The second novel in the "Dreg City" series picks up immediately after the first novel ends. The colorful (and many) characters of the first novel along with multiple plot lines keep the pace vibrant and the story intriguing. I enjoyed both novels but I do strongly recommend that you wait to read Book #1 (Three Days to Dead) when you already have Book #2 (As Lie the Dead) on hand to read right away. Meding does her best to remind you of what happened in the first novel without belaboring the effort but even if you have a great memory, you may find yourself wishing you'd read the books back to back so as not to miss any of the finer points of interaction between the characters, clans and the Triads. If you enjoy Karen Marie Moning and Patricia Briggs, you should give this series a try.
This book picks up right after THREE DAYS TO DEAD. Evy is still trying to come to terms with her death and resurrection in Chalice's body. She has lost friends, made enemies and created new alliances. Action packed.4 stars
WOW! This is one of the best books ive read all year! This is definetly NOT a stand-alone book. Book #2 in the Dreg City series, this one picks up at the exact scene where the first one left off. It is critical to read the first book before this one, to understand the characters and events that take place in this second installment.
After a brutal and bloody battle with Tovin from book 1, we are intoduced to Phinn, one of the 4 surviving Owlkins from the massacre from the first book. Hes a bi-shifter, and appears to Evy with a giant wingspan and a goal in mind. He convinces Evy to help proctect 2 other survivers, one of whom is very pregnant. Out of guilt and obligation Evy agrees, only to find out Phinn has another agenda, in turning over the one whom he feels responsible for the attck on his clan. Rufus, a fellow handler, is now facing a punishment sentance from the Assembly upon Phin's orders. Evy convinces Phinn to let her find out which member of the brass was responsible for giving the orders, and now has 3 to 4 days to find out the truth before Aurora gives birth.
In the meantime, someone is recruiting an army that is set to go against the Triads, Alex's father returns, and deep burried secrets about Wyatt are revealed.
Evy goes through a hellish 2 weeks in these complex books. Kelly Meding is an AMAZING writer, and I cannot give these books enough praise! Phinn was a super fun character, and hopefully will re-appear in the next 2 books. There are times throughout the book where you adore him and others when you want to punch his lights out. There was one really awesome WTF! moment in the book that will keep you up reading late into the wee hours of night!
