Defeat

The Baneseeker Chronicles #2

by S.C. Eston

233 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2025

About the author

STEVE C. ESTON has been a lover of the fantastical and the scientific since he was a young boy. He wrote his first story by hand while still in elementary school—a five-page story about a tiger-masked ninja fighting mythical monsters that included his own illustrations.

When not spending time with his family, Steve makes time for his numerous hobbies, which include reading (and hoarding) books, listening to music, playing video games, watching movies, making puzzles, and playing hockey and tennis. He also loves to travel and developed an obsession with New Zealand after traveling there in 2015.

For information on current writing projects and for free short stories, head on over to:

www.SCEston.com

Newsletter: https://www.sceston.com/Newsletter
Facebook: @SteveCEston
Instagram: @SteveCEston

Reviews

[Yory Gyovani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defeat, the second book of The Baneseeker Chronicles, is a masterpiece and a must-read for fantasy lovers.

Let's start with:

1/ Characters: From Lyna to every other character in this book, the cast is well-written, realistic, and grounded. You feel for them and understand where they're coming from; even characters with brief appearances are memorable and you root for them.

For me, Cizarie is the star of this book; I love and respect her. But I also liked Dalahana; she is a light in this dark, foggy world.

2/ WorldBuilding: The way the author describe countries, villages, places, lore, and different branches, the Writers of Kwon, the Wardens of Nephythys, the Bravadors of Tyr, enriches the world and adds life and movement to it, which I really like and respect.

3/ Editing: The editing is flawless except for one minor error, an impressive feat for a book this large. Otherwise, reading was smooth and I enjoyed it.

4/ Plot and Pacing: The plot was perfect as the book is a prequel to Surrender, the first book, and masterfully shows Lyna’s journey to hunt the Bane Core and the hardships she faces, both mentally and physically, along the way.

The pacing is smooth and the story never slows; it keeps mystery, suspense, and danger at a great, balanced pace, something I really appreciate.

5/ Dialogue: The way characters speak to each other is realistic, believable, and well written. Whether in sadness or joy, in moments of shock or anger, the ways characters express themselves and see the world feel unique and beautiful.

Final Thoughts: I enjoyed this book as much as the first and can't decide which I prefer. To everyone reading this review: I highly recommend the series, I'm happy and content with what I got from both books.

If I ever get the chance to read the third book, I will be overjoyed; if life's hardships and unexpected turns prevent that, I am satisfied with what I have.

Thank you, Steve C. Eston, for your hard work and the memories.

[Gaetan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defeat, the second book in The Baneseeker Chronicles by S.C. Eston, takes place before Surrender and serves as a powerful look into Lyna’s past. Rather than simply filling in gaps, it deepens our understanding of who she is by showing the events that shaped her—emotionally, mentally, and morally. Knowing where Lyna comes from makes her actions and struggles in book one resonate even more, adding weight to her choices and her internal conflicts.

Eston continues to shine at creating characters that feel real and worth caring about. Lyna remains the heart of the story, but secondary characters like Cizarie and Borymor stand out and leave a strong impression. The world feels lived-in and dangerous, and the events are often unsettling in the best way—tense, gripping, and hard to put down. Defeat doesn’t just expand the story; it strengthens it. I can’t wait to read book three and continue following Lyna’s journey.

[SI Vann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defeat, the 2. Book in “The Baneseeker Chronicles”, starts where I didn’t expect it – it’s set in time before book one - in Lyna’s past. It’s as dark and grim as the first book, albeit Lyna is just a tad bit more human, if taking “human” as an adjective. She has a friend and starts getting close to other characters in the story. It has lighter aspects and the reader feels more atuned to Lyna through her feelings toward Cizarie and her children. That aside, the story continues just as gloomy, violent and dark as the first book and leaves the reader wondering where book three will take us and Lyna. I am rooting for a little more sunshine and something of a happy ending in the next installment, as Lyna deserves a little happiness. She gives so much of herself, although not expected from her, it should be rewarded.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of the Baneseeker Chronicles does not disappoint. Dark mysteries to be explored, deadly foes, and flowing action.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
24th May 2026
TITLE: DEFEAT
AUTHOR: S C Eston

Star Rating: 5

“A haunting, emotionally rich fantasy adventure, Defeat delivers compelling characters, chilling magic, and a beautifully immersive world that makes The Baneseeker Chronicles impossible to put down.” The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
If you’re into character-driven fantasy with a darker emotional edge, Defeat is one of those sequels that quietly sneaks up on you and ends up being far more gripping than you expected.
S. C. Eston really doubles down on atmosphere in this second Baneseeker Chronicles book. The world feels heavy with history, grief, mystery, and magic, but never in an overwhelming way. Instead, it pulls you in slowly, almost hypnotically. From the eerie roads leading to Brecon to the unsettling presence of the bane core, there’s this constant feeling that something is off beneath the surface — and it works brilliantly.
Lyna continues to be an excellent protagonist. She’s powerful, yes, but also deeply isolated and emotionally exhausted, and that balance makes her feel real. I loved that she isn’t written as some fearless fantasy heroine who always knows the right answer. She doubts herself constantly, struggles with loneliness, and carries a lot of emotional weight throughout the story. Some of the quieter moments with her were honestly the most memorable parts of the book.
And then there’s Cizarie and her family, who completely stole the show for me. Their introduction shifts the story into something unexpectedly heartfelt. What starts as suspicion slowly becomes trust, warmth, and emotional connection, and Eston handles that development really well. The family dynamic gives the book a strong emotional core that balances out all the darker magical elements. Little scenes — conversations over tea, the children talking nonstop, awkward moments of affection — make the world feel lived-in and human.
The magic system continues to be one of the coolest aspects of the series too. The bane cores are genuinely creepy, and the idea behind them feels original and unsettling in the best way. I especially liked how the magic isn’t just flashy power — it comes with emotional and psychological consequences. Lyna’s relationship with her time manipulation ability becomes increasingly worrying, and those strange red visions add a really compelling layer of mystery.
Another thing Eston does very well is scenery and scale. The environments feel cinematic without becoming overly descriptive. The ruined statues along the cliffside, the endless lake, the rain-soaked village of Muldar — it all creates this melancholic fantasy atmosphere that fits the tone perfectly.
If I had one small criticism, it’s that the pacing occasionally slows during some of the longer conversations and introspective passages. Personally, I didn’t mind much because the character work is strong enough to carry it, but readers looking for nonstop action fantasy might find parts of the middle section a little deliberate.
Still, overall, Defeat is a seriously strong fantasy sequel. It’s thoughtful, emotional, mysterious, and full of subtle character moments that stick with you long after you finish reading. S. C. Eston clearly cares about the emotional lives of his characters just as much as the larger fantasy story, and that’s what gives the book its heart.
Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy immersive fantasy with strong relationships, layered magic, and a darker emotional undercurrent running beneath the adventure.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk

[Ricard Margienda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot is engaging enough, with a deep profiling of their characters. With the exception of "the ripples" chapter everything looks grim and gloomy. You need to be in an special mood to enjoy the book. The end doesn't fall far from the tree.

I would like appreciated some air in Lyna's world. Her forever depressed soul hinds the connection with her. Her addiction -very special addiction- doesn't help.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Allan Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Eston has created another winner. He takes you to a land of magic, elves, strong characters with extraordinary powers and danger. I truly enjoyed this story and I am anxious to know what Lyna is up to next. Highly recommended.