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The Descendants #2

Second Coming

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Between kisses, Aidan kept asking her questions:
Where do I come from?
Who was my father?
Who made me?
Why am I here?

The Ancients are coming for them. In fact, they’ve already landed on Earth and now they’re searching for the boy who will lead them to the Wisdom.

Some say the Wisdom is ultimate knowledge of the Creator; others say it’s just a myth. But the golden giant Quetzal knows better. The Wisdom was lost thousands of years ago, and only its recovery will stop the Ancients from dying.

Meanwhile, Aidan is desperate to discover the identity of his birth parents…and the real reason why he was led away from home in pursuit of the black pulse of his dreams. Can Itzy protect him from the truth that threatens to divide them?

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2013

24 people want to read

About the author

Vrinda Pendred

14 books74 followers
Vrinda Pendred originally grew up in Arizona, but moved to England in 1999, where she now lives with her husband and their two sons.

She is a constant writer of both original stories and freely published fan fiction, with a focus on sci-fi/fantasy, romance, and humour. She also dabbles in digital artwork.

Vrinda has self-published several books, beginning with 'Check Mates: A Collection of Fiction, Poetry and Artwork about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, by People with OCD' - a project released in 2010 under her own imprint Conditional Publications.

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5 stars
18 (56%)
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11 (34%)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Josie.
103 reviews15 followers
January 12, 2014
Once again, AMAZING!! Definitely blown away by the sequel just as I was the 1st book! The story is well written, I couldn't put it down! My heart hurts for Aiden, I kinda hoped they would leave together.... I just seem to love all the characters, they fit so well together!! ANOTHER GREAT STORY FROM ONE TALENTED AUTHOR!!
309 reviews10 followers
August 3, 2014
Wow! Its amazing how similar and how different books in the same series can be. I really loved the first book in this series, Mythos, but I think that I am starting to fall IN LOVE with this addition to the series. I think that there is an intimacy to the relationships that while not missing from Mythos was not as developed as it is here. I am so invested in all of these characters and I want to know more about them, want to be part of their journey. For instance I missed Seth and Oz in the first 50 pages before we see them. I wanted to know had happened to them since we last saw them not just because I was curious about the story but because I love THEM as characters. And the same could be said for all the characters in this world. I love the introduction of the Ancients! The stakes are certainly being raised throughout this novel and I cannot wait to see where they go from here. There are times similar to the first book when events happen and they move on without addressing how things work themselves out for instance when Itzy first meets Quetzal they just cut to her showing up at Oz and Seth’s place without any indication who she actually left Quetzal - which just feels off considering that she (correctly) believes that he is following her. But I think that those moments are few and they don’t distract too much from the excitement that is this story. I think that fans of Mark Chadbourne will love this book. And similar to Mythos which made me want to read Egyptian and South American mythology this furthers that desire and adds on Norse and European mythology I cannot wait to read the next installment!
Profile Image for Rain.
22 reviews
July 7, 2019
The Descendants Second Coming is just as astounding as the first. The adventure, Mystery, and romance of it all is amazingly woven together into a fantastical tale. Itzel, Aiden, Oz, Seth, and the rest of the gang and trying to protect the wisdom- kind of.

Itzel Loveguard has grown up. She has gotten more confident in herself and her powers but she still has a lot to learn. That, however, didn’t keep me from loving just as much the second time around.

The book was written in an encore cast all told in third person with the focus on Itzy, Sethe, Aiden, and the ancients mostly. Yep-the ancients- you get to meet them and see new sides to the already interesting cast.

The mystery was very well written and balanced. I didn’t figure anything out unless the characters did. I actually thought I’d gotten clever and figured it out a couple times but there was always another twist- silly me.

There was a lot more romance in this book, and much more steamy. I must admit that I was a little disappointed. It was very blatantly stated that they went past PG-13 and though there was no description I had always- for some fantastical childish reason hoped that Itzel was the type to wait. Nevertheless It was all such a small insignificant part of the story that I don’t think it would keep me from recommending it to a friend. Moving on.

The climax had a lot of build up and didn’t happen until the very end of the book as per Vrinda’s usual M.O. *Sighs* I have a theory that when Vrinda started writing she had an amazing mentor whom she grew to trust completely and always took his advice. Then one day Vrinda came to him with a problem- she couldn’t figure out how write the ending of a book. And her mentor in all his gentle wiseness told her, “then don’t. Leave your readers in miserable agony until you write the next book and then eventually when the time comes, and ending will present itself. Until then just stop and publish it at the least and yet most opportune moment.” And since that was the most she had ever heard her very old- slow to speak mentor talk at once she decided then and there to do exactly that; every single time. Congratulations old man you’ve cultivated an exquisite author with the ability to make lives and powers and fairytales come to life and I think you should be proud of her, dear fictional man. Lets just hope no one has to wait too long for the next installment, I think she might be responsible for a few admittances in to a psych ward if they have too long of a wait.

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

~Rain
Profile Image for Eljhei.
4 reviews
July 19, 2014
WOW! I really never expected that! I had the feeling about Itzy but I really really never expected that it was that cool. A very good one Vrinda! Keep it up! It was so nice to have a glimpse of Seth once again because I really liked him. But my hear breaks for Aidan. If I were him, I would die! Can't he come along? I mean, they can't exist without each other because literally they were made for each other so why not bring him along. At the end of my review for Mythos, I suggest that you have this second book so you could immediately start and will not be hanged up too long. So, now I will continue to suggest that but with a little changes. I suggest that you should have the complete series before you read it because it was a total cliffhanger! After I turned the page and there was no continuation there, I was like, "What the hell?!". I really need the third book right now!

Well, thanks Vrinda for the copy in exchange for this review. I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward for the next one.
Profile Image for ☆Joycedale☆.
931 reviews38 followers
November 4, 2013
I was completely blown away by this sequel! Series usually lose some of their steam after the first book but not this series. Not only do we learn more about Seth and Aidan, we learn about The Ancients too.
Seth is still pinning for Itzy and not standing a chance, poor guy. Itzy and Aidan move their relationship further. We don't really see much of Devon, Ash or Oz. After finding out someone is hunting for Aidan, Itzy does her best to protect him even when it means lying.
Everything The Descendants thought they knew doesn't matter. It comes down to a battle, The Descendants against The Ancients and Norse Gods.
I laughed and cried while reading this. If you enjoyed the first one or even somewhat liked it I really recommend The Second Coming.


I would like to thank the author for this copy. After doing a honest review for the first one she offered me the sequel too and how could I say no?
Profile Image for Natalie.
52 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2014
Speechless. That is all i felt at the end of this book. After reading Mythos the first book in this series, i couldn’t wait to hear more of Itzy and Aidan’s story and to find out what happens to them with the arrival of the Ancients and the discovery of the Wisdom. One thing is for sure- Vrinda Pendred definitely rose to the occasion. This book had me hooked from the start!
At the beginning of this book the storyline focused more on Aidan and Itzy’s relationship which i loved reading about, but soon focused more on the Imminent arrival of the Ancients and what that could mean for the Descendants and all of the Humans- The Story had a lot of unexpected and well written twists- again leaving you wanting more! I loved the way the story flicked between the outlook of Itzy and then switched to Quetzal without the overall story jumpy or missing holes in the development. 5 *’s for this great sequel and a well though out ending for Book 2 of The Descendants!!
3 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2015
After the whirlwind of book 1 the sequel takes us back and builds on the characters that have so far been on the periphery. This book keeps you waiting for the action but it's worth the wait!

I got totally wrapped up in the imagery of the fight scene and Pendred's wonderfully descriptive language created a real picture in my head of what should rationally be unimaginable.

More mythological characters are woven into the story this time and make for some dramatic scenes. Meanwhile the not quite normal teenagers still live out the normal emotional challenges of everyday kids. I cant choose a favourite character, I keep changing my mind. They all have their good and not so good sides and Pendred makes sure you can empathise or at least sympathise with them all.

Another cliffhanger ending to this book, I wouldn't expect anything else!
Profile Image for Jill.
289 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2014
I read the first one so I knew where this one would go. I was weary at first because it started off in a different pov. but I got sucked up and in all the suspense and drama I didn't see anything coming. I thought I knew where it was going and I did to an extend. but holy crap!!! that ending just blew my mind. I loved this book just as much as the first one and I cant wait to read the next one!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Scinto (Abrams).
55 reviews
January 16, 2014
Vrinda does it again! What an amazing sequel! I'm in love with the imagery and detail found in her writing. It makes reading her work so enjoyable, and like you are there witnessing everything firsthand. Amazing. Can't wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Taiyewo.
166 reviews20 followers
November 26, 2013
Whaaaat! That's how it ends?! I am happy to say that I figured Itzy out! The second half of this book had pure insanity going on! Can't wait for the next in the series!!
Profile Image for Terry.
163 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2015
the author does great painting the pictures in words
Profile Image for Vee.
65 reviews18 followers
November 22, 2013
I gave Mythos (book one) five stars, and yet I feel like Second Coming deserves yet more stars! This is a great second instalment.

A unique element of this series is that while it does have some classic YA features (a quasi love triangle, plucky teenagers, angst etc), the characters are not card-board cut outs or one-size-fits-all. I find in a lot of paranormal YA fiction, typically the female lead is annoying, or a bit stupid, or at least prone to making stupid choices for no apparent reason, (or all three), and the male lead is impossibly 'hot' but also 'stalkery' (I know that’s not a word), controlling and possessive - and the author would usually portray these characteristics as being incredibly attractive. I find this approach makes a lot of the characters I come across in YA not only cliché, but very unrealistic. In Second Coming, we have intelligent, fully fleshed-out human characters who react naturally to extraordinary situations and circumstances.

Because the characters are so realistically portrayed, I became very emotionally attached to them. The author cleverly draws out each character's traits and quirks through their interactions and dialogue with each other. Through these interactions you see the relationships between them, and they are very believable. By the end of the book I felt like I knew all the main characters personally, and I genuinely cared about what happened to them.

The multi-layered themes of book one (Mythos) are continued, but one of the things that struck me about Second Coming is how the layering of these themes has been ramped up - there are many underlying themes and ideas being subtly introduced (through references to mythology, religion and metaphysical ideas in general as well as quantum physics among other things). I really look forward to seeing how these are explored in the upcoming instalments, because it is rare to see concepts like these pitched towards a YA readership. Usually, I would imagine ideas like these are usually analogised in epic fantasy novels with really complex political and magical systems, but because of how the ideas are woven into the storyline of the Descendants series, the effect is lot more subtle, while not less powerful in impact.

Another thing I really appreciate about Second Coming (as well as Mythos), is the lushness of the language - the narration is eloquent and the description is rich. I especially enjoyed the descriptions in the prologue of the ship Nibiru and its passengers. You can tell the author appreciates words, and she takes the time to string them together in a way that is genuinely artistic and creative, and not just functional in the way they are used to tell a story.

I could say a lot more, but then I'd have to go into the actual plot and I don't want to risk any spoilers. So all in all, this is a fantastic read and I'm looking forward to book three.
Profile Image for Bookish Satty.
958 reviews32 followers
October 11, 2013
I got this book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side.

Firstly I would like to thank Vrinda Pendred, author of Second Coming for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.

This book took me on a whirlwind journey where there is not only tremendous and heart pounding adventure but also gripping mystery and revelations of long hidden secrets and if that wasn't enough the author also introduced the elders here who have arrived on Earth already.

I loved Itzy and she was more mature, developed and strong in this book and I loved her transformation. Then there is Aiden and it's not a surprise that he is awesome as well and together they make a great pair and their brewing romance and cute relation won my heart.

There is this eerie suspense that will make you pull you hair out in anticipation and the ending, Oh.my.god, it's was a lot of too much to take but I enjoyed it a lot but the author kept us waiting too long for it.

The unpredictable twists and turns made this read even more spicy and the action scenes are awesome as well.

I loved the writing style of the author and it really forged a bond between me and the characters linking us emotionally and I experienced each and every emotional turmoil and happiness they felt.

The plot is well thought out and the developed characters brought it to life and fit perfectly within the plot and shining as individual gems of this story and the author cleverly uses third person's POV to narrate this story, this made the story clear and crisp and the dialogues reached the readers without creating a confusion regarding the source of it. The most important is that the author didn't kept the story just focused on one character but she brought out the true colors of all the characters present in the story making it a delightful read.

So go on and grab your copy folks, hope that you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Profile Image for  Marla.
2,372 reviews139 followers
September 28, 2014
3.5 stars. It was definitely worth it to see the further adventures of Itzy and Aiden and Itzy's friends. The book was slow in parts, but the twists were well done and I like the characters. The fight scene entertained me and I enjoyed the pictures in my imagination. Very good sequel, but warning, it is another cliffhanger.

Likes:
* Itzy and Oz's sibling relationship
* Myra Loveguard being a real mother to Itzy
* Devon, Itzy's best friend, dating her ex, Ash
* Ash being a great friend to Itzy


Dislikes:
* Quetzel and his goon Horace
* Volatile Melody and aggressive brother Verdi
* Love triangles...three or so


With-reservations:
some language, some sexual innuendos and situations, violence, schizophrenia and uncontrollable anger, rising the dead

For-review:
Received a free review copy from the author and [We ♥ YA Books!] ARR #209
26 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2013
I LOVE THESE BOOKS. I love them. They're so different from the other YA reads that are out there. I'm usually drawn to books based more around romance than the supernatural or science fiction but, I honestly cannot put these books down. Vrinda Pendred has created a host of characters so unique and interesting, I don't even know where to start. When I finished Mythos, I did wonder if the author was going to 'go there' and introduce us to some Ancients. The idea seemed wild because she's described West Londoners so well (I live there) that I couldn't imagine aliens entering the story as well as I could imagine Itzy living on a road near me. I'm glad to say that the introduction of the Ancients took the story to another level and Pendred has upped the ante in a major way. The ending had me at the edge of my seat.
I don't want to go into too much of the plot, but it is evident that Pendred takes a great interest in what she is writing about and I have learned a lot regarding ancient myths. The way she has integrated them into the story give it an edge that no other recent YA fiction has. I'm glad to say there are no vampires, nephilim or werewolves in sight. This story is 100% original. Cannot wait for book three!
Profile Image for P.
63 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2013
I received this book from the author for free in exchange for my [very] honest opinion.

I loved the second book! In my opinion it surpassed the first one (the sequel is usually better).

The relationship between Itzy and Aidan is so much more realistic because we get to be the third wheel and see them in all their awkwardness.

My favorite characters are definitely Oz and Seth. In this book they become whole people that can actually feel and have a life outside of Itzy. Being a part of their living situation was so entertaining (I think Aidan is perfect for Itzy but Seth is hilarious-"Dino power!").

Aidan's opening up helped him to interact more with the males of Itzy (Oz, Seth, Ash). He became more vulnerable and was forced to shed the "cool" boy persona that is always so perfect.

The action! Oh goodness I don't want to spoil anything.

Overall a GREAT book! I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick sci-fi read that will keep you salivating for book 3.
Profile Image for Cheryl Duval.
466 reviews14 followers
July 27, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the Author and the “Lovers of Paranormal” Group on Goodreads.com

This is a fascinating, well written and exciting book. I am not usually a fan of science fiction books but this story grabbed me and pulled me right in. The author's imagination regarding mythology is astonishing. She has created an amazing group of kids, each with their own powers. The love shared by Itzy and Aiden is touching. Discovering what the Wisdom is was quite a shock. The book ends with a cliff hanger so I just bought the next book because I need to know how this all plays out. I recommend this book even if you are not a scifi enthusiast.
Profile Image for Catrina Barton.
Author 4 books37 followers
October 6, 2013
In the spirit of full disclosure I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

We get to see the characters stories deepen. My only complaint is it still has a lot of passive voice. I love the many unexpected twists.
Profile Image for Maryalice.
238 reviews
September 1, 2014
I not sure what to say. This book is so different, so full of wisdom. Yes there is action and yes there is a romance, 3 if I can count right. There where many times when I had to put the book down and come back to it.
Profile Image for Angie Taylor.
Author 8 books50 followers
November 1, 2014
Another great addition to this series. The writing is tight and concise and every detail makes sense to the plot. There is a little more romance than I like in YA books. I wish there had been less of that. But everything else I LOVED.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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