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Ironhold #2
Ironhold: Trial Two
“Action-packed …. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing.”
--Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes)
“I await each release by this author eagerly and have never been disappointed!”
--Book Reviewer (Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From #1 bestseller Morgan Rice comes the second book in a spectacular new fantasy series, ideal for fans of Rebecca Yarros and Suzanne Collins.
From USA Today and #1 bestseller Morgan Rice, author of A Quest of Heroes (over 5,000 five star ratings) comes the long-awaited debut of a thrilling new romantasy series.
As Lyra Thornwind’s powers grow, she becomes entangled in a secret plot to overthrow a corrupt system. Alaric reveals hidden depths, becoming an unexpected ally, while her relationship with Rowan deepens. In the arena, Lyra faces increasingly dangerous creatures and foes that force her to confront her deepest fears. Outside the arena, she must outwit political machinations while trying to uncover the truth about the Spectral Covenant and her own abilities. The season culminates in a shocking betrayal that leaves Lyra questioning everything she thought she knew.
In the captivating world of IRONHOLD, romance, danger, and fantasy intersect in a universe brimming with magic and peril. This gripping saga keeps readers of all ages spellbound, offering a unique twist on the genre. Be swept away by a narrative that seamlessly blends destiny, passion and sorcery with fierce combat, set against a backdrop both brutal and mesmerizing. The IRONHOLD series promises an enthralling adventure that will leave you breathless and craving more.
Future books in the series are also available!
“Loved it. Kept me on my toes like the whole time. It made me want to keep reading even when I was supposed to be sleeping.”
--Book Reviewer (Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The beginnings of something remarkable are there.”
--San Francisco Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes)
“Has all the ingredients for an instant plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers.”
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re The Sorcerer’s Ring)
--Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes)
“I await each release by this author eagerly and have never been disappointed!”
--Book Reviewer (Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From #1 bestseller Morgan Rice comes the second book in a spectacular new fantasy series, ideal for fans of Rebecca Yarros and Suzanne Collins.
From USA Today and #1 bestseller Morgan Rice, author of A Quest of Heroes (over 5,000 five star ratings) comes the long-awaited debut of a thrilling new romantasy series.
As Lyra Thornwind’s powers grow, she becomes entangled in a secret plot to overthrow a corrupt system. Alaric reveals hidden depths, becoming an unexpected ally, while her relationship with Rowan deepens. In the arena, Lyra faces increasingly dangerous creatures and foes that force her to confront her deepest fears. Outside the arena, she must outwit political machinations while trying to uncover the truth about the Spectral Covenant and her own abilities. The season culminates in a shocking betrayal that leaves Lyra questioning everything she thought she knew.
In the captivating world of IRONHOLD, romance, danger, and fantasy intersect in a universe brimming with magic and peril. This gripping saga keeps readers of all ages spellbound, offering a unique twist on the genre. Be swept away by a narrative that seamlessly blends destiny, passion and sorcery with fierce combat, set against a backdrop both brutal and mesmerizing. The IRONHOLD series promises an enthralling adventure that will leave you breathless and craving more.
Future books in the series are also available!
“Loved it. Kept me on my toes like the whole time. It made me want to keep reading even when I was supposed to be sleeping.”
--Book Reviewer (Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The beginnings of something remarkable are there.”
--San Francisco Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes)
“Has all the ingredients for an instant plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers.”
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re The Sorcerer’s Ring)
- GenresRomantasy
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2024
96 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Rice
590 books3,396 followersMorgan Rice is the #1 bestselling and USA Today bestselling author of the epic fantasy series THE SORCERER’S RING, comprising seventeen books; of the #1 bestselling series THE VAMPIRE JOURNALS, comprising twelve books; of the #1 bestselling series THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, a post-apocalyptic thriller comprising three books; of the epic fantasy series KINGS AND SORCERERS, comprising six books; of the epic fantasy series OF CROWNS AND GLORY, comprising 8 books; of the new epic fantasy series A THRONE FOR SISTERS, comprising eight books (and counting); and of the new science fiction series THE INVASION CHRONICLES. Morgan’s books are available in audio and print editions, and translations are available in over 25 languages.
TURNED (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals), ARENA ONE (Book #1 of the Survival Trilogy), A QUEST OF HEROES (Book #1 in the Sorcerer’s Ring) and RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Kings and Sorcerers—Book #1) are each available as free downloads!
Morgan loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.morganricebooks.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, download the free app, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!
TURNED (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals), ARENA ONE (Book #1 of the Survival Trilogy), A QUEST OF HEROES (Book #1 in the Sorcerer’s Ring) and RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Kings and Sorcerers—Book #1) are each available as free downloads!
Morgan loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.morganricebooks.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, download the free app, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 3, 2025
In questo secondo libro ho finalmente compreso meglio il world building. Ho capito da dove arriva la magia del posto: da una pietra donata dagli Dei. che si ricarica con il sangue versato nei combattimenti. Ecco perché esistono i giorni sacri, durante i quali si tengono dei “giochi” — passami il termine — in onore proprio di queste divinità. Non è necessario che ci sia spargimento di sangue: è l’imperatore in persona a decidere, con un 👍🏻 o un 👎🏻, se un combattente vive o muore, in base a quanto lo “spettacolo” sia stato soddisfacente.
C’è chi sceglie volontariamente di partecipare a questi giochi, come i figli dei nobili. Se riescono a superare tutte e cinque le stagioni (le cinque prove), ottengono maggiore prestigio, matrimoni più vantaggiosi a livello politico e, ovviamente, più potere.
Poi ci sono i gladiatori schiavi, arruolati dai vari villaggi perché possessori di qualche potere magico. Se sopravvivono fino alla fine della quinta stagione, ottengono la libertà e garantiscono la nobiltà ai figli futuri. Tra questi ci sono anche i gladiatori prigionieri: persone messe davanti a un bivio — morte immediata o entrare a Ironhold per combattere.
Aetheria è un mondo popolato da creature magiche: chimere, draghi di ghiaccio, gatti d’ombra, serpenti giganti, grifoni, ecc. Queste creature vengono addestrate per il combattimento, che può essere misto o uno contro uno. Nei combattimenti a squadre, possiamo trovare un gladiatore con il potere della telecinesi, un illusionista e un drago di ghiaccio contro un dominatore della terra, una dominatrice dell’acqua e un gatto d’ombra. Oppure, gladiatore contro bestia.
La particolarità della nostra protagonista è proprio questa: lei comunica con le bestie. Ma non solo a livello di intendersi — entra nella loro mente, si immedesima, vede attraverso i loro occhi, sente ciò che loro sentono e rivive in sé ciò che hanno vissuto. Il rischio di questo potere, però, è che i “dominatori di bestie” sono perseguitati e uccisi da quando l’imperatore Tiberio VI ha avuto una visione (la profezia) secondo cui un dominatore di bestie avvrebbe messo a rischio il suo impero.
Lyra, la protagonista, non può essere uccisa apertamente dall’imperatore perché è sotto contratto con Ironhold, che ha regole ferree. Per questo, un’altra dominatrice di bestie convince la sua società segreta ad accettare Lyra tra loro e si impegna ad addestrarla.
Una cosa è certa in questo libro: battaglie, tradimenti e alleanze sono all’ordine del giorno. Vi consiglio di non affezionarvi troppo a nessuno, perché — come dice la protagonista — “la morte è garantita. La sopravvivenza? Non saprei.”
E ora il tasto dolente: la traduzione. Sembra fatta da Google Translate, con continui cambi di genere nei personaggi. Ma, al momento, è l’unico vero difetto che ho trovato nel libro.
C’è chi sceglie volontariamente di partecipare a questi giochi, come i figli dei nobili. Se riescono a superare tutte e cinque le stagioni (le cinque prove), ottengono maggiore prestigio, matrimoni più vantaggiosi a livello politico e, ovviamente, più potere.
Poi ci sono i gladiatori schiavi, arruolati dai vari villaggi perché possessori di qualche potere magico. Se sopravvivono fino alla fine della quinta stagione, ottengono la libertà e garantiscono la nobiltà ai figli futuri. Tra questi ci sono anche i gladiatori prigionieri: persone messe davanti a un bivio — morte immediata o entrare a Ironhold per combattere.
Aetheria è un mondo popolato da creature magiche: chimere, draghi di ghiaccio, gatti d’ombra, serpenti giganti, grifoni, ecc. Queste creature vengono addestrate per il combattimento, che può essere misto o uno contro uno. Nei combattimenti a squadre, possiamo trovare un gladiatore con il potere della telecinesi, un illusionista e un drago di ghiaccio contro un dominatore della terra, una dominatrice dell’acqua e un gatto d’ombra. Oppure, gladiatore contro bestia.
La particolarità della nostra protagonista è proprio questa: lei comunica con le bestie. Ma non solo a livello di intendersi — entra nella loro mente, si immedesima, vede attraverso i loro occhi, sente ciò che loro sentono e rivive in sé ciò che hanno vissuto. Il rischio di questo potere, però, è che i “dominatori di bestie” sono perseguitati e uccisi da quando l’imperatore Tiberio VI ha avuto una visione (la profezia) secondo cui un dominatore di bestie avvrebbe messo a rischio il suo impero.
Lyra, la protagonista, non può essere uccisa apertamente dall’imperatore perché è sotto contratto con Ironhold, che ha regole ferree. Per questo, un’altra dominatrice di bestie convince la sua società segreta ad accettare Lyra tra loro e si impegna ad addestrarla.
Una cosa è certa in questo libro: battaglie, tradimenti e alleanze sono all’ordine del giorno. Vi consiglio di non affezionarvi troppo a nessuno, perché — come dice la protagonista — “la morte è garantita. La sopravvivenza? Non saprei.”
E ora il tasto dolente: la traduzione. Sembra fatta da Google Translate, con continui cambi di genere nei personaggi. Ma, al momento, è l’unico vero difetto che ho trovato nel libro.
July 17, 2025
The FMC is discovering more about the world as the book progresses which I enjoyed. It's obvious that she's a pawn in all that it's happening and it's frustrati g that she doesn't realize it.
I didn't like the love triangle aspect, for me it's pretty obvious who she should end with and seeing how the book ends, this is going to cause drama.
The wordlbuilding is also expanding and I was surprised to learn so much about Aletheria and the Colosseum. The motivation and manipulation behind the games is still a budding theme in the narrative but it's going to bring consequences in the next books.
I didn't like the love triangle aspect, for me it's pretty obvious who she should end with and seeing how the book ends, this is going to cause drama.
The wordlbuilding is also expanding and I was surprised to learn so much about Aletheria and the Colosseum. The motivation and manipulation behind the games is still a budding theme in the narrative but it's going to bring consequences in the next books.
December 22, 2024
The power to survive!
Another season is upon them. The gladiators will return to the sands of the colosseum for their dance of death. Using her powers, Lyra has attracted the emperor's attention. They have also gained her a patron with an agenda. If Lyra survives her bouts this season she will be one step closer to freedom but the emperor's hatred for Beast Whisperers is legendary.
More scheming, intrigue, battles, and magic! This is a great series! I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Another season is upon them. The gladiators will return to the sands of the colosseum for their dance of death. Using her powers, Lyra has attracted the emperor's attention. They have also gained her a patron with an agenda. If Lyra survives her bouts this season she will be one step closer to freedom but the emperor's hatred for Beast Whisperers is legendary.
More scheming, intrigue, battles, and magic! This is a great series! I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
January 6, 2025
We are getting there I suppose.
There is some progress in this book, but keep in mind that these stories feel a bit short and not fast-paced.
The female MC herself, Lyra, is the one who gives me this feeling because she keeps questioning every action and decision she makes. When you think she is finally taking the next step, she decides to overthink and go back to her original mindset.
I agree that she has to question everything in this unfriendly environment but she also has to show some kind of progress in her thinking and acting. Let's agree that her growth is slow.
It is still a fun read and keeps you wondering what is gonna happen in the future!
There is some progress in this book, but keep in mind that these stories feel a bit short and not fast-paced.
The female MC herself, Lyra, is the one who gives me this feeling because she keeps questioning every action and decision she makes. When you think she is finally taking the next step, she decides to overthink and go back to her original mindset.
I agree that she has to question everything in this unfriendly environment but she also has to show some kind of progress in her thinking and acting. Let's agree that her growth is slow.
It is still a fun read and keeps you wondering what is gonna happen in the future!
December 11, 2024
I was given an ARC of this book and I enjoyed it as I knew I would.
There was plenty of action, magical aspects and a great sense of place. Those in charge were awful as expected and the mob the dutiful sheep.
I liked Lyra's intelligence and kindness and the idea of communing with animals.
It will be interesting to see where it leads.
Recommended.
There was plenty of action, magical aspects and a great sense of place. Those in charge were awful as expected and the mob the dutiful sheep.
I liked Lyra's intelligence and kindness and the idea of communing with animals.
It will be interesting to see where it leads.
Recommended.
January 14, 2025
Ironhold: Trial Two
Romance, danger, and fantasy
This is a really interesting fantasy story. The trials of being forced to fight & kill to survive, with the different ’talents’ & abilities. Lyra is beginning to learn that politics plays a much bigger part than she realised & she wants desperately to change the corrupt system
Romance, danger, and fantasy
This is a really interesting fantasy story. The trials of being forced to fight & kill to survive, with the different ’talents’ & abilities. Lyra is beginning to learn that politics plays a much bigger part than she realised & she wants desperately to change the corrupt system
May 5, 2025
"Ironhold: Trial Two" delivers a thrilling mix of heart-pounding battles, political intrigue, and friendship forged under pressure. Lyra’s journey of power and self-discovery is engaging and entertaining, keeping you glued to the pages as she faces dangerous foes and shocking betrayals. If you want an adventurous escape packed with magic and twists, this saga is a must-read!
January 22, 2025
I really enjoy Morgan’s style and interesting plots. This book extends the story from Book 1, which was a terrific series starter. Unfortunately, her proofreader went on vacation at the 2/3 mark, leaving egregious errors, missing words, and inappropriate word substitutions. Such a shame!
March 10, 2025
It’s a smart idea to write as many books as there are trials.
Keeps the reader totally immersed in the “now” in the book
She finally makes her choice in lovers at the very end in the last pages
Surprise, surprise!
I’m on Book 3 now, will write more soon…
Keeps the reader totally immersed in the “now” in the book
She finally makes her choice in lovers at the very end in the last pages
Surprise, surprise!
I’m on Book 3 now, will write more soon…
January 18, 2026
Livre audio #4.
J'aime toujours cette saga de Morgan Rice.
J'aimé continué lire cette saga d'elle et en plus, c'est facile de le lire rapidement.
Peut-être le mois prochain je vais lire le tome 3.
Je le note 3 étoiles!
J'aime toujours cette saga de Morgan Rice.
J'aimé continué lire cette saga d'elle et en plus, c'est facile de le lire rapidement.
Peut-être le mois prochain je vais lire le tome 3.
Je le note 3 étoiles!
December 20, 2024
Magic, action, and mystery makes this an excellent book and Morgan Rice's finest writing. I highly recommend reading this book and series.
Read
February 11, 2025DNF
February 12, 2025
I gave this a 3 star because the idea of the story was interesting. The issue was the typos and misuse of words that made it hard to follow, and the need to reread was frustrating.
February 13, 2025
Love this series! But the proofreading is horrible
April 20, 2025
The second trial. Who will be Lyra's opponents?
May 19, 2025
when you're slugging along in a series only because you're an animal lover and heart and being able to command beasts sounds fascinating.
September 1, 2025
Great story line! A very interesting read, but there are many typos, missing words, and misuse of words. If you can get past that, it’s still a great story!
January 7, 2026
Action, blood & love
The second book keeps up the pace. I find it hard to put down. Anyone who likes mafia '& intrigue will love this series. Excellent!
The second book keeps up the pace. I find it hard to put down. Anyone who likes mafia '& intrigue will love this series. Excellent!
January 18, 2026
Not sure I want to read the next book because of the large amount of spelling and grammatical errors in this one.
March 22, 2025
Lyra enters her second season as a gladiator and we rapidly make enemies of allies and allies of enemies it seems. I'm enjoying the sub plot that is taking form, and look forward to seeing where it is going.
Again, it was short and sweet, however the proofreader looks to have went walkabout towards the end with missing words, spelling errors and word substitutions that were altogether incorrect (replacing invitation with investigation...). It didn't jar me and make me enjoy it less, but it may lessen others' enjoyment.
Again, it was short and sweet, however the proofreader looks to have went walkabout towards the end with missing words, spelling errors and word substitutions that were altogether incorrect (replacing invitation with investigation...). It didn't jar me and make me enjoy it less, but it may lessen others' enjoyment.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews