New from award-winning author, C.A. King – Meet the four horsemen: Michael, Gabrielle, Uriel and Raphael. For centuries their sole purpose has been guarding the sealed gates to hell. Without keys, there was never any real threat. That was about to change…For Gabrielle, protecting mankind was merely a job for which she received little credit. The vast insecurities of men altered history itself, … altered history itself, portraying her as a masculine brute. Taking a back seat to her brothers seemed the right thing to do, but left a bitter taste in her mouth and an impenetrable barricade shielding her heart.
***********
Ryder bounced around the system from the moment both his parents were killed. Between that and run-ins with the law for crimes he never committed, it seemed the whole world was conspiring against him. Never growing attached to anyone was rule number one: a rule he’d never broken until a white-haired vixen, with blocks of ice on her shoulders, walked right into his life. Melting through those frosty layers became all that mattered, even if that meant sacrificing himself in the process.
more
I did have to read like two chapters more than once to figure out what was going on and unfortunately that happened with the very first chapter and I almost stopped reading. I love C. A. King and her books so I pressed on and I’m so glad I did.
I am slightly worried that the next two books will follow a very predictable pattern but I have faith in the author.
Drawing Strength From Words by C.A.King is the second book in the Four Horsemen Novel. This is a continuation of the first book so I highly recommending that one before this book. They are both fairly short reads. This focuses on the story of Ryder and Gabrielle. I like Gabrielle because she is a strong character who has developed a wall that is hard to break. Ryder has had a tough life and he sets his sights on Gabrielle. I enjoyed this story because it draws on characters from lore and history and brings them to the current day. The story is fast paced and kept me on my toes. I liked that there are some twists to the story and have a feeling that will only grow as the series continues. I do not want to tell too much because that might spoil it for someone else. I recommend this book and the series.
Drawing Strength From Words is the second of C.A. King’s Four Horsemen books, an urban fantasy series which follows the efforts of the Four Horsemen (or rather, Horsepeople) of the Apocalypse as they attempt to keep the gates of hell sealed.
Drawing Strength From Words focuses on Ryder, a young man who seems constantly to be getting in trouble for things he hasn’t done. The character is interesting – he is very loyal and generally seems to be resigned to whatever his fate seems to be at the time. He is willing to take blame and put himself in danger to protect others.
Of the Four Horsepeople, this is Gabrielle’s book. She excels in combat with a sword that turns itself into a snake, and finds herself drawn to Ryder. We see the other Horsemen at points in the book, as the overarching story begins to fall into place setting the stage for the remaining books.
I found the relationship between Dante and Mirabelle very uncomfortable, but I think it’s meant to be like that. Dante is a great villain – cold, cruel and manipulative.
The pacing was good for most of the book, but it felt rushed towards the end. This could have been because I was reading quickly, impatient to find out what happened next, but I think it did wrap up quite abruptly. That said, the ending was satisfying and left me looking forward to the next book.
Overall, this is a five star book for me. I enjoyed it, and once I got going I found it difficult to put down. I’d recommend it to fans of urban fantasy with roots in mythology. It’s got plenty of action and excitement, with a good story running through it.
5 Stars
Drawing Strength from Words is the second book in the Four Horsemen series by C.A King. I have read all of Ms. Kings books now, and this series has quickly become my firm favourite of hers. That is really saying something, because I have seriously loved all her books- but there is just something about this series, and this book in particular, which has really captured my imagination. The story drew me in and I lost all sense of time and my surroundings, as the story swept me up on a fantastic adventure. I was so lost in the story, and so when the end came, I really wasn’t ready to leave- I wanted to keep reading. This is one of those few occasions where the writing is so on point, the storyline is so captivating, the characters are so believable and likeable, that you can’t help but wish the story was much longer, so you could stay in that world with them for a few more hours. I am excited that there is another book(s) coming
This series is Ms. King’s take and twist on the four horsemen myth and what she has produced is a very creative and imaginative urban fantasy that has demigods, demons, good vs evil, mystery, suspense, action, drama, a little romance, and supernatural elements.
Gabrielle is one of the 4 horsemen, who along with her brothers has been tasked with guarding the gates to hell. As the only female among the horsemen she feels the need to constantly prove herself. Especially when most people assume that she would be a male to do that job. Gabrielle really isn’t a people person, preferring her books instead. But, on a foray out into the world, she is drawn to a man who needs her help to evade some demons who are hell bent on capturing him. There is something about him that intrigues her like no one else has ever before. But, with evil stalking him and danger an ever-present threat- she will need all her wits and skills in order to figure it all out and keep them safe.
Ryder has had a pretty hard life and has the worst luck ever. We meet him as he’s being sentenced for a crime that he didn’t commit- and finds himself having to do a year of community service at the Ancient History Library. But strange things have been happening, and he soon finds himself in a situation that he finds hard to comprehend. Out of the blue, a gorgeous woman sweeps in just in the nick of time. But the danger is far from over, and it’s no longer just his life on the line. With sinister plots and evil intent, will Ryder survive, or will the evil forces out for his blood win out in the end?
Fantastic reading!!!
Can’t wait for ‘Hitting the High Note”, which is Uriel’s story- the next book in this series!!
Thank you, Ms. King!
Drawing Strength From Words by C.A. King is the second book in her Four Horsemen series. Finally, it is here! I read the first story and I could not wait for the second one! It is a remarkable paranormal series where it seems that it somehow becomes better with each book (like wine …). If you love mythology then absolutely this series is for you – I am sure you have heard the legend of the four horsemen before and let me tell you, the writer has put an interesting spin on it!
Drawing Strength from Words is the story of Gabrielle and Ryder. Gabrielle is the second horseman and surprise surprise the second horseman really is … a woman! And what a woman she is – independent, powerful, resourceful, confident … and oh so lovable! Ryder, he is a perfect match for her – he is as closed as her but there is bond there and it keeps growing and … yeah, the writer is taking us on one heck of a ride, no pun intended.
It is a beautiful story that mixes the ancient myth and contemporary life and love … what else do you need? Cannot wait for the third story, I wonder what that horseman will tell us …
This short book is an enjoyable and fast-paced read. As part of the series, I enjoyed this second book as much as, if not more than, the first. There is rich detail and unexpected movement in the plot that engages the reader. Can’t say enough good about it. Highly recommended, individually as well as the series in total.
Drawing Strength from Words by C.A.King
5 Stars!!!!!
OH My Gosh!!! This book was so worth the wait. This is the second book in the Four Horsemen Series and I have to say that It was so worth the wait to read. I enjoyed this book just as much as I did the first. This book definitely is a good transition from the first.
It was good to see how the only female horseman finds her way not only out into the world a bit but how she finds love. The way in which Ryder enters the story and how things progress was very unique and I couldn’t put the book down. I was glued to the pages. I liked the chemistry between Gabrielle is electric. I also found the way in which the author brought the drama in to be quite good. Dante is definitely going to cause quite the disturbances to come. I quite look forward to reading more from this author and Series. I am quite captivated and am anxious to see how the story will progress and how it will all end.
Drawing Strength From Words by C.A. King is book two in the brilliant Four Horseman series. This is a well imagine and well written series. You do not have to read the books in order but trust me when I say you will want to read them all.
Gabrielle has pretty much one purpose and one purpose only; protect mankind by ensuring the gates to Hell stay shut. Does she get any credit for doing so? None whatsoever. In fact to make matters even worse time has skewed mankind’s perception of how Gabrielle herself is. She is no longer the woman she is today, instead she is portrayed as just another man like her brothers.
She has gotten used to taking a backseat to them as well, although she does so begrudgingly. And so she plods on, nothing ever changing, and slowly but surely Gabrielle seals off her heart. That is until she meets Ryder. He seems just as broken and guarded as she is. But that doesn’t mean she has to relent. She can still stay aloof and distant. Or can she?
This series is absolutely fantastic. I loved book one as the story was so interesting but book two is even better. It is such a famous story that of the four horsemen, and one that I never expected to see in a different light. And yet that is exactly what the author does. She takes a tale that is well visited and has created an entirely new version. Well crafted and interesting, this book is definitely worth the read!
Drawing Strength from Words by C.A King
4 Stars
This was a quick, light read. It is part two in the author’s Four Horsemen series. You don’t really need to read part one but I would suggest it so you can understand the story behind the characters. This story centres around Gabrielle, she’s one of the four horsemen. She meets Ryder who plays an important role in their job of protecting the gates of hell. They go on a wild adventure where they nearly get killed but end up finding love instead. It will be interesting to find out what happens in part three.
Full disclosure: There has not been a book written by this author that I have not enjoyed.
This is a modern take on the ancient tale of The Four Horsemen. Even if you are unaware of the theology behind the story (myth?), you will be able to easily follow along because the author IS THAT GOOD!
The story flows perfectly from beginning to end. There are a lot of characters and each one is an integral part of the story. There is no confusion as to who plays what role.
The fact that the 2nd horsemen is a woman made this story even more compelling to read. It’s unusual to read Gabriel as a female and I liked the twist it gave .
This is a quick read and one I very much recommend. Because of it’s ease, lack if violence and lack of sex – I would recommend it to readers as far ranging as my younger cousins to my mother’s book club.
Drawing Strength From Words (A Four Horsemen Novel Book 2) by C.A. King was a fast pace, action packed fantasy that was just as good, no, better then the first.
Oh boy, I am in love with this series and where I think it’s going. I was right about how each book is going to play out, but it is a continuation series, so though they do follow a different MC, I highly suggest reading the first book. Because the main plot is what’s continuing. This is a short read coming in a 162 pages, the first book is about that as well, so it won’t take you long to catch up.
Being this a short book, more of a novella, then not having time to fully develop it’s characters is a given. But with that being said, this book gave a us more into the antagonist side of things. Since the first book had that shock vault, and it’s twist, this book had to do something more to make it just as good and gripping.
This time it’s darker, and shows us how giving the right tools and the right incentive you can get people to do just about anything. Even betray those that are closes to you. I have a feeling as this story moves towards to its epic conclusion, things are going to get much darker and bloodier.
I just have this feeling that, something isn’t what it’s seams and the Horsemen are going to get blindsided something fierce.
And that is where I’m going to end it. As I said this is a short read, and I don’t want to give anything away. Just know that this series has my stamp of approval and my super high recommendation. It’s hooks a planted deep in my reading soul and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
Drawing Strength From Words (A Four Horsemen Novel Book 2)
By: C.A. King
5 out of 5 stars
The story Drawing Strength From Words (A Four Horsemen Novel Book 2) by C.A. King is a thrilling paranormal book. It is a wonderful story that hooked me in from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished the last page. The book creates an atmosphere of mystery and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved reading about the characters of Gabrielle and Ryder. Gabrielle is a strong, confident, and resourceful woman. She also is a woman who keeps her heart guarded. Then she meets Ryder. Ryder’s life has not been a smooth one and he is not one that can easily grow attached to someone. Then he meets Gabrielle. When these two meet a connection/bond starts to grow between them. Can Ryder get past Gabrielle’s walls? The story is fast-paced and I enjoyed the mythology that is told. This is a well-written book that I highly recommend reading. It is the second book in a series and I look forward to reading the next one.
This is the second book in this series and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one if not more. I couldn’t put this book down and I was pulled in right from the first word. The characters are connectable and took me on a few twists and turns that left me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what will happen next. They made me laugh and also feel compassion for them. Four horsemen guard the gates of hell, with no keys not so much worry until now. I highly recommend this book