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Seraphine's Chosen #2
The Vault
No hidden maps. No secret words written among the dotted specks of white. His fingers itched to touch the paint and peel it away to whatever lie beneath—to whatever felt both so horribly familiar yet strange.
With about half the keys in Noa's possession and a horrible discovery that several members of a project to emulate lost magic through a device, it's looking far more likely that this mission to find the Vault isn't as much of a fabled fool's errand as she originally thought. Every piece is seemingly falling into place, heralding the coming of the dark with the light of magic dwindling to sparks.
As Noa's priorities shift with the newly-planted thought that she's the one chosen to see this task through after the loss of her would-be-Seer and surrogate father, Lazarus, she decides that it might be better to distance herself from that growing bond she's found comfort in with Glacier. After all, his place is with his kingdom, and once they reach the end—whatever their fates might be—there won't be any place for a group of killers and thieves in his life.
However, Noa doesn't realize that the other half of her quest's fated set might actually be standing next to her.
Glacier is starting to unravel, thanks to that echo of power rippling along the surface of his soul. Power that he's not willing to accept, let alone acknowledge, with the crushing weight of what might be awaiting him back in Amarais. Being Miraltan is one thing, but a powerful Seer—a Mage—is another. And with one daemon-summoning adversary recognizing that potential, it's only a matter of time before he's hunted for his magic instead of just his blood.
With about half the keys in Noa's possession and a horrible discovery that several members of a project to emulate lost magic through a device, it's looking far more likely that this mission to find the Vault isn't as much of a fabled fool's errand as she originally thought. Every piece is seemingly falling into place, heralding the coming of the dark with the light of magic dwindling to sparks.
As Noa's priorities shift with the newly-planted thought that she's the one chosen to see this task through after the loss of her would-be-Seer and surrogate father, Lazarus, she decides that it might be better to distance herself from that growing bond she's found comfort in with Glacier. After all, his place is with his kingdom, and once they reach the end—whatever their fates might be—there won't be any place for a group of killers and thieves in his life.
However, Noa doesn't realize that the other half of her quest's fated set might actually be standing next to her.
Glacier is starting to unravel, thanks to that echo of power rippling along the surface of his soul. Power that he's not willing to accept, let alone acknowledge, with the crushing weight of what might be awaiting him back in Amarais. Being Miraltan is one thing, but a powerful Seer—a Mage—is another. And with one daemon-summoning adversary recognizing that potential, it's only a matter of time before he's hunted for his magic instead of just his blood.
414 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2023
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Cara Nox
8 books26 followersCara Nox is an urban and science fantasy writer, combining their love of magically-inclined chaotic idiots and modern/futuristic tech. They also love mysteries, thrillers, and anything that draws inspiration from stars. Cara works as a web developer by day, holds BA in Japanese Language and Literature they occasionally use to read video game announcements, and resides in Ohio with their younger sister and two black cats.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 1, 2024
For those of you who dread cliffhangers, THE VAULT wraps up the first of two major story arcs for the series, so you're safe. Thank you for taking the time to read Noa & Glacier's adventure, and I hope you enjoy more of their journey in the future.
This story contains: blood, childhood trauma, death, depression, discrimination, mention of drug use, emotional abuse, gore, grief, loss, manipulation, murder, parental neglect, physical abuse, suicidal thoughts, violence, and mention/implication of vomiting.
This story contains: blood, childhood trauma, death, depression, discrimination, mention of drug use, emotional abuse, gore, grief, loss, manipulation, murder, parental neglect, physical abuse, suicidal thoughts, violence, and mention/implication of vomiting.
February 25, 2025
Loved it! RTC
December 3, 2024
The Vault is the second book in the Seraphine's Chosen series, and a worthy sequel.
We still follow the little group (growing rapidly during the book) going on heists, searching for keys. Some are easily found through connections, others not so much.
In The Vault, several people's past catches up with them - Noa, Crow and Rune mostly. Loved reading about the twins' past more, learning about them, and seeing Crow happy for the first time was something I hadn't expected. Then there's Rune and Cecilia. They're incredibly adorable and my favorite couple from the series. Sorry Glacier and Noa, but can't top them.
There's also more lore about the world and how the countries/kingdoms were divided in the first place. There's also finally an explanation about the grimoires.
What annoyed me is how no-one told Glacier what's going on, what they suspect. It took them over 70% of the book to do so. Poor guy was so confused and scared. Communication was lacking there (wonderfully written, but infuriating nevertheless).
The conclusion and how everything played together - families, friends, magic - could very well have been the end. Yet, there's hints for more books, more story, and I'm curious what'll await us in the next one.
We still follow the little group (growing rapidly during the book) going on heists, searching for keys. Some are easily found through connections, others not so much.
In The Vault, several people's past catches up with them - Noa, Crow and Rune mostly. Loved reading about the twins' past more, learning about them, and seeing Crow happy for the first time was something I hadn't expected. Then there's Rune and Cecilia. They're incredibly adorable and my favorite couple from the series. Sorry Glacier and Noa, but can't top them.
There's also more lore about the world and how the countries/kingdoms were divided in the first place. There's also finally an explanation about the grimoires.
What annoyed me is how no-one told Glacier what's going on, what they suspect. It took them over 70% of the book to do so. Poor guy was so confused and scared. Communication was lacking there (wonderfully written, but infuriating nevertheless).
The conclusion and how everything played together - families, friends, magic - could very well have been the end. Yet, there's hints for more books, more story, and I'm curious what'll await us in the next one.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews