Several months after Meaghan’s return to Ærenden, the kingdom’s war has taken a turn for the worse. The Mardróch army hunts the new King and Queen, destroying villages in its wake. And Meaghan and Nick, training for battle in their remote section of wilderness, are far from safe. Danger hides in shadows and behind innocent faces. Allies become foes. Each day is a fight to survive. But in the end, only one threat matters. And it’s a threat they never see coming.
Kristen spent her childhood at the feet of an Irish storytelling grandfather, learning to blend fact with fiction, and imagination with reality. She lived within the realm of the tales that captivated her, breathing life into characters and crafting stories even before she could read.
Those stories have since turned into over a hundred poems, several short tales, and five manuscripts in both the Young Adult and Adult genres. Currently, Ms. Taber is completing the sixth book in the Ærenden series from her home office in the suburbs of Washington D.C.
As I've mentioned before, I don't rate or review my own books, but I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about one of my major influences for the second book in the Aerenden series.
When I first started outlining these manuscripts and decided to create a female protagonist, I had a hard decision to make. What sort of woman did I want her to be? Literature shares a wide range of women with us, from the demure princess who needs to be managed and protected to the kick-butt heroine who needs no one and can walk into any situation and completely annihilate a well-trained army. And, of course, you can also find examples of women everywhere in between.
I felt pretty stuck in how I wanted to approach Meaghan, at first. I knew right away that I wanted her to be strong, but how strong? I had the opportunity to train her from birth, to explain why she would be able to step into a situation as a fighter and destroy everything that stands in her way, but was it the right thing to do?
Ultimately, what (or rather who) answered that question was a single person: my niece. Around the time I began writing this series, she was approaching her teenage years. I watched her struggle with the world we live in, the inherent sexism that hides in magazines and movies, telling young girls they aren't strong and need others to help them. I didn't want her to believe those cliches, so I realized I needed to create a character who was more than strong. I had to make Meaghan real. As popular as kick-butt female protagonists are, I came to the conclusion they're great because we want to be them, but they don't really show us that we can become them. For one reason or another, they go into their situations with the skills necessary to achieve their goals. They have to find their strength within themselves, of course, but I decided Meghan had to do more than that. So I made her a typical young woman who isn't trained to be a warrior, who isn't taught the physical skills she needs in advance. In a way, I wanted to tell my niece (and every young woman who reads these books) that what separates us from heroines is our ability to learn.
Meaghan went into Aerenden unprepared in The Child Returns. Over the course of a week, we followed her progress, her struggles and yes, sometimes her weaknesses, as any typical young woman would suffer in such an unusual life change.
In The Gildonae Alliance, we witness Meaghan's transformation, her strength as a result of her focus, her training, and her choices. We witness what anyone can be in a bad situation if they decide to fight back. For my niece, and for anyone who has struggled with their self-worth and self-esteem, you can be great, you can be strong, just as Meaghan is, and I do hope she helps all of us realize that.
I actually read this book several months ago as a Beta Reader, but am just now reviewing it. It really is another great book! Kristen must love torturing people, because I think the wait for the next book will be way too long! I am so in love with all the characters. One of my favorite things is the Writer's Book and learning more about Meaghan's parents. I don't want to give anything away, but so many major things happen in this book and the emotions were just so real and well written! It is a beautiful book set in amazing world that I could never begin to imagine on my own! Such a great series, and this book continues this captivating story!
I admit, I'm a bit biased because I am friends with Kristen. However, I am also a big fan of her writing. Also, I haven't read the final draft of this book yet, but I did get a chance to beta-read an earlier draft and I enjoyed it immensely. It's a strong follow-up to the first book (Aerenden: The Child Returns); it has a lot of action and a lot of unexpected plot twists. On top of that, we see Meaghan develop as a protagonist––and of course, we see her relationship with Nick develop as well. I recommend the series, and I can't wait to read the next book! :)
I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.
**Beware -- mild spoilers are given. Read book 1 first!**
Completely outstanding! This sequel was awesome. Although I did give it a 4.5 stars as well simply because I was waiting on seeing more of Goran and once more he was not in this book, only mentioned.
Meaghan has definitely grown a lot as a Queen and as a fighter. She tries to help everyone if she possibly can no matter how dangerous it is. She worked hard and learned to control her powers and how to fight in combat well. I've learned that she is much more stubborn then ever. She is definitely a mixture of her parents. Her near death experiences totally shocked me, but what made it interesting is that no matter how close to death she was she kept on wanting to fight and save the people of Aerenden which is a great quality for a Queen I believe. She is strong willed and determined to right the wrongs of Goran.
I love how this book included more info on her parents as far as how they became wed and how they fell in love and dealt with the Kingdom. It allowed me to understand Meaghan a lot more and how her relationship with Nick is.
Nick definitely takes the role as husband seriously. It's even more serious because he is Meaghan's Guardian and the King -- that packs a lot of punch for one person. Even though seemed overwhelmed and try to push himself and Meaghan too much, I think he managed everything well. He was a great teacher when it came to training Meaghan, however, for the first half of the book I wanted to strangle him. He totally blocked his emotions and acted like a statute towards Meaghan showing no emotion, but thankfully he fixed it quickly.
Cal is still mysterious to me. I still feel like he will betray Meaghan and Nick somehow I'm just not as sure. This book really showed his emotional side and made me like him more as a person. He seemed to have a lot of love for Nick and also his wife. Even though I like Cal as a character, I can't shake the feeling that he is up to something that will be the demise of Meaghan.
Faillen's decision killed me to pieces. The fact that he made the decision and knew what lied before him upset me. What Goran did to his family just pissed me off. It sucks what happens with Cadie, Faillen's oldest son. Thankfully Aldin, the youngest son, is safe from Goran's evil plan. I just feel bad for his wife. Goran is an evil dog. Even though Aldin is about five or six (I believe) I hope he learns so much that he can help Meaghan and Nick as their Spellmaster against Goran and save his brother.
These traitors in the villages are totally pissing me off. I can't believe how easy they are to join Goran. And the extent Goran goes as to killing all these people, but not once showing himself makes him a coward in my book. A cowardice "King" -- he needs to be knocked down and beheaded. I'm just saying.
That ending simply broke me once again. I can't believe it happened like that. Poor Nick…I hope she returns safely to him and not like the prophecy states.
I definitely can't wait to see what happens for everyone.
Kristen Taber is a great writer. The first book wasn't a fluke. The writing here maintains consistent quality. Her writing is mature and well controlled. It is no chore at all to read her words and I'm really glad I picked these books up.
This book was an improvement on the first book in many ways, but there were a couple of elements that frustrated me. Still, it was another solid read.
These books are explainy! I was more forgiving of it in the first book as well, you know, it was the first book! But that trend continues here. Sometimes the amount of detail and the fairly dispassionate explanations took away from what could have been emotional moments. For example, the scene when the meaning behind the title of the whole book is explained. That was a great moment that got a bit bogged down in explanations.
The second issue faded towards the end of the book, but the amount of time we spend alone with Nick and Meaghan was significant early on. And it was not much different from anything we saw in book one, right down to Nick's irritating ways.
I can happily report that Nick had grown on me more by the end of the book. So much so that I felt sad for him. Still, I'm glad that the final book will be starting out in the way this ending predicts!
Nick was not the only character to gain my empathy this time around. My appreciation of Cal and Meaghan increased dramatically. Right from the start of the book you see Meaghan training. She is much stronger now, and more confident in going for what she wants. Nick tries to keep her in line, but she doesn't really let him - which was a relief. Cal gets a lot more depth and I think his character is the one that comes across most clearly.
The flashes of the past that we got to witness were highlights again, particularly the first one. To the point where I feel genuinely sad that Adelina and Ed are dead. (This ain't a spoiler)
I have to admit to still being a bit unclear as to the role of the Elders and prophecies and why they needed to wait for their Queen. Hopefully this will all become clear in the final book. I also wish we had more of an idea of what Garon is all about. This certainly isn't the first book where the villain is kept at a distance, but the flashback moment had me hoping we might get to meet him. I love a good villain. Still, I look forward to that moment!
Taber's writing is easy to read and she has certainly created a world with great depth. This book still felt quite introductory is some ways, but I tore through it at a faster rate than the first and I am excited to see how it all ends!
This book was just as good as the first book. Very good story. Meaghan and Nick who have been thrust together not only because of those who chase them and Nick becoming her guardian but there is something much stronger holding them together. In this story Meaghan and Nick are really learning to get know each other and to trust each other. Nick is trying to teach Meaghan how to use and how to control her powers. She struggles with following all of his directions though which causes her many problems. Meaghan and Nick learn a lot more about history, in particular about Meaghan’s parents and how things got to where they are under so much threat. They have to figure out how to over throw the threat and take back the kingdom. I loved how Ms. Taber introduced past information, she did it in a very interesting way that just added to the story. The tension is building, the threat more imminent. I so can’t wait for book 3. Very well done Ms. Taber. Loved it. It definitely kept me flipping pages. I was given a copy as part of a book tour.
In this second book of the Aerenden series, Kristen Taber destroys the notion of the "book 2 curse." In no way, shape or form was this book filler between one and three. This was a true continuation of the story that started in The Child Returns. And left me wanting more. Fortunately, I will be starting book three right away, but will have to then wait for the last two. :'(
And as I have been a book slump lately, and have joked with Kristen that she is going to have to pull me out of it, she really has. It has been a while since I have been pulled into a series this deeply. The characters are amazing, the writing is perfection. Taber is a flawless story teller and truly whisks the reader to Arenden - and makes them wish it was a real place... Sans the war, of course.
Well done Kristen, another wonderful book! I really don't want to have to wait for the next :( I love the characters and the relationships they have created along the way. Meg has changed so much and is becoming an amazingly strong woman. Things are only going to get harder for her, and yet she pushes on even with the knowledge of Viv's vision. For me, this series has been wonderfully unpredictable. It seems that Vivian still has more secrets and surprises in store for us. I absolutely love this series, and highly recommend it!
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this one. During parts I felt like this book was a lead up to the third (and final?) book so some parts dragged for me (what can I say I am an action girl!)but overall I really like Megan and the world Ms. Taber has created so I can't wait for book 3. As with book one I listened to this one on audiobook and really enjoy the narrator.
From page 1 thru to the end I was hooked. Even if I had not read the first book in the series, I would have been able to pick up in the storyline due to Kristen's skillfully interwoven bits of backstory for Meaghan. I love that she is developing into a strong young woman (others call her a protagonist - I agree) and I'm looking forward to seeing how her relationship with Nick goes as well.
Fabulous sequel to The Child Returns and yet again I could not put the book down, each page a new stage for Meaghan to overcome. Honestly cannot wait for the 3rd book to be released so i can find out what's instore for Nick and Meaghan!
such an awesome sequel to the first book!! I seriously enjoyed this!! I love the story and it's escalation! ! I am nervous and scared at what may happen next. can't wait for the third! !
Not long ago I read Aerenden: The Child Returns (Aerenden #1) by Kristen Taber and gave it 4.5 stars (rounded to 5 stars). I added Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance (Aerenden #2) to my TBR list and now, it’s time for my review! Synopsis (From the author): The Mardroch army hunts the new King and Queen, destroying villages in its wake. And Meaghan and Nick, training for battle in a remote section of wilderness, are far from safe. Danger hides in shadows and behind innocent faces. Allies become foes. Each day is a fight to survive. But in the end, only one threat matters. And it's a threat they never see coming What I liked: As with the first book, I enjoyed the story. Meaghan continues to grow as a character and her relationship with Nick gets more complicated with each passing day. I also liked the way different powers manifested themselves in the individuals who possess them. The battle scenes entertained me. Lastly, the story flowed well and kept me turning pages. Overall, an excellent read! What I didn’t like: Like the first book, I thought Meaghan and Nick’s relationship was too choppy and undefined. Other than that, no issues for me. Overall impression: Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance (Aerenden #2) was a good continuation of the series. It built on the previous book and revealed a few new characters. With good battles scenes, intrigue, and a little bit of romance, the book kept me entertained. If you like fantasy, this is one to read!
This series is getting better and better. Meg and Nick have spent the winter training and growing Megs powers. Now is the time to leave the cabin and return to the caves. What adventures are they to meet. It is an exciting adventure ahead of them. Highly recommend.
typical chosen one masters power in weeks but after the nth time of her massively invading someone's privacy without consent and then spilling their secrets without consent and not being called on it, I give up on this series. Meg's behaviour isn't creepy and uncalled for
The Ærenden Series by Kristen Taber starts out as a slow burn and then quickly takes off into a raging wild fire. I was happy to be given the chance to read the first three books in this series back-to-back. I think if I had reviewed only book one, I would not have given it a very favorable review. The first book, The Child Returns, moved a little slow for my taste. When the book starts, the characters clearly have a history that started before page one of the book and Meaghan has these mysterious dreams. Those elements are tantalizing, but little is revealed as Meaghan and Nick make their way from Earth to and through Ærenden and the end of book one. This left me feeling frustrated and a bit disappointed as I felt I didn't learn a lot about the characters, the World and what role everyone was supposed to be playing. Thankfully, book two was waiting in the wings.
Book two, The Gildonae Alliance, picks up the pace. More is revealed about Ærenden, Nick's and Meaghan's role in the politics and lots of prophesies. The role of Seers and Dreamers in Ærenden was intriguing to me. They dole out the prophesies and dreams that tell the future of the realm and the people in it. The characters in the stories react to these differently. Some characters choose to let them rule their lives and other seek to change them. The dreams and prophesies drive the action in the story forward. Book two ended in a bit of a cliffhanger and once again, the next book in the series was waiting for me on my Nook.
Book one was a slow burn, book two the flames were starting to get fanned by the wind and then in book three, The Zeiihbu Master, everything comes to head and the wild fire takes off. When you reach the last page, the flames are out of control and if you are anything like me you'll tweet your frustration as Taber leaves the storyline wide open, your mind and heart reeling.
I am giving The Ærenden Series by Kristen Taber a thumbs up. While the pacing in the first book is slow, keep with it as the pace picks up in books two and three as more is revealed about the characters, the World they live in and how the prophesies and dreams lead them down dangerous paths in hopes of creating peace. I am very much looking forward to book 4!
The roller coaster ride continues apace as we get to know Meaghan and Nick while they worm their way still further into our affections. Further character development, battles, and a guide taking us further into Aerenden.
Now I've got to buy the next instalment to find out what happens next ...
We are proud to announce that AERENDEN: THE GILDONAE ALIIANCE by Kristen Tabor is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!