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Five Kingdoms #2
Magic Awakening
Power always comes at a price. In the Realm of the Five Kingdoms magic has been strictly controlled for centuries. Only a small group of wizards, known as the Torr, exercise the greatest magical powers, but their quest for control has pushed magic in the Five Kingdoms to the brink of extinction. When a young wizard named Zollin refused to submit his power to the Torr, he started more than just a desperate race for survival, his defiance sparked a magical awakening. As Zollin wrestles to understand and control his amazing powers, the world will change forever. Fantastic creatures will once again roam the Five Kingdoms, prompting a frenzied struggle from the people who seek to exploit Zollin’s power for their own gain. As nations clash and the powerful maneuver for supremacy, no one is safe, especially those closest to Zollin. Will the people he cares for the most be lost? Or can a young wizard, only just beginning to comprehend his purpose, risk everything to save what has become most precious to him?
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2012
219 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 21, 2015
And this fantastic story continues!!!!
I don't want to give away any of this plot because it would ruin the constant pace this story is going. All I can say is read it and keep going.
I'm off to read the next book in this series
I'm sorry I didn't say more but I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I don't want to give away any of this plot because it would ruin the constant pace this story is going. All I can say is read it and keep going.
I'm off to read the next book in this series
I'm sorry I didn't say more but I cannot wait to see what happens next.
October 10, 2014
A young wizard named Zollin refused to submit his power to the Torr, he started more than just a desperate race for survival, his defiance sparked a magical awakening. As Zollin wrestles to understand and control his amazing powers, the world will change forever. Fantastic creatures will once again roam the Five Kingdoms, prompting a frenzied struggle from the people who seek to exploit Zollin's power for their own gain. As nations clash and the powerful maneuver for supremacy, no one is safe, especially those closest to Zollin. Will the people he cares for the most be lost? Or can a young wizard, only just beginning to comprehend his purpose, risk everything to save what has become most precious to him? A little slow in places but a great read. You won't be disappointed. Well worth your time.
December 3, 2018
Horribly contrived plot
This entire series and it's follow up could have been ended thrice by now if the main character learned from his mistake and took the two seconds to make sure he killed the wizards/dragons/dryads that were more than happy to kill him.
This entire series and it's follow up could have been ended thrice by now if the main character learned from his mistake and took the two seconds to make sure he killed the wizards/dragons/dryads that were more than happy to kill him.
January 31, 2025
Book 2 of Toby Neighbor’s The Five Kingdoms series is an action-packed suspense fantasy. As we follow Brianna and Zollin on their journey of love and adventure, more players and scheming manipulators are revealed.
Zollin’s mentor, Kelvich, sees that Zollin “would be the flame that draws every magical creature, good and bad, from their place of hiding...” Everyone wants to dominate that magic—kings and dragon and wizards and townspeople alike. If Zollin doesn’t let them, they pronounce a death sentence over him.
Zollin identifies with and adores his magic. “He had power, and he had grown comfortable with it… It was sacred to him, as if it had been bestowed on him for a purpose, and he wanted to live up to that high calling, even though he had no idea what that meant.”
Mansel pursues sex, alcohol, battle and adventure, with no qualms about how he impacts others. Brianna is high on the thrill of Zollin’s magical power and adventures, not to mention his love for her. Kelvich wants to direct Zollin to fulfill prophecy. Ironically, while the reader is encouraged to love all of these self-serving people, each wants the others to be more disciplined and thoughtful.
Quinn models a different heart—caring for others, offering his talents and services even though he knows he will be despised. His is the quiet voice of honor, faithfulness, diligence and compassion. I suspect he will be key for the transformation of the others.
Zollin’s mentor, Kelvich, sees that Zollin “would be the flame that draws every magical creature, good and bad, from their place of hiding...” Everyone wants to dominate that magic—kings and dragon and wizards and townspeople alike. If Zollin doesn’t let them, they pronounce a death sentence over him.
Zollin identifies with and adores his magic. “He had power, and he had grown comfortable with it… It was sacred to him, as if it had been bestowed on him for a purpose, and he wanted to live up to that high calling, even though he had no idea what that meant.”
Mansel pursues sex, alcohol, battle and adventure, with no qualms about how he impacts others. Brianna is high on the thrill of Zollin’s magical power and adventures, not to mention his love for her. Kelvich wants to direct Zollin to fulfill prophecy. Ironically, while the reader is encouraged to love all of these self-serving people, each wants the others to be more disciplined and thoughtful.
Quinn models a different heart—caring for others, offering his talents and services even though he knows he will be despised. His is the quiet voice of honor, faithfulness, diligence and compassion. I suspect he will be key for the transformation of the others.
June 19, 2018
Review of series is in the first book
I enjoyed the first seven books of the Five Kingdoms series. My review is in the first of the books. But elements were introduced as the series progressed that made me decide not to continue after seven.
I admire Neighbors' writing skills and his imagination. For readers who don't share my objections, you may find him to be one if the best authors you read. Characters like Zollin are what place a book in my favorites list. But, Zollin's morality was not typical of the characters in the story, even the 'good' ones.
I enjoyed the first seven books of the Five Kingdoms series. My review is in the first of the books. But elements were introduced as the series progressed that made me decide not to continue after seven.
I admire Neighbors' writing skills and his imagination. For readers who don't share my objections, you may find him to be one if the best authors you read. Characters like Zollin are what place a book in my favorites list. But, Zollin's morality was not typical of the characters in the story, even the 'good' ones.
July 28, 2018
This was an interesting read, the author is trying to build a big story with a lot of info. This was just the first book of currently 12, and each book is longer then a novel. So it's a big investment if you actually start. I'm only on book 5 and it's hard to read this much when you know your not even halfway there.
In any case, good book, worth a try.
In any case, good book, worth a try.
March 6, 2019
Just gets better
Just gets better as the safe evolves with co!omg of age and development of his own magic while trying to rescue his love.
Just gets better as the safe evolves with co!omg of age and development of his own magic while trying to rescue his love.
January 7, 2017
I wanted to rate this book higher but it felt rushed in spots and some sections seemed to be dropped in as an after thought.
June 29, 2013
**SPOILER ALERT**
My book reviews are written as a discussion of a book, and not as an advertisement. Please be aware that there may be information that some would consider spoilers. Continue on at your own risk!
I had a goal of reading 8 books in 8 days while I was on vacation. I only completed 6 books, and this was the first one. This is the second installemnt of the Five Kingdom series. I bought the first three as a bundle based on the sample of the first. The first one was good, and I remembered the plot as I started the second book (which is always a good sign). Did this journey continue in a satisfactory manner? Here is what I thought…
Magic Awakening
My book reviews are written as a discussion of a book, and not as an advertisement. Please be aware that there may be information that some would consider spoilers. Continue on at your own risk!
I had a goal of reading 8 books in 8 days while I was on vacation. I only completed 6 books, and this was the first one. This is the second installemnt of the Five Kingdom series. I bought the first three as a bundle based on the sample of the first. The first one was good, and I remembered the plot as I started the second book (which is always a good sign). Did this journey continue in a satisfactory manner? Here is what I thought…
Magic Awakening
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2013
Zollin, his father Quinn, and friends Brianna and Mansel are once again on the run. The Torr Wizards hope to kill Zollin and keep their control over the Five Kingdoms but another wizard wants to use Zollin's powers to help him take over the Five Kingdoms. No one knows how truly powerful Zollin is but they are finding out as he must defend himself often and he also must keep his friends and family safe.
Toby Neighbors knows how to keep the action going. Sometimes it moves so fast and is so descriptive it's like watching a movie. There are surprises around every bend. Mr. Neighbors is now on my list of favorite authors in fantasy.
Toby Neighbors knows how to keep the action going. Sometimes it moves so fast and is so descriptive it's like watching a movie. There are surprises around every bend. Mr. Neighbors is now on my list of favorite authors in fantasy.
August 15, 2014
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Zollin really learned how to use his magic in this book. He is now waking up the magical world that has been suppressed by the Torr. He is very powerful. There are a few slow parts but it can't all be action. Zollin also vows not to fall in love with Brianna because she was his best friend's wife. I wanted to yell at him to get over himself. They were only married for a day and she never loved him so why condemn her to a loveless life when she is obviously interested in him. Men can be so pig headed sometimes.
October 6, 2014
I am incredibly impressed with the second installment in this series. The first book was enjoyable, but this one was fantastic. The characters were given a sense of depth that was lacking somewhat in the first book, and separating the main protagonists and having each of their stories unfold separately was a stroke of genius that reminded me of The Wheel of Time. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
July 1, 2016
Couldn't finish
I got 80% of the way through and had to put it down. At that point the characters had begun simplistic moral arguments about killing a thief and the heroine was locked up and being pressured by a spoiled prince after being stupid enough to run and hide in the in they stayed at on the way there. I felt the story was OK up to them so this sudden departure into horrible dialog and moralistic sorry telling saddened me.
I got 80% of the way through and had to put it down. At that point the characters had begun simplistic moral arguments about killing a thief and the heroine was locked up and being pressured by a spoiled prince after being stupid enough to run and hide in the in they stayed at on the way there. I felt the story was OK up to them so this sudden departure into horrible dialog and moralistic sorry telling saddened me.
May 5, 2017
Book 2 keeps the pressure on Zollin, but at least he has met a mentor and can begin to learn how magic works in the realms of the five kingdoms. Kelvich is a character I grow to like quite a bit. I enjoyed the hints at a great lore and bigger picture behind everything that is happening.
Read
January 8, 2013I know its going to be good.
Just finished maze runner, now to jump into this full on its going to be great.
was great starting the third uone now
Just finished maze runner, now to jump into this full on its going to be great.
was great starting the third uone now
November 25, 2014
Very much an exciting sequel to a great series by Neighbors. I was so enthralled with the events and characters in this story.
August 19, 2015
Couldn't put it down. A great continuation to the story but full of typos!
December 30, 2015
I enjoyed this book.. i am just not sure about this puppy love that he has.... it starting to get old..
April 6, 2016
Solid sequel
If you liked book 1, book 2 is an improvement. The story grows exponentially with every entry. I went straight into book 3
If you liked book 1, book 2 is an improvement. The story grows exponentially with every entry. I went straight into book 3
December 8, 2016
Interesting development, thought a bit frustrating at times.
March 22, 2014
The story got potential, we will see what book three offer
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews