Format: Hardcover, 384 pages
Release Date: June 27, 2017
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: Library
Genre: YA / Fantasy / Historical
As the end of an age approaches, blood soaks the earth, twisted prophecies wield immeasurable power and tyrants demand impossible sacrifices.Return to the rich and fantastical world of Eleanor Herman's Blood of Gods and Royals!
Prince Alexander's mind has been touched by an incomprehensible evil, even as his betrothed travels from afar to unite their kingdoms against a terrible darkness that threatens both realms: the Spirit Eaters.
From the distant shores of Illyria to a small deserted island, the deadly consequences of Smoke Blood magic loom and lost civilizations emerge to reveal the existence of a weapon that may do the impossible--kill the last living god. As magic rises and warriors clash, the fate of all Macedon rests in the hands of the unstable prince and those whose loyalty can no longer be trusted.
New York Times bestselling author Eleanor Herman deftly reimagines the reign
Reign of Serpents, by author Eleanor Herman, is the third installment in the authors Blood of Gods and Royals series. This is a series that combines historical fiction, with a bit of myth and magic. Your main characters are Alexander, Katerina, Hephaestion, Jacob,Cynane, and Zofia. Each has been set on an adventure that has led them into uncharted territory where you really can't trust anyone to have your back.
Zofia, the Princess of Sardis, is once again my favorite character. As the story picks up, it has been a month since she was nearly killed trying to find the fabled Pegasus. She is supposed to be Alexander's betrothed in an arranged alliance between Persia and Macedon. An arrangement that a certain faction in Persia doesn't want to happen. Zofia has been through the most pain, suffering, loss, and world changing events than anyone else up to this point. She's aware that an unspeakable evil has risen, and has destroyed numerous villages in its way.
Even after finding her way home, she can't really think about her own safety and survival. Especially since the Assassin's Guild has already made attempts at stopping her from reaching Macedon. So, what's a girl to do? Make an alliance with someone who she shouldn't really trust, and travel to Macedon quickly where she hopes to ask Alexander for his help. But, Alexander isn't himself these days. In fact, he's actually possessed by the apparent last God in existence (Riel).
Riel has pretty much torn apart all of the good that Alexander had done in the previous installments to gain the support of much needed allies. He's pushed away people close to Alex, and dismissed many from the council which has led to some hatred and scheming to remove him forever. He has spent a great deal of time talking to a Delphic Oracle against the advice of Queen Olympias and her machinations. But, there is one thing that can kill a God. One thing that if he doesn't watch his back, his future won't be so easily attained.
In the meantime, Katerina and Hephaestion have found themselves on a small island along with Aristotle. In reality, it's not that they are stuck there, it is the fact that Heph has discovered a dangerous prophecy which says that Kat will one day kill Alexander, who, oh yes, is also her twin brother. Kat and Heph were sent on a mission by Alexander. A mission that failed, but has led to Heph and Kat growing closer. Kat's experiences in this story are actually a roller coaster ride of emotions. She's getting used to the idea that she has Snake Blood magic. She's getting used to the idea that with her help they can create a powerful weapon. In fact, her abilities have become fairly impressive. But, with the prophecy of her killing Alex on the horizon, what will Kat do next to avoid it?
If you've read the first two installments in this series, you know all about Jacob and the choices he's made. He is fully aligned with the Aesarian Lords whose hatred of magic has put several character near death's doorstep. Jason himself has a fairly impressive secret. A secret that could end his life if his fellow Lords discover what he is capable of. To be brief, Jacob's journey takes him to Delphi and later to Byzantine where his fate remains unknown. One can only guess where the author is going to take his story from here.
The last characters I want to summarize is Princess Cynane. Cynane is a dangerous character. Don't ever forget that. She tried to kill Kat, and nearly succeeded. Queen Olympias basically sold her to Illyria where she is supposed to become the new Queen. Cynane story is one of revenge, danger, darkness, and a huge jump forward in terms of what she is capable of. It also leads to an interesting and twisted ending which I am going to enjoy seeing what happens next. Don't turn our back on Cynane. You may miss out on a great deal of fun.
Apparently, this is not the final book in the series. Dawn of Legends will be the fourth book in this series. The series has somehow gotten off the beat and track. I do believe there are way too many characters who are given way too much storyline. I believe that action scenes should have been finished, and not rushed into another character's story. As for Alexander, history can't change his course nor can the author if she hopes not to have anyone jump off the bandwagon. His history has already happened. All the author can do is prequel his historical journey to become Alexander the Great, the greatest leader in History.
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