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Sylvani #2
The Order of the Eternal Sun: A Novel of the Sylvani
Lucy Sinclair’s debut will be a parade of everything opulent Edwardian London society has to offer. Most importantly, it will be nothing like her older sister’s dangerous experience—especially if her overprotective brother-in-law, Lord Thornewood, has his way. As if screening her dance partners isn’t enough, Thornewood insists that his brother, James, train Lucy in self-defense as the event nears. She wouldn’t mind so much if her treacherous mind didn’t continue to replay the kiss they once shared.
But awkward defense lessons are the least of her problems. Her arcana, a magical talent that allows her to mentally enter any scene that she draws, grows stronger by the day. Again and again Lucy is compelled to draw a portal to her mother’s realm of Sylvania—and with each stroke of her pen, she risks attracting the attention of the Order of the Eternal Sun, the sinister brotherhood that steals the power of Sylvani blood for their own dark ends.
When a bold new suitor arrives from India, Lucy can’t help but be intrigued—though her family questions his mysterious past. As Lucy’s own suspicions grow, and the threat of the Order looms larger, Lucy will have to learn to harness her unpredictable power or risk falling under the Order’s shadow forever.
But awkward defense lessons are the least of her problems. Her arcana, a magical talent that allows her to mentally enter any scene that she draws, grows stronger by the day. Again and again Lucy is compelled to draw a portal to her mother’s realm of Sylvania—and with each stroke of her pen, she risks attracting the attention of the Order of the Eternal Sun, the sinister brotherhood that steals the power of Sylvani blood for their own dark ends.
When a bold new suitor arrives from India, Lucy can’t help but be intrigued—though her family questions his mysterious past. As Lucy’s own suspicions grow, and the threat of the Order looms larger, Lucy will have to learn to harness her unpredictable power or risk falling under the Order’s shadow forever.
414 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 2, 2016
12 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Leake
4 books713 followersOnce upon a time, Jessica Leake was a psychotherapist, but even though she loved her clients, she couldn't stop writing. She wrote and wrote until she got her first book published, and then she wrote some more. In between all that writing she had four beautiful and hilarious children with her husband (best friend and man she's known since high school; also hilarious), moved back to her adopted hometown of Greenville, SC, built a chicken coop, and got a bunch of chickens that poop breakfast every morning. She also has two dogs to keep the chickens in line. (The dogs made her write that last bit.)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 9, 2016
I absolutely adored Jessica Leake's first novel, ARCANA, and I loved this follow-up novel just as much (if not more!) It was so wonderful to visit with all the characters I loved so much in the first book, and THE ORDER OF THE ETERNAL SUN expands greatly on the world established in ARCANA. Leake's world-building brings the realm of Sylvania to magnificent, technicolor life for the reader, until I almost feel as though I'd been there myself. Filled with romance, suspense, and lots of Jane Austen-esque witty banter, this is a book that's difficult to put down. Be on the look out for it this August!
July 30, 2022
I was enjoying this for the first two thirds, but it all went down hill from the portal moment ngl.
August 9, 2016
Lucy Sinclair is making her big debut in London Society. Everything is going well - her presentation to the King and Queen is as wondrous as she hoped - and her brother-in-law, Lord Thornewood, is scritinizing everyone and everything to make sure that she's protected from The Order of the Eternal Sun. Yet, Lord Alexander Radcliffe, Earl of Devonshire, manages to attend her debut ball, unknown and uninvited, managing to steal her heart - and exposing her to danger - all in one slick move.
On the surface, The Order of the Eternal Sun felt a little run-of-the-mill. After all, you have a young female protagonist who is coming of age and has new powers she's still learning to control, there's a love interest and another potential love interest (both very young and handsome), dangerous enemies who are after her (and her family), an overbearing/overprotective father-figure and an old mentor who steps into the picture.
And yet, Leake makes it fresh and exciting. Lucy is no shrinking lily - she's half Sylvanian with dangerous enemies after her and a growing power she's still learning to control but she's not sitting around freaking about it. She's taking decisive action, mostly rational, though sometimes too trusting - like any eighteen year old tends to be when they're in love (or at least when they think they are).
Alexander starts off as an enigma. Leake masterly fills you in with pieces of his history so you think you know his motives and yet at the same time, you're left confused - as confused as Lucy - because you can't tell if he is good or bad. You want him to be good, because you don't want Lucy to be hurt, but at the same all information points the other way and you think that she's being overly naive and trusting.
Because she's a teen and I suppose this is YA fantasy (maybe?) there's a love triangle and whilst I'm tired of this, it was quite well set up and not simply a sappy girl who can't make up her mind.
The Sylvanian world is well-constructed. You're drawn into a place of wonder and excitement. It feels as if Leake has created a real world with very real rules and consequences. The only thing I really want to know is why those with lesser Sylvan blood (such as Lucy's niece) seems to be growing stronger powers than their full-blooded or half-blooded Slyvanian relatives - it's something not quite explained in the book, and something the Queen also wants to find out, so I'm guessing this might be the topic (or at least the driving force) of the next story set in this wonderful world.
One slight detraction - from a story set in the 1800s Victorian English, most of the events of the story felt like it was set in the right period. However, some phrases used and spoken expressions felt a little too modern. Then again, I'm not an expert on the period, so I can't say for sure.
I should probably get round to finding the first book (because it appears there is one called Arcana, in which exciting things happen to Lucy's older sister).
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book for review via Edelweiss.
On the surface, The Order of the Eternal Sun felt a little run-of-the-mill. After all, you have a young female protagonist who is coming of age and has new powers she's still learning to control, there's a love interest and another potential love interest (both very young and handsome), dangerous enemies who are after her (and her family), an overbearing/overprotective father-figure and an old mentor who steps into the picture.
And yet, Leake makes it fresh and exciting. Lucy is no shrinking lily - she's half Sylvanian with dangerous enemies after her and a growing power she's still learning to control but she's not sitting around freaking about it. She's taking decisive action, mostly rational, though sometimes too trusting - like any eighteen year old tends to be when they're in love (or at least when they think they are).
Alexander starts off as an enigma. Leake masterly fills you in with pieces of his history so you think you know his motives and yet at the same time, you're left confused - as confused as Lucy - because you can't tell if he is good or bad. You want him to be good, because you don't want Lucy to be hurt, but at the same all information points the other way and you think that she's being overly naive and trusting.
Because she's a teen and I suppose this is YA fantasy (maybe?) there's a love triangle and whilst I'm tired of this, it was quite well set up and not simply a sappy girl who can't make up her mind.
The Sylvanian world is well-constructed. You're drawn into a place of wonder and excitement. It feels as if Leake has created a real world with very real rules and consequences. The only thing I really want to know is why those with lesser Sylvan blood (such as Lucy's niece) seems to be growing stronger powers than their full-blooded or half-blooded Slyvanian relatives - it's something not quite explained in the book, and something the Queen also wants to find out, so I'm guessing this might be the topic (or at least the driving force) of the next story set in this wonderful world.
One slight detraction - from a story set in the 1800s Victorian English, most of the events of the story felt like it was set in the right period. However, some phrases used and spoken expressions felt a little too modern. Then again, I'm not an expert on the period, so I can't say for sure.
I should probably get round to finding the first book (because it appears there is one called Arcana, in which exciting things happen to Lucy's older sister).
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book for review via Edelweiss.
February 10, 2017
To her dismay, James Thornewood appeared at the end of Lucy's fencing lesson . She hadn't seen the gallant brother of her brother-in-law in three years...Of course he would attend her coming out debut. She tried to hide the embarrassment over the memory of the stolen kiss and his abrupt departure after he had revealed error undying love for him. Now she must endure the awkwardness of not only seeing him again but to live in the same house until after the Ball. Must they feel so awkward? Could they just be friend's again?
Lately, her arcana had developed to the point of taking over her drawings, she was determined to remain in control. While concentrating on her debut, she begins to sketch the throne room in detail and all the many people in attendance. Suddenly, she was drawn into a new scene beyond her control. She was drawn out of her body into Buckingham Palace and man of Eastern influence catches her eye. As he approaches, a small voice calls to her. It is her young two year old niece Issie. Her spirit, gratefully, returns to her body and bedroom. She cannot low her arcana to control her as it did her sister years before. Her sister nearly died. However, the lack of control had never happened to her before...even more shocking, Izzie was able to see the too!
At her ball, on the outside terrace, the man from inside error drawing was there! How could this be?
From that point on the intrigue, mystery, action, and romance propels forward. Her maternal grandmother living in a other realm becomes an important "player" in this saga. Lucy is faced with difficult choices...ones which could alienate her from the very ones she loves. She discovers dangers which may ultimately end her mortal life.
This book can be read as a "stand alone" but I feel I would have a greater appreciation for It if I had read the first one. Still, it was captivating and the characters the characters all "came to life " and the scenes were easily visualized. The book title and cover erected chosen well except Lucy has very blond hair. The girl on the cover is depicted with brown, almost Auburn, hair .
*This book was gifted me, but that does not influence my honest review.
I deem this novel worthy of a Four and a Half Stars rating.
Lately, her arcana had developed to the point of taking over her drawings, she was determined to remain in control. While concentrating on her debut, she begins to sketch the throne room in detail and all the many people in attendance. Suddenly, she was drawn into a new scene beyond her control. She was drawn out of her body into Buckingham Palace and man of Eastern influence catches her eye. As he approaches, a small voice calls to her. It is her young two year old niece Issie. Her spirit, gratefully, returns to her body and bedroom. She cannot low her arcana to control her as it did her sister years before. Her sister nearly died. However, the lack of control had never happened to her before...even more shocking, Izzie was able to see the too!
At her ball, on the outside terrace, the man from inside error drawing was there! How could this be?
From that point on the intrigue, mystery, action, and romance propels forward. Her maternal grandmother living in a other realm becomes an important "player" in this saga. Lucy is faced with difficult choices...ones which could alienate her from the very ones she loves. She discovers dangers which may ultimately end her mortal life.
This book can be read as a "stand alone" but I feel I would have a greater appreciation for It if I had read the first one. Still, it was captivating and the characters the characters all "came to life " and the scenes were easily visualized. The book title and cover erected chosen well except Lucy has very blond hair. The girl on the cover is depicted with brown, almost Auburn, hair .
*This book was gifted me, but that does not influence my honest review.
I deem this novel worthy of a Four and a Half Stars rating.
August 5, 2016
Fun with a fast original pace !
I've liked the characters...all of them! Jeassica Leake has created a great family with strong women who have mind of their own and are not afraid to take risks. It's intriguing, light and amusing.
Spending time with the personnages, I've discovered an interesting stories with powers and a fantastic world. I've also appreciated the description of England at the begin of the XXe century.
There is romance, betrayal, fights and drama. The perfect combinaison to enjoy a great adventure.
Since it was the second volume, and to be honest I didn't knew it and it has not perturbated my read, I will hapilly go back to the first one to know more about the lovely headstrong Katherine Sinclair.
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
I've liked the characters...all of them! Jeassica Leake has created a great family with strong women who have mind of their own and are not afraid to take risks. It's intriguing, light and amusing.
Spending time with the personnages, I've discovered an interesting stories with powers and a fantastic world. I've also appreciated the description of England at the begin of the XXe century.
There is romance, betrayal, fights and drama. The perfect combinaison to enjoy a great adventure.
Since it was the second volume, and to be honest I didn't knew it and it has not perturbated my read, I will hapilly go back to the first one to know more about the lovely headstrong Katherine Sinclair.
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
Want to read
April 23, 2016** e-Arc provided by Edelweiss **
Read
November 1, 2016I GAVE THIS BOOK TO MY WIFE , AND I DIDN'T SEE HER FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. SHE WAS SO COUGHT UP SHE JUST COULDN'T PUT I DOWN, AND CAN'T WAIT TO READ MORE
May 20, 2018
A really good sequel to Arcana. I think I actually liked this one a little better. The Sylvani have already been explained, and the reader gets to spend time there, which is awesome because it’s a wonderfully drawn world (no pun intended, as Lucy, the protagonist, is an excellent artist who embues her work, at first unknowingly, with arcana. I think one of the reasons I liked this book was because of the _could have beens_ that weren’t. It would have been really easy to set it up as a full-on love triangle, and it wasn’t, because the third wasn’t invested enough. It could have been a horrible villain love interest who needs redeeming—now, this could be a toss up, but Alexander, I believe, _never_ meant Lucy any harm. His background was more of an accomplice than an actual villain (still, an accomplice to pretty awful things), but he was well and truly misled from the very beginning, which makes his redemption, upon realizing this and turning toward genuine atonement, almost unnecessary.
Also regarding Alexander—his fighting ability may have been supplemented by his arcana, but he came about it the way really good fighters do: practice, practice, and more practice. I thought it was nice that he had knowledge of herbs, because some traditions and cultures are very conscious of how everything is connected, and knowing about different things like that is normal. One of the closest characters I can think of like that off the top of my head is Aragorn from LOTR.
And I also really liked what Lucy’s grandmother does with Rose. That could have been turned into a somewhat unbelievable recovery but it wasn’t.
Another thing I enjoyed was that the villain’s plot wasn’t overwhelmingly complicated. I don’t mean that as an insult. I think some authors get so caught up in making things incredibly intricate they lose sight of the trees for the forest. Sometimes reading things with fewer characters who you can get really attached to, with a plot that doesn’t become nonsensical trying to be clever, is truly a relief. Given that, I thought the encounter between Lord Titus and Tyrell was pretty brilliant. Talk about getting ones wires crossed in terms of intentions. Snort. It’s nice to have time to enjoy extraordinary ballrooms.
And I think the fact that I noticed those things shows how much they are used in other fiction, and that the lack of them really makes the story better.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for other books by this author.
Also regarding Alexander—his fighting ability may have been supplemented by his arcana, but he came about it the way really good fighters do: practice, practice, and more practice. I thought it was nice that he had knowledge of herbs, because some traditions and cultures are very conscious of how everything is connected, and knowing about different things like that is normal. One of the closest characters I can think of like that off the top of my head is Aragorn from LOTR.
And I also really liked what Lucy’s grandmother does with Rose. That could have been turned into a somewhat unbelievable recovery but it wasn’t.
Another thing I enjoyed was that the villain’s plot wasn’t overwhelmingly complicated. I don’t mean that as an insult. I think some authors get so caught up in making things incredibly intricate they lose sight of the trees for the forest. Sometimes reading things with fewer characters who you can get really attached to, with a plot that doesn’t become nonsensical trying to be clever, is truly a relief. Given that, I thought the encounter between Lord Titus and Tyrell was pretty brilliant. Talk about getting ones wires crossed in terms of intentions. Snort. It’s nice to have time to enjoy extraordinary ballrooms.
And I think the fact that I noticed those things shows how much they are used in other fiction, and that the lack of them really makes the story better.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for other books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2022
Highly entertaining and great fun! I fell in love with ARCANA because of its cover. I sought out THE ORDER OF THE ETERNAL SUN because I wanted to spend more time with the characters and learn more about Sylvania. The book did not disappoint.
August 4, 2017
It was fun to return to the Edwardian/Sylvan worlds with some of the same characters! I wasn't quite as immersed in this one as the first, but it was a fun read.
April 14, 2021
Very exciting, love this world.
September 11, 2023
Certainly more to explore in this series. Rob? James?
August 8, 2025
One of the longest under 300 page books I've ever tortured myself with.
Hard pass on ever reading anything by this author again.
Hard pass on ever reading anything by this author again.
January 10, 2026
First Edition
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews