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Whispers from Mirrowen #2
Dryad-Born
The struggle to save the plague-ridden kingdoms continues in this captivating second novel in the Whispers from Mirrowen series.
The orphan Phae has kept her innate ability secret since she was young. Not only does she possess the dangerous fireblood, but she can also steal the memories of anyone who looks into her eyes.
Phae has no idea that her combination of powers is extraordinary. She is the unwitting key to discovering the secret origin of the plagues…and she is also now a target. The ruthless Arch-Rike of Kenatos has sent his most menacing servant—the Quiet Kishion—to destroy her.
As Phae struggles to wield her powers and escape her pursuers, a team of allies has already been dispatched on a quest to end the plagues. Some face the horrors in the Arch-Rike’s secret lair, while others search for the fabled lost Shatalin temple.
The determined allies must square off against the Arch-Rike, who is ever steadfast in his aim to kill Phae…and let the plagues rage on.
The orphan Phae has kept her innate ability secret since she was young. Not only does she possess the dangerous fireblood, but she can also steal the memories of anyone who looks into her eyes.
Phae has no idea that her combination of powers is extraordinary. She is the unwitting key to discovering the secret origin of the plagues…and she is also now a target. The ruthless Arch-Rike of Kenatos has sent his most menacing servant—the Quiet Kishion—to destroy her.
As Phae struggles to wield her powers and escape her pursuers, a team of allies has already been dispatched on a quest to end the plagues. Some face the horrors in the Arch-Rike’s secret lair, while others search for the fabled lost Shatalin temple.
The determined allies must square off against the Arch-Rike, who is ever steadfast in his aim to kill Phae…and let the plagues rage on.
465 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2014
1453 people are currently reading
2217 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Wheeler
123 books5,214 followersWall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler took an early retirement from his career at Intel in 2014 to write full-time. He is a husband, father of five, and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff lives in the Rocky Mountains.
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
December 4, 2019
So I read this series in a binge this summer and apparently never wrote a review for book 2
At this point I just remember really liking it
I remember feeling the slight deja vu feeling of a kishion with a conscience, but why do I always end up absolutely loving the kishions? They are some of Wheeler's best characters
I remember Phae and Traesen breaking my heart and I remember their names, which is a lot more than I usually remember about books
The warrior monk and the sister and Annon as well, Prince Aransetis and his cousin... The characters and plot drove these books equally for me and I remember being impressed by how much I loved every single one of the characters
I do recall the female narrator being a bit rough though when I tuned in to try to listen
Totally love these books though. Fully recommend for anyone who likes clean/essentially christian fantasy, also works well as a steppingstone into the genre 🖤
At this point I just remember really liking it
I remember feeling the slight deja vu feeling of a kishion with a conscience, but why do I always end up absolutely loving the kishions? They are some of Wheeler's best characters
I remember Phae and Traesen breaking my heart and I remember their names, which is a lot more than I usually remember about books
The warrior monk and the sister and Annon as well, Prince Aransetis and his cousin... The characters and plot drove these books equally for me and I remember being impressed by how much I loved every single one of the characters
I do recall the female narrator being a bit rough though when I tuned in to try to listen
Totally love these books though. Fully recommend for anyone who likes clean/essentially christian fantasy, also works well as a steppingstone into the genre 🖤
May 21, 2018
After a sizable break, I decided to give Wheeler's second Mirrowen tale a shot on audiobook. We're dropped straight into the action after the conclusion of Fireblood, but introduced to the dryad-born, Phae, who becomes a new, much higher-maintenance POV character than Annon and Hettie.
Unlike the fantasy community at large, I thought this novel was substantially worse than the series' debut entry. This is due in large part to Phae, who is an incredibly exasperating, overwhelmingly incompetent character. Once again, Wheeler's protagonists are unable to truly make decisions and take actions by themselves, and the strong trend of secondary characters forcing the plot of the story and saving their bacon continues in-force in book two. The exception are the scenes with Hettie and Paedrin, who are quite self-sufficient and engage in some growing up when left to their own devices.
Again, Wheeler has a gift for names and concepts - many of which are very unique and well-suited to characters, places, and organizations. Under many of the other trappings of the book, the plot is reasonably interesting and clever as well, but the author's means of maneuvering it are sometimes so heavy-handed, and the story itself so bogged down in inane dialog that this becomes difficult to see at times.
One of Wheeler's chief struggles is his description and incessant hyperbolic dialog. Every pain and pleasure is the most extreme and excruciating, every analogy is specific and vibrant, and every emotion felt to its utmost. He's not bad, descriptively, but he doesn't use his dramatic prose judiciously enough. All the aches, pains, worries, and injuries suffered by the protagonists during their arduous voyage acutely overwhelm parts of the story that SHOULD seem more cutting - like the deaths of several characters' loved ones near the end of the book. It's just one more piece of melodrama on the stack, and really makes their loss seem insignificant.
Top this off with Phae just being a completely insufferable, impotent, weepy teenage girl who - through a series of random events that I can only describe as "arcane" - somehow manages to turn her would-be captor and/or executor into her stolid guardian, and I've lost my respect for the author's attempts at dialog and believable character development.
The main plot of this series is just interesting enough that I may proceed with the final entry in the trilogy at some point, but it will only be under protest.
Unlike the fantasy community at large, I thought this novel was substantially worse than the series' debut entry. This is due in large part to Phae, who is an incredibly exasperating, overwhelmingly incompetent character. Once again, Wheeler's protagonists are unable to truly make decisions and take actions by themselves, and the strong trend of secondary characters forcing the plot of the story and saving their bacon continues in-force in book two. The exception are the scenes with Hettie and Paedrin, who are quite self-sufficient and engage in some growing up when left to their own devices.
Again, Wheeler has a gift for names and concepts - many of which are very unique and well-suited to characters, places, and organizations. Under many of the other trappings of the book, the plot is reasonably interesting and clever as well, but the author's means of maneuvering it are sometimes so heavy-handed, and the story itself so bogged down in inane dialog that this becomes difficult to see at times.
One of Wheeler's chief struggles is his description and incessant hyperbolic dialog. Every pain and pleasure is the most extreme and excruciating, every analogy is specific and vibrant, and every emotion felt to its utmost. He's not bad, descriptively, but he doesn't use his dramatic prose judiciously enough. All the aches, pains, worries, and injuries suffered by the protagonists during their arduous voyage acutely overwhelm parts of the story that SHOULD seem more cutting - like the deaths of several characters' loved ones near the end of the book. It's just one more piece of melodrama on the stack, and really makes their loss seem insignificant.
Top this off with Phae just being a completely insufferable, impotent, weepy teenage girl who - through a series of random events that I can only describe as "arcane" - somehow manages to turn her would-be captor and/or executor into her stolid guardian, and I've lost my respect for the author's attempts at dialog and believable character development.
The main plot of this series is just interesting enough that I may proceed with the final entry in the trilogy at some point, but it will only be under protest.
December 3, 2014
Dryad-Born
Ah so grasshopper, the spirits are a heavy component in book 2. It was very hard for me to maintain a high level of enthusiasm vin the Dryad tale due to the great number of sub plots. The new twists of mythology were very captivating. Yes I will be one of the first to read the third book, as long as that is the end of this series.
Ah so grasshopper, the spirits are a heavy component in book 2. It was very hard for me to maintain a high level of enthusiasm vin the Dryad tale due to the great number of sub plots. The new twists of mythology were very captivating. Yes I will be one of the first to read the third book, as long as that is the end of this series.
August 22, 2024
The second novels of a trilogy are usually the weakest, but that is not the case with this one.
The story follows its course with the same intensity and emotion as in the first installment.
The adventure is accentuated, new characters appear and the story takes unexpected and surprising turns that add even more interest.
If the previous sagas have pleased me a lot, this one really promises.
The story follows its course with the same intensity and emotion as in the first installment.
The adventure is accentuated, new characters appear and the story takes unexpected and surprising turns that add even more interest.
If the previous sagas have pleased me a lot, this one really promises.
November 3, 2015
THIS MAY CONTAIN A SPOILER SO PLEASE READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.
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After trying very hard NOT to finish this book, not because I didn't love every single word, but because I never wanted it to end ... I'm done. This book was so darn good! I am in love with so many characters in this series that I will just mention my top 5 in no particular order. Annon, Phae, Nizeera, Hettie and my super favorite, The Kishion. Once again Mr. Wheeler manages to weave a story that is so addicting, that it took all my resolve to put the book down and take care of my house! Even though I was caught up in the story, laundry needed to be done, dinner cooked and a wonderful husband to talk to and so on. I almost wished I could lock myself in my room and not come out until I was done. Alas ... that was not possible. I actually started to get upset when I saw how close I was to the end. I can't say enough good things about this book. You come to care so much for these characters and their quest (if you will) that when you finish each book, you are left wanting more. I am so in love with the Kishion and I can't wait to find out what his memories are and how they are tied to Phae. I love Mr. Wheeler's writing style and the characters he creates. Even the villains! You just love to really dislike them! The book ends with a cliffhanger, but I've become used to this with this author. LOL. I rated this book 5 stars because that was all I was allowed to give it! This is series I will come back to again and again. As I always say, I'm not an eloquent writer and this is why I don't really write reviews. I just say what I feel and I can honestly say that I LOVED this book and I will be checking Amazon monthly until book 3 is offered, so I can make sure it arrives in my mailbox ASAP!
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After trying very hard NOT to finish this book, not because I didn't love every single word, but because I never wanted it to end ... I'm done. This book was so darn good! I am in love with so many characters in this series that I will just mention my top 5 in no particular order. Annon, Phae, Nizeera, Hettie and my super favorite, The Kishion. Once again Mr. Wheeler manages to weave a story that is so addicting, that it took all my resolve to put the book down and take care of my house! Even though I was caught up in the story, laundry needed to be done, dinner cooked and a wonderful husband to talk to and so on. I almost wished I could lock myself in my room and not come out until I was done. Alas ... that was not possible. I actually started to get upset when I saw how close I was to the end. I can't say enough good things about this book. You come to care so much for these characters and their quest (if you will) that when you finish each book, you are left wanting more. I am so in love with the Kishion and I can't wait to find out what his memories are and how they are tied to Phae. I love Mr. Wheeler's writing style and the characters he creates. Even the villains! You just love to really dislike them! The book ends with a cliffhanger, but I've become used to this with this author. LOL. I rated this book 5 stars because that was all I was allowed to give it! This is series I will come back to again and again. As I always say, I'm not an eloquent writer and this is why I don't really write reviews. I just say what I feel and I can honestly say that I LOVED this book and I will be checking Amazon monthly until book 3 is offered, so I can make sure it arrives in my mailbox ASAP!
April 21, 2015
I nearly gave a one star to this book. The plot and twists are really interesting but it feels more rushed than in the first book. The characters are either bi-dimensional or completely contradictory, giving me mental whiplash. The sentimental relationships were.. too fast. I'm still pondering if I'm going to read book three or just try and find a summary on internet.
November 1, 2013
One of my books at 47North. Biased, but love it. Jeff picked up where he left off with FIREBLOOD, and continues to surprise and delight me as an author. Again, I'm biased, but one of the best new fantasy authors out today.
May 6, 2021
So many secrets. So many traps. How ever will they defeat the plague?!
November 8, 2017
It's an interesting story, but it's just shy of really believable. The characters say exactly what they're feeling. There are adventures that are exciting, but seem like a video game that throws challenges at you without a rational reason why.
October 20, 2019
Unexpectedly disappointed
As a Jeff Wheeler fan, I was completely expecting to enjoy this series. I’ve read all of his previous books and gave them all five star ratings. However, the best way I can describe how I feel about this series- it’s like I left my house and came back to find someone had overturned the contents and littered it with trash. I apologize for this rating, but there are way too many philosophies and back stories thrown into way too many main characters. I’m honestly disappointed, and hope Mr. Wheeler returns to writing enjoyable books. I will probably read book 3, in hopes that it’ll be better.
As a Jeff Wheeler fan, I was completely expecting to enjoy this series. I’ve read all of his previous books and gave them all five star ratings. However, the best way I can describe how I feel about this series- it’s like I left my house and came back to find someone had overturned the contents and littered it with trash. I apologize for this rating, but there are way too many philosophies and back stories thrown into way too many main characters. I’m honestly disappointed, and hope Mr. Wheeler returns to writing enjoyable books. I will probably read book 3, in hopes that it’ll be better.
February 17, 2014
The first book in this series was decent, but I had plenty to complain about in the end. I thought this book was a great step up, and I appreciate how the fantasy world seems to be more heavily entwined in "the plague" that the characters are working to stop. Some new interesting characters are added, there's lots more action, and a few minor twists and turns in the story. There are some hints for me to guess at how all the mysteries will be resolved without being too obvious. I'm excited for the last book in the series.
April 7, 2019
Another great book!
I can’t wait to read the final book in this series. I knew that Phae would be an interesting character and she certainly has been. I can’t wait to see the growth of all the characters in depth.
I can’t wait to read the final book in this series. I knew that Phae would be an interesting character and she certainly has been. I can’t wait to see the growth of all the characters in depth.
August 12, 2017
This is the second book in a series I was excited to continue, since I thought the first one was really good and saw all the positive reviews saying that this book was an improvement on the first.
Alas reviewers of goodreads, you have failed me once again.
The problem with this book is twofold:
1) There's no mystery.
Almost all of the mysteries from book 1 are resolved, and this book doesn't present any new ones.
You know from page 1 exactly who Phae is and why she is important, you know which characters she should trust and which ones she should not trust. Phae doesn't...
Now, I think this format could had provided for an intriguing emotional journey: watching this new character we've heard so much about discover the truth that we (the reader) already know. It could have, except:
2) the main character is a dry, uninspired Mary Sue .
I loved the dynamics between the characters in the first one and I was actually excited to met Phae mostly because
The characters in the first book were interesting for who they were, Phae is meant to be interesting for what she is.
I don't necessarily think this is a horrible book. The first book just pretty high standard in terms of plot and character development and. like most sequels, this one has a hard time living up to it. I'm not invested in Phae's journey at all. If there was a version somewhere where an editor cut out all the Phae chapters and just had the chapters that focus on the characters from the fist book I'd probably be more interested in finishing it.
Alas reviewers of goodreads, you have failed me once again.
The problem with this book is twofold:
1) There's no mystery.
Almost all of the mysteries from book 1 are resolved, and this book doesn't present any new ones.
You know from page 1 exactly who Phae is and why she is important, you know which characters she should trust and which ones she should not trust. Phae doesn't...
Now, I think this format could had provided for an intriguing emotional journey: watching this new character we've heard so much about discover the truth that we (the reader) already know. It could have, except:
2) the main character is a dry, uninspired Mary Sue .
I loved the dynamics between the characters in the first one and I was actually excited to met Phae mostly because
The characters in the first book were interesting for who they were, Phae is meant to be interesting for what she is.
I don't necessarily think this is a horrible book. The first book just pretty high standard in terms of plot and character development and. like most sequels, this one has a hard time living up to it. I'm not invested in Phae's journey at all. If there was a version somewhere where an editor cut out all the Phae chapters and just had the chapters that focus on the characters from the fist book I'd probably be more interested in finishing it.
February 21, 2019
Rapidly moving up!
This review will be short and to the point. As the author states in the "authors notes" after this, book 2, he tends to tell his stories in three book sets, or series, or trilogies if you will. So I will postpone my "big" review for after the final book.
If you are reading this review to try and decide whether or not to give a Jeff Wheeler trilogy a try then stop reading right now and buy this one.
My first one was the Muirwood trilogy and while I'd also recommend that one this is truly some of the most enjoyable reading I've done in a while. Jeff's style of writing is truly unique and i find myself marveling at it over and over again. That may sound stupid but please read this trilogy and just see if you get lucky enough to experience it as well. Hopefully you will.
While his writings are obviously set in a fantasy setting he still mixes in enough "real life" stuff to make you go "wow" in the middle of the book. For example after some extraordinary magical explosion takes down part of a castle wall and rampart, some follow up characters will be walking by the "workers and scaffolding" repairing said wall. I guess in average ( or should i say below average) fantasy books, you just expect said wall to be "magically" repaired so the author just breezes right past the small things that Jeff seems to have the knack too insert without having to think about it. Which in my case anyway adds to the enjoyment in experiencing his visions which he is so generous to share with us all.
Thank you for reading my review, I hope it helped.😀
This review will be short and to the point. As the author states in the "authors notes" after this, book 2, he tends to tell his stories in three book sets, or series, or trilogies if you will. So I will postpone my "big" review for after the final book.
If you are reading this review to try and decide whether or not to give a Jeff Wheeler trilogy a try then stop reading right now and buy this one.
My first one was the Muirwood trilogy and while I'd also recommend that one this is truly some of the most enjoyable reading I've done in a while. Jeff's style of writing is truly unique and i find myself marveling at it over and over again. That may sound stupid but please read this trilogy and just see if you get lucky enough to experience it as well. Hopefully you will.
While his writings are obviously set in a fantasy setting he still mixes in enough "real life" stuff to make you go "wow" in the middle of the book. For example after some extraordinary magical explosion takes down part of a castle wall and rampart, some follow up characters will be walking by the "workers and scaffolding" repairing said wall. I guess in average ( or should i say below average) fantasy books, you just expect said wall to be "magically" repaired so the author just breezes right past the small things that Jeff seems to have the knack too insert without having to think about it. Which in my case anyway adds to the enjoyment in experiencing his visions which he is so generous to share with us all.
Thank you for reading my review, I hope it helped.😀
January 12, 2019
My new favorite author has not let me down. I love this book and Fireblood. Hopefully the next book will be available soon. Anyone who loves fantasy would love this story. It deserves the 5 stars because of the complexity of the characters and their personal stories as well the overalls plot and how it all pulls together and compels the reader to continue reading well into the night. I haven’t had a good night rest since I started reading this series.
My new favorite author has not let me down. I love this book and Fireblood. Hopefully the next book will be available soon. Anyone who loves fantasy would love this story. It deserves the 5 stars because of the complexity of the characters and their personal stories as well the overalls plot and how it all pulls together and compels the reader to continue reading well into the night. I haven’t had a good night rest since I started reading this series.
My new favorite author has not let me down. I love this book and Fireblood. Hopefully the next book will be available soon. Anyone who loves fantasy would love this story. It deserves the 5 stars because of the complexity of the characters and their personal stories as well the overalls plot and how it all pulls together and compels the reader to continue reading well into the night. I haven’t had a good night rest since I started reading this series.
January 25, 2022
The quest picks up and more characters and classes and orders are introduced in this second novel of the series, and I felt more interested as we finally see the main heroine, Phae, and learn more about her powers. Her growing relationship with the Kishion was quite well done and the whole book stress the importance of how one’s purpose in life is sculpted through opportunity and chances.
However, I’ve realized that Wheeler uses too many descriptors and hyperbolic comparisons. There are pages upon pages of descriptions for characters that the reader never gets introduced to again, for instance, the Druid Council (I think that’s what it was). And every emotion is taken to the extreme, with agonizing pain and incredible pleasures.
The plot really drove the story, but the myriad of subplots made the story feel rushed. However, I found it was more interesting than the first, especially with how Wheeler manages to maintain a whole cast of characters.
However, I’ve realized that Wheeler uses too many descriptors and hyperbolic comparisons. There are pages upon pages of descriptions for characters that the reader never gets introduced to again, for instance, the Druid Council (I think that’s what it was). And every emotion is taken to the extreme, with agonizing pain and incredible pleasures.
The plot really drove the story, but the myriad of subplots made the story feel rushed. However, I found it was more interesting than the first, especially with how Wheeler manages to maintain a whole cast of characters.
April 7, 2024
#ccokiereads Dyrad-Born by Jeff Wheeler 🌳
Phae is a teenager girl living in isolated area with her adopted parents. But she has a gift…she looks at someone and takes away their memories. One day someone looks for her and then she gets kidnapped. And slowly she learns her destiny. Can she achieve this? In addition our heroes from book 1 are off having adventures of their own. Some will live some will die. Can they all make it in one piece?🌳
Furiends book 2 is just as good as book 1. I kinda got Indiana Jones vibes with this book. Lots of adventures here. Wonder how the final book of the trilogy will be….
Three out of four paws. And swipe for a surprise cameo from a certain 🐈⬛!!! #jeffwheelerauthor #jeffwheelerbooks #dyrad #fantasybooks #fantasybookseries #dogreadsbook #corgiofinstagram #corgiofficial #corgiofig #corgiofinsta #catsofinstagram #catstagram #catlovers #rescuecat #adoptdontshop #tuxdeocat #tuxiesofinstagram #tuxiesrule
Phae is a teenager girl living in isolated area with her adopted parents. But she has a gift…she looks at someone and takes away their memories. One day someone looks for her and then she gets kidnapped. And slowly she learns her destiny. Can she achieve this? In addition our heroes from book 1 are off having adventures of their own. Some will live some will die. Can they all make it in one piece?🌳
Furiends book 2 is just as good as book 1. I kinda got Indiana Jones vibes with this book. Lots of adventures here. Wonder how the final book of the trilogy will be….
Three out of four paws. And swipe for a surprise cameo from a certain 🐈⬛!!! #jeffwheelerauthor #jeffwheelerbooks #dyrad #fantasybooks #fantasybookseries #dogreadsbook #corgiofinstagram #corgiofficial #corgiofig #corgiofinsta #catsofinstagram #catstagram #catlovers #rescuecat #adoptdontshop #tuxdeocat #tuxiesofinstagram #tuxiesrule
September 9, 2018
Fall 2018, audiobook; Trilogy Review:
Once, again, Wheeler takes me into a world where the villain-archetype of his previous books is reinvented, this time in the shape of the Kishion, his fan-favorite cold, steely, perfect killers. I love the slow reveals of this one, and how you could pick out the touches of the mythos of Eden in this book, matching the Europen history, seas priestess, and Arthurian legends of earlier ones.
I liked how much was woven into time and cultures. I shivered with some delight at the existence in this one of an evil ages old, slowly snipping itself away, until no one knew it existed at all. (I still maintain all my normal comments on things like the Fear Liath and his favorite teleporting device.)
This, though, might have had my favorite ending since the first trilogy of his I read in the summer.
Jeff Wheeler Book Count Now: 15
Books Left: 8
Once, again, Wheeler takes me into a world where the villain-archetype of his previous books is reinvented, this time in the shape of the Kishion, his fan-favorite cold, steely, perfect killers. I love the slow reveals of this one, and how you could pick out the touches of the mythos of Eden in this book, matching the Europen history, seas priestess, and Arthurian legends of earlier ones.
I liked how much was woven into time and cultures. I shivered with some delight at the existence in this one of an evil ages old, slowly snipping itself away, until no one knew it existed at all. (I still maintain all my normal comments on things like the Fear Liath and his favorite teleporting device.)
This, though, might have had my favorite ending since the first trilogy of his I read in the summer.
Jeff Wheeler Book Count Now: 15
Books Left: 8
September 25, 2018
Sloooww
Honestly, I didn't finish this book for several reasons. 1) I thought part one started off slow and by the end, had only really gotten a little better. For part one to have ended the way it did, a lot could have been taken out. 2) This one started off with a little more action but the daughter was so stupid I just couldn't. 3) I realized that in addition to finishing this one, there was also a part three and the thought of finishing this one and going to three weeks as just too much. I really hate not finishing a series but this made me dread finishing. I just don't see why this series needs three books. I think it could have been condensed to two.
On a good note, the character development is there but maybe a little too much.
Honestly, I didn't finish this book for several reasons. 1) I thought part one started off slow and by the end, had only really gotten a little better. For part one to have ended the way it did, a lot could have been taken out. 2) This one started off with a little more action but the daughter was so stupid I just couldn't. 3) I realized that in addition to finishing this one, there was also a part three and the thought of finishing this one and going to three weeks as just too much. I really hate not finishing a series but this made me dread finishing. I just don't see why this series needs three books. I think it could have been condensed to two.
On a good note, the character development is there but maybe a little too much.
January 12, 2021
Terrible narrator but a very good author and story
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and although the story is as good as the first, the change of narrator has really spoiled my enjoyment of the book. The original narrator for the first book was consistent for every character. This new narrator has the accents change randomly for the main characters - sometimes in the same chapter/conversation and too many times throughout the whole book for me to be able to give any more than 2 stars. Some accents make some characters sound very annoying and in some cases just simply snide and awful to listen to! This is not how they were originally presented in the first book and I can't understand why the change of narrator was made.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and although the story is as good as the first, the change of narrator has really spoiled my enjoyment of the book. The original narrator for the first book was consistent for every character. This new narrator has the accents change randomly for the main characters - sometimes in the same chapter/conversation and too many times throughout the whole book for me to be able to give any more than 2 stars. Some accents make some characters sound very annoying and in some cases just simply snide and awful to listen to! This is not how they were originally presented in the first book and I can't understand why the change of narrator was made.
February 4, 2021
Excited to read the last one
In reading Jeff Wheeler's series, I often find the middle book to be my favorite, and he has said that they are usually his favorites too. I read this one much faster than the first and I felt much more engaged throughout the book, whereas I was a little stuck in the first book. That tends to happen though when authors set up worlds, characters, and quests, so in this book, all of that is established and you are right in the thick of things. I really enjoy his weaving of history and legends and myths. I like being able to pick up on the inspiration, but also learning of something else that I had not heard of before. I am looking forward to reading the last one.
In reading Jeff Wheeler's series, I often find the middle book to be my favorite, and he has said that they are usually his favorites too. I read this one much faster than the first and I felt much more engaged throughout the book, whereas I was a little stuck in the first book. That tends to happen though when authors set up worlds, characters, and quests, so in this book, all of that is established and you are right in the thick of things. I really enjoy his weaving of history and legends and myths. I like being able to pick up on the inspiration, but also learning of something else that I had not heard of before. I am looking forward to reading the last one.
October 28, 2018
Drowning in this world
This world is so deep, I am drowning. I love books with a diverse and mysterious world and this one fits that bill perfectly. I hurt for Annon and his dryad. I love the coupling of Hetti and Paedrin. They are a perfect mix. I just hope she isn't deceiving us again and goes with Kirinrao.
One thing I don't like, and this is purely for the AUDIBLE version alone, is the reader for the first book and the second are not the same. The lady that reads this book is hard to follow as she has maybe 4 different tones and voices she uses. With the exception of Shion, there's no special tone or inflection for the whole book. All characters sound the same.
This world is so deep, I am drowning. I love books with a diverse and mysterious world and this one fits that bill perfectly. I hurt for Annon and his dryad. I love the coupling of Hetti and Paedrin. They are a perfect mix. I just hope she isn't deceiving us again and goes with Kirinrao.
One thing I don't like, and this is purely for the AUDIBLE version alone, is the reader for the first book and the second are not the same. The lady that reads this book is hard to follow as she has maybe 4 different tones and voices she uses. With the exception of Shion, there's no special tone or inflection for the whole book. All characters sound the same.
March 4, 2020
I felt like this was the weakest of the trilogy, but that’s not saying much since it was still a really good read. I liked getting to follow the different characters on their assignments and seeing more of the world, magic, and cultures. The pace felt a little slow, despite everything going on. I think because, despite all the movement and quests and danger, not very much happened, relatively speaking. I was on the fence about Phae until about halfway through, when she developed a bit of confidence and when she and Shion changed from captor/captive to protector/protectee. I thought that change in relationship was great for both characters, and really strengthened and enriched both.
December 6, 2021
Middle book of trilogy
Ah, the middle book of a fantasy trilogy. It kept my attention and the characters continued to develop. But it also dragged in places as middle books often do. There's a lot of description and a lot of parallel journeys going on to gather the things they need to face the challenges in the culminating book. The parallels can make it feel repetitive in places as did some of the long-winded descriptions. But I am thoroughly invested in these characters after both of the first two books and can't wait to read the next one I am also in the middle of devouring wheeler's catalog, because he's excellent.
Ah, the middle book of a fantasy trilogy. It kept my attention and the characters continued to develop. But it also dragged in places as middle books often do. There's a lot of description and a lot of parallel journeys going on to gather the things they need to face the challenges in the culminating book. The parallels can make it feel repetitive in places as did some of the long-winded descriptions. But I am thoroughly invested in these characters after both of the first two books and can't wait to read the next one I am also in the middle of devouring wheeler's catalog, because he's excellent.
May 6, 2017
I loved the first book and the second kept my interest, the author has done a good job of not revealing too much at once which has been nice. The only thing I would like to see different is less on the different perspectives of the individual characters, I don't mind the switching between that was nice but I don't need a play by play of every battle scene from every character. If the author had just switched character points of view only at really meaningful times this book and the others in the series ( I am currently on the 3rd book) would get a five.
November 1, 2017
Magic and intrigue
An awesome story filled with magic and intrigue. Plot twists, character development and background information, all come together very nicely and tell a story worth reading. It builds on the story and mythology of he first book, Fireblood, and develops both story arcs and characters in a very interesting and believable way. The first book is a must read if you want to pick this one up, but they're both worth it. Especially this one. The cliffhanger at the end of the book makes me want to dive right in to the last book.
An awesome story filled with magic and intrigue. Plot twists, character development and background information, all come together very nicely and tell a story worth reading. It builds on the story and mythology of he first book, Fireblood, and develops both story arcs and characters in a very interesting and believable way. The first book is a must read if you want to pick this one up, but they're both worth it. Especially this one. The cliffhanger at the end of the book makes me want to dive right in to the last book.
May 10, 2017
Interesting characters and just when you think the story can't go anywhere, they throw in a twist and you're deeper in the plot than before. Danger is everywhere in this book and you are never even sure if your friends are who they are supposed to be. I enjoyed every page and listened on my commute to and from home every day. Hope the third in the trilogy has audio - loved the voice of the person narrating the story and all the possibilities still to come.
November 16, 2017
I very much liked this book as I like all of the books Wheeler has written and I have read. His writing transports me to his beautifully crafted worlds and he continued to weave the different characters together, utilizing their strengths against others’ weaknesses. The only “complaint” I may have is that this book felt like a filler more than an important step. Sure it introduced Phae but I didn’t feel like the quest progressed much. I can’t wait to read the third book.
January 12, 2018
So I'm having a hard time with this one. I was excited and interested in the story's continuation. I was loving the way the story was going. But I cannot stand Phae. I really dislike her choices and I think she's an idiot. She doesn't trust the people who AREN'T trying to kill her, so she'll take her chances with the soulless guy who is trying? Ugh. She is be making women look bad. And then the crying, grovelling, over promising. Well, it makes me think she deserves whatever happens to her, but it's not fair for the rest of the world hanging in the balance. Irritating. Can I skip her sections? Grrrrr.
Thankfully Phae became less annoying. But I ended up enjoying everyone else and their mini-quests. It was so interesting how they were simultaneously fighting towards one goal in quite similar situations. I wasn’t expecting such a sad ending to this book, so it hurt a little more.
Thankfully Phae became less annoying. But I ended up enjoying everyone else and their mini-quests. It was so interesting how they were simultaneously fighting towards one goal in quite similar situations. I wasn’t expecting such a sad ending to this book, so it hurt a little more.
April 24, 2019
Wow! This book took me longer to read than most, but that is not due to the quality of the book. I had an incredibly busy work schedule, but I still made sure I made time to keep reading this book. I deprived myself of as much sleep as I could to keep reading. The character development is top notch as is the plot. It moves along flawlessly and keeps you enthralled. Huge cliff hang at the end with plenty of surprises throughout. Definitely a must read.
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