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!
I didn't realise till the last 10% that this is supposed to have another book after this one. Hopefully it will come out sometime soon as I am curious as to what will happen. These books are long, a lot of things are happening, at the same time the two separate love storylines are developing extremely slowly (2 books in and the first couple only gets to make out and leave hickeys on each other? like, bruh)
I would say the first book was more action packed. This one was full of inner monologues and self reflections, a lot of talking about feelings, trauma and so on. Perhaps too much for my taste.
Overall, the series have lots of potential and it's a shame it's not more popular as this world or multiple worlds are quite unique while using typical fantasy creatures.
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! 😉
⭐ V&V RATING Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ Emotional Damage: 🖤🖤 Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Tension, Found Family, “Man” vs. Nature, Political Intrigue
✨ VIBE CHECK If you liked… Lord of the Rings, but want it with a classic fantasy vibe + slow burn romance
💭 REVIEW THOUGHTS
This. Series. Is. SO. Underrated!!!
This book was so good that I had to go back to the first book in the series, Captive of the Wild Hunt, and added a star. This series is not yet complete but I have no doubt it will be five stars!
I fell in love with the characters this time. The first book did a fantastic job of building this lush, beautiful world for us, we were introduced to the characters, but this book is REALLY where we get to know so much more about them, and how they are all linked!
This series speaks to serious issues in the world today from bodily autonomy, to class systems, to immigration and acceptance of those who are different from us. It also dives deeper into how humans impact the worlds around us - those we can see, as well as those we may never know are there.
I CANNOT WAIT to dive into the third book - Wrath of the Wild Hunt once it releases as I know A.A. Gordon’s writing will NOT disappoint!
🎧 AUDIOBOOK REVIEW THOUGHTS
Nikki Grey and Anthony Palmini did a fantastic job with the narration.
Narration Quality: Great - No notes! Performance Style (single, duet, dual, full cast, graphic audio): Dual Pacing: Perfect Audio Clarity: Perfect Narrator Rating(s): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
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.
Y’all. Don’t sleep on this series! A.A. Gordon has given us 2 phenomenal books to start the Heart of the Tithriall series. I didn’t think I could love this book as much as I loved Book 1 - Captive of the Wild Hunt. And I have never been so glad to be wrong! This was a fantastic sequel.
We continue to get rich world building in this book, and I found myself completely immersed in lore of this rich fantasy world. We also got some political intrigue in this one now that Riordan has made his way back to the Vale, which I loved.
Ornella and Sage have my heart. The slow burn is slowly igniting between these 2, and their relationship is truly starting to blossom. Ornella continues to learn and grow in her journey to join the Wild Hunt, and I can’t wait to see more of her in Book 3.
I also enjoyed the progression of Amira and Riordan’s relationship, and I believe we’ll be getting some why choose action in their relationship soon! 👀 Until then, poor Orion has been going through it. 😅
We got more from the leader of the Wild Hunt, Rian, in this book as he went off on a side quest to save Nuala - a fire witch who is also a Seer. I’m so intrigued by Rian and this new storyline.
The ending of this one is heart wrenching. 😭 Ornella was teetering right on the edge of claiming her place in the Wild Hunt, and the events at the end of this book will certainly have pushed her right over that edge. I’m so glad Book 3’s release is right around the corner because I don’t think I could wait much longer to find out what happens next! 🍂✨
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
4.25 ⭐ The series continues to be an interesting story with multiple POVs and layered characters. The magic system, politics, and relationships are well done. I found Rian to be the most interesting character and his scenes with Nuala were fascinating. Sage is such a calming presence and his conversations with Ornella are endearing and at times comical (she exasperates him on occasion). I don't care for the direction things are going in for Amira, Riordan and Orion but I'll still continue with the next installment because that cliffhanger and allll its implications!
Bane of the Wild Hunt takes everything from book one and makes it bigger, deeper, and way more immersive. The worldbuilding is insane in the best way, so layered and detailed, but never overwhelming. It’s so easy to get lost in this book!
And the characters?? Even better this time. Everyone feels more real and more complex.
Such an amazing continuation and one of those sequels that reminds you exactly why you were obsessed with book one.
Another wonderful richly imagined book from AA Gordon! I was fully engrossed. This was a fantastic sequel to book 1! I love Ornella and Sage! I also really loved the character development in this sequel. We get to know more of Rian, which I loved! This book had me in my feels and on the edge of seat! Ohh and the way this ended! I cannot wait to jump into book 3!
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. 🙌
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.
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.
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
What a great series! This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I typically don’t like multiple POVs, but I love all these characters and their storylines. The author does a fantastic job in crafting her characters and their dynamics. I can’t wait for the next book.