Tempest

Scribes of Medeisia #2

by R.K. Ryals

We must overcome and prevail ...


King Raemon of Medeisia is slaughtering tattooed scribes and mages, forcing them into hiding. All marked and those associated with them are destroyed. The people are desperate. Months after challenging Raemon, the marked rebels of Medeisia must rise against their bloodthirsty king or chance being annihilated.


Sixteen year-old Drastona Consta-Mayria is the prophesied phoenix of peace, desperate to be a leader for her people despite her reservations. Following the lead of a scarred and forgotten prince, Drastona will embark on a journey with an unlikely band of rebels and a dragon across a cursed desert to bring down a king and save a kingdom.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Magic, Dragons, Adventure, Amazon

288 pages, ebook

First published May 10, 2013

About the author

R.K. Ryals is the author of emotional and gripping young adult and new adult paranormal romance, contemporary romance, and fantasy. With a strong passion for charity and literacy, she works as a full time writer encouraging people to "share the love of reading one book at a time." An avid animal lover and self-proclaimed coffee-holic, R.K. Ryals was born in Jackson, Mississippi and makes her home in the Southern U.S. with her husband, her three daughters, a rescue dog named Oscar the Grouch, A Shitzsu named Tinkerbell, an OCD cat, and a coffee pot she honestly couldn't live without. Should she ever become the owner of a fire-breathing dragon (tame of course), her life would be complete.

Contact her on twitter at @RKRyals, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RKRyals or online at http://www.authorrkryals.com

Reviews

[Pyxi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review for: Tempest by R.K. Ryals
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Shanna Roberson


Where to start? I am seriously at a loss for words to describe what I just read. Nothing I could come up with could adequately capture the emotion Ms. Ryals has wrenched from me with these words. I have said it before, but R.K. Ryals is one of the greatest storytellers I have ever read. The world she has created in the Scribes of Medeisia universe is dark, fierce and beautiful. There is nothing else like it.

Stone and Kye along with the other Rebels find themselves pushed to far this time. The insanity of one King threatens all they love and believe in. If he wants a war, they are ready to give it to him.

But if they are going to have a fighting chance and the numbers to overtake the mad King, they need allies. Powerful allies like the Sadeemians. Knowing that the King of Medeisia is targeting them next, it is the best shot they have to overthrowing the King.

Facing the cruelty of the Ardus and the possibility that even if they survive the desert, the King of Sadeemia could refuse to see them. Even still, it is the best chance to set their people free from Raemon’s tyranny. So Stone, Kye, Lochlen, Oran the wolf, and three other Rebels set off to do the impossible.

And when all hope seems lost and the catastrophes seem too great, will they still feel the price of freedom worth the loss? Will the Phoenix of prophecy rise from the ashes? Or will it all be for naught?

Ms. Ryals ability to make her readers lose themselves within her pages is unlike any other I have ever encountered. It’s breathtaking, heart-pounding and devastatingly beautiful. I would have never thought anything could beat Mark of the Mage’s intensely addictive story, but Tempest is the best yet. I adored it and if you are looking for a uniquely haunting story of survival, this series is for you. Bravo, R.K.! I am speechless at your talent and I am forever a fan.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited (keyword being WAS) to get this book and read it, but after my emotions were just shot to hell I'm not sure anymore. Maybe I should start at the beginning my Kye, my sweet, sweet Kye, "if you trace anymore scars, Phoenix, I will come undone." I love him there's just no other words to describe how much I do, "it doesn't mean I wouldn't want you to find out exactly how many scars I have." His voice lowered. "It doesn't mean that at all. "He tweaked the curl again. "I like it short. The sun has brightened it." There were some moments I just like ABOUT EFFING TIME!! "And with that, his mouth slanted over mine, the soft press of his lips the sweetest thing I'd ever tasted." Kye and Stone realize that love it sometimes hurts, and Kye my sweet, loving Kye knows always just what to say, "Kye's gaze searched mine. "It is supposed to hurt. The best kind of love always hurts like hell." (tearing up here and I can't say why) We meet a lot of new characters that I could tell will be around in the upcoming books, (sorry I'm really crying while writing this,) there was one scene my heart stopped and I couldn't finish the book (well I did but I was really unfocused so I had to go back and re-read it over and over again.)
Thump.
And then nothing...
Nothing.
(Sorry trying to collect myself to finish this review) Cadeyrn, he's really sweet, reminds me of well I can't put my finger on who he reminds me of. "He leaned forward, his mouth near my ear. "For out of the ashes of devastation will arise a phoenix, an omen, a child born under the Harvest Moon," Cadeyrn recited, his breath stirring the small hairs along my neck. It was the prophecy, the lines from the Book of Truth. "This child," Cadeyrn whispered, "will be born of forbidden magick, born to bring two nations together." I mean I thought we were getting a sneaky peak into the next book but then I realized he was talking about Stone.

[Alicia Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say that I haven't already said about R.K. Ryals? I've been reading and reviewing her books since her debut and she never fails to capture and impress me. The story of Mediesia and its rebels continue, but this time the tone is much different. While the first book was filled with hope sprung from tragedy as the people of Mediesia began to gather to fight for change, this installment of the series focuses on the realities of war. I know a lot of people might have expected to end this book with the warm fuzzies, but the fact of the matter is, war is a terrible thing. It tears people apart, it breaks people down just as much as it builds people up. This story is not without tragedy and because of this, I feel true depth of storytelling was accomplished. To me, the beauty in death and sacrifice are shown here, as well as how grief can bring people together. That's all I'll say without spoiling it. I'll also add that I am in love with Caderyn and the dynamic that he introduces to Medeisia's group of rebels is intriguing. He is mysterious in a way that makes me want to know him, and I can't wait to get more of him in the next book. While Stone's voice is strong and her emotions are powerful, I felt Caderyn stole this book for me. I wanted him, I wanted to know him, and I believe he has brought this series to a whole new level. Kye is as noble and beautiful as always and his sweet chemistry with Stone was intensified in this book in a way that made me believe in their love. 5 stars, and many more!

[Litsplaining · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was still good, but it did lag in some parts. The author took a page out of George R.R. Martin's book in terms of plot twist, but I wasn't upset at the outcome. I do wish that Ryals gave the love story more time to develop instead of writing it so hastily however, I do applaud her for not using the clichéd love triangle to build extra tension in her series.

Even though this particular book wasn't free like the last one, I still stand by the fact that the Scribes of Medeisia series is a YA series that is worthy of being mentioned in the same vein as other big named series that are being hawked to the tween masses. If you love medieval fantasy and/or are a fan of the Graceling series and the new Queen of the Tearling series, you'll love Dastonia and her team of talking animals, dragon princes, human princes, and all the other ragtag rebels that come with the series.

[Tim Lumsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Great, Great story!!! Highly recommend!!!

Stones saga continues. I just felt so much like I was in the story, part of this adventure as it unfolds. Truly one of the best stories I have read recently. Magic, love, war, tragedy and hope. Stone struggles against her destiny, the prophecy she learned while training as a scribe. She is a true reluctant heroine, tormented by loss and grief, but knows and comes to accept the difficult challenge she faces and the stakes couldn't be higher. We have a story set in mythical kingdoms, with mages and dragons and much that is commonly found in fantasy stories. The Key to this being a wonderfully written and engaging story is that it all fits, it all works, it seems believable, it makes sense. I just felt like I was in that magical world and totally caught up in the adventure. This series should be a must read for all lovers of fantasy and adventure. Happy Reading!!!
Tim

[Christina Silcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am looking at the computer screen, trying to find the words to describe how absolutely flawless this book is, and failing miserably. Mark of the Mage was amazing. I fell in love with the world and the characters, and thought it was R.K. Ryals' best work yet; there was no way she could impress me more. I was wrong. Tempest has shown me, yet again, that R.K. Ryals has no limit to her talents.

There were moments while reading Tempest, where I physically had to step away from reading, in order to process the intense emotions I felt. I found myself so immersed in this world, that I cried and yelled at my Kindle repeatedly. My heart was broken, and then, slowly put back together.

I feel so passionately about this series, that I can't stop telling people about it. I want everyone I know, to read and love it as much as I do!

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this installment as much as the first book. There were a few more typos, fewer surprises, a flow problem, and a complete lack of resolution. The inability of this "story" to stand alone is reflected in the CHARACTER ruminating about how she's at a loss for an inflection point and then fabricating a pretty disappointing one. The feel was a bit like the slow middle portion of a good book. I'm assigning it three stars under the Goodreads system because I did still enjoy reading it, and I look forward to the "series" conclusion. (Quotation marks reference my continued complaint that the author/publisher is selling these three units as separate books rather than as one cohesive and satisfying tale.)

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! I loved every detail of this story. I loved the romance of Stone and Kye and even the friendship of Lochlen and Stone! it's a WONDERFUL book and a MUST READ!

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

More fun, light reading. Onto the third in the series.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

I love the characters and the plot captured me.

It’s been a while since I read the first one but there’s enough here to get the gist of it anyway.

Some really surprising things threw me for a loop. So good!

[Volpot · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't get enough

Omg, You have to read. I can't stop reading this story line....onto my bird book of story. Keep them coming!

[Fab Fun & Tantalizing Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was simply brilliant. Intense. Engrossing. Consuming. I could.not.put.it.down. and although I adore & have read everything R.K Ryals has written, this type of thing isn't usually my cup of tea, or even shot of vodka, if I must admit. So when I went into book one, Mark of the Mage, I wasn't expecting to love it. Well, call me crazy and slap me stupid. I absolutely went nuts for it and have been counting down the days til Tempest!

"You'll learn, Kye, that ruling is as much about death and lies as it is about hope."
Kye stood his ground. "People die for hope," he responded.
"They also die for stupidity," Cadeyrn pointed out.
"I would die for stupidity if it meant living in freedom," I said softly between them.

I wasn't disappointed. I was reeled in, hook, line and sinker. You know it's a good book when you are cooking dinner with one hand and holding your kindle in the other! Ryals tells the story as if she's lived it. The descriptions rich and the wording from that era. She's a master story teller. I could picture every moment throughout the story. I didn't skim a word. I absorbed every last letter I needed to know everything. Like, RIGHT NOW! Then, wham....



So many passages throughout this journey gave me goosebumps. There were moments I just had to sit back and simply think before I could go on. I was completely invested. I was anxious, heart broken, curious and anticipatory. Ryals didn't hold back, the punches came...and just kept on coming.

In that moment, I learned something. I learned that sometimes moments aren't always big ones. Sometimes moments aren't loud or awe-inspiring. Sometimes, they're just enough.

There were some beautiful moments to keep forever (the tree cave), and so many parts that touched my soul but the Ardus & wyvers was just as horrendous as I imagined, the battles we have come to expect when you have a lunatic running a kingdom were brutal, but truly, they weren't the only things to fear. We meet some new characters and learn that life and love is not kind when you are in a war for freedom.

"War is like fire," Cadeyrn said. "Sometimes it's simply a spark of disagreement. Sometimes it's a burning inferno impossible to extinguish. There's no turning back. You told me you'd rather love too much that to have never loved at all. Sometimes it's better to fight than to have never tried. There is never victory in war, but in the end, there can be peace with freedom from persecution."

Can Stone, Kye, Oran, Lochlen and the gang make it to Sadeemia in one piece, and convince their kingdom help to save Medeisia? Will they overcome and prevail? You will have to read and find out.

"You are life, hope, and a chance at freedom. A symbol. Even if you do nothing more than speak to nature, you are a beacon for your people. That is all people need in war." 

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding a great book out of the blue always feels a bit like a treasure hunt to me. Sometimes you come away with nothing much yet sometimes you strike gold. Then there are times you find those rare gems: a treasure which is so precious and unique even amongst all of the wondrous treasure you've discovered in the past. Tempest: Book 2 of the Scribes of Medeisia is one of those rare gems.

This story is sometimes dark, extremely epic and very familiar yet completely unique and new in it's own way. It is a very character driven story that completely sucks you in from the very first page and holds you down in it's murky yet brilliantly lit depths until the very last page. There is a wellspring of depth in this novel and is so very well written that the pages just fly by as you are absorbed into every single moment of the characters lives and struggles.

When we last left off in Mark of the Mage Drastona, Kye, the dragon Lochlen and their group of rebels had decided to go to war against the mad King Raemon but they soon realize they are going to need a lot more help in order to overthrow the King of Medeisia. Things grow much worse in Medeisia as it's citizens live in constant fear and persecution. Armed with the proof that Raemon intends to invade Sadeemia they make a daring and dangerous plan to try to cross the Ardus (the inhospitable desert which separates their two nations). Their courage and strength will be tested along the way, lives will be lost and the rebels who already understand the high cost of war will soon come to question whether the price for freedom is too high.

This book is simply incredible! Not only is it even better than the first one which is a rare feat considering how good the first one was but it also takes the story into brand new uncharted waters and I for one really enjoy the direction this series is heading. We are introduced to new characters, new allies and new villains. Speaking of new characters I really liked Prince Cadeyrn's character. He brings a surprising amount of depth and emotion to this book which is already rich with both those features. I love the magic and how it seems to be tied to nature and the elements. I loved the differences between the two nations of Sadeemia and Medeisia: a difference of night and day. Where one nation suffers from an evil king, poverty and oppression the other grows prosperous under an honorable and caring ruler, it's people free and scribes along with mages are welcome and even given esteemed positions of power and respect within the society. I loved the trees and Oran - Drastona's wolf companion along with her falcon. Most importantly I love the depth and realism, how the devastating effects of war are not just glossed over and how the rebels deal with that loss and cruelty. Some become weighted down in misery, others become stronger and more determined while some like Prince Cadeyrn seem to be so very cold on the outside yet are truly hurting within.

I cannot recommend this series and this book enough. The medieval setting is enchanting, the storyline engrossing and the main characters are all people I feel like I know as if they are all old friends. No matter what you favorite genre is, I feel this series has something that is sure to please everyone. It speaks to the mind and the heart in a very distinct voice. A voice I am very glad I got the opportunity to hear and has assured R.K. Ryals a spot of honor amongst my favorite authors. I plan to read any and every book she currently has out as well as any she may publish in the future. She's that good!

http://jamiesbookblog.com/tempest-r-k...

[Maki ⌒☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in the Scribes of Medesia series, Mark of the Mage. It was very much a comfort read for me - juuuuust the right sort of fantasy to make me ridiculously happy.

Tempest was a wonderful continuation of the story, and there was plenty of action. But...

The story was a lot more focused on romance than the first book was.

Granted, the focus on the romance wasn't...well, it wasn't what you would expect going into a modern fantasy/sci-fi story. It wasn't all big eyes and melting and breathless kisses. There were certainly parts of the book that included those things, but it wasn't the overarching goal of the inclusion of a romantic subplot.

Let's just say that the book spends a lot of time dwelling on various interpretations of that old saying, "It's better to have love and lost, then never loved at all."

That shift did change the pacing of the story, though, so that Tempest was a much slower read than Mark of the Mage.

The Sadeemian landscapes and culture helped make up for the slower pace, but there's only so much that descriptions of buildings and religious beliefs can do.

I enjoyed watching Cadeyrn see just how bad things were over in Medesia. Wow. That sounded bad. Okay, let me try to explain that, so it doesn't sound so much like I'm reveling in the pain of the characters.

Alright, so Cadeyrn, the Sadeemian military leader, and second youngest son of the king, has the ability to tell if someone is lying. When Stone and the other rebels eventually meet with him, and tell him about the horrible things that Raemon is doing to their country, he knows that they're telling the truth.

Instead of just resting on that fact, and saying "oh, he knows how bad it is over there - message delivered", there are many small moments where Cadeyrn will see one of the Medesians react to something that shows him how bad things are. There's a scene at an inn where Cadeyrn is having dinner with the Medesians, and they're quickly wolfing (hehe) down their food. He asks if food is really so scarce in Medesia, and Stone tells him that honestly, the rations they ate as the group crossed the desert were more food than they generally saw.

Small moments like that just made me so, so happy.

[Nanette Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I was given an arc of Tempest for my honest review. I loved Mark of the Mage so of course I jumped on this book.

As I start reading this we meet a new prince. Prince Cadeyrn of Sadeemia. He is a strong fierce man who shows little emotion outside of the battlefield. He is the second son of the king but His place is not the thrown its on the battlefield. He has lost much in his life but he yet he still fights for his kingdom and his people. My first thoughts of him are that he's a pretty scary guy but years on the battlefield have made him so. Cadeyrn fears nothing because his magic is very strong. He draws his strength from the metal in his sword and no one can best him in any fight.

Finally we come back to Kye and Stone along with Maeve, Brennus, Daegan, and of course Lochlen. I loooove Lochlen. With his nonchalant attitude and piercing green reptilian eyes he's just so dreamy. Well to me anyway. It doesn't hurt that he's a dracon and can breathe fire. I love dragons. So fierce and beautiful yet Lochlan is also a great friend. The kind you want on your side.

The journey begins as the rebels enter the ardus in hopes of speaking with the sadeemian king to tell him of the mad king Raemon's plot to kill the Greemallia'n princess. Things in the dessert are not easy. There are wyvers around, distant cousins of the dragons but not even close to being as smart. With that, the sandstorms, and the unbearable heat the group are having a hard time making it through. Tragedy meets the group and Stone's strength is tested..

I love Stone. She's only 16 but she's got the strength of a million men in her heart and in body. She's seen too much but in all that she's seen she finally finds her warrior place. That place where all warriors go just before battle. Where you don't feel you just fight. Fight for your family, your home, and for yourself.

This second book left me breathless again. Breathless for a love lost that I thought would totally always be there. I was seriously disappointed in that and I wanted someone to say it wasn't true. A good book sucks you in but a great book, it brings you to a place where your there with the people you read about as if you were one of them. That was me. I was there with them and none too happy. ;) I love R.K. Ryals but waiting for the next book to come out will be pure torture for me. Soon right?

[Carrie (Book Fairy) Fort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favourite Line(s) "And then I knew what he meant when he said every scar in his body tore open, and I was the only one who could heal them because suddenly my heart was a gaping hole, the scars in my emotions an open wound. His kiss healed them. His beating heart replaced awful memories with something hopeful and new.”

I had to put two favourite lines because this book deserved that and more!

“I opened my eyes, my gaze falling on the cot, on the lifeless face of the man I loved. His eyes were closed, his head turned to the side, his scar obvious. There was pain in his face, but there was a smile on his lips. A small one, but a smile nonetheless.”

I'm still in shock from this whole amazing story! The emotions I felt during this book were , well I could never put into words how truly beautiful this books was! How full of magic, heartache, love, and most of all hope! After reading Mark of the Mage I really honestly thought the author could do no more to well floor me and boy was I wrong!
Watching Stone grow right before me on the pages I read was a wonderful gift. She inspires all around her and with good reason. To watch her learn so many lessons and watch her heart harden broke my heart but, as a new amazing (OH SO SEXY) character Cadeyrn says, “Love and war. They don't go together, Aean Brirg” (you must read the book to find out what it means) Cadeyrn is a prince of Sadeemian, an amazing warrior and a mystery to me! I could go on and on about everything I loved in this book but, instead I will just say it was amazing. The writing style was perfect, description of everything was so clear I felt I was in the different lands when I closed my eyes. The series is inno way predictable as some series are. I am dying to know what happens next. Another amazing story for The Scribes of Medeisia series and I look forward to what's next. This is defiantly a book for anyone who loves magic, dragon, love, war, and of course the Phoenix who can talk to the forest! Its times like this when i wish i was better at expressing my self through words! I am recommending this is everyone I mean EVERYONE who loves books that touch your heart! YOU MUST READ THIS SERIES!!!

I was given book by author in exchange for honest review

FIVE PHOENIX FAIRIES

[Jessica Carroll (Novel Words by Jessica) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book II continues the story of Drastona, a scribe and mage with the power to talk to the trees & animals, as she and her new friends attempt to thwart an assassination attempt, that if it succeeds, will thrust Medeisia and Sadeemia into a bloody and violent war. They must travel across Ardus, an unforgiving desert wrought with danger, in order to reach the Sadeemian King in hopes that he will help them in their plans to free the persecuted people of Medeisia from evil King Raemon. Along the way, they meet an unexpected adversary and together face what lies ahead while also forging bonds that are not so easily broken. I invite you to delve into a world full of fantasy and mystical creatures. A world forged out of love and loss, happiness and sadness, hope and despair - dark and light.

Tempest - Scribes of Medeisia Book II by R.K. Ryals has to be one of the most emotionally powerful, extremely well written, and highly imaginative books that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It was absolutely breath-taking and left me with a swirling mix of emotions - sadness, elation, pride, loyalty, love, fear etc. I felt the emotions of the characters in the story and that is a testament to the amazing writing capabilities of the author!

I could go on and on about what I loved about this book and how R.K. Ryals has quickly become one of my favorite authors but I will let you, the next reader, discover this on your own. My only complaint, and I use that word super lightly, is that I devoured it so quickly and, although when I came to the end no questions were left unanswered, it left me wanting so much more. I cannot wait to follow Drastona and her fellow rebels to the next adventure wherever it may lead them. I have this strange feeling that they will "overcome and prevail".

"For out of the ashes of devastation will arise a phoenix, an omen, a child born under the Harvest Moon," Cadeyrn recited, his breath stirring the small hairs along my neck. It was the prophecy, the lines from the Book of Truth. "This child," Cadeyrn whispered, "will be born of forbidden magic, born to bring two nations together."

*I was gifted an ARC of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempest (Scribes of Medeisia Book II) by R.K. Ryals

Tempest is the second book in the Scribes of Medeisia series and after reading Mark of the Mage, I could not wait to get my hands on Tempest. I loved Mark of the Mage - I fell in love with the fantasy world and the characters that Ms. Ryals created. And Tempest made me fall in love even more.
When Tempest begins, we are introduced to a new character - Prince Cadeyrn of Sadeemia. Cadeyrn is a fierce warrior and the second son of the king. Cadeyrn is concerned about stories he's hearing regarding Medeisia and he tells the king that he needs to travel to Medeisia to see if his concerns are valid. The story then takes us back to where Mark of The Mage ended - with Stone and Kye amongst the rebels in the forest. All of my old friends are there - Stone and Kye, Maeve, Brennus, Daegan, Lochlen, Oran the wolf and the trees and the rest of the rebels. Stone and Kye know that they need the help of the Sadeemians to overcome evil King Raemon so they come up with a plan (that will either be brilliant if they succeed or suicidal). They decide to journey over the Ardus (the desert) to Sadeemia...but that means they'll have to survive through the horrid desert and manage to elude the wyverns who roam there. So Stone, Kye, Lochlen, Oran the wolf, Maeve, Daegan, and Brennus set off to do the impossible - survive the Ardus and convince King Freemont of Sadeemia to help them.
I am absolutely captivated by this series. Ms. Ryals has created this amazing fantasy world with dragons and magic, and her writing is so wonderful that I found myself transported to that fantasy world and it became real. And the characters became real, too. Each character was so unique and well-developed...and each character made me empathize with them. I cannot wait for the next book in this series to be written so that I can sit down with my friends again and continue their journey.
The story left me an emotional mess when I finished it. I went through so many emotions as I read it - love, elation, surprise, fear, worry, heartbreaking sadness, and hope. I cheered for Stone and Kye as they allowed themselves to love...and I cried for them at times. As Kye said, "The best kind of love always hurts like hell."

[AM · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, I enjoyed this one even more. The story continues with Stone, who is a scribe and a mage, and is able to communicate with trees and animals. Not to mention her trusted falcon that reports to her when asked. Alongside her is Kye, Lochlen and their group of rebels. They decide to leave Medeisia in hopes to speak with the King of Sadeemian for his support for a war that is inevitable, and in hopes of stopping the plan to kill a princess.

Those still in Medeisia live in hiding and fear being prosecuted for who they are, and it is time for things to change. However, the group cannot do it alone. With that in mind, the rebels venture to Sadeemia, crossing the Ardus- the desert that separates the two nations. The biggest concern with the desert is the wyvers- distant relatives of the dragons. They are being controlled be an evil King, and their mission to take out as many of the rebels as possible, and will stop at nothing to do so.

While in the desert, we meet Prince Cadeyrn of Sadeemia. He decides to take Stone and the rebels with him and his army back to his country. He is a strong man that shows little emotion, as he has loved and lost in the past. Cadeyrn fears very little, as he knows how strong his magic is. He is able to detect liars, and draws his strength from his sword.

Without revealing any spoilers, you will laugh, smile, and cry while travelling this adventure with the characters. I am excited to start on book 3.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really great book in the Scribes of Medisia series. I started reading this book immediately after finishing the first one in the series and I only got more hooked on the series. In this book, Stone and her rebel friends cross the Ardus desert in an effort to warm the Sadeemians of King Raemon's plans for war. Some of the things I liked about this book were getting to see Stone learn more about her powers and begin to take more of a leadership role with her people and also the introduction of Prince Cadeyrn. He is an interesting character and it'll be interesting to see what his role in the rest of the story will be. The saddest part of this book for me was right in the middle, where Kye dies. It was heartbreaking but I had a suspicion it was coming - I just didn't expect it to happen until the end of the book. I felt sorry for Stone and the fact that she had just come to love him when he was taken away, but at the same time I liked the way she was able to grieve and then pull herself together to lead her people. This is another great book from R. K. Ryals and I highly recommend it, along with the rest of the series, to anyone who is a fan of young-adult fantasy.

[Merisha28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempest by Rk Ryals
I received this book in exchange for an honest unbiased review.

This is an amazing read. It is definitely better than the first book. I'm blown away with the new depth in characters and the emotions in this book. I felt that I was in it in the Ardus. I cried when Stone cried and my heart broke with hers. I love the new depth in Cadryn. The story is epic and like I stated with the first book rates up there with Paolini's Eragon series. The writing is superb. Now I'm dying for the next installment but it looks like I'm going to have to wait to read more of The Phoenix's adventures. I stated in the first one how I love the amazing imagination of this author and the character's that she cooks up. I can't say enough how I love the nature and animal element that is written in these novels. I will absolutely with out a doubt now go out and get the rest of her novels just to see what they are about, since I was hands down won over by her writing. This is one author I see becoming famous. I would love to see these books into movies that are directed by the lord of the rings directors!! I give this book an outstanding 5+ read from me!!

[Jessica Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues and so does my love for this series!

I don't know where to begin. Honestly, I was blown away. I rarely ever feel so much when reading but I felt as though I was traveling the Ardus. Experiencing their hope, fear and heart aches. My heart broke into pieces on a couple of occasions that I actually had to stop to compose myself before I continued.

The mad Medeisia King is wanting a war and to gain power. The rebels realize that the King of Sadeemia must be warned and is their only hope top regain their way of life.

Stone, Kye and the rebels leave to speak to the King of Sadeemia and put an end to their own King's cruel intentions. That mean they have to face the impossible; crossing the Ardus. An inhospitable desert which separates their two nations. Question is, is the price they have to pay worth it when they get to the other side? Will the king even speak to them?

Lives will be lost and their purpose tested as their quest for hope and freedom continues.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And in that moment, I learned something. I learned sometimes moments aren't always big ones. Sometimes moments aren't loud or awe-inspiring. Sometimes, they're just enough." ~Stone

This line stuck with me long after I finished this book. I had a lot of mixed feelings with this book that I didn't have with book 1. In Temptest, we meet another part of the prophesy, Prince Cadeyrn. He is a leader, brutally honest and powers of his own. The rest of Stone's group are present as they begin to cross the Ardus, attempting to meet with King Freemont regarding Raemon.

There were parts of this book that were very unexpected and bothered me, which is why it's 4 stars instead of 5. Sometimes in war, you have to have great loss before you can have great gain. I can't say much without giving away big parts of the story. Be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions. Nothing is what you think or hope for after book 1.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

... There are no words... This book really blew me away. The character development was amazing and I felt like I was on the same page as Stone the entire time. She was so realistic and down to earth. She thought the exact same way I thought and I was never really left wondering how she felt about something because it was always written.
When tragedy occurred I was in shock and unbelieving and so was she and I felt like the slow suffering way that she worked through it helped me to work through it too.
I feel like I'm on a great adventure and even though at some tragic points I considered putting the book down, I could never really bring myself to do it because I was so caught up in Stone and her plight in life.

It is truly not the nice romantic read that I would normally read but it is such a great read full of realistic war, grief, sorrow, joy, friendship and love.

Thanks again R.K. Ryals for another great read!!

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not judge a book by its cover. I read book one of the series some time ago and while I enjoyed it, I did not love it (3stars review). To tell you the truth the cover, the original one and the new one, did not help at nor appealed to my visual senses. So much so that I did not jump to book#2.

I was ok with not following the story any further but then, book 2 went on sale and out on a whim I decided to add it to my to-read list. WOW! Was I happy I did? Book two left me speechless and in a state of....Awe? I cried, smiled and found myself drawn to Stone more and more as the story progressed. I found the characters, although in a fantasy world, to be believable and their trials and tribulations plausible, within its fantasy realm of course.

I was so fascinated by the story that I wasted no time in downloading book three....Which I can't put down!!!

[Michelle Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I didn't think I would like the Scribes of Medeisia series as much as the Thorne Trilogy or The Redemption Trilogy by RK but Tempest has changed my mind. I absolutely love the characters and the how the story line is developing and while these are YA books the story line and characters make them enjoyable for all ages. The characters have a lot more depth in Tempest than in the last book and some of the scenes were so emotional they brought tears to my eyes which doesn't happen often. I can not wait for the next book and RK Ryals has officially moved into one of my top ten authors, I'll be reading everything she writes. If you enjoy Fantasy give this series a try and look at some of the authors other works while you are at it.

[Alicia Haglund · Rating 4 out of 5]

I..I gotta say this book really surprised me. I mean I liked the first one a lot - a tad overdramatic in parts but overall I really enjoyed it a lot. She has, unlike most authors in her genre, a eye for detail and description and coloring in a scene.

And this damn book. The 2nd one is better than the first (so unusual). Ah god - I actually cried, like a lot. Well done, you got me - I really thought those two were heading towards the distant cliched happily-ever-after sunset eventually. It was a building romance that you made me feel intensely over the course of these two books..and then to do that in the MIDDLE of the book? +1,000 points for surprising the hell out of me -

[Sheila Ryals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok the first lured me in! I love dragons. The second made me fall in love! These books have all the feels that readers crave! All I can say these books have a bit of everything epic loves! Epic loss. A really bad guy! Prophecies and heroes. Dragons definetly dragons!! If I could there would be ten stars not 5! So read the book already!! If you don't your the one missing out on an epic read! I will be buying this series in paper back so I can hook family and friends with this series! Anyway I am off to see if I can get book 3 god I hope it is out!!! If not man I'm gonna go nutso till it does!!!

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book was sooooooooo good!! I absolutely loved it.The author definitely knows how to catch your attention and submerge you in the story, I honestly picked up this book thinking it was probably not going to be so good but I'm happy to say i was impressed.Reasons why this book is badass and a great read.

If you like an independent female lead character, you will love Stone, she is a badass heroine and doesn't disappoint.

The only thing i found kind of weird, was the romance between the main character to me it just seemed to be a little rushed,but they made such a cute couple.

In the end its a book that I would recommend to my friends,and I can't wait to read the third one!