Blog Tour + Book Review & Giveaway | The Oremere Chronicles #2: Reign of Mist by Helen Scheuerer

Reign of Mist
by Helen Scheuerer
Series: The Oremere Chronicles #2
Published by: Talem Press
Publication date: September 13, 2018
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Buy Link: Amazon

Synopsis:
The realm’s darkest secret is out.

The cruelty of the capital and the power-hungry King Arden have scattered Bleak and her companions across the continents.

On the run in a foreign land, Bleak finds herself tied to some unexpected strangers. When the answers she yearns for are finally within reach, she must face the hard truths of her past, and take her fate into her own hands before it’s too late.

Meanwhile, secrets and magic unravel as a dark power corrupts the realm. Bleak’s friends are forced to decide where their loyalties lie, and who, if anyone, they can trust.

But one thing is certain: war is coming, and they must all be ready when it does.

Intriguing and action-packed, Reign of Mist is the second installment in Helen Scheuerer’s epic YA fantasy series, The Oremere Chronicles.

First book in The Oremere Chronicles:

My rating: 
When Shealea at That Bookshelf Bitch opened the sign-ups for Reign of Mist, I grab the chance to join #MistPH blog tour that I instantly dive into the world of Oremere and binge-read both books in the series. (If you want to read Heart of Mist, get it now on your Kindle while it’s on sale for just $0.99. Also, learn more about this series by checking Helen’s prequels to Heart of Mist.)

A month ago, I wrote a review where I pointed out all the important things you should know about the Heart of Mist. From the world building, characters, down to the overall message of the story, I truly love how it was strikingly written.

When I finished Heart of Mist, I was so much wrapped in it that I can’t wait to figure out what will be going to happen next. And with only two hours of sleep that day, I know it’s totally worth it. So, it’s not surprising how Reign of Mist blown me away and drove me into a gobsmackingly hot mess.

The story started out with instant suspense, carrying over the hype from the first book. If you love the characters in Heart of Mist, Eydis and Sarah were a great addition to the star-studded strong female characters that made the story pivotal and even more so unforgettable.

We’re not all born equal in strength and agility, but a mind can be as sharp as any blade, if you know how to wield it.

On the other hand, Casimir and Tailor’s characters gave more depth to the true nature of Bleak’s identity. For me, it became sort of a mystery to know who she truly is in Heart of Mist. That’s why the connection they have with each other was one of my most favorite reveal here in the story. It was just so well written, well developed that when I think about the ending, it gives me that fresh feeling of surprise even I had a huge hint about it.

Here in Reign of Mist, there’s more to Bleak than just being the scrawny young woman who’s seeking for cure and answers. She was finally able to accept the potential of her power and realized her ability to lead with such grace and confidence. I was also able to feel the sincerity of her character who will do anything for her friends and fight for them if she needs to.

That goes the same with Henri. She’s one of those characters whom I could vividly imagine—brave, strong-willed but goes mushy and soft inside when it comes to those people she loves. But above all else, rekindling her relationship with Sarah helped her recognize the truth and released the feelings of hurt, burden and pain she kept inside for a long time.

As the story progress, I discovered more about the secrets Swinton had while a huge weight has been lifted off his chest who leaned on his friend, Fiore, for help and advice. He, somehow, redeemed himself before the story ended but let’s hope this time that he is truly a changed man.

Speaking of Fiore, he holds a secret of his own which definitely spice up the gravity of his role. And as early as now, I’d like to expect him in some sort of love triangle with Tailor and Bleak. I’m also waiting for the turn of events for both Olena and Prince Nazuri. I know they’ve grown close and became an ally but we shall learn more of these when the third book comes out.

The mist is coming, and with it comes a power so hungry for magic, it threatens the whole realm.

Moreover, the true face of Oremere was revealed. While the characters discovered the truth about it, its history and why it was wiped out of its existence, I realized how Oremere’s identity mirror that of Bleak’s. In this story, fate willed them to meet face to face knowing they’re the true heir to reign the whole realm.

That being said, I love how Helen significantly uncover the whole Upper Realm in the map. It shouldn’t go unnoticed because sometimes, it gives the first major clue in the story’s plot. If you are like me, maps are just one of the things that I’m always looking forward to see in every fantasy books I read. It fascinates me like how I often bask in awe with Game of Thrones’ map every time I watch its opening credits.

It visually helped me figured out what the world Helen created, making more sense on the mystery surrounding Oremere and all around the Upper Realm. It establishes some sense of familiarity where I was able to connect each character’s journey from forest, dessert, to sea, ice and mist.

Reign of Mist is a story about trust, loyalty, and friendship with a non-stop killer plot twists, consistent fast pacing, and exciting, action-packed scenes that literally astounded me. From the first up to the last page, I never had dull moments because it felt like I was watching a heart-stopping, jaw-dropping movie.

So, who’s excited to read the ending? Raise your hands my fellow mist dwellers. As the series comes to an end and bid its final goodbye, we shall wait and keep the suspense coming because I’m 100% sure that it would be one hell of a bang!

About The Author:
Helen Scheuerer is the YA fantasy author of the bestselling novel, Heart of Mist (2017) and the upcoming sequel Reign of Mist (September 2018). Both books are part of the action-packed trilogy, The Oremere Chronicles.

After writing literary fiction for a number of years, novels like Throne of Glass, The Queen’s Poisoner and The Queen of the Tearling inspired Helen to return to her childhood love of fantasy.

Helen is also the Founding Editor of Writer’s Edit, an online literary magazine and learning platform for emerging writers. It’s now one of the largest writers’ platforms in the world.

She has been previously shortlisted for Express Media’s Outstanding Achievement by a Young Person in the Literary Arts Award and the Young Writers Showcase. Helen has also run writing and editing workshops for the NSW Society of Women Writers. 

Follow Helen Scheuerer:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Want to know who joined the blog tour? Don’t forget to visit these amazing book bloggers to learn more about Reign of Mist. Also, join the #MistPH Twitter Chat because Helen Scheuerer will be joining us.

August 27
— That Bookshelf Bitch >> Reign of Mist blog tour launch
August 28
— Booked Hooked Nook >> Review
— The Last Page >> Review
— Motif by Tanya >> Review
August 29
— Camillea Reads >> Review
— Enchantment of Books >> Review
— Under the Book Cover >> Review
August 30
— The Clever Reader >> Review & Author Interview
— Mashleas Reads >> Review
— Sakhile Whispers >> Review
August 31
— The Literary Casanova >> Review & Author Interview
— Rambles of a Reader >> Review
— Wanderer in Neverland >> Review
September 1
— Crimson Talks Books, Mostly >> Review
— The Little Miss Bookworm >> Review
— Throneofshatteredbooks >> Review & Author Interview
September 2
— A Bookish Peach >> Review
— Rattle the Stars >> Review
— Wanders Between Pages >> Review
September 3
— A Cat, A Book And A Cup of Tea >> Review
— Susy’s Cozy World >> Review
— Tale Out Loud (That’s me!)
September 4
— accioblog >> Review
— floralcars >> Review
— Living a Hundred Lives >> Review
September 5
— Booked All Night >> Review
— The Nerdy Elite >> Review
— Utopia State of Mind >> Review
September 6
— Bookish Wisps >> Review
— F A N N A >> Review
— Susy’s Cozy World >> Creative Post
September 7
— The Backwards Bookshelf >> Creative Post
— Rambling of a Book Nerd >> Review & Author Interview
— Utopia State of Mind >> Review
September 8
— The Backwards Bookshelf >> Review
— Bellibone >> Review
— Zany Bibliophile >> Review & Author Interview
September 9
— Amidst the Pages >> Review
— That Bookshelf Bitch >> Review
— Tomes with Tea >> Review
September 10
— #MistPH Twitter chat hosted by @bookshelfbitch
9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
9:00 PM Philippine Time