What do you think?
Rate this book
Seraphim #2
Fireborn
The next novel in the Seraphim series following Skyborn from USA Today bestselling author, David Dalglish.
Bree and Kael Skyborn have seen their island invaded, their Seraphim disbanded, and their royal family imprisoned.
A rebellion grows from the ashes, demanding Bree to be their Phoenix, their symbol against Center's tyranny, and for Kael to find the doomsday prophet Johan and sway his cult to their side.
Should they fail, the hope of their rebellion fails with them.
Bree and Kael Skyborn have seen their island invaded, their Seraphim disbanded, and their royal family imprisoned.
A rebellion grows from the ashes, demanding Bree to be their Phoenix, their symbol against Center's tyranny, and for Kael to find the doomsday prophet Johan and sway his cult to their side.
Should they fail, the hope of their rebellion fails with them.
459 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2016
102 people are currently reading
1141 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Read
May 16, 2018“then go, my words on your tongue, my hope in your heart. in these skies, we can hide no longer. tell your people to ready their wings and sharpen their swords. war comes on shadowed wings, and this time, the only escape left will be in the embrace of death and the eternal lands beyond”
man oh maaaan!
finally I got the answers I wanted but ... what the fuck is going on?!!!
who do I believe. WHAT do I believe?!!!!
and if that epilogue is any indication, no ONE is trustworthy. 😩
man oh maaaan!
finally I got the answers I wanted but ... what the fuck is going on?!!!
who do I believe. WHAT do I believe?!!!!
and if that epilogue is any indication, no ONE is trustworthy. 😩
December 11, 2016
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2016/12/10/...
David Dalglish’s Skyborn was perhaps one of the greatest surprises for me last year. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but it turned out to be an epic start to a high-flying fantasy adventure series about a group of elite winged soldiers with the power to command the elements. The Seraphim, as they are called, are the warriors of a post-apocalyptic world in which humanity has taken to the skies. Everyone now lives on one of six floating island kingdoms that are constantly in conflict.
The first book introduced us to protagonists Bree and Kael, twins who are following in their late parents’ footsteps by training to become Seraphim themselves. Much of Skyborn read like a “magic school” story, chronicling the siblings’ individual trials at the Seraphim Academy. In contrast, the themes surrounding Fireborn are a little more complex. This sequel is set right after the stunning events of the previous novel, and if you haven’t read Skyborn yet, I’m not going to ruin it for you. It’s enough to know that things have gotten very bad.
In the fallout, one of the main casualties was the Seraphim order. With their home invaded and their order disbanded, Bree and Kael’s futures are now uncertain. However, upon their return to their occupied island, they are almost immediately recruited by a group of rebels planning to fight back against the powerful Center. Bree becomes their reluctant symbol, the Phoenix—a nickname given to her because of the burning twin blades she wields in battle. Meanwhile Kael, whose talents lie elsewhere, is tasked to recruit new allies for their uprising, but the coming war weigh heavy on his heart. As the fighting intensifies, he worries for his sister who is on the frontlines but also starts to have doubts about the leader of their rebellion, the unsettling cult leader and doomsday prophet Johan.
As with the first book, there were some issues with the pacing in Fireborn. Despite its more intricate ideas, I also found it harder to throw myself into the plot or feel engaged with the characters. For the first half, this is essentially the standard dystopian-rebellion story, complete with member recruitment and secret gatherings. Some of these sections were a little too drawn out for my tastes, making this one a slow burner. Don’t get me wrong, though; this was still a solid sequel. However, it didn’t quite sweep me off my feet the way Skyborn did, containing some of the vexing symptoms of “middle book syndrome”. To be fair, the first book had the advantage of being a series opener, introducing readers to a fresh and unique world. That book charmed my socks off, understandably making it a tough act to follow.
Fireborn makes up for its more subdued intro with a ton of action packed into its second half though. Again, like Skyborn, this book is back loaded with much of the excitement saved for the end when all the tensions finally come to a head. That’s when all the build-up starts to pay off. As the rebellion explodes into the open, Dalglish exacerbates an already fiery situation by throwing in an unexpected twist, adding an even greater threat to the equation. The aerial battle scenes continue to be a highlight as well, and their even better now that Bree and Kael have a much better handle on their flight skills and elemental powers.
Fireborn wasn’t without its flaws, but then again, the first book also started on shaky ground before ending up blowing me away. Still, there’s no denying that it lacked some of the magic that made Skyborn so amazing. The story and characters may have matured while the themes have also grown darker, deeper, and more complex, but the plot itself remained rather simple and straightforward. That said, I still really enjoyed Fireborn and in no way do I consider it a poor sequel. The ending did a fantastic job building up anticipation for the final book of the trilogy, and I’m looking forward to see how it will all end.
Audiobook Comments: The Seraphim is another example of a series where I decided to jump formats again this year, choosing the audio edition over the print because I got curious after hearing such great things about the narration. I was not disappointed. Joe Knezevich is a fine narrator and he does some great voicework, playing with accents, inflections, and tones—though I think he could have taken advantage of even more opportunities to do so. Overall I have no complaints about the audiobook. If presented with the opportunity to continue the next installment in this format, I probably would take it. Recommended.
David Dalglish’s Skyborn was perhaps one of the greatest surprises for me last year. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but it turned out to be an epic start to a high-flying fantasy adventure series about a group of elite winged soldiers with the power to command the elements. The Seraphim, as they are called, are the warriors of a post-apocalyptic world in which humanity has taken to the skies. Everyone now lives on one of six floating island kingdoms that are constantly in conflict.
The first book introduced us to protagonists Bree and Kael, twins who are following in their late parents’ footsteps by training to become Seraphim themselves. Much of Skyborn read like a “magic school” story, chronicling the siblings’ individual trials at the Seraphim Academy. In contrast, the themes surrounding Fireborn are a little more complex. This sequel is set right after the stunning events of the previous novel, and if you haven’t read Skyborn yet, I’m not going to ruin it for you. It’s enough to know that things have gotten very bad.
In the fallout, one of the main casualties was the Seraphim order. With their home invaded and their order disbanded, Bree and Kael’s futures are now uncertain. However, upon their return to their occupied island, they are almost immediately recruited by a group of rebels planning to fight back against the powerful Center. Bree becomes their reluctant symbol, the Phoenix—a nickname given to her because of the burning twin blades she wields in battle. Meanwhile Kael, whose talents lie elsewhere, is tasked to recruit new allies for their uprising, but the coming war weigh heavy on his heart. As the fighting intensifies, he worries for his sister who is on the frontlines but also starts to have doubts about the leader of their rebellion, the unsettling cult leader and doomsday prophet Johan.
As with the first book, there were some issues with the pacing in Fireborn. Despite its more intricate ideas, I also found it harder to throw myself into the plot or feel engaged with the characters. For the first half, this is essentially the standard dystopian-rebellion story, complete with member recruitment and secret gatherings. Some of these sections were a little too drawn out for my tastes, making this one a slow burner. Don’t get me wrong, though; this was still a solid sequel. However, it didn’t quite sweep me off my feet the way Skyborn did, containing some of the vexing symptoms of “middle book syndrome”. To be fair, the first book had the advantage of being a series opener, introducing readers to a fresh and unique world. That book charmed my socks off, understandably making it a tough act to follow.
Fireborn makes up for its more subdued intro with a ton of action packed into its second half though. Again, like Skyborn, this book is back loaded with much of the excitement saved for the end when all the tensions finally come to a head. That’s when all the build-up starts to pay off. As the rebellion explodes into the open, Dalglish exacerbates an already fiery situation by throwing in an unexpected twist, adding an even greater threat to the equation. The aerial battle scenes continue to be a highlight as well, and their even better now that Bree and Kael have a much better handle on their flight skills and elemental powers.
Fireborn wasn’t without its flaws, but then again, the first book also started on shaky ground before ending up blowing me away. Still, there’s no denying that it lacked some of the magic that made Skyborn so amazing. The story and characters may have matured while the themes have also grown darker, deeper, and more complex, but the plot itself remained rather simple and straightforward. That said, I still really enjoyed Fireborn and in no way do I consider it a poor sequel. The ending did a fantastic job building up anticipation for the final book of the trilogy, and I’m looking forward to see how it will all end.
Audiobook Comments: The Seraphim is another example of a series where I decided to jump formats again this year, choosing the audio edition over the print because I got curious after hearing such great things about the narration. I was not disappointed. Joe Knezevich is a fine narrator and he does some great voicework, playing with accents, inflections, and tones—though I think he could have taken advantage of even more opportunities to do so. Overall I have no complaints about the audiobook. If presented with the opportunity to continue the next installment in this format, I probably would take it. Recommended.
January 15, 2017
This was going to be 4.5* but OMG that ending. That epilogue! Just when you thought you knew where the story was heading, it would twist and turn. It went from nice YA fantasy to epic in a few pages with some of those revelations. It was action packed from the very first page with battles galore. And I have a feeling this was just the start!! Really enjoyed this one. Looking forward to book 3!
Want to read
May 9, 2016
THAT'S BREE ON THE COVER AND SHE LOOKS FUCKING EPIC
I NEED THIS BOOK SINCE YESTERDAY
I NEED THIS BOOK SINCE YESTERDAY
January 19, 2018
Ok so the first book in the series was a lot of world and character building, with action picking up towards the end, but Fireborn starts with a bang and keeps raising the stakes!
IMO Skyborn really sets the stage for the events and relationships that happen in Fireborn, and although I don't think I could say Fireborn is "better" necessarily (because Skyborn contains so much necessary character/world building), Fireborn definitely feels faster-paced in a good way.
The world has pretty much fallen apart at this point, so I can't wait to see how the series concludes!
IMO Skyborn really sets the stage for the events and relationships that happen in Fireborn, and although I don't think I could say Fireborn is "better" necessarily (because Skyborn contains so much necessary character/world building), Fireborn definitely feels faster-paced in a good way.
The world has pretty much fallen apart at this point, so I can't wait to see how the series concludes!
April 24, 2017
This is a terrific book. I read it over a week, which is not something I do with many books. This is a great second book in the series that explains several mysteries from the first. In doing so, the fairly centered book ratchets up to an epic story that is about more than 2 kids and a floating island... to a civilization on the brink of destruction from forces without and within.
I can't wait for book 3.
I can't wait for book 3.
November 7, 2018
4.5/5 stars!!! Oooo man this was good! I love the action and suspense! The characters are well written and the plot has you constantly wonder which side is good or bad. I will say it was a slower and more politic-y book than the first, which isn’t my cup of tea. However! You remember the “Between the Lions” kids show? This book had me singing “Cliffffffhanger hanging from a cliff!! And that’s why he’s called Cliffhanger!!!” Because I will tell you Brenda!!! Wooooo!!!! Just like Cliff says “Can’t...hold...on....much....LONNGGGEERRRRR!!”
February 18, 2021
A strong follow up to the first book in the series. There were a lot more fighting/actions scenes that made the book more interesting and a lot more story building that build up the overall story for the trilogy and explained a couple more things in the series. I’m looking forward to reading the conclusion to this series.
October 12, 2022
The battles were fun, and I like how the author worked with the PoVs and their various perspectives.
However, the book's beginnings were quite drawn out and kinda boring, I didn't love all the reveals, and I'm not feeling especially generous with the stars today.
I will definitely read the last book in the series, though.
However, the book's beginnings were quite drawn out and kinda boring, I didn't love all the reveals, and I'm not feeling especially generous with the stars today.
I will definitely read the last book in the series, though.
July 15, 2020
Say goodbye to college romance and mock drills, the war has truly begun. Seraphim, prepare to fly!
October 9, 2020
I definitely enjoyed this one more than the first. Characters were much more consistent and less erratic in their motivations, and the action was generally more interesting. Some fascinating reveals about the world too, though the flashback scene towards the end did feel a little clunky to me.
Overall, an interesting read and a good improvement on the first book.
Overall, an interesting read and a good improvement on the first book.
July 5, 2017
Not as good as the first book sadly. For some odd reason the author decided there wasn't enough going on already and added demons & angels! Shit is now just insane, there is way to much going on!
June 2, 2020
Way too much fighting and not actually enough plot and character-development. Still, that ending took me by surprise and now I feel like I need to read the third book.
November 27, 2017
A strong follow up to Dalglish's first book in the series that provides much of the backstory that the first one lacked as well as builds up the inevitable conflicts and issues that will come in the third book.
December 5, 2016
I loved the first book in this series so much and was waiting with great anticipation for this book to be published.. just to be disapointed. I forced my self to finish, the "twists" where all predictable almost from the begining. To much tedious fight scenes.. Not a pleasure at all. But often book two is a let down, so lets hope book 3 is better.
November 13, 2018
My rating is 2.5 for this book but rounding down for my review.
**Warning: spoilers ahead**
It's like there are two parts to this book: the first half in which the growing Weshern rebellion fights against the theotechs and knights of Center, and the second half, in which another enemy appears. The first half of the book was honestly a little bit boring, as it was battle after battle between the two forces without much progressing of the story. But randomly in the middle, the dome surrounding the islands disappears (we learn why later in the book) and fire breathing lizards drop out of the sky, terrorizing and killing all of the humans. I was a little shocked at the turn the story took there, since the transition was so abrupt. We learn that they're called the fireborn, and that many centuries ago, what was left of humanity escaped from the various demonborn creatures (there's iceborn, stormborn, etc.) by taking to the skies with the help of the lightborn, or angels.
None of the characters really developed here. Bree and Kael mostly remain the same, though somehow Bree has miraculously mastered her fire powers and can go head to head with some of the most talented knights now. And Kael is conveniently provided with a magical shield that can block against all elemental attacks by Johan. A little too convenient if you ask me. We do learn a little bit more about why Center is interested in them. Turns out they each have some unusual elements in their blood, perhaps as a result of experiments that Center conducted on their parents? Bree's natural affinity for fire might come from the fireborn blood in her veins, and Kael seems to have some lightborn blood as he's the only one who can hear the angel talking to him.
Overall I'm not super happy with the direction the author took this series, but I'll still keep on reading to find out what happens. I'm already 2/3 of the way in, after all.
**Warning: spoilers ahead**
It's like there are two parts to this book: the first half in which the growing Weshern rebellion fights against the theotechs and knights of Center, and the second half, in which another enemy appears. The first half of the book was honestly a little bit boring, as it was battle after battle between the two forces without much progressing of the story. But randomly in the middle, the dome surrounding the islands disappears (we learn why later in the book) and fire breathing lizards drop out of the sky, terrorizing and killing all of the humans. I was a little shocked at the turn the story took there, since the transition was so abrupt. We learn that they're called the fireborn, and that many centuries ago, what was left of humanity escaped from the various demonborn creatures (there's iceborn, stormborn, etc.) by taking to the skies with the help of the lightborn, or angels.
None of the characters really developed here. Bree and Kael mostly remain the same, though somehow Bree has miraculously mastered her fire powers and can go head to head with some of the most talented knights now. And Kael is conveniently provided with a magical shield that can block against all elemental attacks by Johan. A little too convenient if you ask me. We do learn a little bit more about why Center is interested in them. Turns out they each have some unusual elements in their blood, perhaps as a result of experiments that Center conducted on their parents? Bree's natural affinity for fire might come from the fireborn blood in her veins, and Kael seems to have some lightborn blood as he's the only one who can hear the angel talking to him.
Overall I'm not super happy with the direction the author took this series, but I'll still keep on reading to find out what happens. I'm already 2/3 of the way in, after all.
February 8, 2017
Okay, I was intrigued by both Skyborn and Fireborn, the synopsis for the first book wasn't much, same as the synopsis for Fireborn, they both hint at things; So I had no real idea of what to expect when I went in to the book but it blew me away...but not as much as Fireborn did with its killer ending and the way it built up the world even more, and added to the plot!
Skyborn sucked you in, introducing you to this original and imaginative world unlike anything you'd entered before. Dalglish skilfully built the world up around you, the settings taking form around you. He added some politics here, and some history there. Enough to keep you informed, and leave you wanting to know more. He introduced you to the characters, the politics and how it all worked with threads of mystery woven throughout about characters, the past and the world, not to mention the plot itself. He brought us the shadowy figure of Johan. But all the while there was the sense of something deeper woven throughout, just out of reach, piquing your curiosity. Then it came to a crescendo with its grand finale, of Titanic proportions and I mean the ship not the size. The ending was truly incredible and cinematic and left you wanting more.
Fireborn hooks you from the first page, and you're straight in with the action from the start. I loved getting Jay's point of view at the beginning and I loved how that entire scene was done. It was genuinely like I'd cracked open the book and a movie started to play across the pages. So damn cinematic and atmospheric. The plot grabs you even more in this book, you get answers sure, but you also get questions.
Dalglish brings the character of Johan out of the shadows and in to the light. But you spend most of the book not being entirely sure if he's a good guy or a bad guy, and the same can be said for the Speaker. I loved the sense of being on edge, not sure who to trust. Not sure who's the one telling the truth, because it's what the characters where feeling throughout as they discovered lies and tried to work out who to trust. I will admit, I was so glad they weren't stupid enough to reveal all their secrets to certain people!
The author adds more layers to the world of the book. In Skyborn we got the world, and we thought we knew how it worked and what this or that was. In Fireborn the author turns it all on its head with some amazing reveals. Everything that was added to the world and how it works, the politics and history completely changed the way I thought this story was going and took it in a different and pleasantly surprising direction. There are genuinely so many game changing revelations in this book about the world and the characters, book three is going to be intense!
I continue to love Kael and Bree both individually, and together as a team. I understand 100% how Kael feels, Bree is The Phoenix, and he's just Kael. I think we can all feel for him and get where he's coming from, but what surprised me in the best way was that rather than start to resent her for it and go all dark side, or just start to be a bit of an arse.....he still fully supported Bree, he was still there for her and damn. I love the two of them. Their loyalty to each other, their determination and how human they are. They're so relatable and so authentic, you can truly understand them and where they're coming from and their reactions, I think, are very like what you or I might have in their situation. I've loved watching them grow and change over the course of the two books, and I'm intrigued to see what's going to happen to them in the third book. I'm hoping they'll keep a united front, I'll be disappointed if they turn on each other! And I'm excited to see what else they discover about themselves. I think they've both changed so much since Skyborn, and I think they have the potential to develop even more with what they can do!
I have to say, I was really glad to see Saul being redeemed in this book! I didn't really like him all that much in Skyborn, but in this book I was rooting for him along with everyone else. I also kind of low key ship him and Bree, I'm not going to lie. I feel like both of them changed a lot from the place they where at in Skyborn and it'd be interesting to see the two of them together. But you know, romance isn't the sole focus of this book, it's in the background or casually thrown in. Kael and Clara are still going strong, and I do love the two of them together as well, I'm incredibly intrigued to see where Clara's going to go as a character after the end of Fireborn and what it means for her!
There's plenty of other characters in this book that we get to see more of, and get to know more. Plus there's a tonne of new characters, although in order to make room for them we had to say goodbye to some of the old ones and I'm still devastated about some of them. Brutally realistic, and everything...but still. It's always the characters I love the most!
Fireborn is a brilliant sequel and I have to say, for me it surpassed the first book because it really changed the game. I fell completely in to the world of the book, it was vivid and atmospheric, the writing was brilliant. The book is just so imaginative and original, I knew I was going to like it, and I have to say I haven't read anything quite like it that I can recall. There's a fast pace and so much action, there's so many plot twists and revelations that'll leave you gasping and the ending. I can't even. The ending completely threw everything on it's head. I had been so convinced I'd worked out who was good and who was bad and then the ending happened and I was like "DAMNIT". I feel like the twins have come a long way and they really come in to their own in this book. I have to say, that I am incredibly excited for the third book, and I have to thank Nazia at Orbit hugely for introducing me to this series, because I might never have discovered it otherwise!
Skyborn sucked you in, introducing you to this original and imaginative world unlike anything you'd entered before. Dalglish skilfully built the world up around you, the settings taking form around you. He added some politics here, and some history there. Enough to keep you informed, and leave you wanting to know more. He introduced you to the characters, the politics and how it all worked with threads of mystery woven throughout about characters, the past and the world, not to mention the plot itself. He brought us the shadowy figure of Johan. But all the while there was the sense of something deeper woven throughout, just out of reach, piquing your curiosity. Then it came to a crescendo with its grand finale, of Titanic proportions and I mean the ship not the size. The ending was truly incredible and cinematic and left you wanting more.
Fireborn hooks you from the first page, and you're straight in with the action from the start. I loved getting Jay's point of view at the beginning and I loved how that entire scene was done. It was genuinely like I'd cracked open the book and a movie started to play across the pages. So damn cinematic and atmospheric. The plot grabs you even more in this book, you get answers sure, but you also get questions.
Dalglish brings the character of Johan out of the shadows and in to the light. But you spend most of the book not being entirely sure if he's a good guy or a bad guy, and the same can be said for the Speaker. I loved the sense of being on edge, not sure who to trust. Not sure who's the one telling the truth, because it's what the characters where feeling throughout as they discovered lies and tried to work out who to trust. I will admit, I was so glad they weren't stupid enough to reveal all their secrets to certain people!
The author adds more layers to the world of the book. In Skyborn we got the world, and we thought we knew how it worked and what this or that was. In Fireborn the author turns it all on its head with some amazing reveals. Everything that was added to the world and how it works, the politics and history completely changed the way I thought this story was going and took it in a different and pleasantly surprising direction. There are genuinely so many game changing revelations in this book about the world and the characters, book three is going to be intense!
I continue to love Kael and Bree both individually, and together as a team. I understand 100% how Kael feels, Bree is The Phoenix, and he's just Kael. I think we can all feel for him and get where he's coming from, but what surprised me in the best way was that rather than start to resent her for it and go all dark side, or just start to be a bit of an arse.....he still fully supported Bree, he was still there for her and damn. I love the two of them. Their loyalty to each other, their determination and how human they are. They're so relatable and so authentic, you can truly understand them and where they're coming from and their reactions, I think, are very like what you or I might have in their situation. I've loved watching them grow and change over the course of the two books, and I'm intrigued to see what's going to happen to them in the third book. I'm hoping they'll keep a united front, I'll be disappointed if they turn on each other! And I'm excited to see what else they discover about themselves. I think they've both changed so much since Skyborn, and I think they have the potential to develop even more with what they can do!
I have to say, I was really glad to see Saul being redeemed in this book! I didn't really like him all that much in Skyborn, but in this book I was rooting for him along with everyone else. I also kind of low key ship him and Bree, I'm not going to lie. I feel like both of them changed a lot from the place they where at in Skyborn and it'd be interesting to see the two of them together. But you know, romance isn't the sole focus of this book, it's in the background or casually thrown in. Kael and Clara are still going strong, and I do love the two of them together as well, I'm incredibly intrigued to see where Clara's going to go as a character after the end of Fireborn and what it means for her!
There's plenty of other characters in this book that we get to see more of, and get to know more. Plus there's a tonne of new characters, although in order to make room for them we had to say goodbye to some of the old ones and I'm still devastated about some of them. Brutally realistic, and everything...but still. It's always the characters I love the most!
Fireborn is a brilliant sequel and I have to say, for me it surpassed the first book because it really changed the game. I fell completely in to the world of the book, it was vivid and atmospheric, the writing was brilliant. The book is just so imaginative and original, I knew I was going to like it, and I have to say I haven't read anything quite like it that I can recall. There's a fast pace and so much action, there's so many plot twists and revelations that'll leave you gasping and the ending. I can't even. The ending completely threw everything on it's head. I had been so convinced I'd worked out who was good and who was bad and then the ending happened and I was like "DAMNIT". I feel like the twins have come a long way and they really come in to their own in this book. I have to say, that I am incredibly excited for the third book, and I have to thank Nazia at Orbit hugely for introducing me to this series, because I might never have discovered it otherwise!
December 1, 2021
Fireborn is an excellent sequel to Skyborn. As with most 2nd books in a series Fireborn was a fast paced book with tons of twists, and unlike the first book almost none of them were expected. The island of Westeros is blamed by the Center for the fall of there rival island, and has revoked their rights to an army and has imprisoned the most of the ruling family as well as taking away the right for the crystals needed for defense and flight. As such the Seraphim are very unhappy starting a rebellion with Bree, the Phoenix, as the figure head of it all. The rebellion soon joins with the followers of Jonas and Jonas himself. The Center soon gets wind of this and sends its gold winged knights to put down the rebellion, though they fail the rebellion is wounded, especially with the capture of Bree. We learn through the Bree and her brother Kael's blood can refuel the crystals of elements they control. The Center may years ago had infused their parent's blood with that of demons and angels giving their children unmatched abilities. After the rescue of Bree we learn how the islands stay a float above the flooded world, eight angels gave up their freedom to lift them heavenward to escape the demons of their fallen brother, who turns out to be Jonas, though the twins don't know that last piece of information.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2022
After really enjoying the first book, I have the say this one didn't flow quite as well. The beginning especially was a bit of a trudge and there were scenes throughout that overstayed their welcome or even felt like filler. I appreciated learning more about the world and its mechanics but also couldn't help but question some of the basic aspects, especially concerning the size of the population. On the one hand, we keep getting told that every lfe is precious and only few people have the power to manipulate the elements, on the other hand the number of available Seraphim seems to be declining and growing depending on what is required in the moment. It was something I paid special attention to since it already started irking me a bit in the first installment. Towards the end of this second book, the inconsistencies became quite obvious, especially since we witness the deaths of a lot of named and unnamed characters.
That said, the twins are still very likeable, Bree still kicks ass, and I already have Shadowborn ready to go because at this point, I am looking very much forward to seeing how it all ends.
That said, the twins are still very likeable, Bree still kicks ass, and I already have Shadowborn ready to go because at this point, I am looking very much forward to seeing how it all ends.
April 19, 2019
In the Note from the Author at the end of the book, Dalglish discusses how terrified he was to write this second instalment of his series. He discussed pulling back the curtain, revealing the monster in the closest, and unlocking all of the fantasy that he had left to the imagination in the first book.
These are exactly the reasons why this book works so well, and why it was a tremendous encore. Whereas in the first book I was a little put off by the sometimes childish dialogue and the seemingly vacuous world-building, all my my wildest desires were satisfied in Fireborn (at least in the last third, when all of the big reveals took place).
I’ve now been swept from a flying metal angel school with a predictable theocratic enemy to a sweeping epic with a deeply-woven backstory. Whereas I struggled to finally pick up Fireborn after finishing Skyborn, I am truly excited to finish with Shadowborn.
How the turntables.
These are exactly the reasons why this book works so well, and why it was a tremendous encore. Whereas in the first book I was a little put off by the sometimes childish dialogue and the seemingly vacuous world-building, all my my wildest desires were satisfied in Fireborn (at least in the last third, when all of the big reveals took place).
I’ve now been swept from a flying metal angel school with a predictable theocratic enemy to a sweeping epic with a deeply-woven backstory. Whereas I struggled to finally pick up Fireborn after finishing Skyborn, I am truly excited to finish with Shadowborn.
How the turntables.
August 23, 2020
The sequel definitely ramped up the action and magic! It was no holds barred action and set pieces nearly from the get-go, and it barely stopped for a breath, even as the last twists were revealed.
And I will say the action is far more intense than I expected. It is unrelenting and ruthless, and not everyone was safe. There were a couple deaths that really upset me, and certainly held their shock value.
I loved the added fantasy elements, and did not expect them at all. They made for added danger and action, and even to the lore.
As much as I enjoyed the action, I felt it got excessive at times and I struggled to focus. There weren’t as many character moments or emotional impacts as I’d like.
Still, the final twists were shocking and thrilling, and this is definitely something fans of epic action scenes will enjoy!
And I will say the action is far more intense than I expected. It is unrelenting and ruthless, and not everyone was safe. There were a couple deaths that really upset me, and certainly held their shock value.
I loved the added fantasy elements, and did not expect them at all. They made for added danger and action, and even to the lore.
As much as I enjoyed the action, I felt it got excessive at times and I struggled to focus. There weren’t as many character moments or emotional impacts as I’d like.
Still, the final twists were shocking and thrilling, and this is definitely something fans of epic action scenes will enjoy!
February 13, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Lots of mysteries revealed, and it didn't go the way I expected. I also thought there would be more relationship set ups, which just goes to show the type of books I was reading before this one haha.
I think Kael has quite a bit of untapped potential and I hope it gets played up more in the next book. Something along the lines of the protector would be great, in comparison to Bree's phoenix.
Spoiler alert: my hunch that Liam was still alive was right, thank you epilogue! I thought it was Johan at first and it would be a reunited Skyborn family battling together, but it went the other way and it will certainly make for interesting dynamics.
Looking forward to the next book!
Lots of mysteries revealed, and it didn't go the way I expected. I also thought there would be more relationship set ups, which just goes to show the type of books I was reading before this one haha.
I think Kael has quite a bit of untapped potential and I hope it gets played up more in the next book. Something along the lines of the protector would be great, in comparison to Bree's phoenix.
Spoiler alert: my hunch that Liam was still alive was right, thank you epilogue! I thought it was Johan at first and it would be a reunited Skyborn family battling together, but it went the other way and it will certainly make for interesting dynamics.
Looking forward to the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2017
This is a great continuation of the series. While starting off slowly considering the events at the end of the last book it establishes itself as a fun read while expanding the universe it is set in. Bree and Kael are easy to love and are shown to be relatively normal even as they become heroes to their people, Bree especially questions everything.
I am looking forward to finishing the series and finding out exactly how it will all be wrapped up especially considering how it ended.
A great book with strong characters and a good writing style. I am definitely going to look at the other books by him.
I am looking forward to finishing the series and finding out exactly how it will all be wrapped up especially considering how it ended.
A great book with strong characters and a good writing style. I am definitely going to look at the other books by him.
January 8, 2018
Another great book from my favorite author. David Dalglish delivers, YET AGAIN, with this astounding entry to this Seraphim series. I have read every book this man has published, and not once have I been let down. Somehow, David manages to make every book better than the previous. Just as he has done with this book, I believe he will with Shadowborn. Book 1 was incredible. Book 2 was awe inspiring. There isn't more for me to say, other than "read this book".
April 12, 2018
Dalglish laid a solid foundation with the first book, and he greatly improved upon that foundation in this one. Taking the story away from the more YA-feeling academy setting was a great choice. It allowed the story's strengths to shine, and those strengths are its battle scenes and the underlying mysteries of the world.
This book had plenty of action, and some of the revelations toward the end were shocking. They have me excited to read the final book.
Rating: 9/10
This book had plenty of action, and some of the revelations toward the end were shocking. They have me excited to read the final book.
Rating: 9/10
October 23, 2025
None of the twists in this book were a surprise to me but I still greatly enjoyed them and I think they were great choices by the author. But this means I’m not really itching to start the next one as I wasn’t ever kept on the edge of my seat. I’ll probably read the next one as they’re enjoyable, and I think it’s refreshing for the “bad guys” to still want to do the right thing, even if it’s a screwed up version of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2017
Wow! From the pretty good, but inauspicious start of "Skyborn", in this book, stuff just got real! Lots of surprise revelations, heartbreak, betrayal, and fantastic action, at a breakneck pace. And, Dalglish promises even more in book number three! I've only read his "Shadowdance" series, but after this I will definitely read more of his work.
December 15, 2017
After all the nice mysteries we are left with at the end of book 1 I was afraid this would just keep leading us on but we actually did get some answers. Unfortunately they are not that surprising or even very interesting. The characters were the only reason it got 3 stars the plot just started to fall apart here
January 31, 2018
It's been a long while since I read fantasy genre. Skyborn (Seraphim #1) was the first; Fireborn is the second. I am very much enjoying this story and am looking forward to reading Shadowborn. The story here continues to follow Kael and Breanna Skyborn through their struggles with self-doubt and fighting to save their world.
I am very much enjoying this series.
I am very much enjoying this series.
March 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this one, lots of twist. Not really sure if I liked it more than the first one, but I really, really enjoyed it. If I hadn't read any reviews for this book, I probably would have been way more surprised than I was at the end lol. All in all, it was a good book. can't wait to see where shadow born takes me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews