I have lots in my current trilogy. I'm a fan of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, so clearly I'm fine with large casts in some cases. I think the difference there is that each book is so fat it's like 3 regular books and each character has plenty of time to breathe, with long, dedicated chapters.
I do find though, that a book has to work harder to capture my love if it has many characters squashed up within a more reasonable wordcount. And that's just a personal thing - many other readers prefer that to single character books with a small support cast and lots of introspection.
So, with that out of the way:
Book 2 felt like a much more sophisticated novel than book 1. It still has plenty going on - fights, demons, surprises, horrific deeds and the like, so don't let me have you thinking it's some dry literary treatise.
But, it does examine a number of interesting themes through the dilemmas facing our characters. Now that the crushing urgency of the book 1 quest is over, the focus that was imposed on the group of characters is lessened, and their different personalities and perspectives on what should be done are allowed to impose themselves on what IS done.
We have characters that we like both of, and who are both 'the goodies', look at a number of situations and decisions, have access to the same set of facts, and come away with very different takes on things.
This happens quite a number of times, and although not revelatory in general, it's a level of 'adultness' that's often glossed over in fantasy novels for the sake of an exciting plot where we're allowed to hate the 'baddies' without reservation and where we don't have the gloss taken off our heroes by bickering.
But it's really well done. Add into this the fact that memory magic is at work and we get explorations of what truth means and how fiercely some people can willingly cling to a lie in order to protect their identity. Questions of memory, truth, time, and identity ... the astute reader will notice these are themes that play out in many of my books and which also have particular relevance in the modern day world of politics and internet and post-truth society.
So, The Bitter Crown, gets a full 5* from me for stimulating both my fantasy-fan need to see paladins slice up demons etc and my semi-intellectual need to be challenged by interesting discussions (note - not lectured) of important themes.
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Join my 3-emails-a-year newsletter #prizes
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April 12, 2024
The Lost War ★★★★ 1/2
The Bitter Crown ★★★★
The Lost War was the winner of SPFBO 2020 award. I got to read it in 2021 and I loved it very much. I was so happy to hear that the series was picked up by one of my favorite publishers -Orbit- and I have been waiting for the sequel patiently ever since. To be honest, I did not know what to expect, I thought it was impossible to top book one specially with that crazy plot twist at the end so I certainly had lower expectations, but the question was whether Anderson could make the series pull through or whether it was doomed to fall into a middle book syndrome and after finishing this, I am happy to say Anderson did a great job here.
I remembered the plot twist and the finale very well, but the details were lost to me, and Anderson provides a summary at the beginning which made jumping back into this world so much easier and in 2024, I think this is obligatory in each and every book. The event of this book takes place immediately after book one and since it has been three years when I read book one and I have read +300 books in between, it took me some time to get back to the story.
There is no questioning Anderson's writing as the prose is great and the story isn't complicated to follow. The story is a bit slower than in the first book and it can get a bit repetitive owing to the nature of the protagonist's quest. I have to mention that I read this in not the best circumstances with fasting and work and it took me almost 10 days to finish which is challenging for me.
While I thought the plot was the best part in book 1, the characters are what shine in this entry. There are a few new characters, but Anderson dissects the characters here and we get to discover their motives and emotions -and in some parts there was literal dissection- and some ethical and philosophical questions are thrown in to the mix too providing one of the best examples of grey characters I ever read.
Summary: I waited for this sequel for a long time and prayed that the second book won't ruin it for me, and it did not. I believe book one is better overall, but this is still a great entry full of intriguing characters and a plot that advances slowly but surely. By the end, I was so immersed in this and did not want the book to end and now I have to wait again for book three!
The Bitter Crown ★★★★
The Lost War was the winner of SPFBO 2020 award. I got to read it in 2021 and I loved it very much. I was so happy to hear that the series was picked up by one of my favorite publishers -Orbit- and I have been waiting for the sequel patiently ever since. To be honest, I did not know what to expect, I thought it was impossible to top book one specially with that crazy plot twist at the end so I certainly had lower expectations, but the question was whether Anderson could make the series pull through or whether it was doomed to fall into a middle book syndrome and after finishing this, I am happy to say Anderson did a great job here.
I remembered the plot twist and the finale very well, but the details were lost to me, and Anderson provides a summary at the beginning which made jumping back into this world so much easier and in 2024, I think this is obligatory in each and every book. The event of this book takes place immediately after book one and since it has been three years when I read book one and I have read +300 books in between, it took me some time to get back to the story.
There is no questioning Anderson's writing as the prose is great and the story isn't complicated to follow. The story is a bit slower than in the first book and it can get a bit repetitive owing to the nature of the protagonist's quest. I have to mention that I read this in not the best circumstances with fasting and work and it took me almost 10 days to finish which is challenging for me.
While I thought the plot was the best part in book 1, the characters are what shine in this entry. There are a few new characters, but Anderson dissects the characters here and we get to discover their motives and emotions -and in some parts there was literal dissection- and some ethical and philosophical questions are thrown in to the mix too providing one of the best examples of grey characters I ever read.
Summary: I waited for this sequel for a long time and prayed that the second book won't ruin it for me, and it did not. I believe book one is better overall, but this is still a great entry full of intriguing characters and a plot that advances slowly but surely. By the end, I was so immersed in this and did not want the book to end and now I have to wait again for book three!
February 29, 2024
3.5 Stars
Video Review: https://youtu.be/9q64BSnOQBg
This was a solid follow up novel in this epic fantasy series. Like the first book, this second one continues to play it safe leaning into traditional tropes of the genre. That being said, it did a good job of executing those familiar plot points. As a middle book, I was pleased that this one had substance and advanced the plot forward.
If you are looking for a new fantasy series and don't mind a familiar storyline, I would recommend this series which starts with The Lost War.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Video Review: https://youtu.be/9q64BSnOQBg
This was a solid follow up novel in this epic fantasy series. Like the first book, this second one continues to play it safe leaning into traditional tropes of the genre. That being said, it did a good job of executing those familiar plot points. As a middle book, I was pleased that this one had substance and advanced the plot forward.
If you are looking for a new fantasy series and don't mind a familiar storyline, I would recommend this series which starts with The Lost War.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
April 8, 2024
Disclaimer: ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest and fair review
The worst leaders surround themselves with cowards. If nobody ever tells a king no, he loses his grasp on right and wrong. A strong envoy is a whetstone for a sharp king.
The Bitter Crown has a lot to live up to. Its predecessor, The Lost War, set the stage for an epic fantasy saga with its high stakes, well-developed characters, and masterfully crafted world. Does Justin Lee Anderson deliver with this sequel? Buckle up, because I'm about to dive into the thick of it.
The book starts off with Anderson masterfully weaving together key events from The Lost War, refreshing your memory without resorting to dull exposition. It's a testament to his writing skill and a perfect way to ease readers back into the world of Eidyn.
We’re quickly whisked back to Dun Eidyn, where our heroes remain trapped within a city overrun by monstrous forces and the restless dead (a classic necromantic touch!). The pacing at the start evokes the emotional turmoil left hanging at the end of "The Lost War," plunging you back into the heart of the story. I found myself utterly hooked, from the start and had high hopes for the adventure I was about to go on.
This war we fight now is not a war for land, for titles or power. It is a war for something we should demand as the very basis of our society. It is a war for truth. It is a war against manipulation and lies. It is a war for the very soul of Eidyn.
It doesn’t take you long to realize that this book is going to be much darker compared to book one. It doesn’t take you long to realize that this book is going to be much darker compared to book one. While I won't spoil the storytelling by revealing specific plot points, let's just say trigger warnings might also include spoilers this time around. This story is simply too good to ruin before you embark on its gripping journey. Trust me, you won't regret diving headfirst into the darkness.
Anderson excels at crafting characters who are multidimensional and morally ambiguous. Each individual, regardless of their alignment, has motivations and perspectives that resonate on a human level. This allows readers to connect with them, even if their actions are questionable or even reprehensible.
The way Anderson tackles morality is indeed masterful. He avoids the typical black-and-white portrayal of good and evil, instead opting for a nuanced exploration of the gray areas. He forces readers to question their own values and consider the complex factors that influence moral decisions. This ambiguity creates a deeply engaging narrative where lines blur, judgments are clouded, and characters wrestle with their own conscience.
The resulting tension and conflicting ideologies and incomplete information lead to friction and division. The simmering anger, rage, and desire for revenge threaten to consume them all. This sense of impending doom adds another layer of intensity to the already gripping story.
I especially appreciate how he highlights the characters' internal struggles. They are not simply pawns in a larger game; they are individuals grappling with their own vulnerabilities and grappling with the weight of their choices.
Anderson's worldbuilding deserves special mention. While slightly slower than in "The Lost War," it's crucial for establishing the political intrigue and sets the stage for the next book. Anderson delivers a compelling sequel, even if the final twist isn't quite as shocking as the first book's. It still left me eager to discuss it with Anderson directly and I’m impatiently awaiting the third installment. He skillfully builds upon the foundation laid in book one, creating a captivating narrative that leaves readers wanting more.
The potential for this series to become a modern classic is undeniable. Anderson's masterful worldbuilding, captivating characters, and thrilling plot twists have already captured the hearts of countless readers. If he can maintain this momentum and deliver a satisfying conclusion in the following installments, there's no doubt this series will be etched in fantasy history. I can see it becoming a staple in conversations about modern fantasy greats for years to come.
The worst leaders surround themselves with cowards. If nobody ever tells a king no, he loses his grasp on right and wrong. A strong envoy is a whetstone for a sharp king.
The Bitter Crown has a lot to live up to. Its predecessor, The Lost War, set the stage for an epic fantasy saga with its high stakes, well-developed characters, and masterfully crafted world. Does Justin Lee Anderson deliver with this sequel? Buckle up, because I'm about to dive into the thick of it.
The book starts off with Anderson masterfully weaving together key events from The Lost War, refreshing your memory without resorting to dull exposition. It's a testament to his writing skill and a perfect way to ease readers back into the world of Eidyn.
We’re quickly whisked back to Dun Eidyn, where our heroes remain trapped within a city overrun by monstrous forces and the restless dead (a classic necromantic touch!). The pacing at the start evokes the emotional turmoil left hanging at the end of "The Lost War," plunging you back into the heart of the story. I found myself utterly hooked, from the start and had high hopes for the adventure I was about to go on.
This war we fight now is not a war for land, for titles or power. It is a war for something we should demand as the very basis of our society. It is a war for truth. It is a war against manipulation and lies. It is a war for the very soul of Eidyn.
It doesn’t take you long to realize that this book is going to be much darker compared to book one. It doesn’t take you long to realize that this book is going to be much darker compared to book one. While I won't spoil the storytelling by revealing specific plot points, let's just say trigger warnings might also include spoilers this time around. This story is simply too good to ruin before you embark on its gripping journey. Trust me, you won't regret diving headfirst into the darkness.
Anderson excels at crafting characters who are multidimensional and morally ambiguous. Each individual, regardless of their alignment, has motivations and perspectives that resonate on a human level. This allows readers to connect with them, even if their actions are questionable or even reprehensible.
The way Anderson tackles morality is indeed masterful. He avoids the typical black-and-white portrayal of good and evil, instead opting for a nuanced exploration of the gray areas. He forces readers to question their own values and consider the complex factors that influence moral decisions. This ambiguity creates a deeply engaging narrative where lines blur, judgments are clouded, and characters wrestle with their own conscience.
The resulting tension and conflicting ideologies and incomplete information lead to friction and division. The simmering anger, rage, and desire for revenge threaten to consume them all. This sense of impending doom adds another layer of intensity to the already gripping story.
I especially appreciate how he highlights the characters' internal struggles. They are not simply pawns in a larger game; they are individuals grappling with their own vulnerabilities and grappling with the weight of their choices.
Anderson's worldbuilding deserves special mention. While slightly slower than in "The Lost War," it's crucial for establishing the political intrigue and sets the stage for the next book. Anderson delivers a compelling sequel, even if the final twist isn't quite as shocking as the first book's. It still left me eager to discuss it with Anderson directly and I’m impatiently awaiting the third installment. He skillfully builds upon the foundation laid in book one, creating a captivating narrative that leaves readers wanting more.
The potential for this series to become a modern classic is undeniable. Anderson's masterful worldbuilding, captivating characters, and thrilling plot twists have already captured the hearts of countless readers. If he can maintain this momentum and deliver a satisfying conclusion in the following installments, there's no doubt this series will be etched in fantasy history. I can see it becoming a staple in conversations about modern fantasy greats for years to come.
February 2, 2024
4.75⭐
Absolutely bloody brilliant! Excellent character work. High stakes. Hard choices. Emotional rollercoaster.
Warning! Avoid book one ending spoilers like a plague. It will ruin your reading experience. This review will be as vague about what happened as possible.
I must admit that while the first book was very good all the way through, it was the ending that made it into an amazing one. Therefore, knowing that book two was unlikely to come up with something like that again, I felt a bit worried if it would live up to its prequel. I needn't have feared because it not only lived up to it, but in my mind, it completely took over the spotlight. It was an amazing book not only at the ending (which was spectacular by the way) but all the way through.
Following the events of the end of The Lost War, our group of adventurers is faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge. The stakes are sky high. I had to take breaks reading this book because of how tense it was. Obviously, such an atmosphere had an impact on our adventurers.
This is where the book truly shines. The characters really came alive when faced with impossible decisions. And of course, where there are decisions to be made, there are different opinions that eventually start clashing. The tenuous bonds that the group has made over their shared quest start to fracture. Especially when some morally grey choices have to be made.
The biggest focus was still on Aranok, and Samily also received a lot of attention, but Nirea came into the spotlight. She was probably the most generic character of the whole group in the prequel but this time the author really took care to develop her character.
I will cut this review short to keep it spoiler-free. If it sounds at all interesting, check out the prequel review where I go more into detail: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This has been my top read of 2023. I will be eagerly waiting for the next two books in the series.
P.S. Thank you Justin Lee Anderson for providing us with a nice in-world recap. Although, personally, I will be re-reading the whole series before both of the upcoming sequels, anyway.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Absolutely bloody brilliant! Excellent character work. High stakes. Hard choices. Emotional rollercoaster.
Warning! Avoid book one ending spoilers like a plague. It will ruin your reading experience. This review will be as vague about what happened as possible.
I must admit that while the first book was very good all the way through, it was the ending that made it into an amazing one. Therefore, knowing that book two was unlikely to come up with something like that again, I felt a bit worried if it would live up to its prequel. I needn't have feared because it not only lived up to it, but in my mind, it completely took over the spotlight. It was an amazing book not only at the ending (which was spectacular by the way) but all the way through.
Following the events of the end of The Lost War, our group of adventurers is faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge. The stakes are sky high. I had to take breaks reading this book because of how tense it was. Obviously, such an atmosphere had an impact on our adventurers.
This is where the book truly shines. The characters really came alive when faced with impossible decisions. And of course, where there are decisions to be made, there are different opinions that eventually start clashing. The tenuous bonds that the group has made over their shared quest start to fracture. Especially when some morally grey choices have to be made.
The biggest focus was still on Aranok, and Samily also received a lot of attention, but Nirea came into the spotlight. She was probably the most generic character of the whole group in the prequel but this time the author really took care to develop her character.
I will cut this review short to keep it spoiler-free. If it sounds at all interesting, check out the prequel review where I go more into detail: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This has been my top read of 2023. I will be eagerly waiting for the next two books in the series.
P.S. Thank you Justin Lee Anderson for providing us with a nice in-world recap. Although, personally, I will be re-reading the whole series before both of the upcoming sequels, anyway.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
March 17, 2024❧ audiobook review
My review of The Lost War is here.
[ final review to come ]
I absolutely loved The Lost War and it ended on such a cliffhanger, so I was eager to dive into book two! Also, helpfully, the opening of book two recounts book one! This world is so cool and the world building is wonderful intricate.
“So after a year of fighting off his demons and Dead, Mynygogg was trapped in Dun Eidyn, right? That’s where we start. Aye. So after that’s all done, King Janaeus puts together a new king’s council: Laird Aranok; a soldier by the name of Glorbad; a sailor called Nirea; and Brother Meristan, the head of the White Thorns.”
I nod. I know this. Everyone knows this.
THOUGHTS AS I WENT:
- Love Nirea and Mynygogg!
- Got Aranok and Janaeus’ confrontation! Janaeus is such a useless, sad sop.
- Okay, so I totally I thought the storyline was going to go in another direction.
- There was TWIST.
- JLA loves throwing twists and turns out of nowhere. I did not see this one coming lmao.
- [SPOILERS:] Like I thought initially that Aranok and Mynygogg were going to team up against Janaeus and it was going to be this big final showdown. And then I thought after Aranok and Janaeus' confrontation that maybe there was going to be a king versus king thing going on. And then I thought maybe Janaeus was going to end up being actually okay and Aranok was going to be torn in two. And then the TWIST. \o/
- This one is notably visceral and gruesome. Maybe the first book was as well, but I think it's different hearing it versus reading it. Oooooh, the blood and gore!! Took me a bit by surprise, ha!
- Everyone's conflicted and sad and jaded and confused and :(((
Thank you so much to the author for an audiobook review copy!
☆ Book Reviews | Bluesky | Twitter | Threads ☆
My review of The Lost War is here.
[ final review to come ]
I absolutely loved The Lost War and it ended on such a cliffhanger, so I was eager to dive into book two! Also, helpfully, the opening of book two recounts book one! This world is so cool and the world building is wonderful intricate.
“So after a year of fighting off his demons and Dead, Mynygogg was trapped in Dun Eidyn, right? That’s where we start. Aye. So after that’s all done, King Janaeus puts together a new king’s council: Laird Aranok; a soldier by the name of Glorbad; a sailor called Nirea; and Brother Meristan, the head of the White Thorns.”
I nod. I know this. Everyone knows this.
THOUGHTS AS I WENT:
- Love Nirea and Mynygogg!
- Got Aranok and Janaeus’ confrontation! Janaeus is such a useless, sad sop.
- Okay, so I totally I thought the storyline was going to go in another direction.
- There was TWIST.
- JLA loves throwing twists and turns out of nowhere. I did not see this one coming lmao.
- [SPOILERS:] Like I thought initially that Aranok and Mynygogg were going to team up against Janaeus and it was going to be this big final showdown. And then I thought after Aranok and Janaeus' confrontation that maybe there was going to be a king versus king thing going on. And then I thought maybe Janaeus was going to end up being actually okay and Aranok was going to be torn in two. And then the TWIST. \o/
- This one is notably visceral and gruesome. Maybe the first book was as well, but I think it's different hearing it versus reading it. Oooooh, the blood and gore!! Took me a bit by surprise, ha!
- Everyone's conflicted and sad and jaded and confused and :(((
Thank you so much to the author for an audiobook review copy!
☆ Book Reviews | Bluesky | Twitter | Threads ☆
January 3, 2024
Review originally on
JamReads
The Bitter Crown is the direct sequel to The Lost War, second book on the Eidyn saga (out of four books according to the author), written by Justin Lee Anderson, and published by Orbit Books. After the shocking ending of The Lost War, the fog over the conspiration is over, and recovering the control over Eidyn without provoking a new civil war; confronting king Janaeus requires planning each movement, and the loyalties are not clear.
We are back in Dun Eydin, but all is different after the revelation of how Janaeus changed the memories and usurped the throne of Mynygogg; Aranok is struggling with his loyalty, as for him, Janaeus was always a friend. The Blackening still needs to be stopped, but the answer is hidden behind sorceries and curses. In a bold movement, Mynygogg decides to split the group and send them to different places in the kingdom in order to stop Janaeus and avoid the war.
Anderson goes far from painting black and white characters, taking a more interesting route in my opinion, showing how all are nuances of grey; we can't be sure of the actual intentions of many of the characters, especially those that are still under the effects of Janaeus' spells. Allandria's arc is one of the most compelling, seeing her doubting which of her feels is just the effect of the memory trick or which is part of her.
Worldbuilding is less intensive than in book 1, taking advantage of the work done previously, but still explores unknown places for the reader alongside the new quest. The pacing is benefitted from this change, as Anderson takes the previous job to rather explore the characters' motivations and actions.
The Bitter Crown is the sequel that the SPFBO winning novel The Lost War deserved; at this point, I should vehemently recommend you to read this series if you like D&D based fantasy with excellently written characters.
The Bitter Crown is the direct sequel to The Lost War, second book on the Eidyn saga (out of four books according to the author), written by Justin Lee Anderson, and published by Orbit Books. After the shocking ending of The Lost War, the fog over the conspiration is over, and recovering the control over Eidyn without provoking a new civil war; confronting king Janaeus requires planning each movement, and the loyalties are not clear.
We are back in Dun Eydin, but all is different after the revelation of how Janaeus changed the memories and usurped the throne of Mynygogg; Aranok is struggling with his loyalty, as for him, Janaeus was always a friend. The Blackening still needs to be stopped, but the answer is hidden behind sorceries and curses. In a bold movement, Mynygogg decides to split the group and send them to different places in the kingdom in order to stop Janaeus and avoid the war.
Anderson goes far from painting black and white characters, taking a more interesting route in my opinion, showing how all are nuances of grey; we can't be sure of the actual intentions of many of the characters, especially those that are still under the effects of Janaeus' spells. Allandria's arc is one of the most compelling, seeing her doubting which of her feels is just the effect of the memory trick or which is part of her.
Worldbuilding is less intensive than in book 1, taking advantage of the work done previously, but still explores unknown places for the reader alongside the new quest. The pacing is benefitted from this change, as Anderson takes the previous job to rather explore the characters' motivations and actions.
The Bitter Crown is the sequel that the SPFBO winning novel The Lost War deserved; at this point, I should vehemently recommend you to read this series if you like D&D based fantasy with excellently written characters.
November 15, 2023
”This war we fight now is not a war for land, for titles or power. It is a war for something we should demand as the very basis of our society.
It is a war for truth. It is a war against manipulation and lies. It is a war for the very soul of Eidyn.
The truth has been unveiled, the true King revealed and all the ugly lies brought to head.
This is a covert war, trying to figure who is ally or made their bed with the foe.
The truth was only a weapon if they could prove it.
This has one of the best recaps I have ever read. This should be made a staple of series.
Be warned: this opens with one of the most grimly, disgusting, dark scenes I have read. Necromancy, cannibalism, torture, child drownings… go in with trepidation.
This book tackles issues of morality - the lines blurred between black and white as harsh decisions are made in uncertainty, in rushed judgment, in rage, anger, revenge.
This leads to some very disturbing consequences where allies are turned against each other and friends are forced to reckon with their values and beliefs against their allies.
I felt as betrayed as the characters must have, struggling to pick a side and decide who was right in an increasingly grey-scale situation.
Every person believes they understand the world. They have a vision of how it works and their place in it.
To have that threatened could undermine a person's entire concept of themself. It could be terrifying.
We get a greater insight to grief, ptsd, trauma, blame, and guilt. Our cast feels the weight of the world on their shoulders and the burden isn’t easy to manage.
I definitely preferred book one.
Parts felt repetitive due to the nature of having to reveal the truth time and time again and deal with any fallout. Furthermore, the twists didn’t feel as shocking, but maybe we were just spoiled with such an epic first book.
Yet, we do get a wider look at the world as our main cast split off to carry out different objectives and gain allies. This was interesting as we get to see the politics of the different people and orders we have previously heard of.
However, this did mean there was a heck of a lot of travelling. Whilst in the first book, this was used to expand our understanding and build character relationships, this felt slightly more tedious.
I would recommend this if you liked the Traitors Blade by Sebastian DeCastell, the Riyria Revelations by Michael J. Sullivan, or the Eleventh Cycle by Kian Ardalan.
Thank you to Orbit for providing a physical arc in exchange for a review!
Bookstagram
It is a war for truth. It is a war against manipulation and lies. It is a war for the very soul of Eidyn.
The truth has been unveiled, the true King revealed and all the ugly lies brought to head.
This is a covert war, trying to figure who is ally or made their bed with the foe.
The truth was only a weapon if they could prove it.
This has one of the best recaps I have ever read. This should be made a staple of series.
Be warned: this opens with one of the most grimly, disgusting, dark scenes I have read. Necromancy, cannibalism, torture, child drownings… go in with trepidation.
This book tackles issues of morality - the lines blurred between black and white as harsh decisions are made in uncertainty, in rushed judgment, in rage, anger, revenge.
This leads to some very disturbing consequences where allies are turned against each other and friends are forced to reckon with their values and beliefs against their allies.
I felt as betrayed as the characters must have, struggling to pick a side and decide who was right in an increasingly grey-scale situation.
Every person believes they understand the world. They have a vision of how it works and their place in it.
To have that threatened could undermine a person's entire concept of themself. It could be terrifying.
We get a greater insight to grief, ptsd, trauma, blame, and guilt. Our cast feels the weight of the world on their shoulders and the burden isn’t easy to manage.
I definitely preferred book one.
Parts felt repetitive due to the nature of having to reveal the truth time and time again and deal with any fallout. Furthermore, the twists didn’t feel as shocking, but maybe we were just spoiled with such an epic first book.
Yet, we do get a wider look at the world as our main cast split off to carry out different objectives and gain allies. This was interesting as we get to see the politics of the different people and orders we have previously heard of.
However, this did mean there was a heck of a lot of travelling. Whilst in the first book, this was used to expand our understanding and build character relationships, this felt slightly more tedious.
I would recommend this if you liked the Traitors Blade by Sebastian DeCastell, the Riyria Revelations by Michael J. Sullivan, or the Eleventh Cycle by Kian Ardalan.
Thank you to Orbit for providing a physical arc in exchange for a review!
Bookstagram
February 1, 2024
This was excellent
Following the climactic and shocking twists and turns at the end of book one, I wasn't entirely sure in which direction the story would continue. Anderson, however, does an incredible job of continuing the story with a new level of mystery and intrigue.
Where as book one is full of world building and action, this one is stripped back to character growth, exploration, and the raw emotional truths people have to had to follow and understand as their world is turned upside down .
I didn't expect this book to be full of emotional depth, and it became a real philosophical driven narrative. I dont want to spoil anything, but everybody in this story really gets their time to shine.
Finally, you can tell Anderson is very tuned into modern politics and events (and at a guess, we would land on the same viewpoints of many real-life issues) . I loved that even within this fantasy setting and fantasy events, he portrayed real human reactions, emotions and the complexity of having to make decisions that don't always have a clean outcome
Can't wait for book 3
Following the climactic and shocking twists and turns at the end of book one, I wasn't entirely sure in which direction the story would continue. Anderson, however, does an incredible job of continuing the story with a new level of mystery and intrigue.
Where as book one is full of world building and action, this one is stripped back to character growth, exploration, and the raw emotional truths people have to had to follow and understand as their world is turned upside down .
I didn't expect this book to be full of emotional depth, and it became a real philosophical driven narrative. I dont want to spoil anything, but everybody in this story really gets their time to shine.
Finally, you can tell Anderson is very tuned into modern politics and events (and at a guess, we would land on the same viewpoints of many real-life issues) . I loved that even within this fantasy setting and fantasy events, he portrayed real human reactions, emotions and the complexity of having to make decisions that don't always have a clean outcome
Can't wait for book 3
January 4, 2024
*I was sent this one through netgalley after I requested it from the publisher*
I have to admit, I had high expectations for this book, and I really felt like I wasn't sure if anything could beat book #1 as I just adored that one so much. Whilst this continuation is strong, and feels like it develops the overarching plot well, I felt as though it was a little long and tedious at times. I do feel as though book #1 had so many twists and reveals and 'moments' that I loved, that matching that in book #2 was a really big ask, but I didn't feel quite as invested in this one as I hoped. With all that being said the series does give a lot to the reader, especially in the form of emotional response to some of the darker happenings which we read about.
This story continues on immediately from some of the big ending plot-points of book 1 and we are following the same band of characters as they now have to react to some of the major reveals we discovered in book 1. Lots of the characters are having to come to terms with a reality they didn't know existed, or face traumas and betrayals they didn't remember. We see a group who have some real power between them, but who are also fractured and divided about who they are, and what they can/should do next. For them to be able to turn the tide against the King, and the deceit in the kingdom, they will have to really come together again and learn to trust and work with one another.
There's a lot of very dark and grim stuff in this book including necromancy and cannibalism and more. It's certainly true that Justin Lee Anderson isn't afraid to drag you to the mouth of hell with his descriptions and imagery, and so some scenes aren't the nicest to read. They did help me to grasp the ruthlessness of the characters and the lengths they would go to so as to achieve whatever sick aims they might have, but there is also some underlying love and reason to a lot of the dark actions, so it's a nice way to go for grey characters rather than clear cut good vs bad.
In the end the thing which made this one not quite as enjoyable is the length, the amount of travel and constant repetition of 'the big reveal'. Because there has been such a shocking turn of events which affects everyone, but only a small group knows about it, the focus of the story really is to fight back and spread the truth. The problem with this is that it leads to a lot of time in the story being spent on characters journeying and relaying information which we already know to new people, and hoping they will join the cause. I did find myself a little bored by some of these sections and even through the reaction to the news is different depending on the person, hearing it repeated got a little old for me.
In the end there were some more big moments and I did enjoy this on the whole, but I think the combination of my expectations and the need to bring a whole kingdom up-to-speed with what's been happening meant I didn't like this as much as I hoped. I gave it a solid 3.5*s and will likely keep going with the series to see what comes next, but I will temper my expectations a little for the next one I think.
I have to admit, I had high expectations for this book, and I really felt like I wasn't sure if anything could beat book #1 as I just adored that one so much. Whilst this continuation is strong, and feels like it develops the overarching plot well, I felt as though it was a little long and tedious at times. I do feel as though book #1 had so many twists and reveals and 'moments' that I loved, that matching that in book #2 was a really big ask, but I didn't feel quite as invested in this one as I hoped. With all that being said the series does give a lot to the reader, especially in the form of emotional response to some of the darker happenings which we read about.
This story continues on immediately from some of the big ending plot-points of book 1 and we are following the same band of characters as they now have to react to some of the major reveals we discovered in book 1. Lots of the characters are having to come to terms with a reality they didn't know existed, or face traumas and betrayals they didn't remember. We see a group who have some real power between them, but who are also fractured and divided about who they are, and what they can/should do next. For them to be able to turn the tide against the King, and the deceit in the kingdom, they will have to really come together again and learn to trust and work with one another.
There's a lot of very dark and grim stuff in this book including necromancy and cannibalism and more. It's certainly true that Justin Lee Anderson isn't afraid to drag you to the mouth of hell with his descriptions and imagery, and so some scenes aren't the nicest to read. They did help me to grasp the ruthlessness of the characters and the lengths they would go to so as to achieve whatever sick aims they might have, but there is also some underlying love and reason to a lot of the dark actions, so it's a nice way to go for grey characters rather than clear cut good vs bad.
In the end the thing which made this one not quite as enjoyable is the length, the amount of travel and constant repetition of 'the big reveal'. Because there has been such a shocking turn of events which affects everyone, but only a small group knows about it, the focus of the story really is to fight back and spread the truth. The problem with this is that it leads to a lot of time in the story being spent on characters journeying and relaying information which we already know to new people, and hoping they will join the cause. I did find myself a little bored by some of these sections and even through the reaction to the news is different depending on the person, hearing it repeated got a little old for me.
In the end there were some more big moments and I did enjoy this on the whole, but I think the combination of my expectations and the need to bring a whole kingdom up-to-speed with what's been happening meant I didn't like this as much as I hoped. I gave it a solid 3.5*s and will likely keep going with the series to see what comes next, but I will temper my expectations a little for the next one I think.
December 1, 2024
5 Stars - Exactly what a sequel of The Lost War should be!
Check out the full review here: https://medium.com/@kemerysjourneythr...
What's the story about: After solving the mysteries that have been plaguing the kingdom, the group led by Aranok are on a race against the clock to stop a stream of events that will ultimately lead to an early downfall. They find that manipulation and lies are not so easily undone with the truth.
The Bitter Crown is amazing and I would compare it to other top-tier sequels such as Golden Son by Pierce Brown, The Kraken’s Tooth & City of Songs by Anthony Ryan, and Stones of Light by Zack Argyle. The Bitter Crown’s story elevates everything that came before and rewards the readers with a grief-ridden tale that is poignant, relevant, and wonderfully personal. Where I normally love having less characters to follow in order to invest in them deeply, this sequel reminds me of why multiple POVs works so well when it balances the story equally. Everyone interprets information uniquely, possesses their own moral convictions, and experiences the same events differently and the exploration of grief, trauma, relational strife, and repercussions of what lies can do to people’s minds and hearts is phenomenal. I cannot recommend this sequel enough (if you loved The Lost War) and am so glad The Damned King releases in 2025!
Check out the full review here: https://medium.com/@kemerysjourneythr...
What's the story about: After solving the mysteries that have been plaguing the kingdom, the group led by Aranok are on a race against the clock to stop a stream of events that will ultimately lead to an early downfall. They find that manipulation and lies are not so easily undone with the truth.
The Bitter Crown is amazing and I would compare it to other top-tier sequels such as Golden Son by Pierce Brown, The Kraken’s Tooth & City of Songs by Anthony Ryan, and Stones of Light by Zack Argyle. The Bitter Crown’s story elevates everything that came before and rewards the readers with a grief-ridden tale that is poignant, relevant, and wonderfully personal. Where I normally love having less characters to follow in order to invest in them deeply, this sequel reminds me of why multiple POVs works so well when it balances the story equally. Everyone interprets information uniquely, possesses their own moral convictions, and experiences the same events differently and the exploration of grief, trauma, relational strife, and repercussions of what lies can do to people’s minds and hearts is phenomenal. I cannot recommend this sequel enough (if you loved The Lost War) and am so glad The Damned King releases in 2025!
January 23, 2024
The politics, the characters, the discussion on mental health and religion, plot, cliff hanger?? Everything??? Perfect!!
February 6, 2024
9/10.
I think I liked book 2 more than book 1. I plan on recording a YouTube episode for The Lost War here shortly and it should be out towards the end of February.
This book made me uncomfortable at times and asks some pretty serious questions about what people deserve when they make bigoted decisions. At times I definitely felt like I might just be on the side of the “bad guys” and some of the protagonists weren’t always my favorites.
I will write some more tomorrow once I’ve had time to think about the book.
I think I liked book 2 more than book 1. I plan on recording a YouTube episode for The Lost War here shortly and it should be out towards the end of February.
This book made me uncomfortable at times and asks some pretty serious questions about what people deserve when they make bigoted decisions. At times I definitely felt like I might just be on the side of the “bad guys” and some of the protagonists weren’t always my favorites.
I will write some more tomorrow once I’ve had time to think about the book.
October 10, 2023
This book was incredible, from it's storytelling to its complex characters. I fell head over heels in love with Justin's writing and I could not put this book down. It had its grip on me from start to finish.
I cannot wait to read more because now that I'm fully immersed in this world, I need more of it as soon as possible. It definitely ends in a spot where I feel like there is so much more that needs to be uncovered, so I cannot wait for the next book!
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I cannot wait to read more because now that I'm fully immersed in this world, I need more of it as soon as possible. It definitely ends in a spot where I feel like there is so much more that needs to be uncovered, so I cannot wait for the next book!
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2024
Wow. Wow wow wow. Now THAT is how you write a book!
The way that Anderson can position conflict is incredible. Literally every scene was exciting to read. Definitely a middle book, but doesn't have middle book syndrome. I can absolutely not wait to read book 3.
The way that Anderson can position conflict is incredible. Literally every scene was exciting to read. Definitely a middle book, but doesn't have middle book syndrome. I can absolutely not wait to read book 3.
April 21, 2024
Did not enjoy this book quite as much as the lost war. It was just ok .
The story continues right after the crazy ending of book one . The pacing is really fast, and there was no chapter which I found boring .
I felt like the author wanted to emphasize how one event can be interpreted differently by different people and how pur biases affect our beliefs. Some people deliberately choose to fool themselves and refuse to believe the truth .
It also focuses on whether previous horrible experiences can justify someone's actions.
However, for me this book did not have the same level of enjoyment as the previous book and I am struggling to decide whether I should give this book 3 stars or 4 stars . It would rate it a 7 out of 10 or a 3.5 stars if it was possible .
The story continues right after the crazy ending of book one . The pacing is really fast, and there was no chapter which I found boring .
I felt like the author wanted to emphasize how one event can be interpreted differently by different people and how pur biases affect our beliefs. Some people deliberately choose to fool themselves and refuse to believe the truth .
It also focuses on whether previous horrible experiences can justify someone's actions.
However, for me this book did not have the same level of enjoyment as the previous book and I am struggling to decide whether I should give this book 3 stars or 4 stars . It would rate it a 7 out of 10 or a 3.5 stars if it was possible .
November 23, 2023
2.5 ✨
I always hate giving bad reviews when I get a book for free from Net galley but here we are. After absolutely loving the first book I was very excited to read the sequel. It took me forever to get into this one and then it started catching my interest and then got boring again to me. I can’t really pinpoint anything exactly that made me not like this book but something isn’t clicking for me and I won’t be continuing with the series I think.
I always hate giving bad reviews when I get a book for free from Net galley but here we are. After absolutely loving the first book I was very excited to read the sequel. It took me forever to get into this one and then it started catching my interest and then got boring again to me. I can’t really pinpoint anything exactly that made me not like this book but something isn’t clicking for me and I won’t be continuing with the series I think.
January 26, 2024
This second book in the series, our heroes have plans to make everything right and it goes all wrong. Been looking forward to the title now for a while. Book 1 on the series, The Lost War, won SPFBO 6 (SPFBO stands for Self Publishing Fantasy Blog Off or Spiff-Bo for those in the know.) Lost War was picked up by Orbit Books and re-published, now have released this book. First, it does what the second book in a trilogy is supposed to do, set up the stakes for book three, and puts the characters in motion to how the events will play out. The book had some great concepts, one I found very interesting. How a character reacts when a quest results in a traumatic event. Does the character bounce back as easily as most books portray or, as in this book, does the event so alter the character of said character, the character begins to act out of character? It is what makes this book so good, that little psychological story arc.
December 7, 2023
Four years since I read and loved The Lost War, its sequel The Bitter Crown arrived like an early Christmas present.
And unlike the many books that become hazy in the memory after a few months, and the characters in this book, recovering memories wasn’t much of a problem.
For those needing that little trip down memory lane though, there is a really inventive Story of a Lost War introduction in which an old drinker recounts what he’s heard about the events of book one. It’s really creative and I enjoyed it. I fell straight back in to Anderson’s expert writing style and was reminded why The Lost War seemed to fly by in a flash.
When a book is so well edited, well written and has that shiny layer of polish, it gives you the secure feeling that you’re in competent hands and can relax into the story.
Admittedly, those readers who aren’t interested in the character development would certainly find it a slower read than The Lost War – but I think those who didn’t get attached to the characters in book one would be a bit daft to continue here, given the strong character focus. Anderson slows the pace down in places to really examine character motivations and letting the reader get to know them properly. It adds so much depth that will make the series as a whole much stronger and more rewarding as opposed to one fight scene to another.
Of course, there are still plenty of very tense moments and Anderson is able to showcase his writing talent by creating these feelings of tension in a variety of situations and conflicts.
Reading this book especially, I understood just how well Justin Lee Anderson understands people. There were dozens of times I sat back and appreciated the thoughtful, almost philosophical understanding of the author towards the human condition. Whether this was examining consent from a magical perspective (is it ok to restore someone’s memory without their consent, even if it means giving them the truth?) mental health, motherhood, how shame and pride can impact us, self reflection and guilt and especially the fact that most people are very rarely ‘good’ or ‘evil’.
We put people in boxes but there’s a key take away in the character interactions that if we took a little more time to try being empathetic and looking at someone else’s point of view, we’d probably come to understand why people make the decisions they do and how important communication is. There is a scene early on in which I found myself thinking one new character was an absolute monster and then feeling completely conflicted on the next by wanting to give her a massive hug. I don’t know how many authors could achieve that! Another new character we see later in the book, Quellaria, comes across very aloof and unsympathetic on first impressions but we realise has the capacity for selflessness. Conversely, characters we’d associate with being good also show their darkness, such as Samily. Something I love about the book is that Anderson doesn’t attempt to make any character the clear hero or favourite. Characters make decisions that you might agree with or might not agree with, but by taking the time to help you understand that character, it’s hard to ever make an absolute judgement on any of them.
There is a big theme in the book that people are often impacted by the injustices they’ve suffered and looking beneath the surface, many of them share common experiences and discrimination or hardships caused by the same sorts of people.
The book is dedicated to Truth and everyone who fights for it and you certainly get a sense for the author’s anger at oppression and the way in which the few can manipulate the many by distorting the truth and allowing those they oppress to fight between themselves. Of how falsely constructed narratives and lies can change the mindset of whole communities or countries. And of how people can be indoctrinated, clouding their true judgement.
I haven’t really talked about the specific characters themselves, as it’s quite hard to do so in a review of a 2nd book where this gives away where certain characters are or what they’re doing but I think it’s also because no character stands out over the others. What I mean by that is that they actually all stand out, and so I can’t pick a favourite. They have their fair share of arguments, and as I mentioned above, it’s often hard to side with anyone in particular because their motivations are so authentic. There will be times you don’t even know who is right or what you’d do in a situation, and these thought provoking events make sure the book will live long in the memory.
If I was forced to pick a memorable character out, it would be Shayella. A fascinating new character, a necromancer that really captures what a mother’s love is all about. Perhaps you’re already suspecting from this that there may be a continuation of dark themes, and this is in my opinion darker than book one – but there is always hope and love which means it never really risks going into Grimdark territory.
The Bitter Crown is certainly more dialogue-heavy than The Lost War, but the author’s command of the written word and imagination means it is always interesting and engaging; two of my favourite parts of the book were heavy on dialogue and expertly written – early on at the University, and later during a meeting with the Riever’s council. Both events are full of tension, political intrigue and back and forth dialogue in which our characters find themselves having to navigate difficult situations using their powers of diplomacy and persuasion.
The Bitter Crown is a book that makes you think deeply. A dark, hopeful, contemplative and engaging, Bechdel test certified critique of those who seek to drive the people apart. The characters are amazing and the author’s intelligent technique of making conflict feel particularly relevant to modern day problems is especially thought provoking. I’ve never played D&D but I know enough about it (and that the series is inspired by a game the author played with friends) to really feel the RPG vibes and the intriguing fantasy setting we learn more about here.
With The Lost War, we experienced a really cool story with a memorable twist. With The Bitter Crown, Justin Lee Anderson solidifies his saga halfway in as essential fantasy reading by consistently delivering unique perspectives and storytelling techniques – and most importantly, characters and interactions that you are thinking about long after you place the book down.
And unlike the many books that become hazy in the memory after a few months, and the characters in this book, recovering memories wasn’t much of a problem.
For those needing that little trip down memory lane though, there is a really inventive Story of a Lost War introduction in which an old drinker recounts what he’s heard about the events of book one. It’s really creative and I enjoyed it. I fell straight back in to Anderson’s expert writing style and was reminded why The Lost War seemed to fly by in a flash.
When a book is so well edited, well written and has that shiny layer of polish, it gives you the secure feeling that you’re in competent hands and can relax into the story.
Admittedly, those readers who aren’t interested in the character development would certainly find it a slower read than The Lost War – but I think those who didn’t get attached to the characters in book one would be a bit daft to continue here, given the strong character focus. Anderson slows the pace down in places to really examine character motivations and letting the reader get to know them properly. It adds so much depth that will make the series as a whole much stronger and more rewarding as opposed to one fight scene to another.
Of course, there are still plenty of very tense moments and Anderson is able to showcase his writing talent by creating these feelings of tension in a variety of situations and conflicts.
Reading this book especially, I understood just how well Justin Lee Anderson understands people. There were dozens of times I sat back and appreciated the thoughtful, almost philosophical understanding of the author towards the human condition. Whether this was examining consent from a magical perspective (is it ok to restore someone’s memory without their consent, even if it means giving them the truth?) mental health, motherhood, how shame and pride can impact us, self reflection and guilt and especially the fact that most people are very rarely ‘good’ or ‘evil’.
We put people in boxes but there’s a key take away in the character interactions that if we took a little more time to try being empathetic and looking at someone else’s point of view, we’d probably come to understand why people make the decisions they do and how important communication is. There is a scene early on in which I found myself thinking one new character was an absolute monster and then feeling completely conflicted on the next by wanting to give her a massive hug. I don’t know how many authors could achieve that! Another new character we see later in the book, Quellaria, comes across very aloof and unsympathetic on first impressions but we realise has the capacity for selflessness. Conversely, characters we’d associate with being good also show their darkness, such as Samily. Something I love about the book is that Anderson doesn’t attempt to make any character the clear hero or favourite. Characters make decisions that you might agree with or might not agree with, but by taking the time to help you understand that character, it’s hard to ever make an absolute judgement on any of them.
There is a big theme in the book that people are often impacted by the injustices they’ve suffered and looking beneath the surface, many of them share common experiences and discrimination or hardships caused by the same sorts of people.
The book is dedicated to Truth and everyone who fights for it and you certainly get a sense for the author’s anger at oppression and the way in which the few can manipulate the many by distorting the truth and allowing those they oppress to fight between themselves. Of how falsely constructed narratives and lies can change the mindset of whole communities or countries. And of how people can be indoctrinated, clouding their true judgement.
I haven’t really talked about the specific characters themselves, as it’s quite hard to do so in a review of a 2nd book where this gives away where certain characters are or what they’re doing but I think it’s also because no character stands out over the others. What I mean by that is that they actually all stand out, and so I can’t pick a favourite. They have their fair share of arguments, and as I mentioned above, it’s often hard to side with anyone in particular because their motivations are so authentic. There will be times you don’t even know who is right or what you’d do in a situation, and these thought provoking events make sure the book will live long in the memory.
If I was forced to pick a memorable character out, it would be Shayella. A fascinating new character, a necromancer that really captures what a mother’s love is all about. Perhaps you’re already suspecting from this that there may be a continuation of dark themes, and this is in my opinion darker than book one – but there is always hope and love which means it never really risks going into Grimdark territory.
The Bitter Crown is certainly more dialogue-heavy than The Lost War, but the author’s command of the written word and imagination means it is always interesting and engaging; two of my favourite parts of the book were heavy on dialogue and expertly written – early on at the University, and later during a meeting with the Riever’s council. Both events are full of tension, political intrigue and back and forth dialogue in which our characters find themselves having to navigate difficult situations using their powers of diplomacy and persuasion.
The Bitter Crown is a book that makes you think deeply. A dark, hopeful, contemplative and engaging, Bechdel test certified critique of those who seek to drive the people apart. The characters are amazing and the author’s intelligent technique of making conflict feel particularly relevant to modern day problems is especially thought provoking. I’ve never played D&D but I know enough about it (and that the series is inspired by a game the author played with friends) to really feel the RPG vibes and the intriguing fantasy setting we learn more about here.
With The Lost War, we experienced a really cool story with a memorable twist. With The Bitter Crown, Justin Lee Anderson solidifies his saga halfway in as essential fantasy reading by consistently delivering unique perspectives and storytelling techniques – and most importantly, characters and interactions that you are thinking about long after you place the book down.
February 12, 2024
So this author just gets better and better if you read book one this book is 10 times better than book two the action is amped up the World building is stronger and the twists just keep on coming can't wait for the third book
January 11, 2024
Aranok and his allies are back, and things are going from bad to worse.
I love this series and the characters. The recap in the tavern at the beginning was pure genius.
If you want fast-paced, high stakes fantasy, read these books.
I love this series and the characters. The recap in the tavern at the beginning was pure genius.
If you want fast-paced, high stakes fantasy, read these books.
April 28, 2024
4.5 stars!
When reviewing The Lost War, the first book in the series, I complained that the first 90% seemed to be setup for the last 10%. I am happy to say that with this sequel, we are fully into the meat of the story, and gosh, does the character work really shine! I would compare it favorably to Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings, in that every character feels meticulously drawn, real, and flawed—sometimes to my immense, if temporary, frustration. All the characters are in the wrong, and no one is right... or is everyone in the right, and no one's wrong? Seriously, I would be fully convinced I hated a particular character, or convinced they'd lost their mind, until I read a chapter from their point of view, and suddenly all their choices made sense. And because these characters are all so abominably bad at speaking their full and honest feelings, they spend a lot of time thinking they're all on the same page, only to discover they're not. "Betrayals" to one character are just difficult choices to another. Their plans fall apart. (And let me tell you, as an avid TTRPG player, no plan ever survives contact with the players, even if it's the players' plan.) People are messy. They hold things back. If everyone isn't on board and clear with every step of the plan, there's bound to be missteps and miscommunication. And so, even though there were a lot of trainwrecks, I stayed invested in the story, the plans, and the characters executing them.
I suppose I should take some time to comment on those characters. (For any fellow audiobook readers, I asked for and was very graciously given a list of the characters to assist with spelling, which you can find here: link.) Spoilers ahead.
All in all, this book felt much more well-rounded than the previous one, and so I'm pleased. In addition to the strong character work, the writing is smooth, and the author's narration was pleasant to listen to, even if it took a moment for me to parse a word here and there through the accent. I read there was a conflict getting Euan Morton back for this one, and I'm guessing it was because Morton was recording The Will of the Many. I think things worked out well this way. This book deserved another reader who could bring life to all the lovely Scots Gaelic names and words, and Anderson naturally did a stellar job. I very much look forward to the next book in the series, and seeing where he takes us!
Just for fun, here's how I'd class out the major characters in D&D 5e:
-Aranok: Sorcerer, Storm Sorcery origin with a level or two in Rogue
-Allandria: Ranger, Hunter archetype
-Nirea: Swashbuckler Rogue
-Samily: Paladin, Oath of Devotion
-Meristan: Eldritch Knight Fighter (for that green flame blade, yo) or Champion Fighter
-Mynygogg: Fighter, Battle Master archetype
-Rasa: Druid, Circle of the Moon
-Janaeus & Quell: School of Enchantment Wizard or Aberrant Mind Sorcerer
-Anhel: Warlock, pacted with either the Fiend or the Hexblade (can't remember too much about him)
-Vastin: beloved tagalong NPC
When reviewing The Lost War, the first book in the series, I complained that the first 90% seemed to be setup for the last 10%. I am happy to say that with this sequel, we are fully into the meat of the story, and gosh, does the character work really shine! I would compare it favorably to Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings, in that every character feels meticulously drawn, real, and flawed—sometimes to my immense, if temporary, frustration. All the characters are in the wrong, and no one is right... or is everyone in the right, and no one's wrong? Seriously, I would be fully convinced I hated a particular character, or convinced they'd lost their mind, until I read a chapter from their point of view, and suddenly all their choices made sense. And because these characters are all so abominably bad at speaking their full and honest feelings, they spend a lot of time thinking they're all on the same page, only to discover they're not. "Betrayals" to one character are just difficult choices to another. Their plans fall apart. (And let me tell you, as an avid TTRPG player, no plan ever survives contact with the players, even if it's the players' plan.) People are messy. They hold things back. If everyone isn't on board and clear with every step of the plan, there's bound to be missteps and miscommunication. And so, even though there were a lot of trainwrecks, I stayed invested in the story, the plans, and the characters executing them.
I suppose I should take some time to comment on those characters. (For any fellow audiobook readers, I asked for and was very graciously given a list of the characters to assist with spelling, which you can find here: link.) Spoilers ahead.
All in all, this book felt much more well-rounded than the previous one, and so I'm pleased. In addition to the strong character work, the writing is smooth, and the author's narration was pleasant to listen to, even if it took a moment for me to parse a word here and there through the accent. I read there was a conflict getting Euan Morton back for this one, and I'm guessing it was because Morton was recording The Will of the Many. I think things worked out well this way. This book deserved another reader who could bring life to all the lovely Scots Gaelic names and words, and Anderson naturally did a stellar job. I very much look forward to the next book in the series, and seeing where he takes us!
Just for fun, here's how I'd class out the major characters in D&D 5e:
-Aranok: Sorcerer, Storm Sorcery origin with a level or two in Rogue
-Allandria: Ranger, Hunter archetype
-Nirea: Swashbuckler Rogue
-Samily: Paladin, Oath of Devotion
-Meristan: Eldritch Knight Fighter (for that green flame blade, yo) or Champion Fighter
-Mynygogg: Fighter, Battle Master archetype
-Rasa: Druid, Circle of the Moon
-Janaeus & Quell: School of Enchantment Wizard or Aberrant Mind Sorcerer
-Anhel: Warlock, pacted with either the Fiend or the Hexblade (can't remember too much about him)
-Vastin: beloved tagalong NPC
July 18, 2025
⭐ 3.5
I recently started writing reviews and let's be honest, I'm bad at it.
But here's what I think
There are some minor spoilers for this book and some major for the first one.
# World building: I think the world has more room to grew, since we just know two countries. I want to know how the fake Kings (both of them) had been able to keep their foreign policy. we know one, what about the rest. Also I have soooo many questions about their broken treaty. as far as I understand Eidyn just give Rievier food for free to stop war, what the fuck?!?!🤔 Correct me if I'm wrong because it make no sense.
I have hope that he will develope it in his next book.
# Magic system is poorly explained. we absolutely have no idea how it works, I guess it's just repeating some words and sometimes moving hands. where does it come from? why some people have it some don't? it sounds like a new science that no body knows shit about it even though they have a university for it.
# Plot: it's incredible, I loved it in both books. The plot twist in the first book was just 🤯. Second one didn't have a twist but was well done. it's literally page turning, you can't stop yourself.
# Characters: They changed a lot after the memory lifting, which make sense, except now I hate some people that I loved like Nirea. She is not the same woman in first book, it's like glorbad died and possess her. she's acting like him.
I absolutely understand shay, I would've done the same. hurt my love one and I burn the world especially if I had her power.
Maybe I'm broken but none of the grand speeches of gogg in the book moved me, NONE. I guess Author wanted to show the king is humble and wise, but it didn't work out.
I loved Quell reaction to Nirea manipulation. Girl you rock. He really show that you can't change years of discrimination and pain, the hatred that's born with, in a day with a weak ass manipulation.
My favorite are Al and Ari. I love the way Aranok shows his pain, the way he can't process it, his struggle. I love how Allandria is level headed, she is the only one keep the group together.
In the first book I loved Samily, but now she is just another self righteous religion person, she brought back my trauma. Too much for my PTSD.
Overall, I cant wait for the third. and this book needs more popularity.
I recently started writing reviews and let's be honest, I'm bad at it.
But here's what I think
There are some minor spoilers for this book and some major for the first one.
# World building: I think the world has more room to grew, since we just know two countries. I want to know how the fake Kings (both of them) had been able to keep their foreign policy. we know one, what about the rest. Also I have soooo many questions about their broken treaty. as far as I understand Eidyn just give Rievier food for free to stop war, what the fuck?!?!🤔 Correct me if I'm wrong because it make no sense.
I have hope that he will develope it in his next book.
# Magic system is poorly explained. we absolutely have no idea how it works, I guess it's just repeating some words and sometimes moving hands. where does it come from? why some people have it some don't? it sounds like a new science that no body knows shit about it even though they have a university for it.
# Plot: it's incredible, I loved it in both books. The plot twist in the first book was just 🤯. Second one didn't have a twist but was well done. it's literally page turning, you can't stop yourself.
# Characters: They changed a lot after the memory lifting, which make sense, except now I hate some people that I loved like Nirea. She is not the same woman in first book, it's like glorbad died and possess her. she's acting like him.
I absolutely understand shay, I would've done the same. hurt my love one and I burn the world especially if I had her power.
Maybe I'm broken but none of the grand speeches of gogg in the book moved me, NONE. I guess Author wanted to show the king is humble and wise, but it didn't work out.
I loved Quell reaction to Nirea manipulation. Girl you rock. He really show that you can't change years of discrimination and pain, the hatred that's born with, in a day with a weak ass manipulation.
My favorite are Al and Ari. I love the way Aranok shows his pain, the way he can't process it, his struggle. I love how Allandria is level headed, she is the only one keep the group together.
In the first book I loved Samily, but now she is just another self righteous religion person, she brought back my trauma. Too much for my PTSD.
Overall, I cant wait for the third. and this book needs more popularity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2024
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Bitter Crown
After the horrifying discovery from The Lost War, Aranok and crew have a new realized goal. But to accomplish it, they will have to face impossible odds. Readers will see a definite switch in how the team works together, and it’s much more disjointed than before. Emotions will run high as they deal with the aftermath of their choices causing conflict and infighting. And if they can’t work together, there’s no way they will be able to save Eidyn.
The Bitter Crown is a dark journey forcing characters to endure traumatizing experiences. From watching someone be fed to a reanimated child, to being coerced into committing murder in front of family, no one will leave without scars. And each fresh wound on the psyche adds up over time for the characters. This will cause moral conflict and split-second decisions influenced by emotions instead of reason. Some of the most unshakeable characters will find their beliefs in question.
There were many moments where characters did not take the expected route seen in fantasy novels. Nirea for example relied on her instincts as a pirate. Delicate situations that would usually be taken care of discreetly were instead blown wide open. It was refreshing to see new angles and the ensuing chaos created a wonderful mix of action and emotional response. While there are times when the writing slows to take a new direction, it swiftly picks back up when the conflict of that direction takes hold.
The Bitter Crown was such a fascinating journey. Seeing the characters evolve through trauma was heartbreaking to witness, but addicting to read. Many still have to come to terms with all they did in this novel. I cannot wait to see what happens in book three. Fans of high fantasy need to read this series.
After the horrifying discovery from The Lost War, Aranok and crew have a new realized goal. But to accomplish it, they will have to face impossible odds. Readers will see a definite switch in how the team works together, and it’s much more disjointed than before. Emotions will run high as they deal with the aftermath of their choices causing conflict and infighting. And if they can’t work together, there’s no way they will be able to save Eidyn.
The Bitter Crown is a dark journey forcing characters to endure traumatizing experiences. From watching someone be fed to a reanimated child, to being coerced into committing murder in front of family, no one will leave without scars. And each fresh wound on the psyche adds up over time for the characters. This will cause moral conflict and split-second decisions influenced by emotions instead of reason. Some of the most unshakeable characters will find their beliefs in question.
There were many moments where characters did not take the expected route seen in fantasy novels. Nirea for example relied on her instincts as a pirate. Delicate situations that would usually be taken care of discreetly were instead blown wide open. It was refreshing to see new angles and the ensuing chaos created a wonderful mix of action and emotional response. While there are times when the writing slows to take a new direction, it swiftly picks back up when the conflict of that direction takes hold.
The Bitter Crown was such a fascinating journey. Seeing the characters evolve through trauma was heartbreaking to witness, but addicting to read. Many still have to come to terms with all they did in this novel. I cannot wait to see what happens in book three. Fans of high fantasy need to read this series.
November 30, 2023
Can I gush about how much I love this series? So good. The Bitter Crown is book two in the Eidyn Saga. I recently learned that the author plans four books. Huzzah! Anyway, it starts with a clever prologue that sums up the first book, so you can refresh your memory or jump right in here. However, the first book was fantastic, so I would suggest not missing that one.
The story picks up where the first book left off. There’s immediate action as our heroes try to escape a city occupied by the reanimated dead. You launch right back into the story. There’s such a sense of urgency- from the beginning I didn’t want to put it down. The fate of the kingdom is at stake. It’s fast paced and I stayed up way too late reading because I didn’t want to stop.
Of course I love these characters. They’re compelling and real and things happen that change them. And the plot- you think you know how something is going to go but nooooo. The story surprises you. I can’t wait for book three! I highly recommend this book and its predecessor, The Lost War. It comes out December 5. Thank you to Orbit and Netgalley for the eARC.
The story picks up where the first book left off. There’s immediate action as our heroes try to escape a city occupied by the reanimated dead. You launch right back into the story. There’s such a sense of urgency- from the beginning I didn’t want to put it down. The fate of the kingdom is at stake. It’s fast paced and I stayed up way too late reading because I didn’t want to stop.
Of course I love these characters. They’re compelling and real and things happen that change them. And the plot- you think you know how something is going to go but nooooo. The story surprises you. I can’t wait for book three! I highly recommend this book and its predecessor, The Lost War. It comes out December 5. Thank you to Orbit and Netgalley for the eARC.
November 12, 2023
This continues to be an epic story with complicated social aspects. Aranok has returned with the exiled king and is on the path to restoring him. There is just a problem or two in his way. Firstly there is a magical plague effecting thousands of the population. Secondly everyone believes the king who sits the throne is the right one. Thirdly, there is just a little problem with the neighbors who everyone thinks they are at war with. The saga continues with horrific encounters, mental breakdowns, the challenges of deciding who is actual right or wrong in these situations. It's a brilliantly woven story with intriguing characters and a plot that keeps you moving along happily. I highly recommend this novel and eagerly await the next. Thanks to netgalley for the ability to read and review this story.
December 5, 2023
You know, usually I don’t care for zombies and there’s monsters that are basically zombies in this world. I usually don’t love grim dark and this is definitely grim and so very dark. But I’ve really been enjoying this series. Interesting characters, good world building, quick paced plot. This is a fun doorstop if you don’t mind the gore, For a grim dark doorstop of a book it’s a light read.
July 12, 2025
An absolute delight from start to finish. As with the first book, the plot took surprising turns (one thing I especially did NOT expect, and it doesn't happen towards the end). The characters are so alive, in their flaws and emotional reactions. They feel real. I want to know what happens next, so bad.
February 25, 2024
Justin Lee Anderson’s The Lost War was my first five star read of 2024. It was a brilliantly addictive read and after that ending, I knew I’d need to immediately pick up The Bitter Crown. Following on from the events in book one, Aranok and his group of allies are now trying to do everything they can to restore Mynagog to the throne, cure the blackened, and return the country to some semblance of normality. But with danger and conspiracy at every turn, will they succeed and will their friendship be the same after all they’ve faced?
Much like The Lost War, I was immediately hooked on The Bitter Crown. This installment is just as fast paced and action packed and there were plenty of moments that had me on the edge of my seat. The world of Eidyn is really fascinating and I love learning about the magic and seeing the range of abilities people have. I also love that the world is based on Edinburgh and noticing all the similarities between the two. I really enjoyed the plot of The Bitter Crown as the group moves towards trying to undo everything that has gone wrong in the country. There were lots of twists and turns and there were so many times I found myself saying ‘Oh just one more chapter’ because I had to know what was going to happen next.
This story has a really brilliant mix of compelling plot, fascinating world, and complex characters you can’t help but grow attached to. The characters really do go through hell and back and it was so interesting to see how the dynamics shifted within the group as the story progressed. Aranok and Samily in particular undergo quite a big shift and it was so compelling to read about. I think Allandria is still my favourite and I’m also still hoping that all of them make it out alive, though I have my suspicions that they won’t.
The Bitter Crown was an easy five star read for me and I’m so excited to see where Anderson takes the story in book three. If you’re looking for a fantasy series that will give you a unique world full of dark monsters, twists you will never see coming and brilliant, vivid characters – the Eidyn Saga is one you do not want to miss.
Much like The Lost War, I was immediately hooked on The Bitter Crown. This installment is just as fast paced and action packed and there were plenty of moments that had me on the edge of my seat. The world of Eidyn is really fascinating and I love learning about the magic and seeing the range of abilities people have. I also love that the world is based on Edinburgh and noticing all the similarities between the two. I really enjoyed the plot of The Bitter Crown as the group moves towards trying to undo everything that has gone wrong in the country. There were lots of twists and turns and there were so many times I found myself saying ‘Oh just one more chapter’ because I had to know what was going to happen next.
This story has a really brilliant mix of compelling plot, fascinating world, and complex characters you can’t help but grow attached to. The characters really do go through hell and back and it was so interesting to see how the dynamics shifted within the group as the story progressed. Aranok and Samily in particular undergo quite a big shift and it was so compelling to read about. I think Allandria is still my favourite and I’m also still hoping that all of them make it out alive, though I have my suspicions that they won’t.
The Bitter Crown was an easy five star read for me and I’m so excited to see where Anderson takes the story in book three. If you’re looking for a fantasy series that will give you a unique world full of dark monsters, twists you will never see coming and brilliant, vivid characters – the Eidyn Saga is one you do not want to miss.
June 21, 2025
Really liked this sequel, which continued to be as dark as the first one. I once again struggled with the characters, because they were as flawed as they were although there was also a point of contention that wasn't acknowledged by a lot of characters and if that continues I'll be actually very annoyed.
One character was also finally somewhat called out and I hope that will have an effect on them because if not that'll be kind of detrimental to my enjoyment I think even if technically it could be more accurate.
I also really liked a certain depiction of motivations from the antagonists because it shows their humanity which makes a lot of sense and enhances the tragedy of the story.
The ending ended really explosively and I'm very intrigued to see how that'll continue in the sequel.
One character was also finally somewhat called out and I hope that will have an effect on them because if not that'll be kind of detrimental to my enjoyment I think even if technically it could be more accurate.
I also really liked a certain depiction of motivations from the antagonists because it shows their humanity which makes a lot of sense and enhances the tragedy of the story.
The ending ended really explosively and I'm very intrigued to see how that'll continue in the sequel.
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