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Chasing the Valley #2
Borderlands
The action-packed adventure continues in the second book of the Chasing the Valley trilogy!
Danika and her crew of escaped refugees are seeking the safety of the Magnetic Valley – and trying to evade Sharr Morrigan, the king's most lethal hunter. But the borderlands they must cross to reach the Valley are smugglers' territory: lawless, wild and steeped in ancient magic. When one of the crew is badly wounded, Danika turns to the smugglers for help – and accepts a bargain that might prove deadly.
It is Lukas, however, who hides the most dangerous secret. What has he seen through the eagle's eyes? The answer can be found in an alchemy charm and a smuggler's tale, and will lead Danika and her friends to an electrifying, unputdownable showdown.
Danika and her crew of escaped refugees are seeking the safety of the Magnetic Valley – and trying to evade Sharr Morrigan, the king's most lethal hunter. But the borderlands they must cross to reach the Valley are smugglers' territory: lawless, wild and steeped in ancient magic. When one of the crew is badly wounded, Danika turns to the smugglers for help – and accepts a bargain that might prove deadly.
It is Lukas, however, who hides the most dangerous secret. What has he seen through the eagle's eyes? The answer can be found in an alchemy charm and a smuggler's tale, and will lead Danika and her friends to an electrifying, unputdownable showdown.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2014
8 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Skye Melki-Wegner
13 books122 followersHello and thanks for visiting my Goodreads profile! I'm a writer of fantasy/ adventure books from Melbourne, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 21, 2015
As Danika Glynn and her crew of refugees, Teddy, Lukas, Maisie and Clementine continued their journey to the Magnetic Valley they were still being pursued by the king’s hunters, with Sharr Morrigan in the lead. Sharr was a vicious and lethal hunter and determined to finish off the refugees who had bested her in the past. Her proclivity was Flame, one of the most dangerous of all...
When they finally arrived at the edge of the borderlands they realized the danger had just magnified – the alchemy magic was spread throughout the land and if they went the wrong way they would be lost. Suddenly though Danika had to seek help from the smugglers whose land they had strayed onto; one of the crew was desperately injured and needed a healer quickly. And when it seemed that Lukas was hiding secrets she wondered if her trust in this boy had been misplaced.
With the king’s hunters in hot pursuit, the king’s soldiers multiplying ahead of them and the smugglers also behind – would Danika and her friends be able to continue? The race was on to beat the king before he began plan B – could they foil his plot once again? They could almost taste success – the Magnetic Valley was so close! But what more would it take to reach that longed for safety?
This is the second in the Chasing the Valley trilogy by Aussie author Skye Melki-Wegner and is just as action packed and thrilling as the first. An excellent fantasy tale and I can’t wait to read the third and final of the series. I have no hesitation in recommending Borderlands highly, but do recommend Chasing the Valley be read first.
When they finally arrived at the edge of the borderlands they realized the danger had just magnified – the alchemy magic was spread throughout the land and if they went the wrong way they would be lost. Suddenly though Danika had to seek help from the smugglers whose land they had strayed onto; one of the crew was desperately injured and needed a healer quickly. And when it seemed that Lukas was hiding secrets she wondered if her trust in this boy had been misplaced.
With the king’s hunters in hot pursuit, the king’s soldiers multiplying ahead of them and the smugglers also behind – would Danika and her friends be able to continue? The race was on to beat the king before he began plan B – could they foil his plot once again? They could almost taste success – the Magnetic Valley was so close! But what more would it take to reach that longed for safety?
This is the second in the Chasing the Valley trilogy by Aussie author Skye Melki-Wegner and is just as action packed and thrilling as the first. An excellent fantasy tale and I can’t wait to read the third and final of the series. I have no hesitation in recommending Borderlands highly, but do recommend Chasing the Valley be read first.
January 8, 2014
BORDERLANDS was the first book I read in 2014 and my first 5 star read; was an amazing thriller of a read. When I discovered that it was the second in the Chasing the Valley series, I was a bit worried because I hadn’t read the first. Not a problem at all. I was sucked into the story from the very first line and at no stage did I feel that I had missed anything. Having said that I am going to go back and read the first one to catch up on the background in depth. BORDERLANDS is a wonderful blend of adventure, science fiction and magic set in a dystopian world. In this world is the country of Taladia which is ruled over by a really nasty king who is set on conquering all the surrounding lands so he can make even more people miserable. Danika and her friends have escaped death and destruction and are heading for Magnetic Valley, an almost mythical land where everything is beautiful and peaceful. They have survived getting out of the city, now they have to survive the borderlands. They are being hunted by the king’s special troop of hunters who have everything to gain by capturing the group; on top of this little set back of being hunted there are smugglers with ulterior motives and a huge army between the group and their destination.
In Taladia everyone has a magical ability, when they reach their late teens their ability becomes known and a little tattoo appears on the back of their neck that reveals the ability. Danika is just learning hers – it is night. She can create an illusion spell to hide herself and the others, and she can melt into darkness and get through solid things. Others in her group can control animals, start fires and become one with birds. BORDERLANDS is about friendship and working as a team despite personality clashes; it is about using your magical talent and it is about ethics; most of all though BORDERLANDS is about survival. Fast paced, full of drama and humor the story was action packed, I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next. The ending was great, edge of the seat stuff, and with some deaths but nothing graphic. It is good to know that there is a third book to come (due out in July 1914 and hasn’t been given a title yet) but this knowledge means that possible the nasty old king is going to have another crack at conquering the world – or is he vanquished finally? Will the Magnetic Valley be the utopia Danika and her friends are hoping for? All will be revealed I’m sure, and I plan to be front and center getting it when it comes out. I HAVE TO KNOW what happens in the end.
In Taladia everyone has a magical ability, when they reach their late teens their ability becomes known and a little tattoo appears on the back of their neck that reveals the ability. Danika is just learning hers – it is night. She can create an illusion spell to hide herself and the others, and she can melt into darkness and get through solid things. Others in her group can control animals, start fires and become one with birds. BORDERLANDS is about friendship and working as a team despite personality clashes; it is about using your magical talent and it is about ethics; most of all though BORDERLANDS is about survival. Fast paced, full of drama and humor the story was action packed, I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next. The ending was great, edge of the seat stuff, and with some deaths but nothing graphic. It is good to know that there is a third book to come (due out in July 1914 and hasn’t been given a title yet) but this knowledge means that possible the nasty old king is going to have another crack at conquering the world – or is he vanquished finally? Will the Magnetic Valley be the utopia Danika and her friends are hoping for? All will be revealed I’m sure, and I plan to be front and center getting it when it comes out. I HAVE TO KNOW what happens in the end.
October 17, 2015
*This review contains spoilers, mainly because I’m terrible at writing one without them, they are covered though*
In the second book of the trilogy, Danika and her crew have successfully destroyed King Morrigan’s stash of Curiefer and are now heading once again to the Magnetic Valley.
However, turns out what they destroyed was only PLAN A, for the King has a PLAN B, putting a damp once more to the crews plan.
Along their journey to stop the King, they encounter smugglers and a new acquaintance within them named Silver, who will be of much help to the crew and holds the key to their success, they are forced to leave friends behind, run away from new and old enemies and will be surprised when an old friend makes a reappearance.
Onto the review.
The story was an improvement from the last book. Undeniably quick-paced, the characters didn’t even get much time off before they had to, once again, run for their lives or deal with a new threat. In fact, I’d say that’s one of the things what made this book so frustrating, I mean seriously, give the kids a break dear god.
Overall though, I’m happy with the story and the ending. I’ll admit, however, the supposed ‘’twists’’ and ’’surprises’’ weren’t much of either, I could pretty much guess/smell them from the get-go.
Let’s move onto characters, boy oh boy do I have a lot to say about them.
I really don’t like Danika.
I swear I tried, really did, and she’s not even THAT bad, but I just…I can’t deal with her anymore. She was such an immature idiot and sometimes hypocritical too. Hell, I’ll give her that at her most selfish moments she would realize how dumb she was and mentally slap herself for such thoughts, and that sometimes she was pretty badass.
But her.
And that bloody obsession with Lukas
I just, I couldn’t deal with her shit. It really was the biggest turn-off of the book.
You see this in the first few pages and you think, finally! there’s going to be a bit of development to their romance!
But no.
It was a lie.
The romance, or well, ’’romance’’ was basically Lukas, once again, gone to do his ’’I need to save Taladia from the hands of my evil family!!! I need to do this alone because hurrdurr I’m a strong independent man'' and her just mentioning him non-stop until they finally meet again. It was so bloody annoying, you know? Like okay babe I get it, but if you mention his name 40 more times it isn’t going to make a difference, I cringed so hard when the name Lukas popped up because 99% of the time, it was Danika and her maiden heart calling out to her beloved prince.
Oh but hang in there, I’m not done yet:
Ironically, not long before that (book timeline) she was hating on Lukas because of the same reasons she snapped at Maisy for. Because of his family.
oh my goooooodd can you not? you’re supposed to be a hardened 16 year old for heaven’s sake, not a whiny one. Hell, the richies are more mature than you!
Hey, this would’ve been a sweet scene, If they, you know, weren’t about to drown. Ffs Danika, are you thick or something?
I’m sorry. I just couldn’t deal with her and this goddamn out-of-the-blue romance.
Onto what I DID enjoy (yes I did enjoy some parts, hush now).
Secondary characters. I fucking loved how they developed throughout the story, maturing and becoming way more reasonable and thoughtful.
Maisy was one of my favourites since the last book, and I can proudly say she outdid herself, she was amazing. Man, her character has changed so much since the beginning, I just can’t believe how well she’s progressed.
Then there’s Teddy, oh my beautiful Teddy.
I just…GAH. He’s so perfect. The humour relief of this book, he’s funny and flirty, but can get serious when necessary, how can you not love him?
And the thing he and Clementine have going on though. I’m loving how you can see them slowly develop feelings for each other. Or maybe it’s just my imagination, but if it isn’t, THAT’S how a romance should be done, with care and patience. Seriously.
Moving on to the bad guys of this thing. Firstly, we have Sharr:
Initially you think, ’oh finally now that she’s fueled with revenge she’ll be an even bigger bitch and we’ll definitely hate her! because that character development tho!
Sorry to break it to you, but she’s hardly around and when she is, it’s pretty boring.
Lastly, I’ve not much to say about the ending. Happy, as usual. Very thrilling as it was drawing nearer and then yay freedom! I’m quite satisfied.
Overall, I need a break from Danika. I’ll read the third for sure, but for now, I’m moving onto a new series.
In the second book of the trilogy, Danika and her crew have successfully destroyed King Morrigan’s stash of Curiefer and are now heading once again to the Magnetic Valley.
However, turns out what they destroyed was only PLAN A, for the King has a PLAN B, putting a damp once more to the crews plan.
Along their journey to stop the King, they encounter smugglers and a new acquaintance within them named Silver, who will be of much help to the crew and holds the key to their success, they are forced to leave friends behind, run away from new and old enemies and will be surprised when an old friend makes a reappearance.
Onto the review.
The story was an improvement from the last book. Undeniably quick-paced, the characters didn’t even get much time off before they had to, once again, run for their lives or deal with a new threat. In fact, I’d say that’s one of the things what made this book so frustrating, I mean seriously, give the kids a break dear god.
Overall though, I’m happy with the story and the ending. I’ll admit, however, the supposed ‘’twists’’ and ’’surprises’’ weren’t much of either, I could pretty much guess/smell them from the get-go.
Let’s move onto characters, boy oh boy do I have a lot to say about them.
I really don’t like Danika.
I swear I tried, really did, and she’s not even THAT bad, but I just…I can’t deal with her anymore. She was such an immature idiot and sometimes hypocritical too. Hell, I’ll give her that at her most selfish moments she would realize how dumb she was and mentally slap herself for such thoughts, and that sometimes she was pretty badass.
But her.
And that bloody obsession with Lukas
I just, I couldn’t deal with her shit. It really was the biggest turn-off of the book.
’Mind if I join you?’ Lukas says.
‘Yeah, of course.’ I’m slightly flustered by how his breath tickles the back of my neck. ‘I mean, of course you can join me – not of course I mind. I mean…’
You see this in the first few pages and you think, finally! there’s going to be a bit of development to their romance!
But no.
It was a lie.
The romance, or well, ’’romance’’ was basically Lukas, once again, gone to do his ’’I need to save Taladia from the hands of my evil family!!! I need to do this alone because hurrdurr I’m a strong independent man'' and her just mentioning him non-stop until they finally meet again. It was so bloody annoying, you know? Like okay babe I get it, but if you mention his name 40 more times it isn’t going to make a difference, I cringed so hard when the name Lukas popped up because 99% of the time, it was Danika and her maiden heart calling out to her beloved prince.
Oh but hang in there, I’m not done yet:
’You’re wrong’
Maisy doesn’t look up from her knees. ‘I hope so.’
‘I know so,’ I snap, too affected by her words to even soften my tone. ‘What do you think he is, some kind of traitor? Just because he’s the king’s son? It’s not his fault who his father is – people can’t choose their relatives.’
Ironically, not long before that (book timeline) she was hating on Lukas because of the same reasons she snapped at Maisy for. Because of his family.
Our kiss in the tower was just a kiss […] Clearly it didn’t mean anything to Lukas, so why should it mean anything to me?’
His voice is hoarse. ‘Danika, I – ‘
‘Shhh.’ I wrap my arms around him and press my face against his neck.
Hey, this would’ve been a sweet scene, If they, you know, weren’t about to drown. Ffs Danika, are you thick or something?
I’m sorry. I just couldn’t deal with her and this goddamn out-of-the-blue romance.
Onto what I DID enjoy (yes I did enjoy some parts, hush now).
Secondary characters. I fucking loved how they developed throughout the story, maturing and becoming way more reasonable and thoughtful.
Maisy was one of my favourites since the last book, and I can proudly say she outdid herself, she was amazing. Man, her character has changed so much since the beginning, I just can’t believe how well she’s progressed.
Then there’s Teddy, oh my beautiful Teddy.
‘And hey – It’d be a shame to rob the world of my most impressive feature.’
Clementine raises an eyebrow. ‘Meaning…?’
Teddy looks down suggestively, then wiggles his hands at her with a laugh. ‘These things, of course. Best damned pickpocketing hands in Taladia.’
I just…GAH. He’s so perfect. The humour relief of this book, he’s funny and flirty, but can get serious when necessary, how can you not love him?
And the thing he and Clementine have going on though. I’m loving how you can see them slowly develop feelings for each other. Or maybe it’s just my imagination, but if it isn’t, THAT’S how a romance should be done, with care and patience. Seriously.
Moving on to the bad guys of this thing. Firstly, we have Sharr:
’So she’s on the run now?’ I twist around to meet his eyes. ‘Just like us?’
‘Yeah. Just like us. And I know why she’s chasing us.’ Lukas takes a breath. ‘Danika, we ruined everything that matters to her. All her ambitions, all her hopes of inheriting the throne. She wants revenge.’
Initially you think, ’oh finally now that she’s fueled with revenge she’ll be an even bigger bitch and we’ll definitely hate her! because that character development tho!
Sorry to break it to you, but she’s hardly around and when she is, it’s pretty boring.
Lastly, I’ve not much to say about the ending. Happy, as usual. Very thrilling as it was drawing nearer and then yay freedom! I’m quite satisfied.
Overall, I need a break from Danika. I’ll read the third for sure, but for now, I’m moving onto a new series.
July 18, 2014
'You can't have light without dark, and you can't have stars without the night.'
Just as fast paced and action packed as the first book, Borderlands was an entertaining read that managed to answer all the questions I had from Chasing the Valley. I really liked how there is a nice recap weaved into the first few chapters of Borderlands. It'd been a while since I'd read the first book, so a lot of the details had slipped from my mind, and having that subtle recapping was really quite useful.
Written in first person present tense, there's a very modern narrative voice which seems to suggest to me that it's targeted at younger readers. Things are often also very overtly stated- and the twists are sort of (by which I mean very) obvious. Again, I think this is probably because it's targeted at a slightly younger age group.
A lot of the things that were left unexplained in the first book, such as why the proclivity marks were covered up and where exactly charms come from, are explored fully in this one, definitely decreasing the issues I had with the world building. The general world building was pretty good, with more of the magic system being explained. Although I must say, there was a sorrowful lack of foxaries (these massive foxes that people ride around like horses, omg gimme one now) in this one haha.
Whereas the first book was very centred on action and adventure (and trying to reach the Magnetic Valley), the sequel is more focused on the development of Danika's character. I mean, obviously they're still trying to reach the Magnetic Valley in order to be safe from the King and the Hunters etc, but the plot was also about Danika trying to get over the guilt of causing a character's death as well as her attempting to overcome her fear of using her proclivity.
Everyone who enjoyed the first book to some degree should be reading this sequel- it's just as fabulous as the first. Much like Chasing the Valley, Borderlands ends on a slightly cliffhangery ending with the promise of more adventure to come.
Ratings
Overall: 9/10
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
World Building: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Cover: 2/5
Just as fast paced and action packed as the first book, Borderlands was an entertaining read that managed to answer all the questions I had from Chasing the Valley. I really liked how there is a nice recap weaved into the first few chapters of Borderlands. It'd been a while since I'd read the first book, so a lot of the details had slipped from my mind, and having that subtle recapping was really quite useful.
Written in first person present tense, there's a very modern narrative voice which seems to suggest to me that it's targeted at younger readers. Things are often also very overtly stated- and the twists are sort of (by which I mean very) obvious. Again, I think this is probably because it's targeted at a slightly younger age group.
A lot of the things that were left unexplained in the first book, such as why the proclivity marks were covered up and where exactly charms come from, are explored fully in this one, definitely decreasing the issues I had with the world building. The general world building was pretty good, with more of the magic system being explained. Although I must say, there was a sorrowful lack of foxaries (these massive foxes that people ride around like horses, omg gimme one now) in this one haha.
Whereas the first book was very centred on action and adventure (and trying to reach the Magnetic Valley), the sequel is more focused on the development of Danika's character. I mean, obviously they're still trying to reach the Magnetic Valley in order to be safe from the King and the Hunters etc, but the plot was also about Danika trying to get over the guilt of causing a character's death as well as her attempting to overcome her fear of using her proclivity.
Everyone who enjoyed the first book to some degree should be reading this sequel- it's just as fabulous as the first. Much like Chasing the Valley, Borderlands ends on a slightly cliffhangery ending with the promise of more adventure to come.
Ratings
Overall: 9/10
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
World Building: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Cover: 2/5
December 11, 2014
Chasing the Valley: The Borderlands is the second book in Skye Melki-Wegner's Chasing the Valley series. Danika and her crew are fleeing Shar Morrigan and her hunters after destroying the tyrannical King's airbase (think Sadam Hussein). As they enter the magical wetlands between the kingdom and the valley - the only way to the free lands in the east - they find new challenges and realise that they haven't stopped the King's invasion of the lands beyond the valley as the King has a plan B. Danika must begin to trust her proclivity of Night and fight to stop the King, escape the hunters and save her friends, especially Lukas, from disaster.
The Borderlands is fast-paced, action-packed book. It introduces new characters and plot twists. I enjoyed the book though at times the pace was unrelenting, the twists not all that surprising. The smugglers introduce a new and interesting element to the story and the climax was suitably satisfying leaving room for the next book.
Overall, I did enjoy reading this book though I think I would have liked a few more lights in the picture to give weight to the constant darks. I will be reading the next book to see how Danika, Lukas and the others fare.
The Borderlands is fast-paced, action-packed book. It introduces new characters and plot twists. I enjoyed the book though at times the pace was unrelenting, the twists not all that surprising. The smugglers introduce a new and interesting element to the story and the climax was suitably satisfying leaving room for the next book.
Overall, I did enjoy reading this book though I think I would have liked a few more lights in the picture to give weight to the constant darks. I will be reading the next book to see how Danika, Lukas and the others fare.
May 3, 2014
:D it was so much better than the 1st book managed to read it in one day
So many good twists :D
Some of them were a bit obvious though D:
Overall though fantastic
Cant wait till SKYFIRE coming out in JULY
So many good twists :D
Some of them were a bit obvious though D:
Overall though fantastic
Cant wait till SKYFIRE coming out in JULY
May 8, 2014
better than the first book. got to know about the proclivity's more. and a fantastic plot but you can guess what was going to happen. but i like it anyway.
February 12, 2018
Sadly this second book in the trilogy seemed like a lot of filler (a bit like the 7th Harry Potter movie) It took forever for anything to happen, and the death of a certain character came way too rapidly after their reappearance. Finally they get to where they’ve been heading for the last 2 books. Yay. I’m going to read the final one just to see what happens.
September 2, 2017
Rating: 4.5 stars
I feel like a proud mother right now. My babies have matured quite a bit compared to the first book. Also the friendship in this series.....SO good!
I feel like a proud mother right now. My babies have matured quite a bit compared to the first book. Also the friendship in this series.....SO good!
April 4, 2018
I really enjoyed it
July 13, 2018
Loved it! Great plot that keeps you reading, characters that you get to know and care about, interesting magical powers and a strong female lead character.
March 30, 2019
Enjoyed the story. Not as much as the first one but still enjoyed it. Will read book 3
October 19, 2020
I great read! My only complaint was that the ending was a little over explained for me, but other than that I love the theme of this book.
June 1, 2021
Kept me on the edge of my seat. And the plot keeps twisting. Great read!
January 24, 2018
sooo happy they made it! I wonder what the third book will be about
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2014
Chasing the Valley: Borderlands by Skye Melki-Wegner is the second book in the Chasing the Valley trilogy. I have previously reviewed the first book, Chasing the Valley. If you haven't read the first book, it's probably best to skip this review if you're spoiler averse. I'm pretty sure just the blurb contains a bit of spoiler.
"Unputdownable" is a silly word, but it is a good descriptor in this case. As soon as I started reading Borderlands, I was wondering why I hadn't picked it up sooner (it's been out for 6 months). Oh well, at least I don't have to wait to read the third book, which has just come out.
Borderlands has everything I loved about Chasing the Valley, including things I had forgotten I loved. Five(ish) teenagers continue their difficult and high-stakes journey from their home city to the mythical Valley where they hope to seek asylum. They're still being chased by the King's ruthless hunters (and one in particular who has it out for them) and, even without that, the going is tough.
Danika and the crew meet new people, loose people, gain other people... actually one of the things that has really amused me across both the first two books is that, after learning before they left that a crew of five is the optimal number to survive the journey to the valley, they crew has almost continuously contained five people. Not always the same five people, but five people. So I guess the advice at the start was right (and it probably shouldn't amuse me as much as it has).
There was only one small thing that bothered me in this book and it really was small. Without venturing into spoilers, there was one point where some valuable (and useful) stuff was available to be easily grabbed, and we're not told whether anyone did grab it. Only, through omission, that Danika did not. I'm hoping it comes up again in the third book and we learn that Teddy the thief grabbed it when Danika wasn't looking. Sorry about the vagueness, there.
Honestly, I don't have much else to say about Borderlands. I really enjoyed it, for all the same reasons I enjoyed the first book. The worldbuilding, including the magic system, is pretty original, particularly in execution. The behaviour of the royal family continues to be baffling — possibly too baffling, in terms of plausible sustainability — but works with the story. Looking back at my review of book 1, I see that I objected to the fact that everyone seemed to obey the taboo of not exposing their necks before they turned eighteen and could safely reveal their proclivity (type of magic). That was actually addressed in book 2, when they meet people who live outside the law in a different way to the main characters. So yay.
Basically, Chasing the Valley continues to be an excellent series. I highly recommend it to any fans of fantasy, especially anyone interested in fairly original, alchemical fantasy. It is a series to be enjoyed by all readers, young and old. Although I won't argue that it is indeed YA (the main characters are around seventeen), it doesn't necessarily "feel" like YA secondary world fantasy. Possibly because my experience with other YA secondary world fantasies has been less good, but if you're in the same boat, don't pass up Chasing the Valley.
4.5 / 5 stars
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
"Unputdownable" is a silly word, but it is a good descriptor in this case. As soon as I started reading Borderlands, I was wondering why I hadn't picked it up sooner (it's been out for 6 months). Oh well, at least I don't have to wait to read the third book, which has just come out.
Borderlands has everything I loved about Chasing the Valley, including things I had forgotten I loved. Five(ish) teenagers continue their difficult and high-stakes journey from their home city to the mythical Valley where they hope to seek asylum. They're still being chased by the King's ruthless hunters (and one in particular who has it out for them) and, even without that, the going is tough.
Danika and the crew meet new people, loose people, gain other people... actually one of the things that has really amused me across both the first two books is that, after learning before they left that a crew of five is the optimal number to survive the journey to the valley, they crew has almost continuously contained five people. Not always the same five people, but five people. So I guess the advice at the start was right (and it probably shouldn't amuse me as much as it has).
There was only one small thing that bothered me in this book and it really was small. Without venturing into spoilers, there was one point where some valuable (and useful) stuff was available to be easily grabbed, and we're not told whether anyone did grab it. Only, through omission, that Danika did not. I'm hoping it comes up again in the third book and we learn that Teddy the thief grabbed it when Danika wasn't looking. Sorry about the vagueness, there.
Honestly, I don't have much else to say about Borderlands. I really enjoyed it, for all the same reasons I enjoyed the first book. The worldbuilding, including the magic system, is pretty original, particularly in execution. The behaviour of the royal family continues to be baffling — possibly too baffling, in terms of plausible sustainability — but works with the story. Looking back at my review of book 1, I see that I objected to the fact that everyone seemed to obey the taboo of not exposing their necks before they turned eighteen and could safely reveal their proclivity (type of magic). That was actually addressed in book 2, when they meet people who live outside the law in a different way to the main characters. So yay.
Basically, Chasing the Valley continues to be an excellent series. I highly recommend it to any fans of fantasy, especially anyone interested in fairly original, alchemical fantasy. It is a series to be enjoyed by all readers, young and old. Although I won't argue that it is indeed YA (the main characters are around seventeen), it doesn't necessarily "feel" like YA secondary world fantasy. Possibly because my experience with other YA secondary world fantasies has been less good, but if you're in the same boat, don't pass up Chasing the Valley.
4.5 / 5 stars
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
June 9, 2015
Wellp. It looks like this one’s pretty much the same as the last.
WALKING.
Admittedly, this one was better than Chasing the Valley. It still pissed me off though.
Packed full of magic, betrayal, and ultimately water-related adventure, Borderlands reunites us with the same flat, undeveloped characters at the last, with more waiting to be introduced at every chapter. Sit impatiently as you are forced to fall for boring, one-dimensional that you don’t know the first thing about and are dragged along with ships that don’t even make logical sense. Struggle to comprehend the law of proclivities, alchemy and magic in a world of people that are pretty much hide from all that, yet rely on their magical tattooed talents for everything and cast human capability aside.
In the second installment of Chasing the Valley, we aren’t any closer to knowing any more about any of Danika Glynn’s crew. There is no backstory given, no childhood memories revealed… no further clues as to who any of these teenagers are as people. Fucking Maisy and her two-faced shitty/non-existent character development arrrggghhhhhhhhh.
Lukas, once again, failed to rise to my basic character development requirements in a novel. It seems he has one job: be a gentlemanly dead loss, flat character with no relevance to the plot other than being a royal shit and, of course, the terribly-thought-out love interest… and to grunt a lot.
[Lukas] grunts a little, adjusting his weight…
Lukas emits a grunt of pain behind me…
[Lukas] falls beneath my weight and we roll, a jumble of limbs and grunts.
Wow, good job, Melki-Wegner, you’ve successfully created a human being with one noise setting.
The plot, as always, was worthy of praise, being both as complex and intriguing as the last. So congrats to this author for whatever it was she wanted to write about… just not so much the writing itself.
Will be reading the next one. Review soon.
July 22, 2015
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/02/b...
The Chasing the Valley series has skyrocketed to one my favourite series. Book one was among my top five reads of last year, and Borderlands blows it out of the water. It's the ultimate blend of an oppressive rule, a post apocalyptic landscape, adventure, survival and a touch of romance, beautifully woven into a heart stopping storyline. The crew is still clinging to the Magnetic Valley being their savior, with Danika having nothing to return to. The alchemy bombs destroyed her home, killing her family in the process. Danika is struggling with her feelings towards Lukas, the crew don't trust the son of the King himself and perhaps with good reason. But more than a few twists arise along the way, and one you won't see coming. I loved the element of surprise, it's unpredictable and will keep you guessing to the very end.
It was once only Australian young adult contemporary novels that were receiving accolades, but the magical mix of fantasy and dystopian being released by Australian authors is incredible, and Skye Melki Wegner is leading the charge. The release of Skyfire, the final in this incredible trilogy, can't come soon enough.
Bravo Skye, Bravo.
The Chasing the Valley series has skyrocketed to one my favourite series. Book one was among my top five reads of last year, and Borderlands blows it out of the water. It's the ultimate blend of an oppressive rule, a post apocalyptic landscape, adventure, survival and a touch of romance, beautifully woven into a heart stopping storyline. The crew is still clinging to the Magnetic Valley being their savior, with Danika having nothing to return to. The alchemy bombs destroyed her home, killing her family in the process. Danika is struggling with her feelings towards Lukas, the crew don't trust the son of the King himself and perhaps with good reason. But more than a few twists arise along the way, and one you won't see coming. I loved the element of surprise, it's unpredictable and will keep you guessing to the very end.
It was once only Australian young adult contemporary novels that were receiving accolades, but the magical mix of fantasy and dystopian being released by Australian authors is incredible, and Skye Melki Wegner is leading the charge. The release of Skyfire, the final in this incredible trilogy, can't come soon enough.
Bravo Skye, Bravo.
October 12, 2016
This is a brilliant, action packed series. Absolutely EPIC!!!
October 12, 2023
'Hate to break it to you, Teddy, but it looks like your mushrooms were in a partying mood.'
This book continues to explore the relationships between the different crew members, some new characters, and Taladia itself. There's a more specific setting this time: the - you guessed it - Borderlands. There are some parts where the story's pacing could have been a bit better. Sometimes, it feels as if it's slowing down a bit too much, but thankfully Melki-Wegner always adds something new to the mix that makes everything start off again. There's more background about the history of Taladia here as well, which is really interesting too. The way alchemy and the proclivities work is touched upon. I'm still curious to learn more about Danika's illusion trick, though.
There are some major twists added in this book, for instance concerning some of the characters in the latter half of the story. Although the book sometimes feels a bit as if it's for twelve- or fourteen-year-olds, the contents themselves lean more towards a sixteen-year-old or older public. Not that I'm complaining!
7.5/10
This book continues to explore the relationships between the different crew members, some new characters, and Taladia itself. There's a more specific setting this time: the - you guessed it - Borderlands. There are some parts where the story's pacing could have been a bit better. Sometimes, it feels as if it's slowing down a bit too much, but thankfully Melki-Wegner always adds something new to the mix that makes everything start off again. There's more background about the history of Taladia here as well, which is really interesting too. The way alchemy and the proclivities work is touched upon. I'm still curious to learn more about Danika's illusion trick, though.
There are some major twists added in this book, for instance concerning some of the characters in the latter half of the story. Although the book sometimes feels a bit as if it's for twelve- or fourteen-year-olds, the contents themselves lean more towards a sixteen-year-old or older public. Not that I'm complaining!
7.5/10
January 26, 2015
YAYYYYY!!!!! MY FIRST BOOK OF THE YEAR!!!! WHOOOOOOO!!! :D
"Borderlands" was a nice read, but not quite my cup of tea. Skye has a writing style that makes her characters real – with all the messy, realistic knock-about details. There wasn’t your smooth show of grandeur but simply five run-away teenagers who were trying to survive and protect their future. There was no quest or greater purpose, but there was love and adventure all the same. Skye’s writing gives you real people, real stories, in a world different to ours.
I enjoyed the book and will finish off the series, but it was not so fantastic that I would read it again or buy a copy of my own.
"Borderlands" was a nice read, but not quite my cup of tea. Skye has a writing style that makes her characters real – with all the messy, realistic knock-about details. There wasn’t your smooth show of grandeur but simply five run-away teenagers who were trying to survive and protect their future. There was no quest or greater purpose, but there was love and adventure all the same. Skye’s writing gives you real people, real stories, in a world different to ours.
I enjoyed the book and will finish off the series, but it was not so fantastic that I would read it again or buy a copy of my own.
June 18, 2015
Loved it! Absolutely 100% enjoyed this novel, perhaps even more than the first one? I'm not sure, but they were both AWESOME! It took me maybe... 2 pages to get back into the story, but once I did, I just did not want to put it down!
Yes, some of the 'revelations' I guessed pretty early on, but that never detracted from my enjoyment of the novel. Fantasy, magic, betrayal, smugglers and secrets and so, SO much action and danger! Loved it and will definitely be recommending it - a lot.
Yes, some of the 'revelations' I guessed pretty early on, but that never detracted from my enjoyment of the novel. Fantasy, magic, betrayal, smugglers and secrets and so, SO much action and danger! Loved it and will definitely be recommending it - a lot.
December 28, 2014
I love these books! They're so much fun and the world is brillent. I've noticed books by Australia authors don't really get out to other countries but seriously if you love dystopian/fantasy/steampunk ya give this series a go
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So the second book is the best. Even if it did have limited Lucas, it was set in the borderlands which are amazing! You get to see the first glimpses of tedentine (teddy + clementine) and it is CUTE! I love it!
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So the second book is the best. Even if it did have limited Lucas, it was set in the borderlands which are amazing! You get to see the first glimpses of tedentine (teddy + clementine) and it is CUTE! I love it!
July 29, 2014
Borderlands lived up to the fast-paced action, thrilling nature and riveting plot of its predecessor, Chasing the Valley. I'll admit that the start took a while to get into the story, hence the rating, but the ending and characters bought it home for me. Such a great series from a young Australian author who has such a talent in setting the scene of such a moving story.
March 20, 2015
i forgot how much i love this series. i read the first book over a year ago and reading this book made me feel nostalgic. i remember falling in love with the characters the first time and i fell in love with them all over again. this book did not disappoint and im so scared to read the final book and find out what happens
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December 4, 2015Katharine is a judge for the Sara Douglass 'Book Series' Award. This entry is the personal opinion of Katharine herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
January 15, 2015
3.5.
Wow! I didn't expect it to be that good. I read the first book and was like meh but this book really stepped up, really came together and made this a great book. Can't wait to read the third book, and see how this great trilogy ends.
Wow! I didn't expect it to be that good. I read the first book and was like meh but this book really stepped up, really came together and made this a great book. Can't wait to read the third book, and see how this great trilogy ends.
December 30, 2015
Why has this series not been made into movies yet???
Love it, can't put them down.
A fab mix of dystopia, fantasy with a bit of steampunk added in for fun.
Love the characters and how the friendships have developed
Love it, can't put them down.
A fab mix of dystopia, fantasy with a bit of steampunk added in for fun.
Love the characters and how the friendships have developed
May 18, 2014
Amazzzinggg series ! Love Lukas and Danika
December 24, 2013
The amazing ride continues.....hold onto your seats! A brilliant sequel.
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