The second book in Rob Blackwell’s Sanheim Chronicles bursts forth to provide a rollicking gallop atop a midnight steed.
The Headless Horseman returns in this thrilling sequel to A Soul to Steal, this time as one half of The Prince of Sanheim; the half who is also reporter, Quinn O’Brion. By his side is his lovely counterpart and fellow journalist—Kate Tassel. After defeating the murderous Lord Halloween in A Soul to Steal, the duo is more powerful, and as Halloween approaches they must face new challenges, like how to harness their abilities to fight for good.
There is, you see, another twosome who claims the title Prince of Sanheim, and Quinn and Kate are in for the fight of their lives if they hope to save Loudon County from their nemesis. Throughout the book, Kate is on a journey of discovery. She doesn’t yet know what she has become or what her abilities are. While it seems Quinn knows his cennad quite well (as he defeated him in Book One and has now become him), Kate is unsure and frustrated. Readers will be happy to learn that Quinn and Kate remain deeply in love and will attempt to figure it all out together.
As readers become ensconced in a world of Celtic myth, various lurking creatures come forth as October 31st looms in the near future. With the aid of a mysterious man named Kieran, and hopefully the support of their new editor who was also closely acquainted with Lord Halloween, Quinn and Kate are able to face the evil Sawyer and Elyssa in battle, but are not fully aware of what they are up against. When their opponents’ true nature is revealed, Quinn and Kate must move quickly to prepare for a battle to the finish. The main problem seems to be the time it takes for that revelation to occur. Will it happen by Halloween? Will Kate learn what she is and what she must do? What doe Samhein himself want from all of this?
Not only are the intricacies of Blackwell’s tale well-planned and flawlessly executed, there is a consistent element of surprise. While A Soul to Steal was undoubtedly an adventure worth taking, its sequel is the journey of a lifetime. The Irish lore that Quinn and Kate delve into in order to decipher their opposition is thoroughly fascinating and obviously the result of deep research on the author’s part.
You won’t find any spoilers here, but Band of Demons promises plot twists that will have you gasping for air. Between the absolute devotion that Quinn and Kate share and skills that each character exhibits at just the right moment, pages will be turned in continual anticipation. The best part—this is book two of three.
Reviewed by Keri English for Indie Reader