False Covenant by Ari Marmell

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Series: Book 2 of Widdershins Adventures

Date of Publication: June 26, 2012

Author Information: Website | Twitter 

Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars – “Series gets better the more I read; emotionally impactful and filled with suspense, this book kept me on my toes by raising the stakes and taking things to the next level”

First let me begin this review by stating how much I liked the first book of the Widdershins Adventures series, Thief’s Covenant. That, however, still left me quite unprepared for how much I enjoyed this book, its follow-up. To be honest, I’m still reeling from the ending, and feeling not just a little bit heartbroken, but only because of how the story impacted me so emphatically. A book that makes me feel like this, even if it’s like a punch in the gut, surely deserves my admiration and compliments! 

But more on that later, after I revel in how much fun it was to return to Davillon, catching up with Widdershins and her friends. The events of the last book have not left our protagonist in a very good place, however. The guilt over the deaths of two people close to her still weighs on her conscience, and she has taken to thieving again in order to support the beloved tavern she inherited. The minor god Olgun, whose worshipper-base consists of only Widdershins, is still a constant presence in her life, enhancing her abilities to sneak and steal.

Then, reports start coming in about a creature of nightmare stalking the streets. At first, no one is hurt, but soon the attacks turn deadly. The city guard are baffled and are in way over their heads. And as much as Widdershins would like to stay out of it, trouble always ends up finding her. Drawn into a battle against a supernatural terror, she must use all her wits to save her friends and Davillon against the greatest threat the city has ever faced. 

That I liked this book more than the first one is probably an accurate assessment. Don’t get me wrong, Thief’s Covenant was no slouch, but there were some slow parts I had to get through before I started warming up to it. I guess one advantage of subsequent books in a series is that the story can start right away, without having to go through all the motions of explaining background or character history. Unlike my experience with the first book, I was drawn in by False Covenant almost as soon as I started.

Also, I think I remember calling this a “cute” series. Time for me to re-evaluate that, perhaps. Not that there aren’t a lot of light moments in these books; I still find lots to laugh about, especially in Widdershin’s fiery and impulsive personality, not to mention her humorous banter with Olgun. Once again, Ari Marmell does a fantastic job pulling off their strange relationship as well as the their conversations that to all outward appearances seem one-sided. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of those scenes, which are an endless source of entertainment!

However, there’s a darkness to this series as well, which I’m just now starting to fully realize and appreciate. False Covenant strikes a good balance between that and the lightness, injecting mystery and even a bit of horror into the story. I found myself downright creeped out at times. This second book really raises the stakes, taking things to the next level and keeping you on your toes because you never know what might happen next. Ari Marmell doesn’t pull any punches here.

Speaking of which, the ending. Ugh. It’s hard merely thinking about it let alone having to write about it, which is just as well because I wouldn’t want to spoil anything. Definitely, the characterization has gotten a lot better, and I feel a connection to Widdershins, feeling as she does about the other characters around her whether they are friend, foe, or not-sure-which. The book keeps you guessing, while still developing those character relationships and even some romance. It was all very engaging, which is why I find myself now still feeling so stunned. Those final scenes were phenomenally well done and suspenseful, and the way things ended was totally unexpected.

This seems to be one of those series that gets better the more I read. I’m so glad I caught up in time for the third book coming out in December, because now I can’t wait to see what comes next.

 4.5 of 5 stars