In Beth Miller and A. R. Geiger's Timber and Tomb, the second installment of The Ghost Walker Saga, Viggo, a newly freed assassin, attempts to escape his past. Having broken free from the fight houses of Fane, he seeks a new life, far from the god and master who once controlled him. But when a contract leads him into the haunted Krathe forest, a place where the dead walk, Viggo's past catches up to him. Haunted by nightmares of Death's hound and the chilling reality of the forest's dangers, Viggo realizes some sins are impossible to outrun. His escape becomes a desperate fight for survival against both mortal enemies and the terrifying specters of the Krathe.
Review Timber and Tomb
Timber and Tomb completely blew me away! As a huge fan of the first book, Spire and Stone, I had high expectations, and let me tell you, this sequel not only met them but exceeded them. The authors, Beth Miller and A.R. Geiger, have crafted a truly captivating story that seamlessly blends thrilling action with quieter, more introspective moments. It’s a perfect balance – enough adrenaline-pumping fight sequences to keep you on the edge of your seat, but also enough breathing room to connect with the characters and appreciate the beautifully crafted world they inhabit.
Viggo’s journey continues to be incredibly compelling. His struggle to escape his past and the lingering effects of being marked by the Ghost Walker is palpable, and you can feel his internal conflict throughout the book. He’s not just a brooding assassin; he’s a complex character with surprising depths of kindness and vulnerability, even in the face of constant danger. The supporting cast is equally well-developed. I especially adored Tomas; he quickly became a favorite, and I found myself deeply invested in his story arc and his relationship with Viggo. The new characters introduced in this installment also add a fantastic layer of richness to the narrative, immediately capturing my attention and making me eager to learn more about their backgrounds and motivations.
The setting itself is a character in the story. The Krathe forest, with its chilling reputation and unsettling atmosphere, is vividly described. The authors’ evocative prose transported me directly into the heart of the woods, making me feel the dampness of the moss, the chill of the air, and the ever-present sense of unease. I found myself utterly immersed in the world, and as someone who sometimes struggles with visualization, this is a testament to the power of their writing.
The pacing is masterful. The story unfolds organically, keeping you constantly engaged without feeling rushed or overwhelming. There’s a genuine sense of danger and suspense that lingers throughout, heightened by Viggo’s recurring nightmares and the ever-present threat of Death’s hound. The plot itself is unpredictable, twisting and turning in unexpected ways, preventing any chance of guessing what’s coming next. While there’s definitely violence—it’s a fantasy assassin story, after all—it’s handled in a way that feels appropriate for a mature young adult audience. The romantic elements are subtle and never overshadow the main plot. The language is rich and descriptive, adding to the overall immersive experience without resorting to gratuitous explicitness.
Overall, Timber and Tomb is a phenomenal read. It's a thrilling adventure, a poignant exploration of morality and redemption, and a testament to the power of friendship and loyalty in a dark and unforgiving world. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy with a darker edge, compelling characters, and a gripping plot. I’m already counting down the days until the next book in the Ghost Walker Saga!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 352
- Publication date: 2024
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