The blood sacrifices have brought rain to Demonside, but across the void, the Warlock College of Vinland is still storing and gathering magic, heedless of the warnings of the international magical community. The underground is full of warlocks who disagree with the college, but do they care about wizards and demons or only about snatching power?With a foot in each world, Angus is no longer sure … longer sure whom he can trust. The demons don’t trust humans, and even though he is learning more magic, he will never be one of them. He is human and only tolerated. Some demons would be happy to slit his throat. It’s only because his demon is powerful in his own right that Angus is alive.
Saka only has a year to prove that Angus’s people can change and that the magic taken will be rebalanced, but the demons want action. His affection for Angus is clouding his judgment and weakening his position in the tribe. Time is running out, and he must make a choice.
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I would rate this 4.5 stars.
Angus is straddling two words, now considered a rogue warlock and wanted by the College and police, he is protected by the underground. He has been training in Demonside as an apprentice to his demon, Saku, but he can’t stay there as he’ll be drained of power and die. He can only get back to Humanside with the help of the underground opening the void for him to return. They have their own agenda besides rebalancing the magic to save the world. On the other hand, it is not only humans who are ambitious and want power. There is plenty to distrust on both sides.
Some of the demon mages have volunteered to train some wizards in the underground to help rebalance the magic. They come to Demonside to learn for nine days and then go back to Vinland to recharge before they are drained. The demon mage council has voted for a year trial to see if this will make a difference. It’s the only way to keep the peace and if it doesn’t work, the demon wars may start anew.
Angus is already hardened by what has happen, no longer than naive young man. The blood magic is starting to take a toll on Saku, who doesn’t approve, but has no choice if he wants to save Demonside and keep his own precarious position as head mage of his tribe. Mages are not allowed to have families because it is a conflict that may keep them from putting the tribe first. This book gets angsty as Saku tries to push Angus away emotionally. Meanwhile back in Vinland, the love triangle continues at Angus and Terrance reconnect.
There is still the whole rest of the world to consider, not all territories engage in magic like Vinland. The Mayan Empire and New Holland can’t agree on how to manage the magic while other countries want to kill all magic users. Some countries allow natural magic, but not demon magic. As the world is covered in ice and people are dying, other countries have propsed sanctions against Vinland for their use of demon magic. The people of Vinland are shut off from all outside news. Vinland is claiming the World Council of Demonology is to blame. Again, the parallels to two equally corrupt groups of magic users (the underground and the College) trying to seek power through fear and propaganda while propping up the president while using civilians as magic sacrifices, should be obvious to our current political climate. This also has shades of Ender’s Game, although the wizards/warlocks are around 19, thankfully because–sex magic.
Even discounting the recap of the first book, this had a few repetitive thoughts, but that is a very minor thing. The pace was slower than the first book–even though everyone is always doing something, the plot was not really advanced much beyond what had already been shown or foreshadowed. I enjoyed the journey and it was necessary to get us to book three as those humans and demons who want peace and to work together, are endangered from both sides of the conflict. I really can’t wait for the next book.
The second installment of the Studies In Demonology series is as engaging and thrilling as the first one,if not more so. Angus is caught in a net of corruption and betrayal, never knowing who to trust. Thankfully he can find solace with Saka and Terrence, each moment with them all the more precious considering the danger they’re all in.
Rogue In The Making ads more interesting characters to the mix,more risks, more magic…more love. The story is fast paced and I’ve been on the edge of my seat all through the book because each page is full of surprises, mystery and overwhelming intensity of emotions.
I absolutely loved it!
Heart-felt and emotional! Things heat up in this second installment. Danger stalks our heroes around every corner leaving us wondering what will happen next.
I was left on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I loved the suspense and action throughout the story. I can’t wait to see how things end.
Rogue in the Making is the second book in the Studies in Demonology series by TJ Nichols. This series just captured my attention and I am devouring these books… the world building is just so well done and I love the descriptions. And the characters just stand out to me and beg to tell me about their story. I found myself conflicted.. wishing I could read faster to find out more and not wanting to read so fast so that it never ends. It is filled with mysteries, conspiracies, betrayals, jealousy, greed, desperation, magic, love and so much heat! Whew!!! Ican not wait to get into book three.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.