Any Other Name

The Split Worlds Series, Book 2

By: Emma Newman

Narrated by: Emma Newman

Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

It’s Downton Abbey with magic, in Bath’s secret mirror city

Cathy has been forced into an arranged marriage with William Iris - a situation that comes with far more strings than even she could have anticipated, especially when she learns of his family’s intentions for them both.

Meanwhile, Max and the gargoyle investigate the Agency - a mysterious organization that appears to play by its own twisted rules, none of them favourable to Society.

And in Mundanus, Sam has discovered something very peculiar about his wife’s employer - something that could herald disaster for everyone on both sides of the Split Worlds.

©2013 Emma Newman (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Magical, exciting and clever." ( Fantasy Faction)

irritating heroine

I barely made it through the book. It is beyond frustrating that the supposedly powerful, rebellious, independent, free-thinking heroine, Cathy freezes into silence and immobility every single page. EVERY PAGE, first at least half of the book. It becomes so ridiculously predictable that you could make it into a drinking game - every time Cathy is spoken to, has to be seen in public, is confronted with any uncomfortable situation, etc. she is incapable of speech or movement. Yet somehow, we are to believe she is world-savvy and quick-witted. It is really sad to see a character gutted like this by its author. Not sure I can stand any more of it to read the third book.

cool beans

I hate it when I chew through stories so fast. I know the end is coming soon.

Ends with a cliffhanger

I like this author. The world building in this series is fascinating at times and the characters are complex and believable (albeit within the fantasy genre) . So, kudos to author. I recommend the series for fans of fantasy; and for those who don't see themselves as fans, give this a try.
I really get annoyed, though, at being asked to buy 2 books when I wasn't expecting it. Sigh... maybe this is just my personal pet peeve.
The first book of this series has an ending which, while leaving material for more books, feels like a real ending. That is, if I'm not into the series I'm not left frustrated. But, here -after book 2 of series- I feel frustrated.
So, listen to this (or read it), but prepare yourself to shell out for the next book too.

A Stellar Sequel in the Split Worlds Trilogy

I've indulged in the first binge reading since I read Lord of the Rings over a long summer weekend (I think 4-5 days) back in middle school: the Split Worlds Trilogy has me doing some serious binge reading. I started over the Christmas holiday, and finished the series just after the new year begun. So what was it about this series that pulled me in? Well, it's fabulous for reasons I've given for Between Two Thorns and will enumerate here as well. The real push is probably that Ms. Newman can write a serious cliffhanger.

This follow on to Between Two Thorns picks up the narrative pace and continues to weave a marvelous web. I have nothing new to add to my comments from my Between Two Thorns review on the Audible book side other than to say she continues her lovely narration.

For full review: http://wp.me/p2XCwQ-tB

Just no!

There are lots of things I enjoy about this book but Will is a horrible human being. I think he's supposed to be redeemed over time but I don't think Cathy should ever forgive him. Since he is such a pivotal character in the book, I can't let the following slide

* sorry for the spoilers *



1. Sleeps with another woman on his wedding night to Cathy
2. Frequently tries to kiss Cathy because she's his wife and belongs to him, gets angry that she won't kiss him
3. Most importantly, gives Cathy a potion that makes her unable to keep her hands off him and therefore loses her v-card. I'm sorry, but this is akin to date rape, guard your drinks ladies
4. Is stupid and gullible about his mistress and her family.
5. Do you really want me to go on?

Anyways, if Will was absent from the story I would have really have enjoyed it. But considering he rapes his wife I'm OUT. If he were the good guy he supposedly is, he wouldn't have done any of these things.