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The Legend of Eli Monpress #2
The Spirit Rebellion
Eli Monpress is brilliant. He's incorrigible. And he's a thief.
He's also still at large, which drives Miranda Lyonette crazy. While she's been kicked out of the Spirit Court, Eli's had plenty of time to plan his next adventure. But now the tables have turned, because Miranda has a new job -- and an opportunity to capture a certain thief.
Things are about to get exciting for Eli. He's picked a winner for his newest heist. His target: the Duke of Gaol's famous "thief-proof" citadel. Eli knows Gaol is a trap, but what's life without challenges? Except the Duke is one of the wealthiest men in the world, a wizard who rules his duchy with an iron fist, and an obsessive perfectionist with only one hobby: Eli.
It seems that everyone is hunting for Eli Monpress.
He's also still at large, which drives Miranda Lyonette crazy. While she's been kicked out of the Spirit Court, Eli's had plenty of time to plan his next adventure. But now the tables have turned, because Miranda has a new job -- and an opportunity to capture a certain thief.
Things are about to get exciting for Eli. He's picked a winner for his newest heist. His target: the Duke of Gaol's famous "thief-proof" citadel. Eli knows Gaol is a trap, but what's life without challenges? Except the Duke is one of the wealthiest men in the world, a wizard who rules his duchy with an iron fist, and an obsessive perfectionist with only one hobby: Eli.
It seems that everyone is hunting for Eli Monpress.
441 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 26, 2010
About the author
Rachel Aaron
32 books2,890 followersHello, my name is Rachel Aaron, and I write the Heartstriker books, a new Urban Fantasy series about misfit dragons, starting with Nice Dragons Finish Last. I also wrote The Legend of Eli Monpress fantasy series for Orbit Books about a wizard thief and the poor bastards who have to try and stop him. PLUS I'm also the author of the new, rolicking fun Science Fiction romance Fortune's Pawn under the name Rachel Bach.
I was born in Atlanta, but I currently live a lovely, nerdy, bookish life in Denver, CO with my lightspeed son, perpetually understanding husband, and far too many plants. Besides my own books, the internet knows me best for writing very fast. The best way to get to know me is probably to read my blog or follow me on Twitter.
I was born in Atlanta, but I currently live a lovely, nerdy, bookish life in Denver, CO with my lightspeed son, perpetually understanding husband, and far too many plants. Besides my own books, the internet knows me best for writing very fast. The best way to get to know me is probably to read my blog or follow me on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
April 19, 2019
3.5*
Another full of fun and entertaining entry in the series, and what an apt name for the book. I really love it when the title of the story start making sense and this title is perfect for this book.
Another full of fun and entertaining entry in the series, and what an apt name for the book. I really love it when the title of the story start making sense and this title is perfect for this book.
December 25, 2011
I don't understand this cover or log line, I feel like it's horrible marketing for this book. Someone get that dude who did the Robert Jordan books in here, for once his art would be appropriate (Darryl Sweet, right? I really hated those covers for Wheel of Time, but for this book it would rock)
I can't get over this cover, I mean Miranda is a key character, but this looks like a Danielle Steel book, like she's going to bury her grandma and can't pick the coffin. And it's a light-hearted fantasy romp about 5 or 6 characters. Who put this book in sepia, did they even read it?! Whatever.
This book was SUPER enjoyable. It carries on from the first with Eli seeking trouble, Miranda getting into a lot of trouble from the plot of book 1 with the Spiritualists, at the same time there's a big bad aiming to capture Eli with a crazy OCD plan. He's actually a great bad guy because he feels super original in his detailed planning. Like an evil accountant. Not a typical fantasy baddie. The unveiling of how he uses his powers was cleverly done too.
A few other characters join the fray (including a few from Eli's past), I loved what they did with Miranda's Great Spirit, and we learn more about Nico and her demon (which builds to the next book as well). I overall gobbled this one up. Better than the first, and the third I think is even better!
I can't get over this cover, I mean Miranda is a key character, but this looks like a Danielle Steel book, like she's going to bury her grandma and can't pick the coffin. And it's a light-hearted fantasy romp about 5 or 6 characters. Who put this book in sepia, did they even read it?! Whatever.
This book was SUPER enjoyable. It carries on from the first with Eli seeking trouble, Miranda getting into a lot of trouble from the plot of book 1 with the Spiritualists, at the same time there's a big bad aiming to capture Eli with a crazy OCD plan. He's actually a great bad guy because he feels super original in his detailed planning. Like an evil accountant. Not a typical fantasy baddie. The unveiling of how he uses his powers was cleverly done too.
A few other characters join the fray (including a few from Eli's past), I loved what they did with Miranda's Great Spirit, and we learn more about Nico and her demon (which builds to the next book as well). I overall gobbled this one up. Better than the first, and the third I think is even better!
January 17, 2023
4.5 stars.
Fun, addictive and still thoroughly engaging the second time around.
Full review of the first omnibus here
Fun, addictive and still thoroughly engaging the second time around.
Full review of the first omnibus here
January 16, 2023
Another addictive read that was heaps of fun and had me reading late into the night.
June 5, 2024
+3.5
“Mr. Monpress, everyone has something they find intolerable”.
Esto va a ser una reseña corta pero debo admitir que todo lo que he leído de la autora hasta la fecha me ha encantado.
“You told me not too long ago that there was right and there was wrong, and no amount of words could bridge the gap between the two”.
Esta segunda parte cuece lento y algunas partes pecan de rapidez, sin embargo, el sistema de magia y el desarrollo que se esta produciendo en los personajes me está gustando cada vez más.
“If you remember nothing else, remember what I tell you here. ”.
No quiero decir mucho más sin arriesgarme a destripar la historia, pero esta saga está absolutamente recomendada.
“You shall be my star”.
“Mr. Monpress, everyone has something they find intolerable”.
Esto va a ser una reseña corta pero debo admitir que todo lo que he leído de la autora hasta la fecha me ha encantado.
“You told me not too long ago that there was right and there was wrong, and no amount of words could bridge the gap between the two”.
Esta segunda parte cuece lento y algunas partes pecan de rapidez, sin embargo, el sistema de magia y el desarrollo que se esta produciendo en los personajes me está gustando cada vez más.
“If you remember nothing else, remember what I tell you here. ”.
No quiero decir mucho más sin arriesgarme a destripar la historia, pero esta saga está absolutamente recomendada.
“You shall be my star”.
April 19, 2021
Eli Monpress and Miranda are at it again in the second installment in the series. I have to say I think this one a step up from the first, in terms of plotting and pace, and just the fun of it all. Although I really like the concepts of the first book, this feels more like we are returning to familiar characters and a world which is filled with interesting demons, spirits, great spirits, wizards, thieves, spiritualists and more.
I think the humour and the backstory of the characters are also both a step up here. I liked meeting Monpress elder and seeing the relationship there, along with the backstory to the demonseed and the way that may progress. I'm very intrigued to see if and when either pops back up, and throughout all the drama the witty, silly comments from Eli made me smile.
Miranda is as stoic and solidly faithful as ever. Although she's a lot more uptight than the usual characters I root for, and a stickler for rules, I like that she's so caring for her spirits and stands by them no matter what. She also has some very interesting spirits with Gin (the dog) and Mellinor (the sea) as her buddies and friends.
The pacing of this is fun with a heist, a plan to save Nico from demonseed, an outcast, and a city under wizard-thrall. Each of these plots play well together, and I enjoyed seeing the way that the author still had some surprising moments even after I saw some things coming.
Overall, a solid 4*s.
I think the humour and the backstory of the characters are also both a step up here. I liked meeting Monpress elder and seeing the relationship there, along with the backstory to the demonseed and the way that may progress. I'm very intrigued to see if and when either pops back up, and throughout all the drama the witty, silly comments from Eli made me smile.
Miranda is as stoic and solidly faithful as ever. Although she's a lot more uptight than the usual characters I root for, and a stickler for rules, I like that she's so caring for her spirits and stands by them no matter what. She also has some very interesting spirits with Gin (the dog) and Mellinor (the sea) as her buddies and friends.
The pacing of this is fun with a heist, a plan to save Nico from demonseed, an outcast, and a city under wizard-thrall. Each of these plots play well together, and I enjoyed seeing the way that the author still had some surprising moments even after I saw some things coming.
Overall, a solid 4*s.
June 1, 2020
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
3.5 Stars
I recently read The Spirit Thief and while I probably will never be someone to read series back-to-back, I will at least try not to put too much time in between different books, especially since I liked the first book a lot.
The Spirit Rebellion picks up right after the previous events (so I was glad not much time had passed since I read it), but it went off to a rather slow start as Eli and Co are on some sort of side quest cleaning up after the first book, and Miranda has her own repercussions from those events. Eventually the story does pick up and provides a nice new quest.
While it was a very enjoyable read and I like the interaction with the spirits and the magic in general, I do have to admit that the bad guys are not very fleshed out besides being evil, very evil. On the plus side, no romance but powerful friendships which is so refreshing!
Onto the next book!
3.5 Stars
I recently read The Spirit Thief and while I probably will never be someone to read series back-to-back, I will at least try not to put too much time in between different books, especially since I liked the first book a lot.
The Spirit Rebellion picks up right after the previous events (so I was glad not much time had passed since I read it), but it went off to a rather slow start as Eli and Co are on some sort of side quest cleaning up after the first book, and Miranda has her own repercussions from those events. Eventually the story does pick up and provides a nice new quest.
While it was a very enjoyable read and I like the interaction with the spirits and the magic in general, I do have to admit that the bad guys are not very fleshed out besides being evil, very evil. On the plus side, no romance but powerful friendships which is so refreshing!
Onto the next book!
April 9, 2019
4 🌟
Continued from part 1.
Eli still up to no good. Trying to out do himself when it comes to being a thief.
Miranda is judged for what happens in part 1. Things doesn't go right for her. But she finds a way to redeem herself.
I enjoyed.
Again a fantasy with NO LOVE story. Yay....
Continued from part 1.
Eli still up to no good. Trying to out do himself when it comes to being a thief.
Miranda is judged for what happens in part 1. Things doesn't go right for her. But she finds a way to redeem herself.
I enjoyed.
Again a fantasy with NO LOVE story. Yay....
January 20, 2016
Solidly good. Maybe even better than the first one.
September 12, 2020
Volume two of the series picks up shortly after the conclusion of book 1. Miranda, Spiritualist (and again I find that such an odd word choice for the people in this series who have a rule-following relationship with spirits, when the spirits here are those of inanimate objects or aspects of nature), and her ghosthound Gin, return home after the events in book 1 only to face prosecution for supposed treason. Hern, one of the Tower Keepers, is an enemy of her mentor, and the head of the Spiritualists, and seeks to strike against him through Miranda, favoured pupil who Hern fears is being groomed for eventual succession. Hern and his paid cronies twist everything around to make out that she broke the rules, which forbid dominating or otherwise putting spirits under duress in return for their service. Even the testimony of Mellinor, the inland sea spirit whom she saved in book 1, and who now resides inside her body for most of the time, cannot clear her name. And so Miranda and Gin go on the run, eventually being recruited by a mysterious character, who acts on behalf of one of the Great Spirits, to go to the Duchy of Gaol and investigate strange goings-on.
Eli and his friends, meanwhile, go to see a master Shaper (yet another kind of wizard) to commission a new coat for Nico: urgently required to obscure her demonseed aura from the spirits who would otherwise go into a panic at sensing the evil presence within her. The Shaper who agrees to make one does so on condition that they bring to him a special sword, one of several made centuries ago from a special bone metal, which he hopes to forge into bracelets for his wife who is also a demonseed, but who has been fighting its takeover of her mind for ten years. The silver wrist and ankle bracelets, similar to those Nico wears, are becoming less effective in helping her to hold back the demon. Coincidentally, the nearest place rumoured to have such a sword is the same Duchy where Miranda is headed.
This book developed the back story of certain characters such as Nico, just hinted at in book 1. It also went to darker places with the whole demonseed element and also the tortures dealt out by the evil Duke of Gaol, although Eli remained the wise-cracking person who irritated me in book 1. There was more of a hint though that some deep-seated trauma, connected with his rejection of his father's hidebound devotion to the ways of the Spiritualists, has had a part to play in the formation of his character, as has his involvement with the Shepherdess, the mysterious being whom other spirits worship as if she is a goddess. Unfortunately we don't really see this in the character.
There were a few places in this where I was jolted out of the story. The author seems to describe things after the event. The worst was nearest the end of the book where a character I had envisaged throughout as being middle-aged at most, was described during a climactic fight scene as an old man. That threw my whole picture of the character up in the air.
As before, Miranda and Gin are my favourite characters but even they are only lightly sketched. For this and the reasons stated above, this is again a light-hearted but unmemorable 3-star read.
Eli and his friends, meanwhile, go to see a master Shaper (yet another kind of wizard) to commission a new coat for Nico: urgently required to obscure her demonseed aura from the spirits who would otherwise go into a panic at sensing the evil presence within her. The Shaper who agrees to make one does so on condition that they bring to him a special sword, one of several made centuries ago from a special bone metal, which he hopes to forge into bracelets for his wife who is also a demonseed, but who has been fighting its takeover of her mind for ten years. The silver wrist and ankle bracelets, similar to those Nico wears, are becoming less effective in helping her to hold back the demon. Coincidentally, the nearest place rumoured to have such a sword is the same Duchy where Miranda is headed.
This book developed the back story of certain characters such as Nico, just hinted at in book 1. It also went to darker places with the whole demonseed element and also the tortures dealt out by the evil Duke of Gaol, although Eli remained the wise-cracking person who irritated me in book 1. There was more of a hint though that some deep-seated trauma, connected with his rejection of his father's hidebound devotion to the ways of the Spiritualists, has had a part to play in the formation of his character, as has his involvement with the Shepherdess, the mysterious being whom other spirits worship as if she is a goddess. Unfortunately we don't really see this in the character.
There were a few places in this where I was jolted out of the story. The author seems to describe things after the event. The worst was nearest the end of the book where a character I had envisaged throughout as being middle-aged at most, was described during a climactic fight scene as an old man. That threw my whole picture of the character up in the air.
As before, Miranda and Gin are my favourite characters but even they are only lightly sketched. For this and the reasons stated above, this is again a light-hearted but unmemorable 3-star read.
July 16, 2019
It's nice. We get to see Nico's character development and some background story on Eli. But I have yet to see the whole "the world is going to end" calamity, which is a pretty common thing in fantasy. It's a good light hearted fantasy story that won't bore you.
December 21, 2010
Just a few weeks ago saw the release of Rachel Aaron’s entertaining and light-hearted debut novel The Spirit Thief. Now, fast on its heels, we already have the sequel The Spirit Rebellion — and even better, the third book in the series, The Spirit Eater, will be here around Thanksgiving. Isn’t it wonderful when you don’t have to wait a whole year for the next novel in a series?
This second installment in THE LEGEND OF ELI MONPRESS takes place right after the events in the first book. Spiritualist Miranda Lyonette, heading back to the Spirit Court, finds herself on the wrong end of a political witch hunt after her involvement in the recent events in Mellinor, more specifically the escape of the notorious wizard thief Eli Monpress. Eli, meanwhile, is on the road with his companions, the swordsman Josef and the demonseed-girl Nico, as usual out for mischief but also to purchase a new coat for Nico. The Shaper wizard constructing the coat demands a certain rare sword as payment, and wouldn’t you know it: one of those swords just happens to reside with the Duke of Gaol, who has recently advertised his brand new, ultra-protected and supposedly even “Eli Monpress proof” citadel. If there’s one thing Eli can’t resist, it’s a challenge...
Even though the first book in this series was quite enjoyable, its small scope and relatively short length made it feel more like an elaborate prologue than a full novel. It’s nice to see that The Spirit Rebellion moves in the right direction in both regards: the story covers more ground both in terms of time and space, resulting in a more solid novel. Even better, it effectively builds on several elements that were introduced in the first book and uses them ingeniously and sometimes surprisingly. Explaining this in more detail would lead to spoilers, but suffice it to say that the brief hints at hidden depth in The Spirit Thief are further developed here, and hopefully this trend will continue.
However, The Spirit Rebellion still feels a bit thin at times. Especially the plotting is at times too transparent and obvious: character A wants object B as the price for performing a service for Eli, and it just so happens that object B is in the hands of Count X, who is obsessed with catching Eli — so Eli of course heads there. Separately and for an entirely different reason, Miranda ends up being sent to the same location, inevitably leading to the two protagonists meeting again. It’s all too convenient to be believable.
If Rachel Aaron occasionally plays fast and loose with improbable plot manipulations, and if her characters are still a bit on the thin side, it’s usually easy to forgive because The Spirit Rebellion is once again an engaging, fun fantasy romp. The characters still bicker a lot, there’s once again a conversation with a door, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that Eli Monpress is incapable of ever being boring. Despite the novel taking a decidedly dark turn towards the end, The Spirit Rebellion is for the most part another entertaining, action-packed and slightly silly novel that should get readers excited for the next book in the series, The Spirit Eater, due out in November. Your enjoyment of these books will vary greatly depending on how you approach them: if you’re, say, a book reviewer always on the lookout for flaws and plot holes, you’ll probably end up muttering to yourself quite frequently. On the other hand, if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief, go along for the ride, and (most importantly) not take everything too seriously, you’re once again sure to have fun with Eli, Miranda and company.
(This review was also published at www.fantasyliterature.com on 10/25/2010.)
This second installment in THE LEGEND OF ELI MONPRESS takes place right after the events in the first book. Spiritualist Miranda Lyonette, heading back to the Spirit Court, finds herself on the wrong end of a political witch hunt after her involvement in the recent events in Mellinor, more specifically the escape of the notorious wizard thief Eli Monpress. Eli, meanwhile, is on the road with his companions, the swordsman Josef and the demonseed-girl Nico, as usual out for mischief but also to purchase a new coat for Nico. The Shaper wizard constructing the coat demands a certain rare sword as payment, and wouldn’t you know it: one of those swords just happens to reside with the Duke of Gaol, who has recently advertised his brand new, ultra-protected and supposedly even “Eli Monpress proof” citadel. If there’s one thing Eli can’t resist, it’s a challenge...
Even though the first book in this series was quite enjoyable, its small scope and relatively short length made it feel more like an elaborate prologue than a full novel. It’s nice to see that The Spirit Rebellion moves in the right direction in both regards: the story covers more ground both in terms of time and space, resulting in a more solid novel. Even better, it effectively builds on several elements that were introduced in the first book and uses them ingeniously and sometimes surprisingly. Explaining this in more detail would lead to spoilers, but suffice it to say that the brief hints at hidden depth in The Spirit Thief are further developed here, and hopefully this trend will continue.
However, The Spirit Rebellion still feels a bit thin at times. Especially the plotting is at times too transparent and obvious: character A wants object B as the price for performing a service for Eli, and it just so happens that object B is in the hands of Count X, who is obsessed with catching Eli — so Eli of course heads there. Separately and for an entirely different reason, Miranda ends up being sent to the same location, inevitably leading to the two protagonists meeting again. It’s all too convenient to be believable.
If Rachel Aaron occasionally plays fast and loose with improbable plot manipulations, and if her characters are still a bit on the thin side, it’s usually easy to forgive because The Spirit Rebellion is once again an engaging, fun fantasy romp. The characters still bicker a lot, there’s once again a conversation with a door, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that Eli Monpress is incapable of ever being boring. Despite the novel taking a decidedly dark turn towards the end, The Spirit Rebellion is for the most part another entertaining, action-packed and slightly silly novel that should get readers excited for the next book in the series, The Spirit Eater, due out in November. Your enjoyment of these books will vary greatly depending on how you approach them: if you’re, say, a book reviewer always on the lookout for flaws and plot holes, you’ll probably end up muttering to yourself quite frequently. On the other hand, if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief, go along for the ride, and (most importantly) not take everything too seriously, you’re once again sure to have fun with Eli, Miranda and company.
(This review was also published at www.fantasyliterature.com on 10/25/2010.)
April 21, 2019
The Spirit Rebellion is the second in The Legend of Eli Monpress series by Rachel Aaron. The story takes a slightly darker turn as Miranda deals with the results of her actions from the first book and Eli is on to his next robbery.
Thanks to their escape in Mellinor, Niko needs a new coat. Who better to make a customer coat for her rather specific needs than a master Shaper wizard? Which, of course, comes with a high cost: an incredibly rare, if useless, sword made from bone metal. The catch? The easiest one to steal happens to be kept in the "thief proof" citadel of the Duke of Gaol. As a master thief this presents the ultimate challenge, even though the closer they get to Gaol the more it looks like a trap aimed specifically at Eli. After all, what is life without a little risk? Meanwhile, Miranda returns to the Spirit Court having failed in her mission to capture Eli Monpress. It looks as if Miranda's career as a Spiritualist may be in jeopardy.
Impossible object for Eli to steal? Check. Evil, OCD bad guy who is hell bent on capturing Eli? Check. Lots of oppressed spirits? Check. More about demonseeds? Check. This book takes the foundation Aaron has laid down and builds upon it. We even get a little more background on Eli. And quite a bit of fast paced action. About the only thing we don't get is too much more depth in the other characters. I hope that Miranda, Niko and Josep are fleshed out a bit more in the third installment.
You still can't go wrong if you're looking for a nice, lighter fantasy to read. This one hit the spot.
Thanks to their escape in Mellinor, Niko needs a new coat. Who better to make a customer coat for her rather specific needs than a master Shaper wizard? Which, of course, comes with a high cost: an incredibly rare, if useless, sword made from bone metal. The catch? The easiest one to steal happens to be kept in the "thief proof" citadel of the Duke of Gaol. As a master thief this presents the ultimate challenge, even though the closer they get to Gaol the more it looks like a trap aimed specifically at Eli. After all, what is life without a little risk? Meanwhile, Miranda returns to the Spirit Court having failed in her mission to capture Eli Monpress. It looks as if Miranda's career as a Spiritualist may be in jeopardy.
Impossible object for Eli to steal? Check. Evil, OCD bad guy who is hell bent on capturing Eli? Check. Lots of oppressed spirits? Check. More about demonseeds? Check. This book takes the foundation Aaron has laid down and builds upon it. We even get a little more background on Eli. And quite a bit of fast paced action. About the only thing we don't get is too much more depth in the other characters. I hope that Miranda, Niko and Josep are fleshed out a bit more in the third installment.
You still can't go wrong if you're looking for a nice, lighter fantasy to read. This one hit the spot.
May 21, 2011
I'll say this for Rachel Aaron - she is trying, and trying hard. I really do like her style of writing and her ideas. But I wish it didn't just stop there. She still has this sort of... flat, surface-level story going, even though I can tell she's trying to twist the threads of the plot. It's more than a little frustrating, because I feel like if she just developed the characters a little more the novel would be so much more satisfying!
All that said, I liked this book more than the last, so hopefully Aaron's just going to keep going up! Gaol was amazing, and I really liked the antagonist in this one. The calm, smart crazies are always the scariest (imo). And you get your fill of the psycho crazies in the form of Berek Sted. Again, it was great to read about Josef's strength of character, his insistence on doing things the hard way, and the building of his relationship with the Heart of War. It's an interesting take on the 'berserker' stereotype, I think. And, as usual, I liked Aaron's other main characters as well, I just wish there was a little more backstory, a little more trouble, a little more angst within the trio of Eli, Josef, and Nico, so that their personalities are filled out a little more. However, at least in this one we get to see a little of Eli's childhood and family, which was so interesting. I just want MOAR! I'm glad I have the next one to read right away...
All that said, I liked this book more than the last, so hopefully Aaron's just going to keep going up! Gaol was amazing, and I really liked the antagonist in this one. The calm, smart crazies are always the scariest (imo). And you get your fill of the psycho crazies in the form of Berek Sted. Again, it was great to read about Josef's strength of character, his insistence on doing things the hard way, and the building of his relationship with the Heart of War. It's an interesting take on the 'berserker' stereotype, I think. And, as usual, I liked Aaron's other main characters as well, I just wish there was a little more backstory, a little more trouble, a little more angst within the trio of Eli, Josef, and Nico, so that their personalities are filled out a little more. However, at least in this one we get to see a little of Eli's childhood and family, which was so interesting. I just want MOAR! I'm glad I have the next one to read right away...
Read
October 4, 2016
I kind of expected to DNF this which I ultimately did. This is the second book in the series and I had my doubts on the first one, but I'm just so bored with this story. Everytime I pick it up, I want to put it back down and it makes me feel stressed out. The story bores me. It's not exciting to me at all and I don't particularly care for the characters either. It's sad, but I'm glad I tried it. Now I know I don't want to continue on with this series.
May 23, 2019
4/5
Pretty decent
Now I read the first part a bit over a year ago, and I gave it a 3. It was an ok read, but I was a bit disappointed, mainly because I had high expectations, and the main villain wasn't memorable or was impactful for me.
However, I can say that this book is a lot better than the first one as we learn more about specific characters and the villain of this story is far more impactful devious in this story than the last.
Despite this, I feel like the book raises the stakes only slightly from the previous which is a bit lacklustre, but I am hoping the future books can rectify this issue and I am hoping there is an arc running from each book which leads to a something, but we shall see.
Overall better than the first book but still missing that wow factor I was expecting.
Pretty decent
Now I read the first part a bit over a year ago, and I gave it a 3. It was an ok read, but I was a bit disappointed, mainly because I had high expectations, and the main villain wasn't memorable or was impactful for me.
However, I can say that this book is a lot better than the first one as we learn more about specific characters and the villain of this story is far more impactful devious in this story than the last.
Despite this, I feel like the book raises the stakes only slightly from the previous which is a bit lacklustre, but I am hoping the future books can rectify this issue and I am hoping there is an arc running from each book which leads to a something, but we shall see.
Overall better than the first book but still missing that wow factor I was expecting.
May 19, 2017
Maybe 4 1/2 stars
This brings back the gang though not to Miranda's liking. Miranda is rejected by her own council, initiated by the enemy of her mentor. She is then requested to look into the providence of Gaol by the West Wind and cannot refuse without going against her morals. So her bargest and she are off to investigate.
Eli and his band are going to the same providence and city looking to steal an object as payment for the help Niko received from a special maker, swords and other objects. When they arrive several things are strange, none of the spirits talk to Eli, as if enslaved yet not. In addition someone has already stolen the object claiming to be Monpress. Eli is not going to take it, besides he needs his payment.
The Duke is obviously a dictator and the evil of the plot along with the spiritualist that helped convict Miranda. They seem to be working together, but do dictators work with anyone?
Part of this is a repeat of the last book in that they are freeing spirits once again and saving a town. This time Miranda wasn't initially following Monpress but that is what she wants in the end. A lot is furthered in the characters. Eli is favored by a very powerful being and we get to see that-- Miranda and the organization she was working for and the politics that don't work very well, then the Demon Seed, Niko, and the demon inside that she is trying to fight constantly, and finally Josef who shows his poor swordsmanship once again. Luckily Josef has an epiphany and I got less annoyed at his ineptitude. The only character that didn't get some story told seems to be the bargest dog of Miranda.
I really like these books but they seem to missing something... a connection between characters maybe. Niko and Josef seem to have the greatest connection. I'm waiting to feel more of a connection and true care between Eli and Niko or Josef, or Miranda and and anyone. They do the right thing but I want them to emotionally want to do for their friends. So other than that, they have a humor, action and story line that keep you involved. The characters are interesting and you want to know more about them all. No cliffhangers but a definite question of who exactly Eli is. I still think the series should be called, the friends and enemies of Eli Monpress or Eli's Band of Brothers or something as it isn't all about Eli. Very good read.
This brings back the gang though not to Miranda's liking. Miranda is rejected by her own council, initiated by the enemy of her mentor. She is then requested to look into the providence of Gaol by the West Wind and cannot refuse without going against her morals. So her bargest and she are off to investigate.
Eli and his band are going to the same providence and city looking to steal an object as payment for the help Niko received from a special maker, swords and other objects. When they arrive several things are strange, none of the spirits talk to Eli, as if enslaved yet not. In addition someone has already stolen the object claiming to be Monpress. Eli is not going to take it, besides he needs his payment.
The Duke is obviously a dictator and the evil of the plot along with the spiritualist that helped convict Miranda. They seem to be working together, but do dictators work with anyone?
Part of this is a repeat of the last book in that they are freeing spirits once again and saving a town. This time Miranda wasn't initially following Monpress but that is what she wants in the end. A lot is furthered in the characters. Eli is favored by a very powerful being and we get to see that-- Miranda and the organization she was working for and the politics that don't work very well, then the Demon Seed, Niko, and the demon inside that she is trying to fight constantly, and finally Josef who shows his poor swordsmanship once again. Luckily Josef has an epiphany and I got less annoyed at his ineptitude. The only character that didn't get some story told seems to be the bargest dog of Miranda.
I really like these books but they seem to missing something... a connection between characters maybe. Niko and Josef seem to have the greatest connection. I'm waiting to feel more of a connection and true care between Eli and Niko or Josef, or Miranda and and anyone. They do the right thing but I want them to emotionally want to do for their friends. So other than that, they have a humor, action and story line that keep you involved. The characters are interesting and you want to know more about them all. No cliffhangers but a definite question of who exactly Eli is. I still think the series should be called, the friends and enemies of Eli Monpress or Eli's Band of Brothers or something as it isn't all about Eli. Very good read.
November 7, 2018
I really wanted to like this series, but I keep getting bored. I was hoping that as the books progressed, the story would grow in depth in terms of character and plot. The second novel, however was just more of the same. Much of the plot is repetitions of the last book. The characters still don’t have much depth. We rarely get much insight into their deeper feelings and motivations. This is especially true for Eli. He’s the namesake of the series, yet we get precious little time inside his head, so we still don’t understand his eccentric behavior and choices. It makes it hard to root for him.
On another note, I feel like the POV jumps around too often. Within the same conversation, we can be in the POV of the villain and then suddenly switch to the POV of a random page boy. It’s confusing and unnecessary.
Overall, though, these books do have a lot of potential. They’re filled with fun fantasy elements, creative magic, and political intrigue. Nicco’s story, in particular, really fascinated me. I feel, with a little polishing, this series could be something grand. As is, though, I think this is just too light for me.
On another note, I feel like the POV jumps around too often. Within the same conversation, we can be in the POV of the villain and then suddenly switch to the POV of a random page boy. It’s confusing and unnecessary.
Overall, though, these books do have a lot of potential. They’re filled with fun fantasy elements, creative magic, and political intrigue. Nicco’s story, in particular, really fascinated me. I feel, with a little polishing, this series could be something grand. As is, though, I think this is just too light for me.
March 3, 2024
Not as light and fun as the first book. Adding more layers to the story brought a bit more darkness to it all, but still a great book and a great series.
October 27, 2020
26 Oct 2020
Plot: Thief and crew plan heist as payment for services rendered. A wizardess gets accused of high treason and has to clear her name.
1. This book is much better than the last one, mostly because the villains are a legitimate threat for the protagonists and don't immediately fall to pieces in the face of their badassitude. Going in, I was glumly expecting more curb stomp battles but the antagonists were an actual threat? And the protagonists now have limits on their superpowers? These are excellent developments.
2. Spirit politics (and sprits in general) are my absolute favourite thing about this series. This meant that one of the primary conflicts — a city of terrified, cowed spirits — was something I got very invested in. There were also people trying to outsmart instead of overwhelm each other and a new hyper competent character with zero superpowers. All which adds up to a pretty fun time.
3. We now know a little bit more about the thief gang, their histories, limitations and motivations; which is good. But we don't get as much of it as I'd like. Another side effect of the expanded plot for the Monpress gang is the relative decrease of screentime for Miranda (who uh, is somehow still my favorite human main character despite being least quirky one; it must be the motivations) but the villains were good enough to smooth all that over so yay~
4. I have a feeling things may end up getting more large-scale politics in the later books and I'm not so sure what I feel about that. I suppose it would be all right so long as we can see more of spirits of all kind.
5. Everyone knows the non-human MVP of this whole book was that one terrified little axe, right? (The human MVP, of course, is Guiseppe and I totally get why he's all "why Eli WHY.")
Plot: Thief and crew plan heist as payment for services rendered. A wizardess gets accused of high treason and has to clear her name.
1. This book is much better than the last one, mostly because the villains are a legitimate threat for the protagonists and don't immediately fall to pieces in the face of their badassitude. Going in, I was glumly expecting more curb stomp battles but the antagonists were an actual threat? And the protagonists now have limits on their superpowers? These are excellent developments.
2. Spirit politics (and sprits in general) are my absolute favourite thing about this series. This meant that one of the primary conflicts — a city of terrified, cowed spirits — was something I got very invested in. There were also people trying to outsmart instead of overwhelm each other and a new hyper competent character with zero superpowers. All which adds up to a pretty fun time.
3. We now know a little bit more about the thief gang, their histories, limitations and motivations; which is good. But we don't get as much of it as I'd like. Another side effect of the expanded plot for the Monpress gang is the relative decrease of screentime for Miranda (who uh, is somehow still my favorite human main character despite being least quirky one; it must be the motivations) but the villains were good enough to smooth all that over so yay~
4. I have a feeling things may end up getting more large-scale politics in the later books and I'm not so sure what I feel about that. I suppose it would be all right so long as we can see more of spirits of all kind.
5. Everyone knows the non-human MVP of this whole book was that one terrified little axe, right? (The human MVP, of course, is Guiseppe and I totally get why he's all "why Eli WHY.")
July 24, 2022
“Anyway even your quiet escapes are to flashy for me.”
“The Spirit Rebellion” by Rachel Aaron is the second book in the “Eli Monpress” series. We continue following the events of the first book and the fall out that Miranda must face for the escape of Eli. This was Just like it predecessor, another fun fantasy romp with mustache twirling villains and ridiculous schemes.
Start by saying that this book didn’t seem to go to far out of comfort zone. It seemed following similar beats as book one. Nothing to shocking, but still greats amount of fun. The prose still wasn’t the strongest, but it was certainly digestible. I say the biggest problem I can see for most people is the constant of jumping of POV. It literally changes to every player in the book at one point. It’s nothing extremely negative, but it kinda makes you feel like your bouncing all over.
The characters and just the easiness of reading it, is by far the best part of the book. You burn through pages so quick just cause you like hanging out with Eli or Josef. Our addition of a certain father figure was definitely a major plus for this book.
All in all this was still a fun enjoyable read, but because it didn’t really take to many leaps from the last book think I have to give it a solid 4.
“The Spirit Rebellion” by Rachel Aaron is the second book in the “Eli Monpress” series. We continue following the events of the first book and the fall out that Miranda must face for the escape of Eli. This was Just like it predecessor, another fun fantasy romp with mustache twirling villains and ridiculous schemes.
Start by saying that this book didn’t seem to go to far out of comfort zone. It seemed following similar beats as book one. Nothing to shocking, but still greats amount of fun. The prose still wasn’t the strongest, but it was certainly digestible. I say the biggest problem I can see for most people is the constant of jumping of POV. It literally changes to every player in the book at one point. It’s nothing extremely negative, but it kinda makes you feel like your bouncing all over.
The characters and just the easiness of reading it, is by far the best part of the book. You burn through pages so quick just cause you like hanging out with Eli or Josef. Our addition of a certain father figure was definitely a major plus for this book.
All in all this was still a fun enjoyable read, but because it didn’t really take to many leaps from the last book think I have to give it a solid 4.
April 28, 2023
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The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
The Spirit Thief (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #1)
The Spirit Rebellion (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #2)
The Spirit Eater (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #3)
The Spirit War (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #4)
Spirit's End (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #5)
By: Rachel Aaron
My Rating: FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
Best for: 14 and up
Eli's still got it
It's been a decade since I first read about Eli Monpress and his Flynn Rider-ish adventures in magical thievery. I wanted to give the story another look with fresh eyes to make sure my years of recommendations weren't misguided.
They weren't.
Eli Monpress remains a tragically unknown story that's a ton of fun and full of adventure!
***October 2013***
Now THAT was a fun story!
My motivation for reading is simple. I read books to be entertained, and when I've finished reading them I want to feel happy. That's it. Really.
There was nothing that stopped me from being simply and completely entertained while reading Eli Monpress, and now that I’m finished I can’t wipe the satisfied smile from my face. The characters are strong, complex, and imperfect—which, ironically, makes them perfect. The writing is smooth—so smooth it’s hard to believe Rachel Aaron doesn’t have more stuff out there. The Eli books are it, but you’d think she’s been writing for years as a best seller. I saw no signs of her being a first time author. What a joy! And her story . . . wow. So, so much fun to read.
Eli Monpress is the world’s greatest thief. He’s also a wizard—someone who can communicate with the spirits that are the living parts of what everyone else sees as inanimate objects. He’s so smooth he can talk his way in or out of anything, and he’s got the bounty to prove it. Miranda Lyonette is the wizard Spiritualist—sworn to defend the spirits from those who would abuse them—who is tasked with catching Eli and bringing him to justice. Not that Eli abuses spirits as much as he gives the already-misunderstood wizards a bad name. But as hard as Miranda tries to catch Eli, for some reason they always end up working together in the end to save the day—and ultimately the world. Josef is the honorable Swordsman with the mysterious past. Nico is the girl who could end up saving them all . . .
The book’s themes center around the ambiguities in what is morally right and morally wrong, the unbreakable bonds of friendship, the imperative of having integrity, the importance of always keeping your promises, always doing the right thing—even (especially) when it’s the hardest thing, and most powerfully, the lesson that YOU are in charge of YOU and we all have the power to become masters of ourselves. All this in a fast paced story set in a completely unique and imaginative world. No language. No Sex. There is quite a bit of violence that adds to the drama.
I’ll say appropriate for 14 and up.
Happy Reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
The Spirit Thief (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #1)
The Spirit Rebellion (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #2)
The Spirit Eater (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #3)
The Spirit War (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #4)
Spirit's End (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #5)
By: Rachel Aaron
My Rating: FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
Best for: 14 and up
Eli's still got it
It's been a decade since I first read about Eli Monpress and his Flynn Rider-ish adventures in magical thievery. I wanted to give the story another look with fresh eyes to make sure my years of recommendations weren't misguided.
They weren't.
Eli Monpress remains a tragically unknown story that's a ton of fun and full of adventure!
***October 2013***
Now THAT was a fun story!
My motivation for reading is simple. I read books to be entertained, and when I've finished reading them I want to feel happy. That's it. Really.
There was nothing that stopped me from being simply and completely entertained while reading Eli Monpress, and now that I’m finished I can’t wipe the satisfied smile from my face. The characters are strong, complex, and imperfect—which, ironically, makes them perfect. The writing is smooth—so smooth it’s hard to believe Rachel Aaron doesn’t have more stuff out there. The Eli books are it, but you’d think she’s been writing for years as a best seller. I saw no signs of her being a first time author. What a joy! And her story . . . wow. So, so much fun to read.
Eli Monpress is the world’s greatest thief. He’s also a wizard—someone who can communicate with the spirits that are the living parts of what everyone else sees as inanimate objects. He’s so smooth he can talk his way in or out of anything, and he’s got the bounty to prove it. Miranda Lyonette is the wizard Spiritualist—sworn to defend the spirits from those who would abuse them—who is tasked with catching Eli and bringing him to justice. Not that Eli abuses spirits as much as he gives the already-misunderstood wizards a bad name. But as hard as Miranda tries to catch Eli, for some reason they always end up working together in the end to save the day—and ultimately the world. Josef is the honorable Swordsman with the mysterious past. Nico is the girl who could end up saving them all . . .
The book’s themes center around the ambiguities in what is morally right and morally wrong, the unbreakable bonds of friendship, the imperative of having integrity, the importance of always keeping your promises, always doing the right thing—even (especially) when it’s the hardest thing, and most powerfully, the lesson that YOU are in charge of YOU and we all have the power to become masters of ourselves. All this in a fast paced story set in a completely unique and imaginative world. No language. No Sex. There is quite a bit of violence that adds to the drama.
I’ll say appropriate for 14 and up.
Happy Reading!
January 23, 2017
This one is another one Goodreads a definite 4.5 stars if I could do it that way. But in truth I really love this series. Eli is a great character even when he seems to not be the main character of this book. Its a great universe and you get to see a little more about Eli. But a whole lot more of Miranda Lyonette. The Spirit Court which is so interesting all on its own. Miranda's dealings with her spirits and just exactly how she views them. You also learn a lot about how spirits actually work. Her great spirit and the way they work with the spirits around them. Which brings us to the Duke of Gaol and the way he runs his duchy. Terrible person who efficiently has it his way.
Also to be enjoyed is the elder Monpress. But to say more would be bad. Get the book and enjoy a great tale of fantasy. This novel has great pacing as it really never slows down. Its not all just action but the tale really never stops there is always something happening and it really is enjoyable. Things I am looking forward the most is the Spirit Court. I want to see other locations and see other spiritualist work their way around problems. But I guess its Miranda from here on out.
Also to be enjoyed is the elder Monpress. But to say more would be bad. Get the book and enjoy a great tale of fantasy. This novel has great pacing as it really never slows down. Its not all just action but the tale really never stops there is always something happening and it really is enjoyable. Things I am looking forward the most is the Spirit Court. I want to see other locations and see other spiritualist work their way around problems. But I guess its Miranda from here on out.
March 25, 2014
If you liked the first book in the series, you'll like this. The character of Eli is developed further, as we learn a touch more of his backstory and meet an old friend of his.
The book does have it's problems however:
The other characters aren't developed any more than they were in the first book. Even more so then in the first book, I feel like Miranda is a Mary Sue character.
The plot is very episodic, with little feeling that there is anything greater building. In fact, the plot is far too similar to that from the first book, and gave me a feeling of deja vu.
It's very pulpy and fun, but not very deep or meaningful. I recently read The Worm Ouroboros and in that novel there was something to make me think in every chapter. In this, I don't think my brain engaged at all. I'm not sure if it's good or bad that it doesn't go for much depth. I suppose it depends on what you are looking for from a book.
The book does have it's problems however:
The other characters aren't developed any more than they were in the first book. Even more so then in the first book, I feel like Miranda is a Mary Sue character.
The plot is very episodic, with little feeling that there is anything greater building. In fact, the plot is far too similar to that from the first book, and gave me a feeling of deja vu.
It's very pulpy and fun, but not very deep or meaningful. I recently read The Worm Ouroboros and in that novel there was something to make me think in every chapter. In this, I don't think my brain engaged at all. I'm not sure if it's good or bad that it doesn't go for much depth. I suppose it depends on what you are looking for from a book.
April 20, 2014
Oh Eli you little shit. I do adore you. You are an ass. You are conceited. You are single minded in your determination to be an idiot at times.
Yet I adore you.
Even I can't explain it. I really thought his self centered arrogance would annoy the crap out of me yet it just Endears me. What's with that??? And poor Miranda, and the others having to deal with it! Ha!
This series is so fantastic and I highly recommend it. The magic, and setting in this universe is so well thought out and fascinating. I love that everything has a spirit from the greatest winds and seas to the smallest brick and roofing tile. Plus their personalities are just as varied says any humans could be. The story and pacing are excellent and I found myself listening to the audiobook whenever I had a free moment. Same as if I had been reading the real book or on my iPad. I would have been sneaking glances at the pages any chance I got.
So glad I have found this series and cannot wait to continue on!
Yet I adore you.
Even I can't explain it. I really thought his self centered arrogance would annoy the crap out of me yet it just Endears me. What's with that??? And poor Miranda, and the others having to deal with it! Ha!
This series is so fantastic and I highly recommend it. The magic, and setting in this universe is so well thought out and fascinating. I love that everything has a spirit from the greatest winds and seas to the smallest brick and roofing tile. Plus their personalities are just as varied says any humans could be. The story and pacing are excellent and I found myself listening to the audiobook whenever I had a free moment. Same as if I had been reading the real book or on my iPad. I would have been sneaking glances at the pages any chance I got.
So glad I have found this series and cannot wait to continue on!
February 7, 2016
Like the first, this is a deeply flawed book. I would like to ignore that, but a pattern begins to emerge.
The plot is still thin, the world makes no sense and the characters stay flat. The one attempt at character development falls so pathetically flat, I felt bad reading it. The whole book feels frozen at the same stage, with enormous potential that needs to be realized but isn't.
The reading is still fun, with clear action that begins to fray a bit once the spirit world gets involved, but I cannot overlook this simple fact:
I began reading this book because of the potential its predecessor promised. This promise has not been fulfilled. My goodwill is fraying and I fear this will not end like I hoped.
The plot is still thin, the world makes no sense and the characters stay flat. The one attempt at character development falls so pathetically flat, I felt bad reading it. The whole book feels frozen at the same stage, with enormous potential that needs to be realized but isn't.
The reading is still fun, with clear action that begins to fray a bit once the spirit world gets involved, but I cannot overlook this simple fact:
I began reading this book because of the potential its predecessor promised. This promise has not been fulfilled. My goodwill is fraying and I fear this will not end like I hoped.
June 4, 2015
More in the ridiculous adventures of Eli Monpress. We are introduced to more characters that we don't care about in a world that is spinning quickly into yesterday.
Slorn and his daughter are very interesting. Slorn is a shaper, he manipulates spirits (and their physical forms) into their best possible configurations and wakes them up (they become sentient all the time). His daughter works as his assistant, and seems to be interesting, but is only an extra in this made for tv story.
The bad guy is a Duke and wizard. A real bastard he dies without a real challenge.
Slorn and his daughter are very interesting. Slorn is a shaper, he manipulates spirits (and their physical forms) into their best possible configurations and wakes them up (they become sentient all the time). His daughter works as his assistant, and seems to be interesting, but is only an extra in this made for tv story.
The bad guy is a Duke and wizard. A real bastard he dies without a real challenge.
January 16, 2016
So I honestly can't remember why I didn't like the first book all that much. I'm betting it was more to do with it not fitting my mood and apparently taking a bigger hit than I usually give ratings wise on that front. But who knows, as I didn't write any notes for it. Here's what I do know: whatever my criticisms were on the first book, they clearly don't hold here. This book manages to be complex but FUN (and all the while dropping even more tantalizing hints to the mysteries that surround Eli). I love the characters, and I'm definitely going to have fun reading the next book!
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