Bastions of Blood

Kremlins, Volume 2

By: K.L. Conger

Narrated by: Cathy Burnham Martin

The winter winds blow cold in Russia. On the heels of triumph comes tragedy.

After a decisive victory, Tsar Ivan falls ill, followed by his beloved wife. As the Tsarina's condition worsens, Inga glimpses the sadistic creature Ivan was before he married. As the Tsar's madness grows, he lashes out, and all of Russia feels the sting.

As Inga fears the future, Taras looks to the past, searching for the elusive answers to his mother’s death. Mystery piles upon mystery, and everyone refuses to talk. Taras wonders if he’ll ever truly understand the event that has plagued him since childhood. The Kremlin darkens, and the countryside fills with blood.

Inga and Taras cling to one another for survival. Inga finds herself at an epic crossroads, with her heart beckoning her one way and her fear tugging her in another.

Find out what Inga chooses in the second installment of this medieval historical romance series.

©2017 Liesel Hill (P)2018 Liesel Hill

Ivan the Terrible lives up to his name

I read Bastions of Blood. I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request in exchange for an honest review. I wanted to see what happened in book 2. It is very dark and it took me a few days to finish the audiobook. I will read book 3 to see what happens but I cannot recommend this book because of the abuses to minor children, factual or not.

The reign of Ivan the Terrible.

Russian history in the 1500's. The reign of Ivan the terrible after his beloved wife passed away. He has gone insane. Very violent. I had no idea how bad it was for those poor people. This book is hard to listen to. So heart wrenching. So sad. So violent. The excellent narrator didn't help. She puts so much emotion in to the text, I knew I was there experiencing it all. Even her male characters were believable. Great job. This is book 2 in the trilogy, so the romance of Taras and Inga is still unresolved. We do now know what happened to Taras' mother. And Taras is in big trouble. He needs to leave the country, but Inga won't go. Need book 3. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Story Origin.

A Historically Tragic & Romantic Tale

Bastions of Blood: Book 2 of the Kremlin Trilogy - A Russian Medieval Historical Fiction Saga - By K.L. Conger Is Set During The Reign Of Tsar Ivan Grozny …Meaning Terrible ( 1533-1684) In The 16th century Russia ...& Is A Tale Of Love & The Tragic Aftermath Of The Death Of The Tsarina Anastasia…Which Caused Decent Of Ivan Into Madness & Terror …..The Story Is Quite Historically Accurate For The Time Period Depicted…(Modern Listeners/ A Sensitivity Warning For Certain Historical Scenes Of Torture & Mass Murder That Are Critical To The Tale )…But It Is Also The Continuation Of The Tender Love Story Of Inga ( A Simple Maid Living & Working In The Kremlin ) & Taras Demidov ( An Officer Of The Tsars Military) …& Their Nemesis The Evil Boyar Sergei Tarasov….The Head Of The Tsar’s Murderous Oprichniki ( Secret Police) …& The Additional Love Story Of Inga’s Adopted Mother Yehvah …& Taras’s Friend & Fellow Soldier..Nikolai….With Ivan’s Madness Horror Stalked Russia …Including The Massacre Of The City Of Novgorod….All Of Russia & Those At The Kremlin Suffered Grievously….As Inga Continued Living & Working At The Kremlin & Taras Left …Will They Finally Be Re-United In The Conclusion Of This Series.. “Dungeons Of Destiny” The Final Book Of The Series …& Find Their HEA Finally?!? Stay Tuned …Beautifully Narrated By : Cathy Burnham Martin …Who Did A Masterful Job Especially With The Sensitive Parts Of The Story…In Addition The Audiobook Includes Excellent Sound Effects & Music ...Listen & See….Much Enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I Voluntarily Reviewed An Advanced Copy Of This Audio Book.

Complex Russian Medieval Historical Fiction

I was entertained by book 2 of the "Kremlins" trilogy. Taras continued his search for what happened to his mother. Inga watched the changes in the Tsar after the death of the Tsarina. Great changes swept over the country of Russia. I liked the story. I admired all the research that was shown by the depth of the tale. The author helped to make the history of Russia more real. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Cathy Burnham Martin's narration was good, and her performance enhanced the entertainment of the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

heart wrenching

the terror and pain in this book is gut clenching. the description of the tzar morning gave me chills, and then when he turns down a dark path in his grief some of the things that were done made my stomach turn over. there's some tuff truths in this book but they have a major impact on the lives of the characters, so I see why the author says at the end they're necessary. do not read if you can't handle violence, and don't listen with the special effects if you can only barely handle violence. I'm still trying to find the words to describe the way this story binds you to the fate of the characters and it's been a couple of days since I have finished. the pain and fear of the lower classes echoes in the story and then the witch Hunt of the upper class guarantees the bloody history of Russia will haunt you. all this while just praying the 2 couples survive.

Great read, great series!

The incredible, epic sequel to Citadels of Fire, my second read from author K.L. Conger. 414 pages & over 12 hours of reading/listening but seems longer as it is so detailed & entertaining. The music & the voice of the narrator adds greatly to the enjoyment of this excellent book! I’ll be reading more from this author no matter what pseudonym she writes under! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

the name so fitting

The name is soooo fitting! Takes you thru the actions of the time of Ivan the Terrible as awful as it was. It was true to form again she brought the reading to life where your imagination can visualize the scenes even if you didnt want to. But, still loving (or hating pending who they are) the characters. Action from start to finish. As strange as it is to say im ready to start the 3rd part...gluten for punishment or interest held due to excellent writing of an author. i think the latter ive had other audios from LK Hill and also enjoyed them greatly!!! Thanks again...

Good listen

I really liked the series. The characters were exciting to follow and the plot was thick and exciting.

Just as good as the first

Very interesting story with Russian history thrown in. The author gives some great details in this story, It starts off pretty slow, but builds up the characters well. Narrator does a good job bringing it to life. This is the second novel in the series and it really sets some things up as well as closes some doors on answers.

I listened to the whole set before posting the review(s), and I am really glad I did, they were an interesting listen, and I didn't want to stop and write out anything since I wanted to know what happened next.

Not for the weak

I received this as an audiobook free in exchange for an honest review. So after reading book one i wanted to continue the series. Im not much of a history person but wow the author had me falling in love with these books. Yes this story is dark and not for the weak. But it is worth it.