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Vesik #2
Wolves and the River of Stone
Philip, Zola’s boyfriend from one hundred and fifty years ago, is not nearly as dead as we thought. I really wish he was. Not only has he kidnapped Zola, but he’s raising an army to scour humanity from the earth. Hopefully the local werewolf pack will help. What could possibly go wrong?
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2013
About the author
Eric R. Asher
48 books628 followersEric is a former bookseller, cellist, and comic seller currently living in Saint Louis, Missouri. A lifelong enthusiast of books, music, toys, and games, he discovered a love for the written word after being dragged to the library by his parents at a young age. When he is not writing, you can usually find him reading, gaming, or buried beneath a small avalanche of Transformers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 16, 2020
Wolves and the River of Stone by Eric Asher
Book 2 of the Vesik series. Necromancy Urban fantasy. With ghosts, zombies, vampires, and a plethora of others. It can be read without reading the first.
Curtis!
This book is considerably better written in pace, voice and strategy than the first. I also found more humor and depth of character in this book. Be warned, there is a lot of gore, violence, and dead from beginning to end that builds through to the end. Plus the introduction to a bit of romance for Damian.
I alternated between the paperback and audio version. The audio was narrated by William Dufris who did a really fantastic job creating differentiations between characters. I’d say I enjoyed this book more than I expected (the level of gross stuff was much higher than my normal) because of the narrator. In particular, the humor was more pronounced than I was reading.
I will be continuing the series.
Book 2 of the Vesik series. Necromancy Urban fantasy. With ghosts, zombies, vampires, and a plethora of others. It can be read without reading the first.
Curtis!
This book is considerably better written in pace, voice and strategy than the first. I also found more humor and depth of character in this book. Be warned, there is a lot of gore, violence, and dead from beginning to end that builds through to the end. Plus the introduction to a bit of romance for Damian.
I alternated between the paperback and audio version. The audio was narrated by William Dufris who did a really fantastic job creating differentiations between characters. I’d say I enjoyed this book more than I expected (the level of gross stuff was much higher than my normal) because of the narrator. In particular, the humor was more pronounced than I was reading.
I will be continuing the series.
November 6, 2013
Favorite Lines “So much killing. Sometimes it seems like the only thing left in the world.”
“Well, tonight there are better people for killing. See you soon.”
“Foster and I had learned a long time ago to laugh in the face of adversity and atrocities. It was that or endure a psychotic break that would make a dark necromancer proud. Or go over the falls in a barrel, whichever you prefer.”
“My assistant manager is a vampire whore.”
“The wolves and the water witches. What would my grandfather say?”
“We always have an outside witness, but we’ve never had a vampire or a necromancer. I want to use this as an example of Carter’s influence, an example of peace between the wolves, the vampires, and the necromancers.”
OMG I didn't think I could Damian and Zola any more but, this book was PHENOMENAL. The beginning of this book starts with Zola getting kidnapped by her Ex-Lover Phillip Pinkerton (name even sounds like a bad guy) he's a dark necromancer who thinks all necromancers are better than anyone. He's hell bent on raising a demon but, oh no not just any demon he wants to raise a demon on a ancient burial ground. What a little weasel!
I don't know if the author meant to do this but this book deals with people putting aside there differences when they have a common weasel to take care of. Necromancer, D
Fallen Demon, Vampires, Fairies, Water Witch, and Werewolf all coming together to kick some ass! Oh did I mention Damian gets a water witch girlfriend!
So amazing charchters leave us in this book and I cried but I also laughed at the humour, and loved the action! I can't wait to see what happen next because I have feeling something big is coming!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (GHB)
FIVE WATER WITCH FAIRIES
“Well, tonight there are better people for killing. See you soon.”
“Foster and I had learned a long time ago to laugh in the face of adversity and atrocities. It was that or endure a psychotic break that would make a dark necromancer proud. Or go over the falls in a barrel, whichever you prefer.”
“My assistant manager is a vampire whore.”
“The wolves and the water witches. What would my grandfather say?”
“We always have an outside witness, but we’ve never had a vampire or a necromancer. I want to use this as an example of Carter’s influence, an example of peace between the wolves, the vampires, and the necromancers.”
OMG I didn't think I could Damian and Zola any more but, this book was PHENOMENAL. The beginning of this book starts with Zola getting kidnapped by her Ex-Lover Phillip Pinkerton (name even sounds like a bad guy) he's a dark necromancer who thinks all necromancers are better than anyone. He's hell bent on raising a demon but, oh no not just any demon he wants to raise a demon on a ancient burial ground. What a little weasel!
I don't know if the author meant to do this but this book deals with people putting aside there differences when they have a common weasel to take care of. Necromancer, D
Fallen Demon, Vampires, Fairies, Water Witch, and Werewolf all coming together to kick some ass! Oh did I mention Damian gets a water witch girlfriend!
So amazing charchters leave us in this book and I cried but I also laughed at the humour, and loved the action! I can't wait to see what happen next because I have feeling something big is coming!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (GHB)
FIVE WATER WITCH FAIRIES
December 2, 2013
Short Review - While the story is entertaining enough, the whole "Lets all get along" sub plot of the vamps/wolfs/fae and Necros was a little nauseating. There's no real reason for them not to get along in the first place, gimmie some real history or reasons as to why these guys use to kill on sight the other races.
Also the authors attempts to make Vesik come across as funny, (Which never are) Followed by the mandatory line that "everyone rolled around in hysterics" or "Foster almost guffawed himself into a coma" Really grated on me. I like your stories, but your humor sucks Eric. If you have to put these bad puns in, fine. Just don't write a stupid follow up sentence about foster collapsing into a humor induced paralyses. Just stick to Zola hitting him with a cane and we can move on.
Also the authors attempts to make Vesik come across as funny, (Which never are) Followed by the mandatory line that "everyone rolled around in hysterics" or "Foster almost guffawed himself into a coma" Really grated on me. I like your stories, but your humor sucks Eric. If you have to put these bad puns in, fine. Just don't write a stupid follow up sentence about foster collapsing into a humor induced paralyses. Just stick to Zola hitting him with a cane and we can move on.
January 16, 2018
The first one in this series was not perfect but fun and entertaining enough. This one might be the same, I don't know as I DNF it quite early. Book two starts with annoying "romance" or rather oogling tits and ass and soon gets to "groin massage", "great waves of lust" and "I wanted her there and then, sprawled across the table, nude".
No thank you, I might put up with very badly written sex scenes in a great book, but not in a mediocre on.
No thank you, I might put up with very badly written sex scenes in a great book, but not in a mediocre on.
January 17, 2014
I must admit that after reading book 1 Days Gone Bad (Vesik) which I enjoyed I was not sure what to expect from this novel. I expected more of the same but this was a step up from the last book.
Phillip it seems is raising an army to scour humanity from the earth, Damian is just the necromancer to try to stop him with a bit of "help from his friends".
While the author does an excellent job at situations that are horrible with a bit of levity he does not cheat the reader out of a great story. The secondary characters are fleshed out enough for you to get to know most of them and the fact that he finally throws a bit of romance into this book (totally missing from book 1) is an improvement although this is Urban Fantasy all the way and it stays true to that genre.
There are battles and strategies , there are attacks, warmhearted situations and a bit of tragedy, all of which you will love. The concluding few chapters are some of the best I have read in years, the pacing might be slow in a couple of places but the finale is nothing short of amazing.
Well done and highly recommended 4.5 Stars rounded up.
Phillip it seems is raising an army to scour humanity from the earth, Damian is just the necromancer to try to stop him with a bit of "help from his friends".
While the author does an excellent job at situations that are horrible with a bit of levity he does not cheat the reader out of a great story. The secondary characters are fleshed out enough for you to get to know most of them and the fact that he finally throws a bit of romance into this book (totally missing from book 1) is an improvement although this is Urban Fantasy all the way and it stays true to that genre.
There are battles and strategies , there are attacks, warmhearted situations and a bit of tragedy, all of which you will love. The concluding few chapters are some of the best I have read in years, the pacing might be slow in a couple of places but the finale is nothing short of amazing.
Well done and highly recommended 4.5 Stars rounded up.
June 30, 2020
Enjoyed the second book in the Vesik series even more than I did the first! There is a lot going on in these books, but it is done so well that it feels like a series of little stories all connected to the larger goal. There are a lot of characters but in time I had them straight. All the characters are needed because one element of the book is the banding together of all the different paranormal creatures/beings.
I love the characters. I love the story. And I must stress that this book is wonderful on audible - the narrator makes this book in many ways. I have already begun the third book!
I love the characters. I love the story. And I must stress that this book is wonderful on audible - the narrator makes this book in many ways. I have already begun the third book!
August 21, 2020
wow! this was a fast paced, slightly darker, a bit more gory story that had all my favorite characters coming together to fight evil. This was at times funny, snarky, sexy, full of anger, loss, friendship and family. When Zolla said in the car driving to a fight, how amazing it was to have vampires, faeries, werewolves and necromance together now, when they have been enemies in the past, it just struck me so hard in the feels.
I've been listening on audible, which is amazing, and have already moved on to book three, Winter's Demon.
I've been listening on audible, which is amazing, and have already moved on to book three, Winter's Demon.
November 15, 2019
I am having fun listening to this series. The characters are well developed, flawed, genuine and have formed friendships or banned together for the greater good. Asher blends lore, origins, myth and more forming a unique tale as our apprentice Vesik works with his Master Zola to stop Philip.
Philip, thought long dead (like a hundred and fifty years dead), has raised an army and has plans that if successful could open a gate for demons and destroy the world as we know it. This little tidbit has supernatural foe, working together beginning with the wolves. Historically wolves killed necromancers on site. Sure, things are a little touchy but it’s for a worthy cause. Fae, witches, demons, gods and more will aid the cause. Heck, even the Watchers seem to aid.
I still would like to see a little more background on some things mentioned for example the history between the wolves and necromancers. Foster (a fairy) and Damian’s best friend briefly explain, but it was superficial. Asher does a great job bringing the scenes to life, particularly the battles.
Foster is fast becoming my favorite sidekick! He is wise, hilarious and makes me hungry. In fact, they discuss food a lot in this story. Our heroes like to eat.. so have snacks on hand. May I suggest Rice Krispies Treats, cheese crackers, and pancakes? Ooo and hang on because Damian get’s a girlfriend!
William Dufris continues to narrate and does a bang-up job capturing the tone, personality and voice of each character. Everyone has their own voice and I love knowing who is speaking just by his inflections. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Philip, thought long dead (like a hundred and fifty years dead), has raised an army and has plans that if successful could open a gate for demons and destroy the world as we know it. This little tidbit has supernatural foe, working together beginning with the wolves. Historically wolves killed necromancers on site. Sure, things are a little touchy but it’s for a worthy cause. Fae, witches, demons, gods and more will aid the cause. Heck, even the Watchers seem to aid.
I still would like to see a little more background on some things mentioned for example the history between the wolves and necromancers. Foster (a fairy) and Damian’s best friend briefly explain, but it was superficial. Asher does a great job bringing the scenes to life, particularly the battles.
Foster is fast becoming my favorite sidekick! He is wise, hilarious and makes me hungry. In fact, they discuss food a lot in this story. Our heroes like to eat.. so have snacks on hand. May I suggest Rice Krispies Treats, cheese crackers, and pancakes? Ooo and hang on because Damian get’s a girlfriend!
William Dufris continues to narrate and does a bang-up job capturing the tone, personality and voice of each character. Everyone has their own voice and I love knowing who is speaking just by his inflections. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 15, 2015
I enjoyed the action chapters and I like the characters, but I felt like the author was really overselling the laughter. If this was a TV show, there would be an overuse of a cheap laugh track. Every scene has a forced smile, chuckle or laugh.
November 8, 2013
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review for my stop on the blog tour at Donnie Darko Girl.
Wolves and the River of Stone starts off with action right away, and you're pulled into Damian's world as though you never left. As a matter of fact, this book starts off right where the first book ended. Asher's style of writing is stellar - I can't stress that enough. His writing skills make me jealous! ;)
How shocked was I to find out Philip is not only very much alive but also raising an army? And had Zola, his ex-girlfriend, kidnapped? Very! What a shocking and awesome twist that turned out to be. The way Zola spoke of him in the first book, Days Gone Bad, you just wouldn't have thought of him as a bad guy, at least in the beginning. I did have a strange feeling when Zola told Damian in the first book that she found Philip's body two years before - that's the amount of time she disappeared, and Damian didn't know where she had gone. I thought that seemed awfully coincidental and had tucked that away in my memory bank for later.
I love these characters! The dialogue is natural, and you can tell they care about each other, showing that in their own ways. If their world wasn't so dangerous, I'd want to hang out with them for sure. I loved meeting the new characters, too. They added even more to this story and are just as vivid as the other characters.
The way Asher blends all of these different supernatural characters together is masterful, and I haven't read a lot of books with characters who are necromancers, which is one of the main aspects that drew me to this series. Everything about this series is amazing - the action, the romance, the characters, the plot...I'll be recommending this series to everyone I know. I'm the go-to girl of my family and friends for book recommendations. ;)
I feel lucky that I was able to read Wolves and the River of Stone right after Days Gone Bad. As much as I wish I had read Days Gone Bad when it was first published, I feel almost spoiled to be able to go right into the second novel. I don't know if I would've been able to stand the wait for this one!
Wolves and the River of Stone starts off with action right away, and you're pulled into Damian's world as though you never left. As a matter of fact, this book starts off right where the first book ended. Asher's style of writing is stellar - I can't stress that enough. His writing skills make me jealous! ;)
How shocked was I to find out Philip is not only very much alive but also raising an army? And had Zola, his ex-girlfriend, kidnapped? Very! What a shocking and awesome twist that turned out to be. The way Zola spoke of him in the first book, Days Gone Bad, you just wouldn't have thought of him as a bad guy, at least in the beginning. I did have a strange feeling when Zola told Damian in the first book that she found Philip's body two years before - that's the amount of time she disappeared, and Damian didn't know where she had gone. I thought that seemed awfully coincidental and had tucked that away in my memory bank for later.
I love these characters! The dialogue is natural, and you can tell they care about each other, showing that in their own ways. If their world wasn't so dangerous, I'd want to hang out with them for sure. I loved meeting the new characters, too. They added even more to this story and are just as vivid as the other characters.
The way Asher blends all of these different supernatural characters together is masterful, and I haven't read a lot of books with characters who are necromancers, which is one of the main aspects that drew me to this series. Everything about this series is amazing - the action, the romance, the characters, the plot...I'll be recommending this series to everyone I know. I'm the go-to girl of my family and friends for book recommendations. ;)
I feel lucky that I was able to read Wolves and the River of Stone right after Days Gone Bad. As much as I wish I had read Days Gone Bad when it was first published, I feel almost spoiled to be able to go right into the second novel. I don't know if I would've been able to stand the wait for this one!
February 21, 2021
This is one of my Book Bonanza 2019 purchases. I read it way back in 2019 and should have reviewed it back then, but didn't - I was in the midst of a very long reviewing slump, so there were a lot of things I finished but never reviewed. My intention was to reread it and review it properly before offloading it, but I've found that I have zero desire to reread it, and I couldn't even get through the audio version (partly due to my dislike of the narrator - I know Asher loves him, he said so in a BB19 panel, but something about his voice makes every line he says sound like he takes nothing seriously, which makes me dislike Damian even more than I already do). So I'll just do the best I can with what I remember, which isn't much.
In this particular book, Zola, Damian's mentor, has been kidnapped by Philip, her former lover, so of course Damian has to try to free her and deal with Philip and his demons. Werewolves are added to the mix, as is a love interest for Damian.
I'd initially wondered if Asher had planned to pair Damian up with Ashley, the Wiccan priestess who shared his morbid and gross sense of humor, but instead Asher paired Damian up with Nixie, the water witch I'd barely paid any attention to in the first book. Damian's drooling over Nixie was so over-the-top that I spent a good chunk of the book wondering whether Nixie was using her siren powers to control him somehow, but no, the "romance" was just that badly written.
From what I recall, this book was a tiny bit better than the first. I still didn't like Damian much, but at least this time around he didn't make pigeons explode for giggles. Overall, though, Asher's style doesn't seem to work for me. I can only hope that it's just his urban fantasy I have issues with - I own one other book by him that I haven't yet read, a steampunk fantasy called Steamborn, and I'd like it to work better for me.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
In this particular book, Zola, Damian's mentor, has been kidnapped by Philip, her former lover, so of course Damian has to try to free her and deal with Philip and his demons. Werewolves are added to the mix, as is a love interest for Damian.
I'd initially wondered if Asher had planned to pair Damian up with Ashley, the Wiccan priestess who shared his morbid and gross sense of humor, but instead Asher paired Damian up with Nixie, the water witch I'd barely paid any attention to in the first book. Damian's drooling over Nixie was so over-the-top that I spent a good chunk of the book wondering whether Nixie was using her siren powers to control him somehow, but no, the "romance" was just that badly written.
From what I recall, this book was a tiny bit better than the first. I still didn't like Damian much, but at least this time around he didn't make pigeons explode for giggles. Overall, though, Asher's style doesn't seem to work for me. I can only hope that it's just his urban fantasy I have issues with - I own one other book by him that I haven't yet read, a steampunk fantasy called Steamborn, and I'd like it to work better for me.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
July 6, 2020
My Thoughts:
As a follow-up to Days Gone Bad , this book also had the beautiful world building and character development seen in the first book. Another plus is the humour strewn through out the story telling! Kudos to the author's writing style! This series also introduced me to chimichanga which is quickly becoming a favourite of mine! I didn't know that such food existed until Vesik kept eating it! Another thing I like about this book is the appearance of the wolves! The already wonderful world building just kept getting richer! On the down side, for some reason I needed breaks from it every so often. This brought the pace of this book down. And the plot is a little bit on the thin side. However despite that, I still rate this book as a good read because I did enjoyed it!
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = (10 hrs & 4 mins listening time)
Plot = 3
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries
http://www.cherrymischievous.com/2018...
As a follow-up to Days Gone Bad , this book also had the beautiful world building and character development seen in the first book. Another plus is the humour strewn through out the story telling! Kudos to the author's writing style! This series also introduced me to chimichanga which is quickly becoming a favourite of mine! I didn't know that such food existed until Vesik kept eating it! Another thing I like about this book is the appearance of the wolves! The already wonderful world building just kept getting richer! On the down side, for some reason I needed breaks from it every so often. This brought the pace of this book down. And the plot is a little bit on the thin side. However despite that, I still rate this book as a good read because I did enjoyed it!
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = (10 hrs & 4 mins listening time)
Plot = 3
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries
http://www.cherrymischievous.com/2018...
October 27, 2013
***** I received an ARC copy for an honest review *****
OMG Holy Smoke I just finish reading this awesome book, when I read the first book ( Days Gone Bad), I love it but this one I love it even more, I am gone keep this sweet and short since I dont want to give anything away.
I love the characters love the story and of coursed I love anything that has to do with supernatural, meaning demons and other evil things, just love it.
This book had me seating at the edge of my seat, in this book Zola gets kidnapped by her boyfriend, Phillip who is also a necromancer but he is a dark one, he wants to bring all kind of eveil to this realm, and we all know that some of those eveil and humands dont get along to well, and on top of everything alse he is raising an army, thats when Damian comes in with his friend Foster to save Zola, and they get to save her for a short time, and thats when Foster introduce the werewolves, and they agree to help him out in the battle against Phillip.
I really enjoy reading this book, but what can I say I love everything that has to do with the supernatural, and this book is so full of it I want to say THANK YOU AUTHOR ERIC R. ASHER for introducing me to this amazing characters and this awesome book.
Cant wait to read more from this author.
OMG Holy Smoke I just finish reading this awesome book, when I read the first book ( Days Gone Bad), I love it but this one I love it even more, I am gone keep this sweet and short since I dont want to give anything away.
I love the characters love the story and of coursed I love anything that has to do with supernatural, meaning demons and other evil things, just love it.
This book had me seating at the edge of my seat, in this book Zola gets kidnapped by her boyfriend, Phillip who is also a necromancer but he is a dark one, he wants to bring all kind of eveil to this realm, and we all know that some of those eveil and humands dont get along to well, and on top of everything alse he is raising an army, thats when Damian comes in with his friend Foster to save Zola, and they get to save her for a short time, and thats when Foster introduce the werewolves, and they agree to help him out in the battle against Phillip.
I really enjoy reading this book, but what can I say I love everything that has to do with the supernatural, and this book is so full of it I want to say THANK YOU AUTHOR ERIC R. ASHER for introducing me to this amazing characters and this awesome book.
Cant wait to read more from this author.
January 11, 2015
While I loved the first book I wasn't as thrilled with book two. We were introduced to the werewolves and other creatures in this book. This book just went too slow for me. I did finish it in a night but I struggled through it because it just didn't keep my attention. I would still recommend it to others because the plot and writing was well done.
September 2, 2018
Wolves and the River of Stone (Vesik Series, #2)
Author : Eric R. Asher
Even though the genre of the book is that of adventure-fantasy, the book is not so tightly gripping from start to end. Yes, the story is quite interesting with some twists and turn of events, magic and with characters of Vampires and Werewolves; however, the narration is what I felt lacking the quality of a J. K Rowling or even a Stephenie Meyer in it. Being a fan of fantasy genre of novels, especially with witches, werewolves and vampires, I could only read the book in a slow pace. There are lots of characters that come and go with unnecessary events of grinning and laughing mentioned everywhere. One will feel the continuous mentioning of laughing to jokes completely unwanted to the narration. It could be that the author was trying to bring humour in the narrative; however, it did not went well with my experience. I've seen other narratives where the humour is portrayed much effectively and efficiently. May be because of being a Wodehouse fan I could not take the narrative style of Eric R. Asher.
Even though these are the negatives or shortcomings I noted in the novel, it comes with lots of positives also. The main thing I would like to mention here is that being the second book in a series, the author has made it in such a way that a reader not following the first book also can get hold of the proceedings pretty quickly. I have read other books, which are part of series, where one cannot understand the book if the first books are not followed. In that case I can assure all readers that you can get hold of the story easily without any issues or confusions regarding the characters. The end part of the novel also came good with some action and magic making it intriguing. However, I would have liked it better if some more details on the actions were provided. Also there are some of the quotes in the novel that are eye-catching.
Overall Wolves and the River of Stone, the second book in the Vesik series is a good read. Go for it if you are interested i fantasy genre, not top quality classical stuff. The author has done a comparatively good job in putting together the story.
I won the book in the Goodreads giveaway and therefore thanking Goodreads for giving an opportunity to get familiarised with the book.
Author : Eric R. Asher
Even though the genre of the book is that of adventure-fantasy, the book is not so tightly gripping from start to end. Yes, the story is quite interesting with some twists and turn of events, magic and with characters of Vampires and Werewolves; however, the narration is what I felt lacking the quality of a J. K Rowling or even a Stephenie Meyer in it. Being a fan of fantasy genre of novels, especially with witches, werewolves and vampires, I could only read the book in a slow pace. There are lots of characters that come and go with unnecessary events of grinning and laughing mentioned everywhere. One will feel the continuous mentioning of laughing to jokes completely unwanted to the narration. It could be that the author was trying to bring humour in the narrative; however, it did not went well with my experience. I've seen other narratives where the humour is portrayed much effectively and efficiently. May be because of being a Wodehouse fan I could not take the narrative style of Eric R. Asher.
Even though these are the negatives or shortcomings I noted in the novel, it comes with lots of positives also. The main thing I would like to mention here is that being the second book in a series, the author has made it in such a way that a reader not following the first book also can get hold of the proceedings pretty quickly. I have read other books, which are part of series, where one cannot understand the book if the first books are not followed. In that case I can assure all readers that you can get hold of the story easily without any issues or confusions regarding the characters. The end part of the novel also came good with some action and magic making it intriguing. However, I would have liked it better if some more details on the actions were provided. Also there are some of the quotes in the novel that are eye-catching.
Overall Wolves and the River of Stone, the second book in the Vesik series is a good read. Go for it if you are interested i fantasy genre, not top quality classical stuff. The author has done a comparatively good job in putting together the story.
I won the book in the Goodreads giveaway and therefore thanking Goodreads for giving an opportunity to get familiarised with the book.
December 9, 2016
(Audiobook review)
Vesik is back with a new adventure. This time, there's a dark necromancer (oooooo) which is like a regular necromancer, but... like, really bad. As opposed to the good ones, like Vesik. They're only bad if they're bad. So, we have dark necromancers, werewolves, vampires, fae, and shenanigans. Werewolf/necromancer/vampire/fae shenanigans. All these races historically hate each others' guts, and they're going to have to learn to work together to beat this foe.
Vesik once again thinks he's always hilarious when he isn't always hilarious, and Foster is once again there to back him up on this by laughing his ass off at positively everything the man says. He's even got the normally-stoic vampire and his enforcer laughing, which is apparently out of character, except that it's not because this happens every time they meet them (or anyone else). It should also be said that this author is ah... not very good at writing sex scenes, apparently. They sounded awkward AF and could have easily have sounded sexier by using better words. I know this isn't a romance novel, but the entire point of a sex scene is to sound sexy. The groin is a muscle that you pull when you don't stretch properly before playing sports, and it is not a sexy word. Not at all. *cringe* :(
Aside from that, it wasn't bad. I didn't like it as much as the first, but I still like Vesik and Foster even when they aren't funny but think they are, and I liked some of the new characters that were introduced. I thought the story made sense and wasn't too predictable, which is always nice. As a huge Miyazaki fan, I appreciated the references to my two favorite Miyazaki movies. The narrator is still doing a pretty great job. The Russian accent was a little off sounding from time to time, but at other times it was great. But, I like Vasily. I hope to see more of him.
More review to come for book 3...
I was given a free review copy of this book by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
Vesik is back with a new adventure. This time, there's a dark necromancer (oooooo) which is like a regular necromancer, but... like, really bad. As opposed to the good ones, like Vesik. They're only bad if they're bad. So, we have dark necromancers, werewolves, vampires, fae, and shenanigans. Werewolf/necromancer/vampire/fae shenanigans. All these races historically hate each others' guts, and they're going to have to learn to work together to beat this foe.
Vesik once again thinks he's always hilarious when he isn't always hilarious, and Foster is once again there to back him up on this by laughing his ass off at positively everything the man says. He's even got the normally-stoic vampire and his enforcer laughing, which is apparently out of character, except that it's not because this happens every time they meet them (or anyone else). It should also be said that this author is ah... not very good at writing sex scenes, apparently. They sounded awkward AF and could have easily have sounded sexier by using better words. I know this isn't a romance novel, but the entire point of a sex scene is to sound sexy. The groin is a muscle that you pull when you don't stretch properly before playing sports, and it is not a sexy word. Not at all. *cringe* :(
Aside from that, it wasn't bad. I didn't like it as much as the first, but I still like Vesik and Foster even when they aren't funny but think they are, and I liked some of the new characters that were introduced. I thought the story made sense and wasn't too predictable, which is always nice. As a huge Miyazaki fan, I appreciated the references to my two favorite Miyazaki movies. The narrator is still doing a pretty great job. The Russian accent was a little off sounding from time to time, but at other times it was great. But, I like Vasily. I hope to see more of him.
More review to come for book 3...
I was given a free review copy of this book by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 17, 2024
Damian Vesik and his found family are back. Phillip Pinkerton, Damian's mentor Zola’s former lover, is about to unleash a powerful demon on the world and it’s up to Damian and his friends and allies to stop him. Damian adds a few new members to his family and gets a love interest. I really want to learn more about Watcher Edgar. Like the first book in the series, this book is a great combination of snarky humor and intense, dark action. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who like urban fantasy with a bit of humor. I can’t wait to see what Damian and crew are up to next.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing a large cast of characters to life.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing a large cast of characters to life.
June 25, 2018
I liked it. Not quite as much as book 1 though.
I'm not so sure about the romantic angle.
Lots of different creatures working together, got to be a bit much. I was bummed that the ONE character from that group of allies, that I really liked, was killed off. I'm not sure about his replacement. I think I might end up liking him. I'm a sucker for that species.
Yeah, the romance fizzled for me.
But, the book always kept my attention. I like the side characters. Some more than others.
I still feel like this series will continue to grow, and get even better.
I look forward to the next one.
I'm not so sure about the romantic angle.
Lots of different creatures working together, got to be a bit much. I was bummed that the ONE character from that group of allies, that I really liked, was killed off. I'm not sure about his replacement. I think I might end up liking him. I'm a sucker for that species.
Yeah, the romance fizzled for me.
But, the book always kept my attention. I like the side characters. Some more than others.
I still feel like this series will continue to grow, and get even better.
I look forward to the next one.
January 15, 2021
I would recommend not to read this while reading right after reading the Dresden files. The books are different but they have similarities- male protagonists, magic, urban, vampires, werewolves.
Pros: great characters, I like the MC. Lots of magic, as an urban fantasy, I like the fact that you don't have to wait chapters to see something happening. Also, I like the fact not all the women there were cute sexy- you know typical men writing fantasy.
Cons: The first book was good. Second book took me forever. Third book put me to sleep. It gets a bit repetitive in the middle. And when the end came it felt like I read 10 books.
Pros: great characters, I like the MC. Lots of magic, as an urban fantasy, I like the fact that you don't have to wait chapters to see something happening. Also, I like the fact not all the women there were cute sexy- you know typical men writing fantasy.
Cons: The first book was good. Second book took me forever. Third book put me to sleep. It gets a bit repetitive in the middle. And when the end came it felt like I read 10 books.
August 27, 2021
I really enjoyed the 2nd book in the Vesik series. I thought I had already read it but everything about it was new.
I loved how it started right in the middle of action. Time had passed between book 1 and 2, but the consequences from how the first book ended are rearing their ugly heads. I liked the alliances made between the different supernatural groups even though old grievances aren't completely forgiven. I love how hard Damian goes for his friends, but he'll go just as hard for anyone in trouble, as proven time and again in both books so far.
In Vesik's world, you're going to find representation everywhere. It's subtle, but obvious from the start. It's natural and organic. It's real life in the middle of magical chaos.
And in between some epic action/adventure scenes there is humor, usually at Damian's expense. Especially now that he has gained a girlfriend.
I loved how it started right in the middle of action. Time had passed between book 1 and 2, but the consequences from how the first book ended are rearing their ugly heads. I liked the alliances made between the different supernatural groups even though old grievances aren't completely forgiven. I love how hard Damian goes for his friends, but he'll go just as hard for anyone in trouble, as proven time and again in both books so far.
In Vesik's world, you're going to find representation everywhere. It's subtle, but obvious from the start. It's natural and organic. It's real life in the middle of magical chaos.
And in between some epic action/adventure scenes there is humor, usually at Damian's expense. Especially now that he has gained a girlfriend.
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March 14, 2021Oh a yummy great book Mr. Eric Asher!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to the end. Can't wait to read the next book in this series! Battles, friendship, family, love, laughter, sadness, anger, healing all packed into this series by Eric Asher. I can't put the books down. I'm reading even as my ereader is charging. It's late, way past my bedtime, my eyes are seeing double vision, I've got to go to bed, this is nuts it's so good. Read this series if you love all things vampire, werewolf, mages, face, demons, water sprites....
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to the end. Can't wait to read the next book in this series! Battles, friendship, family, love, laughter, sadness, anger, healing all packed into this series by Eric Asher. I can't put the books down. I'm reading even as my ereader is charging. It's late, way past my bedtime, my eyes are seeing double vision, I've got to go to bed, this is nuts it's so good. Read this series if you love all things vampire, werewolf, mages, face, demons, water sprites....
August 19, 2023
Yikes, it seems that Phillip isn’t dead. Damien, Zola and the crew need to track him down once they figure out what he is up to – which is absolutely not good for them or the world. The crew now includes the local werewolf pack, Eros, a water witch, a ghost Panda and a newly minted demi-god little girl! It was great fun watching the crew battle all the monstrous things that pop up. Damien has his own demons now to battle after some remarks from Phillip. On to the next book to see what else they get up to. Love the characters and the dialogue is fabulous!
August 9, 2017
I don't know what to say about that book! Let me think!
Story plot started interesting, so that was good. Main character Damian behave's like a kid who is always asking what he should do and why, so that is a negative point. Zola, Damian's master is to old and to something to be of interest as a character. The romance between Damian & Niksy is also a boring part of the story.
All and all it was boring.
Story plot started interesting, so that was good. Main character Damian behave's like a kid who is always asking what he should do and why, so that is a negative point. Zola, Damian's master is to old and to something to be of interest as a character. The romance between Damian & Niksy is also a boring part of the story.
All and all it was boring.
September 6, 2018
I enjoyed this story as much as the first. I will say that Philip is a jerk and he needs to die. I loved listening to the entire story it was just great. I had already liked the Little Ghost from the previous book, but with this one I kinda adore her. The dark humor throughout this book just made it better and better. Then you add in William's awesome narration and I was laughing most of the time while I was listening.
September 16, 2019
Let's be perfectly clear, this series is crap. It's a Dresden rip-off that exemplifies a lot of the cliches of bad writing. But it's moderately enjoyable crap. If Asher ever learns better writing skills, or hires a really good editor or better yet, both, watch out.
The best thing I can say about this is that it inspired me to finally get moving on that Dresden reread I've been thinking of for a while now.
The best thing I can say about this is that it inspired me to finally get moving on that Dresden reread I've been thinking of for a while now.
July 2, 2020
Another solid outing from Damian V & Co. This time around they seem to have a bit of a bigger issue then their last outing, if memory serves me correct. I won’t give away too much, but, IMO as a good book should, or at least a book like this & others, toward the end, there is a long, arduous & casualty laden battle. Sometimes unfortunately.. some of the casualties aren’t what you were hoping for. In either case, it’s still a good book & I look forward to Book 3 & beyond.
November 22, 2017
While I enjoyed the first book, I had my doubts before beginning this one. I still feel there were far too many characters at times. Asher does a decent job of giving them all different personalities. The erotica probably wasn't necessary either. However, the storytelling and the plot kept the book moving at a good pace and kept my attention.
August 8, 2017
Wow, I have to admit, in this book Damian behaved like a fool. Sure he joked a lot and was sarcastic in his dialogues, but come one, why did he act so slow and passive. Anyway the main plot in Wolves and the River of Stone was boring and dragging. Ending wasn't satisfying!
December 27, 2017
Even better than the first. Characters are flushed out even more. Also we get werewolves, evil necromancer, and a community of supernatural being working together. However the humor and laughing is still there a lil more subtle still a bit much for my taste. So glad I picked this series up.
January 23, 2018
I love to sense of humor in these books. There are some dark spots and there seems to be more than enough to fight. But I am hooked so far. I have to find out if Zola ever gives all her knowledge to Vesak.
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