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"Often the scars that grieve us the most are the ones we carry deep inside."
Hammered with determination and paid for in blood, the connection that binds Will to Conlan and his fellow Avatars has finally been forged and the Five are beginning to discover the extent of their staggering potential.
Now these living embodiments of elemental magic pose a threat that the despotic Lords of Mydren cannot ignore. With all the resources at their disposal, the hunt for the Five has begun in earnest.
With Conlan's army growing, the time has come for them to cease fleeing and begin their battle for the heart and soul of Mydren. Yet for Will there is only one goal: to see Conlan crowned king, thus securing the future of those he loves.
The task of guiding Conlan and his comrades through the oncoming battles will require every last ounce of Will's guile but he has secrets of his own that threaten everything the united powers of the Five represent.
With time running out, does Will have the strength to face the encroaching darkness alone?
Hammered with determination and paid for in blood, the connection that binds Will to Conlan and his fellow Avatars has finally been forged and the Five are beginning to discover the extent of their staggering potential.
Now these living embodiments of elemental magic pose a threat that the despotic Lords of Mydren cannot ignore. With all the resources at their disposal, the hunt for the Five has begun in earnest.
With Conlan's army growing, the time has come for them to cease fleeing and begin their battle for the heart and soul of Mydren. Yet for Will there is only one goal: to see Conlan crowned king, thus securing the future of those he loves.
The task of guiding Conlan and his comrades through the oncoming battles will require every last ounce of Will's guile but he has secrets of his own that threaten everything the united powers of the Five represent.
With time running out, does Will have the strength to face the encroaching darkness alone?
- GenresFantasyEpic Fantasy
576 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2014
3 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
S.F. Burgess
4 books46 followersSara Burgess lives in Manchester with her long-suffering husband, her beloved bear-dog Sweep and three cats: Frodo, Gandalf and Gimli. She has lived in Florida, Spain and France and has at different times in her life been a video shop assistant, bank clerk, school teacher, supermarket till worker, hotel receptionist, bookshop assistant, archaeologist, software trainer and she currently works as an Intranet Evangelist to pay for her first love: writing. In her infrequent spare time she enjoys the movies, opera, bike-riding, reading and hanging out at DaVinci’s with the ‘crew’.
Why not come and find out more about the world of Eleanor and Mydren over on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/mydren
Why not come and find out more about the world of Eleanor and Mydren over on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/mydren
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 20, 2015
I got a copy of ‘Will’ from the author in exchange for an honest review. And I am SO happy I did. I had read ‘Eleanor’ and liked it a lot. This book was an equal to its predecessor.
The story was well built. It started gradually. In the beginning it was a bit airy. Not an abundance of action, but more world-building. The culture of Mydren was explored. We got to know more about the new characters. We learned about their motivations, their background. There was a lot of intrigue. Is there a spy. Is there not? If there is, who is it? Is someone following them.
Then there was the secret that is in the center of this book. The secret Will has kept for so long. You can’t just not think about that. It comes back throughout the whole book and you keep wondering what it might be that he kept it from everybody, even the woman he loves so much.
There is always some action going on. The story never gets boring and every time the story slows a little, there is intrigue to keep you busy and it’s followed by more action. I always longed to read the next part.
Towards the end, the atmosphere suddenly changes due to the events in the book itself, but I won’t spoil anything about the story itself. But the atmosphere turns darker, and I must say, this is where the writer really shows her talent and her skills in writing. Minor spoiler: , and it is described so well, as a reader, you really feel the torture. You feel with the character that is getting tortured. It is described so well and it is written in a way, only few authors can. And that is another reason why everybody should read ‘Eleanor’ and ‘Will’.
The only negative point I could give, is that it was hard to get into the book if you haven’t read ‘Eleanor’ recently. I read it more than a year ago and I had forgotten quite a lot of it, because I have quite a bad memory. So maybe there could have been more references to the previous book. But that is the only remark I have on this wonderful book.
Also, after I had read the book, I found out there is a synopsis for ‘Eleanor’. For people who want to read that synopsis to refresh their memory, this is the link:
http://www.mydren.com/?page_id=649
Mind that there are a lot of spoilers there, so don’t read it if you haven’t read ‘Eleanor’.
So with this, the only negative point I could make was refuted.
Like I mentioned before, this book is beautifully written, the story is very intriguing and full of action. The world-building was very good in the first book, there we saw different parts of Mydren, we got to know how the society works, who is in charge, how powerful they are, etc. In this book, we get to know even more. We learn more about the culture, we learn about the system inside the strongholds of the Lords of Mydren. We learn how life on the streets is. We also get a closer look at the history of Mydren, with the story of Alaric. And we find out that not everything is as it seems, or at least not entirely.
There are also lots of (new) characters to love. There are also those we love to dislike.
Pandral is a great character, there is more to him than the surface makes you think. Then there’s Oakes, who doesn’t play that big a role in the bigger picture, but plays a big role for Will. Then there’s Cai, Arran, Gregor, and even Daratus. All interesting characters with a certain depth. What I also liked is the writer’s ability to change my opinion on someone throughout the book. Maybe not necessarily what was intended, but everyone has their own opinion about the characters. I had this with Davlin. At first I liked him, but then there were moments where I didn’t and I couldn’t make up my mind. Towards the end, I kind of disliked him. Not necessarily because of his actions, but more like I started to see the real Davlin, and I didn’t like him.
And then there is Will. He was given so much depth in this book. It was great to see a character struggle with himself, in a way that isn’t common in other books. He knows his flaws and his strengths, but still he can’t always help making the wrong choices. Or when he knows he said something wrong, he won’t say he was sorry. And I like that about him. He isn’t the perfect person, not the perfect friend, not the perfect husband, but he is real. He is a real person and it doesn’t feel like a made up character. There is a lot of depth to the character and that is due to the work the author put in this, to make this character the best version of himself, not the most likeable character of the perfect person, but a real character.
Another great thing about this book isn’t about the story. It’s the cover. It very beautiful and is in the same line as ‘Eleanor’. It looks very cool, even cooler than the pictures, and everything just seems right about the book.
To sum all of this up, this is a wonderful book. It is a great world, a great story and it is beautifully written. I would strongly recommend this series to anyone who likes fantasy, adventure, strong characters or a good story.
The story was well built. It started gradually. In the beginning it was a bit airy. Not an abundance of action, but more world-building. The culture of Mydren was explored. We got to know more about the new characters. We learned about their motivations, their background. There was a lot of intrigue. Is there a spy. Is there not? If there is, who is it? Is someone following them.
Then there was the secret that is in the center of this book. The secret Will has kept for so long. You can’t just not think about that. It comes back throughout the whole book and you keep wondering what it might be that he kept it from everybody, even the woman he loves so much.
There is always some action going on. The story never gets boring and every time the story slows a little, there is intrigue to keep you busy and it’s followed by more action. I always longed to read the next part.
Towards the end, the atmosphere suddenly changes due to the events in the book itself, but I won’t spoil anything about the story itself. But the atmosphere turns darker, and I must say, this is where the writer really shows her talent and her skills in writing. Minor spoiler: , and it is described so well, as a reader, you really feel the torture. You feel with the character that is getting tortured. It is described so well and it is written in a way, only few authors can. And that is another reason why everybody should read ‘Eleanor’ and ‘Will’.
The only negative point I could give, is that it was hard to get into the book if you haven’t read ‘Eleanor’ recently. I read it more than a year ago and I had forgotten quite a lot of it, because I have quite a bad memory. So maybe there could have been more references to the previous book. But that is the only remark I have on this wonderful book.
Also, after I had read the book, I found out there is a synopsis for ‘Eleanor’. For people who want to read that synopsis to refresh their memory, this is the link:
http://www.mydren.com/?page_id=649
Mind that there are a lot of spoilers there, so don’t read it if you haven’t read ‘Eleanor’.
So with this, the only negative point I could make was refuted.
Like I mentioned before, this book is beautifully written, the story is very intriguing and full of action. The world-building was very good in the first book, there we saw different parts of Mydren, we got to know how the society works, who is in charge, how powerful they are, etc. In this book, we get to know even more. We learn more about the culture, we learn about the system inside the strongholds of the Lords of Mydren. We learn how life on the streets is. We also get a closer look at the history of Mydren, with the story of Alaric. And we find out that not everything is as it seems, or at least not entirely.
There are also lots of (new) characters to love. There are also those we love to dislike.
Pandral is a great character, there is more to him than the surface makes you think. Then there’s Oakes, who doesn’t play that big a role in the bigger picture, but plays a big role for Will. Then there’s Cai, Arran, Gregor, and even Daratus. All interesting characters with a certain depth. What I also liked is the writer’s ability to change my opinion on someone throughout the book. Maybe not necessarily what was intended, but everyone has their own opinion about the characters. I had this with Davlin. At first I liked him, but then there were moments where I didn’t and I couldn’t make up my mind. Towards the end, I kind of disliked him. Not necessarily because of his actions, but more like I started to see the real Davlin, and I didn’t like him.
And then there is Will. He was given so much depth in this book. It was great to see a character struggle with himself, in a way that isn’t common in other books. He knows his flaws and his strengths, but still he can’t always help making the wrong choices. Or when he knows he said something wrong, he won’t say he was sorry. And I like that about him. He isn’t the perfect person, not the perfect friend, not the perfect husband, but he is real. He is a real person and it doesn’t feel like a made up character. There is a lot of depth to the character and that is due to the work the author put in this, to make this character the best version of himself, not the most likeable character of the perfect person, but a real character.
Another great thing about this book isn’t about the story. It’s the cover. It very beautiful and is in the same line as ‘Eleanor’. It looks very cool, even cooler than the pictures, and everything just seems right about the book.
To sum all of this up, this is a wonderful book. It is a great world, a great story and it is beautifully written. I would strongly recommend this series to anyone who likes fantasy, adventure, strong characters or a good story.
February 5, 2015
I was one of the people who won this book as a First Reads. How exciting! And here I was, thinking I'd never win a single giveaway.
Review pending until I've received the book and finished reading it.
EDIT:
First of all, I have to thank the author for having written Eleanor and Will. This series has really become something that's further revived my slumbering passion towards the fantasy genre that I thought has been lost.
I really wondered what new the second book would bring into the story - besides the obvious part of bringing the plot further, of course, and changing the main character perspective. In fact, it actually felt like there was less plot development in this book than in the first (which isn't really that surprising, since the first book had the function of inviting important story elements into the fray and introducing the main cast through these happenings). Despite being lengthier, there isn't a plethora of different occurrences in Will in comparison to Eleanor. However, Will gives us a more in-depth look into not only the titular character, but also a versatile cast of secondary characters. The characters tend to ultimately be what draws me to the book, and this one surely delivers. No named character is displayed without depth of personality, and many of them aroused a variety of emotions within me as I read.
Something I have to give points to Burgess for, is how she has an uncanny ability to change my general opinion of a character within the course of the book. I might strongly dislike someone initially, but eventually find out there is more to the character and s/he's actually very likable even if they have disagreeable qualities in them. I already praised the complexity of her characters in Eleanor, but I truly felt this book took it up a notch. The characters feel so real to me, it trumps over actually liking or agreeing with the characters. I like most, make no mistake! It's just that oftentimes I find myself just fascinated by what all contributes to the behaviour each of them displays. I love that, and I love guessing their motivations as I read.
Another element that I had wondered about was the dialogue. I loved it already in Eleanor, and I was very pleased to see it was still just as great in Will. I admit having wondered if the same quality of good dry wit could be upheld for more than one book. Will definitely wasn't a disappointment on that matter. Nor was it a disappointment on any other front either, to be exact. The attention to detail in this book is wonderful, the descriptions rich and vivid - and at times graphic too should something particularly violent be going on. If you know you can't stomach violence, you might want to reconsider reading this series. Otherwise, I would most definitely recommend this series with a mighty zeal.
I can hardly wait for the next one!
Review pending until I've received the book and finished reading it.
EDIT:
First of all, I have to thank the author for having written Eleanor and Will. This series has really become something that's further revived my slumbering passion towards the fantasy genre that I thought has been lost.
I really wondered what new the second book would bring into the story - besides the obvious part of bringing the plot further, of course, and changing the main character perspective. In fact, it actually felt like there was less plot development in this book than in the first (which isn't really that surprising, since the first book had the function of inviting important story elements into the fray and introducing the main cast through these happenings). Despite being lengthier, there isn't a plethora of different occurrences in Will in comparison to Eleanor. However, Will gives us a more in-depth look into not only the titular character, but also a versatile cast of secondary characters. The characters tend to ultimately be what draws me to the book, and this one surely delivers. No named character is displayed without depth of personality, and many of them aroused a variety of emotions within me as I read.
Something I have to give points to Burgess for, is how she has an uncanny ability to change my general opinion of a character within the course of the book. I might strongly dislike someone initially, but eventually find out there is more to the character and s/he's actually very likable even if they have disagreeable qualities in them. I already praised the complexity of her characters in Eleanor, but I truly felt this book took it up a notch. The characters feel so real to me, it trumps over actually liking or agreeing with the characters. I like most, make no mistake! It's just that oftentimes I find myself just fascinated by what all contributes to the behaviour each of them displays. I love that, and I love guessing their motivations as I read.
Another element that I had wondered about was the dialogue. I loved it already in Eleanor, and I was very pleased to see it was still just as great in Will. I admit having wondered if the same quality of good dry wit could be upheld for more than one book. Will definitely wasn't a disappointment on that matter. Nor was it a disappointment on any other front either, to be exact. The attention to detail in this book is wonderful, the descriptions rich and vivid - and at times graphic too should something particularly violent be going on. If you know you can't stomach violence, you might want to reconsider reading this series. Otherwise, I would most definitely recommend this series with a mighty zeal.
I can hardly wait for the next one!
May 18, 2015
I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.
You know when you read the first book in a series, fall in love with it, and presume that the next book won't be anywhere near as good... just because?! That's how I felt when I started Will. I had loved Eleanor and devoured every word. There was no way that Will could be that good, could it? OMG, yes it could be that good and even better. This book completely surpassed my expectations and took me on a poignant, raw and intense journey alongside the main character.
This lady is simply amazing as an author because she will make you dislike a character intensely and yet, within a few phrases, you will feel sorry for or like the same character. There is so much detail in her writing that you are left in no doubt as to the surroundings, expressions or feelings.
Now, it was a while ago that I read Eleanor so a few things were lost to me when I started but I quickly picked up again and proceeded to thoroughly enjoy this story. Because of the time delay though, it was unclear to me just what the problem was with Will. I was almost hoping that it wasn't simply his age because every time he said about being old, I winced as I am older than he is! This story actually hit me hard when all the secrets are revealed and I was sobbing big, ugly tears. I just can't tell you how good this story is, to have it effect me in that way.
One thing I will add though, is that if you visit the author's website - http://www.mydren.com/ - you will find information about Eleanor and Will plus loads of other interesting snippets so you quickly come up to speed.
S.F. Burgess has put the Epic back into Fantasy. This book is worth every moment of your time and I can't imagine it being any shorter. Every word is needed and used with great effect.
One warning I will give and it's the same reason I have put Dark down as one of the genres - this book deals with some dark subjects, torture being one of them, and there is violence. None of this is gratuitous though and is definitely needed to make the story a better one.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all Epic Fantasy fans out there who like a darker tale. If you want all glitter and rainbows then maybe you should try something else. For me personally, I will be waiting with baited breath for the release of Amelia, book 3. I really can't wait!!
You know when you read the first book in a series, fall in love with it, and presume that the next book won't be anywhere near as good... just because?! That's how I felt when I started Will. I had loved Eleanor and devoured every word. There was no way that Will could be that good, could it? OMG, yes it could be that good and even better. This book completely surpassed my expectations and took me on a poignant, raw and intense journey alongside the main character.
This lady is simply amazing as an author because she will make you dislike a character intensely and yet, within a few phrases, you will feel sorry for or like the same character. There is so much detail in her writing that you are left in no doubt as to the surroundings, expressions or feelings.
Now, it was a while ago that I read Eleanor so a few things were lost to me when I started but I quickly picked up again and proceeded to thoroughly enjoy this story. Because of the time delay though, it was unclear to me just what the problem was with Will. I was almost hoping that it wasn't simply his age because every time he said about being old, I winced as I am older than he is! This story actually hit me hard when all the secrets are revealed and I was sobbing big, ugly tears. I just can't tell you how good this story is, to have it effect me in that way.
One thing I will add though, is that if you visit the author's website - http://www.mydren.com/ - you will find information about Eleanor and Will plus loads of other interesting snippets so you quickly come up to speed.
S.F. Burgess has put the Epic back into Fantasy. This book is worth every moment of your time and I can't imagine it being any shorter. Every word is needed and used with great effect.
One warning I will give and it's the same reason I have put Dark down as one of the genres - this book deals with some dark subjects, torture being one of them, and there is violence. None of this is gratuitous though and is definitely needed to make the story a better one.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all Epic Fantasy fans out there who like a darker tale. If you want all glitter and rainbows then maybe you should try something else. For me personally, I will be waiting with baited breath for the release of Amelia, book 3. I really can't wait!!
March 7, 2015
Avatar of Water
Wow, I thought that this book was as good as Eleanor but it had a few more twists and concentrated more on Will. I felt for Will when he volunteered to be the spy. Will became Harper. The abuse he took at the hands of the protectors left me shaking. He did find a "friend" in Lord Pandral. He committed atrocities for the Lord's. Lied to friends. Took Mortarlo's torture all to save the Kings Men, his family and his friends. "Harper" was near death when he was finally rescued. Can Amelia, Conlan, Freddie and Eleanor handle the truths he must tell? I don't know. I have to anxiously wait for the sequel. I absolutely love this series by S F Burgess. This is an AwEsOmE read. A little dark at times. Darkness comes before the dawn. I loved this quote by Will "Often the scars that grieve us the most, are the ones we carry deep inside."
Wow, I thought that this book was as good as Eleanor but it had a few more twists and concentrated more on Will. I felt for Will when he volunteered to be the spy. Will became Harper. The abuse he took at the hands of the protectors left me shaking. He did find a "friend" in Lord Pandral. He committed atrocities for the Lord's. Lied to friends. Took Mortarlo's torture all to save the Kings Men, his family and his friends. "Harper" was near death when he was finally rescued. Can Amelia, Conlan, Freddie and Eleanor handle the truths he must tell? I don't know. I have to anxiously wait for the sequel. I absolutely love this series by S F Burgess. This is an AwEsOmE read. A little dark at times. Darkness comes before the dawn. I loved this quote by Will "Often the scars that grieve us the most, are the ones we carry deep inside."
February 19, 2015
I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down!
As a character, Will is so different to Eleanor. He's darker - morally dubious at times, to say the least - and far more practical and hugely disillusioned.
I was really impressed by the way that all of the characters seemed different in this one. It really was Will's perspective. It made me question what the five main characters were really like - as well as some of the other exciting focal charachters in this book, I hope to see more of them.
I loved this second instalment. Can't wait for the third!
As a character, Will is so different to Eleanor. He's darker - morally dubious at times, to say the least - and far more practical and hugely disillusioned.
I was really impressed by the way that all of the characters seemed different in this one. It really was Will's perspective. It made me question what the five main characters were really like - as well as some of the other exciting focal charachters in this book, I hope to see more of them.
I loved this second instalment. Can't wait for the third!
Read
September 12, 2015Although I hadn't read the previous book I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Not much usual choice of genre but an altogether fabulous ride through a modern fantasy world. There are lots of strong characters and I would be interested in joining them again in the next book.
May 5, 2016
Worthwhile follow up
I wasn't sure about the second book, being from a different point of view after getting so used to Eleanor, but it was as good as the first. Now I'm left wanting more and wondering where this story will go... And from what point of view?
I wasn't sure about the second book, being from a different point of view after getting so used to Eleanor, but it was as good as the first. Now I'm left wanting more and wondering where this story will go... And from what point of view?
March 27, 2015
Poorly written garbaaaaage.
The amount of times the author used the phrase 'little pixie' made me want to light my kindle on fire. STOP IT.
The amount of times the author used the phrase 'little pixie' made me want to light my kindle on fire. STOP IT.
April 18, 2015
good second instalment....with a focus on a different character. It drags a bit in the middle, but caught on again.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews