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Thaumatropic Roots #2
Bones of Cenaedth
The Mother of Trees withers while trolls prepare to conquer a crumbling world.
The elves’ only hope? A desperate plan forged by a fanatical Warder with questionable motives.
Elliah, a magicless elf cursed by prophecy, holds the key to either salvation or destruction. Forced into an uneasy alliance with the Warder, the elves must navigate deadly dragon attacks and unrelenting persecution while searching for an army with the power to strike back.
Their only chance lies with the Alluvium, masters of Fire Magic. But when a rival prophecy surfaces, everything they believe unravels. Which future is true? Who can they trust? And will any of it matter when the dragons come, seeking vengeance for that which the Warder has stolen?
Dragons collect their dead.
Fire lies.
Can Elliah, an outcast elf, bereft of magic, defy fate and save a dying world? Or will she only hasten its demise?
The elves’ only hope? A desperate plan forged by a fanatical Warder with questionable motives.
Elliah, a magicless elf cursed by prophecy, holds the key to either salvation or destruction. Forced into an uneasy alliance with the Warder, the elves must navigate deadly dragon attacks and unrelenting persecution while searching for an army with the power to strike back.
Their only chance lies with the Alluvium, masters of Fire Magic. But when a rival prophecy surfaces, everything they believe unravels. Which future is true? Who can they trust? And will any of it matter when the dragons come, seeking vengeance for that which the Warder has stolen?
Dragons collect their dead.
Fire lies.
Can Elliah, an outcast elf, bereft of magic, defy fate and save a dying world? Or will she only hasten its demise?
- GenresFantasy
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2024
80 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Steven J. Morris
11 books68 followersEngineer, husband, and father of three wonderful girls by day. Fantasy fiction writer by night (and other random times he's not taxiing kids, pulling hair out of drains, helping with math and science homework, coaching soccer, remodeling rooms, and walking the dogs).
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 16, 2024
Title: Bones Of Cenaedth (Thaumatropic Roots #2 )
Author: Steven J. Morris
Synopsis: The Mother of Trees withers while trolls prepare to conquer a crumbling world.
The elves’ only hope? A desperate plan forged by a fanatical Warder with questionable motives.
Elliah, a magicless elf cursed by prophecy, holds the key to either salvation or destruction. Forced into an uneasy alliance with the Warder, the elves must navigate deadly dragon attacks and unrelenting persecution while searching for an army with the power to strike back.
Their only chance lies with the Alluvium, masters of Fire Magic. But when a rival prophecy surfaces, everything they believe unravels. Which future is true? Who can they trust? And will any of it matter when the dragons come, seeking vengeance for that which the Warder has stolen?
Dragons collect their dead.
Fire lies.
Can Elliah, an outcast elf, bereft of magic, defy fate and save a dying world? Or will she only hasten its demise?
Review: I feel so lucky and thankful that I received this book as an advance reader copy! This story was well paced! There was always something going on! All of the multiple POV’s were distinct and enjoyable to read! I sometimes feel intimated by books with multiple POV’s because usually I would have a character or sometimes a few characters I didn’t care about and would dread when I had to read certain chapters! However, when it comes to any of Steven J. Morris’s books I have never had that issue! The world is very well developed! This sequel does not disappoint!
Author: Steven J. Morris
Synopsis: The Mother of Trees withers while trolls prepare to conquer a crumbling world.
The elves’ only hope? A desperate plan forged by a fanatical Warder with questionable motives.
Elliah, a magicless elf cursed by prophecy, holds the key to either salvation or destruction. Forced into an uneasy alliance with the Warder, the elves must navigate deadly dragon attacks and unrelenting persecution while searching for an army with the power to strike back.
Their only chance lies with the Alluvium, masters of Fire Magic. But when a rival prophecy surfaces, everything they believe unravels. Which future is true? Who can they trust? And will any of it matter when the dragons come, seeking vengeance for that which the Warder has stolen?
Dragons collect their dead.
Fire lies.
Can Elliah, an outcast elf, bereft of magic, defy fate and save a dying world? Or will she only hasten its demise?
Review: I feel so lucky and thankful that I received this book as an advance reader copy! This story was well paced! There was always something going on! All of the multiple POV’s were distinct and enjoyable to read! I sometimes feel intimated by books with multiple POV’s because usually I would have a character or sometimes a few characters I didn’t care about and would dread when I had to read certain chapters! However, when it comes to any of Steven J. Morris’s books I have never had that issue! The world is very well developed! This sequel does not disappoint!
December 15, 2024
Enough Hobbit holes, how about a hotel modelled on the stone silverveins?
Exploring the High Elven city of Alenor with Elliah, Illaria, Hughelas, and Beldroth made me want to go there as well! The world-building was my favorite part of Mother of Trees, and Morris keeps it going with this sequel. Epic, dangerous, and layered, the many cities, cultures, creatures, and yes, trees, rival Middle Earth.
I was happy to spend more time with the older characters of the band in this book, and also that Elliah herself is maturing. Her angst in book one left me a bit drained, but in this book she has a lot more awareness of her party - she's growing up. Illaria and Beldroth were my favorites though - it's rare to really have a parent's voice in epic fantasy, and this adventure where two single parents are trying to save the world with their young adult children is really cool. It reminded me of Patricia Briggs' Raven series (one of my favorites) in the best way.
It's short and snappy, easy reading. I think any fantasy fan will enjoy this one!
Exploring the High Elven city of Alenor with Elliah, Illaria, Hughelas, and Beldroth made me want to go there as well! The world-building was my favorite part of Mother of Trees, and Morris keeps it going with this sequel. Epic, dangerous, and layered, the many cities, cultures, creatures, and yes, trees, rival Middle Earth.
I was happy to spend more time with the older characters of the band in this book, and also that Elliah herself is maturing. Her angst in book one left me a bit drained, but in this book she has a lot more awareness of her party - she's growing up. Illaria and Beldroth were my favorites though - it's rare to really have a parent's voice in epic fantasy, and this adventure where two single parents are trying to save the world with their young adult children is really cool. It reminded me of Patricia Briggs' Raven series (one of my favorites) in the best way.
It's short and snappy, easy reading. I think any fantasy fan will enjoy this one!
November 21, 2024
Good sir!!! How dare you leave me with that cliffhanger?!?!
So many theories, questions, and concerns. AND I have to wait? The audacity I tell you.
This story follows Elliah and her group after their meeting gone awry with the Mother. It seems they are always being held prisoner by one group or another and chased by dragons. Mystery built within mystery. A little romance mixed in.
Dragons always collect their dead.
Fire lies.
The hammer hides.
You think you know what side you are on....but is it right?
So many theories, questions, and concerns. AND I have to wait? The audacity I tell you.
This story follows Elliah and her group after their meeting gone awry with the Mother. It seems they are always being held prisoner by one group or another and chased by dragons. Mystery built within mystery. A little romance mixed in.
Dragons always collect their dead.
Fire lies.
The hammer hides.
You think you know what side you are on....but is it right?
October 16, 2024
So this is a multiple 1st person pov story that follows a group of four people, adding a 5th person towards the middle of the book as they travel across the lands hoping to accomplish their mission from the mother of trees.
During this journey they come across various trials and uncover a couple of prophecies that contradicts their current mission.
It's got dragons, high fae, wood fae, trolls and other species all the good things needed to make a good book.
During this journey they come across various trials and uncover a couple of prophecies that contradicts their current mission.
It's got dragons, high fae, wood fae, trolls and other species all the good things needed to make a good book.
November 4, 2024
I received the second book from the author for an honest review, and since I wanted to be fair in my assessment, I bought and read the first in the series before moving on to Bones of Cenaedth.
If anything, this book is better than Mother of Trees. The characters are being fleshed out, there's not a lot of infodump (matter of fact, in some sections you end up fast-forwarding because why read about another fight? Loved that!)
You learn more about Elliah's magic (well, lack of,) and she learns how to cope with it and how to use it. She's impulsive, but she's also young for her race. She has things to learn, but her friend Hughelas also has things to learn and they both learn together.
I don't want to give up too much. Suffice it to say they end up helping one of the other races of elves from their baby-death rate, and move forward with their quest.
Unfortunately this ended in another cliffhanger, and the next book isn't ready yet.
There were some typos, but I'm hoping those are handled in the final copy.
If anything, this book is better than Mother of Trees. The characters are being fleshed out, there's not a lot of infodump (matter of fact, in some sections you end up fast-forwarding because why read about another fight? Loved that!)
You learn more about Elliah's magic (well, lack of,) and she learns how to cope with it and how to use it. She's impulsive, but she's also young for her race. She has things to learn, but her friend Hughelas also has things to learn and they both learn together.
I don't want to give up too much. Suffice it to say they end up helping one of the other races of elves from their baby-death rate, and move forward with their quest.
Unfortunately this ended in another cliffhanger, and the next book isn't ready yet.
There were some typos, but I'm hoping those are handled in the final copy.
March 31, 2025
This was a strong sequel in this series, it had that element that I wanted and enjoyed the elements of this book. It uses the concept perfectly and was glad everything flowed together to tell the story. The characters were everything that I wanted and enjoyed getting back to this world. Steven J. Morris has a great way of telling the story and am excited for more.
I received a free copy of this book for review and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book for review and am voluntarily leaving a review
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December 9, 2024I wasn't always a fan of fantasy novels, but Stephen J. Morris has changed all that! Now I'm a big fan, both of his first series (The Guardian League) and now this series (Thaumatropic Roots), where he takes his storytelling up to a whole other level. The action scenes are thrilling (and some are super funny too). When I get to the end of his books, I always want more.
November 9, 2024
Immerse into an exciting journey as a group with diverse motivations work together to reach a common goal in a world of magic amid dragons seeking revenge and dangerous encounters with old enemies. Morris builds a well developed world of magic and genuine characters. Great adventure!
December 7, 2024
Another great bood by steven.
Great job moving the plot along further and developing the characters, cannot wait for the next one. Hopefully more details from how life was before the breaking will emerge!
Great job moving the plot along further and developing the characters, cannot wait for the next one. Hopefully more details from how life was before the breaking will emerge!
January 23, 2025
Morris writes another compelling story about a group of friends who travel to different cities. There is plenty of action, adventure, mystery and even humor. Morris writes a fantastic world built of magic and genuine characters. I absolutely enjoyed this book! A must read!
July 8, 2025
4.5
There is more excellent world building in this second book. The Mother of Trees is dying and trolls want to take over. The elves are on a mission but are hampered by dragons other clans of elves. Likable characters, great narrative and fun reading.
Now for book three!
There is more excellent world building in this second book. The Mother of Trees is dying and trolls want to take over. The elves are on a mission but are hampered by dragons other clans of elves. Likable characters, great narrative and fun reading.
Now for book three!
November 2, 2024
They just keep getting better. Loved the flow of the book - couldn’t put it down. The characterization is good, interesting setting, well paced … looking forward to the next one!
March 15, 2025
Great read!!
Just like the first book, well crafted and exciting. The story is told by all the members of the party which adds to point of view. Great battle scenes!
Just like the first book, well crafted and exciting. The story is told by all the members of the party which adds to point of view. Great battle scenes!
December 15, 2025
Hard to follow
I struggled through this book. To me , it was very confusing. It got quite boring.Also I will not be reading the rest of this series
I struggled through this book. To me , it was very confusing. It got quite boring.Also I will not be reading the rest of this series
January 16, 2026
Good read
The second in a series the plot keeps you interested and moves quickly. I’d recommend this series if you are a fantasy reader.
The second in a series the plot keeps you interested and moves quickly. I’d recommend this series if you are a fantasy reader.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews