I'm out; I have no idea beyond character and place names what this has to do with the first book in series.

Honestly, it's a combination of horror and serial killer with the heroine gone TSTL and lots of everyone murking about alleys either doing the murdering or seeking the murderer.

Not my cup of tea. Not even willing to skim to finish, boring old mucking around city streets interspersed with horror scenes... ( )

First I have to say, evil author alert (in a good way of course!). This time I stopped reading and shouted no!!! (and by now my poor bf is used to me going crazy over a book). So he "listened" while I rambled on and cursed the author and then hurried and finished the rest of the book. I think Marmell might just take the first place for biggest shock in a book this year. *still in shock*. Well done there.

As for the book, I do like Widdershins and her constant companion Olgun, and I am so curious about him. I do want to know more about this Northern God that no one knows about anymore. And Widdershins is kick-ass and cool. A great thief, not so great at keeping a tavern though. And a knack for getting into trouble, with everyone! This time with the church, among others as things are not good in Davillion at the moment.

There is action, adventure and even a hint of romance, a tiny hint but hey I do not need much and I like Julian who is everything she should stay away from, a Guard. But there is something there and he is also someone she can trust. And of course I like him, he is also a great side character to just have around. Poor Widdershins needs some good people around her.

Now I starting to feel at a loss for words again. Great book, and it sure made me want more. I need more! More please with sugar on top. Like now.

Final thoughts:
Recommended series that will keep you on the edge of your seats. Widdershins is my kind of heroine. Go forth and read.

Cover:
Cool ( )

False Covenant is as good as, if not better, than the first book. The plot is fantastic, the relationship between Widdershins and Olgun is as compelling as ever, and the villain is beyond creepy. In fact, the best part of the entire novel is the villain’s dialogue. We also learn more about Widdershins’ friends and get introduced to Igraine and Evrard, who quickly became two of my favorite supporting characters. Once again, I feel that this series has a very adult tone, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to someone interested in more mature fantasy novels.

The main reason why I haven’t rated this book five stars is because a major character dies towards the end. I should have realized after reading Thief’s Covenant that Marmell loves to kill off his characters, sometimes for no discernible reason other than to devastate Widdershins. But the death in this book is particularly troublesome because the character who gets the axe is one I had truly grown to love. I suppose one could argue that this character’s death is the impetus for the decision Widdershins makes in the epilogue, opening up many doors for new adventures. But still, I wish Marmell had found a better way to get there than by killing off yet another supporting character.

Ultimately, I did love this story, and I’m definitely going to pick up the third book in the series. But now I know: no character is safe. Anyone can die at any time for any reason. Fair warning. ( )

First let me begin this review by stating how much I liked the first book of the Widdershins Adventures series, Thief's Covenant. That, however, still left me quite unprepared for how much I enjoyed this book, its follow-up. To be honest, I'm still reeling from the ending, and feeling not just a little bit heartbroken, but only because of how the story impacted me so emphatically. A book that makes me feel like this, even if it's like a punch in the gut, surely deserves my admiration and compliments!

But more on that later, after I revel in how much fun it was to return to Davillon, catching up with Widdershins and her friends. The events of the last book have not left our protagonist in a very good place, however. The guilt over the deaths of two people close to her still weighs on her conscience, and she has taken to thieving again in order to support the beloved tavern she inherited. The minor god Olgun, whose worshipper-base consists of only Widdershins, is still a constant presence in her life, enhancing her abilities to sneak and steal.

Then, reports start coming in about a creature of nightmare stalking the streets. At first, no one is hurt, but soon the attacks turn deadly. The city guard are baffled and are in way over their heads. And as much as Widdershins would like to stay out of it, trouble always ends up finding her. Drawn into a battle against a supernatural terror, she must use all her wits to save her friends and Davillon against the greatest threat the city has ever faced.

That I liked this book more than the first one is probably an accurate assessment. Don't get me wrong, Thief's Covenant was no slouch, but there were some slow parts I had to get through before I started warming up to it. I guess one advantage of subsequent books in a series is that the story can start right away, without having to go through all the motions of explaining background or character history. Unlike my experience with the first book, I was drawn in by False Covenant almost as soon as I started.

Also, I think I remember calling this a "cute" series. Time for me to re-evaluate that, perhaps. Not that there aren't a lot of light moments in these books; I still find lots to laugh about, especially in Widdershin's fiery and impulsive personality, not to mention her humorous banter with Olgun. Once again, Ari Marmell does a fantastic job pulling off their strange relationship as well as the their conversations that to all outward appearances seem one-sided. I don't think I'll ever get tired of those scenes, which are an endless source of entertainment!

However, there's a darkness to this series as well, which I'm just now starting to fully realize and appreciate. False Covenant strikes a good balance between that and the lightness, injecting mystery and even a bit of horror into the story. I found myself downright creeped out at times. This second book really raises the stakes, taking things to the next level and keeping you on your toes because you never know what might happen next. Ari Marmell doesn't pull any punches here.

Speaking of which, the ending. Ugh. It's hard merely thinking about it let alone having to write about it, which is just as well because I wouldn't want to spoil anything. Definitely, the characterization has gotten a lot better, and I feel a connection to Widdershins, feeling as she does about the other characters around her whether they are friend, foe, or not-sure-which. The book keeps you guessing, while still developing those character relationships and even some romance. It was all very engaging, which is why I find myself now still feeling so stunned. Those final scenes were phenomenally well done and suspenseful, and the way things ended was totally unexpected.

This seems to be one of those series that gets better the more I read. I'm so glad I caught up in time for the third book coming out in December, because now I can't wait to see what comes next. ( )

For loving the first book so much, I knew I couldn't wait ti dive into the second book and see what adventures Widdershins gets herself into. This time, a villian so evil comes and trust me you want to meet him. (Laughs with evil intent) This book leaves off right where the first one ends and from the first chapter, I was entangled to continue on.

Widdershins is such an amazing girl, any girl would want to be her. Sometimes! She has an amazing, courageous heart that although gets her in tight spots sometimes but always does it with good intent. Throughout this book she has some gentleman crushing on her but to know who, you got to read.

This book was filled with a lot of twists and turns and left me never knowing what was going to happen next. It was fast-paced and before I even knew it, I was half-way done with the book.

The ending was one that makes me wishing for the next book. It had me wanting to scream out loud but than my mom wouldn't be to happy with that. If your a lover of fantasy and a kicking girl, I recommend this book to you.

I give this book 5 souls! ( )