Review: False Covenant by Ari Marmell

False Covenant by Ari Marmell

Pages: 250
Publisher: PYR
Genre: YA High Fantasy
#2 in the Widdershins Adventure series
GOODREADS

A creature of the other world, an unnatural entity bent on chaos and carnage, has come to stalk the nighttime streets of the Galicien city of Davillon. There’s never a good time for murder and panic, but for a community already in the midst of its own inner turmoil, this couldn’t possibly have come at a worse one.

Not for Davillon, and not for a young thief who calls herself Widdershins.

It’s been over half a year since the brutal murder of Archbishop Wil­liam de Laurent during his pilgrimage to Davillon. And in all that time, Widdershins has truly tried her best. She has tried to take care of Genevieve’s tavern and tried to make a semihonest living in a city slowly stagnating under the weight of an angry and disapproving Church. She has tried to keep out of trouble, away from the attentions of the Davillon Guard and above the secrets and schemes of the city’s new bishop.

But she’s in way over her head, with no idea which way to turn. The Guard doesn’t trust her. The Church doesn’t trust her. Her own Thieves’ Guild doesn’t trust her.

Too bad for everyone, then, that she and her personal god, Olgun, may be their only real weapon against a new evil like nothing the city has ever seen.

After reading Thief's Covenant, the first book in this series (my review), and absolutely loving it, I had very high hopes for False Covenant. I was already a loyal fan to the series, even having only read one book, but False Covenant changed my status from "loyal fan" to "die-hard, I need every book Ari Marmell has ever written, obsessed-fan-girl."

Continuing with his witty writing and already rock solid fantasy world, Ari Marmell created what has to be the perfect sequel. All of my favorite characters--Widdershins, Julien, Renard, and even Olgun-- grew exponentially. From the first page, there's intrigue and mystery, and a whole lot of sneaking around where Widdershins is concerned. That's one of the things I love, that Shins is never sitting still, never slowing down. There's always something that needs to be done, some problem to solve, or some aristocrat to rob. I think the best way for me to express how I felt when I was reading False Covenant is through this gif:

It's a major page turner! Literally, my eyes were glued to the pages, and there wasn't a single thing that could tear me away. I even sat at my kitchen table eating dinner while reading. I got some weird looks from my family, but it was totally worth it!

There were some really great changes in this book, character-wise. In the first book, there were slight promises of romance, but nothing actually happened. But in this one, things happen. And I loved it! The romance wasn't overpowering at all, or even extremely prominent in the story, but it was there, and it was sweet. Of course, it just made the ending that much more painful.... but, I digress. The same old characters are still as lovable as ever, such as the sneaky and witty Renard. There are some new characters introduced that I'd like to get to know more of, so I'm eager to read the third book and see if things go where I think they will. And what can I say about Widdershins? Her and Olgun are still the most amazing non-romantic couple ever. I love their interactions together, even if Olgun never actually talks. Plus, Widdershins is still such a badass. There need to be more female protagonists like her in YA! If you mess with her or someone she cares for, she will beat you down, much like this:

And there's a new, and much creepier antagonist in this book! Just reading about him gave me goosebumps. It amazed me how Ari Marmell managed to give even the bad guy a really interesting and dynamic personality, instead of just making him "the evil dude." I actually really enjoyed reading the scenes with him.

Finally, the ending. The ending. I think it is in equal measure the best and worst part of the book. The best because it was so emotional, at least for me, that I had to put the novel down for a moment to compose myself before I kept reading. The worst because.... because.... WHY ARI MARMELL? WHY?  THERE COULD HAVE BEEN ANOTHER WAY! *sobs*

Overall, I give False Covenant a solid 5 out of 5 stars. This is a series not to be overlooked. It has everything a fan of fantasy could possibly want, and even those afraid to venture into high fantasy will love it. Anyone looking for a great story, check out the Widdershins Adventures novels.

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Want to read the book for yourself? Check out the links below!

Pre-Order False Covenant

Amazon	Barnes and Noble	Book Depository (Free shipping worldwide!)
Hardcover: $11.29	Hardcover: $11.29	Hardcover: $13.35

Want to read the book that started it all? 

 Buy Thief's Covenant

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Hardcover: $12.71 Kindle: $8.19	Hardcover: $13.03 Nook: $8.39	Hardcover: $13.35