I only recently read and enjoyed The Bloodbound and so was looking forward to seeing where Erin Lindsey would take us with book No.2.  I’m very pleased to say that this book surpasses the first in scope and execution, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was completely hooked.  (If you haven’t read The Bloodbound then you may want to stop reading for fear of potential spoilers.)

At the start of The Bloodforged King Eric is forming drastic plans to try and protect his kingdom.  HIs enemies are again rallying and being greatly outnumbered Eric needs to come up with other measures and allies need to be found.  In order to fully utilise his available forces Eric decides that he (and his bodyguard Alix) will head in one direction to try and persuade their neighbours in the Capital of Harram to join forces with them.  This will involve a perilous journey over dangerous mountains populated by tribes who forbid any sort of trespass.  Meanwhile Prince Liam will head in the opposite direction.  The King awaits the construction of a naval fleet that seems to have been experiencing inordinate delays.  Unfortunately there seem to be a number of different forces at play between the people of Onnan and Liam is ill prepared to deal with the political web he’s found himself stuck in.  Nevertheless he must make the best of the hand he’s been given.  Meanwhile (back at the fort) Riggard (Rig) Black (Alix’s brother and Commander of the Army) is preparing for war at the front – greatly outnumbered and with spies running amok he’s going to need his wits just to keep the enemy at bay.

Whilst I enjoyed book 1 the second instalment definitely has the wow factor.  I particularly enjoyed the fact that we follow three different storylines and povs.  Rig is a very welcome addition.  He already made an appearance in book No.1 but his character is further developed here and he kind of puts me in mind of a big grizzly bear.  I really like this chap I must admit.  He’s clever, witty, impulsive and frankly very easy to read about.  Liam also shares more page time in this story and I thought this was also a good ploy.  I loved getting an insight into his character and also taking a look at his inner thoughts, particularly the turmoil and insecurities he feels since having been thrust into the limelight.  I found myself a little ambivalent towards Liam in the first story and in fact Alix’s decision puzzled me slightly.  This instalment banished those doubts completely.

On top of the additional point of views this story is packed with action.  Seriously, there was never a dull moment and even though we followed three storylines the plot was clear and concise.  There are no long winded history lessons about the different cities and politics, in fact I thought all the information supplied wove seamlessly into the story.  The action scenes are easy to visualise and the author manages to create a level of tension that makes the read absolutely compelling.

There is still an element of romance to The Bloodforged but not as much as The Bloodbound.  In No.1 we were getting to know the characters and get a feel for them, there was plenty of romance mingled with intermittent battles.   No.2 goes to the next level and the romance becomes much more a peripheral element to the story so that you’re aware of the feelings that the characters share but they’re no longer central to the story.  There’s a lot at stake here and frankly there isn’t as much time for distraction!

Then of course we have the ending with a perfect twist and set up for book No.3.

Being a second in series can sometimes result in that horrible middle book syndrome.  Fortunately The Bloodforged doesn’t suffer in that respect.  The story is good, the pace is fast and the characters have come along in leaps and bounds.

I very much look forward to No.3.  If you like action, adventure, historical settings, battles and political intrigue, a little romance and fairly light fantasy this could be for you.  I definitely recommend this series.

I received a copy from the publishers through Netgalley for which my thanks.  The above is my own opinion.