What do you think?
Rate this book
Conflict and Loyalties. The search for the key to The Book of The Realms.: The Battle for Gritheim, book 2
FOR THREE YEARS, Gritheim has been torn asunder. Pestilences ravage the land, and the harvests have failed again, driving up the cost of bread. Emaciated animals are dying. The king becomes less popular each day, and civil war knocks at the palace gates.
The Master is smug. His immortals recruit nobles and their troops to challenge and depose the king. Soon, he will be able to step forward and take his rightful place. He needs one more thing—the key to The Book of Realms. The book will show him how to create spells to help him conquer the land and all its inhabitants.
Two young people thwart his plans. Even untold riches and immortality won’t tempt them. Leonné, an untrained Elementalist, has married Roland D’Abernon against her will, but Roland hasn’t consummated the marriage yet and, therefore, hasn’t stolen her powers. Saving her from this atrocity is the knight Fitzsimmons, a great warrior. Rumors suggest his abnormal strength is due to his undeveloped magical powers. The Master must persuade Fitzsimmons to join him or do all he can to destroy him.
This dark fantasy is packed with magic, witchcraft, and swordplay. Become drawn into a world of sorcery in this gripping sequel to Rise of the Immortals.
The Master is smug. His immortals recruit nobles and their troops to challenge and depose the king. Soon, he will be able to step forward and take his rightful place. He needs one more thing—the key to The Book of Realms. The book will show him how to create spells to help him conquer the land and all its inhabitants.
Two young people thwart his plans. Even untold riches and immortality won’t tempt them. Leonné, an untrained Elementalist, has married Roland D’Abernon against her will, but Roland hasn’t consummated the marriage yet and, therefore, hasn’t stolen her powers. Saving her from this atrocity is the knight Fitzsimmons, a great warrior. Rumors suggest his abnormal strength is due to his undeveloped magical powers. The Master must persuade Fitzsimmons to join him or do all he can to destroy him.
This dark fantasy is packed with magic, witchcraft, and swordplay. Become drawn into a world of sorcery in this gripping sequel to Rise of the Immortals.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2023
7 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 1, 2024
This is the second book in the series and it certainly keeps on the trajectory of being as good as the first book!
In this book we are back with Leonee , she was such an incredible character in the first book and she just gets more incredible to read about, she is a strong powerful character, I'm not sure it would work with anyone else!
The relationship between Leonee and Fitz is fascinating to read, to see how it grows and develops, how it also changes them as characters. The world is much more built up in this book to get the reader immersed into the world the author has created . A really truly great fantasy read!
In this book we are back with Leonee , she was such an incredible character in the first book and she just gets more incredible to read about, she is a strong powerful character, I'm not sure it would work with anyone else!
The relationship between Leonee and Fitz is fascinating to read, to see how it grows and develops, how it also changes them as characters. The world is much more built up in this book to get the reader immersed into the world the author has created . A really truly great fantasy read!
February 11, 2024
This is the second book in The Battle For Gritheim series and follows on from the first book, Rise Of The Immortals, which I read just before this one.
Having read these so close together, it was really easy to just dive straight back into the world without any confusion.
We join Leonne and Fitzsimmons a few years on and can instantly see how the pair have matured.
But the land has been ravaged and there is disease and starvation.
Once again the world building was skillfully woven within the storyline, so it didn't feel overwhelming to open.
The descriptive writing opens up the world to us and really gave me a good visual image while I was reading.
I liked that this book focussed a little more on expanding the characters further. It was great to hear more about Fitzsimmons family and I was intrigued by the whole situation with Roland.
Luckily, so far, Leonne's powers are safe and she and Fitzsimmons continue to develop their skills against the dark magic that's trying to take over.
I liked the hints of a blossoming romance between the pair, but this is just running alongside the main storyline.
And I obviously adored the introduction of the animals - surprising, but a great addition!
There's a bit of everything in this series and I'm really enjoying working through the storyline with these faulty quick reads.
I think it's the most I've really got into a fantasy series of this kind.
Can't wait to see what book 3 will bring us....
Having read these so close together, it was really easy to just dive straight back into the world without any confusion.
We join Leonne and Fitzsimmons a few years on and can instantly see how the pair have matured.
But the land has been ravaged and there is disease and starvation.
Once again the world building was skillfully woven within the storyline, so it didn't feel overwhelming to open.
The descriptive writing opens up the world to us and really gave me a good visual image while I was reading.
I liked that this book focussed a little more on expanding the characters further. It was great to hear more about Fitzsimmons family and I was intrigued by the whole situation with Roland.
Luckily, so far, Leonne's powers are safe and she and Fitzsimmons continue to develop their skills against the dark magic that's trying to take over.
I liked the hints of a blossoming romance between the pair, but this is just running alongside the main storyline.
And I obviously adored the introduction of the animals - surprising, but a great addition!
There's a bit of everything in this series and I'm really enjoying working through the storyline with these faulty quick reads.
I think it's the most I've really got into a fantasy series of this kind.
Can't wait to see what book 3 will bring us....
February 2, 2024
Conflict and Loyalties by Anna Allen.
The battle for Gritheim book 2.
FOR THREE YEARS, Gritheim has been torn asunder. Pestilences ravage the land, and the harvests have failed again, driving up the cost of bread. Emaciated animals are dying. The king becomes less popular each day, and civil war knocks at the palace gates.The Master is smug. His immortals recruit nobles and their troops to challenge and depose the king. Soon, he will be able to step forward and take his rightful place. He needs one more thing—the key to The Book of Realms. The book will show him how to create spells to help him conquer the land and all its inhabitants.Two young people thwart his plans. Even untold riches and immortality won’t tempt them. Leonné, an untrained Elementalist, has married Roland D’Abernon against her will, but Roland hasn’t consummated the marriage yet and, therefore, hasn’t stolen her powers. Saving her from this atrocity is the knight Fitzsimmons, a great warrior. Rumors suggest his abnormal strength is due to his undeveloped magical powers. The Master must persuade Fitzsimmons to join him or do all he can to destroy him.This dark fantasy is packed with magic, witchcraft, and swordplay. Become drawn into a world of sorcery in this gripping sequel to Rise of the Immortals.
I'm really enjoying this series. I love the cover. Twisty and gripping. Action from the start. Some good and some not so good characters. I do love Leonne and Fitzsimmons. I loved how he was with Leonne.The way the half bird half dragon were described. Creepy. I Didn't like orella she was conifing. I did like Fitzsimmons when he changed into a cat. I liked the mind reading between Leonne and Fitzsimmons. That did surprise me. Lots of fighting. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.
The battle for Gritheim book 2.
FOR THREE YEARS, Gritheim has been torn asunder. Pestilences ravage the land, and the harvests have failed again, driving up the cost of bread. Emaciated animals are dying. The king becomes less popular each day, and civil war knocks at the palace gates.The Master is smug. His immortals recruit nobles and their troops to challenge and depose the king. Soon, he will be able to step forward and take his rightful place. He needs one more thing—the key to The Book of Realms. The book will show him how to create spells to help him conquer the land and all its inhabitants.Two young people thwart his plans. Even untold riches and immortality won’t tempt them. Leonné, an untrained Elementalist, has married Roland D’Abernon against her will, but Roland hasn’t consummated the marriage yet and, therefore, hasn’t stolen her powers. Saving her from this atrocity is the knight Fitzsimmons, a great warrior. Rumors suggest his abnormal strength is due to his undeveloped magical powers. The Master must persuade Fitzsimmons to join him or do all he can to destroy him.This dark fantasy is packed with magic, witchcraft, and swordplay. Become drawn into a world of sorcery in this gripping sequel to Rise of the Immortals.
I'm really enjoying this series. I love the cover. Twisty and gripping. Action from the start. Some good and some not so good characters. I do love Leonne and Fitzsimmons. I loved how he was with Leonne.The way the half bird half dragon were described. Creepy. I Didn't like orella she was conifing. I did like Fitzsimmons when he changed into a cat. I liked the mind reading between Leonne and Fitzsimmons. That did surprise me. Lots of fighting. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.
January 31, 2024
I really enjoyed Rise of the Immortals and have to say that Conflict and Loyalties only got better and it’s not just because there is a hound and cat that can talk with Leonne! The main thing I find that drags me into this series is the characters, followed closely by the plot. I have enjoyed seeing Leonne and Fitzsimmons grow and develop as characters, although at one point I did want to shake Leonne up a little bit! I have to say though, no spoilers, it was very in keeping with her character and made her incredibly realistic as well.
The other thing I enjoyed was how this novel had a little more world building around the courts, court intrigue and the different factions involved. Previously I would have said I wasn’t a fan of a lot of romance but I have to say that Allen depicts Leonne and Fitzsimmons growing and tested relationship so well that I was so hooked and invested. I do also like though that it isn’t the main driving force of the plot.
Allen’s writing is wonderful at bringing her world to life and I cannot wait to continue this journey with our protagonists. It has a bit of everything sword and sorcery, magical creatures, intrigue, battles, and a touch of romance. It’s hard to go in great detail without spoilers but if you love a good fantasy then this is for you!
The other thing I enjoyed was how this novel had a little more world building around the courts, court intrigue and the different factions involved. Previously I would have said I wasn’t a fan of a lot of romance but I have to say that Allen depicts Leonne and Fitzsimmons growing and tested relationship so well that I was so hooked and invested. I do also like though that it isn’t the main driving force of the plot.
Allen’s writing is wonderful at bringing her world to life and I cannot wait to continue this journey with our protagonists. It has a bit of everything sword and sorcery, magical creatures, intrigue, battles, and a touch of romance. It’s hard to go in great detail without spoilers but if you love a good fantasy then this is for you!
February 3, 2024
Here is my review for Conflicts and Loyalties by Anna Allen
I got into this dark fantasy book straight away and I just loved it. The plotting and the storyline were brilliantly written. The book was very easy to read and I enjoyed the author's writing style. Some of the chapters were very short which is what I like as the book seems to read quicker! Leonne and Fitzsimmons finally get their wish and enough evidence for the King to annul Leonne’s marriage to Roland so she is free to marry Fitzsimmons. The couple are happy until an old flame of Fitzsimmons spoils it. Then the Master comes up with a plan to capture the two young things and try to get them on side so he can try to find the key to The Book of Realms which will give more power than ever. What a read, I was riveted by this point of the book. It held my attention for the rest of the book. A brilliant read and a great series. This is a brilliant author to keep an eye on.
Blurb :
FOR THREE YEARS, Gritheim has been torn asunder. Pestilences ravage the land, and the harvests have failed again, driving up the cost of bread. Emaciated animals are dying. The king becomes less popular each day, and civil war knocks at the palace gates.
The Master is smug. His immortals recruit nobles and their troops to challenge and depose the king. Soon, he will be able to step forward and take his rightful place. He needs one more thing—the key to The Book of Realms. The book will show him how to create spells to help him conquer the land and all its inhabitants.
Two young people thwart his plans. Even untold riches and immortality won’t tempt them. Leonné, an untrained Elementalist, has married Roland D’Abernon against her will, but Roland hasn’t consummated the marriage yet and, therefore, hasn’t stolen her powers. Saving her from this atrocity is the knight Fitzsimmons, a great warrior. Rumors suggest his abnormal strength is due to his undeveloped magical powers. The Master must persuade Fitzsimmons to join him or do all he can to destroy him.
This dark fantasy is packed with magic, witchcraft, and swordplay. Become drawn into a world of sorcery in this gripping sequel to Rise of the Immortals.
I got into this dark fantasy book straight away and I just loved it. The plotting and the storyline were brilliantly written. The book was very easy to read and I enjoyed the author's writing style. Some of the chapters were very short which is what I like as the book seems to read quicker! Leonne and Fitzsimmons finally get their wish and enough evidence for the King to annul Leonne’s marriage to Roland so she is free to marry Fitzsimmons. The couple are happy until an old flame of Fitzsimmons spoils it. Then the Master comes up with a plan to capture the two young things and try to get them on side so he can try to find the key to The Book of Realms which will give more power than ever. What a read, I was riveted by this point of the book. It held my attention for the rest of the book. A brilliant read and a great series. This is a brilliant author to keep an eye on.
Blurb :
FOR THREE YEARS, Gritheim has been torn asunder. Pestilences ravage the land, and the harvests have failed again, driving up the cost of bread. Emaciated animals are dying. The king becomes less popular each day, and civil war knocks at the palace gates.
The Master is smug. His immortals recruit nobles and their troops to challenge and depose the king. Soon, he will be able to step forward and take his rightful place. He needs one more thing—the key to The Book of Realms. The book will show him how to create spells to help him conquer the land and all its inhabitants.
Two young people thwart his plans. Even untold riches and immortality won’t tempt them. Leonné, an untrained Elementalist, has married Roland D’Abernon against her will, but Roland hasn’t consummated the marriage yet and, therefore, hasn’t stolen her powers. Saving her from this atrocity is the knight Fitzsimmons, a great warrior. Rumors suggest his abnormal strength is due to his undeveloped magical powers. The Master must persuade Fitzsimmons to join him or do all he can to destroy him.
This dark fantasy is packed with magic, witchcraft, and swordplay. Become drawn into a world of sorcery in this gripping sequel to Rise of the Immortals.
February 4, 2024
Conflict and Loyalties is book 2 in The Battle for Gritheim series and picks up where the last book left us. While the flow is great, I’d certainly suggest reading the first book in the series if you haven’t just to understand the character setup.
Fitzsimmons and Leonné’s connection grows as does their powers.. and they are going to need all their skills to defeat the evil forces of The Master.
There’s an influx of new characters which allowed the author the chance to explore scenarios allowing our main two heroes to grow, learn and use those skills.
I particularly liked Fitzsimmons needing to control his emotions.. I won’t spoil why.. but lets just say he’s a different person when he gets angry.
The best thing about the book was the development of the world as you learn more about the kingdoms, who’s who, who supports who.. where strengths and weaknesses lie.. book 1 was all about setting up the characters which is now perfectly balanced with development across the board.
I really enjoyed the growth of Roland too. He’s driven by the desire to become immortal but if he displeases his master then there’s no chance of that happening.
The Master seems to hide in the shadows a lot.. he’s an unknown quantity for the most part but this just added some mystery to everything.. if he’s so strong how long before he makes an appearance?
The author really makes you connect to the characters.. you end up enjoying the good guys.. you hate the bad guys… when a character is frustrated you feel that frustration too!
Overall it’s a great sequel packed to the brim of action and development.. it’s fast paced and goes from 0 to 100 in a blink of an eye. Really fun and enjoyable and perfect for those readers who just want action, action, action.
Fitzsimmons and Leonné’s connection grows as does their powers.. and they are going to need all their skills to defeat the evil forces of The Master.
There’s an influx of new characters which allowed the author the chance to explore scenarios allowing our main two heroes to grow, learn and use those skills.
I particularly liked Fitzsimmons needing to control his emotions.. I won’t spoil why.. but lets just say he’s a different person when he gets angry.
The best thing about the book was the development of the world as you learn more about the kingdoms, who’s who, who supports who.. where strengths and weaknesses lie.. book 1 was all about setting up the characters which is now perfectly balanced with development across the board.
I really enjoyed the growth of Roland too. He’s driven by the desire to become immortal but if he displeases his master then there’s no chance of that happening.
The Master seems to hide in the shadows a lot.. he’s an unknown quantity for the most part but this just added some mystery to everything.. if he’s so strong how long before he makes an appearance?
The author really makes you connect to the characters.. you end up enjoying the good guys.. you hate the bad guys… when a character is frustrated you feel that frustration too!
Overall it’s a great sequel packed to the brim of action and development.. it’s fast paced and goes from 0 to 100 in a blink of an eye. Really fun and enjoyable and perfect for those readers who just want action, action, action.
February 24, 2025
This book came recommended to me and while fantasy books are not typically my first go-to-choice, I do enjoy any story that takes me into another time and place. This here, “Conflicts and Loyalties,” did not fall short in this realm. I’m a history buff if only to experience a different era. The author’s rich description of places, meals and other delicacies, and the way in which the people (the story characters) interacted in response to what was expected of them in that time and place by others took me to a world that I easily became engrossed in.
Several different characters each had their place as the story moved along, and there was Fritz, moody Fritz as I call him, if I may. However, it was the strong-willed Leone who captured my attention, not letting me put the book down—I finished this book in record timing for its size. Inside the opening pages, I immediately felt as if I was Leonne’s ally. I wanted what she wanted even in her times of her internal questioning and innermost revealing self.
The magical moments added a spark of fun to this reading. Toward the ending, it was thunderous with action then emotion. I had become well accustomed to the spells, long forgetting that fantasy in not usually in my bookshelf. As the war dissipated, I wondered what was to come next—the next book!
Several different characters each had their place as the story moved along, and there was Fritz, moody Fritz as I call him, if I may. However, it was the strong-willed Leone who captured my attention, not letting me put the book down—I finished this book in record timing for its size. Inside the opening pages, I immediately felt as if I was Leonne’s ally. I wanted what she wanted even in her times of her internal questioning and innermost revealing self.
The magical moments added a spark of fun to this reading. Toward the ending, it was thunderous with action then emotion. I had become well accustomed to the spells, long forgetting that fantasy in not usually in my bookshelf. As the war dissipated, I wondered what was to come next—the next book!
February 3, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, so happily dived headlong into the second.
Amidst a land being ravaged by disease, starvation and death, Josse and Leonne are developing their magical powers in their efforts to defeat Orella and her master, Dominai. In this richly imagined world where spells are cast and traitors hide in plain sight, the story drew me in and never let me go as I followed Josse and Leonne’s battle using their own special skills against dark witchcraft to save their king and country. I also loved the interaction between them, their companions and the animals. Both the main characters’ stories pulled me further in, especially when I read more about Josse’s family. And a possible blossoming romance had me hoping….
Conflict and Loyalties is a wonderful tale, full of action, drama and magic. I just hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next book from this fabulous author.
Amidst a land being ravaged by disease, starvation and death, Josse and Leonne are developing their magical powers in their efforts to defeat Orella and her master, Dominai. In this richly imagined world where spells are cast and traitors hide in plain sight, the story drew me in and never let me go as I followed Josse and Leonne’s battle using their own special skills against dark witchcraft to save their king and country. I also loved the interaction between them, their companions and the animals. Both the main characters’ stories pulled me further in, especially when I read more about Josse’s family. And a possible blossoming romance had me hoping….
Conflict and Loyalties is a wonderful tale, full of action, drama and magic. I just hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next book from this fabulous author.
October 20, 2024
This story is an absolute gem, blending action and romance that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Leonne is a strong character. Her fierce sense of duty and loyalty, coupled with her fearlessness, makes her the heart of the story.
The author did a fantastic job of immersing readers in the era, with vivid descriptions of food, traditions, and the social norms of the time. Overall, this story is a fantastic blend of adventure, romance, and well-crafted characters that pull you into a richly detailed world.
The author did a fantastic job of immersing readers in the era, with vivid descriptions of food, traditions, and the social norms of the time. Overall, this story is a fantastic blend of adventure, romance, and well-crafted characters that pull you into a richly detailed world.
February 21, 2024
I previously adored The Rise of Immortals and Conflict and Loyalties got much better. Characters development, world-building, romance, magic creatures everything has my heart. Leonne and Fitz are back to action. Loved and enjoyed this historical fantasy. Fast-paced and makes us keep turning the page. Overall, I loved and enjoyed this and would strongly recommend it to fantasy lovers.
March 19, 2024
Anna Allen, the Queen of Twists, delivers plenty of surprises in this smoothly written sequel to 'Rise of the Immortals'. If you like a seamless blend of historical fiction and magic, this fantasy story is for you.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews