Lion

The Elmnas Chronicles #3

by Kaylena Radcliff

In the riveting third installment of The Elmnas Chronicles, “Lion,” the ancient Guardian Hiraeth’s prophetic words confirm the war is on the horizon. As the Coalition marches ruthlessly northward, intent on conquest and leaving no prisoners, the fate of the free world hangs in the balance. Blade, a battle-hardened leader, embarks on a perilous journey with a band of unlikely heroes, including a group of disillusioned thieves and a former enemy turned ally. Together, they must traverse a treacherous rainforest to evade the Coalition’s clutches. But as they confront unforeseen perils lurking in the shadows, they soon realize that something far more sinister threatens to destroy them. Simultaneously, Mouse, Toma, Fraeda, and Rhavin venture deep into the untamed wilds of Elmnas, accompanied by an unwelcome guest whose presence complicates their mission. As Mouse grapples with the shocking truths of her past and the evil deeds of those responsible, her relentless pursuers draw ever closer. With the stakes higher than ever, the hunt becomes chillingly personal. Will Mouse and her companions reach Titans’ Rest in time to warn the remaining inhabitants of Elmnas about the impending war? Or will their efforts be in vain, leaving everything they hold dear lost forever? “Lion” promises an exhilarating journey of heart-pounding action, unwavering friendships, and stunning revelations. Immerse yourself in this unforgettable chapter of The Elmnas Chronicles, as our heroes confront their darkest fears and bravely face the ultimate battle for survival.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2023

About the author

Kaylena Radcliff is the author of several books and a number of short stories, articles, and poems. Aside from writing, she serves as a magazine editor, church planter's wife, and a homeschooling mom of two. She drinks a lot of coffee.
When not working, Kaylena likes to explore the great outdoors, play and sing with the worship team, and enjoy good conversation with friends. You can find her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @kaylenaradcliff.

Reviews

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the beginning this book gives two palpable, weep-worthy demonstrations of the ruthlessness of the Coalition ... not only at the world-conquering level but also among the older-than-they-should-be Vipsanius family members themselves.

This sets the tone for the two dangerous journeys that follow: one of Mouse and her teenaged friends and the other of Blade and his adult allies.

The character dynamics in this story are superb. I love that minor characters from the previous books, like Woldyff, Dane, and Maren, become major players here. I won't spoil anything about Fox and new addition Yasi, but suffice to say their presence and the task at hand set Blade himself on a character arc that is both subtle and very satisfying.

Mouse's group have their own new addition, who adds quite a wrinkle to their quest while also bringing many new revelations and connections for the reader and story.

Various aspects of this third book connect all the way back to the first. I love this about The Elmnas Chronicles, how characters and story threads from the first and second books are never forgotten. And boy do they come back in a big way.

I've also enjoyed how layered the prose is. There are many passages that are well-crafted and beautifully-worded on the surface while simultaneously conveying a deeper layer of emotion and meaning. Several scenes in this book brought tears to my eyes. (Same with the first two books in the series.)

Lion ended with some intriguing cliffhangers, so of course I'm looking forward to book 4!