Review: Outstanding Book Two
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 24, 2013
I enjoyed the first novel in this series but was concerned that the plot was somewhat murky and that there were too many characters with mysterious roles.  Author has done a great job in this novel to bring much more clarity to the underlying conflict and the significance of the various characters' roles.  Author has used a difficult technique well as this story is split between the same time frame of the first novel and historic events underlying the current conflicts.  Early in my reading, I was somewhat concerned that the split timeline would not result in two compelling story lines.  However, I found both story lines to be equally compelling and enjoyed reading this novel very much.  It is fascinating to read the background in how the clans split and the Benesh'ere were exiled.  Primary plot element for this novel is the Benesh'ere legend of the last SteelMaster returning to complete the Seven Deeds.  The progression through these deeds also brings much more clarity to the earlier introduced characters of Metadon, Ellowyn and Aethon.  This series is progressing extremely well and I look forward to the next novel.The Gods Within series currently consists ofChild of the Swordand The SteelMaster of the Indwallin.  Author's website indicates now indicates that this series will be 4 books. Blog notes that the third novel, The Heart of the Sands, is complete but pending editing, proofing and formatting which should be complete in late September or October.No significant editing issues were noted.  The Child of the Sword is 5,564 Kindle locations long - including a short excerpt for the next novel.  Standard length "paperback" novels seem to run in the 4,500 to 7,000 plus Kindle location range.  Long novels can range from 15,000 to 20,000 plus Kindle locations.  UPDATED:  April 29 Blog regarding 4 books.  July 27 Blog regarding Book 3 completion and timing.