Boy, can this gal write! If Ronie Kendig’s books were any better, they would spontaneously combust – either that, or I would – and I should add that’s no pun intended when it comes to this series! The word that comes to mind when I think of Ronie’s writing is ‘energy’; but it’s not just an in-your-face, full-of-action energy (although there is plenty of that!) There’s a unique psychological energy, coiled in the anticipation and the tension; in what is said and left unsaid. And it’s so compelling!
Accelerant is the second book in this series, and I do recommend that you read the series in order. The books aren’t a light read, coming in at 400+ pages each, but it is such a worthwhile investment of your time! Ronie has created a wonderfully vivid world with its varied terrains, climates, peoples, and traditions – and especially with its fire wielding Accelerants and their Incipient nemeses. It’s a world rife not only with the usual tension between good and evil, but also political and ‘racial’ tensions between the various groups of people and their leaders – many of whom seem to share a family tree that is as gnarled and tangled as the crowned heads of Europe.
Caught in the centre of it all is Haegan Celahar, the once crippled son of the Fire King; now able-bodied, endowed with fire wielding capabilities he can barely control, and bearing the weight of a kingdom and a prophecy on his untrained shoulders. After being prevented from killing Poired Dyrth, he and his grievously wounded sister, Kaelyria, fly on Chima’s back to the frigid Northlands, where they are captured and taken before the leader of the ice-dwelling Eilidan, Aselan. But if Aselan’s trust is difficult to earn, it is nothing compared to the fighting and wielding skills Haegan must acquire if he is to fulfil his duty as leader of the Nine. And yet Haegan wants neither sword nor fealty. He simply wants . . . out. And to be with Thiel.
Kaelyria features a little more in this novel than the last, as she slowly recovers from her injuries, and there is some subtle (and delicious) romantic tension in her story along with a final scene that has left me holding my breath for the rest. The other character who has really come into his own in this novel is Thiel's brother, Tili, who makes a surprise challenge in the latter half of the novel. I can't wait to see where that's headed. And, of course, we're still rooting for Haegan and Thiel to overcome the barriers to their HEA, but that’s become even more complicated now...
It is difficult to articulate the way in which Ronie’s characters and their journeys grip me. Their struggles and emotions are so palpable, so absorbing, and she knows how to translate it into gripping action in her characters’ words and actions. There’s also a potency in the way her writing engages your senses. The details are so organic to the narrative, and so well-chosen in their economy, that you barely even notice you’re reading it rather than experiencing it; whether it be a one-on-one sword fight, trekking through various terrains, or simply feeling a tension-filled silence.
I could rave about this series all day, but really, all I’d be doing is preventing you from reading it for yourself. And we can’t have that, now, can we?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review.