Sela

Leland Dragon Series #2

by Jackie Gamber

Peace was fleeting. Vorham Riddess, Venur of Esra Province, covets the crystal ore buried deep in Leland's mountains. His latest device to obtain it: land by marriage to a Leland maiden. But that's not all.

Among Dragonkind, old threats haunt Mount Gore, and shadows loom in the thoughts of the Red who restored life to land and love. A dragon hunter, scarred from countless battles, discovers he can yet suffer more wounds.

In the midst of it all, Sela Redheart is lost, driven from her home with only her old uncle to watch over her. As the dragon-born child of Kallon, the leader of Leland's Dragon Council, she is trapped in human form with no understanding of how she transformed, or how to turn back.

Wanderers seek a home, schemes begin to unfurl, and all is at risk as magic and murder, marriage and mystery strangle the heart of Esra. A struggle for power far older and deeper than anyone realizes will leave no human or dragon unaffected.

In a world where magic is born of feeling, where the love between a girl and a dragon was once transformative, what power dwells in the heart of young Sela?

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult, Fiction

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Jackie is the story-obsessed, sci fi fanatic, pathologically creative founder of Big Imagine, a multimedia studio creating kick-a$$ stories, for geeks by geeks. www.bigimagine.com

Jackie believes in outrageous imagination, both as an expression, and as a path for self-empowerment.

She's an award­-winning writer and editor of genre ­bending science fiction, fantasy, horror, and paranormal short stories, novels, and screenplays. She was named honorable mention in L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Award, and is winner of the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award for Imaginative Fiction, and as editor for Meadowhawk Press, captured Science Fiction’s Philip K. Dick Award. She's a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sela is the second of Jackie Gamber’s Leland Dragon series, but it stands alone perfectly well. Darker and richer than book one, it’s a smoothly told tale of a girl who believes she’s a dragon (or is that a dragon believing she’s a girl). Cast out from her dragon home for her own protection, she suffers all those natural teen angsts about rejection. Meanwhile her uncle attempts to protect her, only to find she’s taking foolish risks in an attempt to protect him. Ah, if only we’d just tell the truth and the whole truth to each other. But perhaps that wouldn’t work much better either.

Sela finds herself kidnapped and paraded before an ambitious leader as prospective bride. But how can she marry if she wants to be a dragon? And if she’s a dragon, can she really risk allying her dragon inheritance in the mountains with this fiendish human’s lands?

While warriors kill dragons for sport, Sela and her fellow bridal candidates dine in a hall under the torso of a dead dragon. It’s like eating in a grave for Sela, but caring too much for dragons might risk revealing her hidden nature.

In fact, there are far more secrets than this to be uncovered in Jackie Gamber’s fast-moving tale. The mysterious dark dragon, the legend of the black dragon’s evil betrayal, the sneaky white, the mystical gold… A wealth of characters fill these pages, but the author cleverly keeps them all well-defined with no need for awkward lists of who’s meant to be who. I really enjoyed the slow revelations of political machinations, the magical appearance of hope, and the intriguing questions about the nature of magic. But best of all is the feeling of flying—Sela longs for it, the reader is enthralled by it, and the world is the better for it.

Jackie Gamber has created a fascinating world with science and mythology all its own, blended into magic, and rendered into thoroughly enjoyable adventures on the page. Like its predecessor Redheart, Sela is pleasingly complete in itself, but I’m definitely looking forward to more tales of these Leland Dragons.

Disclosure: I received a free ecopy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had just finished Sela and all I wanted to do was write my review and tell everyone how much I loved Sela Redheart. Sadly nothing coherent came to mind other than gushy babble so I sat back and thought on it some. Pretty much all I can come up with still is gushy babble.

Jackie holds a special place in my heart with her book Redheart being the first that I was asked to review by a publisher.

Charming, sweet YA fantasy. The kind of book someone young would love and equally loved by someone old and cranky like me. In fact the cranky went out the window and I sat there with a smile on my face.

I enjoyed Redheart very much and Sela does a great job of furthering the story while standing on it's own. While reading I kept thinking how I wanted to reread the whole series once I had them all. I so hope the third will be coming soon. Jackie please hurry :)

Sela like Redheart is about a young woman on a journey of self discovery. It's hard not to compare the two books having read the first but I can see how new readers would enjoy Sela on it's own but really why miss out? Start the series and then finish it whole. You will not be disappointed. Jackie weaves a tale that is fantastical and yet one that has characters that pull you in and you cheer for, so easy to relate and yet be amazed by.

Redheart being my first intro to Seventh Star Press I feel almost bad saying this but I liked this one even more. I loved the familiar characters as well as the new, they all blended so well to create a tale that is a must read.

Jackie is an author under appreciated I think. She doesn't write fluffy teen books about beautiful boys and sassy teen girls who have it all or get it all she writes instead about young people who have the strength to stand on their own feet and take what life throws at them be it a dragon sullen and withdrawn or not being comfortable in your own skin and setting out to find your way. She writes instead beautiful capable characters. I can't recommend her enough and wish she was on some bestsellers list.

Boys and girl you're missing out on an excellent author if you've yet to read a Jackie Gamber novel.

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Originally posted to: Bookish Book Blog |YA and Adult Book Reviews, Author Interviews, Guest Posts, Giveaways and news! ^___^



When asked by Seventh Star Press to participate in the blog tour for the second book in Jackie Gamber's Leland Dragon Series, Sela, I didn't think twice before immediately jumping on board with it. I have read and absolutely loved the first novel in the series, Redheart, and knew that I simply couldn't afford to miss the sequel. Having devoured and been totally blown-away by Redheart, I expected a lot from this book. I couldn't wait to be taken back to Leland, revisit the treacherous mountains, vast fields of green, and familiar villages. Most of all, I was anxious to be reunited with all my favourite characters, fly high in the sky with all the majestic, colorful dragons, and soak up the beauty and freshness of Gamber's world. I can't even begin to describe how happy this book made me - it's a breathtaking, magnificent fantasy book, so rich in atmosphere, so vibrant and emotionally engaging, so full of character, passion and magic - it's virtually impossible not to fell in love with it. Once again Jackie Gamber delivers, and she does it with style, power and irresistible charm.

I won't lie, I was a bit surprised when I first learned about Redheart not being a stand alone novel, but rather a first in a planned trilogy. Why? Because it ended so perfectly! I didn't see what could possibly be added to the story without making it seem forced and overdone. Jackie ended her first book in a way that was perfectly satisfying, sensible and seemingly final. The main story - Kallon and Riza's story - was concluded. Yes, the author left a small opening for a possible follow up (mainly because of Blacklaw's disappearance - and when a bad guy walks away, we all know that he's going to be back with a vicious revenge plan, and sooner rather than later), but I honestly didn't think it necessary to explore further what already seemed explored enough. So what does Gamber do? She does something utterly brilliant! She turns her trilogy into a saga, adding a whole new generation of characters, enriching the plot, making it even more twisty and intense, and - which is even more fantastic - she tells the whole thing from human's perspective, focusing mainly on Sela, her feelings and adventures. I loved it. I think I loved it even more than Redheart. It was just as thrilling and exciting as the first book, but, thanks to the clever mix of familiar (well-known characters, settings, mythology, political issues, etc) with brand new (new generation of characters, new threats and mysteries, shift in the narrative and many more), it turned out to be even more captivating, mesmerizing and utterly fantabulous.

I was totally exhilarated to once again meet Orman Thistleby and Jastin Armitage - my two favorite Redheart's characters, but at the same time, I was just as happy to be introduced to a whole new palette of intriguing personalities. Jackie Gamber did a phenomenal job expanding the already wonderful world, and filling it up with even more fascinating protagonists. At the same time, even though there were many more characters to keep track of, I never had any problem following the story. Gamber dynamic prose is both easy to comprehend and quite rich in descriptions. She makes it easy for the reader to lose themselves in the story, and knows exactly which words to use to fuel their imagination. The resulting narrative is not only swift moving and flavourful, but also perfectly balanced.

I really love Gamber's version of dragon world. Some may find it odd - after all these are dragons with social structures and politics, dragons who not only fly and breathe fire, but also paint, write chronicles, bake, etc - but to me this world is nothing short of pure delight. So fascinating and original! And I really enjoyed seeing it again, this time through Sela's eyes. Sela's character really brought this story to life, made it more complex and poignant, and added a whole new layer of emotions. I never expected this book to be so moving and thought-provoking, and it was! It's not just a gorgeously told fantasy, filled with mythical creatures and sparkly magic, it's - perhaps most of all - a wonderful coming of age story, a very interesting portrayal of family pulled apart by difficult circumstances, and a tale of young woman trying desperately to discover her identity.

All in all, Jackie Gamber's Sela is an amazingly imaginative novel. Delicate, dramatic, and absolutely dazzling, it's a beautifully written tale of young girl discovering her place in the world, and one definitely worth picking up!

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

--Full, non-spoiler review courtesy at Book & Movie Dimension a Blog--


In Redheart, Kallon and Riza's deep inner wishes are granted and they can finally be together as dragons.
So as Sela begins as a reader its a real wonder to find that Sela is the daughter of Kallon Redheart and Riza not Diantus but now Redheart! She's an artistic girl and very much like her mother wanting to look for her place in life. As the dragon-born daughter of Kallon and Riza she had an idea of what her life would be like: Eventually becoming a ruler of her father's dragon kingdom of The Leland Mountains until one day she transforms into a human not able to change back to her dragon form. Sela takes it extremely hard feeling that Kallon is ashamed of her now that she's human. Kallon sends her out to stay in human occupied land of . To adjust to life with humans now that she is one. Its not something easy for Sela considering she finds many people have poor respect toward dragons. When the province of Leland takes up a census on all the Leland maidens Orman Tistleby who's now Sela's uncle senses something fishy. Rather than risk Sela being discovered he figures they should return to the dragon dwelled , Mountain Gore, in Leland province. With her return Sela now more than ever feels her place is no longer just with the dragons and she must pursue her place in the world the same way her parents did in their time. When she leaves to pursue her destiny she discovers that the census was a total deception and a soldier named Bannon she recalls wants her to leave with him to attend Leland's province choosing of a maiden who shall marry Venur Vorham Ridess of Esra. Sela once there makes a new human friend named Gladdis in who at first seems indifferent to the endangerement of dragons but slowly sees that dragons are much like humans. While she believed at first with her upkeep she'd never attract the attention of the Venur her way of seeing things proves wrong and she's ambushed with a marriage she doesn't want. As Sela is stuck with no way out of Ridess Castle without attracting suspicion she starts to unravel there is a deep wave of secrets and planning going on behind everything.

Meanwhile Kallon believes that it was his own fault that Sela was left at risk as a human. Not knowing how his distance is affecting not only Sela but Riza his wife. He figures that the only real way to remove the danger his family will be in is to once and for all find Fordon Blackclaw and end his existence especially now when there are rumours of sightings of Blackclaw in dragon lands. In Redheart, Blackclaw escaped eventual capture and it plagues Kallon and his family with him possibly plotting which he very much is in Sela. For the majority of Sela, Kallon along with Riza journey on a mission to discover Blackclaw's whereabouts.

Since this is a Leland Dragon series novel we get multiple perspectives from some of the main characters in every given novel. In this one we get quite a few differing point of views that Jackie blended in Sela perfectly to keep a compelling story: Sela's which was a new character outlook , Kallon's , Riza's, Jastin's , Orman's , Drell's who we get to read into as being the son of Vaya Brownwing and Fordon Blackclaw who you would really get to see farther into in this book, Bannon's who is a young man that for some reason Sela seems to run into a lot , even Vorham's and Lacy Phelcher's point of view who actually featured in the first book, Redheart. She and Jastin seem to be up to their old , well , bickering and picking at each other which if you read is hilarious. For Jastin though in this novel its a real turning point since he finally comes face-to-face with all that anger he has had toward dragons for many years. Becomes something emotional and for readers who loved Redheart its something you wont want to miss in reading. All the new characters were interesting to get to know and again in this book we get this olden feel to the storytelling. The olden feel which you do want since its so Fantasy. In Sela, its an end of an era and a beginning of a new one for humans as well as dragons.

For a fan of this series Sela is not just an amazing novel its a continuation of a a fascinating young adult fantasy series that can also be for adults. Very recommended if for whatever reason you haven't reached it.
Overall: Amazing read!
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

[Orchid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review taken from my blog, The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia ( ).

First Sentence:
"Sela's art was dead inside, just like her hope."

The first page of the book can make or break a story for me. So, I was quite excited when I sampled the first three pages of Sela and found myself not wanting to put it down (definitely a sign that the book is going to be good).
While Sela is not about Riza and Kallon, her parents, I still found myself enjoying this read because there was more intrigue than there was in Redheart.
I liked the parallel between the Riza and Sela's stories and how they were both strong characters, even if at times they both seemed a little lost when it came to what they wanted and where they belonged. I thought it was interesting to see how they were both running away from their troubles, while still trying to find their...destiny.

I think have liked Sela more than Riza. Why, because I found her to be a fascinating character and was intrigued by the mystyer of how she transformed into a human, and why she couldn't change back into her natural form. I also liked her because she was plucky and was willing she felt was the right thing (even if she may have been wrong about what).
Out of all the new characters introduced in Sela, I think my favorite would have to be Drell. His story was one of the most interesting because of his heritage and why he was living with the dragons of the desert. I also found him interesting because of how he acted when presented with the option of killing a certain character that the Venur wanted dead.
The one character that surprised me the most in this book would have to be Jastin Armitage. I thought it was quite interesting to see the full story behind why he despised dragons so much. I would say more about it, but I won't since it's a pretty big part of the story and would be a major spoiler.

What really pulled me into the story was not the characters, which were most excellent, but the way that Ms Gamber explored the history of certain characters. I especially liked learning more about Jastin and the change that book two brought upon his character (you'll definitely see him in a different light). I thought it was interesting how there were all these little things from the first book that were cleared up and more thoroughly explained in the second book. My suggestion is, if you like books that have story lines that can carry over and be expanded upon from one book to the next, then this is definitely a series for you.

The only flaw I could find while reading Sela was that of my memory. It took me a couple of pages to recall the connections of some of the various cast members that made reappearances from Redheart, the first book in the series. So, all in all one excellent read.

Final Verdict: Sela delivers a rich cast of characters and an outstanding plot that will blow you away.

Sela earns 5 out of 5 pineapples

[A Book Vacation · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gamber has written another wonderful novel in that of Sela, the sequel of Redheart, which picks up many years after Redheart’s conclusion and focuses on the second generation of dragons in Leland province. Though there is a generational gap between the novels, I found it extremely refreshing as new characters permeate the novel, and yet our beloved older characters still pepper the story enough to have a healthy presence. Gamber’s choice to continue her story through this generation gap allows her characters years of peace and quiet in between, which is perfect as Redheart had a complete ending, with no cliffhangers. There are no dire circumstances the reader is dying to know about and so, when Sela picks up years later, the reader is given a brand new cast of characters with just enough information about the beloved previous ones to make a wonderful sequel.

Mirroring the writing style of the first novel, Gamber presents her story using different perspectives, focusing mainly on Sela, but also jumping to different characters and giving the reader an in-depth glimpse into their minds as the events surrounding them become perilous. I really enjoyed this writing style, and the use of third person was ideal as it gives the reader access to all the characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Sela, trapped in her human form and desperate to become a dragon again, sets the events of the novel in motion through her rash decisions, taking the reader on an exciting ride through the Leland and Esra Provinces as the story unfolds. I really enjoyed her character; her headstrong personality made her lovable, though it gets her into trouble on more than one occasion. Her parents, Kallon and Riza, only want to protect her, but having a human among dragons is dangerous for all, especially as Fordon Blackclaw is still on the loose. Sure she must protect her parents and create her own destiny, Sela sets off on a journey full of suspense and peril, landing her in the middle of the Esra Provence and the object of the Venur’s desires… though many of the events in the story seem disconnected, Gamber has expertly woven them all together, leading to the finale that will leave the reader yearning for more. With its fantastical nature, riveting characters, and suspenseful prose, Sela is a book all will enjoy.

To read my full review:

http://wp.me/p1jhaj-1YA

[Robin Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sela was a very fast moving and enjoyable fantasy. It is the second book in the Leland Dragon series that began with Redheart. I think that it has moved to one of my top ten favorite books of all time. I love fantasy and I love engaging, intelligent, strong women in fantasy and just like in Redheart, Sela did not disappoint.

Something that struck me in Jackie Gamber's first book and holds true in the second her writing style makes the fantasy fun and engaging. Many times fantasy is all about the set up with her it is the pay off. She makes characters that are easy to see, feel and like. Jackie Gamber has the uncanny ability to make twists and turns in a story that keeps you turning page after page. She is a true storyteller. Some people just write books and some tell tales and she is the latter. I really believe she loves her characters and feels excited to be the one telling their stories.

Another element I love was that never in a book has a first kiss moved me so much. Sweet moving romantic. Perfection. Sela a sweet young girl so confused and lost but able to find hope and love.

This book had action, adventure, dragon hunts, love and real relationships. The interaction between Sela and her parents was so true of a rebellious teenager and parents that are just trying to figure it all out.

I enjoyed seeing many of the Characters introduced in Redheart continue in this book and the new characters just added to the story. Bannon and Leesa are amongst a couple of my new favorites and I love how she continued Jastin's story. Jastin may be a dragon slayer but he is one I feel such sympathy for.

Be sure to read Redheart the first in the Leland dragons series. While Sela is truly it's own story Redheart is the story of where Sela comes from. And it also is a great fantasy story. I am stickler for reading books in order and was glad that I had read Redheart first.

[William Bentrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sela by Jackie Gamber

This is the sequel to Redheart, Jackie’s first book in the Leland Dragon Series.
I first posted my review on Redheart at Book Review: Redheart by Jackie Gamber on Blogcritics which will theoretically get me more traffic on my posts. I still don’t know if that is true. Sela is every bit as good as Redheart and deals with the coming of age of some young dragons.

The cast of characters and location are familiar in this book. Leland is the province where Kallon Redheart, a red dragon, resides. The province is in a drought and tensions between dragons and humans are at an all time high. Fordon Blackclaw, the Dragon Council Leader, is using the tensions to further his personal ambitions. Riza Diantus epitomizes or perhaps symbolizes the plight of the woman in un-enlightened cultures. That is making the assumption that we live in an enlightened culture which isn’t always guaranteed. Equal opportunity often seems to be a cliché not realized in our tumultuous economic environment of today let alone in a rural agriculture set in a medieval style setting.

Jastin, the dragon hunter, returns as merciless as ever and the wizard, Orman is here again.

There are new characters as well. Drell and Sela are second generation characters who bring new viewpoints to a tumultuous story.

There are dragons of all colors. Desert dragons and mountain dragons, good dragons and bad dragons, the book are infested with dragons. That is one of the reasons I loved it.

Gamber has created loveable and despicable characters. She imbues them with real feelings, emotions and frustrations. Jackie Gamber brings alive dragons and adventure with colorful, involved storytelling. Once again, the warm characters and very believable emotions produce a book that will be remembered and cherished.

I highly recommend the book, it was an excellent sequel and I look fervently for the next chapter in the tale.

[Yiota · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome awesome awesome! I really liked Redheart but i totally fall in love with Sela. Not only the author grows but same goes for the world and characters of Leland.

I said before, that the dragons in those series are amazing. A world fully created with certain ideas. mythology, history. Here i loved them even more. The previous book was darker in the aspect of dragons, and we even had a dragon as the main hero. Here they get a secondary role, which show us a different aspect and version of them. Of course, it's been some years after the events of the first book and you also get to see how they changed.

I liked Sela more than Redheart for many reasons. You get to see a little more of the Leland world. You follow more characters (some old ones and some new ones) and you get to see more of the humans and their world. It has more action and adventure. It has more mystery and it's more funny too. In general, the book is in a whole different level from the previous. From writing style, to story..everything seems like it leveled up. It got me in from the first chapter, and gave an originality to the world i knew.

And as for the characters. I liked all of them for different reasons. There are strong, fun, naive, clever, annoying, mean, ordinary characters. So many to connect with, and once again Kallon was my favorite along with Sela.

I could talk about the book, and each character and idea for hours. It made such a good impression to me. And it's definitely one of my favorite dragon books, exactly down under Eon & Eona which are the first (sorry Mr. Paolini..but it totally wins Eragon) ^^

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this novel for review from the publisher.

Sela is book 2 in Jackie Gamber's Leland Dragon series of fantasy novels about dragons. These books are great for fantasy novel lovers aged 10 and up.

Riza and Kallon are back, although our main characters now focus on Sela and Drell. Some of the main characters from Redheart are also back, and I have mixed feelings about them. However, my review of Redheart included spoilers, and I am going to try to keep this review spoiler-free.

Sela is the human daughter of Riza and Kallon. Drell is the dragon son of Fordan Blackclaw, Kallon's enemy. There is peace in the Leland province, but peace is rarely long-lasting. Greedy, vicious humans are trying to take over the mountains, and there is more than one sneaky party with a hidden agenda.

The wonderfully wacky wizard Orman is back, as well as the meddling (with good intentions) wizard Layce. I must say, those two together make quite a pair. I loved the relationship between Orman and Layce. Their banter and both of their personalities provide a good amount of giggles and chuckles as I was reading. We also had a few new secondary characters that acted as friends and allies for Sela when she needed them most. I loved that she wasn't alone in her journey.

I was also extremely pleased that the novel followed the basic elements of story grammar, just as Redheart did. Gamber takes great care in her writing to build up tension and emotions. She builds her characters, rather than plopping them down in a weak plot. She describes the setting and uses it to support to the plot. She leaves her readers on the edge of their seats, gripping the pages, thirsting for more.

[Alicia Justice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackie Gamber does it again, with the second book in the Leland Dragon Series. I was so excited to get my hands on this book and as soon as I opened up the first page I was hooked. I couldn't put this one down just like the first book.

I loved all the little details of this story and enjoyed reading about each and everyone of the characters that fill the pages of Sela. I have no idea how Jackie Gamber keeps track of all of them when she is writing, but that's what makes her so amazing and talented.

I loved the mixture of the old characters and the new characters as well. Plus, Jastin is back in this story and if you've read my review for Redheart, you know I love to hate him. He is just one of those characters that you feel for, but at the same time hate what he does sometimes. I really liked how Jackie Gamber, once again, filled each character with real feelings. Something that makes a book so believable and fantastic!

To read more of my review click here!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be the second book in the series, but it can almost stand alone. Set in the generation following the first book, this story featured a dragon stuck in human form, whose sole desire is to be herself.

The story sees the return of a number of characters from the first book, as well a whole new generation of characters. I love this mixture of new and old, giving readers a familar basis while providing some exciting new changes. Sela is a strong girl who really undervalues her own worth and strength. She makes a great friend, and is a worthy role model for young readers.

The story is full of great messages about love and acceptance, especially for yourself. Sela’s journeys are as much about herself as they are about others. With a supportive and eclectic group accompanying her, the situations they encounter are both enlightening and entertaining.

Overall, this was a delightful story featuring dragons. It was an exciting adventure, and makes an excellent addition to the series. I can’t wait to read the next one.

[Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sela is the 2nd book in the Leland Dragon series. I have read the first one which was great but this has to be my favorite of the two. Sela takes up a several years after Redheart and starts with the next generation of dragon. You do not need to read the first one to know what is going on with Sela as Redheart had no cliffhangers and Sela has enough information from the last book to get you reading.

Sela in trapped in her human form she is desparte to go back to being a dragon. I love Sela she is headstrong which at times causes some trouble. Her parents Kallon and Riza want to protect her , but being a human among the dragons is not a good situation. Sela embarks on a journey to find her destiny.

Jackie's writing style draws the reader into the story and keeps the pages turning. The characters are well written and you feel for them. A great fantasy read for any age. With action and love everyone will be happy to read this book.

[W. Brad "Zorknot" Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A marvelous and engrossing story.

While I didn't like this one quite as much as Redheart (the first book in the Leland dragon series) , I enjoyed seeing more of the world of Leland and watching a multitude of fully fleshed out characters interacting. My favorite character was Layce. Dark, conflicted, even manipulative, but all the while wanting to do the right thing. I liked how she seemed to have just enough power to get her in trouble. I enjoyed the main character, Sela, as well, but until the last half of the book or so, she seemed to be pushed along by forces outside her control, and while that fit where her character was in the story, I felt a little frustrated because I wanted her to take a more active role.

Layce and the other side characters shine in this story. Each of them has an intriguing inner conflict and a unique personality. Really, this book was a little like Game of Thrones, only less depressing and more uplifting. And there's more dragons.

[Kattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sela is a fantasy novel about dragons. It is the second book of the Leland Dragon Series. I have not read the first book yet. I wish I had read the first book, because I enjoyed this one. I felt like it gave me enough background to know what was going on, though. See my full review on December 14 at www.vivacioushobo.com

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly brilliant. And one where I need to find out what will happen next.