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Kagen the Damned #2
Son of the Poison Rose
Son of the Poison Rose marks the second installment of New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry's epic, swashbuckling Kagen the Damned series.
The Silver Empire is in ruins. War is in the wind. Kagen and his allies are on the run from the Witch-king. Wild magic is running rampant everywhere. Spies and secret cabals plot from the shadows of golden thrones.
Kagen Vale is the most wanted man in the world, with a death sentence on his head and a reward for him—dead or alive—that would tempt a saint.
The Witch-king has new allies who bring a terrible weapon—a cursed disease that drives people into a murderous rage. If the disease is allowed to spread, the whole of the West will tear itself apart.
In order to build an army of resistance fighters and unearth magical weapons of his own, Kagen and his friends have to survive attacks and storms at sea, brave the haunted wastelands of the snowy north, fight their way across the deadly Cathedral Mountains, and rediscover a lost city filled with cannibal warriors, old ghosts, and monsters from other worlds. Along with his reckless adventurer brothers, Kagen races against time to save more than the old empire… if he fails the world will be drenched in a tsunami of bloodshed and horror.
Son of the Poison Rose weaves politics and espionage, sorcery and swordplay, treachery and heroism as the damned outcast Kagen fights against the forces of ultimate darkness.
The Silver Empire is in ruins. War is in the wind. Kagen and his allies are on the run from the Witch-king. Wild magic is running rampant everywhere. Spies and secret cabals plot from the shadows of golden thrones.
Kagen Vale is the most wanted man in the world, with a death sentence on his head and a reward for him—dead or alive—that would tempt a saint.
The Witch-king has new allies who bring a terrible weapon—a cursed disease that drives people into a murderous rage. If the disease is allowed to spread, the whole of the West will tear itself apart.
In order to build an army of resistance fighters and unearth magical weapons of his own, Kagen and his friends have to survive attacks and storms at sea, brave the haunted wastelands of the snowy north, fight their way across the deadly Cathedral Mountains, and rediscover a lost city filled with cannibal warriors, old ghosts, and monsters from other worlds. Along with his reckless adventurer brothers, Kagen races against time to save more than the old empire… if he fails the world will be drenched in a tsunami of bloodshed and horror.
Son of the Poison Rose weaves politics and espionage, sorcery and swordplay, treachery and heroism as the damned outcast Kagen fights against the forces of ultimate darkness.
704 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2023
115 people are currently reading
4845 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Maberry
515 books7,717 followersJONATHAN MABERRY is a New York Times best-seller and Audible #1 bestseller, five-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, anthology editor, comic book writer, executive producer, magazine feature writer, playwright, and writing teacher/lecturer. He is the editor of WEIRD TALES Magazine and president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers. He is the recipient of the Inkpot Award, three Scribe Awards, and was named one of the Today’s Top Ten Horror Writers. His books have been sold to more than thirty countries. He writes in several genres including thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and mystery; and he writes for adults, middle grade, and young adult.
Jonathan is the creator, editor and co-author of V-WARS, a shared-world vampire anthology from IDW Publishing that was adapted into a NETFLIX series starring Ian Somerhalder (LOST, VAMPIRE DIARIES).
His young adult fiction includes ROT & RUIN (2011; was named in Booklist’s Ten Best Horror Novels for Young Adults, an American Library Association Top Pick, a Bram Stoker and Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading winner; winner of several state Teen Book Awards including the Cricket, Nutmeg and MASL; winner of the Cybils Award, the Eva Perry Mock Printz medal, Dead Letter Best Novel Award, and four Melinda Awards); DUST & DECAY (winner of the 2011 Bram Stoker Award; FLESH & BONE (winner of the Bram Stoker Award; 2012; and FIRE & ASH (August 2013). BROKEN LANDS, the first of a new spin-off series, debuted in 2018 and was followed by LOST ROADS in fall 2020. ROT & RUIN is in development for film by ALCON ENTERTAINMENT and was adapted as a WEBTOON (a serialized comic formatted for cell phones), becoming their #1 horror comic.
His novels include the enormously popular Joe Ledger series from St. Martin’s Griffin (PATIENT ZERO, 2009, winner of the Black Quill and a Bram Stoker Award finalist for Best Novel) and eleven other volumes, most recently RELENTLESS. His middle grade novel, THE NIGHTSIDERS BOOK 1: THE ORPHAN ARMY (Simon & Schuster) was named one the 100 Best Books for Children 2015. His standalone novels include MARS ONE, GLIMPSE, INK, GHOSTWALKERS (based on the DEADLANDS role-playing game), X-FILES ORIGINS: DEVIL’S ADVOCATE, and THE WOLFMAN --winner of the Scribe Award for Best Movie Adaptation
His horror novels include The Pine Deep Trilogy from Pinnacle Books (GHOST ROAD BLUES, 2006, winner of the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel and named one of the 25 Best Horror Novels of the New Millennium; DEAD MAN’S SONG, 2007; and BAD MOON RISING, 2008; as well as DEAD OF NIGHT, and its sequels, FALL OF NIGHT, DARK OF NIGHT, and STILL OF NIGHT.
His epic fantasy series, KAGEN THE DAMNED debuts in May 2022. And he just signed to co-author (with Weston Ochse) a new series of military science fiction novels that launches the SLEEPERS series. Jonathan will also be launching a new series of science fiction horror novels for the newly established Weird Tales Presents imprint of Blackstone Publishing.
He is also the editor of three THE X-FILES anthologies; the dark fantasy anthology series, OUT OF TUNE; SCARY OUT THERE, an anthology of horror for teens; and the anthologies ALIENS: BUG HUNT, NIGHTS OF THE LIVING DEAD (with George Romero), JOE LEDGER UNSTOPPABLE (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt); two volumes of mysteries: ALTERNATE SHERLOCKS and THE GAME’S AFOOT (with Michael Ventrella); and ALIENS V PREDATOR: ULTIMATE PREY (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt). He is also the editor of DON’T TURN OUT THE LIGHTS, the official tribute to SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK. His next anthology will be ALIENS VS PREDATOR: ULTIMATE PREY (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt), debuting in spring 2022.
Jonathan was an expert on the History Channel documentary series, ZOMBIES: A Living History and TRUE MONSTERS. And he was participated in the commentary track for NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: REANIMATED.
His many nonfiction works include VAMPIRE UNIVERSE (Citadel Press, 2006); THE CRYPTOPED
Jonathan is the creator, editor and co-author of V-WARS, a shared-world vampire anthology from IDW Publishing that was adapted into a NETFLIX series starring Ian Somerhalder (LOST, VAMPIRE DIARIES).
His young adult fiction includes ROT & RUIN (2011; was named in Booklist’s Ten Best Horror Novels for Young Adults, an American Library Association Top Pick, a Bram Stoker and Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading winner; winner of several state Teen Book Awards including the Cricket, Nutmeg and MASL; winner of the Cybils Award, the Eva Perry Mock Printz medal, Dead Letter Best Novel Award, and four Melinda Awards); DUST & DECAY (winner of the 2011 Bram Stoker Award; FLESH & BONE (winner of the Bram Stoker Award; 2012; and FIRE & ASH (August 2013). BROKEN LANDS, the first of a new spin-off series, debuted in 2018 and was followed by LOST ROADS in fall 2020. ROT & RUIN is in development for film by ALCON ENTERTAINMENT and was adapted as a WEBTOON (a serialized comic formatted for cell phones), becoming their #1 horror comic.
His novels include the enormously popular Joe Ledger series from St. Martin’s Griffin (PATIENT ZERO, 2009, winner of the Black Quill and a Bram Stoker Award finalist for Best Novel) and eleven other volumes, most recently RELENTLESS. His middle grade novel, THE NIGHTSIDERS BOOK 1: THE ORPHAN ARMY (Simon & Schuster) was named one the 100 Best Books for Children 2015. His standalone novels include MARS ONE, GLIMPSE, INK, GHOSTWALKERS (based on the DEADLANDS role-playing game), X-FILES ORIGINS: DEVIL’S ADVOCATE, and THE WOLFMAN --winner of the Scribe Award for Best Movie Adaptation
His horror novels include The Pine Deep Trilogy from Pinnacle Books (GHOST ROAD BLUES, 2006, winner of the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel and named one of the 25 Best Horror Novels of the New Millennium; DEAD MAN’S SONG, 2007; and BAD MOON RISING, 2008; as well as DEAD OF NIGHT, and its sequels, FALL OF NIGHT, DARK OF NIGHT, and STILL OF NIGHT.
His epic fantasy series, KAGEN THE DAMNED debuts in May 2022. And he just signed to co-author (with Weston Ochse) a new series of military science fiction novels that launches the SLEEPERS series. Jonathan will also be launching a new series of science fiction horror novels for the newly established Weird Tales Presents imprint of Blackstone Publishing.
He is also the editor of three THE X-FILES anthologies; the dark fantasy anthology series, OUT OF TUNE; SCARY OUT THERE, an anthology of horror for teens; and the anthologies ALIENS: BUG HUNT, NIGHTS OF THE LIVING DEAD (with George Romero), JOE LEDGER UNSTOPPABLE (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt); two volumes of mysteries: ALTERNATE SHERLOCKS and THE GAME’S AFOOT (with Michael Ventrella); and ALIENS V PREDATOR: ULTIMATE PREY (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt). He is also the editor of DON’T TURN OUT THE LIGHTS, the official tribute to SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK. His next anthology will be ALIENS VS PREDATOR: ULTIMATE PREY (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt), debuting in spring 2022.
Jonathan was an expert on the History Channel documentary series, ZOMBIES: A Living History and TRUE MONSTERS. And he was participated in the commentary track for NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: REANIMATED.
His many nonfiction works include VAMPIRE UNIVERSE (Citadel Press, 2006); THE CRYPTOPED
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
January 5, 2023
Jonathan Maberry’s foray into epic dark fantasy with
Son of the Poison Rose
is a fantastic continuation of the series featuring Kagen Vale. He was the captain of the palace guard and protector of the royal children of the Silver Empire. One night when he is off-duty, the entire imperial family is killed and the Silver Empire is in ruins throughout all of its nation states. Kagen feels abandoned, heartbroken, and haunted. He plans to kill the Witch-king of Hakkia with help from his friends Filia and Tuke. However, he has to survive being the most wanted man in the world, build an army of fighters, and find magical weapons.
Kagen is a strong character with plenty of good qualities, but also many flaws. However, he initially isn’t very likeable. His petulance, guilt, and rage consume him. Can he find a way to regain his balance, regain his honor, fight for justice, and overcome magic and sorcery? The supporting and adversarial characters are well drawn and unforgettable.
Maberry’s writing is always great, but his world-building in this series is fantastic. There was a strong sense of time and place causing me to feel transported, as though living the events alongside the characters. There was a balance between cultural elements, historical events, and action that made the reading experience an immersive one.
While the epilogue helped, there are still a lot of unresolved threads for future books in the series. Themes include religious persecution, battles, heroes, how history can be altered or slanted by those recording it, treatment of the defeated and dead, magic, sorcery, grief, stress, betrayal, and much more. An extremely useful character list is included at the end of the book.
Overall, this was suspenseful and action packed with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. I’m looking forward to reading the next one. If you are looking for a dark epic fantasy with twists, action, and a few surprises, then this series is one you may want to check out.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Jonathan Maberry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for January 10, 2023.
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My 3.95 rounded to 4 stars review will be coming soon.
Kagen is a strong character with plenty of good qualities, but also many flaws. However, he initially isn’t very likeable. His petulance, guilt, and rage consume him. Can he find a way to regain his balance, regain his honor, fight for justice, and overcome magic and sorcery? The supporting and adversarial characters are well drawn and unforgettable.
Maberry’s writing is always great, but his world-building in this series is fantastic. There was a strong sense of time and place causing me to feel transported, as though living the events alongside the characters. There was a balance between cultural elements, historical events, and action that made the reading experience an immersive one.
While the epilogue helped, there are still a lot of unresolved threads for future books in the series. Themes include religious persecution, battles, heroes, how history can be altered or slanted by those recording it, treatment of the defeated and dead, magic, sorcery, grief, stress, betrayal, and much more. An extremely useful character list is included at the end of the book.
Overall, this was suspenseful and action packed with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. I’m looking forward to reading the next one. If you are looking for a dark epic fantasy with twists, action, and a few surprises, then this series is one you may want to check out.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Jonathan Maberry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for January 10, 2023.
------------------------------------------
My 3.95 rounded to 4 stars review will be coming soon.
June 3, 2024
My thanks to St. Martin's Press, Jonathan Maberry and Netgalley.
It seems that I may be going against the grain on this book, but I just wasn't that "into it!"
Don't get me wrong, because it was good, but it definitely had that second or middle book feel to it.
Hey, I'm as surprised as anyone! Me? Not totally loving a Maberry book? Weird!
I just felt that there was a whole lot of traveling and talking and some fighting...but not much else getting done. Yes, I was impatient as hell and wanting stuff "more stuff" to happen!
Still...I did end up enjoying the book. Now I'm ready for more. Can't wait for more!
It seems that I may be going against the grain on this book, but I just wasn't that "into it!"
Don't get me wrong, because it was good, but it definitely had that second or middle book feel to it.
Hey, I'm as surprised as anyone! Me? Not totally loving a Maberry book? Weird!
I just felt that there was a whole lot of traveling and talking and some fighting...but not much else getting done. Yes, I was impatient as hell and wanting stuff "more stuff" to happen!
Still...I did end up enjoying the book. Now I'm ready for more. Can't wait for more!
December 23, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: January 10, 2023
“Son of the Poison Rose” is the second installment in Jonathan Maberry’s Kagen the Damned series. In this story, Kagen Vale is on the run from the Witch-King, who is not only the most evil and powerful man in Hakkia, but he also happens to be Kagen’s brother. Along with his friends and members of the Unbladed, Kagen strives to raise his own army, while uncovering some magic weapons of his own, before the final conquest can begin. Enemies are everywhere and a Red Plague is sweeping the country, turning living beings into undead monsters, but Kagen knows the hardest battle of all will be facing his once beloved brother and fighting him to the death, in order to save the kingdom.
This novel was a rough one for me. First, it was long (or at least it felt that way) and I struggled to get through it more than once. If I had not been offered this novel as a review copy, I probably wouldn’t have finished it, to be honest. A large part of this could be, of course, that I have not read the first novel in the series so the characters and the settings were completely new. “Poison Rose” was not that difficult to follow, however, considering I knew nothing going in, but the writing structure was sloppy in places and that didn’t help the readability.
The story is told from the perspective of many, many characters (primarily Kagen of course), in third person. There are remnants of this novel that reminded me of “A Game of Thrones” (especially the Undead army and the literal battle over the throne), with some pirate swashbuckling, robot-type soldiers, and poison swords thrown in for extra adventure.
Maberry is a new author for me, although he has several books under his belt (outside of this series). It takes a certain kind of author to pull me in, and there are few fantasy series that I actually outright enjoyed. Sadly, this series isn’t one of them and I won’t be exploring other “Kagen the Damned” novels, but Maberry does have writing talent and I can see this novel appealing to certain readers.
Expected publication date: January 10, 2023
“Son of the Poison Rose” is the second installment in Jonathan Maberry’s Kagen the Damned series. In this story, Kagen Vale is on the run from the Witch-King, who is not only the most evil and powerful man in Hakkia, but he also happens to be Kagen’s brother. Along with his friends and members of the Unbladed, Kagen strives to raise his own army, while uncovering some magic weapons of his own, before the final conquest can begin. Enemies are everywhere and a Red Plague is sweeping the country, turning living beings into undead monsters, but Kagen knows the hardest battle of all will be facing his once beloved brother and fighting him to the death, in order to save the kingdom.
This novel was a rough one for me. First, it was long (or at least it felt that way) and I struggled to get through it more than once. If I had not been offered this novel as a review copy, I probably wouldn’t have finished it, to be honest. A large part of this could be, of course, that I have not read the first novel in the series so the characters and the settings were completely new. “Poison Rose” was not that difficult to follow, however, considering I knew nothing going in, but the writing structure was sloppy in places and that didn’t help the readability.
The story is told from the perspective of many, many characters (primarily Kagen of course), in third person. There are remnants of this novel that reminded me of “A Game of Thrones” (especially the Undead army and the literal battle over the throne), with some pirate swashbuckling, robot-type soldiers, and poison swords thrown in for extra adventure.
Maberry is a new author for me, although he has several books under his belt (outside of this series). It takes a certain kind of author to pull me in, and there are few fantasy series that I actually outright enjoyed. Sadly, this series isn’t one of them and I won’t be exploring other “Kagen the Damned” novels, but Maberry does have writing talent and I can see this novel appealing to certain readers.
February 28, 2025
Audiobook (26 hours) narrated by the Ray Porter
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Another audiobook written by Jonathan Maberry with the infamous Ray Porter as narrator.
Very well done all around.
I found it more enjoyable than the first novel, having everything laid out. My only complaint is that I need to wait longer than I'd like for my hold to come up in queue at my local library as it has over a dozen holds on it so unless a few people do a skip, it's going to be a minute before I can complete the trilogy.
Maybe, if I can find a way to squeeze it in, I'll pick up Rot & Ruin, which is narrated by another award winning narrator, Brian Hutchison, who I don't believe I've yet had the pleasure of experiencing. I say this with at least a half a dozen books on my library shelf and a few dozen waiting for me on audible.
Yes, yes, I have a book problem...
🤓📚Addicti❤️🩹n📚🚨⌛
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Another audiobook written by Jonathan Maberry with the infamous Ray Porter as narrator.
Very well done all around.
I found it more enjoyable than the first novel, having everything laid out. My only complaint is that I need to wait longer than I'd like for my hold to come up in queue at my local library as it has over a dozen holds on it so unless a few people do a skip, it's going to be a minute before I can complete the trilogy.
Maybe, if I can find a way to squeeze it in, I'll pick up Rot & Ruin, which is narrated by another award winning narrator, Brian Hutchison, who I don't believe I've yet had the pleasure of experiencing. I say this with at least a half a dozen books on my library shelf and a few dozen waiting for me on audible.
Yes, yes, I have a book problem...
🤓📚Addicti❤️🩹n📚🚨⌛
July 12, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Son of the Poison Rose is the second book in the Grimdark series, Kagen the Damned . Our story picks up soon after the events of the first book and the thwarted coronation of the Witch King. Kagen, Tuke and Filia are on the run and enemy number ones of the new Yellow Empire. They alone have cast some doubts into the hearts of rulers of the other lands and may be the only reason the Witch King finds himself on the verge of war.
I am going to be one of the few who liked this book more than the first and that is probably because it felt like there was more world and character building moments than in the first book. In Kagen the Damned, I struggled a little because the start of the book was one big battle and then there was Kagen's depression after failing the seedlings and becoming damned. In Son of the Poison Rose, Kagen is still Damned and has a cause to save the two children he saw at the Witch King's palace, two of the seedlings that did survive and the Witch King is pawning them off as his own children. To even hope to win this fight, he will need some new allies and to build an entire army.
With the help of Tuke, Filia and Mother Frey he has a path that might just work, but it means traveling into the treacherous jungles where a race of cannibals live to search for some mystic tombs that may hold the key to the Witch Kings undoing. There will me many trials along the way and some great moments as Kagen becomes 'the hero' of this story. His gods may have turned their back on him but there is something brewing within him and I could see how he was changing from a guy trained to kill and protect, to an actual hero who might be the lynch pin to saving an entire world from the Witch King and his tender mercies.
The Witch King is a cruel master and he proves it ever more in this book. He has called forth beings long asleep to his cause and as they start showing up to the court they bring with them both wonders and horrors. In an attempt to consolidate his power, he will unleash an unspeakable plague on the people to further his ambitions. Using his underlings the Witch King will do horrific things.
Kestral was one of his most prized advisors and underlings. The Witch King has given her a task that is almost impossible and will probably kill her. She is to find Kagen's blood in the hall and create a deadly razor night to hunt him. As she works to her task, we see how it changes a few of the Witch King's other trusted underlings and might sow some distrust as to the safety of their positions too. The arrival of the Prince of Games to court adds all new kinds of trouble as he bring chaos with him where ever he goes.
There are some other small side stories happening. The largest is with Ryssa, grieving the loss of her lover and new initiate into the faith of the Dreaming God. She is becoming something. Named the Widow, she will have a larger part to play in the overall story it seems.
The pacing in Son of the Poison Rose worked better for me since it was a little more steady overall. With the PoV shifts and the format of the chapters, I felt like the book moved along at a good pace while opening up the work even more to the reader and building on the original story. Jonathan Maberry also did a great job of reminding the reader what happened in the first book without doing an official recap. It had been a little over a year and a half since I read it and I was able to be reminded of the most important parts of the first book while staying engrossed in this one.
The cast of characters is large, but each PoV is important to the overall story. I specifically liked the chapters with the Twins in them. Held at the palace, told by the Witch King, he is their father and forced to be other children, I liked their small rebellions and how they are fighting back in their own ways. As the reader seeing all the PoVs helped build all of the characters even more as they are not all good or all bad but just working most of their own agenda's. Lady Kestral, for instance, won my appreciation and her twist was very interesting to the overall scope of the book.
This is going to work well for people who are fans of Grim Dark and complex fantasy novels. There are a lot of moving parts, morally gray characters and interesting plot lines. I'm so excited to actually see the Dragon in the next book and find how our tale will conclude.
Narration:
Ray Porter is a fantastic narrator with a huge collection of titles in his catalog. For me he is always a win with a rich voice, fantastic diction and pacing of words along with enough variation on voices to carry a story with this many characters. I've never had a bad experience with any book he has narrated and I think he brings a lot of depth to this role. I'm sure that listening to his performance of the second book added to my enjoyment of the overall story.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Son of the Poison Rose is the second book in the Grimdark series, Kagen the Damned . Our story picks up soon after the events of the first book and the thwarted coronation of the Witch King. Kagen, Tuke and Filia are on the run and enemy number ones of the new Yellow Empire. They alone have cast some doubts into the hearts of rulers of the other lands and may be the only reason the Witch King finds himself on the verge of war.
I am going to be one of the few who liked this book more than the first and that is probably because it felt like there was more world and character building moments than in the first book. In Kagen the Damned, I struggled a little because the start of the book was one big battle and then there was Kagen's depression after failing the seedlings and becoming damned. In Son of the Poison Rose, Kagen is still Damned and has a cause to save the two children he saw at the Witch King's palace, two of the seedlings that did survive and the Witch King is pawning them off as his own children. To even hope to win this fight, he will need some new allies and to build an entire army.
With the help of Tuke, Filia and Mother Frey he has a path that might just work, but it means traveling into the treacherous jungles where a race of cannibals live to search for some mystic tombs that may hold the key to the Witch Kings undoing. There will me many trials along the way and some great moments as Kagen becomes 'the hero' of this story. His gods may have turned their back on him but there is something brewing within him and I could see how he was changing from a guy trained to kill and protect, to an actual hero who might be the lynch pin to saving an entire world from the Witch King and his tender mercies.
The Witch King is a cruel master and he proves it ever more in this book. He has called forth beings long asleep to his cause and as they start showing up to the court they bring with them both wonders and horrors. In an attempt to consolidate his power, he will unleash an unspeakable plague on the people to further his ambitions. Using his underlings the Witch King will do horrific things.
Kestral was one of his most prized advisors and underlings. The Witch King has given her a task that is almost impossible and will probably kill her. She is to find Kagen's blood in the hall and create a deadly razor night to hunt him. As she works to her task, we see how it changes a few of the Witch King's other trusted underlings and might sow some distrust as to the safety of their positions too. The arrival of the Prince of Games to court adds all new kinds of trouble as he bring chaos with him where ever he goes.
There are some other small side stories happening. The largest is with Ryssa, grieving the loss of her lover and new initiate into the faith of the Dreaming God. She is becoming something. Named the Widow, she will have a larger part to play in the overall story it seems.
The pacing in Son of the Poison Rose worked better for me since it was a little more steady overall. With the PoV shifts and the format of the chapters, I felt like the book moved along at a good pace while opening up the work even more to the reader and building on the original story. Jonathan Maberry also did a great job of reminding the reader what happened in the first book without doing an official recap. It had been a little over a year and a half since I read it and I was able to be reminded of the most important parts of the first book while staying engrossed in this one.
The cast of characters is large, but each PoV is important to the overall story. I specifically liked the chapters with the Twins in them. Held at the palace, told by the Witch King, he is their father and forced to be other children, I liked their small rebellions and how they are fighting back in their own ways. As the reader seeing all the PoVs helped build all of the characters even more as they are not all good or all bad but just working most of their own agenda's. Lady Kestral, for instance, won my appreciation and her twist was very interesting to the overall scope of the book.
This is going to work well for people who are fans of Grim Dark and complex fantasy novels. There are a lot of moving parts, morally gray characters and interesting plot lines. I'm so excited to actually see the Dragon in the next book and find how our tale will conclude.
Narration:
Ray Porter is a fantastic narrator with a huge collection of titles in his catalog. For me he is always a win with a rich voice, fantastic diction and pacing of words along with enough variation on voices to carry a story with this many characters. I've never had a bad experience with any book he has narrated and I think he brings a lot of depth to this role. I'm sure that listening to his performance of the second book added to my enjoyment of the overall story.
Listen to a clip: HERE
February 21, 2025
This is a solid second installment of the Kagen series. And of course, because this is Jonathan Maberry, there was a battle with the undead. This series is definitely worth a look.
December 12, 2022
As with his deservedly popular Joe Ledger series, Jonathan Maberry creates an intriguing and consistently interesting dark fantasy-horror hybrid with his Kagen the Damned books. I flat-out loved the first installment and this second offering, Son of the Poison Rose is almost as good.
Picking up hot on the heels of the Witch-King's thwarted coronation, Kagen and his small band of not-so-merry warriors and friends, Tuke and Filia, are on the run from an emergent empire that wants them dead and has placed an enormous bounty on their heads. With much of the first half of Son of the Poison Rose fixated on Kagen and company going into hiding and palace intrigue amongst the Witch-King and his brainwashed "children," it takes much longer for this entry to build up a good head of steam. Whereas Kagen the Damned quite literally hit the ground running, thrusting readers straight into a mad and violent sneak attack to topple an empire, this book carries the burden of being a (presumably) middle-entry in a (presumed) trilogy (but hell, I'll certainly take more if the story merits!). The plotting and pacing are much more measured and involved here, setting up several of the pieces to fall later on down the road.
While there are a fair bit of heroic theatrics for Kagen to get involved with, it also feels a bit more weighted down with Kagen and his companions resting at an inn, and eating, and traveling, and resting some more. Even then it's hard to stop turning the pages thanks to the sincere camaraderie binding our heroic triumvirate and the teasing of horrors that await them. It's not until they meet up with a member of the cabal opposing the Haakian overthrow of the Silver Empire that things draw into closer focus and Kagen is given an opportunity to go on the offensive rather than playing defense as he does for much of the book's first half. Dispatched to Vespia, a hidden city in the rainforest populated by cannibals and where even the fiercest warriors fear to read, Kagen must recover the Seven Cryptical Books of Hsan, which promise to end the Witch-King once and for all!
Oh, if only it were that simple, eh?
The biggest draw of the Kagen series for me is Maberry's incorporation of Lovecraftian lore. The Witch-King himself is a devotee of the Shepard god, Hastur, and in a nod to Robert W. Chambers's pre-Lovecraft weird fantasy is often referred to as The King in Yellow. Tuke and his fellow Therians are Dagon worshippers, while other folks follow and wait for the awakening of their sleeping god, Cthulhu. There's plenty of terrific world-building happening throughout this series, and Son of the Poison Rose offers some tantalizing clues about Kagen's place within Maberry's larger body of works (keen-eyed readers may recognize the name Nicodemus, for instance). We also get a spate of various horrors that follow magic's reintroduction to this world, including a brief foray into a haunted house.
And then there's the action... Goddamn, Maberry knows how to write some good action scenes! There's one moment of sheer brutality as Kagen seeks membership amongst the Unbladed that had me wincing, as you could practically feel each freaking hit that followed. The climax is a brilliant assault that finds Kagen and his warriors supremely outnumbered by about a thousand-to-one, and Maberry does an excellent job hammering home the unrelenting nature of war - its ferocity, its moments of heroism and loss, the shifting tides of balance, but most of all, its exhausting nature. Readers are ground down into the dirt every bit as much as Kagen and his compadres, and it's supremely tiring (in a good way, mind you!). By the time the battle was over, I was spent and weary and felt as if I'd just been on the frontlines myself.
But I was also ready for more. I'm not really big a fan of the fantasy genre (at least not in print; fantasy movies and video games are more my speed when it comes to this genre), but there's something about the heady blend of sword-and-sorcery and familiar horror tropes that Maberry has fused together here that just works exceedingly well for me. It also makes me want to explore titles similar to this, if only because I now anticipate quite a long wait for the next entry, which looks to be due out in 2024 or 2025 (gasp!). On the bright side, too, is that at least there's one or two more Joe Ledger books on the way before The Dragon in Winter drops to help tide me over.
Picking up hot on the heels of the Witch-King's thwarted coronation, Kagen and his small band of not-so-merry warriors and friends, Tuke and Filia, are on the run from an emergent empire that wants them dead and has placed an enormous bounty on their heads. With much of the first half of Son of the Poison Rose fixated on Kagen and company going into hiding and palace intrigue amongst the Witch-King and his brainwashed "children," it takes much longer for this entry to build up a good head of steam. Whereas Kagen the Damned quite literally hit the ground running, thrusting readers straight into a mad and violent sneak attack to topple an empire, this book carries the burden of being a (presumably) middle-entry in a (presumed) trilogy (but hell, I'll certainly take more if the story merits!). The plotting and pacing are much more measured and involved here, setting up several of the pieces to fall later on down the road.
While there are a fair bit of heroic theatrics for Kagen to get involved with, it also feels a bit more weighted down with Kagen and his companions resting at an inn, and eating, and traveling, and resting some more. Even then it's hard to stop turning the pages thanks to the sincere camaraderie binding our heroic triumvirate and the teasing of horrors that await them. It's not until they meet up with a member of the cabal opposing the Haakian overthrow of the Silver Empire that things draw into closer focus and Kagen is given an opportunity to go on the offensive rather than playing defense as he does for much of the book's first half. Dispatched to Vespia, a hidden city in the rainforest populated by cannibals and where even the fiercest warriors fear to read, Kagen must recover the Seven Cryptical Books of Hsan, which promise to end the Witch-King once and for all!
Oh, if only it were that simple, eh?
The biggest draw of the Kagen series for me is Maberry's incorporation of Lovecraftian lore. The Witch-King himself is a devotee of the Shepard god, Hastur, and in a nod to Robert W. Chambers's pre-Lovecraft weird fantasy is often referred to as The King in Yellow. Tuke and his fellow Therians are Dagon worshippers, while other folks follow and wait for the awakening of their sleeping god, Cthulhu. There's plenty of terrific world-building happening throughout this series, and Son of the Poison Rose offers some tantalizing clues about Kagen's place within Maberry's larger body of works (keen-eyed readers may recognize the name Nicodemus, for instance). We also get a spate of various horrors that follow magic's reintroduction to this world, including a brief foray into a haunted house.
And then there's the action... Goddamn, Maberry knows how to write some good action scenes! There's one moment of sheer brutality as Kagen seeks membership amongst the Unbladed that had me wincing, as you could practically feel each freaking hit that followed. The climax is a brilliant assault that finds Kagen and his warriors supremely outnumbered by about a thousand-to-one, and Maberry does an excellent job hammering home the unrelenting nature of war - its ferocity, its moments of heroism and loss, the shifting tides of balance, but most of all, its exhausting nature. Readers are ground down into the dirt every bit as much as Kagen and his compadres, and it's supremely tiring (in a good way, mind you!). By the time the battle was over, I was spent and weary and felt as if I'd just been on the frontlines myself.
But I was also ready for more. I'm not really big a fan of the fantasy genre (at least not in print; fantasy movies and video games are more my speed when it comes to this genre), but there's something about the heady blend of sword-and-sorcery and familiar horror tropes that Maberry has fused together here that just works exceedingly well for me. It also makes me want to explore titles similar to this, if only because I now anticipate quite a long wait for the next entry, which looks to be due out in 2024 or 2025 (gasp!). On the bright side, too, is that at least there's one or two more Joe Ledger books on the way before The Dragon in Winter drops to help tide me over.
December 26, 2023
Listen, it’s not very often that I think the second book in a series is as good as the first one. So I am just so very happy to say I thought this was absolutely as good as the first, and just as addictive. I read this during every single spare moment I had this month. I think one of my favorite things, apart from the exceptional storytelling, is the fact that the author has not only crafted an extraordinary and realist protagonist and villain, but also side characters. I will be anxiously awaiting the release of the next book.
February 21, 2023
Jonathan Maberry has really hit the nail on the head with the character of Kagen Vale. He has all the internal turmoil and self loathing that I am looking for from my protagonist; on top of that he gets treated with the ideal amount of humor so that I don’t great dragged down into the depths of despair. Kagen is as close to my perfect protagonist as you can get.
But a great story needs more than just protagonist perfection. It needs the most vile villain; with the Witch-king, Maberry has given us that. If you’ve read Kagen the Damned then you know who this is, if you haven’t, then please read book one in the series. The Witch-king is everything that Kagen is not and exemplifies all that Kagen is.
What would a character like Kagen be without a wondrous world surrounding him? Again, Maberry delivers a rich world filled with a detailed history, topography, and cultures. There is nothing lacking in the world of the Silver Empire. It is easy to picture Kagen’s travels across mountains, through jungles, and with dark forests.
Soundly rounding out Son of the Poison Rose is the supreme supporting cast. With Tuke and Filia featured prominently, the supporting cast brings this book to the next level. They add exactly what needs to be added, precisely when it needed to be added. Even the cannon fodder is allotted the time to make them complete characters. Maberry has gone above and beyond with this book. And with thanks to Tuke, this book has more balls than a stud farm.
Did I like Son of the Poison Rose, you ask. You know I did! Will I read the next book? Yes, please! My only request is that it gets tied up nicely with a trilogy. This is too good to get bogged down in a never-ending series.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
But a great story needs more than just protagonist perfection. It needs the most vile villain; with the Witch-king, Maberry has given us that. If you’ve read Kagen the Damned then you know who this is, if you haven’t, then please read book one in the series. The Witch-king is everything that Kagen is not and exemplifies all that Kagen is.
What would a character like Kagen be without a wondrous world surrounding him? Again, Maberry delivers a rich world filled with a detailed history, topography, and cultures. There is nothing lacking in the world of the Silver Empire. It is easy to picture Kagen’s travels across mountains, through jungles, and with dark forests.
Soundly rounding out Son of the Poison Rose is the supreme supporting cast. With Tuke and Filia featured prominently, the supporting cast brings this book to the next level. They add exactly what needs to be added, precisely when it needed to be added. Even the cannon fodder is allotted the time to make them complete characters. Maberry has gone above and beyond with this book. And with thanks to Tuke, this book has more balls than a stud farm.
Did I like Son of the Poison Rose, you ask. You know I did! Will I read the next book? Yes, please! My only request is that it gets tied up nicely with a trilogy. This is too good to get bogged down in a never-ending series.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
June 8, 2024
I wish I enjoyed this book more than I did but I was really close to dnf’ing this book. I enjoyed how the first book ended and it was enough to get me to continue the series but there was a lot about book one that bothered me. I could not stand the storyline with Ryssa and Miri, which luckily Ryssa’s point of view is minimal in Son of the Poison Rose. I also did not enjoy how crude the characters are regarding sex and the in-depth descriptions given (I’d rather have the fade to black scenes). Fortunately, Son of the Poison Rose improved in this area from Book 1, but it is still there nonetheless.
My main complaint with Son of the Poison Rose is honestly the length. This book is waaayy too long. There are a lot of scenes that are repetitive and a lot of scenes where no movement is made. I felt like Kagen was traveling for months, but in reality, it was only a few days, it just moved so slow. I preferred the point of view of Herepath as it felt more interesting.
I do enjoy the various point-of-views and the chapters are extremely short. It is just this book was unnecessarily long for all that was accomplished. I was so close to dnf’ing this book but I hate when I don’t finish a book.
I was glad I finished because the last 80% of the book did finally pick up and there were a lot of interesting scenes. There are some good fight scenes with Kagen and his friends as well as some good scenes with the twins and Kestral.
Unfortunately, I do not yet know if I want to continue with the last book or not. I am just having a hard time caring about the characters and the story. Whenever I put the book down, it was easy for me to forget about the story, but when I started reading it again, it was engaging. I just could not stay interested when I put the book down.
I was really hoping to enjoy this more, as I have seen so many amazing reviews (especially of book 2) but for some reason it just does not click with me. I know there are a lot of people who would enjoy this because it is engaging and interesting, it is a darker fantasy read. I just cannot seem to find the style of story to my taste.
My main complaint with Son of the Poison Rose is honestly the length. This book is waaayy too long. There are a lot of scenes that are repetitive and a lot of scenes where no movement is made. I felt like Kagen was traveling for months, but in reality, it was only a few days, it just moved so slow. I preferred the point of view of Herepath as it felt more interesting.
I do enjoy the various point-of-views and the chapters are extremely short. It is just this book was unnecessarily long for all that was accomplished. I was so close to dnf’ing this book but I hate when I don’t finish a book.
I was glad I finished because the last 80% of the book did finally pick up and there were a lot of interesting scenes. There are some good fight scenes with Kagen and his friends as well as some good scenes with the twins and Kestral.
Unfortunately, I do not yet know if I want to continue with the last book or not. I am just having a hard time caring about the characters and the story. Whenever I put the book down, it was easy for me to forget about the story, but when I started reading it again, it was engaging. I just could not stay interested when I put the book down.
I was really hoping to enjoy this more, as I have seen so many amazing reviews (especially of book 2) but for some reason it just does not click with me. I know there are a lot of people who would enjoy this because it is engaging and interesting, it is a darker fantasy read. I just cannot seem to find the style of story to my taste.
March 2, 2023
The next part of Kagen the Damned's journey toward revenge had me saying " Are we there yet? Boy Howdy, once we got there. Wow. As always, Mayberry books are too short and never long enough, no matter the page count.
August 17, 2025
It's rare but sometimes after I've read a book it sort of grows and grows on me and I appreciate it more and more.
David Gemmell did it to me time after time and one of the first series I read the Elric of Melnibone books by Michael Moorcock also had this effect on me.
And that's how I felt about Kagen the Damned as I started to read Son of the Poison Rose and I was not disappointed
The world building is very descriptive and even though it's a very long book it doesn't feel like it. You really get drawn into the world and it's got a surprising depth to it. It's a lot of layers but it really works.
Even the desolate and foreboding areas really leap off the page.
The characters are again excellent and we get more of some characters but then less of others.
Kagen of course is the main focus and is at the heart of everything and that's fine. He's a very tortured soul and just when he doesn't think he can sink any lower something happens and he does. But he cares so much about his friends and family and he just refuses to give up. He is single minded and determined and will not test until he can right the wrongs done to him and his friends and family and country.
We get a lot of Filia and Tuke who I really enjoyed finding more about and watch them navigate the world trying to follow the destruction Kagen wreaks on the world.
The witch king too features a lot as does his supporters and it's an interesting portrayal of another tortured character and someone who has his own past and motivation for all his actions and we are starting to get a glimpse of what that is.
We didn't get much Ryssa but I feel she has a very big role coming which I love.
We get a lot of Mother Frey too and she is also a very complex but interesting character.
The plot is very strong and while not complicated or with too many threads it really works so well.
It has fantastic pacing and there are some great action sequences as well as some political intrigue and a historical element that really kept me interested and hooked. As does the magical and sorcery elements that it has too.
Not too many surprises and twists and turns but plenty of suspense and it really builds and builds up to a crescendo which while not a Cliffhanger ending really promises a lot for the next book.
The themes from the first book on loss and grief and family and hanging in there even when things look grim are still very prevalent. It also focuses very heavily on relationships and how important it is to have people who will back you no matter what and finally that love can happen in the strangest of places and connecting the strangest people but it's power is indisputable.
Overall it's got all the elements that I love with it's historical element and sorcery and fantastic world building and amazing characters and strong themes and plot.
It's quite bleak at times and there's lots of blood and guts but it's an excellent fantasy series and I'm really looking forward to the next in the series.
Very highly recommended
David Gemmell did it to me time after time and one of the first series I read the Elric of Melnibone books by Michael Moorcock also had this effect on me.
And that's how I felt about Kagen the Damned as I started to read Son of the Poison Rose and I was not disappointed
The world building is very descriptive and even though it's a very long book it doesn't feel like it. You really get drawn into the world and it's got a surprising depth to it. It's a lot of layers but it really works.
Even the desolate and foreboding areas really leap off the page.
The characters are again excellent and we get more of some characters but then less of others.
Kagen of course is the main focus and is at the heart of everything and that's fine. He's a very tortured soul and just when he doesn't think he can sink any lower something happens and he does. But he cares so much about his friends and family and he just refuses to give up. He is single minded and determined and will not test until he can right the wrongs done to him and his friends and family and country.
We get a lot of Filia and Tuke who I really enjoyed finding more about and watch them navigate the world trying to follow the destruction Kagen wreaks on the world.
The witch king too features a lot as does his supporters and it's an interesting portrayal of another tortured character and someone who has his own past and motivation for all his actions and we are starting to get a glimpse of what that is.
We didn't get much Ryssa but I feel she has a very big role coming which I love.
We get a lot of Mother Frey too and she is also a very complex but interesting character.
The plot is very strong and while not complicated or with too many threads it really works so well.
It has fantastic pacing and there are some great action sequences as well as some political intrigue and a historical element that really kept me interested and hooked. As does the magical and sorcery elements that it has too.
Not too many surprises and twists and turns but plenty of suspense and it really builds and builds up to a crescendo which while not a Cliffhanger ending really promises a lot for the next book.
The themes from the first book on loss and grief and family and hanging in there even when things look grim are still very prevalent. It also focuses very heavily on relationships and how important it is to have people who will back you no matter what and finally that love can happen in the strangest of places and connecting the strangest people but it's power is indisputable.
Overall it's got all the elements that I love with it's historical element and sorcery and fantastic world building and amazing characters and strong themes and plot.
It's quite bleak at times and there's lots of blood and guts but it's an excellent fantasy series and I'm really looking forward to the next in the series.
Very highly recommended
January 24, 2023
It's hard to know where to start when you just want to completely sing the praises of a book. I absolutely LOVED this book. And in theory...I shouldn't have. Odds were never in its favor. First of all, it's the second book in a series which is always a dangerous spot. It's usually the place where the author finds themself throwing in extra information and trying to live up to the first book, but rarely does it exceed it. This one does....at least in my humble opinion. Secondly, it was more than seven hundred pages long. That's often a hard no for me because I find they sometimes contain unnecessary information and tend to drag on. Again...not the case with this book. I ate up every single word in this book. It was addictive.
This entry picks up with our friend Kagen and his cohorts trying to determine their next move. He's trying to process through the information that the Witch-King has basically put a bounty on his head after he tried to kill him. Also, the Witch-King wasn't who he thought it was. He's in fact someone close to Kagen and he's struggling with that knowledge. Through the course of this book so much happens that it's impossible to give it a decent summary without giving away some of the plot and potentially some well-timed twists. So, let's just leave it with this, Jonathan Maberry has more than proven himself as a brilliant dark fantasy author and I simply cannot wait to see what other adventures await Kagen the Damned in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
This entry picks up with our friend Kagen and his cohorts trying to determine their next move. He's trying to process through the information that the Witch-King has basically put a bounty on his head after he tried to kill him. Also, the Witch-King wasn't who he thought it was. He's in fact someone close to Kagen and he's struggling with that knowledge. Through the course of this book so much happens that it's impossible to give it a decent summary without giving away some of the plot and potentially some well-timed twists. So, let's just leave it with this, Jonathan Maberry has more than proven himself as a brilliant dark fantasy author and I simply cannot wait to see what other adventures await Kagen the Damned in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
January 12, 2023
There was a lot of action in this one, brother against brother. Yet it seemed like Kagen was always running a bit behind, remembering a bit more each day that will help him. Along the way he finds people to help him in his journey to stop the Witch King and do what needs to be done. By the end of the book it seems like Kagen has won this battle, but you know there is more to come, nothing really settled yet and neither can underestimate the other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2023
I am loving this series. Kagen and Co. are still trying to find a way to defeat the Witch King.
They may have more allies than before, but there are also more obstacles too. Cannibal warriors and a disease that turns the infected into mindless killing machines are just a couple of the things they need to overcome.
I love these characters so much! I can't wait to read the next one.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc.
They may have more allies than before, but there are also more obstacles too. Cannibal warriors and a disease that turns the infected into mindless killing machines are just a couple of the things they need to overcome.
I love these characters so much! I can't wait to read the next one.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc.
January 12, 2023
I am thoroughly enjoying the quest of this saga with pretty interesting characters and world-building. I am down to keep going further in and maybe even check out some of Maberry's grittier backlog.
I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own
I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own
February 14, 2024
What a ride! Maberry throws everything into this and it works. Everything from necromancy, chutulu, dragons, prophecy, horror and so much more. It's not perfect by any means, but the fantasy world he's building here manages to stay interesting even with all the tropes and familiar fantasy elements.
August 17, 2024
There were moments in this book that had my jaw dropping to the floor. This story is escalating and I am very excited to see where it goes. Still love Kagen's brooding. This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.
May 18, 2024
Honestly, Ray Porter just rocks this narration.....I especially love his reading of Tuke....so damned hilarious!! So much happens in this second book, really glad I listened before hopping into the next book!!!
ARC provided by St Martins Press and Netgalley
**Spoilers for Kagen the Damned**
Kagen Vale: Disgraced warrior, knife fighter extraordinaire, hunted, on the run and searching for the means to end the Witch-king of Hakkia, who's only goal is to see Kagen dead. Son of the Poisoned Rose drops us right back into the fray as Kagen, Filia and Tuke try to outrun the forces of Argentium and get far away so they can rest and make a plan. The other players in the mix: Mother Frey, King Al-huk, Gavran & Foscor, Nespar, Kestral and Ravensmere are all plotting and scheming not only how to find Kagen, but also how to protect their own lives. With everyone working towards different ends, Kagen finally meets up with Mother Frey only to learn he has to return to the deadly jungles of Vespia to locate several magical texts that may help in defeating the Witch-king. There are furious sea battles, more cursed creatures and viscous beings that Kagen, Tuke and Filia all encounter in the quest locate the hidden books.
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first. I love the political machinations and maneuvers of the various parties as they work for any edge in the war they all know is coming. The feel and tension is a bit more slow burn as all the different POV's work thru their plotting but I was always engaged in the story and eager to see where everything was heading. There are several major new players that have come to the aid of the Witch-king and definitely up the creep factor. Kagen also finds some unexpected support in his efforts and I love how his nightbirds stick with him. The core of the story is still Kagen, Tuke and Filia and their dedication to each other and the ultimate goal is really the best part of the series. Tuke and his exclamations are still hilarious and he has become a favorite side character. Enjoyed the addition of Kagen's brothers, Faulker and Jekhlan to the mix as well. That twist at the end.....totally didn't see it coming. I think this sets up what should be a terrific conclusion to the series!!
ARC provided by St Martins Press and Netgalley
**Spoilers for Kagen the Damned**
Kagen Vale: Disgraced warrior, knife fighter extraordinaire, hunted, on the run and searching for the means to end the Witch-king of Hakkia, who's only goal is to see Kagen dead. Son of the Poisoned Rose drops us right back into the fray as Kagen, Filia and Tuke try to outrun the forces of Argentium and get far away so they can rest and make a plan. The other players in the mix: Mother Frey, King Al-huk, Gavran & Foscor, Nespar, Kestral and Ravensmere are all plotting and scheming not only how to find Kagen, but also how to protect their own lives. With everyone working towards different ends, Kagen finally meets up with Mother Frey only to learn he has to return to the deadly jungles of Vespia to locate several magical texts that may help in defeating the Witch-king. There are furious sea battles, more cursed creatures and viscous beings that Kagen, Tuke and Filia all encounter in the quest locate the hidden books.
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first. I love the political machinations and maneuvers of the various parties as they work for any edge in the war they all know is coming. The feel and tension is a bit more slow burn as all the different POV's work thru their plotting but I was always engaged in the story and eager to see where everything was heading. There are several major new players that have come to the aid of the Witch-king and definitely up the creep factor. Kagen also finds some unexpected support in his efforts and I love how his nightbirds stick with him. The core of the story is still Kagen, Tuke and Filia and their dedication to each other and the ultimate goal is really the best part of the series. Tuke and his exclamations are still hilarious and he has become a favorite side character. Enjoyed the addition of Kagen's brothers, Faulker and Jekhlan to the mix as well. That twist at the end.....totally didn't see it coming. I think this sets up what should be a terrific conclusion to the series!!
February 13, 2023
Son of the Poison Rose
by Jonathan Maberry
Fantasy Dark Epic
Kagen Vale, with a price on his head that would make the poorest of men a king, is searching for allies in the coming war against the Witch-king and his followers. And while Kagen understands innocents will die for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the Witch-king is willing to bring those wrong times and places right to the innocents' doorsteps. In order to rule all the lands, he is even willing to destroy his own family.
Because this is the second book in the 'Kagen the Damned' series, I can't go into details, but I can say that this book rambled along with unneeded repetitive telling information as did the first book, though it made more sense because I just finished that one. If I had waited any length of time, the number of characters and the back and forth between them would've confused me to the DNF point. Once in a great while, there was much needed plot information but most of the time it was obvious information, ie the sky is blue, repeated in each of that character's chapters.
It wasn't until the end of the book when it finally got interesting, where information that had something to do with the plot and action started to unveil. These tidbits sprinkled elsewhere would've kept me from falling asleep while my kindle read it to me. (I didn't care that I fell asleep. I didn't go back to find out what I missed 'cause I didn't care.) The blurb has more descriptions and plot than the entire story did.
Will I read the next book in the series? I doubt it. Too much time will pass. Plus, I don't think I could sit through another five to six hundred pages of a telling story that keeps telling me the same things in every other chapter.
2 Stars
by Jonathan Maberry
Fantasy Dark Epic
Kagen Vale, with a price on his head that would make the poorest of men a king, is searching for allies in the coming war against the Witch-king and his followers. And while Kagen understands innocents will die for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the Witch-king is willing to bring those wrong times and places right to the innocents' doorsteps. In order to rule all the lands, he is even willing to destroy his own family.
Because this is the second book in the 'Kagen the Damned' series, I can't go into details, but I can say that this book rambled along with unneeded repetitive telling information as did the first book, though it made more sense because I just finished that one. If I had waited any length of time, the number of characters and the back and forth between them would've confused me to the DNF point. Once in a great while, there was much needed plot information but most of the time it was obvious information, ie the sky is blue, repeated in each of that character's chapters.
It wasn't until the end of the book when it finally got interesting, where information that had something to do with the plot and action started to unveil. These tidbits sprinkled elsewhere would've kept me from falling asleep while my kindle read it to me. (I didn't care that I fell asleep. I didn't go back to find out what I missed 'cause I didn't care.) The blurb has more descriptions and plot than the entire story did.
Will I read the next book in the series? I doubt it. Too much time will pass. Plus, I don't think I could sit through another five to six hundred pages of a telling story that keeps telling me the same things in every other chapter.
2 Stars
February 28, 2023
Son of the Poison Rose is the continuation in the Kagen the Damned series. Kagen Vale is the captain of the palace guard, and protector of the royal's children, his family. His world is ripped apart after the Silver Empire is overtaken by the Witch King of Hakkia. After the big reveal at the end of book #1, this novel begins with Kagen on the run.
After months of self-loathing and grief, Kegan befriends Filia and Tuke. Together, they scheme up a plan to destroy the most evil person known throughout the kingdoms. More than an army, they will need magic on their side. The supporting cast characters, and multiple story lines help in the world-building.. Maberry truly immerses the reader in the experiences, the elements and milestones throughout the story culminating in an epic ending.
This genre is definitely outside my reading preference, but I enjoyed this action packed dark fantasy. It's twists, turns and surprises kept me turning the page of this 704 page novel.
Thank you St. Martins Press for the complimentary copy.
After months of self-loathing and grief, Kegan befriends Filia and Tuke. Together, they scheme up a plan to destroy the most evil person known throughout the kingdoms. More than an army, they will need magic on their side. The supporting cast characters, and multiple story lines help in the world-building.. Maberry truly immerses the reader in the experiences, the elements and milestones throughout the story culminating in an epic ending.
This genre is definitely outside my reading preference, but I enjoyed this action packed dark fantasy. It's twists, turns and surprises kept me turning the page of this 704 page novel.
Thank you St. Martins Press for the complimentary copy.
October 17, 2022
Kagen Vale failed at his sworn duty. The Empress of the Silver Empire and all her children (except two) were murdered. His god has turned his back on him. But, he must do what he can to repair the damage being done to the Empire by his brother, who claimed the throne for the yellow god, Hastur. Magic has returned to the world. Kagen travels with his band of cut-throats to an ice-encased world to retrieve sacred scrolls that might point the way to defeating the new emperor. Meanwhile, the sleeping gods are awakening. World-building at its best with some remarkable characters. Highly recommended
January 13, 2023
I love a complicated fantasy book that takes you down a road you didn’t think it would go. That was what I liked about Kagen the Damned and what I hoped that Son of the Poison Rose would do. This book not only delivered on that expectation but also exceeded what I expected.
Son of the Poison Rose takes place in a complicated but similar world to ours. It was a medium-paced book for about 85%, but it picked up steam towards the end. With how this book ended, any other pacing would have made it impossible to read and retain the information (fast) or made it so dull that people would DNF it after the first few chapters (slow).
Son of the Poison Rose starts shortly after the events in Kagen the Damned. Kagen is determined to discover what happened to his brother, Herepath, to make him turn into the Witch-King. He is not alone in his journey and is aided by his best friends, Tuke and Filia. Their journey takes them from the frozen north to the jungle to uncover secrets left undiscovered for millennia. This book also follows Ryssa as she tries to come to terms with the sacrifice of her lover, Miri, to the god Cthulhu; Mother Frey, as she sets in place a plan to take back the empire; the Witch-King and his cronies dealing with countries that oppose him, and the last two Seedlings, Desalyn and Alleyn, as they try to keep their identities in place and not become Garvan and Foscor, the Witch-King’s children. Enemies are made, countries are destroyed, and alliances are forged as people come together to battle the Witch-King forces. When the dust settles, who will be on top? Will Kagen find out what happened to his brother? Will Ryssa accept Miri’s death? Will Mother Frey get results from everything she’s been doing? Will the Witch-King triumph over his enemies? Will Desalyn/Foscor and Alleyn/Garvan keep their identities?
Son of the Poison Rose is the second book in the Kagen the Damned series. This book cannot be read as a stand-alone book. It will help if you read the first book to understand what is happening in this one.
The characters (primary and secondary) in Son of the Poison Rose were all wonderfully written. The author didn’t write these characters to be loved. These characters got under your skin and sat while you tried to figure out their next move. They were complex and had issues brought to life in the book. The author also didn’t hesitate to kill or maim primary and secondary characters.
Kagen—I wasn’t sure what I would get with him when I started reading Son of the Poison Rose. Finding out who the Witch-King was had badly shaken him at the end of Kagen the Damned. I mean, he had found out that his brother executed 2 of his siblings, their parents, and the entire royal line except for the twins. I would have been in shock too. But he didn’t dwell on it much. Instead, he decided to do something about it. He went north to recruit people to his cause. He discovered that magic had reawakened the world in terrifying ways. And he went to a kingdom avoided by other countries to try and find out how to defeat the Witch-King.
Ryssa—She didn’t get much page time in the book. But, man, it was intense when the author squeezed her in. She was evolving into something more than herself, something that even the Witch-King feared. I cannot wait to see what she will do in Book 3.
Mother Frey—Again, the author gave not much page time to her in the book. And, as with Ryssa, it was explosive when she was in the book. She reminded me of Varys in GoT (with her hands in everything). She manipulated events and people. Plus, she was a tough old bird, and I loved her!! Again, I can’t wait to see what she’ll bring in Book 3.
The Witch-King—He was vicious. His bringing in of the monks and turning people of various villages into undead, and allowing his enemies to find and be killed by them highlighted that to me. But I also got the feeling that he was losing power. There were scenes where he talked about killing Kagen, but after everyone left, he cried. That felt like his “real” personality was breaking through. I am curious to see what he will do after what happened in his tower. And I got some insight into why he targeted the Silver Empire.
Desalyn/Foscor and Alleyn/Garvan—All I have to say is those poor children. They witnessed so much (like their eldest sister’s rape and murder), and they were forced to do things no children should do. Like, beat each other with a rod when they touched. I did like how Lady Kestrel helped him in the end (she realized what was being done to them was awful). Again, I can’t wait to see where their characters will go in Book 3.
Before I get interrupted or forget, this is a long book. It has 704 pages. So you must read it in more than one sitting. It took me several days to read Son of the Poison Rose.
Son of the Poison Rose fits perfectly into the fantasy and horror genre. If I did have to get technical, this could be shelved as a dark fantasy. But since I’m not getting technical, fantasy, it will be.
I will only take the time to outline some of the main storylines in the book. It would make this book tediously long. I will briefly summarize what I thought of all the storylines. They were insanely good, and I couldn’t get enough of them. Even the little snippets of what was happening in the world once the magic was released were unique. My only complaint was that I thought the author drew the undead/pyramid scenes out toward the end of Kagen’s storyline. But it served its purpose, and I can’t wait to see what will happen in this world now!!
There are some major trigger warnings in Son of the Poison Rose. There are explicit scenes of child abuse, graphic violence, gore, self-mutilation, and sexual situations. If any of these triggers you, I recommend not reading this book.
The end of Son of the Poison Rose was a cliffhanger. Usually, I’m not too fond of cliffhangers. They annoy me, but they do their job. I am invested in these characters, and I need to read book 3 to see if there will be any resolution.
I recommend Son of the Poison Rose to anyone over 21. There is explicit violence, language, and sexual situations. Also, see my trigger warnings.
Son of the Poison Rose takes place in a complicated but similar world to ours. It was a medium-paced book for about 85%, but it picked up steam towards the end. With how this book ended, any other pacing would have made it impossible to read and retain the information (fast) or made it so dull that people would DNF it after the first few chapters (slow).
Son of the Poison Rose starts shortly after the events in Kagen the Damned. Kagen is determined to discover what happened to his brother, Herepath, to make him turn into the Witch-King. He is not alone in his journey and is aided by his best friends, Tuke and Filia. Their journey takes them from the frozen north to the jungle to uncover secrets left undiscovered for millennia. This book also follows Ryssa as she tries to come to terms with the sacrifice of her lover, Miri, to the god Cthulhu; Mother Frey, as she sets in place a plan to take back the empire; the Witch-King and his cronies dealing with countries that oppose him, and the last two Seedlings, Desalyn and Alleyn, as they try to keep their identities in place and not become Garvan and Foscor, the Witch-King’s children. Enemies are made, countries are destroyed, and alliances are forged as people come together to battle the Witch-King forces. When the dust settles, who will be on top? Will Kagen find out what happened to his brother? Will Ryssa accept Miri’s death? Will Mother Frey get results from everything she’s been doing? Will the Witch-King triumph over his enemies? Will Desalyn/Foscor and Alleyn/Garvan keep their identities?
Son of the Poison Rose is the second book in the Kagen the Damned series. This book cannot be read as a stand-alone book. It will help if you read the first book to understand what is happening in this one.
The characters (primary and secondary) in Son of the Poison Rose were all wonderfully written. The author didn’t write these characters to be loved. These characters got under your skin and sat while you tried to figure out their next move. They were complex and had issues brought to life in the book. The author also didn’t hesitate to kill or maim primary and secondary characters.
Kagen—I wasn’t sure what I would get with him when I started reading Son of the Poison Rose. Finding out who the Witch-King was had badly shaken him at the end of Kagen the Damned. I mean, he had found out that his brother executed 2 of his siblings, their parents, and the entire royal line except for the twins. I would have been in shock too. But he didn’t dwell on it much. Instead, he decided to do something about it. He went north to recruit people to his cause. He discovered that magic had reawakened the world in terrifying ways. And he went to a kingdom avoided by other countries to try and find out how to defeat the Witch-King.
Ryssa—She didn’t get much page time in the book. But, man, it was intense when the author squeezed her in. She was evolving into something more than herself, something that even the Witch-King feared. I cannot wait to see what she will do in Book 3.
Mother Frey—Again, the author gave not much page time to her in the book. And, as with Ryssa, it was explosive when she was in the book. She reminded me of Varys in GoT (with her hands in everything). She manipulated events and people. Plus, she was a tough old bird, and I loved her!! Again, I can’t wait to see what she’ll bring in Book 3.
The Witch-King—He was vicious. His bringing in of the monks and turning people of various villages into undead, and allowing his enemies to find and be killed by them highlighted that to me. But I also got the feeling that he was losing power. There were scenes where he talked about killing Kagen, but after everyone left, he cried. That felt like his “real” personality was breaking through. I am curious to see what he will do after what happened in his tower. And I got some insight into why he targeted the Silver Empire.
Desalyn/Foscor and Alleyn/Garvan—All I have to say is those poor children. They witnessed so much (like their eldest sister’s rape and murder), and they were forced to do things no children should do. Like, beat each other with a rod when they touched. I did like how Lady Kestrel helped him in the end (she realized what was being done to them was awful). Again, I can’t wait to see where their characters will go in Book 3.
Before I get interrupted or forget, this is a long book. It has 704 pages. So you must read it in more than one sitting. It took me several days to read Son of the Poison Rose.
Son of the Poison Rose fits perfectly into the fantasy and horror genre. If I did have to get technical, this could be shelved as a dark fantasy. But since I’m not getting technical, fantasy, it will be.
I will only take the time to outline some of the main storylines in the book. It would make this book tediously long. I will briefly summarize what I thought of all the storylines. They were insanely good, and I couldn’t get enough of them. Even the little snippets of what was happening in the world once the magic was released were unique. My only complaint was that I thought the author drew the undead/pyramid scenes out toward the end of Kagen’s storyline. But it served its purpose, and I can’t wait to see what will happen in this world now!!
There are some major trigger warnings in Son of the Poison Rose. There are explicit scenes of child abuse, graphic violence, gore, self-mutilation, and sexual situations. If any of these triggers you, I recommend not reading this book.
The end of Son of the Poison Rose was a cliffhanger. Usually, I’m not too fond of cliffhangers. They annoy me, but they do their job. I am invested in these characters, and I need to read book 3 to see if there will be any resolution.
I recommend Son of the Poison Rose to anyone over 21. There is explicit violence, language, and sexual situations. Also, see my trigger warnings.
February 4, 2023
When a novel opens with a map of a fictional land you know you are in for an epic tale. It called to mind Tolkien’s classic novels and the world-building involved that allows readers to fully escape within the fantasy being presented for you. This is how the mammoth new novel from Jonathan Maberry starts.
SON OF THE POISON ROSE is the second novel in the Kagen Vale saga, and it takes the swashbuckling adventure experienced in the first novel to new heights. Kagen is a reluctant hero. An unwilling chosen one. The Poison Rose is both a reference to his late mother and the poison-tainted blades she left him as her legacy. When we first met him, he was the captain of the palace guard charged with protecting the children of the Silver Empire. When the imperial family is killed on his watch, everything in his world changes. He begins a mission that finds him partnered only with his colleagues Tuke and Filia alden-Bok by his side.
The mission for Kagen was to take down the dreaded Witch-king of Hakkia. When he found out that the Witch-king was none other than his own older brother, Herepath, his world is rocked once again. Thus, begins the battle between two brothers, one good one evil, that drives the narrative of SON OF THE POISON ROSE like a raging storm. The first novel already provided enough thrills and graphic battle scenes to engage most any reader of epic fantasy. Now, the second novel delivers fully on this foundation and then some. SON OF THE POISON ROSE is chock-full of battles, suspense, magic, eerie dream premonitions, and even some dark humor. The result is a story that engages and buzzes from start to finish with literally no room to take a breath anywhere within the 700-page novel.
Early on we are regaled with a high seas adventure that includes an epic battle between Kagan and his allies versus the Ravens who are under the command of the Witch-king. The dust barely settles on that when the ship Dagon’s Swan is threatened by a hideous sea creature who resembles a cross between Cthulhu and the Kraken. A good part of the story involves the creation of the two sides in the war and at times readers will wish there was a glossary of character names to go along with the map of this world.
A major part of the battle will be the reputed last remaining dragon. This dragon, named Fabeldyr, is supposedly buried in an icy prison somewhere waiting to be unleashed. Kagen has prophetic dreams throughout the story and some of these deal with his locating and freeing this dragon for the purpose of joining his forces to take on the Witch-king. The outcome of this I will leave to the readers to find out. Let’s just say that there is no shortage of monstrous characters and magic --- both light and dark --- filling the pages of this epic. Things are clearly left for continuation in this saga, much as the first novel left us on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. This is quite welcome because Kagen and his cohorts have now truly endeared themselves to readers of this series and the opportunity to spend more time in this world will be time well-spent.
Jonathan Maberry again shows off with SON OF THE POISON ROSE what a talented writer he is. Above and beyond that, he has crossed multiple genre styles in his prolific career and excelled at each one. The only other modern writer I can think of comparing him to in this accomplishment is Christopher Golden, who also continues to jump genres with each release and never fails to succeed in each effort. Could a Kagen Vale mini-series be on the horizon? I can only hope!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
SON OF THE POISON ROSE is the second novel in the Kagen Vale saga, and it takes the swashbuckling adventure experienced in the first novel to new heights. Kagen is a reluctant hero. An unwilling chosen one. The Poison Rose is both a reference to his late mother and the poison-tainted blades she left him as her legacy. When we first met him, he was the captain of the palace guard charged with protecting the children of the Silver Empire. When the imperial family is killed on his watch, everything in his world changes. He begins a mission that finds him partnered only with his colleagues Tuke and Filia alden-Bok by his side.
The mission for Kagen was to take down the dreaded Witch-king of Hakkia. When he found out that the Witch-king was none other than his own older brother, Herepath, his world is rocked once again. Thus, begins the battle between two brothers, one good one evil, that drives the narrative of SON OF THE POISON ROSE like a raging storm. The first novel already provided enough thrills and graphic battle scenes to engage most any reader of epic fantasy. Now, the second novel delivers fully on this foundation and then some. SON OF THE POISON ROSE is chock-full of battles, suspense, magic, eerie dream premonitions, and even some dark humor. The result is a story that engages and buzzes from start to finish with literally no room to take a breath anywhere within the 700-page novel.
Early on we are regaled with a high seas adventure that includes an epic battle between Kagan and his allies versus the Ravens who are under the command of the Witch-king. The dust barely settles on that when the ship Dagon’s Swan is threatened by a hideous sea creature who resembles a cross between Cthulhu and the Kraken. A good part of the story involves the creation of the two sides in the war and at times readers will wish there was a glossary of character names to go along with the map of this world.
A major part of the battle will be the reputed last remaining dragon. This dragon, named Fabeldyr, is supposedly buried in an icy prison somewhere waiting to be unleashed. Kagen has prophetic dreams throughout the story and some of these deal with his locating and freeing this dragon for the purpose of joining his forces to take on the Witch-king. The outcome of this I will leave to the readers to find out. Let’s just say that there is no shortage of monstrous characters and magic --- both light and dark --- filling the pages of this epic. Things are clearly left for continuation in this saga, much as the first novel left us on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. This is quite welcome because Kagen and his cohorts have now truly endeared themselves to readers of this series and the opportunity to spend more time in this world will be time well-spent.
Jonathan Maberry again shows off with SON OF THE POISON ROSE what a talented writer he is. Above and beyond that, he has crossed multiple genre styles in his prolific career and excelled at each one. The only other modern writer I can think of comparing him to in this accomplishment is Christopher Golden, who also continues to jump genres with each release and never fails to succeed in each effort. Could a Kagen Vale mini-series be on the horizon? I can only hope!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
January 23, 2023
4.5 Stars ⭐️
I have to admit something. First of all, I really love Mr. Maberry - specifically his Joe Ledger series. A year or so ago, I was awarded the first book in this series (Kagen the Damned) as an ARC and boy oh boy was it a challenge for me to get through. I really had a problem getting into the book (you can see my review for more info... ). But, to be fair, after the first 60% of the book, I was totally invested and ended up really liking it.
With that being said, when I was offered the ARC for the second book, I was a bit hesitant. For some reason, I kept putting it off various reasons (i.e. telling myself it was so long and wasn't sure I wanted to invest the time right now, etc....) I know, I know...excuses excuses....
Well, I am EXTREMELY thrilled to say that I ended up REALLY loving this book. I mean, seriously loving it. All of the work that was put into the character development in the first book, put together with the completely unusual world building made it extremely easy to slip right back in where we left off. It also helps that the drunk, whiny and self-destructive Kagen is gone and now we get to follow along with him and his two sidekicks as he starts to evolve into the Kagen we have been waiting for - Kagen the Hero.
The story plotline continues to keep you guessing and things are revealed at a good pace - slow enough to still build up the excitement, yet fast enough to not get bogged down with the minutia.
I was NOT expecting the fact that this book would not be the end of the series and that there would be another book so that did come as a bit of a surprise. Actually, the build up - especially the events in the last 25% of this book - has me very interested to see where we are going to go after the events in this book. It amazes me that I have gone from seriously NOT liking Kagen, to not only liking him, but to actually rooting for him.
So- I can now honestly say that Mr. Maberry's foray into the grimdark fantasy genre is a rousing success...at least for me. I'm now going to make sure I request the ARC for the next book when it is available.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine above.
I have to admit something. First of all, I really love Mr. Maberry - specifically his Joe Ledger series. A year or so ago, I was awarded the first book in this series (Kagen the Damned) as an ARC and boy oh boy was it a challenge for me to get through. I really had a problem getting into the book (you can see my review for more info... ). But, to be fair, after the first 60% of the book, I was totally invested and ended up really liking it.
With that being said, when I was offered the ARC for the second book, I was a bit hesitant. For some reason, I kept putting it off various reasons (i.e. telling myself it was so long and wasn't sure I wanted to invest the time right now, etc....) I know, I know...excuses excuses....
Well, I am EXTREMELY thrilled to say that I ended up REALLY loving this book. I mean, seriously loving it. All of the work that was put into the character development in the first book, put together with the completely unusual world building made it extremely easy to slip right back in where we left off. It also helps that the drunk, whiny and self-destructive Kagen is gone and now we get to follow along with him and his two sidekicks as he starts to evolve into the Kagen we have been waiting for - Kagen the Hero.
The story plotline continues to keep you guessing and things are revealed at a good pace - slow enough to still build up the excitement, yet fast enough to not get bogged down with the minutia.
I was NOT expecting the fact that this book would not be the end of the series and that there would be another book so that did come as a bit of a surprise. Actually, the build up - especially the events in the last 25% of this book - has me very interested to see where we are going to go after the events in this book. It amazes me that I have gone from seriously NOT liking Kagen, to not only liking him, but to actually rooting for him.
So- I can now honestly say that Mr. Maberry's foray into the grimdark fantasy genre is a rousing success...at least for me. I'm now going to make sure I request the ARC for the next book when it is available.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine above.
January 20, 2023
Well, hell.
This book had a couple of things going against it right from the get-go.
The first is, it's the middle book in a trilogy, and honestly, I usually find this is where all the info you need is dumped, nothing is resolved, and the characters are just run through their necessary paces before we get to the crazy, wonderful denouement that is the third book. And yeah, that's what this is.
The second is, this one took a bit to get going. Yes, it's a long book, and in typical Maberry fashion, its intricately plotted, with a lot of moving pieces.
However, Maberry swept aside all concerns because, while this was the middle book, with all its middle book cliches, and it took a while to get going...it really didn't take me long to get sucked back into this world and just sit back and let this story wash over me.
And holy shit, what Maberry pulls off here is nothing short of magnificent. There was a point, right toward the end of Part Three where, if I'd been a touch more immature than I am (yes, I know, a virtually impossible lower setting of maturity), I would have dropped the book, stood up, and done a fist pump, then and end-zone dance. It was that frigging good.
So, hell yes, I'm desperately waiting for the next book. Kagen will never replace Joe Ledger, but hot damn, he comes close.
This book had a couple of things going against it right from the get-go.
The first is, it's the middle book in a trilogy, and honestly, I usually find this is where all the info you need is dumped, nothing is resolved, and the characters are just run through their necessary paces before we get to the crazy, wonderful denouement that is the third book. And yeah, that's what this is.
The second is, this one took a bit to get going. Yes, it's a long book, and in typical Maberry fashion, its intricately plotted, with a lot of moving pieces.
However, Maberry swept aside all concerns because, while this was the middle book, with all its middle book cliches, and it took a while to get going...it really didn't take me long to get sucked back into this world and just sit back and let this story wash over me.
And holy shit, what Maberry pulls off here is nothing short of magnificent. There was a point, right toward the end of Part Three where, if I'd been a touch more immature than I am (yes, I know, a virtually impossible lower setting of maturity), I would have dropped the book, stood up, and done a fist pump, then and end-zone dance. It was that frigging good.
So, hell yes, I'm desperately waiting for the next book. Kagen will never replace Joe Ledger, but hot damn, he comes close.
March 18, 2023
"Son of the Poison Rose" is the second book of the Kagen the Damned series by Jonathan Maberry and it is just as action-packed as the first one.
I'm not certain every fan of fantasy fiction would dig this series. It is written in a very unconventional style, much more akin to Maberry's Joe Ledger series of action-thrillers. It combines Lovecraftian mythos with theological mashups and seems to be influenced heavily by some of the early day "sword and sandals" writing tropes which have not aged all that well.
Fortunately, I was essentially raised on that perspective as a kid, reading under the blankets, well past my bed time.
The action comes fast and furious, the body counts are high, every chapter brings another enigma to unravel. Perils come in forms mundane and magic, our heroic band is always outnumbered and revelations occur with alarming frequency. Just a juicy, fat, fun read about a guy consumed by vengeance who is just now realizing that is not a great spot to be in.
Just a fun read.
I'm not certain every fan of fantasy fiction would dig this series. It is written in a very unconventional style, much more akin to Maberry's Joe Ledger series of action-thrillers. It combines Lovecraftian mythos with theological mashups and seems to be influenced heavily by some of the early day "sword and sandals" writing tropes which have not aged all that well.
Fortunately, I was essentially raised on that perspective as a kid, reading under the blankets, well past my bed time.
The action comes fast and furious, the body counts are high, every chapter brings another enigma to unravel. Perils come in forms mundane and magic, our heroic band is always outnumbered and revelations occur with alarming frequency. Just a juicy, fat, fun read about a guy consumed by vengeance who is just now realizing that is not a great spot to be in.
Just a fun read.
January 5, 2023
Action-packed second installment of the Kagen the Damned saga. Darker magics plague Kagen on this more perilous leg of his quest to defeat the Witch-King. Even with all his allies, can he hope to bring destruction to the ruler of chaos?
We also get tantalizing glimpses into the long history of the world which lies tens of thousands of years in our future!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my free copy. These opinions are my own.
We also get tantalizing glimpses into the long history of the world which lies tens of thousands of years in our future!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my free copy. These opinions are my own.
February 22, 2023
Great story - excited for the third volume to come out. Kagen is a fascinating character and the world Mayberry has built here is awesome. That being said I wouldn’t recommend for young readers. Mayberry is a bit of a pervert and there were some sections of graphic perversion I had to skip past. Also had some strong language.
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