The Brooding Crown: An Epic Sword & Sorcery Fantasy

The Second Book of Caledan

By: Meg Cowley

Narrated by: Jack Voraces

Return to Caledan for the fast paced sequel to The Tainted Crown that fans of The Lord of the Rings, Inheritance Cycle and Books of Pellinor will love.

Where is the line between good and evil?

The semblance of peace has returned to Caledan, but surrounded by the 12 noble houses of Caledan, King Soren can trust few. In the shadows, treasonous thoughts grow. When news of Zaki’s presence in Roher reaches Soren, can he ally all of Caledan to his cause - and keep them?

Zaki has not given up on his plans to regain Caledan’s throne. First he must prove himself to Harad, the mighty king of Roher, but Zaki will stop at nothing to gain the support of Roher’s army, march on Caledan’s borders, and take back the throne of the dragon kings.

War returns to Caledan, but a greater threat looms. The pact is broken. The Eldarkind are fading. The dragons war amongst themselves. A power too terrible to name grows in the North, and He seeks revenge. Only Eve stands in His way - but can she stop magic as old as time?

Peace balances upon a knife edge. Can Soren and Eve save Caledan?

©2017 Meg Cowley (P)2019 Meg Cowley

love the narrator

I absolutely love the narrator, adds to an already amazing story. Can't wait to hear more.

A bit of a step up from the previous book

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I hope the series continues this progression, I enjoyed the second book more than the first, and that almost never happens. We get some catastrophic happenings in this book, old gods are freed and long-standing allies/traditions are ended. I think the problem with these books so far is attaching to the characters. It's again one of those situations where there are great moments, Zaki's realizations at the end of the book are probably some of the best, and are standouts in the book, but before that it's hard to really attach any emotion to him as a character.

Loved it!

I rated the story side of the first book 4/5 as I found it little underwhelming here and there. I was happy to see (or hear) that the sequel not just corrected those flaws but also improved in all areas I already liked. Contrary to The Tainted Crown, the story is more dramatic and features a series of unexpected plot twists: some of them made me gasp or hold my breath for a moment. I liked how we get to know better each character, including antagonists. I don't know if there was anything I didn't like about this book - it was amazing and I strongly recommend to grab it if you like epic fantasy.

Great characters and many surprises

Soren is growing into his role as king. He is learning that sometimes for the greater good, he has to bend his morals. His cousin Eve is having a rough time of things and is learning that many things are not always what they seem or what one expects. Luke is developing into a very interesting character. The lives of the Elves and Dragons are in turmoil. This book is great. The narrator did a good job. The characters are dynamic. The story flows well. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Can’t wait to hear the ending.

I like that Meg Cowley for the most part, closed this one book and part of the story without so much of a cliffhanger that you could put the book down and come back after a hiatus.

This said, I could put this book down. I listened to it every day on my way to work. Getting lost in her created world has become my escape.

Jack Voraces has done it again with his narration and effects. I enjoy his effects and different character voices. Well done.