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Cursed Magic #2
Awakened
After escaping from the elves and the General, Claire is on the run again with the last person she’d thought she’d end up with— Farron. Shadowy forces are nipping at their heels, and soon they are attacked. But they have bigger worries. An old friend of Farron’s shows up: a beautiful woman with a mark shockingly similar to her own.
As it turns out, she is not alone.
And the new woman isn’t exactly on their side. Claire is kidnapped and lands in the middle of Farron’s biggest secret of all. Once again she is a prisoner and the people that surround her want to use her and her powers, people that she doesn’t have the option of refusing. The wolves are circling, but to pick a side means giving up everything she holds dear.
As it turns out, she is not alone.
And the new woman isn’t exactly on their side. Claire is kidnapped and lands in the middle of Farron’s biggest secret of all. Once again she is a prisoner and the people that surround her want to use her and her powers, people that she doesn’t have the option of refusing. The wolves are circling, but to pick a side means giving up everything she holds dear.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
125 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 9, 2013
**this review is mostly on the series as a whole so far, but mainly spoiler free**
Although, like others have said, this series has quite a few drawbacks,
I still love the story line, and can't wait for the next book!
However, there still are many flaws, including the dense and often annoying protagonist Claire, and the uncertainty about the time period (it seems around 18th to 19th century to me, yet women are frequently described wearing "slacks") and with Claire's age. She drinks, but I doubt there are age-limits on drinking in this setting. I don't know if she's 17, 22, 26, who knows!
What really keeps this series going for me is, honestly, the romance side of it. Farron really keeps the story alive; you're just rooting for him the entire time.
Though there are still many questions unanswered in the story, this book managed to relieve some of them, but sacrifices a more exciting plot in result, unlike the first book.
The ending, after a heart-wrenching, hair-tearing stretch of chapters, was good, adding a little more hope to the situation and left what was to come open and intriguing.
Although, like others have said, this series has quite a few drawbacks,
I still love the story line, and can't wait for the next book!
However, there still are many flaws, including the dense and often annoying protagonist Claire, and the uncertainty about the time period (it seems around 18th to 19th century to me, yet women are frequently described wearing "slacks") and with Claire's age. She drinks, but I doubt there are age-limits on drinking in this setting. I don't know if she's 17, 22, 26, who knows!
What really keeps this series going for me is, honestly, the romance side of it. Farron really keeps the story alive; you're just rooting for him the entire time.
Though there are still many questions unanswered in the story, this book managed to relieve some of them, but sacrifices a more exciting plot in result, unlike the first book.
The ending, after a heart-wrenching, hair-tearing stretch of chapters, was good, adding a little more hope to the situation and left what was to come open and intriguing.
November 30, 2013
Claire is infuriating. She is constantly naive and wont just give into her feelings for Farron. She doesnt want another broken heart like she suffered from the General. Some guy that she knew for like what a week tops. After a week she was madly in love with him and when he turned out to be a Dbag she was crushed? Ugh and Blah. I was hoping that the second book would shed some extra light on her mysterious mark and Claire would grow up and come into herself but so far no such luck. I get more and more annoyed that she cant open up to Farron but is upset at him for not opening up to her. I do enjoy dark and shielded Farron otherwise I would have abandoned this series after last book. I hoping that it gets better but when you dislike the main character it gets harder and harder to continue on. :(
September 7, 2014
I must admit, this book hurt my heart. I liked the first one, up to a certain point. I hated how obsessed she was with the General, whatever his name was. She was so blind to how Farron felt, and to the General's real intentions. She didn't want to admit she liked Farron, which made absolutely no sense, after all they'd been through. And you'd think she'd realize that she wasn't the best judge of character already, so whatever previous notions she had about Farron might not be so true after all... the first book left me feeling a little bereft, but I liked Farron enough to want to see if he'd succeed in his pursuit of Claire the second book.
So I was hopeful. I admit, I liked where book two was going at first. I wanted FarronxClaire to happen so bad, I ignored her indecisive annoyingness. But she doesn't 'love' him, or want to admit she even likes him, then lets him... O.o That bothered me, but it was the ending that really made me furious. So now she's dying, and trying to shut Farron out, trying to find her mother and other people like herself, dumping Farron then stringing him along once again; and he's so in love with her, he'd let her rip his heart out and still follow her.
It should have just been renamed 'Everything Claire Can Say & Do to Make You Hate Her: Pitying Farron Happens a Lot too' -_- And the worst part? Now I really, really want to read the third book, because the second one crushed me, and I need to know if Farron gets a happy ending at all. It's been a loooong time, though. Is book 3 still coming out?
Also, my apologies if I upset or insulted you as a writer in any way. I really have to be invested in a series to leave a review, if that makes up for anything.
So I was hopeful. I admit, I liked where book two was going at first. I wanted FarronxClaire to happen so bad, I ignored her indecisive annoyingness. But she doesn't 'love' him, or want to admit she even likes him, then lets him... O.o That bothered me, but it was the ending that really made me furious. So now she's dying, and trying to shut Farron out, trying to find her mother and other people like herself, dumping Farron then stringing him along once again; and he's so in love with her, he'd let her rip his heart out and still follow her.
It should have just been renamed 'Everything Claire Can Say & Do to Make You Hate Her: Pitying Farron Happens a Lot too' -_- And the worst part? Now I really, really want to read the third book, because the second one crushed me, and I need to know if Farron gets a happy ending at all. It's been a loooong time, though. Is book 3 still coming out?
Also, my apologies if I upset or insulted you as a writer in any way. I really have to be invested in a series to leave a review, if that makes up for anything.
June 14, 2013
UGH!!!!! Ready for the 3rd one!!!!
April 13, 2019
YES!! No matter how painful it was. The last words made it all worth it. THAT'S what I'm talking about..
May 6, 2014
Originally published: http://seriestracker.wordpress.com/20...
The title is Awakened but it should be Slept. Why? Because a dreamless sleep is more exciting, less tedious and boring, and makes more sense. This is, as a friend of mine might say, a "hot mess".
The writing did not improve. I was really hoping that after getting one book under her belt the author would find a voice that wasn't one that made me want to poke my eyes out with a hot ice pick. But, nope. No such luck.
So we pick up where Cursed left off. Magic has almost disappeared but Claire seems to have some. She has a mark indicating that she does. Farron, one of the elves traveling with her in the first book is with her when she gets kidnapped by Farron's former lover. Claire is taken to Farron's kingdom and told she is a guest who isn't allowed to leave. Because that King also wants her magic. And from there, we progress, really no where. The story makes no real progress throughout the book. We learn a very few tidbits of information about those who can use magic. But that's pretty much it. I could have gotten more from a 20 page short story.
I hate the author's use of made up language and words and phrases that are never explained. Failure to provide enough contextual details make it impossible to figure out what some of them might mean. It's hifaling. See? I could have meant "it's annoying" or "it's frustrating" or "it's lazy" or even "it's deplorable" - each having it's own meaning and you can't tell what I might really mean. In this case, I meant all of the above. So maybe that's a new word for me.
And I am not sure if which I hate more, the made up and unexplained/untranslated language or the author's use of pronouns. This is one of the biggest and most glaring issues with this book (and the first installment). The author doesn't distinguish between characters very well. Here's an example. We have Claire and Lianna, two female characters, discussing something. Claire answers a question of Lianna's in one paragraph. Then in the next paragraph: "Something changed in her demeanor, softening up. Maybe she had expected something else, a different reason for her visit. She could hardly blame her." New Paragraph. Which character had expectations? Who's demeanor changed? There are instances of this everywhere. Any time there are characters of the same persuasion in the same room it the text is difficult to track. I don't know which "her" "she" is referring to. I felt like I was reading Abbot & Costello. Better writing would fix this. Decent editing would have caught this and required it to be fixed.
The inconsistency of character dialogue is also tough to take. "Yeah" and "I shall not" are thrown together without a though. Some of the conclusions and jumps are ludicrous. Seeing a "hint of black material...from under one of the men's shirt" is enough to know that the man is with the syndicate. What, no one else ever wears black? Claire is no smarter, in fact not only is she as ignorant as ever but she seems to have such wild mood swings and changes in opinion it could give a reader whiplash. She makes Bill & Ted look like rocket scientists. She is really hard to like and since the book is really told from her perspective and about her, it is even harder to read.
I commented in the review of the first book that the title of the book and the series is confusing. Here, we get "Awakened". And since Claire was actually awakened in the first book and we really don't see much of Claire's powers here (two blue fireballs and the inability to use them again isn't exactly getting good use of her powers). The other two folks with abilities already have it. And we don't meet anyone else who gets awakened. So, what exactly is the title referring to? I have no idea.
Then there is the plot. Or lack thereof. We know just as little as we did when we started. Even the reveal of "child star" with no other information wasn't helpful and didn't move the story (although using it as that exact phrase conjured images of various "child stars" including one of the most famous, Shirley Temple). If this is a love story at heart, then Claire needs to stop being such a bitch about Farron (although other words also come to mind because of her propensity to sleep with him but then claim she doesn't even like him). If this is more about the magic and the world building, then the author needs to take a few lessons on how to do this well and effectively before giving the world installment #3. And then she needs to catch up. Can't believe I am suggesting this, but maybe if the author could figure this out, then she could give us a few e-book half installments to correct the failings of the first two books so far. Otherwise, I am prepared for very little action and lots of boredom when faced with #3.
I usually don't care about the "rating" of the things I read. Here, I admit to being bothered a little by the amount of sex the main character is having. While we get no more information to help us pin an age to Claire, the assumption is that she is in her late teens. I have also seen this categorized as YA. There is no judgement about having a teen character have sex. That is a key point in movies and books popular the world over. And it's not new. I remember being a teenager and watching Llyod Dobler and Diane Court, who were in their late teens when Peter Gabriel's In Your Eyes became a defining moment for both characters. But the relationship that develops between Claire and Farron, well, it isn't explicit but it definitely is written to make the relationship seem explicit and yet very casual. It's a little disturbing how trivial the sexual relationship that developed is treated. I am not sure I am a fan of the author's attitude and handling of the physical relationship between Claire and Farron. It doesn't need to be as romantic as Llyod and Diane but she certainly didn't need Samatha Jones' attitude about it either.
Because of all that this book isn't, the best use of this book? When counting sheep doesn't put you to sleep, a chapter or two of Awakened should.
The title is Awakened but it should be Slept. Why? Because a dreamless sleep is more exciting, less tedious and boring, and makes more sense. This is, as a friend of mine might say, a "hot mess".
The writing did not improve. I was really hoping that after getting one book under her belt the author would find a voice that wasn't one that made me want to poke my eyes out with a hot ice pick. But, nope. No such luck.
So we pick up where Cursed left off. Magic has almost disappeared but Claire seems to have some. She has a mark indicating that she does. Farron, one of the elves traveling with her in the first book is with her when she gets kidnapped by Farron's former lover. Claire is taken to Farron's kingdom and told she is a guest who isn't allowed to leave. Because that King also wants her magic. And from there, we progress, really no where. The story makes no real progress throughout the book. We learn a very few tidbits of information about those who can use magic. But that's pretty much it. I could have gotten more from a 20 page short story.
I hate the author's use of made up language and words and phrases that are never explained. Failure to provide enough contextual details make it impossible to figure out what some of them might mean. It's hifaling. See? I could have meant "it's annoying" or "it's frustrating" or "it's lazy" or even "it's deplorable" - each having it's own meaning and you can't tell what I might really mean. In this case, I meant all of the above. So maybe that's a new word for me.
And I am not sure if which I hate more, the made up and unexplained/untranslated language or the author's use of pronouns. This is one of the biggest and most glaring issues with this book (and the first installment). The author doesn't distinguish between characters very well. Here's an example. We have Claire and Lianna, two female characters, discussing something. Claire answers a question of Lianna's in one paragraph. Then in the next paragraph: "Something changed in her demeanor, softening up. Maybe she had expected something else, a different reason for her visit. She could hardly blame her." New Paragraph. Which character had expectations? Who's demeanor changed? There are instances of this everywhere. Any time there are characters of the same persuasion in the same room it the text is difficult to track. I don't know which "her" "she" is referring to. I felt like I was reading Abbot & Costello. Better writing would fix this. Decent editing would have caught this and required it to be fixed.
The inconsistency of character dialogue is also tough to take. "Yeah" and "I shall not" are thrown together without a though. Some of the conclusions and jumps are ludicrous. Seeing a "hint of black material...from under one of the men's shirt" is enough to know that the man is with the syndicate. What, no one else ever wears black? Claire is no smarter, in fact not only is she as ignorant as ever but she seems to have such wild mood swings and changes in opinion it could give a reader whiplash. She makes Bill & Ted look like rocket scientists. She is really hard to like and since the book is really told from her perspective and about her, it is even harder to read.
I commented in the review of the first book that the title of the book and the series is confusing. Here, we get "Awakened". And since Claire was actually awakened in the first book and we really don't see much of Claire's powers here (two blue fireballs and the inability to use them again isn't exactly getting good use of her powers). The other two folks with abilities already have it. And we don't meet anyone else who gets awakened. So, what exactly is the title referring to? I have no idea.
Then there is the plot. Or lack thereof. We know just as little as we did when we started. Even the reveal of "child star" with no other information wasn't helpful and didn't move the story (although using it as that exact phrase conjured images of various "child stars" including one of the most famous, Shirley Temple). If this is a love story at heart, then Claire needs to stop being such a bitch about Farron (although other words also come to mind because of her propensity to sleep with him but then claim she doesn't even like him). If this is more about the magic and the world building, then the author needs to take a few lessons on how to do this well and effectively before giving the world installment #3. And then she needs to catch up. Can't believe I am suggesting this, but maybe if the author could figure this out, then she could give us a few e-book half installments to correct the failings of the first two books so far. Otherwise, I am prepared for very little action and lots of boredom when faced with #3.
I usually don't care about the "rating" of the things I read. Here, I admit to being bothered a little by the amount of sex the main character is having. While we get no more information to help us pin an age to Claire, the assumption is that she is in her late teens. I have also seen this categorized as YA. There is no judgement about having a teen character have sex. That is a key point in movies and books popular the world over. And it's not new. I remember being a teenager and watching Llyod Dobler and Diane Court, who were in their late teens when Peter Gabriel's In Your Eyes became a defining moment for both characters. But the relationship that develops between Claire and Farron, well, it isn't explicit but it definitely is written to make the relationship seem explicit and yet very casual. It's a little disturbing how trivial the sexual relationship that developed is treated. I am not sure I am a fan of the author's attitude and handling of the physical relationship between Claire and Farron. It doesn't need to be as romantic as Llyod and Diane but she certainly didn't need Samatha Jones' attitude about it either.
Because of all that this book isn't, the best use of this book? When counting sheep doesn't put you to sleep, a chapter or two of Awakened should.
August 13, 2016
Claire'r passiveness and stupidity are driving me crazy - that girl need to grow up already!
She is the typical, naive victim and frankly I can't take it anymore.
Oh I'm a prisoner of elves, but okay I'll just go along with it. They want me to go on a mission but won't tell me what kind? Oh okay, they said they'll help with my mom. This General likes me? Oh cool, I'm in love.
I can't even name all the times I just wanted to go into that book and slap her.
The story in this second book sadly disappoints on too many levels. Frankly I don't really see a story. It's basically just a number of chapters where Claire whines and Farron tries to woo her. I have no idea why though!
She is, once again, a prisoner but just like the first time around she is kind of fine with it. She's being fed, has a room and gets to hook up with Farron so she doesn't really want to leave. Oh and yeah, she can learn about her powers. Though I don't really buy that. She is only interested in people showing her what to do. She could try to learn the laguage of the elves, do her own research to find out more about her mark but no. She just waits around for someone to teach her.
Another infuriating fact is her constant whining of a broken heart and that's why she won't let Farron in. She doesn't want to have a broken heart again... Seriously?? She spent maybe one week (!!!) with the guy, kissed him maybe three times and didn't even seem to overly enjoy his advances!! But now she's so heartbroken? Come on, does anybody really buy into it? I surely dont.
ANother problem is Farron. I like him, I realy do. I think he was portrayed beautifully in the first book and his change from cold and sulking to warming up to Claire was very well done. But he was a little bit of a let down in this sequel. At times it felt like he turned into Aeron. He's talking too much, flirting too much and just completely changed his way of being over night. At times he's almost like a love sick dog, chasing after the childish Claire when she once again ran away. It just got annyoing.
Also apart from their relationship, is there a storyline in this book? I don't think so. It was really a let down after the first one. The first one had so much going on, so many places they visited, kind of a "fellowship of the magic mark" kind of feeling. This one? I felt bored by it.
She is the typical, naive victim and frankly I can't take it anymore.
Oh I'm a prisoner of elves, but okay I'll just go along with it. They want me to go on a mission but won't tell me what kind? Oh okay, they said they'll help with my mom. This General likes me? Oh cool, I'm in love.
I can't even name all the times I just wanted to go into that book and slap her.
The story in this second book sadly disappoints on too many levels. Frankly I don't really see a story. It's basically just a number of chapters where Claire whines and Farron tries to woo her. I have no idea why though!
She is, once again, a prisoner but just like the first time around she is kind of fine with it. She's being fed, has a room and gets to hook up with Farron so she doesn't really want to leave. Oh and yeah, she can learn about her powers. Though I don't really buy that. She is only interested in people showing her what to do. She could try to learn the laguage of the elves, do her own research to find out more about her mark but no. She just waits around for someone to teach her.
Another infuriating fact is her constant whining of a broken heart and that's why she won't let Farron in. She doesn't want to have a broken heart again... Seriously?? She spent maybe one week (!!!) with the guy, kissed him maybe three times and didn't even seem to overly enjoy his advances!! But now she's so heartbroken? Come on, does anybody really buy into it? I surely dont.
ANother problem is Farron. I like him, I realy do. I think he was portrayed beautifully in the first book and his change from cold and sulking to warming up to Claire was very well done. But he was a little bit of a let down in this sequel. At times it felt like he turned into Aeron. He's talking too much, flirting too much and just completely changed his way of being over night. At times he's almost like a love sick dog, chasing after the childish Claire when she once again ran away. It just got annyoing.
Also apart from their relationship, is there a storyline in this book? I don't think so. It was really a let down after the first one. The first one had so much going on, so many places they visited, kind of a "fellowship of the magic mark" kind of feeling. This one? I felt bored by it.
October 23, 2013
There is often a great deal of expectation placed on a sophomore novel. Casey Odell, I believe, rose to the occasion in Awakening. In book two, Claire has survived her near death experience instigated by one she believed she could love. The fight for her life, "awakened" her previously dormant powers, but they have damaged by the cruel actions of another. Soon, Claire finds herself another prisoner, but this time in an opulent palace where she is expected to learn to master her powers. While there, her relationship with a certain "silver haired elf" develops into a sweet relationship that Claire is unable to commit to due to the upheaval she feels her life has become. The novel ends with Claire embarking on a new adventure.
I am very anxious to read the next novel.
I am very anxious to read the next novel.
June 7, 2013
The author appears to have just rushed through Book 2. It's less of a book and more like a few chapters. I feel as though I have been cheated of a whole book. There is no story in Book 2, but the beginning of a story. It's a complete disappointment from the first book and it's only because of my loyalty to Farron that I award it two rather than 1 star.
There were far too many negatives with Book 2, the most dominating being that I didn't feel this was really a completed book. The adventure in Book 1, plot and subplots, suspense, action, conspiracies, characters and so forth were far more intriguing, gripping and enjoyable than this quasi Book. I'm now in 2 minds whether I will continue reading the series.
Book 2 was just an after thought. A throwaway book. It wasn't really a story.
The other disappointing factors were the new characters, none of whom were likable (well may be the Sali guy is ok). The first 2 Elves whom we encountered in Book 1 gave the series a Lord of the Rings feel - an epic adventure that's enchanting, magical and wonderful. Book 2 is not in the same league. The Elves in this book resemble immoral, dishonest, scandalous, obsequious and tedious monarchs found in Human kingdoms. Not elegant, not mythical, and certainly not magical or enchanting.
The best part of this book is that we discover a few more details regards to Claire's mother, although Claire is in denial to much of it. In this book Claire is taken to a castle where she discovers a host of new details with regards to Farron's past. She also discovers (towards the end of the book) pertinent and shocking details with regards to the pillage of her town by the crude Centaurs. We also witness the dynamics of her relationship with Farron transitioning into something new (it was heading that way in Book 1, but in book 2 we receive a surfeit of it and not very well done). We also encounter the syndicate and Bren (whom Claire doesn't seem to have completely fallen out of love with despite his despicable conduct in nearly killing her).
Claire if the weakest link in both books. The author really needs to impart a few more brain cells into her. Farron is the redeeming factor.
Although I preferred his personality in Book 1. In Book 2 he resembles the pervy elf. His identity has been badly comprised in this book. It would have been better if he slowly relented to his "soft side" - not a complete melt down..
I was disappointed and surprised that Claire, despite knowing that much of the clues and secrets to her predicament lies in the Elvish scrolls doesn't think of learning to understand them. She mentions how much she values education, but after turning 9, it appears she hasn't made any endeavours to continue her education. This was disappointing and there have been many times were I thought she possessed the characteristics of an intellectually challenged individual.
Book 2 posses the sappy, romantic lovey dovey nonsense which Book 1 avoided. Book 1 depicted Farron as a brooding dark force whom we could suspect of possessing feelings for our protagonist bu his pride, dignity and mysterious past prevent him from revealing his feelings. If the author continued this theme longer in the next book I think it would have worked better. The book became less of an adventure and more of a diary of a girl running hot and cold. It was really frustrating and annoying. I wanted to slap her.
As mentioned in my review for Book 1 - the author's grasp of the English language leaves much to be desired. Poor substandard language used by teenagers hardly conveys the Ye Olde English era. Also it's not "with who" and "from who" - it is "with whom" and "from whom" respectively. Additionally, author fails to use "were" and "was" at the appropriate time. I don't use perfect English but if I published a book I would ensure it's above par or at least decent.
However, if Book 3 is an improvement then I shall continue reading the book as I really feel Farron deserves a chance. It's a shame author's ruin their own good work.
There were far too many negatives with Book 2, the most dominating being that I didn't feel this was really a completed book. The adventure in Book 1, plot and subplots, suspense, action, conspiracies, characters and so forth were far more intriguing, gripping and enjoyable than this quasi Book. I'm now in 2 minds whether I will continue reading the series.
Book 2 was just an after thought. A throwaway book. It wasn't really a story.
The other disappointing factors were the new characters, none of whom were likable (well may be the Sali guy is ok). The first 2 Elves whom we encountered in Book 1 gave the series a Lord of the Rings feel - an epic adventure that's enchanting, magical and wonderful. Book 2 is not in the same league. The Elves in this book resemble immoral, dishonest, scandalous, obsequious and tedious monarchs found in Human kingdoms. Not elegant, not mythical, and certainly not magical or enchanting.
The best part of this book is that we discover a few more details regards to Claire's mother, although Claire is in denial to much of it. In this book Claire is taken to a castle where she discovers a host of new details with regards to Farron's past. She also discovers (towards the end of the book) pertinent and shocking details with regards to the pillage of her town by the crude Centaurs. We also witness the dynamics of her relationship with Farron transitioning into something new (it was heading that way in Book 1, but in book 2 we receive a surfeit of it and not very well done). We also encounter the syndicate and Bren (whom Claire doesn't seem to have completely fallen out of love with despite his despicable conduct in nearly killing her).
Claire if the weakest link in both books. The author really needs to impart a few more brain cells into her. Farron is the redeeming factor.
Although I preferred his personality in Book 1. In Book 2 he resembles the pervy elf. His identity has been badly comprised in this book. It would have been better if he slowly relented to his "soft side" - not a complete melt down..
I was disappointed and surprised that Claire, despite knowing that much of the clues and secrets to her predicament lies in the Elvish scrolls doesn't think of learning to understand them. She mentions how much she values education, but after turning 9, it appears she hasn't made any endeavours to continue her education. This was disappointing and there have been many times were I thought she possessed the characteristics of an intellectually challenged individual.
Book 2 posses the sappy, romantic lovey dovey nonsense which Book 1 avoided. Book 1 depicted Farron as a brooding dark force whom we could suspect of possessing feelings for our protagonist bu his pride, dignity and mysterious past prevent him from revealing his feelings. If the author continued this theme longer in the next book I think it would have worked better. The book became less of an adventure and more of a diary of a girl running hot and cold. It was really frustrating and annoying. I wanted to slap her.
As mentioned in my review for Book 1 - the author's grasp of the English language leaves much to be desired. Poor substandard language used by teenagers hardly conveys the Ye Olde English era. Also it's not "with who" and "from who" - it is "with whom" and "from whom" respectively. Additionally, author fails to use "were" and "was" at the appropriate time. I don't use perfect English but if I published a book I would ensure it's above par or at least decent.
However, if Book 3 is an improvement then I shall continue reading the book as I really feel Farron deserves a chance. It's a shame author's ruin their own good work.
May 17, 2013
Ugh. even after rating the first book 2.5 stars I still read the second one. That is because by the end of the first book the story was FINALLY coming together.
This book was ok. I am not sure what to rate it. I feel like Claire is a twit! She doesn't know if she likes this guy, or isn't willing to admit it to herself yet, but then she sleeps with him....what the heck!?!?! Call me old fashion but I thought you figured out how you felt about someone BEFORE you do the deed!! I was glad there wasn't any detail about their romantic encounters. That was one positive about this book. Again...still have NO IDEA what era the book is suppose to be based in!! They rode in a carriage again and she went to leave on a horse so before cars but she wears pants all the time and it is ok... I really don't like Claire. She feels sorry for herself way to much and then hurting Farron. Yeah, not a fan. I don't know if I want to read the last book. I love Farron but seriously he deserves someone better then her!!!!
This book was ok. I am not sure what to rate it. I feel like Claire is a twit! She doesn't know if she likes this guy, or isn't willing to admit it to herself yet, but then she sleeps with him....what the heck!?!?! Call me old fashion but I thought you figured out how you felt about someone BEFORE you do the deed!! I was glad there wasn't any detail about their romantic encounters. That was one positive about this book. Again...still have NO IDEA what era the book is suppose to be based in!! They rode in a carriage again and she went to leave on a horse so before cars but she wears pants all the time and it is ok... I really don't like Claire. She feels sorry for herself way to much and then hurting Farron. Yeah, not a fan. I don't know if I want to read the last book. I love Farron but seriously he deserves someone better then her!!!!
September 21, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it continues the life and adventures of Claire and those around her. I like the way the story is building and the way we're given first hand Claire's thoughts and feelings - I certainly appreciate the ironic humour.
I don't want to give any spoilers but will say that this story dwells on Claire's 'awakening' in more ways than one, and delves into the past of both her and her 'silver-haired elf' who is both maddening and delightful.
Yes, I loved book 2 and hope that book 3 will soon be available.
Highly recommended.
I don't want to give any spoilers but will say that this story dwells on Claire's 'awakening' in more ways than one, and delves into the past of both her and her 'silver-haired elf' who is both maddening and delightful.
Yes, I loved book 2 and hope that book 3 will soon be available.
Highly recommended.
January 22, 2015
I did not like this book as much as the first one. I felt that most of it was filler and it became very boring to read through the first third of the book. After that, things became more exciting as the plot twisted and turned. However, all of those plot twists are a little much for the reader, in my opinion, in such a short amount of space. I would have like it better if, like the first book, they were spread out throughout all of the book. With that in mind, this book is still good and I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy, but it did not meet the standard set by the first book.
October 17, 2013
I am touched by the courage of Claire and loyalty of Farron to her. It is a very absorbing story. Wish the third one would bring more warmth and love to the readers. However, It is the heartbreaks that both of them have been through moved and inspired the people. Life is short. Try try try hard for what you are after.
June 24, 2014
Loved this book despite the less than appetising reviews. If your interested in a lighthearted story then give it a go! I preferred the first book of this series as most of this book was set in the palace and was a bit frustrating. However, with the protagonist Claire and Farron's chemistry coming alive in this book I found it gripping and cannot wait for the third!
July 27, 2013
Third book now, please! I love Claire and Farron, can't wait to find out what happens with them in the next book. Can I just say, stop being so stubborn already! Kiss and make up, would ya.
September 9, 2014
Oh how I was enthralled with the world Casey Odell created. It was love at first page. I devoured both books in a day.
Book 3, now, please!
Book 3, now, please!
November 27, 2019
This review is going to contain spoilers.
As a beginning novelist myself, I really admire other newbie and self-published authors. It certainly isn't easy writing a novel, and kudos to the author for her fantastic imagination and the world she built within this series. However, I only made it through half of the second book, much to my disappointment. I really enjoyed the first book in the series (even though the main character, Claire, annoyed me at times). But she is beyond annoying in this second book, and I couldn't stand reading about her any longer, unfortunately. I think the breaking point was when she slapped Farron for a ridiculous reason right before he was getting ready to leave his brother's palace. She sleeps with him like it's no big deal and talks about how calm he makes her one minute, then is confused about her feelings for him and acts completely cold and immature the next. I admired Farron's character a lot in the first book; in the second, he's a complete pushover and lets Claire treat him like crap. I got tired of her "beating him" references as well. Honestly, the character of Claire seems like an emotional 7th grader and is hard to relate to. I understand teenage angst and all that but I don't even think a sheltered 16 year-old would act the way she does. Her obsession with the General does not make sense, her disdain for Farron throughout both of the books also makes no sense. She is just not a likeable character at all. I was hoping to see more growth from her but did not.
On another note, again, I know it's very difficult writing and editing a novel, but there are numerous grammatical errors in this book (many more than the first) and this also made the story hard to follow.
Sadly, I will have to leave Claire and Farron behind (though I really do like Farron and hope things work out for him!).
As a beginning novelist myself, I really admire other newbie and self-published authors. It certainly isn't easy writing a novel, and kudos to the author for her fantastic imagination and the world she built within this series. However, I only made it through half of the second book, much to my disappointment. I really enjoyed the first book in the series (even though the main character, Claire, annoyed me at times). But she is beyond annoying in this second book, and I couldn't stand reading about her any longer, unfortunately. I think the breaking point was when she slapped Farron for a ridiculous reason right before he was getting ready to leave his brother's palace. She sleeps with him like it's no big deal and talks about how calm he makes her one minute, then is confused about her feelings for him and acts completely cold and immature the next. I admired Farron's character a lot in the first book; in the second, he's a complete pushover and lets Claire treat him like crap. I got tired of her "beating him" references as well. Honestly, the character of Claire seems like an emotional 7th grader and is hard to relate to. I understand teenage angst and all that but I don't even think a sheltered 16 year-old would act the way she does. Her obsession with the General does not make sense, her disdain for Farron throughout both of the books also makes no sense. She is just not a likeable character at all. I was hoping to see more growth from her but did not.
On another note, again, I know it's very difficult writing and editing a novel, but there are numerous grammatical errors in this book (many more than the first) and this also made the story hard to follow.
Sadly, I will have to leave Claire and Farron behind (though I really do like Farron and hope things work out for him!).
October 11, 2021
I'm writing this review in the middle of reading the third book "Entrapped".
Girl.... where do I even start?
I like how Lianna and Claire weren't at eachothers throats fighting for Farron. Lianna, in my opinion, is more likeable that Claire in the aspect of being smarter and I feel she deserves a good ending.
What doesn't make any sense to me is if she split up with Farron why did she kiss him in the beginning?
Another thing that irks me is the purpose of the centaur attacks was to get the Star Children to awaken. Then why did Lianna or Razi never go after Claire when she first awakened considering they can sense when she does?
Also the Razi being into her thing was so random and unnecessary and Farron is racist it seems so there's that. I find that weird considering he's supposed to have traveled a lot and should know better than anyone about being feared or judged.
Despite that Farron is the ONLY reason my rating is so high.
I love how passionate he is about Claire but the author made Claire such a toxic and annoying character that when he's doing these great deeds to win her affection (the most anyone has ever done for her might I add) she tramples all over it and makes him look kinda pathetic.
It makes me so mad I have to put my phone down for a minute and think of beating her to a pulp.
Girl.... where do I even start?
I like how Lianna and Claire weren't at eachothers throats fighting for Farron. Lianna, in my opinion, is more likeable that Claire in the aspect of being smarter and I feel she deserves a good ending.
What doesn't make any sense to me is if she split up with Farron why did she kiss him in the beginning?
Another thing that irks me is the purpose of the centaur attacks was to get the Star Children to awaken. Then why did Lianna or Razi never go after Claire when she first awakened considering they can sense when she does?
Also the Razi being into her thing was so random and unnecessary and Farron is racist it seems so there's that. I find that weird considering he's supposed to have traveled a lot and should know better than anyone about being feared or judged.
Despite that Farron is the ONLY reason my rating is so high.
I love how passionate he is about Claire but the author made Claire such a toxic and annoying character that when he's doing these great deeds to win her affection (the most anyone has ever done for her might I add) she tramples all over it and makes him look kinda pathetic.
It makes me so mad I have to put my phone down for a minute and think of beating her to a pulp.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2020
Hoped for improvement from book one. Sadly disappointed
Again, this book is misfiled. I would say YA fantasy. The female lead is still as weak and mousy as she was in book 1. I wouldn't trust Claire with a pair of scissors, yet the author would have us believe this idiot trained with weapons and was capable of convincing the nobility of her need to go on quest? Please tell me this character is not indicative of how young women are portrayed in YA. I would hope we wo I ld have stronger examples for young female readers.
Same as the 1st book, the characters are one dimensional. Plot twists are convenient and easily predicted. I paid for the 2nd book in hopes that the story was just a slow burn. Nope. Just take my word for it and skip this series.
Again, this book is misfiled. I would say YA fantasy. The female lead is still as weak and mousy as she was in book 1. I wouldn't trust Claire with a pair of scissors, yet the author would have us believe this idiot trained with weapons and was capable of convincing the nobility of her need to go on quest? Please tell me this character is not indicative of how young women are portrayed in YA. I would hope we wo I ld have stronger examples for young female readers.
Same as the 1st book, the characters are one dimensional. Plot twists are convenient and easily predicted. I paid for the 2nd book in hopes that the story was just a slow burn. Nope. Just take my word for it and skip this series.
August 16, 2021
I rated this book a 3 because I felt like it was a lot like the first book; the main female character continues to be frustrated with another character, but she still goes running to him or acts like nothing is wrong. She is not changing a whole lot as a main character. I like Farron but is doing and acting very much the same as the female. Not sure if I will continue to read the rest of the series.
January 12, 2019
Good
Claire leaves me shaking my head. Is she really that oblivious? Farron has feelings for her and she is blind to them, also blind to how she feels, so there's that. And really she has a hard time putting 2+2 together and coming up with 4.
Claire leaves me shaking my head. Is she really that oblivious? Farron has feelings for her and she is blind to them, also blind to how she feels, so there's that. And really she has a hard time putting 2+2 together and coming up with 4.
February 1, 2019
I cant tell you how many times Claire pissed me off in this one. Especially the way she was handling the Farron situation. My opinions on her stupidity and actions, however, dont take away from how awesome I thought this book was. Its all I want to jump into when I am at home. Just 2 more to go
April 10, 2019
Great adventure
This story just keeps you enthralled in the mystery and mystical ways of the people within the palace. As the adventure continues so does muy reading into the next book.
This story just keeps you enthralled in the mystery and mystical ways of the people within the palace. As the adventure continues so does muy reading into the next book.
July 1, 2022
Another hit!
I am once again in need of the next leg of the journey. The mystery yet to reveal itself. I am still at odds with the main character due to her stubbornness that puts everyone in danger and her unwillingness to listen to reason. I want more!
I am once again in need of the next leg of the journey. The mystery yet to reveal itself. I am still at odds with the main character due to her stubbornness that puts everyone in danger and her unwillingness to listen to reason. I want more!
October 9, 2025
I cannot stand the bad communication trope. Within the first two chapters the protagonist and the love interest go back and forth so many times. It’s annoying and a waste of a potentially interesting plot.
December 20, 2017
Hero's, Villains and more
All the keys are falling into place...searching for answers and finding love are just a few of the plots found in this book of a 3 part series.
All the keys are falling into place...searching for answers and finding love are just a few of the plots found in this book of a 3 part series.
April 16, 2019
Still liked but not as much as the first. #TeamFarron
January 30, 2021
Great story
I enjoyed this book. I am a fan of the author, Casey Odell. My only remark would to bring each book to a better conclusion. So far I love the series.
I enjoyed this book. I am a fan of the author, Casey Odell. My only remark would to bring each book to a better conclusion. So far I love the series.
July 6, 2021
Love the 2nd book just as much
OMG the last 2 books are amazing! I am loving these books. The twist and turns just keep you captivated through the entire book.
OMG the last 2 books are amazing! I am loving these books. The twist and turns just keep you captivated through the entire book.
January 14, 2022
So glad I picked this series up
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