Martin & Adora from The Hero's Lot by Patrick W. Carr

Patrick W. Carr’s wonderful saga continues with “The Hero’s Lot.”  If you haven’t read the first book, “A Cast of Stones,” don’t bother jumping in part way, make sure you start from the beginning.  The second book picks up where the first left off and continues with Errol’s story.  Since I focused on Errol’s character in my review of the first book, I’d like to discuss some of the other characters this time.

 

Ideas for Adora's look

This is not a romance trilogy, but in this book, the spark of interest between Errol and Adora has flamed into an unwavering relationship.  We get to know Adora, her spirit, determination and strength, as her character is developed throughout the book, but we’re never given any thoughts directly from her perspective.  I’m so used to reading romance stories that switch between the man’s perspective and the woman’s that it was different to read only Errol’s thoughts, but no less enjoyable.  The story switches instead, between Errol’s perspective and Martin’s perspective, since for the greater part of the book they are on separate quests.  As much as I want to go on about Adora, because princesses are always such fun, really the second most important character in this installment is Martin.

Adora

My favorite chapter involving Adora is “Blood Rose.”  In this chapter, the intensity of Errol & Adora’s feelings for each other comes to the forefront.  While attending a wedding ceremony, Errol is thrust to the dance floor, being the highest ranking eligible bachelor in attendance, and is offered a rose by each lady seeking his betrothal.  To accept the rose, is to accept the lady who offers it.

Martin

Back to Martin… Martin is not a glamorous character.  He is a fat, middle-aged high ranking priest (Benefice) with a desire to protect the kingdom.  He is earnest and kind, but not without regrets from past mistakes made.  Following Martin’s side of the story you learn about the world’s framework and history with each new discovery he makes.  Why is Errol important?  Who are the Solis?  Does Aurae really speak to men directly?  The answers to all these questions do not disappoint, but of course I’m not going to explain any of them because you’ll just have to read the book yourself if you haven’t yet!

Martin's description from "A Cast of Stones"-

“Martin glided into the room, resplendent in red robes with a wide gold belt and a large silver chain of office around his neck. With a serene nod, he bade them to stand. Errol gaped. The air of authority surrounding Martin appeared so natural. How had he ever thought him to be a simple priest?”

More Characters

Before I sign off, I want to add that I was happy most of the characters from the first book returned in this one, and many of the secondary characters continued to grow and develop.  It was fun getting to spend time with Rokha, Ru, Merodoch, Cruk, and Rale again.  I admit I was a little afraid that this second book wouldn’t live up to the first, but with each chapter I was drawn further into the world as the story continued to build on itself flawlessly.  I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, “A Draw of Kings” which comes out in February!

-Monica

I was given a review copy from the publisher in exchange for my opinion.