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The Dread Goddess: Book of Icons - Volume Two
The stunning sequel to The Hidden Icon , perfect for readers of Bradley Beaulieu and NK Jemisin.
“Lyrical and luminous―a great read.” ―Laura Bickle, author of The Hallowed Ones and The Outside on The Hidden Icon
In the rival kingdoms of Ambar and Aleyn, gods walk among mortals in the form of human icons, carrying out their whims and waging untold chaos.
Having decimated the city of Jhosch, Aleynian icon Eiren flees to the wilderness of the Ambarian north. She finds solace in a distant sanctuary, trying to make peace with the knowledge that she embodies Theba, the goddess of destruction.
Soon, though, there is more devastation on the an imposter has declared herself the Dread Goddess in Eiren’s place and rallied the Ambarian army to destroy Aleyn. Traveling to cut them off and save her family’s kingdom, Eiren works to uncover the secrets of her past and keep Theba in check―all while consumed by memories of Gannet, the Ambarian icon she left behind.
Eiren’s journey takes her back to the haunted ruins of Re’Kether, an ancient city at the heart of a kingdom their warring peoples once shared. Now she must reconcile who she knows she is―a gentle-souled storyteller―with the monstrous Dread Goddess who dwells within.
“Lyrical and luminous―a great read.” ―Laura Bickle, author of The Hallowed Ones and The Outside on The Hidden Icon
In the rival kingdoms of Ambar and Aleyn, gods walk among mortals in the form of human icons, carrying out their whims and waging untold chaos.
Having decimated the city of Jhosch, Aleynian icon Eiren flees to the wilderness of the Ambarian north. She finds solace in a distant sanctuary, trying to make peace with the knowledge that she embodies Theba, the goddess of destruction.
Soon, though, there is more devastation on the an imposter has declared herself the Dread Goddess in Eiren’s place and rallied the Ambarian army to destroy Aleyn. Traveling to cut them off and save her family’s kingdom, Eiren works to uncover the secrets of her past and keep Theba in check―all while consumed by memories of Gannet, the Ambarian icon she left behind.
Eiren’s journey takes her back to the haunted ruins of Re’Kether, an ancient city at the heart of a kingdom their warring peoples once shared. Now she must reconcile who she knows she is―a gentle-souled storyteller―with the monstrous Dread Goddess who dwells within.
- GenresFantasy
232 pages, Paperback
Published May 30, 2017
About the author
Jillian Kuhlmann
6 books72 followersJillian spent her formative years feeding her overactive imagination with The X-Files and Star Trek: The Next Generation. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her family and a wicked costume collection.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 30, 2017
Arc received from Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Story-telling: 5 Stars
Story: 3 stars
Jillian Kuhlmann continues to spin her seductive, mythical story about gods and men.
The novel takes almost right off where it ended in Book 1 - The Hidden Icon: Book of Icons - Volume One. Eiren -the incarnation of Theba, the goddess of destruction- continues her journey, which is getting even more perilous than she had imagined, to discover and come to terms with who and what she is; the origins/history/legend/myths of herself and her people.
I pretty much have the same issues, positive and negative, with this installment as with Book #1.
There is the lyrical, beautiful writing creating this powerful atmosphere that is very alluring. And then there is the story that stays a bit muddled and not too convincing, for me at least. I was still non-plussed by some of the explanations offered as the story drew to its not-really-conclusions, so I guess this means at least another book to complete the plot.
But the author still managed to keep me in her thrall, so I decided that I should not go after logic when dealing with myths. :)
Review of Book #1, Hidden Icon
Story-telling: 5 Stars
Story: 3 stars
Jillian Kuhlmann continues to spin her seductive, mythical story about gods and men.
The novel takes almost right off where it ended in Book 1 - The Hidden Icon: Book of Icons - Volume One. Eiren -the incarnation of Theba, the goddess of destruction- continues her journey, which is getting even more perilous than she had imagined, to discover and come to terms with who and what she is; the origins/history/legend/myths of herself and her people.
I pretty much have the same issues, positive and negative, with this installment as with Book #1.
There is the lyrical, beautiful writing creating this powerful atmosphere that is very alluring. And then there is the story that stays a bit muddled and not too convincing, for me at least. I was still non-plussed by some of the explanations offered as the story drew to its not-really-conclusions, so I guess this means at least another book to complete the plot.
But the author still managed to keep me in her thrall, so I decided that I should not go after logic when dealing with myths. :)
Review of Book #1, Hidden Icon
September 23, 2017
My Review:
This is the continuation of Eiren's story to find peace for herself and her people. She learns so much in this second half. So much about Gannet, the man, the icon. And about herself and the selves inside herself now that she is an icon. She comes to understand her magic and how to use it to help her people. She learns that both sides are her people now. She comes to understand many things in her fight to come to terms with the powers inside her and what having these powers will demand of her in the times ahead.
This is a duology, but there is a certain feeling I got when I was done with this second book that it's not over. There is plenty of material to work with and go on. The sign of a really good book, it leaves you wanting more.
I strongly recommend these two books to anyone who likes a good story. This is a great story. Mystery, magic, romance, conflict, betrayal. It's all in there.
This is the continuation of Eiren's story to find peace for herself and her people. She learns so much in this second half. So much about Gannet, the man, the icon. And about herself and the selves inside herself now that she is an icon. She comes to understand her magic and how to use it to help her people. She learns that both sides are her people now. She comes to understand many things in her fight to come to terms with the powers inside her and what having these powers will demand of her in the times ahead.
This is a duology, but there is a certain feeling I got when I was done with this second book that it's not over. There is plenty of material to work with and go on. The sign of a really good book, it leaves you wanting more.
I strongly recommend these two books to anyone who likes a good story. This is a great story. Mystery, magic, romance, conflict, betrayal. It's all in there.
June 11, 2017
I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars!
For me, this was a huge improvement from book 1, the pace was faster and kept me engaged in the story. The story picked up and became more about the present than the past, Eiren continued to tell stories but I didn’t feel overwhelmed with them, and relationships and characters grew in the ways that I had hoped they would have in book one.
I actually slowly read the first 100 pages, and then finished the remainder of the book in one day, I enjoyed the action of this book, I enjoyed the coming together of the many things that I had questioned in book one, and most importantly I enjoyed the growth of Eiren and her inner struggle with Theba.
I also enjoyed the writing more and didn’t find myself skimming as often as I had with the previous volume.
I look forward to volume three!
4 stars!
For me, this was a huge improvement from book 1, the pace was faster and kept me engaged in the story. The story picked up and became more about the present than the past, Eiren continued to tell stories but I didn’t feel overwhelmed with them, and relationships and characters grew in the ways that I had hoped they would have in book one.
I actually slowly read the first 100 pages, and then finished the remainder of the book in one day, I enjoyed the action of this book, I enjoyed the coming together of the many things that I had questioned in book one, and most importantly I enjoyed the growth of Eiren and her inner struggle with Theba.
I also enjoyed the writing more and didn’t find myself skimming as often as I had with the previous volume.
I look forward to volume three!
August 17, 2017
The Dread Goddess picks up right where The Hidden Icon left off and we are immediately thrust back into Eiren's world of icons, gods, and men.
In this continuation, Eiren is continuing to explore not only what it means to be Theba's icon but also how she can remain true to herself. The pacing in this book is vastly different from the first, moving much more quickly and with much more action. It is better for it but does not loose the lyrical writing that makes Kuhlmann such a gifted story teller. The legends woven within Eiren's world feel universal, as though they've always existed, and once again the stories Eiren tells stay with me long after I have read them.
The characters are not only more flushed and defined, but I have grown to enjoy spending time with them while reading The Dread Goddess and I truly miss them when I am not.
In this continuation, Eiren is continuing to explore not only what it means to be Theba's icon but also how she can remain true to herself. The pacing in this book is vastly different from the first, moving much more quickly and with much more action. It is better for it but does not loose the lyrical writing that makes Kuhlmann such a gifted story teller. The legends woven within Eiren's world feel universal, as though they've always existed, and once again the stories Eiren tells stay with me long after I have read them.
The characters are not only more flushed and defined, but I have grown to enjoy spending time with them while reading The Dread Goddess and I truly miss them when I am not.
June 18, 2017
The second in a three part series picks right back up where the previous left off - but stands on its own just as well. It's a thrilling, beautifully written tale of adventure that unfolds like an ancient legend. It belongs on the same shelf, in my mind, as the Rubiyat, or the tales of Enmerkar, with all is fantastic mythology and settings in sandy ruins and ancient cities.
The characters grow and develop in such intricate and true to life ways, and the book is a very quick read. I couldn't put it down, and read both the first volume and this book in just a couple days. I still find myself thinking about it a week later, and I cannot wait for the third book to come out. I will probably re-read the first two repeatedly in the meantime.
The characters grow and develop in such intricate and true to life ways, and the book is a very quick read. I couldn't put it down, and read both the first volume and this book in just a couple days. I still find myself thinking about it a week later, and I cannot wait for the third book to come out. I will probably re-read the first two repeatedly in the meantime.
July 5, 2017
Picking up where The Hidden Icon left off, we are immediately set back into the world of gods, men and the beings in between, the Icons.
Eiren begins Volume One a young woman, a storyteller who could read everyone around her but herself. As we begin Volume Two, she knows exactly what she is capable of and the price of her true power.
Again, I was taken in immediately with the narrative. It is never hard to envision the world through the eyes of Eiren and the tension builds as the stakes are raised even higher when she has to decide if she wishes to use the frightening power within her. I felt the characters grew even more and in an organic, real way. I was pulled into the story a second time and can't wait to see what Volume Three has in store!
Eiren begins Volume One a young woman, a storyteller who could read everyone around her but herself. As we begin Volume Two, she knows exactly what she is capable of and the price of her true power.
Again, I was taken in immediately with the narrative. It is never hard to envision the world through the eyes of Eiren and the tension builds as the stakes are raised even higher when she has to decide if she wishes to use the frightening power within her. I felt the characters grew even more and in an organic, real way. I was pulled into the story a second time and can't wait to see what Volume Three has in store!
August 8, 2017
I liked this book even more than the first one in the series. I thought it was really action packed and had you racing to the finish to see how Eiren's spiritual and physical worlds collided. The landscape created is so other worldly but paired with enough description to paint a picture in the reader's mind. I loved the storytelling in the book and the original mythology created. The idea of icons and the struggle of identity that the icons bear is original and intriguing--reminding us of the struggle we all wage between our best selves and our darkest natures. I enjoyed reading about Eiren's struggle with her fate and desire to connect with others on a human level though she hosts a menacing destructive force. I'm excited to see how her story will play out in the next book!
May 4, 2017
"I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding"
The most common of YA cliches. Present in almost every YA book I read. But that's where similarities end, cause this is not like every YA book you've read. It's intense, well developed, and well written. It keeps you on your toes, and it entangles you in its plot to the extent that you can't or don't want to put the book down. It's always growing, always changing, always becoming something better than it was moment ago. A masterpiece at its finest. And a story that's worth being told and read.
But you don't have to trust me on it. Pick it up and find out for yourself
The most common of YA cliches. Present in almost every YA book I read. But that's where similarities end, cause this is not like every YA book you've read. It's intense, well developed, and well written. It keeps you on your toes, and it entangles you in its plot to the extent that you can't or don't want to put the book down. It's always growing, always changing, always becoming something better than it was moment ago. A masterpiece at its finest. And a story that's worth being told and read.
But you don't have to trust me on it. Pick it up and find out for yourself
June 11, 2017
Great follow up!
The Dread Goddess continues the story of Eiren and the reborn gods. I enjoyed the second novel in the Book of Icons series more than the first. It's still full of surprises and twists but it also answers some questions. The landscape fleshed out for me and I envisioned the ruins of Carthage. I highly recommend this series!
The Dread Goddess continues the story of Eiren and the reborn gods. I enjoyed the second novel in the Book of Icons series more than the first. It's still full of surprises and twists but it also answers some questions. The landscape fleshed out for me and I envisioned the ruins of Carthage. I highly recommend this series!
August 8, 2017
Action-packed and full of great imagery. I felt like I was with the characters in the forest and later I could feel the sun on my skin in the desert. I want to visit these magical places.
January 17, 2018
Solid book, good character development and psychological insight, suspense and action. looking forward to the end of the story
August 23, 2018
I don't know if it's because I didn't read the first book or what but I couldn't get into this book.
September 23, 2018
You can't help but get pulled into Eiren's world. I loved this book for revealing more of the history and the early legends and how it all connects to her timeline. Can't wait for the next one!
April 9, 2019
Great Sequel
Took me longer than anticipated to finish, but it was not due to the book. Really enjoyed visiting with the fierce Icons. Looking forward to what is in store!
Took me longer than anticipated to finish, but it was not due to the book. Really enjoyed visiting with the fierce Icons. Looking forward to what is in store!
April 19, 2021
A pretty good read, but I wish I had of had the first book to read. I liked the action in it and the characters.
June 2, 2017
The emotions that Eiren displays in who she really is and that of the goddess that dwells in her is powerful. Kuhlmann does a good in describing the struggle Eiren goes through. Though her constant thoughts of Gannet was a bit annoying and whinny.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews