The Binding Power (Ancient's Blood Book 2) by Cassidy Faline

Power Corrupts,

Power Divides,

Only Power Wins.

I can no longer keep my seat at the nightly dinner, nor peacefully take my rest at night. My thoughts are with the men gathering just outside the manor's gates, waiting for my command to march on the capital. My heart burns within me. I will destroy them all. That vile, pitiful excuse for a king will not be allowed to continue his efforts toward Ancient contact. Isle help us, what would we do if he actually succeeded?

The new Republic of Retall is in turmoil. Discontent rises amongst those stripped of power, and a Resistance threatens Hiero's new title as king. Former enemies have been restrained, for now, but Hiero still feels the fragility of his position. There are powers at play, powers he can only dream of understanding, but they may serve to destroy everything he has worked so hard to gain. Against a backdrop of loyalty, treachery, and the ever-present threat of war, players both old and new will struggle to each keep their tenuous hold on power, for without it, not one will be able to hold Retall's throne.

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The Binding Power is a dark, intense read and told from multiple points of view. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but the author builds the story's momentum so well it is easy to follow and get completely immersed.

Hiero was a favourite character of mine from book one. He is now king of Retall with Sheila as his queen. However, his position is precarious.  Having power and responsibility brings out a ruthless streak in him. There is growing discontent among the people and an underground resistance movement is working to dethrone him. Sheila's family is involved, leading her to question whether Hiero should be king.

There is an undercurrent of threat throughout the story as an attack on Hiero and his friends could happen at any time.

I constantly feared for a lot of characters in this book. Their lives seemed to depend on the whims of people in power. Loyalties and allegiances change. I found myself liking the characters that I didn't like in book 1 and hoping for a positive outcome for them but at the same time, I hoped that Sheila would find a peaceful way of resolving things with Hiero and the Resistance.

It is best to read book one before The Binding Power as the story continues from where the first left off.

A good enjoyable read with a memorable cast of characters.