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  • Blood of Innocents

  • The Sorcery Ascendant Sequence, Book 2
  • By: Mitchell Hogan
  • Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
  • Length: 20 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (709 ratings)
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Blood of Innocents cover art

Blood of Innocents

By: Mitchell Hogan
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
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Summary

Anasoma, jewel of the Mahruse Empire, has fallen.

As Caldan and his companions flee the city, horrors from the time of the Shattering begin to close in.

With Miranda's mind broken by forbidden sorcery, Caldan is forced to disobey the most sacrosanct laws of the Protectors if he is to have any chance of healing her.

But when one of the emperor's warlocks arrives to take control of him, he begins to suspect his burgeoning powers may be more of a curse than a blessing, and that the enemies assailing the empire may be rivaled by even more sinister forces within.

This is an updated recording from the original 2014 edition, also performed by Oliver Wyman, which matches the current reissue of the print book.

©2014 Mitchell Hogan (P)2014 Audible Inc.

What listeners say about Blood of Innocents

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A Divisive Series?

I’m enjoying this series. There, I said it. It seems however that some others simply aren’t so why is this series causing such a wide spread of reactions?

Firstly, I do think it has a lot going for it. The plot is building nicely in terms of the conflict. The world and the factions within it are intriguing and some of the character development is actually pretty good. I have particularly enjoyed the slow reveal of the deliciously twisted Amaden over the first two books. The description and use of magic in the books is very well done. A mix of the pseudo-scientific and the bright-eyed wonder of spectacular and at times subtle sorcery. The use of that sorcery in the action scenes is very impressive with no little ingenuity. The whole thing is very, very well performed by Oliver Wyman with an impressive and consistent range of character voices.

So, what’s not to like? Well, it’s not the fastest paced book you will ever read. There is a fair amount of repetitive soul-searching and if Oliver Wyman has a weakness it’s in the narrative away from the dialogue. The lead character Caldan is a baffling mix of instinctively intuitive sorcerer, master tactician and frankly complete pillock. This seems to be at the root of many of the complaints and it’s a fair charge though I don’t think brilliant intelligence and a lack of basic human understanding is that rare a combination.

So, one that clearly splits opinion, and with good reasons. For me the story, the sorcery and Amaden will definitely draw me into following this to its conclusion in what I believe is the third and final book. If you liked the first one you’ll likely enjoy this too. If you were troubled by the first one the chances are that you’ll see the same flaws here too.

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23 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Good story but slow

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

I felt that the writing style changed dramatically in this book, the characters still developed nicely but the plot became a lot slower as a result. So if you like books that have a lot of inner thinking and character points of views/developments then you would probably enjoy this. Still a good story, just drags in the middle.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I think I would have preferred an abridged version of this a lot more. I often only listen in 20 minute chunks so when most of what I am hearing is the same thing explained a little more each time then it can become tedious to listen to. Without adding spoilers, some parts could have had a more dramatic effect by not being so obvious, a little bit more of a twist would be nice.

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The start and the end were very good, reminiscent of the first book. The characters are very strong and appealing in the way the develop.

Any additional comments?

I wouldn't listen to this again, which is why I gave it a low overall score. I don't feel like I wasted my time listening to it and would love to find out the conclusion to the plot mainly for the characters that I don't feel apathetic about. I also found the narration enjoyable.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

outstanding

loved it can't wait for next part hope it's soon I know it'll be outstanding

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

A slow paced sequel

Would you try another book written by Mitchell Hogan or narrated by Oliver Wyman?

I like Oliver but Mitchell is starting to drag

What was most disappointing about Mitchell Hogan’s story?

the slow paced drudgery of this book is un excusable, in the previous book this young meets up with a few key character one being a girl. yes a girl. after one date , one! and a few afternoons together he isn't in love but some how committed to her. she got hurt with him and mentally damaged. but he didn't want her to help him initially, she forced her way into his life. she is now mentally disabled in this book and he spend half time moping and winging in his internal monologue of how to save her mind. It just drags so badly.

Have you listened to any of Oliver Wyman’s other performances? How does this one compare?

While not his best as I think even he thought this story boring. he's much better in monster hunter international.

Do you think Blood of Innocents needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

yes, but please Mr Hogan get a grip, add depth to you characters. half the charterers has as much depth as a flies wing.

Any additional comments?

please Mr Mitchel Hogan, stop think and write, your books have great potential. the world you have set up for them to live in is much better than the quality of the charterers you write.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Double plus good

Great series, just plane good old fun epic fantasy. Good narration. I bought the whole book series in one go.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

A Frustrating Filler

I found Book 2 very frustrating with Caldan not seeming to care how many people are killed along the way as long as Miranda (whose mind has been affected by Bells and Keys, a pair of Indryllans) is kept safe; I think if I hear her name from his lips one more time I will lose the will to live. That, coupled with his continued naivety and gullibility makes me wonder how this boy is going to save himself (and Miranda), let alone the world!

This book is more of a character building book, but still leaves a lot of the characters unfinished! Amerdan is a very unsavoury, dangerous character; Elpidia is only interested in bleeding Caldan; Felice seems to be the only character that really cares about anything.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

gripping story

great story hard to put away getting next book now! the narration was superb each story is a continuation of the next.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Really good

This is not my usual sort of book, but I have to say it's the second in the series and I'm loving it... downloading the next instalment now!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

good book

I enjoyed the book, maybe not quite as much as the first however it was a good listen.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story telling

Cracking story telling although the end was a little disappointing being so abrupt. Nevertheless a very enjoyable listen.

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1 person found this helpful