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Alburnium is at war. Eighteen-year-old Alyra's joy of being reunited with her family fades when Prince Issah sends her beloved friends away on various quests across the kingdom. Allies must be gathered to stand against the dark ruler, Lord Darnel. The reclusive dragons happen to be necessary allies. Alyra's friendship with the young drake, Crystal, offers a slim hope of being heard by them instead of being burned. Alyra must travel to Drakensburg with her resentful brother, Ethan, a Messenger, who doesn't trust her, a prankster Okbold intent on honoring his debt to her, and a unseen Guardian Instructor, who must teach her how to use the Illuminate's gift before they reach the dragons' hold. Ethan has the words to persuade the dragons. Alyra carries the red fruit of the white tree to present as a peace offering. Until she finds Tarek, beaten and near death. She must choose between using the fruit to save the man she loves, or the kingdom she serves.

394 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 2013

20 people are currently reading
238 people want to read

About the author

Jackie Castle

44 books137 followers
Jackie Castle is also known as J.R. Castle.

Hello friends-
Welcome to my Goodreads Story World. I hope you’ll have a stroll around at all the sweet, inspirational stories on my shelves. One never knows what new adventure awaits them around the next corner.

I am the author of over 35 books in various genres: fantasy, romance, children’s & non-fiction. I write as Jackie Castle & J.R. Castle.

​I love exploring my story worlds and, even more, I love God. We’ve had such an interesting journey and there is still so much ahead. I’m always looking for the extraordinary in the ordinary and believe this life is full of unlimited possibilities.

​I love to interact with readers! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter and check out my blog page. ​You can find out more about my shenanigans over at: www.jackiecastle.com. While you're snooping around, take a moment to sign up for my monthly newsletter. =)

Thanks so much for stopping by!
J. C.
.

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5 stars
102 (64%)
4 stars
45 (28%)
3 stars
11 (6%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Ryder.
1,048 reviews242 followers
October 6, 2024
The adventure continues and on a much grander scale! The world and characters are further expanded as Alyra and her friends are all spilt up and scattered across the kingdom to do various tasks for Issah and the King and with this we get all their POVs and not just Alyra’s, which I love as I got a better and broader grasp on everyone, though Alyra remains my favorite. I relate so much to her and to Tarek, who we don’t have a POV from yet though I hope we’ll get his in the next book, as they’ve both been through so much and are kind of “outcasts” in a sense with various people even though they’re trying so darn hard to prove them wrong.

We see and expand on old and new characters alike and while I didn’t like Ethan at first due to how bloomin’ MEAN he was to Alyra, he grew on me by the very end and I think he could be a character I like quite a bit later on. Esdra I was highly suspicious of at first and while I can’t say I LIKE her by the end I at least don’t think she’s going to betray Lotari and Stitch either, so there’s that, lol.

This book does start a bit slower then Illuminated does but by the halfway point it had me in a chokehold and I couldn’t put it down for nothin’! Grammatical errors continue to plague this series BUT they’re not so grating I can’t overlook them in favor of the great story beneath the flaws, but I just wanted to mention them for those who are highly sensitive to such errors, haha.

I am shocked by how much I’m LOVING this series and its timely, important messages for me in this stage of my life, and I cannot WAIT to continue!


‼️Content‼️

Language: what the

Violence: injuries and blood (not detailed); fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); a man’s head is cut off (not detailed); a character is stabbed with a knife (not detailed); a character is almost hung

Sexual: kissing (not detailed)

Other: a character has amnesia; magic; magical abilities/objects/creatures; extreme prejudice between humans and other fantasy creatures; death and grief; a town is destroyed (the action of it being destroyed is not shown); a character gambled; a character was imprisoned; bones of long ago dead bodies are found in a building (not detailed)
Profile Image for JoJo Sutis.
Author 1 book43 followers
November 24, 2013
I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book!!
Jackie Castle really hooked me with the first book in the series and I was ready to go on more adventures with these characters.
Alyra is such a cool main character- I love her! I love strong female characters, but Alyra has had her share of hardships too.
I feel like she has really grown as a character as the journey has progressed.
The world Jackie has created is one of mystery & wonder…so vivid, so creative!
I literally could not stop reading…I feel so invested in these characters stories & don’t want the journey to end-though I am anticipating more in the series & can’t wait to see what the author has around the corner!
To me, this series is a creative mix of all the things I love about Narnia, Oz, and other beloved magical worlds of fiction.
Definitely one of my fave series!!
301 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2025
This book is the second book that continues the journey of The White Road Chronicles. The main character, Alyra, finds her family and meets other characters along the way. Alyra and her friends are given assignments that will help the Kingdom. It separate them from each other, but they have a ledge-0-graph so they can write ea other. I loved how much Alyra has grown.The only thing I didn't like was that I wanted her friend Tar and Alyra to be together, but this book doesn't say for sure.
Profile Image for LaShunda.
613 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2019
A beautiful tale

This tale about rulership and authority and submitting ones will, is ultimately about trust and obedience. As Alyra journeys to where the white road takes her, she discovers that things are rarely what they seem. A wonderful read.
16 reviews
January 8, 2018
Great book!

I love this series and the way this author writes. This book does not disappoint and keeps you turning the pages wanting more!
Author 11 books55 followers
December 17, 2015
Book two in this series, "Luminosity" continues Aly's story. Many great well rounded characters, including humans and creatures. Great Christian allegory about finding the strength to do what must be done for good to triumph over evil. Good writing. I am loving the series. No sexual content or swearing, there is violence. I can recommend for teens and up. Christian fantasy at it's best. I give it five stars.
Profile Image for Della Loredo.
Author 7 books8 followers
April 21, 2016
In this second book of the series, the heroine, having now reached her final destination and met her true king, is reunited with her real family, including a disdainful brother. Now she sets out on a new quest, discovering her purpose and regaining more of her stolen memories as she goes. Her friends from her first journey (first book) also set off on their own quests.

If not for the continued problem with poor editing (continued from first book, that is), I would give this book 4 stars.
Profile Image for C.A. Clark.
Author 13 books19 followers
October 29, 2015
the second installment was just as enjoyable as the first.
Profile Image for Julia Garcia.
446 reviews73 followers
April 16, 2016
Good Read

Very nice read. Has infuriating spelling and grammar mistakes, but good read. I intend to read all the books in this series. Great character development and story.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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