The Embers of Light: Historical Fantasy

The Dia Chronicles #2

by Tammy Farrell

The descendants of the ancient gods think they’ve found peace, but the time has come when new magic and ancient powers will collide…

Stripped of his Dia powers and left to rot, Malcolm is a prisoner of Valenia—a sentence he finds worse than death. His thoughts of revenge are the only thing keeping him sane, but when he finally manages to escape, Malcolm discovers that living as a mortal is more dangerous than he ever imagined. After stealing from the wrong man, Malcolm becomes a captive once more, only this time his punishment is one that he won’t soon forget. His only hope of survival is Seren, an enigmatic young girl with golden eyes and a malevolence to match his own.

When he’s led to Mara and Corbin, the two responsible for his fall from grace, their new faction of Dia is in chaos, infiltrated by an ancient power thought to have been banished forever. This only fuels Malcolm’s ruthless ambitions, but he soon realizes that he too is under attack, a pawn in a centuries old game of power and greed. As new battle lines are drawn, Malcolm finds himself in uncharted waters, forced to choose between helping those he’s vowed to destroy or give in to his lingering desire to settle the score.

Debts will be paid, lives will be lost, and no Dia will ever be the same.

Genres: Fantasy

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2014

About the author

Tammy Farrell grew up in Orangeville, Ontario Canada where she discovered her love of writing, and all things related to Edgar Allan Poe. She now lives with her husband and four fur babies in Greenville, South Carolina, where she attempts to learn French when she isn’t busy writing.

Follow Tammy on twitter @TamzWrite

Or on Faceboook www.facebook.com/tammyfarrellauthor

Reviews

[Cassandra (Thebookishcrypt) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was sent a copy in exchange for an honest review.*
This book... gets a million stars and then some.
I am so in love with the way Tammy begins her novels. Those first pages set the mood for the rest of the story and it only gets more fascinating and they are my absolute favorite.
I am completely and utterly at a loss for words right now. I just finished this a couple minutes ago and I feel like a zombie as I'm typing this. So many emotions are bombarding me and they aren't letting me breathe. This book is packed with an overwhelming amount of heart-shattering intensity. I knew these books were going to be the death of me from the start of book one but apparently I knew nothing. This is so much more worse than I thought. Tammy wove a tale that burrowed deep within me and that ending completely and brutally destroyed me. I don't know what else to say but to encourage every reader out there to take a chance on this series. It's a never-ending emotional rollercoaster that I don't see myself getting down from in a long time.
You get to witness immense character developments from characters you can NOT imagine developing. This book shows you every face of darkness and in light and it completely engulfs you into its world. You don't have a choice in the matter.
God... I don't know what else to say. I'm a mess right now. The tears won't stop coming and my heart is... gone. Tammy... you blew my mind away. Please, PLEASE don't stop writing. These books just trumped every book I've read before. It might have stolen Throne of Glass's number 1 spot in my heart.
I can NOT wait for the next installment. Now, excuse me while I try and live a normal life after this.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edit (October 2020): So, I was in my Kindle app recently and I saw this book. It’s been over 3-1/2 years since I have read the first two books in the Dia Chronicles and I realized I really do miss these characters and this story and would love to know what happens next. While I wish the author would have continued the story, I understand from my own experience with my numerous failed writing projects that life happens and writing anything is not easy. I do still hope this story is continued. But, I will understand if it never is. I hope if she does one day put out more work as I really enjoyed her writing.

Thank you, Tammy Farrell, for what you’ve given us. 💙

Review:
The Embers of Light: The Dia Chronicles Book 2

After I read The Darkness of Light, I had a few predictions about how The Embers of Light would play out. I'm usually pretty good at predicting some plot points in sequels. I kept thinking about what dastardly things Malcolm would do to Mara once he learns to use a power he learned he had in the first book. I kept thinking, whoa, with that power, he could use it to turn Mara and Corbin against each other or somehow use it to trick Mara into giving back his light. Shoot, if he felt like raping her again, he could do so in Corbin's body and torment her with the memories of all she endured in book 1. These predictions were made before I learned in Embers how exactly Malcolm's newfound power worked and their limitations, so they were quickly struck down. Of course, my few predictions weren't going to be the main plot of the entire book. And they weren't. The events in The Embers of Light were WAY better than what I predicted.

The Embers of Light definitely did not disappoint. I have found many sequels fall flat to the book(s) before it. Embers is one of those rare exceptions. The tone throughout the book is darker, more sinister. Obviously, nothing was going to be peachy keen for anybody after the events of book 1, but the events in book 2 are far worse for these characters than I could have ever imagined. I had no idea where this book was going and it kept me guessing to the end, much like the first book did.

My heart broke for these characters, what they endured, decisions they had to make. My heart especially broke for Mara, Corbin, and Malcolm (yes, Malcolm).

Mara definitely changed even more throughout this book. Her struggles to stay strong despite the pain and anguish she felt mentally and physically. The torture she endured was excruciating. Her journey has been a painful one, and when I thought it couldn't become any more painful for her, when I thought ok, the evil is gone, she can heal, she makes one very painful decision that decimated what shreds of my heart remained, especially after we find out what other secret Mara is carrying after her decision is done.

Corbin's struggles are equally heartbreaking. Mara's struggles cause him tremendous pain. Two years after the events of Darkness, he still has so much guilt over not protecting Mara and Isa that when Mara's mental anguish causes her to lash out and say such hurtful things regarding the past, I couldn't help but feel for Corbin and his heart of gold. When Mara makes her painful decision at the end of the book, I felt for him. I wanted to get into his mind and know what he was thinking as she made it.

I'm not going to reveal too much about what happens to Malcolm in this book, but the events do change him and there are revelations throughout that create sympathy despite what he did in Darkness.

We are introduced to several new characters, the first are Tristen and Seren, both who play key roles throughout the book. Seren is one crazy bitch. She is a Seiren, a Dia that lures men to their deaths, claiming they were dying anyway and that their deaths at her hands are "beautiful." And then there is her ritual involving desecrating the bodies and reading the future through their blood. Her brother, Tristen, is a Raven, a Dia that transforms into a raven and has an instinct to observe things. He is loyal to his sister, but dislikes his sister's doings and plans.

The ending of Embers, just like the ending of Darkness, set up the third book in the series nicely. There are several of those 'oh shit' moments that left me craving to continue on with the story.

The Embers of Light is a beautifully written tale that is mesmerizing, captivating, and addictive. The scenes are so intricate I can see them clearly playing out in my head like a movie. The emotions these characters felt are so vivid that it left me craving more and more. I cannot wait for book 3 to come out.

Thank you to Tammy Farrell for sending me an advanced copy! I thoroughly enjoyed your brilliant work!!

Second Review (3/2017)

This is actually the third time reading through this and, as I said with The Darkness of Light, I didn't bother with Goodreads at all when I read this last year. I put the spoiler warning thing on because I may or may not touch on spoilers. These books are still amazing, maybe more and more amazing with each subsequent reading. It's a wonderful story with compelling characters and the feels. That last scene between Mara and Corbin gets me every single time. I'm not a crier when it comes to reading those types of scenes, but I come close when that scene happens. I mean, I can feel that heavy feeling in my throat when I read it. The feels are strong with this one.

I have a feeling the next book will be freaking devastating. I have a few predictions going in, once it is released. I think Ailwen is going to continue over the death of his father while under possession of Kain. I have a few ideas regarding what could happen with Corbin. I do think he will live that life he wanted as a warrior, but I think Mara will haunt him in his dreams. How he gets back to Mara I can see happening a few ways. One, somehow, the spell breaks on its own and he comes back. Two, something happens to Mara and Drake brings him to her and slowly, the spell is broken. Or Three, Kain (in Malcolm's body) finds Corbin and possesses him to go after Mara (maybe even attempt to kill her). Malcolm I'm not sure about for book three. I think he will get out, but I almost see him having more of a redemption arc and dying. Mara I'm not quite sure about either, other than the baby. I'm sure most of my predictions are mostly wrong and the author will have something far better than I could ever dream of.

Sorry for the rambling :)
.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written. I loved that I was able to get lost in the pages and forget the world around me for a while. In my opinion only a truly gifted author can accomplish that for his or her reader. I am anxiously awaiting the third book! Well worth the read..

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psychocat Reads Review of THE EMBERS OF LIGHT by Tammy Farrell.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

Several months ago on a trip to Chicago I read THE DARKNESS OF LIGHT and was surprised at just how much I enjoyed it, I've been waiting for Tammy to release the sequel ever since.

Alas, on a cold winter trip to Minneapolis, I was able to read the recently released second book, THE EMBERS OF LIGHT. Let's see if it managed to live up to the high expectations.

The Characters: The majority of the key characters in this book are ones we met in the first book. Malcolm is pivotal to the story, and much like before I spent a great deal of the book wondering which side of things he would manage to come down on. His turmoil and motivations makes him a very interesting character throughout the book.

Mara, Corbin, and those surrounding them make up a good portion of the book, even though I wasn't sure how prominent they would be from the summary. Mara continues to struggle with finding her place given the responsibilities she inherited in the first book. Her character remains both likable and strong while still having her fair share of doubts and struggles.

Seren and Tristan, the siblings, manage to keep you wondering just what their deal is. They are sketchy from the start, but their motives aren't always apparent. They add plenty of intrigue and drama to the story.

The Relationships: The connection between Mara and Corbin follows through to this book, even though their relationship is in more of a secondary roles this time around. The Relationships that armed el provide the most drama in this book are the ones began various family members and ones sneaking up on characters from their pasts. In many ways the book is an interesting exploration of just how much the ties of blood mean compared to those ties made by choice.

The Book as Part of a Series: First, you really should read THE DARKNESS OF LIGHT before picking up this book. The first book creates an important foundation to understand both the world and the reason why characters are on certain paths this time around. As a second book in a series, I was very pleased with the story. The author gave us more of the characters we already grew attached to (or in some cases not so attached) while also adding in a few new characters that were vital to telling the current story. While the second book did further the overall tale of the Dia, it also told a full story that made it a strong book in and of itself. Even better, Ms. Farrell leaves us knowing that there is more excitement and drama to come.

Jen's Final Rating: 5 STARS! EMBERS OF LIGHT is everything a second book should be. It was an engaging and fast-paced read that delivered intriguing fantasy elements while not creating an overly complex or heavy story that requires a great deal of energy and focus to follow. In other words, it was a fantastic read for an exhausting business trip.

Psychocat's Final Rating: There were way too many tempting elements in this book. In true Psychocat form, I think she might have liked some of the less desirable characters a bit too much.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock - 5 Fangs
Tammy Farrell weaves an intriguing tale of the magical descendants of the ancient gods called the Dia. The journey through this book was dark and fascinating as we follow Malcolm trying to escape his fortress home in Valenia where he was confined by Mara, who also took his Light (powers) for his evil deeds. After not being able to leave there for two years, Malcolm is desperate to be free. Unfortunately for him, life as a mortal is not an easy one, which he will find out all too well, definitely some cringeworthy moments here. Mara is the Keeper of the Coire, the most powerful light among the Dia, and Corbin is the guardian of the Keeper, and Mara's lover. They reside at Ayrith fortress, hidden from mortal eyes, with their small band of friends. Some of these friends are mortal, and Mara is determined to make them into Dias, especially when it is brought home just how fragile mortal life can be. In her youthful arrogance, Mara is not perhaps quite in sync with all of her powers yet, and very strange things are happening which nobody has an answer for. With revenge on his mind, Malcolm is determined to track down Mara and get his light back. He brings a few "friends" of his own along to help. However, his journey to this point has changed Malcolm more than he realizes. This magical tale of betrayal, deceit, murder and intrigue takes us on a journey impossible to forget. The Embers of Light hooks you in and, just when you think you know where it's going, it nosedives in another direction. With nicely fleshed out secondary characters, very strong primary characters and a well-developed plot with a satisfying number of twists, leading to plenty of what the heck moments, this story hooks you in for the ride before you realize it. Should a little gritty dark fantasy be right up your alley, pick up this fluid, well-written novel. I had little trouble following along with this story without reading the first in the series. However, I will now make it my mission to read the first book, The Darkness of Light, to see what I missed, before book 3 comes out.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tammy Farrell has done it again! I was completely enamored with the first installment of this series, The Darkness of Light. And what's not to love about gorgeous writing, fantastic world-building, and characters who pull at your heartstrings?!

Embers of Light continues in the same vein, but this time with a major focus on Malcolm, a character that was the evilest of villains in the first book. His story is developed so masterfully in book one that you can't help but hating him for the creepy, nasty, power-hungry man he is. And so when I began Embers, I couldn't wait for him to get what was most certainly coming to him. HE DESERVES EVERY BIT OF IT. Little by little, as he's fighting to restore what was taken from him, his world deteriorates, he's physically damaged, he's emotionally and mentally dragged through hell and back...And I actually began to feel sorry for him. Not only that, I liked him. I wanted him to find relief, to attain his goal, and to triumph over his oppressors!

As in book one, we also continue the journey of our beloved heroes, Mara and Corbin, who also evolve as characters in such an amazing way. Now I wasn't happy with some of the twists and turns, not in a bad way, but in a way where I understood they were necessary for the characters to really discover who they were and what they wanted for themselves, in a way that leaves me DYING for the next installment of this series.

Overall, Tammy has outdone herself with this absolutely stunning piece of literature. As far as sequels go, it is one of the best I have ever read. It. Is. Amazing. *Standing ovation for Ms. Farrell*

Content: Some violence and sexual situations.

[Joanne Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I wasn't sure what to expect with this sequel given that the teaser is mostly about Malcolm, but the author did a wonderful job of continuing the story with all the characters, while focusing the most on Malcolm's transformation. I would say this book was a little darker than the first. Each character is going through a phase of growth that has each one struggling with their choices and their destinies. I was most curious about what the author would do with the often vile Malcolm, who, despite his abhorrent actions in book one, needed to atone for his sins in some way. His journey is punishing, difficult, and certainly forces him to reshape himself in order to survive.

This book is FULL of twists and turns, and THAT ENDING! Oh, that ending! I can't wait for the third book, which I hope comes out soon.

[Jordan Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typically, sequels always fall short of the original; lack of character development, limited twist and turns, overall "meh." The Embes of Light however, is not typical; Mrs. Farrell not only deepens our understanding of original characters, but new characters are presented, all whom have purpose and add to the storyline. The plot itself in Book 2 is nothing short of Book 1, full of unexpected events, magic, death, sex...you really can't go wrong! I cannot wait to see where Ms. Farrell takes these characters, and me, next.

[Jenn Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next book to come out!! I'm in love with the characters, as well as the setting the story takes place in. I thought it was beautifully written, and left me wanting more! It was clear that a lot of time was put into research to be able to write an accurate description of the landscape, as well as the dialect for the time period. I can't wait for book three!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect from Malcolm's story, but it was dark, fast paced, with tons of twists and an intense ending. I wound up actually liking Malcolm. Looking forward to Corbin's story in The Ruins of Light.

[Te`Neil Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Umm...

After reading the first book, I was excited to jump into this one, but...I was somewhat disappointed. The pace was still smooth,the character growth was still wonderful and the story great until...It wasn't. I found myself thinking, WTH? I didn't like it. AT ALL.