In Chase Kilgore's Discord, the second book in the De'Vas Chronicles, Ash, the exiled boss of District 114, finds his hard-won peace shattered. Political unrest plagues the council, and enemies seek retribution for past actions, targeting Ash's allies. He's thrust into a precarious situation mediating between a formidable clan and the daughter of a man he killed, forcing him to question his loyalties. Adding to the turmoil, Ash's own magic turns against him, threatening his very existence. Life in De'Vas is a constant struggle for survival, and in this gripping sequel, Ash must fight not only external forces but also his own inner demons to survive. Will he succeed, or will discord claim him?
Review Discord
Discord: De'Vas Chronicles Book 2 was a wild ride! As a huge fan of the first book, I was eager to see what happened next to Ash and his ever-expanding… entourage. And let me tell you, Chase Kilgore didn't disappoint. This sequel is a solid, fun continuation of the story, packing in even more action, intrigue, and surprisingly heartfelt moments.
The world-building continues to shine. De’Vas feels even more fleshed out in this installment, with the political machinations and inter-clan dynamics adding layers of complexity that I really appreciated. The introduction of new conflicts, both internal to Ash and external to De’Vas itself, kept the plot moving at a brisk pace. I never felt bored, and the cliffhanger ending had me practically leaping for the next book in the series.
One of the things I loved most about Discord was the character development. Ash, while still somewhat dense regarding romantic entanglements (much to the amusement of the readers, I'm sure!), shows growth and faces consequences for his past actions. Seeing him grapple with the weight of his power and the moral grey areas he navigates was fascinating. And the women in his life – Faylen, Naomi, Lilly, and the others – are anything but one-dimensional. Kilgore avoids the common pitfalls of harem-style fiction, giving each woman a distinct personality, motivations, and their own compelling arcs. They're not just love interests; they're complex, relatable characters with their own strengths and flaws, each contributing uniquely to the story.
The humor sprinkled throughout the book helped to balance the heavier moments, and the overall tone remained light and engaging even amidst the intense situations. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Ash and his companions, their banter and loyalty adding a layer of warmth to the narrative. The author skillfully blends action sequences with moments of introspection, allowing for a satisfying emotional depth.
Now, let's be real, there were a few typos here and there – a minor complaint that didn't detract significantly from my enjoyment of the story. This isn't a heavily edited professional work, but the engaging plot and characters more than make up for it. It's clear that Kilgore is a passionate writer with a knack for crafting compelling characters and a fascinating world. The sheer inventiveness – laser pointers being a menace, for example – is a testament to this.
Overall, Discord is a fantastic read and a highly recommended addition to any fantasy fan’s library. The story is captivating, the characters are memorable, and the world is richly imagined. I'm already eagerly awaiting the next book and I can’t wait to see what challenges await Ash and his companions. If you enjoyed the first book, you absolutely won't want to miss this one. And even if you haven't read the first book yet, I highly encourage you to jump in – just be warned, you might find yourself completely hooked!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.06 x 0.76 x 7.81 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 301
- Publication date: 2025
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