Author: Millie Thom Release Date: December 22, 2014 Series: Sons Of Kings Genre: Historical Fiction Edition: Kindle Pages: 5005 (kindle locations) Publisher: Self-published Source: Author (Thanks Millie!) Buy it here: Amazon
Blurb
In Pit of Vipers, the second book in the Sons of Kings trilogy, the lives of Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia continue to unfold against the ever increasing threat of Danish raids. Now back in his homeland, Eadwulf sets out on his determined quest for revenge, whilst Alfred’s leadership skills develop at the courts of his successive brothers. Before long, those skills will be put to the test . . .
Rating
Review
Plot/Story:
I read this book just after I was done with the first one and it has the same elements of storytelling as the author puts her wonderful details in each and every scene and character in a very well thought and captivating way. Here you can really see just how much Thom knows about this period in history (9th century). Here the characters are in their teen years and are starting their role in there destinies.
Characters:
In this second book you get to know the character in a more intimate way and the author did it in an outstanding way. Showing us all the character’s personal stories and who they really are. Eadwulf here is more of secondary character for me and we get to know more about Alfred.
Romance/Kills:
There is marriage and lost love and it’s written in a very simple way to show us the simple household and life of a couple. The main characters are always fighting against increasing threats of Danish raids
Writing:
The author did a wonderful job again in bringing back that dangerous time for the Vikings in a very passionate and detailed way. Her writing style is very fascinating and you she grabs your attention with her wonderful details of true history and fiction, so well blended together that you might even not notice what the fiction part is. It’s all seems so true and full of life.
Beginning:
Unlike the first book here I got hooked to the story from the first page and even before that. The characters list the author placed in the beginning of the story is very helpful as well were the maps. This book starts with action and raids and the maps were extremely helpful for me.
Ending:
Omg, I love how this book has ended. It closed so well and many things that were left open from the first book, are now resolved and even though I know there is much more to come in the next book (the third one), I’m still happy with how the author ended the book. Living us wondering but not stressed as all major questions had been answered.
Blurb:
The blurb here is well written. It’s giving you enough details of what yet to come, but not too much and spoiler free.
Cover Art:
I think the cover art here is even more beautiful from the first book. It has a better feel of the period and really sets the right mood for the book.
You can also read this review at Goodreads and Amazon.
Other Stuff
Opening Line: “The raiding party crested the rise and reined in to survey the substantial settlement that stretched seductively along the valley floor below.” Highlights: In this book you will get a more deep insight on the characters thoughts, feeling and they lifestyle. You will feel their heartbreaks, their success and struggles. Yet again the greatness of this story for me is in the details. Lowlights: None. Memorable Quotes:
We must be united in whatever path we choose to follow.
Final Thoughts: In this book unlike the first you will get all the questions you have been waiting for answered and the waiting for the next book in this trilogy would be less stressing and you just feel excited. I can’t wait for the third book of this trilogy to come out. Highly recommend 🙂
Review contributor:
Galit Balli
I am an avid reader, coffee addict, a writer and a blogger. I am a bit of agoraphobic (people scare me, lol). Me and my hubby love to spend every moment together, we even game together. I live mostly in my own imaginary world full of dragons, magic and vampires and from time to time I pull myself away to deal with the real world. Read more about Galit here.
The Reading Bud 
Reblogged this on Coffee n' Notes and commented:
Another review up for the Pit of Vipers by Millie Thom.
Such a wonderful book to read ❤
LikeLike
I cannot believe how fast you are through a book and even post a review! Didn’t you just do this two days ago? You are really a “bookworm” 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL, omg thank you so much ❤
The first book was 2 weeks ago… I think 🙂
But yeah, I love reading – a lot, lol 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha… that is pretty fast anyway. Perhaps because it is …. I don’t know how long ago, when I finished my last one! Keep it up 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much 🙂 Just posted about reading fast, lol. It’s a small test online 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
What can I say about such a wonderful review, Galit? I am bowled over by it, and just saying ‘thank you’ does not seem nearly enough. I really appreciate that you read my book in the first place, and what you have written here is just fantastic. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww ❤ ((blushing here))
I enjoyed your books a lot Millie and I really, truly can't wait for the next to come 😀 Thank you for the books 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s me who should be blushing! Your review was so wonderfully thorough, Galit. You are a born reader and reviewer – and also a writer yourself. I’ll be sure to read your book when it’s published. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww ❤ Thank you so much 🙂
I can't wait to read more of your books ❤
LikeLike
Wonderful review! First of all, I do not normally read fiction. I got to know of Ms. Thom’s writing from, the blog community. Her writing style impressed me so much so, that I felt, if nothing else, buying a copy of her book would help her recover some of the many hours that she must have poured over the book on history alone. The Shadow of the Raven grabbed me within minutes of reading and hooked me. My wife, who is a fan of science fiction took away the e-book and finished it in record time. She loved it and has since purchased Pit of Vipers. I am a much slower reader but am captivated by the story line thus far.
Ms. Thom is truly a brilliant author, with such attention toward detail. Your review simply states what I already suspected, which means Pit of Vipers is a must read and knowing that practice makes perfect, the third book will make the three books complete. This author does such a fine job of keeping the readers involved and intrigued. Your review says all it needs to say for the readers who are looking for how fiction and the real world can blend together, as if two universes colliding and formed a new universe with so much to look forward to and explore!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for that wonderful and lovely comment 🙂
I do love her writing style a lot. If it’s in the blog or her books, her passion for words shines out. I was hook as well from the first pages of the first book and the second book is even better 😀 I can’t wait for the third one to come out…
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have a twinkle in your eye when you say that! Wonderful. I never thought I would stand in line for a book but your reviews have me already waiting for Maggie’s volume 3. Thank you young lady. Do keep up with your reviews. I for one look forward to reading more because I now have a great source that I know I can rely on! Cheerio!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww I am young… 😀 Thank you, lol. I am almost 41, but thank you 🙂 And thank you again so much ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes… you are young! I recall one time a co-worker came to work on a Monday morning and was so excited because she was asked to produce her ID card and she said, “And I’m 29”. I told her that I get asked for ID all the time. She had a puzzled look on her face and she said, Really! I said, Yes, they always ask me, sir, can I see your seniors card?
So almost 41. I believe you mean you are 40 and one half. Remember, when you do not like the numbers (and they are just numbers) you can tell people that you are 20 years old…in each eye! :o)
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL I will be 41 in 8 days (06.06) 😀
I like how old I am (in a way, lol). I just don’t like that I have so little time with my hubby 😀 We are 13 years together and I want a lot more than just 40-50, lol. I know it’s crazy but I do 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope, no craziness on that account. Live each day to the fullest and know that you two are made for each other. Love each other more than yesterday but less than tomorrow and you will fill the future up to the fullest. Nice to hear how much your husband means to you! Keep working towards better tomorrows and they will always be a ray of sunshine. I knew my math was correct at 40-1/2. Yesssss. And a Happy Birthday to you now young lady. All the every best for your future! :o)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for those beautiful and sweet words ❤
And thank you for the birthday wishes 😀
I hope you are having a great day 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person