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White Feathers Fading: The Banned Series
For fans of Red Queen and The Mortal Instruments. This YA Fantasy takes you on a quest dominated by winged Guardians, magic, and curses. Venture through a land that does everything to keep you out.
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Lily Adams is destined to fight for the Alatain. For those who still have their white wings, for those whose have been turned black, and for those who've had theirs brutally taken away.
Enchantress. Queen. Savior. As Lily carries the weight of her fate, time presses on relentlessly. The journey through the treacherous terrain of Peccatum proves challenging, with three more Guards to face and attacks spreading across the desert land. Kida Adaima’s iron rule extends like fire and Lily can’t outrun the inevitable confrontation with her aunt forever.
Lily is determined to find the Enchanter known as In Pariete. She seeks guidance not only in mastering her magic but also in unraveling her mysterious first blood memory. But with meeting him, more secrets unravel and Lily learns Ares’ past is far more complex than it may seem.
With Clara and Ares by her side, she ventures further North, toward the City of Light. While Lily is terrified of becoming Queen, has finally admitted her feelings for Ares, and learns how to harvest the magic of the sun, she finds that to stop her aunt's ruthless rule she’ll need to be brave, clever, and a little wicked herself.
_________
Lily Adams is destined to fight for the Alatain. For those who still have their white wings, for those whose have been turned black, and for those who've had theirs brutally taken away.
Enchantress. Queen. Savior. As Lily carries the weight of her fate, time presses on relentlessly. The journey through the treacherous terrain of Peccatum proves challenging, with three more Guards to face and attacks spreading across the desert land. Kida Adaima’s iron rule extends like fire and Lily can’t outrun the inevitable confrontation with her aunt forever.
Lily is determined to find the Enchanter known as In Pariete. She seeks guidance not only in mastering her magic but also in unraveling her mysterious first blood memory. But with meeting him, more secrets unravel and Lily learns Ares’ past is far more complex than it may seem.
With Clara and Ares by her side, she ventures further North, toward the City of Light. While Lily is terrified of becoming Queen, has finally admitted her feelings for Ares, and learns how to harvest the magic of the sun, she finds that to stop her aunt's ruthless rule she’ll need to be brave, clever, and a little wicked herself.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2024
3 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 20, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Spice rate: 🌶️ (closed door)
Tropes: princess x guard, overtaking the throne, fighting the deadly sins, elemental power, magical realm x desert setting, rebels, MMC with wings
TW: yes - loss
Review:
AHHHHHHH I was so eager to get back into Munera and see where Lily's quest would take her.
I loved how the setting, characters and Lily's personal growth evolved in this book. The found family vibe in contrast to the angst of the quest was really well done.
I loved how the scenery changed and that ENDING. (Ellen, how dare you!!!!)
But it was so iconic and the perfect way to end this duology. So was the beginning of the book, I was instantly hooked and sucked into the book.
I must say that Lily wasn't always the best friend to Clara, but nevertheless, I would recommend and I CAN'T wait to see what this author will write next (so please hurry up xxx)
I would recommend!
Spice rate: 🌶️ (closed door)
Tropes: princess x guard, overtaking the throne, fighting the deadly sins, elemental power, magical realm x desert setting, rebels, MMC with wings
TW: yes - loss
Review:
AHHHHHHH I was so eager to get back into Munera and see where Lily's quest would take her.
I loved how the setting, characters and Lily's personal growth evolved in this book. The found family vibe in contrast to the angst of the quest was really well done.
I loved how the scenery changed and that ENDING. (Ellen, how dare you!!!!)
But it was so iconic and the perfect way to end this duology. So was the beginning of the book, I was instantly hooked and sucked into the book.
I must say that Lily wasn't always the best friend to Clara, but nevertheless, I would recommend and I CAN'T wait to see what this author will write next (so please hurry up xxx)
I would recommend!
June 1, 2024
First thing first: a huge thank you to the author for letting me to the front row of her duology and sending me an ARC once again. It was very appreciated, Ellen! I cannot tell you how awaited this book was for me. The cliffhanger from the first book lived rent free in my head for months.
And this universe sucked me back in from the very first page. Returning to Munera was a pleasure. Everything I loved from book one - the characters, the magic system, the world building - was as good as I remembered it to be. White Feathers Fading encases everything I love: a good action-packed fantasy with interesting, complex characters and a hint of a good romance. Because yes, while in book one, I was a bit unsure about Lily and Ares possibly getting together, this book fully obliterated any doubts I had. I mean… I am a simple girl. I love mysterious, morally questionable love interests just as much as the next person but I also love honest and eloquent declarations. I don’t want to spoil too much for you guys, but let me just squeeze in this little quote below and I’m sure my booktok people will be right with me on this one.
« Have I not made it clear that you hold my heart? Lilian, you could scorch the earth where I stand and it still wouldn’t burn as much as I do every time you’re near. »
And just like that, I’m sold! The romance is only a tiny portion of the beauty of this book but it holds a piece of my heart by now. But I’m not even going to lie, this entire book does. Picking up White Feathers Fading felt like a breath of fresh air. I had been in a reading slump for longer than I have ever been before but it clearly got me out of it - I didn’t put it down once and I finished it in a matter of hours! I can even confidently say that the writing improved compared to the first book. I’ll applaud that!
I had figured a good portion of the plot but I have to say there were a few elements I didn’t expect (like Ruelle turning up when she did and her part in everything or Lily’s crucial decision) and the author got me a few times (like with the whole Clara/Ares thing or even some characters’ final allegiance) which I loved because of the emotions it created. I also didn’t expect the aftermath of the final confrontation with Kida and for that I would say White Feathers Fading is a slightly bittersweet ending of this duology - not without pain, not without sorrow but still a beautiful final curtain. I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy and return to Munera all over again - and I hope you guys do too.
Happy reading.
And this universe sucked me back in from the very first page. Returning to Munera was a pleasure. Everything I loved from book one - the characters, the magic system, the world building - was as good as I remembered it to be. White Feathers Fading encases everything I love: a good action-packed fantasy with interesting, complex characters and a hint of a good romance. Because yes, while in book one, I was a bit unsure about Lily and Ares possibly getting together, this book fully obliterated any doubts I had. I mean… I am a simple girl. I love mysterious, morally questionable love interests just as much as the next person but I also love honest and eloquent declarations. I don’t want to spoil too much for you guys, but let me just squeeze in this little quote below and I’m sure my booktok people will be right with me on this one.
« Have I not made it clear that you hold my heart? Lilian, you could scorch the earth where I stand and it still wouldn’t burn as much as I do every time you’re near. »
And just like that, I’m sold! The romance is only a tiny portion of the beauty of this book but it holds a piece of my heart by now. But I’m not even going to lie, this entire book does. Picking up White Feathers Fading felt like a breath of fresh air. I had been in a reading slump for longer than I have ever been before but it clearly got me out of it - I didn’t put it down once and I finished it in a matter of hours! I can even confidently say that the writing improved compared to the first book. I’ll applaud that!
I had figured a good portion of the plot but I have to say there were a few elements I didn’t expect (like Ruelle turning up when she did and her part in everything or Lily’s crucial decision) and the author got me a few times (like with the whole Clara/Ares thing or even some characters’ final allegiance) which I loved because of the emotions it created. I also didn’t expect the aftermath of the final confrontation with Kida and for that I would say White Feathers Fading is a slightly bittersweet ending of this duology - not without pain, not without sorrow but still a beautiful final curtain. I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy and return to Munera all over again - and I hope you guys do too.
Happy reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2024
I read this as an ARC, loved it very much and am grateful to the author for this opportunity.
——
Review:
Where shall I start? This was an incredible second part and I can truly say that I liked it even better than the first part.
It was fast paced and easy to get through, always something interesting and exciting happening.
The world building was a little confusing in part one but got me back on track with everything that got explained in this part. There are many fights scenes and quite a lot of violence, beware if that triggers you.
So much pain but equally so much healing. The beauty of this story lay for me in the way Lily fought for “her” people before they even were her people and how much harder she fought and more passionate she got for them the more she got to know them.
Ares and Lily were as lovely as ever and I was actually surprised how steamy it got. I loved the ballroomscene <3
“White Feathers Fading” holds a lot more of Lilys enchantment abilities and how she learns to use them. This unfolds many new aspects of Munera and gives her a lot more power, which I think was important for her to become active in her decisions and her fight against the enemy.
I really enjoyed every part of this book and can’t wait to read more of Ellens work in the future.
Highly recommend “The Banned Series” if you love fantasy, strong female characters and revolution!
——
Review:
Where shall I start? This was an incredible second part and I can truly say that I liked it even better than the first part.
It was fast paced and easy to get through, always something interesting and exciting happening.
The world building was a little confusing in part one but got me back on track with everything that got explained in this part. There are many fights scenes and quite a lot of violence, beware if that triggers you.
So much pain but equally so much healing. The beauty of this story lay for me in the way Lily fought for “her” people before they even were her people and how much harder she fought and more passionate she got for them the more she got to know them.
Ares and Lily were as lovely as ever and I was actually surprised how steamy it got. I loved the ballroomscene <3
“White Feathers Fading” holds a lot more of Lilys enchantment abilities and how she learns to use them. This unfolds many new aspects of Munera and gives her a lot more power, which I think was important for her to become active in her decisions and her fight against the enemy.
I really enjoyed every part of this book and can’t wait to read more of Ellens work in the future.
Highly recommend “The Banned Series” if you love fantasy, strong female characters and revolution!
June 9, 2024
I’ve been waiting to receive this ARC ever since I finished the first book, which left me on such a cliffhanger it lived rent free in my head for months!
Ellen did not disappoint again. White Feathers Fading is the perfect ending to an already great start! The book takes you back to Peccatum, where we discover what the last of the three sins are, finally see Lily and Ares falling in love and Lily learns more and more about her powers everyday.
I loved how we got to know the side characters a bit better (even though she made me bawl my eyes out at a certain point). The writing is beautiful and easy to understand. I finished the entire thing in two days and honestly I’m a little sad it’s over.
I hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of this series (even if the duology has ended) and that Ellen takes us back to Munera once more.
Ellen did not disappoint again. White Feathers Fading is the perfect ending to an already great start! The book takes you back to Peccatum, where we discover what the last of the three sins are, finally see Lily and Ares falling in love and Lily learns more and more about her powers everyday.
I loved how we got to know the side characters a bit better (even though she made me bawl my eyes out at a certain point). The writing is beautiful and easy to understand. I finished the entire thing in two days and honestly I’m a little sad it’s over.
I hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of this series (even if the duology has ended) and that Ellen takes us back to Munera once more.
June 9, 2024
“You might be the only thing that can kill me, and if anyone gets their hands on you, you're the deadliest weapon of them all."
I was given White Feathers Fading as an ARC and I am so grateful I got to dive into this amazing world once again. White Feathers Fading picks up right where Black Feathers Falling left off and I loved every second of it. It’s fast paced and just like the previous book it’s an easy read!
The book had some twists and turns that I did not see coming and where Black Feathers Falling is slow on the romance I was super happy to see Lily and Ares finally get together. The author shattered my heart a few times and the ending is bitter sweet.
I’d recommend this book (and the series!!) to anyone who loves a good YA fantasy, strong (wo)men with wings, a slowburn romance and an epic magical quest!
I was given White Feathers Fading as an ARC and I am so grateful I got to dive into this amazing world once again. White Feathers Fading picks up right where Black Feathers Falling left off and I loved every second of it. It’s fast paced and just like the previous book it’s an easy read!
The book had some twists and turns that I did not see coming and where Black Feathers Falling is slow on the romance I was super happy to see Lily and Ares finally get together. The author shattered my heart a few times and the ending is bitter sweet.
I’d recommend this book (and the series!!) to anyone who loves a good YA fantasy, strong (wo)men with wings, a slowburn romance and an epic magical quest!
June 9, 2024
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for a review!
This second book and conclusion to the duology was so good! I can really see how the author has grown and how much her writing has improved.
The book picks up right where book one ended and I really liked how the story progressed. It felt like a lot more happened and that the book was definitely more fleshed out than the first one.
A lot more side characters had a bigger role in the story than the original 3 that the first book started with and I really enjoyed that. It really made the book that much stronger.
The ending was bittersweet, but I felt like Hermans wrapped everything up very nicely, so can’t wait to see what else she will write.
This second book and conclusion to the duology was so good! I can really see how the author has grown and how much her writing has improved.
The book picks up right where book one ended and I really liked how the story progressed. It felt like a lot more happened and that the book was definitely more fleshed out than the first one.
A lot more side characters had a bigger role in the story than the original 3 that the first book started with and I really enjoyed that. It really made the book that much stronger.
The ending was bittersweet, but I felt like Hermans wrapped everything up very nicely, so can’t wait to see what else she will write.
August 24, 2024
Thank you for reading ❤️ hope you enjoy the second part of Lily and Ares’ story 🫶🏻
June 1, 2024
The characters were very interesting and very well developed. The story was so thrilling that I couldn't put the book down. The story touched me on an emotional level. The writing was breathtaking. I felt like I was part of the story.
December 20, 2025
I literally am shattered and uncapable of writing a deserving review.. I'll be leaving you with quotes.
Lishensa, you'll be the death of me.
-Ares
You are the sun, Lilian. Not only the symbol of our Land but the energy I need to live. I've been starved of light for so long and I would starve a hundred years more if it meant your kiss would save me.
-Ares
Have I not made it clear that you hold my heart? Lilian, you could scorch the earth where I stand and it still wouldn't burn as luch as I do every time you're near.
-Ares
You've already enchanted me Lishensa, my mind and my body, my soul too if I still have one. There's nothing more you could do to me.
-Ares
It means that in your presence, my heart has found a way to be whole again. It means that I am impossibly and irretrievably in love with you and that if you feel for me the way I do you, I want us to never be parted.
-Ares
I was led by anger, hatred, and revenge when I picked you up from the church floors and brought you here. I was hard as marble on the inside. I protected you because I needed you to fight this battle for me, because I swore an oath to your mother. But when I kissed you in Babil, I realized that if you were to die I wouldn't care that Munera lost her Queen. I cared that I'd lose the light that guided me out of my darkest thoughts.
-Ares
There won't be a day, for as long as I shall live, that I won't love you Lilian Rose Adaima.
-Ares
Lishensa, you'll be the death of me.
-Ares
You are the sun, Lilian. Not only the symbol of our Land but the energy I need to live. I've been starved of light for so long and I would starve a hundred years more if it meant your kiss would save me.
-Ares
Have I not made it clear that you hold my heart? Lilian, you could scorch the earth where I stand and it still wouldn't burn as luch as I do every time you're near.
-Ares
You've already enchanted me Lishensa, my mind and my body, my soul too if I still have one. There's nothing more you could do to me.
-Ares
It means that in your presence, my heart has found a way to be whole again. It means that I am impossibly and irretrievably in love with you and that if you feel for me the way I do you, I want us to never be parted.
-Ares
I was led by anger, hatred, and revenge when I picked you up from the church floors and brought you here. I was hard as marble on the inside. I protected you because I needed you to fight this battle for me, because I swore an oath to your mother. But when I kissed you in Babil, I realized that if you were to die I wouldn't care that Munera lost her Queen. I cared that I'd lose the light that guided me out of my darkest thoughts.
-Ares
There won't be a day, for as long as I shall live, that I won't love you Lilian Rose Adaima.
-Ares
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews