An Ember Defiant

The Second Bond #2

by Luke McNamara

Tavaria has fallen. Delria is next.

Kala and Soren flee their kingdom to liberate their friends before Euproxis finishes what he started. They don't get far. A flight of enemy riders intercepts them, led by the mother Kala thought she'd lost forever. Finding her mother flying for the Delrians is sickening, but that’s not what stops her cold. They bear a terrible curse that has silenced their dragons, and Kala and Soren may be some of the last riders left unaffected.

Every soul Euproxis takes is forced into eternal servitude. Every dragon he kills rises again in his image, twisted, hollow, and bent to his will. And with the curse crippling the bonds between riders and dragons, Kala is the only one who can still hear their voices. The Delrian queen sees Kala as the key to breaking the curse. Many see her as a blessing from the gods. Others only see a girl too broken to deserve their faith.

Caught between a queen fighting for her kingdom’s survival and a fate worse than death, Kala is not the fearless rider Soren needs her to be. But no matter how broken she is, Kala must find the courage to fight for the kingdom she was taught to hate… or Delria will surely fall.

An Ember Defiant is an epic dragon rider romantasy perfect for fans of heroines overcoming terrible odds and a love worth fighting a fallen god for.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2026

About the author

Luke McNamara is the author of The Second Bond series, a slow-burn dragon rider romantasy featuring defiant heroines and forbidden love. He resides in the upstate of South Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains inspire much of his storytelling. When he’s not writing, he can be found getting lost on mountain trails or promising himself he’ll read just one more chapter.

Reviews

[Courtney Gittins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay Luke has done it again. This set to be an extensive series of 5 books and after the first one ended on a cliffhanger, I’m not sure what I expected from this second book, however I am once again left waiting for the story to be written so I can find out what happens next. After the events at the end of book one it follows Kala and Soren and their sassy dragons Lily and Ventius, fleeing Tavaria after the king was killed and his body taken over by the god Euproxis. As they escape they run into Kala’s long lost mother who is a dragon rider for their neighbouring enemy kingdom. This story follows the relationship between Kala and her mother, but also the political machinations of trying to unite multiple warring kingdoms as a united front against this new and powerful enemy. As with the first book, I devoured this story because I was so desperate to know what was happening. Overall, it is a relatively fast paced story that will have you asking more questions than is answered here and will leave you wanting more.

Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy of this book, I am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Claire Smith-Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking straight up from where the first novel left us, this had action aplenty as well as the unfolding story between Kala and Soren. This book saw the relationship between Kala and her dragon Lily really start to forge into a strong bond. The budding relationship between Kala and Soren is so sweet, I'm looking forward to seeing that grow even more. 

I enjoyed the story, it has twists and turns in it and there's plenty of behind the scenes politics going on so you're never completely sure who can be trusted. The threat of Euproxis grows stronger as the book goes on and I'm already wanting book 3 to get to the showdown I know has got to be coming! 

If you're a fan of sassy dragons and fantasy then this is a great read. 

Thank you for the author for my copy.

[Anna Agoncillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC | RELEASE: OUT NOW
SYNOPSIS
An Ember Defiant is the second book in The Second Bond series, following Kala and Soren as they flee their fallen kingdom in hopes of saving their friends before an even greater threat destroys Delria. With a terrifying curse silencing the dragons and Kala possibly being one of the few riders who can still hear them, she must find the strength to fight for a kingdom she was once taught to hate before it falls as well.

REVIEW: 4.0/5.0 STARS
I had a great time returning to Kala and Soren's world. While the dragons easily stole many of my favorite moments with their hilarious personalities and banter, the expanding world, complicated family dynamics, and looming danger kept me invested and curious about what awaits in the next chapter!

[Wren T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this book picked up right where the last stopped. There was no weird span of time missing like you see in some stories. I enjoy that this book really goes through play by play of what the characters are experiencing in their everyday journey. I have such a special place in my heart for Ventius. He is such a sweet and caring character and his development from book one into book two had me actually smiling down at my Kindle. I particularly loved seeing the inner battle within some of the characters and where their alliance truly lies as the story unfolds.

*thank you to the author for an ARC / free copy. However, this is my true and honest review*

[Tisha Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

It picked up right where the first book left off and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next.

I loved getting more of Kala and Soren, but the dragons were still some of my favorite parts. The sass and back and forth had me laughing.

There was a lot going on with the different kingdoms, family relationships, and everything building around this new threat. It definitely left me with more questions and ready for book three.

[Chrissy Music · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like the first book, I was captivated to the end and had such a hard time putting this down. I can't wait to see what else unfolds for Kala and Soren and now I have to wait for book 3. The storyline was perfect. The back and forth qips had me laughing out loud and I love the sass from the dragons.

[dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is action-packed with obstacles around every bend! Book 2 continues the adventure of riders and dragons and their fight for freedom. Whimsy banter, sweet love and found family carries throughout.

[Jody Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo good!! Excellent book from start to finish!! Very well written and captured my attention from the start! Luke has a way of making you feel what the different characters feel!! Amazing series so far and can't wait for book 3!! If you like dragon stories this is definitely a must read!!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragons, deception, and intrigue! OH MY!

This book was a great, easy read from start to finish. I was intrigued and kept wanting to know more as I read. I can’t wait for the 3rd book! It’s got dragons and politics and all the things I look for in a book! Definitely should go on your TBR!

[Kali Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written. I was completely blown away with the writing of this book. I love the way they communicate with the dragons so much I can’t wait for book three❤️

[Cherie Deck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I love a sassy dragon. This book is action from beginning to end the banter with fun. The found family is so special I couldn’t stop reading. It was so good. I read it in one sitting.

[Rhashayla Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing seems like its for a YA book. Plot is very confusing too many things happening at once. I'm not going to continue with series.