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The Chronicles of Dorsa #2
Soldier of Dorsa
A war is brewing in the Empire.
Not the War in the East — that is a war everyone already knows about, the war that some wanted to end so badly that they murdered an Emperor to stop it. No, this is a different war. A war between the Shadowlands and the mortal world, a war between light and darkness. A war the Brotherhood of Culo has warned about for generations. But no one wanted to listen.
And as war brews, an Empress in exile struggles to regain her crown, and the warrior sworn to protect that Empress fights to make it back to her. Yet the warrior faces an enemy which even she, the Empire’s greatest living sword master, may not be able to defeat: The warrior battles time itself.
And time is running out for the soldiers of the House of Dorsa.
The shadows are coming. Can you hear them?
This is book 2 in a series of 3. Read Princess of Dorsa first!
Not the War in the East — that is a war everyone already knows about, the war that some wanted to end so badly that they murdered an Emperor to stop it. No, this is a different war. A war between the Shadowlands and the mortal world, a war between light and darkness. A war the Brotherhood of Culo has warned about for generations. But no one wanted to listen.
And as war brews, an Empress in exile struggles to regain her crown, and the warrior sworn to protect that Empress fights to make it back to her. Yet the warrior faces an enemy which even she, the Empire’s greatest living sword master, may not be able to defeat: The warrior battles time itself.
And time is running out for the soldiers of the House of Dorsa.
The shadows are coming. Can you hear them?
This is book 2 in a series of 3. Read Princess of Dorsa first!
586 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2020
About the author
Eliza Andrews
17 books367 followersWhen I started thinking of a new pen name to write fiction featuring lesbian protagonists, I commandeered the name of an ancestor. Eliza Frances Andrews was an interesting woman, one I have mixed feelings about. A southern belle who lived through the civil war as the privileged daughter of a prominent plantation owner, she refused to marry "below her station" after the war and therefore set about creating her own career -- highly unusual for a woman of her day and age. Eventually she became a teacher, novelist, and world-renowned botanist. And interestingly, a socialist.
But she was quite racist and I can only imagine what she would have to say about LGBTQ people. It is therefore somewhat tongue-in-cheek to borrow her name; it is my reimagining of Eliza if she'd grown up in the 21st century rather than the 19th, after women's lib and the Civil Rights movement and Stonewall. Perhaps a 21st-century Eliza would grin at me and say, "Right on." Perhaps the 19th-century Eliza is rolling over in her grave -- if she is, call it karmic justice.
Reach out anytime: [email protected].
PS, I also write young adult science fiction / fantasy under the name R. A. Marshall (another borrowed name). LGBTQ readers might enjoy the Lost Children trilogy.
But she was quite racist and I can only imagine what she would have to say about LGBTQ people. It is therefore somewhat tongue-in-cheek to borrow her name; it is my reimagining of Eliza if she'd grown up in the 21st century rather than the 19th, after women's lib and the Civil Rights movement and Stonewall. Perhaps a 21st-century Eliza would grin at me and say, "Right on." Perhaps the 19th-century Eliza is rolling over in her grave -- if she is, call it karmic justice.
Reach out anytime: [email protected].
PS, I also write young adult science fiction / fantasy under the name R. A. Marshall (another borrowed name). LGBTQ readers might enjoy the Lost Children trilogy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
April 18, 2021
I feel like I was one of the biggest cheerleaders for the first book, Princess of Dorsa. That has to be top 10 of my lesfic favorites.
Maybe I was overly excited, had too many expectations, and had to wait too long for Solider of Dorsa. Because I mainly just feel disappointed after getting through this.
I can't think of anything worse in a book for me, than the two main characters being separated for a long period of time. This would break some kind of record for length, I'm sure.
Another thing I don't like in books is an abundance of flashbacks. Which this has too many of.
I enjoyed the politics at play. I liked to see the struggle of being the rightful heir to the throne and trying to gain support. There were some exciting and suspenseful moments.
But in between those exciting and suspenseful moments there was a lot of text that I had a trouble getting through.
I will definitely be reading book 3. I hope we don't have to wait as long for that one as we did for this one.
Maybe I was overly excited, had too many expectations, and had to wait too long for Solider of Dorsa. Because I mainly just feel disappointed after getting through this.
I can't think of anything worse in a book for me, than the two main characters being separated for a long period of time. This would break some kind of record for length, I'm sure.
Another thing I don't like in books is an abundance of flashbacks. Which this has too many of.
I enjoyed the politics at play. I liked to see the struggle of being the rightful heir to the throne and trying to gain support. There were some exciting and suspenseful moments.
But in between those exciting and suspenseful moments there was a lot of text that I had a trouble getting through.
I will definitely be reading book 3. I hope we don't have to wait as long for that one as we did for this one.
August 21, 2020
3 Stars - flashbacks really dragged the pacing - struggled to finish it
The audiobook version of this book is almost 22 hours. It felt like twice that length. There were so many flashbacks, way too many imo. Even during the rising action of the ending,
book: Oop! holl-up a minute! FLASHBACK.
me: Noooooo....wwwwhhhyyyy??? :(
I also found the story very frustrating.
One, our heroes are NOT TOGETHER for almost the entire book. The story is a million times more interesting when they team up.
Two, every thing they try to accomplish either doesn't work, only kinda works or worked but they really should have maybe been doing something different (that was suggested to them) but they choose not to do.
Three, what was the point of the Milo character?
Seems like a lot of people liked this way better then I did, so definitely read some of the other reviews and make your own decision.
I am going to post some massive spoilers below so if I decide to read the third book, I will not have a slog through this one again. DO NOT click the link unless you have read the book. You have been WARNED. :)
The audiobook version of this book is almost 22 hours. It felt like twice that length. There were so many flashbacks, way too many imo. Even during the rising action of the ending,
book: Oop! holl-up a minute! FLASHBACK.
me: Noooooo....wwwwhhhyyyy??? :(
I also found the story very frustrating.
One, our heroes are NOT TOGETHER for almost the entire book. The story is a million times more interesting when they team up.
Two, every thing they try to accomplish either doesn't work, only kinda works or worked but they really should have maybe been doing something different (that was suggested to them) but they choose not to do.
Three, what was the point of the Milo character?
Seems like a lot of people liked this way better then I did, so definitely read some of the other reviews and make your own decision.
I am going to post some massive spoilers below so if I decide to read the third book, I will not have a slog through this one again. DO NOT click the link unless you have read the book. You have been WARNED. :)
July 14, 2020
Review of ‘Soldier of Dorsa’ by Eliza Andrews, Audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Saydah
What an epic lesbian fantasy book series! ‘The Chronicles of Dorsa’ is a combination of Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter but with a great lesbian romance thrown in the mix. ‘Soldier of Dorsa’ is book two of the series which I recommend reading/listening in order. It’s not an imposition as it’s action-packed, entertaining, and thrilling.
The Four Realms are under attack by the Shadowlands in a war between light and darkness. As the war brews, the Empress is in exile trying to gather support to regain the crown. But with so many interests in play, it’s hard to know whom to trust. Only her trusted guard Joslyn can help her win this war if she can revert the pact she made with the Prince of Shadows.
Ms. Andrews said in her blog that she felt she rushed ‘Soldier of Dorsa’ and if she had more time, it might have been better. I agree that maybe some parts could have been trimmed but the power struggles and the fast action keep you turning the pages. I wish there was more romance but I guess that the author is reserving that for book three and final, ‘Empress of Dorsa’.
The audiobook version was narrated by Elizabeth Saydah who also narrated book one, ‘Princess of Dorsa’. Once again, this was a fantastic performance. I’m in awe of Ms. Saydah’s ability to perform so many different voices with distinctive tone and accents, both equally outstanding for male and female characters. Her performance of the vast range of emotions described in this novel is fantastic and makes the listener see the story unfold in their mind’s eye. The audio version makes the book shine even more. 5 stars.
At a length of 21 hrs and 45 mins, if you use an Audible credit, you’ll get a lot of listening entertainment for your money.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
What an epic lesbian fantasy book series! ‘The Chronicles of Dorsa’ is a combination of Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter but with a great lesbian romance thrown in the mix. ‘Soldier of Dorsa’ is book two of the series which I recommend reading/listening in order. It’s not an imposition as it’s action-packed, entertaining, and thrilling.
The Four Realms are under attack by the Shadowlands in a war between light and darkness. As the war brews, the Empress is in exile trying to gather support to regain the crown. But with so many interests in play, it’s hard to know whom to trust. Only her trusted guard Joslyn can help her win this war if she can revert the pact she made with the Prince of Shadows.
Ms. Andrews said in her blog that she felt she rushed ‘Soldier of Dorsa’ and if she had more time, it might have been better. I agree that maybe some parts could have been trimmed but the power struggles and the fast action keep you turning the pages. I wish there was more romance but I guess that the author is reserving that for book three and final, ‘Empress of Dorsa’.
The audiobook version was narrated by Elizabeth Saydah who also narrated book one, ‘Princess of Dorsa’. Once again, this was a fantastic performance. I’m in awe of Ms. Saydah’s ability to perform so many different voices with distinctive tone and accents, both equally outstanding for male and female characters. Her performance of the vast range of emotions described in this novel is fantastic and makes the listener see the story unfold in their mind’s eye. The audio version makes the book shine even more. 5 stars.
At a length of 21 hrs and 45 mins, if you use an Audible credit, you’ll get a lot of listening entertainment for your money.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
April 5, 2020
I loved it just like i knew I would.
But the twist and turns and the intense pacing nearly did me in at about 75% mark. Nearly.
Our MC's were apart for the majority of the book but you could just feel their yearning at every point. It was a very well written arc.
I was rooting for them to fight and get together and wasn't disappointed.
But the fight is still on. Looking forward to it.
But the twist and turns and the intense pacing nearly did me in at about 75% mark. Nearly.
Our MC's were apart for the majority of the book but you could just feel their yearning at every point. It was a very well written arc.
I was rooting for them to fight and get together and wasn't disappointed.
But the fight is still on. Looking forward to it.
October 15, 2022
Book 2 continues the saga of Natasia who is the former princess and now rightful Empress of Dorsa. The empire is split into several warring factions and chaos seems to be the rule of law. The story acts as a bridge between the death of Tasia’s father and the new empress who wills her own destiny to take the crown. I liked the fact that her character grows strong in Soldier. In the first book, her guard, Joslyn of Terinto, the Nomad warrior, simply dazzled and made many of us swoon. She was every bit the hero. But Book 2 splits their paths. In some tales, this could spell disaster. Who wants to see the mains apart in a love story? The author expounds each person’s story so by the end, they’re both powerful characters after many hardships and battles. I’m excited for Empress of Dorsa. It’s all coming to a head and I’m ready for it.
March 27, 2020
Tasia really steps up in this book and I loved it. Seeing both Jos and Tasia's past experiences helped see both main characters at a deeper level and the story felt more whole because of it.
I look forward to the third book, and I'll do my utmost to be patient about it compared to my impatience for this book.
I look forward to the third book, and I'll do my utmost to be patient about it compared to my impatience for this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2023
There is so much to say about the second book in this series, but at the same time I can't because most everything would be a spoiler!
The best description of these books is Game of Thrones, but with queer women. They are entertaining, detailed, full of adventure, surprises and heart-pounding moments. And while the first book was 15-1/2 hours, - this one is almost 22. The final book in the trilogy is 26 hours. So they're an investment of time and most definitely worth your money or credit.
The narration is well done. I'm very picky about narrators and while Elizabeth Saydah isn't necessarily top tier, she does a really good job with the material. There are a good many characters in these books and each has their own unique voice.
This second book focuses more on adventure than romance. I love that the characters aren't perfect and have setbacks where they have to regroup. Like life. Excellent stuff.
The best description of these books is Game of Thrones, but with queer women. They are entertaining, detailed, full of adventure, surprises and heart-pounding moments. And while the first book was 15-1/2 hours, - this one is almost 22. The final book in the trilogy is 26 hours. So they're an investment of time and most definitely worth your money or credit.
The narration is well done. I'm very picky about narrators and while Elizabeth Saydah isn't necessarily top tier, she does a really good job with the material. There are a good many characters in these books and each has their own unique voice.
This second book focuses more on adventure than romance. I love that the characters aren't perfect and have setbacks where they have to regroup. Like life. Excellent stuff.
February 28, 2020
I am definitely biased because I adore
Princess of Dorsa
.
While Soldier of Dorsa did not grasp my heart as much as the first book did, I still enjoyed it very much. There were times I was so scared for Tasia and Joslyn that I dared not continue reading. But I pushed myself to read on because the suspense of not reading was killing me anyway. The overall plot was very good despite some flow disruptions due to multiple flashbacks and alternations between Tasia's and Joslyn's storylines. The pacing was also a bit too fast towards the end as even more things were happening at the same time. I figure the story would flow amazingly if adapted to screen.
This sequel demonstrated Tasia's leadership quality. She channelled confidence in her voice even when in doubt, worked extra hard to be treated more seriously because she is an empress not an emperor, and came up with ingenious ideas . Joslyn's steel will also shed light to the otherwise dark, shadow-tainted (pun-intended) plot line. Learning about Joslyn's past and her new journey only made me love her more. Her actions after the second bargain with the undatai were powered by love but aimed for duty. My heart ache just by reciting her name.
There are a few interesting things I'd like to point out. One is that the undatai of the Shadowlands functions a lot like in Brandon Sanderson's The Hero of Ages. The last fighting scene where . Another thing I noticed is that Soldier of Dorsa is definitely heavily influenced by kung fu and/or Samurai culture. The naming of the stances and moves and the use of q'isson are very much kung fu, and I have a feeling words like ku-sai and kuna-shi are inspired by Japanese.
Soldier of Dorsa is a very decent follow-up that did not disappoint. It left a lot unaddressed at the ending, including Tasia's future marriage arrangements. I hope Tasia will be able to marry Joslyn and not settle for Mace in the third book. It would be too painful for all three of them otherwise. Tasia and Joslyn being co-Empresses will be everything! I also look forward to seeing prosperity of the Empire under Tasia's reign, but I doubt things will go smoothly. My heart cannot fully rest until knowing what happens next. [28 Feb 2020]
While Soldier of Dorsa did not grasp my heart as much as the first book did, I still enjoyed it very much. There were times I was so scared for Tasia and Joslyn that I dared not continue reading. But I pushed myself to read on because the suspense of not reading was killing me anyway. The overall plot was very good despite some flow disruptions due to multiple flashbacks and alternations between Tasia's and Joslyn's storylines. The pacing was also a bit too fast towards the end as even more things were happening at the same time. I figure the story would flow amazingly if adapted to screen.
This sequel demonstrated Tasia's leadership quality. She channelled confidence in her voice even when in doubt, worked extra hard to be treated more seriously because she is an empress not an emperor, and came up with ingenious ideas . Joslyn's steel will also shed light to the otherwise dark, shadow-tainted (pun-intended) plot line. Learning about Joslyn's past and her new journey only made me love her more. Her actions after the second bargain with the undatai were powered by love but aimed for duty. My heart ache just by reciting her name.
There are a few interesting things I'd like to point out. One is that the undatai of the Shadowlands functions a lot like in Brandon Sanderson's The Hero of Ages. The last fighting scene where . Another thing I noticed is that Soldier of Dorsa is definitely heavily influenced by kung fu and/or Samurai culture. The naming of the stances and moves and the use of q'isson are very much kung fu, and I have a feeling words like ku-sai and kuna-shi are inspired by Japanese.
Soldier of Dorsa is a very decent follow-up that did not disappoint. It left a lot unaddressed at the ending, including Tasia's future marriage arrangements. I hope Tasia will be able to marry Joslyn and not settle for Mace in the third book. It would be too painful for all three of them otherwise. Tasia and Joslyn being co-Empresses will be everything! I also look forward to seeing prosperity of the Empire under Tasia's reign, but I doubt things will go smoothly. My heart cannot fully rest until knowing what happens next. [28 Feb 2020]
August 28, 2022
Soldier of Dorsa was worth the wait! I love the story of Natasia and Joslyn, both together and apart.
Much of this second book in The Chronicles of Dorsa focuses on Tasia and Joslyn individually, including past and inner minds. I love learning more about each of these lead characters. Not only is their love for each other incredible, they are both strong, smart, impressive, flawed, and good people.
Soldier of Dorsa, like Princess of Dorsa, incredibly paints the world in realistic detail without being overly detailed and focuses on the social & economic relations influencing the happenings. There is reason and history behind each action, an amazingly enriching aspect to the novel and series.
While I'm sad we had less time between the two characters (spoiler??) getting to know each more deeply was just so much fun. The book is ACTION PACKED and had me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last.
Plus, the other favorite supporting characters come back in important and fun ways.
Congratulations, Eliza, your books are amazing. One of my all-time favorite series because I love your world building, the character development and depth, and the queer love of women.
Much of this second book in The Chronicles of Dorsa focuses on Tasia and Joslyn individually, including past and inner minds. I love learning more about each of these lead characters. Not only is their love for each other incredible, they are both strong, smart, impressive, flawed, and good people.
Soldier of Dorsa, like Princess of Dorsa, incredibly paints the world in realistic detail without being overly detailed and focuses on the social & economic relations influencing the happenings. There is reason and history behind each action, an amazingly enriching aspect to the novel and series.
While I'm sad we had less time between the two characters (spoiler??) getting to know each more deeply was just so much fun. The book is ACTION PACKED and had me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last.
Plus, the other favorite supporting characters come back in important and fun ways.
Congratulations, Eliza, your books are amazing. One of my all-time favorite series because I love your world building, the character development and depth, and the queer love of women.
October 16, 2020
If tay and Jos are not end game I'll absolutely lose my mind. Screw Mace, screw the politics that almost killed Tay. Screw them all. She is Natasia of house Dorsa ffs!!! I'm very passionate about this. Jos literally danced with the devil for Tasia, I am willing to die on this rock for this end game. Besides what could bring more unity to a broken land than an Empress marrying a commoner/ former slave?? With their 2 adopted children? I dying on this rock people!!
Needless to say I love this book and highly highly recommend
Needless to say I love this book and highly highly recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2021
I am so disappointed with this book
In my review of Princess of Dorsa, I specifically said I loved the romance between Joslyn and Tasia, but it seemed too rushed and there weren't nearly enough moments of them together. Imagine my face when I realized this book wouldn't have any moment of them as a couple. Who though this was a good idea?
Maybe it's just me, but in this type of books, specially when I'm looking for a queer/wlw fantasy book, yes, I want fantasy, but what I want more than anything is QUEER LOVE and cute couple moments. This book gave me none of that.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I'm genuinely upset with this book, because I spent a lot of my free time investing in a relationship I wouldn't enjoy as I hoped I would.
First of all, do they even love each other? I don't know. Joslyn seemed to care more for Tasia, but Tasia... GIRL, the love of your life just died, can you care even a little bit? Keeping them apart for the entire book was a bold move, and a flawed one imo. If they are not together, I want them to long for each other, I want them to spend every day dreading their time apart, I want them to have nightmares about the day they last saw each other, idk, I WANT THEM TO CARE. Maybe I'm too dramatic, but I just needed something to believe their love for each other, and I didn't get it.
Also, the pacing of this book was all over the place. Firstly, having two POVs was also a bold move, not entirely a damning one, but, BUT, Why the flashbacks? I truly couldn't give less of a fuck about their childhood memories. Joslyn's were kind of interesting, because we know nothing of the character to begin with, but Tasia? Your anecdotes couldn't be less interesting GIRL. Then again, having every chapter end in the middle of an important scene, just to go back to another storie and POV I don't care about really harmed the pacing of the story. I was constantly bored and I just couldn't wait for them to meet finally.
END OF SPOILERS
I really don't want to continue this review because I want to move on with my life lol. So yeah, if you liked the first book, be aware that this one has a completely different feel to it as well as plot, so go for it with and open mind and a lot of time to spare.
In my review of Princess of Dorsa, I specifically said I loved the romance between Joslyn and Tasia, but it seemed too rushed and there weren't nearly enough moments of them together. Imagine my face when I realized this book wouldn't have any moment of them as a couple. Who though this was a good idea?
Maybe it's just me, but in this type of books, specially when I'm looking for a queer/wlw fantasy book, yes, I want fantasy, but what I want more than anything is QUEER LOVE and cute couple moments. This book gave me none of that.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I'm genuinely upset with this book, because I spent a lot of my free time investing in a relationship I wouldn't enjoy as I hoped I would.
First of all, do they even love each other? I don't know. Joslyn seemed to care more for Tasia, but Tasia... GIRL, the love of your life just died, can you care even a little bit? Keeping them apart for the entire book was a bold move, and a flawed one imo. If they are not together, I want them to long for each other, I want them to spend every day dreading their time apart, I want them to have nightmares about the day they last saw each other, idk, I WANT THEM TO CARE. Maybe I'm too dramatic, but I just needed something to believe their love for each other, and I didn't get it.
Also, the pacing of this book was all over the place. Firstly, having two POVs was also a bold move, not entirely a damning one, but, BUT, Why the flashbacks? I truly couldn't give less of a fuck about their childhood memories. Joslyn's were kind of interesting, because we know nothing of the character to begin with, but Tasia? Your anecdotes couldn't be less interesting GIRL. Then again, having every chapter end in the middle of an important scene, just to go back to another storie and POV I don't care about really harmed the pacing of the story. I was constantly bored and I just couldn't wait for them to meet finally.
END OF SPOILERS
I really don't want to continue this review because I want to move on with my life lol. So yeah, if you liked the first book, be aware that this one has a completely different feel to it as well as plot, so go for it with and open mind and a lot of time to spare.
February 1, 2021
3.5 stars
We are entirely crazy about Princess of Dorsa and the eponymous Princess of the series, Nastasia (Tasia). We loved Tasia’s character arc in the first book and we waiting to see her develop further and come into her own as a leader and an Empress. On that front, this book doesn’t disappoint.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
We are entirely crazy about Princess of Dorsa and the eponymous Princess of the series, Nastasia (Tasia). We loved Tasia’s character arc in the first book and we waiting to see her develop further and come into her own as a leader and an Empress. On that front, this book doesn’t disappoint.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
March 17, 2020
One of the best
This is seriously one of the best books I’ve read. Part one was amazing and it’s rare that seconds books own up to the hyper. I can easily say I’m waiting for book 3! If you like fantasy ( or Game of Thrones) this series is for you. It’s a fantasy book that just happens to have queer characters. That’s what i truly live about it. I can see this in Netflix...
This is seriously one of the best books I’ve read. Part one was amazing and it’s rare that seconds books own up to the hyper. I can easily say I’m waiting for book 3! If you like fantasy ( or Game of Thrones) this series is for you. It’s a fantasy book that just happens to have queer characters. That’s what i truly live about it. I can see this in Netflix...
March 28, 2020
Love this series. Imaginative. Well-written. Action-packed. I am salivating over the prospect of reading the final chapter. I hope it cones out by the end of this year because I can’t wait to read it!
January 13, 2022
I love Joslyn! ...uh, I mean, this book!
This second installment left me a bit doubtful at first : the alternating pov and the regular flashbacks to our MCs' childhood didn't thrill me. But as the story progressed, the pacing became more interesting and I could barely stop myself from reading. On Tasia's side, we have politics and military strategy. On Joslyn's, we have the more spiritual, magical and action packed aspects of the plot, and it was well-done! Everything that was good in the first book is fully exploited here : the combat scenes, the magic system...
Our MCs made a lot of mistakes that were both infuriating and made sense, and i loved the fact they didn't have all the answers at once, or that they choose to sometimes go left when we tell them right. The end is a bit abrupt, but the epilogue manages to smoothly give us what we want.
I need to read the last book as soon as it gets out!
This second installment left me a bit doubtful at first : the alternating pov and the regular flashbacks to our MCs' childhood didn't thrill me. But as the story progressed, the pacing became more interesting and I could barely stop myself from reading. On Tasia's side, we have politics and military strategy. On Joslyn's, we have the more spiritual, magical and action packed aspects of the plot, and it was well-done! Everything that was good in the first book is fully exploited here : the combat scenes, the magic system...
Our MCs made a lot of mistakes that were both infuriating and made sense, and i loved the fact they didn't have all the answers at once, or that they choose to sometimes go left when we tell them right. The end is a bit abrupt, but the epilogue manages to smoothly give us what we want.
I need to read the last book as soon as it gets out!
March 13, 2024
5 Stars
Imagine marrying Game of Thrones and Inception. If you could wrap your head around the entirety of both worlds into one, then Book 2 will be a splendid read.
Book 2 is a 2 person POV unfurling the political and spiritual side. Personally, I preferred reading the latter POV because the dark arts is more entertaining than politics.
EA is very skilled in giving the reader mini heart attacks. If a character is supposed to get from point A to point B, rest assured the reader will go through every millimeter of worst case scenario before getting to point B. I’d say it’s brilliant but I’m still recovering from frayed nerves. And of course I’m jumping straight to book 3.
Imagine marrying Game of Thrones and Inception. If you could wrap your head around the entirety of both worlds into one, then Book 2 will be a splendid read.
Book 2 is a 2 person POV unfurling the political and spiritual side. Personally, I preferred reading the latter POV because the dark arts is more entertaining than politics.
EA is very skilled in giving the reader mini heart attacks. If a character is supposed to get from point A to point B, rest assured the reader will go through every millimeter of worst case scenario before getting to point B. I’d say it’s brilliant but I’m still recovering from frayed nerves. And of course I’m jumping straight to book 3.
March 7, 2020
A+++
I love love loved this book! Thank you so very much! i was super excited when this book came out and can’t wait for the next one. ❤️❤️
I love love loved this book! Thank you so very much! i was super excited when this book came out and can’t wait for the next one. ❤️❤️
May 13, 2020
This book would have easily made it into my 5 star Hall of Greatness, if not for the annoying first 40% or so. Allow me to elaborate.
The book starts a few weeks after the events in the previous book. Tashia is in exile, and Joslyn is desperately trying to find her. The first thing I noticed was that Joslyn had become quite the martial artist. Joslyn and the ship she is travelling on comes under attack, and with the help of a couple of crew that know how to fight, a battle ensues. And here we are introduced to all kinds of special moves, like Panther prepares to spring, reverse frog, whirling wheat, and dancer's grace and countless of others. Where did all that come from?
None of this was seen in the previous book. Sure, she was one of the best swords masters in the empire, but never did she use any of these moves. For me, there was this huge disconnect with Joslyn from book 1 and this Joslyn. I believe this could have been easily avoided by introducing these moves whenever Joslyn was training Tashia. All that had to be done was to show how Joslyn taught Tashia at least some of these moves.
What annoyed me further was the fact that I'm told Joslyn does these moves, instead of being shown. I have no idea what reverse frog looks like. But I'm told again and again throughout the book Joslyn perfroms these moves.
From the first 28 chapters, about 24 of them start with a flashback. And while they provide a lot of backstory and most of the time are tied to what's happening in the now, I never felt they were truly needed. All it accomplished was that I was yanked from the main story again and again. I mean, what was the purpose of re-telling the story of Tashia and her brother trying to tame wild rabbits? That was already told in the first book. If i'm honest, the flashbacks with Joslyn were the most interesting, but still, 24 flashbacks? Let's not do that again.
When the author decided to stop these shenanigans the book became a real page-turner. While Tashia tries to navigate the political battlefield, Joslyn battles the denizens of the Shadowlands. Both women have to learn who of the multitude of factions they can trust. As I said, the main story is great, and that is what saved this book for me.
So, 2 stars for the first 28 chapters, 5 stars for the rest.
The book starts a few weeks after the events in the previous book. Tashia is in exile, and Joslyn is desperately trying to find her. The first thing I noticed was that Joslyn had become quite the martial artist. Joslyn and the ship she is travelling on comes under attack, and with the help of a couple of crew that know how to fight, a battle ensues. And here we are introduced to all kinds of special moves, like Panther prepares to spring, reverse frog, whirling wheat, and dancer's grace and countless of others. Where did all that come from?
None of this was seen in the previous book. Sure, she was one of the best swords masters in the empire, but never did she use any of these moves. For me, there was this huge disconnect with Joslyn from book 1 and this Joslyn. I believe this could have been easily avoided by introducing these moves whenever Joslyn was training Tashia. All that had to be done was to show how Joslyn taught Tashia at least some of these moves.
What annoyed me further was the fact that I'm told Joslyn does these moves, instead of being shown. I have no idea what reverse frog looks like. But I'm told again and again throughout the book Joslyn perfroms these moves.
From the first 28 chapters, about 24 of them start with a flashback. And while they provide a lot of backstory and most of the time are tied to what's happening in the now, I never felt they were truly needed. All it accomplished was that I was yanked from the main story again and again. I mean, what was the purpose of re-telling the story of Tashia and her brother trying to tame wild rabbits? That was already told in the first book. If i'm honest, the flashbacks with Joslyn were the most interesting, but still, 24 flashbacks? Let's not do that again.
When the author decided to stop these shenanigans the book became a real page-turner. While Tashia tries to navigate the political battlefield, Joslyn battles the denizens of the Shadowlands. Both women have to learn who of the multitude of factions they can trust. As I said, the main story is great, and that is what saved this book for me.
So, 2 stars for the first 28 chapters, 5 stars for the rest.
July 18, 2021
While I listened to this interminable audiobook, I thought of many comments I would like to make about it. First of all, I want to give credit to the author for writing a mostly enjoyable fantasy series with lesbian MCs. Second, I want to give high marks to the narrator Elizabeth Saydeh (whose work I have never heard before this) because I thought she did an excellent job voicing the two MCs and a pretty good job voicing the dozens of other characters. This was a very busy novel and it was stuffed with many people and plotlines - some interesting and some not. I completely agree with the previous reviewer who wondered why the author wrote a sequel to a book with a burgeoning romance and failed to give us a decent dose of interaction between our lovers. I mean, really? Were we supposed to be more interested in the Brothers of Whatever or the Attractive Assassins than in Joslyn and Tasia? The way the novel is structured (or fragmented) is more annoying than artful. And I thought I would scream if I had to listen to one more explanation of dreamwalking and the dreamworld. So: not a bad read but not as good as it might have been.
November 15, 2023
Captivating and romantic in one. Story continues from the previous, we are led to a tale of fighting death multiple times to be with your love and what you believe in. So yes this theme is certainly not new but I wasn't disappointed by the delivery.
February 20, 2024
Eliza set out to write a queer GoT, and on that she really did succeed, and then more than that. She had built upon the inspiration, making it into something that is really quite special, and epic. And brutal, too. The story isn't kind to its characters, but that also allows them to grow and become stronger, and that Natasia and Joslyn very much do.
While the first book didn't delve much into the magic of the setting, the second book does so, the shadows and shadowlands playing a much stronger role as Joslyn and Natasia work towards their respective goals. We learn a lot more about what is going, and just how bad things have gotten. And while they do start separated, they do eventually get back together. We also get to see a lot more of Joslyn and Natasia's past in the story, adding context to what is going on as Tasia seeks to reclaim her throne and Joslyn tries to find her.
The story really is a highly enjoyable read. There is a lot of depth and thought to the plot, and it really does live up to that epic feel - a lot happens, and it takes some time to get there, but it is definitely worth it.
While the first book didn't delve much into the magic of the setting, the second book does so, the shadows and shadowlands playing a much stronger role as Joslyn and Natasia work towards their respective goals. We learn a lot more about what is going, and just how bad things have gotten. And while they do start separated, they do eventually get back together. We also get to see a lot more of Joslyn and Natasia's past in the story, adding context to what is going on as Tasia seeks to reclaim her throne and Joslyn tries to find her.
The story really is a highly enjoyable read. There is a lot of depth and thought to the plot, and it really does live up to that epic feel - a lot happens, and it takes some time to get there, but it is definitely worth it.
August 13, 2020
A style change makes this feel different from book 1
Soldier of Dorsa reads like it almost had another author than Princess. Most chapters start with a flashback that relates to events that transpire in the rest of that chapter, so the time line is jumping around all over the place. The mood is different too, but most striking is that our two main characters spend most of the book apart.
Wile I preferred book 1, book 2 is well written and the events in book two evolve naturally from what has gone before. So no real sharp plot twists from out of the blue. Soldier has a heaver emphasis on action and machinations than romance. There is very little romance here. Still an enjoyable book, well crafted and well executed
Soldier of Dorsa reads like it almost had another author than Princess. Most chapters start with a flashback that relates to events that transpire in the rest of that chapter, so the time line is jumping around all over the place. The mood is different too, but most striking is that our two main characters spend most of the book apart.
Wile I preferred book 1, book 2 is well written and the events in book two evolve naturally from what has gone before. So no real sharp plot twists from out of the blue. Soldier has a heaver emphasis on action and machinations than romance. There is very little romance here. Still an enjoyable book, well crafted and well executed
March 17, 2020
Absolute perfection
What a captivating book! I have been waiting to binge read the second book since I binge read the first, and it did not disappoint. I wait with baited breath for the third!
What a captivating book! I have been waiting to binge read the second book since I binge read the first, and it did not disappoint. I wait with baited breath for the third!
May 22, 2020
Loved both books!
Absolutely loved both books. I have recommend the first to several friends, and will continue to do so after finishing the second book. Can't wait for the final book in the trilogy.
Absolutely loved both books. I have recommend the first to several friends, and will continue to do so after finishing the second book. Can't wait for the final book in the trilogy.
March 7, 2020
Great read
Awesome part two of the story. I’ll be waiting for the final in this saga with batted breath. Love the story so far.
Keep on writing
Awesome part two of the story. I’ll be waiting for the final in this saga with batted breath. Love the story so far.
Keep on writing
March 5, 2020
Absolutely loved it!
So worth the wait! I for one adore long books so I was in literary heaven! Great sequel, came close to snubbing work just to binge! Everyday I'd glance at the time and say " ok just one more hour " before bed or work. Book 3 please!
So worth the wait! I for one adore long books so I was in literary heaven! Great sequel, came close to snubbing work just to binge! Everyday I'd glance at the time and say " ok just one more hour " before bed or work. Book 3 please!
November 16, 2023
I admittedly took a break at some point because I found certain aspects cringey.
Namely the fighting stance names, we had no context for that and I felt like it fell short and added little value to the story.
Joslyns stubbornness also became more frustrating than quirky.
The story picks up a little more than halfway through and I was engaged from then on out.
This book feels much less flushed out than Princess of Dorsa.
There was little to no repetition in that one whereas in Soldier of Dorsa there’s more redundancies in words, phrases, and occasionally whole sentences.
I understand how the POV format was a great way to give the reader Joslyn’s backstory with as much detail as possible.
One thing that frustrated me were the constant cliffhangers at the end of nearly every POV chapter. It felt very clunky and cheap, like a 2010 TV Drama that capitalizes on the human emotion of curiosity in order to obtain viewership -out of fear that the story itself cannot hold an audience.
However, this story is imaginative and the characters are great, as is the world building. It is definitely better than the likes of SJM, so I wish the author would have had more confidence and known that the reader would continue without having to employ a cliffhanger
as often.
One thing I have to compliment is the effortless fashion in which she was able to make the reader care for the side characters. I felt for Linna, Milo, Brick, Grizzle, Ammanta, even Adela and Evrart, from the perspectives of Joslyn and Tasia respectively.
I think this has to do with the way Tasia and Joslyn are written and the way the author gave us the good, bad, and ugly from the start of Princess of Dorsa. It took me quite a while to fall for them in the first book. In the process of proving themselves to each other they proved themselves to the reader.
By writing them the way that the author did, our relationship to Tasia and Joslyn is neither fickle, nor is it built off tropes like many of the fast reads that are popular today.
Overall, as Eliza Andrews explains in her concluding essay at the end of the book, the author was doing a whole lot of life and juggling many respectable feats while also writing an epic fantasy.
So all of the above critiques can be easily explained by the sentiment she provided in the afterward. Even the doubts that she had, and the scrapping of the original draft gives explanation to the overuse of cliffhangers.
I will absolutely be reading Empress of Dorsa and I can’t wait to journey through the evolution of Tasia and Joslyn, and to see which of Joslyn’s dream futures they end up having or of we’ll get a totally different conclusion altogether.
Namely the fighting stance names, we had no context for that and I felt like it fell short and added little value to the story.
Joslyns stubbornness also became more frustrating than quirky.
The story picks up a little more than halfway through and I was engaged from then on out.
This book feels much less flushed out than Princess of Dorsa.
There was little to no repetition in that one whereas in Soldier of Dorsa there’s more redundancies in words, phrases, and occasionally whole sentences.
I understand how the POV format was a great way to give the reader Joslyn’s backstory with as much detail as possible.
One thing that frustrated me were the constant cliffhangers at the end of nearly every POV chapter. It felt very clunky and cheap, like a 2010 TV Drama that capitalizes on the human emotion of curiosity in order to obtain viewership -out of fear that the story itself cannot hold an audience.
However, this story is imaginative and the characters are great, as is the world building. It is definitely better than the likes of SJM, so I wish the author would have had more confidence and known that the reader would continue without having to employ a cliffhanger
as often.
One thing I have to compliment is the effortless fashion in which she was able to make the reader care for the side characters. I felt for Linna, Milo, Brick, Grizzle, Ammanta, even Adela and Evrart, from the perspectives of Joslyn and Tasia respectively.
I think this has to do with the way Tasia and Joslyn are written and the way the author gave us the good, bad, and ugly from the start of Princess of Dorsa. It took me quite a while to fall for them in the first book. In the process of proving themselves to each other they proved themselves to the reader.
By writing them the way that the author did, our relationship to Tasia and Joslyn is neither fickle, nor is it built off tropes like many of the fast reads that are popular today.
Overall, as Eliza Andrews explains in her concluding essay at the end of the book, the author was doing a whole lot of life and juggling many respectable feats while also writing an epic fantasy.
So all of the above critiques can be easily explained by the sentiment she provided in the afterward. Even the doubts that she had, and the scrapping of the original draft gives explanation to the overuse of cliffhangers.
I will absolutely be reading Empress of Dorsa and I can’t wait to journey through the evolution of Tasia and Joslyn, and to see which of Joslyn’s dream futures they end up having or of we’ll get a totally different conclusion altogether.
January 15, 2022
so, okay. 3.6 stars. first of all, why was the cover art so bad bro? 😭 honestly was going to bump down my rating to 2 because if it, but then i realized im a much better human being than that. whoever made the cover is sickly home of phobic 😭
anyways, the story. it was really difficult for me to get into this sequel. i hated it at first, but at the 200 mark it finally garnered my attention. honestly some pretty interesting things happened, and i liked a lot of the new world-building that happened. i was also severely disappointed that our two main protagonists were apart for literally the whole book… like come one, i read w/w fantasy for the ROMANCE. but you know what? it made sense to the plot, and in the end, i think it worked out really well. overall, yes, i WILL read the third book when it comes out because im invested, but please dear lord, have a better cover 😭 i kept having to place this one face-down to allow me to continue even reading
anyways, the story. it was really difficult for me to get into this sequel. i hated it at first, but at the 200 mark it finally garnered my attention. honestly some pretty interesting things happened, and i liked a lot of the new world-building that happened. i was also severely disappointed that our two main protagonists were apart for literally the whole book… like come one, i read w/w fantasy for the ROMANCE. but you know what? it made sense to the plot, and in the end, i think it worked out really well. overall, yes, i WILL read the third book when it comes out because im invested, but please dear lord, have a better cover 😭 i kept having to place this one face-down to allow me to continue even reading
May 24, 2020
Soldier of Dorsa was an exhilarating second book in the Dorsa series. It is well written and exciting. Action packed but not over the top. The story line is well thought out and flows nicely from the first book. We learn more about the characters, especially through flashbacks which add depth (& are fun!). Very much looking forward to the third book.
***Mild spoiler***
Joslyn and Tasia are amazing both together and separate. Reading about strong queer women is thrilling and I love that cool women are central throughout the story beyond the two leads.
Thank you Eliza for giving us this tale! It is a joy to be immersed in this world. I have high hopes for book 3!
***Mild spoiler***
Joslyn and Tasia are amazing both together and separate. Reading about strong queer women is thrilling and I love that cool women are central throughout the story beyond the two leads.
Thank you Eliza for giving us this tale! It is a joy to be immersed in this world. I have high hopes for book 3!
April 14, 2024
As soon as I finished the first book, I was very excited to read this sequel. I absolutely adored how this book gifted us both point of views this time around of Tasia and Joslyn. The reunion between the two after building up more perspectives of the shadowlands and the empire, is incredibly satisfying. I can’t wait to read the third book when it’s released!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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