A faerie prince disappears in the borderlands, and his father enlists the help of outcast Eilidh and her bonded druid, Quinton Munro. Tantalised with hints of a lost and ancient magic, they learn that time is working against them every step of the way. Is the prince’s disappearance related to the vanishing of an entire Scottish village?
Faced with deception, assassination attempts, and a mad queen who would sacrifice her own child to keep a dreaded secret, Eilidh struggles with an impossible situation. Her people demand she commit treason and betray the man she loves. Will she do what duty requires, or throw away the chance to reunite the kingdom in exchange for the life she hadn't dared hope for?
I enjoyed the first book much more than this one. Unfortunately the originality which marked the 1st novel is not maintained in this one which appears to be heading in the well used direction of political intrigue of epic fantasy.
Today’s book review is for Azuri Fae by India Drummond, and it’s the second book in the Caledonia Fae Series. If you are interested, you can read my review of Blood Faerie, the first book in the series. Although both of these books follow the adventures of a female fae and a human druid, they are both stand alone stories and don’t end on a cliffhanger. If you read them, you are not committing to the entire series, which consists of six novels. I’ll start with the pros: It’s a solid story, kept me interested, and I like how it does not force me to have to read all six books. This novel continues to establish the relationship between the fae and human. However, it’s a completely different adventure than the last novel, and it ended solidly. I also love the covers in the series. Now for the cons: We get to see a glimpse of the magical fea realm, but there is not much imagery in the writing. I didn’t really get to picture a beautiful and magical place, as the author left a lot of that out of the story. This is a personal opinion, but I also don’t like how sex is a big thing for the plot–and not for romance or building a relationship. The plot is more focused on the action, and the romance is more of a background thing and is very weak. As with a lot of books when it comes to fae, they are not monogamous beings, and they don’t really do romance. However, sex is important to the plot of this story. Although I’m thankful the author did not describe any of the scenes and give me major visuals, I still did not enjoy reading about the strong sexual situations involving a crowd. I’ll just say that I can’t relate, it’s not what I’m into, and not what I want to read about. I want a magical realm I can deeply visualize, and I want the main characters to be deeper. I give this novel three stars. I enjoyed the story and think the author does a great job when it comes to writing action and adventure, but I won’t be continuing the series.
This series right here is the reason I accept Author request books. Every now and then you find a gem like this!
Ms. Drummond does not disappoint. The world of Eilidh and Munro is explored even more and you get to see the Fae side of life. It is fascinating!
While creating a world of mystery and romance with epic fantastical proportions Ms. Drummond does not loose sight of her characters. She has a way of giving uniqueness to each character and making their decisions and actions seem natural.
Once again I stress the importance of uniqueness in novels and the ability to take me by surprise! Check and check.
Eilidh has quite a few paths to choose from in this novel and you will be on the edge of your seat! The Fae way of seeing things, their traditions and even their royal intrigue does not disappoint and will leave you begging for more!
Read this series if you want something different and even more so if you don't like Faeries/Fae! I never have and Ms. Drummond has made me a convert.
Actually, I didn't even finish the book. Stopped at 70%.
I'm sorry to say that it just didn't work for me because first of all, I don't like Eilidh very much. Being the main character (along with her druid), this is an issue. Also, I don't buy this faery-thing and I am so very uncomfortable with Faery/human bondings and what that implies.
As I said, it didn't work for me but given its high average rating (over 4 stars), I guess I am among the minority *shrug*
The story continues and it was as fast paced as the first. i loved the interaction between the characters and left me wanting more. Magic weaves the lives of the characters and brings them all into better understanding of how the Otherworld and human world rely on each other.
Again, 2.5 stars! I really have fun reading these stories. I’ve just bought the rest of the series for my kindle.
For me, these books as close to a “guilty pleasure” read as I think I can get. I’m not apologetic - I like what I like. So I don’t really use that term often. I mean it a bit more as a critical analysis of the book as a whole. The writing is decent, but nothing spectacular. I often appreciate authors who just tell the damn story without spending hundreds of pages trying to prove how clever they are, and this author seems to be one of them. No frills, I guess. You can picture the characters and places, but you won’t feel like you’re there in the Otherworld with them. In fact, Munro’s age wasn’t even mentioned in the first book, and all I know about his physical appearance is that he has blue eyes.
Anyway, I’m getting off track... guilty pleasure reads. Yes. It’s kind of like, I know the book isn’t making me see the world differently or gain any sort of insight into anything except delightful Scottish slang and such. I don’t really think about these characters when I’m not reading. It’s just FUN to read. Good fun. I like getting lost in these (digital) pages for a few hours at a time. *shrug* I’m not so good at describing feelings sometimes.
Likes!!
• The characters felt a bit more real this time. I understood their motivations and desires. I don’t mind sticking it out an entire series and watching characters slowly grow. I don’t have to love everyone right away!
• It was interesting to see the other druids more in this book. They played a decent part too - they weren’t just hanging in the background waiting to find a faerie to bond with. They actively wanted to help and sort of prove that they were good even though they were previously involved with the blood faerie. Although, in their defense, they didn’t know any better - he was the only faerie they knew.
• I liked that Eilidh was more open to Munro. Not that she was flinging herself at him the whole time, but she did indulge her emotions a bit.
• I still like the portrayal of fae in this series. I know I’ve read some other books with fae of all sorts over he years, but I HAVE also read all the Sarah j Maas books, and they have a very particular type of fae. A type that I don’t much care for. The fae in this series are interesting. Very obviously not human, but not a bunch of arrogant douches either.
Dislikes:
• All the sexual bits. I DO appreciate that things aren’t detailed. Very much. Many thanks. Because I always find sex in books awkward even if it’s well done. There’s something about reading descriptions of physical sensations that makes me cringe. I’m not a huge fan of romantic elements in general, so that might be part of my...intolerance? Idk. But consummating a marriage in front of people?? Who stay until you’re finished?! No no. Not okay. I’ve read books where they carry the married couple to their bedroom and strip their clothes on the walk and throw them into the room naked and wait outside. Which is creepy, but at least they’re not watching?!?? Omg. Anyway. Very unsettling idea, even if they’re not human.
• Munro is actually obsessed with Eilidh. It’s not just the bond or his “love” for her or whatever. It’s stalkerish. I get that fae don’t feel the need to define or label a relationship, but legit he misses her and drives hours to where she is. And just hangs out with her. Idk. Creeps me out. It seems way more like obsession than love.
• Some parts were confusing. When told Eilidh to speak in everyone’s mind that the queen was dead, I thought it was a ruse to get her army to fracture. But she was actually dead?! Who killed her? When did it happen? We got to see lots of things in detail, but the death of a monarch is like, “she’s dead, pass it on, haha” ?! Nope.
So overall an enjoyable read. Just some light fae fun. Sometimes I think that’s all I want or need!! I like reading an entire book in a day. Nom nom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Eilidh & Munro completed their bonding and saved the day by killing the blood faerie. Eilidh has been welcomed back to the Otherworld as a hero and she continues to visit Skye to continue her training in her Astral powers. Munro is still working as a police officer while trying to convince Eilidh that he's not just some human. Just as things were perfect the faerie queen takes a not so nice interest in Eilidh and the others in Skye...and her Consort asks for help finding his missing son. They have to find the missing prince while trying to prevent a seemingly unavoidable conflict.
There will be some spoilers in the following......................................................................................
So all of the elders decide that the best course of action is to make Eilidh queen. A fae who is little more than a child, does not have a very good grasp of her powers and has been complacent in learning anything further. And on top of that she has to take the former prince consort as her own consort even though she is bonded to Munro...and she was pushed into that bonding by the same fae who are pushing her into this. I really didn't understand what was all that smart about making Eilidh, a relative outsider, queen...just made no sense to me. And Eilidh herself bothered me, she didn't stick up for herself at any point to anyone....she just let everyone walk all over her. And the one decision she did make, to grant mercy to someone who didn't deserve it, got more innocents killed. And I still don't know what the heck anyone is talking about when they start describing the magic.
I loved the first one, hated this one...I'll probably stop here.
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.
We are working through these books for book club and while they are interesting, they are definitely not exactly what I'd usually keep coming back to. It's like a mix of high fantasy, contemporary procedural (a little), and fade to black romance.
This book picks up after the outcome of the previous book. Eilidh is a bit of a hero, having saved her kingdom from the insane fae who could have destroyed them all. He also uncovered druids, so she is associated with that re-discovery as well. The big thing here is... war, pretty much. Things aren't well in the kingdom, beginning with the queen who may be a little mad herself. There is a division in the kingdom because some want to welcome the fae they previously exiled while others are more traditional.
There's also a big thread of Munro and Eilidh struggling with their fated relationship. For Munro, he's all in, but unable to navigate the fae way of life so easily. For Eilidh, she's struggling to open herself to such a wild change in her life. Who knew that would be the smallest change. Things in this book escalate super quickly, so brace yourself. The twists and turns that center around a mystery (which ends up being... not so big?) kept me interested but not necessarily invested. I find the side characters more interesting than the main. We'll see what happens after the big end of this book, but I think most of these characters are a little hard to relate to.
It was ok. The first book was much better. This one was a lot slower.
Meeting Griogair's son, Tràth, was a complete anti climax. We go through the whole book wanting to know more about this mysterious character who starts off the book and has all these powers and when we meet him he's more or less bland and insignificant. It would have been better to spend more time getting to know him and for his personality to have been more interesting and defined.
Also, really, how can Munro be ok with Eilidh becoming mates with Griogair? I don't know. The whole situation seems unconvincing.
And where even was her dad? He was there at the end but there was no conversation between them or explanation from him as to where he was or what happened to him. No emotion shown on how he felt when she saw him again.
Also, how did the queen die?
It was a very slow book but the end felt completely rushed. The first book was a lot better but I'm hoping the next one is better than this one.
Some good old fashion magic-human buddy copy mystery action. A little too neat and tidy, but since I know the season goes on a bit, I feel like it's all building up to something a little more complicated later on.
Second book in this series and it's getting better and better! Love Quinton. There was a few moments in this book that had my eyes watering. Highly recommend!!
I loved this one as much as the first one. I found Ms. Drummond kept with her fast pacing and strong character developement. Eilidh and Munro are the headliners but many new characters round out the cast. I was pleased to see that the author was not a one trick pony and that she could visual many different personalities.
There were some twist in this story that I didn't see coming. I wanted to strangle Eilidh more than once although her actions were true to her character. Ms. Drummond did not make her behave or think like a human just because it would have been easier. Munro finally visits the land of the faeries and it changes him in many ways. His relationship with Eilidh hits some nice highs and some very low lows. It is difficult to summarize the plot without revealing things about book one. I will skirt the edges as best I can.
Eilidh is hero and has the death sentence lifted. She and Munro work together to find the queen's missing son at the request of her consort. Eilidh knows her magic is of the Azuri and she has found some in exhile willing to train her. Munro has also found about five Druids and now every Azuri wants to bond with one because it allows them to use earth magic. The bond formed by Eilidh and Munro has some side effects that make him hesitant to encourage others to go the same route. He loves her and is loyal but the bond demands so much more. He is constantly tested. I wanted to cry for him a few times.
Once again, characters die but it was necessary. There are several major plot developments that will make the next book a must read for me. I have to say that it still feels YA although there is sex without any detail. The characters are adults and Munro thinks like a man for sure. The violence is not as bloody as in the first book but it is still very much a part of how things get done. I am going with five stars on this one too. Book three comes out sometime this year and I plan to read it without hesitation.
Just finished reading the second instalment of India Drummonds Caledonia Fae series and oh my goodness! This series is rapidly becoming a firm favourite. I have the books on kindle for computer, but these will definitely be ones that I buy in hard copy when I can. Azuri Fae continues the story of the Azuri Fae Eilidh and her druid Quinton Munro. A faerie Prince disappears, and Eilidh and Munro are tasked secretly to find him. There are twists and turns and more druids and Azuri Fae throughout the book, that made me want to go to perth and the Isle of Skye to see them in person. I found myself getting very frustrated and hurting on their behalf in some parts. I was straight in India Drummonds Faerie world from the first page and read it straight through – you know its a fantastic book when you really wish the rest of the world would go away and stop talking to you! :) I don’t want to give any of the story away, but if you like a book that transports you to another world, where for the duration of the book you feel you are right there and even when you finish the characters stay with you and you can’t wait to find out what happens next, then I suggest you immediately buy Blood Faerie (Book 1) and then Azuri Fae (Book 2). I am so glad I found these books and can’t wait to see what happens in Enemy of the Fae (Book 3 – due for release 2012)
I have found another series that I'm highly enjoying. I am discovering new indie authors who I would have never heard of if it weren't for Goodreads and Pixel of Ink.
In this installment, the faerie prince goes missing, and his father enlists Eilidh and her bonded druid's (Quinton Munro) help to find him. Finding him unleashes the fury of the faerie queen, and she vows to destroy the Skye Azuri. She divorces her prince/consort, orders his death, and he escapes to the exiled Azuri on the Isle of Skye.
When they find the prince, it completely undoes the queen and she rages full out war. Ultimately, Eilidh is crowned the queen of the Azuri faeries, and as such, marries the former prince/consort, much to the dismay of her druid, who truly loves her. She leads a revolt, and the Azuri defeat the Kingdom fae.
I highly recommend this series, starting with Blood Fae.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
In my last review I noted that I may need to read the second book in order to determine if I like it or not. I did happen to finish this book in one sitting, and I am glad that I did decide to read further. The writing in book 2 is a little more complicated, and I had to look up a few words here and there. Not to say that I was confused by any part of the book - but I did notice what may have been some growth of the writer in the second book. Without giving anything away, I have to say that the storyline in this book took a very big turn, and I wasn't expecting it. I found myself asking questions and having that feeling of needing answers. That is exactly what I love books to do for me. I love being drawn in, and this book was the one to do so. The descriptions of the environment were a little more vividly described than in the first book, but not overly done. Overall, I gave this book four stars. I find it important to be invested in characters, plot lines, and also to have important questions that need to be answered. I find all of this in this series, and I hope that the next few books are each better than the last.
Disclosure Note: I received a copy of the book to review from the author.
With this story, we revisit the world Caledonia with Eilidh, Munro and the others and find that there is more to the world of the Fae than their arrogance and vanity. We find that their scheming and plotting could rival any merely human royalty, that their secrets are just as deadly, and discover the cost of duty.
I found this story to be much more smoothly paced than the first book, Blood Faerie. I found myself reveling in the intrigue and building conflict. It has always been enjoyable to watch an underdog find that the bully is really not as big as they think they are. This book had me chuckling with glee as the story played out. Ok, I'm weird and probably a little nuts.
There is a little something for everyone in this story: conflict, love, hate, intrigue and well, you'll just have to read it to find out.
I loved EVERY ONE of these books. Blood Faerie was my VERY FIRST trip to a faerie world (the fantasy genre is fairly new to me). I knew as soon as I finished it that, without a doubt, I wanted to read the rest of the series. I enjoyed getting acquainted with so many interesting characters. I REALLY, REALLY appreciate that the author wrote them so that they were ALL stand-alone books. I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't WANT to read the whole series. But I am SO STINKING TIRED of authors who just END a book in what seems to be the middle of an event, ostensibly to insure that we are forced to read the next installment. That doesn't always work for me. Sometimes it just pisses me off, insuring that I DON'T read the sequel. Anyhoo.. My only real disappointment is that the series has ended. I can only hope that Ms. Drummond will write a spin-off series to this one. I'll be watching for it.
After reading Blood Faerie - Contemporary Urban Fantasy (Caledonia Fae, Book 1), I was intrigued by the faerie world India Drummond so effortlessly created, and I couldn't wait to read more. Azuri Fae definitely doesn't disappoint -- if anything, it ratchets up the tension even more. Independent outcast Eilidh faces obstacles at almost every turn: with Munro in her burgeoning relationship; with the fae of her past who had cast her out; and with the new society who has given her a home. With loyalties pulling her in every direction, I had no idea which way she'd turn. I just had to keep reading until I found out! Original and engaging, Drummond's atmospheric writing provides the perfect escape into another realm, and I readily admit that I can't get enough of it!
I like things that blow up, characters who carry eight-inch knives and use expletives I understand. Go figure this redneck who doesn't much care for frou frou, feelings, or a lot of world building, continued to be entertained to the last paragraph of this novel. I've read three of India's novels and they continue to get better. By the way, this is an excellent read…don't read much into the missing star. I'm VERY hard to please. I don't know if I would give the best book of all time (McCaffrey's White Dragon) a five star. What I'll say in summation about India's writing is the comfortable pace of her narrative…and characters you can love.
Royal court drama just doesn't do it for me like a crazy fae dude running wild offing people and stealing hearts, so this book wasn't as good for me. I live the relationship and confusion across cultures and stuff-just not into the whole queen, royalty stuff. It was more fun when they were coppers and watchers. Ill read the 3rd one for redemption, but might give up if it is more royalty drama. Not for Tweens, but the romance is well played and not cheaply written. Nothing worse than a strongly built character relationship ruined by gutter description. Just makes the relationship feel trashy. The editing was excellent.
Eilidh has be reunited with her people after her great feat. She has bonded with Quinton and has learned of other fae that have her unique ability. She has been reunited with her father and met with the Queen of Caledonia and her consort the prince. Quinton Monroe, her bonded druid, has been asked to find the missing son of the queen. However, there are circumstances that have been hidden from them making this mission difficult. And why has an entire village of people completely disappeared?
Can't wait for the next installment of this wonderful tale.
wow with Eilidh and Quinton back and the caledonia queen wanting to join forces and maybe let the Azuri Fae back in the Caledonia things go south but Eilidh and Quinton have a long bumpy ride why well things change in a drastic way a Queen is born a son found that is a prince a marriage made and a peace between the Azuri and the Caledonia is made see this and more by India Drummond and read book three thru six to find out what has happened until next read and review . read on
i really liked the first book in the series, but this one fell far short. I did not feel a part of the azuri world she was writing about at all. The main fairy is dislikable in this book, all the light moments of the previous book are gone. Some of the new side characters are interesting but completely undeveloped. Boring ending. I Do not recommend unless you LOVED the first book, Blood Fairie.
So yes, I read this so quickly, I didn't even have time to put it on my "currently reading" shelf. The story is fantastic and I'm really enjoying these characters, Eilidh and Quinton. Their development as they discover who they are, what they can do, and the depth of their bond is riveting. I'm rooting for them and look forward to continuing to read about them in the next book, "Enemy of the Fae".
Again, thoroughly enjoyed this one although it does move very quickly! And again, I'm a little unconvinced by Munro's lack of introspection, poor chap just doesn't get any time to do any soul-searching. But I suppose that's the way it goes when the apocolypse is nigh. Glad to see the world fleshing out more and I look forward to the next one.
Azuri Fae continues the tradition begun with Blood Faerie. If you liked that you'll like this one. The role of the druid is explored and expanded. Druids and Faeries both grow stronger through the bond. New powers inherent in the outcast Azuri Fae are discovered and Eilidh learns she's not alone.
An enjoyable tale that builds and makes me look forward to the next in the series.
This book is a bridge to get you to the next one. Azuri Fae did not have the action Blood Faerie did but it picked up in the last half. The begining was a little slow and mostly talked about Eilidh and Munro exploring their bond. I do think the pace could have been better. It was a good story just not as good as the first one. I will continue on with the series.
I found this book to be just as enjoyable as the first. Like the first book in this series, this was also a very easy read for me (I read it in about a day) and I found myself wishing that the story could have lasted longer and maybe had more time spent on some things to allow for more detail, but overall, a very good read.