Kat Ross

I actually had the luck to read both Blood of the Prophet, and it's predecessor, back to back. So I can honestly tell you that this book is a stellar follow up to the first in the series. It's not often that a second book captures my attention more than the original, but in this case that was absolutely true. Nazafareen and Darius completely stole my heart in this book, and the ending just left me breathless for more.

See, my biggest issue with the first book was that it moved along so show more quickly that there wasn't a lot of time for character development. There was so much that needed to be set up, so many puzzle pieces to lay, that I felt like Nazafareen and Darius just didn't get enough time to flourish. In Blood of the Prophet that was easily remedied. These two felt like real people to me this time around, which made this book all the more exciting to read. I could see the link between them, and not the man made one, grow and strengthen. I also saw huge growth on an individual level in each of them too. It was wonderful to see them finally become the characters that I knew they should be, and even more fun to watch their adorably awkward banter with one another. Ah, budding love.

Points also go to this second book because Kat Ross didn't feel the need to rehash all of the things that she had already laid in place. The pacing here, therefore, is much better. Action meshes beautifully with story line, and it makes for a read that is engrossing without feeling too rushed. Best of all, there's a lot more of the history of the Druj uncovered here. In fact, the amount of curve balls that Ross dropped throughout this book had me on edge. If Nazafareen felt blindsided, I was right there with her. Bravo.

There is a lot dealt with in this book, but the main point always winds its way back around to the idea of good vs. evil. Whether that's an inherent trait, or something that is fostered through ages of deceit. I loved how many realistic issues Ross was able to bring into this story. From prostitution, to slavery, back around to misogyny. Wrapped up in Fantasy or not, these are still shown as very real questions of morality, and it's intriguing to watch the characters deal with these things in their own ways.

So, final verdict? This is an absolutely stunning second book and, truth be told, I enjoyed it much more than the first in the series. Blood of Prophet definitely deserves your time and, therefore, so does the entire Fourth Element series so far! show less

Fantasy alternate history in the Persian Empire, contemporary to the youth of Alexander of Macedon, and beginning in territories that IIRC would be situated in modern Iran. Their religion at the time is Zoroastrianism, which influences their understanding and use of magic and their relationships with supernaturals, and in this author's version of it their prophet got up to fairly interesting shenanigans that end up being very relevant to the plot. It's also YA with a first-person female POV, show more and a romantic sub-plot that remains tastefully subordinated to the other events. Quite liked it. show less

Balthazar, an ageless former necromancer is on a quest to rid the world of the evil necromancers that remain. His latest bounty brings him to Egypt where he quickly dispatches John Mortlake. However, the easy kill comes with strings attached. John Mortlake has debts with the djinn and a daughter who absolutely refuses to pay the debts for a father she equally despised. Balthazar gets waylaid after Mortlakes death by a beautiful woman and ends up on a Nile cruise. Balthazar's wiles get the show more best of him though, as the woman he is chasing steals the talisman that has kept him alive for over 2000 years. In trying to retrieve his talisman, Balthazar gets tied up in the woman's troubles and finds himself imprisoned by the djinn in a magical desert kingdom and now must retrieve a sword from a demon in order to escape with his life and his talisman.

Enchanting, fun and action packed, Balthazar's Bane continues the world of the Gaslamp Gothic series. I really enjoyed getting to know Bathazar and Lucas better. The writing dives into some of Balthazar's lengthy past and his history with Lucas without slowing things down. I was in a love/hate relationship with Zarifa's character based on her changing actions. She was strong, independent and free thinking, mostly one step ahead of the guys. Most of all, I loved being transported to the magical city of Al Miraj and exploring the many inhabitants of the city along with their dwellings and items. The trails that the demon led had me enthralled as Balthazar deftly fought his way through. Thoughtfully weaving in themes of growth, good vs. evil and respect for all living things, Balthazar's Bane entertained from beginning to end and I can't wait to see what these characters get into next.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less

If there were a Kat Ross fan club I’d probably be President of it. Have you seen all my glowing reviews of so many of her books? So many that I’ve given her her own category on my blog Kat Ross. Which is why It’s surprising that I hadn’t read her first book Some Fine Day.

Cause not only is it by Kat, but it’s also a young adult dystopian story which I am absolute garbage 🗑️ for. Give me angsty teens fighting a corrupt dystopian government any day. Hunger Games. ✔️ Uglies. show more ✔️ Unwind. ✔️ Partials. ✔️Maze Runner. ✔️Ember. ✔️ The Giver. ✔️Yes I’ve read them all, and I could list a dozen more.

Some Fine Day belongs right in that list. A thrilling YA dystopian, with a kickin’ female MC, a untrust worthy government and layer of lies to be uncovered. You might think with those troupes that its *just* another one of those stories.

But it’s so much more.

Kat Ross is a master at world building. It’s one of the major reasons I love her work so much. I can just fall into the worlds she builds. The idea of these huge dangerous storms that drove people underground is believable considering everything going on in our world, and the actual hurricanes that are getting bigger and more destructive.

Jansin is also a good and believable MC. She’s trying to do what will make her family happy. Trying to get the education they want her to have. To live up to their expectations. Even before we get to the action she has misgivings.

One of the thing I really appreciated was how the love story played out. It wasn’t one of the two typical troupe you see in these kind of stories. Neither the first-love forever-love or the falls-for-the-bad-boy-who-has-a-good-heart.

The finale was amazing and it kept me riveted. But I won’t say more for fear of spoilers.

Bottom Line:

If you enjoy YA dystopian reads don’t want as long as I did to read this one. A hidden gem, if there ever was one. show less