The Rise of Talamh

by A.J. Bryce, Shannon Chalmers (Illustrator)

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2026

About the author

Scottish romantasy writer who's lost in magical lands, fighting mythical creatures and breaking century old curses ✨

Reviews

[Stephanie Keijzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this indie series a lot. It contains two books and a novella in between. It's about a human girl who one day gets thrown in a magical elemental world after she had a great loss. Loved the main characters as well as the side characters. This book was a great ending of this story.

[Jess Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is absolutely nothing A.J. Bryce can write that this reader won’t love! And the final installment of a duology that broke my heart and then mended it is no exception. Some books just feel like stories… this one felt like returning to a place that kept growing while you were away.

The Rise of Talamh pulled me straight back in, but what surprised me most was how much more there was to discover. The characters we already loved aren’t just “back” for another adventure, they feel changed, sometimes in quiet ways, other times in louder ones, but always beautifully. Their choices matter more, their relationships run deeper, and even the smallest moments carry a sense of history behind them. From the moment I was reunited with our beautifully broken heroine, Flora, I knew this was going to be something special.

Book one left me sobbing and desperate for more… and this ending didn’t just wrap things up, it felt earned. It’s the kind of ending that leaves you sitting there for a minute, not because you’re confused, but because you’re not quite ready to let go of a world you fell apart in, then fought to defend page by page.

This book doesn’t just continue the story, it deepens it. It gave me more of everything I loved while still managing to surprise me, and that’s a rare balance to strike. A.J. Bryce is, and always will be, my 'straight to cart' author. I can’t wait to see what that brilliant Scottish mind comes up with next.

[Heather Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Rise of Talamh! What a journey AJ Bryce takes us on!

Beautifully written yet again. From the beginning we are straight back with Flora and her pain, struggling to deal with loss of her mate and the home she grew to love. Flora survives only on vengence. As the story unfolds she learns she can not do this alone and needs to rely on others to defeat the one who is determind to destory all she knows and loves.

[Chloe Garth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as an Early Reader Copy. Such a beautiful book that ties up all the loose ends from book 1. I enjoyed coming back into this world and meeting the beautiful creatures again. Another amazing book by AJ Bryce around what you are willing to sacrifice for the people you love.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the series a fantastically written book which ties up all the loose ends from book 1. I truly enjoyed coming back into this world and meeting the beautiful creatures again. I received this as an advanced copy and this is my honest review.

[Irene Ellina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as an Early Reader copy and it was a beautiful story and ending to the series.

I loved it. Another great book from A.J. Bryce

[Kiarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do think this was a good ending to the series. Though it did leave something to be explored if the author decides to return to Seanchas once more.

This is the fast paced final book in the Seanchas series. A lot happens so buckle up dear reader.

Neacal is my favorite.

[Kalsoom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing read! Couldn't put it down!!!

Amazing work!!! ❤️❤️

[Shannon Heck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rise of Talamh is the second book in The Seanchas Collection. It's a second-chance romantasy since Flora is still trying to move on from the tragedy in the earlier book, and it ends with the loose ends tied up nicely in an HEA. There are multiple POVs, so a lot of territory is covered, and threats from multiple sources create plenty of conflict to keep the reader's attention. This appears to be a duology with a bridging novella, which I didn't read, but probably should have. It's 4 stars overall!