Story Overview:
Following on
several months’ from the previous story, Eilidh is now a student in the hidden
sanctuary of people who also have her special powers. Munroe is still getting
to grips with his basic powers and recovering from his ordeal with the Blood
Faerie. However a meeting with the Queen from her own Kingdom and a separate
request from the Prince starts a chain of events that will embroil her and her
friends in a political battle that will destroy them all or change the face of
the Kingdom forever.
Cover Page: 19/20
Again, the cover
aspects are much like the previous story; very well professionally done and
very typical of the fantasy market. However what I noticed before with relation
to the modern aspect is less so in this book, a large majority of the story
occurs in rural or magical kingdoms with little of the story really taking
place in urban. However you could argue that the cover page again reflects
elements which suggest a medieval setting, which again might turn a potential
fan away. Though again I will re-iterate my comment that I said in the previous
review, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
Character (and
their development): 18/20
With it being a
second book the author might be forgiven by some to give the characters a
backseat in development; to be completely at ease with other or to completely
have forgotten the events of the previous book. I am glad to say none of that
has occurred.
Eilidh is
certainly affected by the events of the first and since then has certainly been
developing ‘off page’. Her questioning loyalties concerning her connection
between the exiled people she trains with, her natural home where her father
lives and Munroe and the affections she has for him is brilliant player out
with every twist and turn in her head. But at no point, when the going gets
tough, does the author allow the character to sway from the set personality,
which is certainly true of every character that the author has written for in
this book.
Munroe’s change
has make him a little like a love sick puppy in this book, but without him
becoming someone who is so annoying you hope he is but in mortal peril just to
get him unconscious for a while. However when it comes to duty he can certainly
rough it out with the best of them and it is a joy to see some of his dialogue
with the other characters, especially with his police sergeant and the Royal
Prince. The tension that Munroe’s ways and Eilidh’s certainly gives parts of
the book bite and I certainly felt sorry that they couldn’t just get away from
it all to sort out their own problems before being dumped into other people’s
troubles. Their relationship has so many layers however it never got dull to
read about it during the book.
Secondary
characters have again been well written for, each with a unique personality,
way of talking and habits, giving the world a sense of depth and richness. A
special mention has to be given to Oron who really came out in this book,
whereas in the first book he wasn’t featured enough to appreciate his
character.
Again, my main
disappointment is with the antagonist. With less time spent with them than the
previous instalment, it was hard to engage them. Without spoiling the ending,
by the end of the book I was not emotionally invested enough to react to their
actions.
Storyline: 18/20
This books has
many layers are all interwoven like a fine thread that when they all connect
create a wonderful story. So many parts of the story seem like another author
might have ended it at that point, but this author gets the reader feeling
comfortable that they are nearing the end and suddenly hits them with another
events that will make them wish to read more and read quickly. A lot of the
scenes were brilliantly played out and the author has done well to create a
structure and story with so many elements that fit well in an order that both entertains
and makes sense.
My observation
is that despite the previous book, this one had a few predicable twists, either
that or reading one book after the other got me too use to the way that the
author writes and thinks, casual readers may not be able see what is coming up.
Despite that, I do feel the book has an excellent and well thought out story.
Again
unfortunately I can’t reveal too much about the story as that would give away a
lot about the book.
Style: 20/20
The style of
this book is very much the same as the previous book. The writing is excellent
at getting the reader to get to the pace of what is going on within the book,
action scenes which are fast moving are written so you have to read fast, the
slower more sedate scenes also written so the reader is at their speed. It’s a
brilliant way of getting the reader’s heart pumping just when it is needed. The
author does a great job in their build up to the main events and if you are
paying close attention you can see the little clues dotted around to warn you
of the coming storm.
The detail is
brilliant and makes the reader feel that they can touch, smell and taste the
environment that the characters are. The thoughts of the characters are well
played out and brilliantly woven into the story to add to the storyline.
Another great
part of the story is that the author has made it so that if you are new to the
series, you needn’t have read the first book, although it would be of help
still. By doing so the author allows a reader who has bought this book first to
read it, get to know the characters well without feeling there is a tonne of
information they are missing and buy the first one if they so wish later on. I
think this was a great moment from the author.
Spelling and
Grammar: 19/20
Considering the flawless
and I mean flawless show last time; I was disheartened to see a couple of
mistakes in this book. However having read countless books, indie, traditional
and small press I can honestly say that the number of mistakes in this book is
only second to her first book and miles better than a dozen or so traditional
books that I have read in the past year. If I were the author I would not be
concerned, after all we are only human.
Conclusion: 94/100
This book is an
excellent sequel to the first in the series that moves the story on in a
fashion that any author should be proud of. With enthralling tales, twists that
will shock most readers and characters that you just wish you could invite over
for dinner; I would recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy.
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