Bloody Rose is the second book in The Band trilogy, a fantasy series written by Nicholas Eames. The book is the sequel to Kings of the Wyld.
Background
The series is published by Orbit Books.[1] The first book was influenced by 60s and 70s rock while Bloody Rose is influenced by 80s rock.[2] The third book will be entitled "Outlaw Empire".[3][4]
Plot
The story begins six years after the end of Kings of the Wyld.[5][6] The story is told from the perspective of a bard named Tam who joins the band called Fable, which is led by Bloody Rose.[7] Mercenary bands have taken to fighting monsters in arenas for money rather than adventure into the Heartwyld to obtain a bounty.[8] Tam Hashford auditions for her role as the bard by singing a song called "Together", which was written by her mother.[9]
Reception
The Publishers Weekly review praises the book saying "This is a messy, glorious romp worthy of multiple encores."[10] Jason Heller wrote at NPR that "[h]umorous twists and pulse-ratcheting action abound in Bloody Rose, but its Eames' knack for heart-wrenching poignancy that makes his warm, wonderful fantasy so harmonious."[5]
^McIvor, Katie (December 22, 2021). Wilson, Aidan (ed.). "Interview with Nicholas Eames". Etherea Magazine. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved March 9, 2022.