Early Reader Review: Warrior of Legend by Kendare Blake

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Warrior of Legend by Kendare Blake 

Series: Heromaker #2
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Publication Date:  October 29, 2024

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Reed is officially a member of the immortal order of the Aristene. She even has a new name: Machianthe. It’s everything she’s ever dreamed of—so why isn’t she happy?

Maybe it’s because every hero she helps can only find glory at the cost of their life. Or maybe it’s because she can’t stop thinking about the prince she left behind.

Now Reed looks for any opportunity to help with low-risk hero’s trials. And a princess looking for a glorious marriage? Nothing could be less dangerous. But Hestion is one of the suitors, and while Reed is occupied trying to win him back, an old danger is gaining strength.

To battle the growing threat, the Aristene must band together, but the order has never been more divided. Will Reed be able to survive this war with her chosen family and her heart intact?

Review: 

I like this story, but for some reason I thought that this was a duology not a series and was hoping for a conclusion in this installment. I was wrong, series it is, and we are left with more things lingering for another book to come. 

Book 2 of the Heromaker series again follows Reed as she comes to terms with her new role as a full Aristene and the whole ordeal with Hestion. However, much of that has to take a backseat to a new threat against the whole order of Aristene.  

I enjoyed this book but found it to move slowly. It gave me that second book slump/syndrome feeling where it is mostly just filler to eventually get to the the next and final piece. I almost DNFed the book honestly. Then I read online that there was an out of left field death and had to keep going... sadly that death is really close to the ending. It was very surprising but also kind of not given the state of things. 

I liked the continuation of the world building, but the characters seem to lack growth a bit. Yes, Reed is coming to terms with her new role, but when we pick up she is just full-throttle and there isn't much time for us to see her adapting and growing. I also felt like this installment sent more time on some of the other characters, bringing them into the fold more and giving more backstory. I liked this but after spending so much time with Reed and her peers, it was an odd transition. 

Overall, I enjoyed the book, but it was a slow read for me. Maybe others will feel differently but if you liked the first book, you should definitely give this one a shot.