A.A. GORDON is the Canadian author of paranormal romance books, The Dowrra Series, and the upcoming fantasy romance trilogy Heart of the Tithriall. She grew up on a farm in Markdale, Ontario, where her imagination knew no bounds. She moved downtown Toronto to study history and English at Ryerson University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts.
GORDON finished her first novel at the age of eleven and has since written many more books. In addition to being a gifted writer, GORDON is a powerhouse of ambition and passion. In June 2018, she co-founded Runefire Publications in Southampton, Ontario with Abby Bolton and Rick Irwin, who saw the great merit of her writing. GORDON’s hope is that she can one day provide the support that new and rural Canadian authors need.
On top of managing the budding publishing company, GORDON still works part-time and enjoys an active social life. She is known for hosting grand Halloween parties, has a large family, a deeply beloved partner, and two quirky shelties. She is enthusiastic about the future of her writing career and cannot wait to share her world with you.
Heart of the Tithriall by A.A. Gordon is truly a high fantasy masterpiece, and Bane of the Wild Hunt, Book 2, has only cemented my first impressions. If you enjoy deep & intricate world-building with masterfully crafted characters, a story told from multiple POVs, and magic & lore interwoven with deepest emotions, then this series is what you've been looking for. Bane of the Wild Hunt will be released on July 31st, so mark your calendars!
Bane of the Wild Hunt has gifted me precisely what I crave in my fantasy books; it has gifted me the possibility to immerse myself in the lore, history, and mythology of the world, to question and wonder what some characters will do and how they will act, to be constantly surprised and on the edge of my seat, and to deeply feel their emotions, from the rawest pain and rage to the purest love.
In Bane of the Wild Hunt, we continue to follow two main arcs—the stories of Ornella finding her place among the Wild Hunt and Amira doing the same in the griffin kingdom. Even though the stories develop independently, they are interconnected on so many deeper levels, not just because of Ornella and Amira's friendship but also because of the deep turmoils happening in their entire world. A world filled with political intrigues, betrayals, unknown and known forces of evil, myths and stories showcasing only one side of history, and a deep yearning for power.
Sage and Ornella remain my heart's favourites, and the way Gordon has managed to convey their story is utter perfection. Sage has truly become Ornella's sanctuary, her true home, and it was so beautiful to read and witness their relationship blossoming. His deep concern for Ornella's safety and inner peace are the green flags you want to see in a character.
On the other hand, the dynamic between Amira, Riordan, and Orion has kept me anxious throughout the book. Seeing glimpses of Orion's horrific past and how he has been dealing with the aftermath of it all was heartbreaking, and even when I wanted to condemn him, I couldn't do it without taking into account his past trauma. Amira is the best thing to happen to the griffin kingdom in general, and I hope she will be the one to offer a healing hand. We have yet to see how their bond will develop, but I am sure the author will find the right path for all three.
The most intriguing character in my eyes is still Rian, as he is the type of character who can quickly go from good to bad in a matter of seconds. I feel like he is constantly balancing the edge of wrong and right, just and cruel, so I am still holding my final judgment. With the addition of some new characters, I want to see if someone will be the catalyst for all that is good in him or the one to push him to unleash his wrath and suppressed emotions on the world.
And then, the ending... The finale and the epilogue. I was left collecting pieces of my broken heart from the floor, and I feel like I need a few days to recover. Still, was the pain and the heartache worth it? Oh, it was. Bane of the Wild Hunt has given and taken all my emotions, and I would do it all again once the third book is in my hands.
In short, Bane of the Wild Hunt will gift you - deep and intricate world-building - high fantasy rooted in myths & lore - fae, witches, dryads, griffins, and other magical beings - unique bonds - found family - female rage - protective MMC - trauma rep - intrigues and betrayals - slow-burn and a story that you will never want to let go of!
A.A Gordon does it again! This is such a great continuation of the first one. It was so exciting to read the stories of all the characters. Can’t wait to see book three!
Thrilled to have been included on the ARCteam for this book. The action and love triangle will keep you at the edge of your seat. I bet you can't wait for this to come out later this month! 😉
This second book was a long book! It was such a good continuation of the story. The tension in this book had me wanting to keep turning the page and reading more! There was so much more depth within the characters that was explored and it was so nice to learn more about them. The ending has me wishing the third book was already out! This one had me feeling so much more including emotions, tension, love for the characters, and so much more!
The twists and turns of both books in the Heart of the Tithriall series are predictable in some scenarios and not in others. Following Ornella, affectionately known as Nella, alongside Amira to get differing perspectives is interesting. Overall, I enjoyed the books and want to know what happens next.
I love this series! I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book and I am happy to say that it certainly didn’t disappoint! The story continues from where the 1st book ended and its awesomeness continues throughout this book. I am so invested in both sides of the story! I love the characters and the world building, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for them 🥰
I fucking loved this book and this is easily becoming one of my favourite fantasy series. Everything about it is just phenomenal.
Don’t read if you don’t want to read small spoilers…
The world is just so rich, complex and unique and this book opens it up even more as we learn about the history and different creatures. This book is also so big but I never felt the size, it was always so engaging which made me want to keep reading. We also get more POVs in this book and I usually don’t like when multiple POVs are added because they seem unnecessary but all of them added something to the story. Another thing I have to praise the author for is by making me love following two different FMCs. I usually stay away from books following two different main characters because I always end up getting more invested in one but that does not apply to this book at all as I equally love Ornella and Amira.
I love Ornella so much and even though she remained true to herself in that she was badass, strong and a bit stubborn she became even more softer in this book because she feels safe and it’s so beautiful. We also found out more about her history and family which was heartbreaking and we really see her start to integrate with the Wild Hunt.
I fucking adore Sage and I would literally do anything for him. He is just perfect. He is so kind and loving and the patience he has for Ornella is so sweet. He is also so understanding of her and her history and is just a good man in general. They are seriously one of my favourite book couples because they have such an amazing bond.
I also love the found family element with the Wild Hunt and seeing Ornella make connections is so lovely, especially with Carrick and Asha. They are just amazing people who are so sweet to Ornella and I also loved Carrick’s connection with Rian. I also think it’s so cute that the dragons have a bond as well.
Rian is so fucking interesting I love him so much. I thought he was going to be the villain because of his hatred towards Ornella but he is so much more complex then that and it didn’t go like that at all. He was definitely the villain at times and was very cold and callous but he also cared for his people so much, especially his brothers, and he had complicated emotions and feelings. It was just amazing characterisation and I seriously adore him and I’m so interested to see where his character goes.
We also met someone in this book who is also very interesting and their backstory shattered my heart because of what they went through and I don’t know which direction this person will push Rian in.
I also loved Amira even more in this book. She is so soft and kind and giving to those who are struggling. She also gets so much shit in this book but she always handles it with such grace even though it affects her a times and she is so strong and resilient. She is so needed in the Vale and I love following her journey.
I still love my beautiful boy Riordan. He is seriously kind and understanding and the way he loves Amira is so beautiful and sweet. He is also truly a great King and just wants to do the best for his people. Amira and him also have such a deep connection and I loved seeing them grow.
In this book we get to know Riordan’s skia Orion and holy shit I hated him and at times I wanted to literally murder him but I now adore him and I’m once again obsessed. He truly was terrible to Amira but once you learn about his backstory which is just tragic and awful you understand why he was treating her that way and how it was more so a reflection of his feelings towards himself. He was actually such a heartbreaking character with so much self loathing but his relationship development with Amira was incredible. The grace Amira gave to him was so sweet and i know there will be major development between the three of them and I’m so excited.
That ending literally tore my heart out and stomped on it and I’m so so incredibly excited for the next book and even though the poor, amazing author just released this book I need the next one ASAP lol.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO A.A. GORDON. I can not thank you enough for thinking of me for book one, let alone book two!!!!
Alright, here it goes! Bane of the Wild Hunt, book two in the Heart of the Tithriall series is amazing. (I know second books in a series can be a miss, not this one!)
Do we get filler and world building? Of course, but it was written in such a way that every sentence, every word, feels intentional towards the story. The pacing and information giving is not overwhelming or even underwhelming. Underwhelming? Yes, like how books have zero action or conflict until the last 100 pages? Not in this book, my friend.
The characters themselves are complete individuals that you can relate to with their depth, their history, and their motives. It genuinely feels as if they could be real people. The growth that Ornella, Amira, and even Orion go through is not only heartwarming but a little heartbreaking(iykyk). The growth that happens between characters is also an amazing piece of this story.
This book does end on a major cliffhanger, and man, oh man, I hear for it! I didn't even know how to process what happened! I can't wait to see where book three takes us! I should also mention there are some dark themes in this book. Be sure to look into them before diving in!
That cliffhanger. Daaaaamn. This book! It was so good but the ending hurt so much. I enjoyed everyone's POVs of view, though I'm an Ornella and Sage fangirl. They are the best. Amira, Riordan and Orion I liked so I can't wait to see their future interactions hehehe. Rian and Nuala. I'm so curious as to how it will work out, and how their relationship will develop.
This book was longer than the first but I still inhale it in 3 days. I know the third one will come out soon, so I'll have to reread my fave scenes in the meantime
If you are looking for a fantasy book to chew you up and spit you out this is the one. I was very intrigued by what was happening to their world by the end of the first book but this one just tore me to shreds. The character development and growth in this was so good, their healing journeys just grip you, and the romance is top tier.
Added to all that is the social commentary on racism/classicism/oppression as well as the damage to our environment being done by way of climate change couched in a fantasy setting. It is just sheer perfection.
I will be thinking about this one for a long time.
So much good plot!! And the romances are 👏👏sweet with great understanding. Book is low spice but thrilling. And the end!!! Clifffffffhanger that tore me apart! I rarely like a second book more then the first but this was def that case
What a great book, really worth the wait from book one. We got to learn so much more about the characters and explored more. I cannot wait for the next amazing job!
I loved this one so much more than the first book. But I’ve got serious beef with the cliffhanger.
The growth in Ornella is incredible. I loved seeing her grow to trust Sage and fully open herself to him. And Amira really came into her own once she settles into the vale.
Did I rate this book 5 stars hell ya Am I emotional devastated… also yes. I have never read a world like this, and I really appreciate the character development. Also, the author is ruthless, and her characters are actually in danger.
♡ Fae, Shifters, Witches, Oh my! ♡ Entertwined Storylines ♡ Slow Burn 🔥 ♡ Enemies to Lovers AND Friends to Lovers ♡ Realm in peril ♡ Loyalties Tested ♡ Bad@ss FMCs ♡ Portal Fantasy ♡ LGBTQIA+ Rep
"You have fully consumed every part of me. My mind, my heart, my body... I crave absolutely everything about you. Your slow surrendering of trust to me, your every unrestrained smile, and your every burst of laughter."
You guys are SLEEPING on this series if you haven't started it yet. SJM, who? A.A. Gordon is a master at entwining multiple fantastical worlds (all within the same story) without over complicated world building and unnecessary filler.
I ache for these characters, especially Ornella, who is fierce and loyal and slow to give out her trust, and Sage, who just wants to keep her safe while protecting his people and remaining steadfast to the Wild Hunt.
Political rivalries and dangerous subterfuge abound in the Griffin kingdom, not to mention relationship strains between Amira, her chosen mate, and his soul brother who pines for him in secret.
These characters are on a revolving wheel of trauma and healing, a new wound opening just as another is stitched closed.
The Autumn Prince and the Griffin King are forced to make impossible choices in order to save their respective realms, but at what cost?
The writing is immersive, the world and characters consuming. There is nothing that shouldn't be there, as far as unnecessary side plots or inessential POVs. From start to finish, the reader is engaged.
This is fantasy romance at its finest, and I highly encourage everyone who is a fan of the genre to pick up this series. 🙌
3.75 ⭐️ A really great sequel that picks up the action from the first book, and ends with twist after twist and I couldn't put it down!!! Romance, betrayal, political intrigue, and magical worlds that are still being built out and fit together. Definitely a series worth picking up!!
My only complaint is this one did have long stretches where the characters in both storylines spent a lot of time providing therapy to each other for their traumas...and while I think it's a very healthy way of dealing with it all, I was a little bored reading about it.
After enjoying the first book I was eager to see where book 2 would take us. While I liked the Premise of this book it feels like something is missing. TBD if I will go to book 3 though the ending was good!
What to expect ✨Multi POV ✨ Fated Mates ✨Why choose ✨ Trauma and bonding ✨ Spicy 1/4 ✨ political intrigued
What I liked ✅ I adored Ornella and Sage. I love their relationship and the growth they experience together. It’s so nice to see a healthy relationship grow! ✅ the world that is laid out is interesting and has its own unique spin. ✅ I appreciate the depth to which we experience the trauma these characters experience and how its touched upon
What I didn’t like: ❌ I’m sorry but I really don’t care for Amira and Riordan. I’m not sure if it’s because I felt like they immediately loved each other but it doesn’t feel realistic and I found myself wanting to skip past their parts. Something was missing there 🆗 I really wish the tension was written better between all the relationships. I never felt this YES moment when a relationship would progress to the next level 🆗 not a lot happens in this book. This book is very character driven, which is fine! But for how long this book was I need a bit more to really keep me engaged.
I loved the first book—while long, it earned its length through rich world-building and a strong, plot-driven pace. I started this second installment with high hopes, but it ended up taking me weeks to get through, and not for good reasons.
The pacing in Bane of the Wild Hunt slows to a crawl. The focus shifts away from action and forward momentum into deep, repetitive introspection. Nearly every character seems to share the same internal monologue: endlessly processing trauma, over-explaining motives, and revisiting emotional beats already covered. Distinct voices blur into one. Rather than letting readers interpret behavior through action, the author spells everything out—again and again—from multiple perspectives. It began to feel less like immersive storytelling and more like being lectured about each character’s psychology.
Very little actually happens for most of the book, and by the time the plot finally does move, it ends.
I’m genuinely intrigued by the overarching story, but I can’t keep wading through such dense, circular introspection. I don’t need everything explained—I want to engage, not just be told. I won’t be continuing the series.
** This book was kindly sent to me by the author for an honest review **
Bane of the Wild Hunt, is the second book in the Heart of the Tithriall series and it was a success!
Where I feel like the first book was mostly focused around Ornella (Summer), I feel like the second book was more focused on Amira. Of course, we get to enjoy both couples, but the Gryphon society took a much bigger place this time around. Because of this, we get to meet a whole new set of secondary characters and I think Orion was my favorite. He is an asshole, but an asshole with a story and that's how I loved them!
The Hunt wasn't left behind though, and we get to witness much growth from these characters as well. The Autum Prince in particular impressed me and I'm really looking forward to their future adventures.
This book ends on a major cliffhanger, and I am seriously wondering how I will survive until book 3. I was very cruel of you Miss Gordon!!
** Dark themes are explored in this book. Check your triggers.
Another 5 fabulous ⭐ The 2nd Book did not disappoint !
We continue to follow both Ornella and Amira but we are introduced to a 3rd character.
Ornella + Sage ❤️ She is trying to find her place with the Wild Hunt and with Sage on a deeper level. Sage is everything to Ornella, we learn more about her past and how important she needs a safe haven which she finds with Sage. Truly it's was so beautiful to watch their relationship grow and see them finally accept their feeling to one another. The ending was so heartbreaking.
Amira + Riordan + Orion Their story leans more on the political side and I didn't feel the same deep connection like I did for Ornella + Sage. Riordan is reorganizing his kingdom seeing as he's been gone. Amira agrees to be Riordan mate, but cannot connect with Orion. Seeing as tradition demands the bond with both men. She is also trying to fit in his court despite the hostility she receives. Orion is jealous over Riordan's connection to Amira. He resents the idea of them completing the trio.
There is a strong force that is putting the Autumn court and The Vale at odds with each other. The lies that are being told by their allies keep them from learning what the bigger issues is.
This was a great sequel! And can I say, I like Rian more than I like Sage and I like Sage ALOT! though that plot twist at the end...
So this second installment was thrilling, and we kicked off right where we left them in the first story.
This second book felt like a filler but in a good way, of things to come. The author revealed a lot about the characters that we didn't know. And as usual, her world building was awesome. You really feel apart of the Vale or the Autumn Court.
The story continues with Nell and Sage fighting side by side for the court, Nell still deciding if she wants to be initiated into the Wild Hunt. We meet Nuala, a firewitch who has been through the WRINGER, like my goodness. I loved seeing the gentler side of the Wild Hunt as they dealt with her, well, as gentle as they can be anyway. Rian and his powers?? Love it.
I loved everything about this book, except Amira, Riordan and Orion... I don't know, I just don't like a three-way relationship, call me a prude, but there, I said it!! I'm a lot like Sage in that way. He's a prude who isn't much of a prude LOL.
The story still has multiple POVs and I liked it when it was Rian, Nell or Sage. The stories all align and it was nice to see how different actions can actually be construed across the viewpoints.
Overall, you should read this book if you like fantasy with a subplot of romance. The fantasy aspect is well fleshed out so you'll enjoy that too.
*Thank you to the amazing author who trusted me with an e-ARC copy of this book*
In the second installment of the series: "Heart of the Tithriall", we pick up with Summer and Sage, who has grown to trust each other and is slowly falling in love - this one of my all time favorite couple developments and I am absolutely obsessed with them and the animal companions.
The tension in this book is fast paced and will make you turn the pages quickly to find out what is going to happen next.
We also delve more into the love triangle with the Griffons and Amira. The ending is a heartbreaking twist of betrayal and misinformation but you will feel ALL the emotions. I cannot get this story out of my mind and I guarantee, neither will you!
These books are so...so good! I really love reading about Sage and Ornella! Their romance is unique and a breath of fresh air. I love that their love grows slowly and is built over respect and understanding, not instant blinding lust. Even progressing slowly, I can still clearly feel how much they desire and love each other, how amazing to know the surprising new facets of their love. Their parts are not boring at all, in fact I breathe for every little interaction of this couple. The other two couples are pretty much cliche so I mostly skipped them, especially the fire witch and griffin king chapters.
Bane of the Wild Hunt takes everything I loved about book one further. Multiple sexy romances brewing. Suspense surrounding the growing war. A deeper understanding of the gravity of the situation the characters are facing. More depth into the characters’ histories and what makes them the way they are. Well-written prose with an ending that will leave you begging for the next book. This fantasy series is definitely up there with the best of them. Also the covers look stunning on my bookshelf!
again it’s fine, still don’t love a throuple especially when one says they’re gay and now it feels like we’re forcing a romance with a cis woman just so he can fuck the friend he’s been in love with forever? not convinced
rian and nualla remain the most interesting, and sage and ornella i love. i like riaordan and amira as they are i don’t think they need a third, personally