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The Enslaved Chronicles #2
Mage Strike
The fight for freedom begins.
The hard part should have been over. Former slave Miara and Crown Prince Aven have escaped with their freedom and their lives. From kidnapper and captive, they’ve grown into a powerful partnership. And they’ve returned to the mountain fortress of Estun, triumphant, to warn his people of the rising menace just across their border.
But escape was only the first step. War looms. Hundreds of mages still live in slavery. Neither the king nor the queen believes the people will support a foreign spy as crown princess, no matter how loyal Miara truly is. And enemy agents plot to keep Aven from the throne by any means necessary, be they mundane—or murderous.
On top of it all, the Dark Master has plans of his own: to enslave a vast mage army bound to his will alone. To obliterate all knowledge of the forbidden star magic, no matter the cost. And to get a little revenge too, while he’s at it.
Powerful new enemies, tenacious new allies, and earth-shaking magic join Aven and Miara in this second volume of the Enslaved Chronicles.
The hard part should have been over. Former slave Miara and Crown Prince Aven have escaped with their freedom and their lives. From kidnapper and captive, they’ve grown into a powerful partnership. And they’ve returned to the mountain fortress of Estun, triumphant, to warn his people of the rising menace just across their border.
But escape was only the first step. War looms. Hundreds of mages still live in slavery. Neither the king nor the queen believes the people will support a foreign spy as crown princess, no matter how loyal Miara truly is. And enemy agents plot to keep Aven from the throne by any means necessary, be they mundane—or murderous.
On top of it all, the Dark Master has plans of his own: to enslave a vast mage army bound to his will alone. To obliterate all knowledge of the forbidden star magic, no matter the cost. And to get a little revenge too, while he’s at it.
Powerful new enemies, tenacious new allies, and earth-shaking magic join Aven and Miara in this second volume of the Enslaved Chronicles.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2016
494 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
R.K. Thorne
16 books183 followersR. K. Thorne is an independent fantasy and science fiction author whose writing is fueled by her addiction to notebooks, role-playing games, coffee, and red wine.
She has read speculative fiction since before she was probably much too young to be doing so and encourages you to do the same.
She lives in the green hills of Pennsylvania with her family and two gray cats that may or may not pull her chariot in their spare time.
You can sign up for updates on future books by joining her mailing list here: http://www.rkthorne.com/get-updates/
She has read speculative fiction since before she was probably much too young to be doing so and encourages you to do the same.
She lives in the green hills of Pennsylvania with her family and two gray cats that may or may not pull her chariot in their spare time.
You can sign up for updates on future books by joining her mailing list here: http://www.rkthorne.com/get-updates/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 2, 2017
It took me forever to finish reading this book!
Which isn't the books fault. I just had a major fantasy slump. But now it's over ... maybe.
Anyway, back to the book.
It was a nice second part! It developed a lot quicker than the first book. We did learn more about the characters (mostly about Aven), more happened and the plot moved forward significantly.
I still don't really understand why Miara and Aven are in love, but they are quite cute. And I have a real problem connecting to Miara. She just doesn't make sense to me. I feel like she does and says whatever is necessary for the plot. Which is weird, because she is the only character I have that problem with. On the other hand I really liked Aven. we learned a lot more about his home and the people he grew up with and what kind of man and future king he was.
On a side note ... book two gives us Miara and Aven 2.0. xD
I greatly apprecitate the fact that the author refrained from adding unnecessary relationship drama.
As for the plot ... it's not the most original and neither is the world building, but it's done well and written entertainingly. Not every fantasy book has to reinvent the genre.
As for a few down sides ... actually only one. I'm not entirely sure about the necessity of the changing POVs. Jaena and Ro were fun and interesting, but their POV didn't really add anything that we couldn't half learned later when they catch up with the others. Same goes for Dae ... except of course, he isn't nice. But the interesting parts his POV had to offer we didn't even see from his POV but from Aven's and he didn't really know what was going on.
All in all a good second book and I'm curious to read book three and see where it was going.
Which isn't the books fault. I just had a major fantasy slump. But now it's over ... maybe.
Anyway, back to the book.
It was a nice second part! It developed a lot quicker than the first book. We did learn more about the characters (mostly about Aven), more happened and the plot moved forward significantly.
I still don't really understand why Miara and Aven are in love, but they are quite cute. And I have a real problem connecting to Miara. She just doesn't make sense to me. I feel like she does and says whatever is necessary for the plot. Which is weird, because she is the only character I have that problem with. On the other hand I really liked Aven. we learned a lot more about his home and the people he grew up with and what kind of man and future king he was.
On a side note ... book two gives us Miara and Aven 2.0. xD
I greatly apprecitate the fact that the author refrained from adding unnecessary relationship drama.
As for the plot ... it's not the most original and neither is the world building, but it's done well and written entertainingly. Not every fantasy book has to reinvent the genre.
As for a few down sides ... actually only one. I'm not entirely sure about the necessity of the changing POVs. Jaena and Ro were fun and interesting, but their POV didn't really add anything that we couldn't half learned later when they catch up with the others. Same goes for Dae ... except of course, he isn't nice. But the interesting parts his POV had to offer we didn't even see from his POV but from Aven's and he didn't really know what was going on.
All in all a good second book and I'm curious to read book three and see where it was going.
February 10, 2017
Awesome Series!! A must read!!
Wow, this Author did not disappoint!
Book two was even better than book 1
The series continues as Miara is now a freed slave and had returned to the kingdom and kidnapped the royal crown Prince.
She and the crown Prince are in love and now have to prepare to prepare a kingdom for war against an enemy who uses a secret weapons, in slaves mages being trained for war.
We meet all new characters and love connections! This book has it all!!
I leaves thug with a smile and an urge to check and see if the next installment is available. 100% recommend :)
Wow, this Author did not disappoint!
Book two was even better than book 1
The series continues as Miara is now a freed slave and had returned to the kingdom and kidnapped the royal crown Prince.
She and the crown Prince are in love and now have to prepare to prepare a kingdom for war against an enemy who uses a secret weapons, in slaves mages being trained for war.
We meet all new characters and love connections! This book has it all!!
I leaves thug with a smile and an urge to check and see if the next installment is available. 100% recommend :)
July 26, 2020
2 DNF Stars
I tried. I got to page 200 and nothing was happening and then I realized I still had over 300 pages to go of this, so time to give up. The relationship between the MCs is still super cute, but that was only thing that was interesting to me, and it just wasn't enough to hold my interest. Literally the only thing that happened in the 200 pages i read was just talk of freeing the slaves and planning but nothing actually happening, and that's pretty much it, which sucks because i normally love mage books. Oh well, onto the next one.
I tried. I got to page 200 and nothing was happening and then I realized I still had over 300 pages to go of this, so time to give up. The relationship between the MCs is still super cute, but that was only thing that was interesting to me, and it just wasn't enough to hold my interest. Literally the only thing that happened in the 200 pages i read was just talk of freeing the slaves and planning but nothing actually happening, and that's pretty much it, which sucks because i normally love mage books. Oh well, onto the next one.
February 4, 2017
I didn't like how the hero's parents reacted.
It was completely unreasonable. The heroine was branded and could do nothing but follow her orders. Yet, the king distrusted her to the point of placing her in danger and the djora, what the hell was that?
And the heroine acting all Mary Sue like for her in-laws, or potential in-laws. Yuck. Grow some spine. I wouldn't have given them the time of the day.
It was completely unreasonable. The heroine was branded and could do nothing but follow her orders. Yet, the king distrusted her to the point of placing her in danger and the djora, what the hell was that?
And the heroine acting all Mary Sue like for her in-laws, or potential in-laws. Yuck. Grow some spine. I wouldn't have given them the time of the day.
July 14, 2024
This was a good read but it didn’t grip me like the first book. It was harder to follow and more battle tactics, plans, etc. I am still looking forward to reading book 3, but the characters didn’t hold as much interest for me in this second installment.
September 18, 2017
Reader thoughts: There was nothing super amazing about the book, but I definitely enjoyed it. Plot, characters, magic, pov, and setting all worked well together.
My only complaint was that mages could do magic through portal viewers, meaning they could do magic anywhere in the world without leaving a safe location. That seemed a bit too easy. I think portals can only be outside, though, which helps limit that.
I ended up liking Jayna a lot more than I expected. She's an earth mage and found interesting ways to use her powers (mud monsters?). She met a cute blacksmith guy (who knows a dozen languages!) and gets chased across the country. In some ways, her story was more interesting than Ahven's or Miara's. She's hiding, on the run, sprained ankle, and keeping secrets.
I like that there are only 3 types of mages, and it is clear what each can do. Air, earth, and creature. No water, which is neat. None of them are more powerful, just differently powerful. I'm eager to see how they can work together even more, training more air mages to use star magic and such.
I kept expecting Miara and Ahven to free a bunch of slaves as often as they could to deplete the enemy army. They did some of that, but I expected more. Like, why didn't they fly to the slave hold and free slaves? Or go to a slave camp or stop wherever the slave army was staying/marching and free some? Every slave freed was minus one for the bad guys and plus one for the good guys.
The king's objections seemed shallow but reasonable. His arc was predictable but necessary.
Writer thoughts: Second books are hard to write because authors need to avoid repeating character arcs. With romances, many second book authors try to make the MCs fall out of love so that they can fall back in love in book 2. That's dumb. RKT didn't do that. Instead, RKT did 2 things.
1st, Miara and the prince had a changing relationship because they had to accept Miara in a queen role (as opposed to just "I love you!" and "I love you, too!" from the first book). Miara needed to realize she could be a good queen, and the prince (Ahven?) needed to figure out how to encourage her without pushing her.
2nd, Jayna and Ro were a new couple to fall in love. So, readers still get a love story, just from the side characters. This worked really well because readers get that strong romance element but from new characters.
My only complaint was that mages could do magic through portal viewers, meaning they could do magic anywhere in the world without leaving a safe location. That seemed a bit too easy. I think portals can only be outside, though, which helps limit that.
I ended up liking Jayna a lot more than I expected. She's an earth mage and found interesting ways to use her powers (mud monsters?). She met a cute blacksmith guy (who knows a dozen languages!) and gets chased across the country. In some ways, her story was more interesting than Ahven's or Miara's. She's hiding, on the run, sprained ankle, and keeping secrets.
I like that there are only 3 types of mages, and it is clear what each can do. Air, earth, and creature. No water, which is neat. None of them are more powerful, just differently powerful. I'm eager to see how they can work together even more, training more air mages to use star magic and such.
I kept expecting Miara and Ahven to free a bunch of slaves as often as they could to deplete the enemy army. They did some of that, but I expected more. Like, why didn't they fly to the slave hold and free slaves? Or go to a slave camp or stop wherever the slave army was staying/marching and free some? Every slave freed was minus one for the bad guys and plus one for the good guys.
The king's objections seemed shallow but reasonable. His arc was predictable but necessary.
Writer thoughts: Second books are hard to write because authors need to avoid repeating character arcs. With romances, many second book authors try to make the MCs fall out of love so that they can fall back in love in book 2. That's dumb. RKT didn't do that. Instead, RKT did 2 things.
1st, Miara and the prince had a changing relationship because they had to accept Miara in a queen role (as opposed to just "I love you!" and "I love you, too!" from the first book). Miara needed to realize she could be a good queen, and the prince (Ahven?) needed to figure out how to encourage her without pushing her.
2nd, Jayna and Ro were a new couple to fall in love. So, readers still get a love story, just from the side characters. This worked really well because readers get that strong romance element but from new characters.
May 15, 2021
There is so much I really enjoyed about this second book in The Enslaved Chronicles. Miara and Aven make it "safely" home to Estun, his mountain home/castle in Akaria, only to confront the suspicions and prejudices of family and "friends." One aspect of the story that I personally savored is that we don't need any trumped up angst between Miara and Aven in order to be completely drawn into the story line. The characters are so well written and stay true to form as we have come to know them in book one, Mage Slave. Although they face situations seemingly designed to cause division between them . . . and, indeed, are separated for some very critical situations in this segment . . . their commitment and connection are never truly in question.
Whereas, a second book in a trilogy is often seen as mere fluff as compared to the buildup of the world and characters in book one, I definitely did not find this to be the case with Mage Strike. We meet new characters who in no way felt like 'filler' to carry on the existing story line. I was fully intrigued by Jaena and, even moreso, by Ro...and can't wait to learn more of their story and background. There are an abundance of intriguing characters and a number of villains as well.
Overall, I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy, warfare, romance, world-building, and magic. The romance is strong but does not outweigh the overall theme of magic or the struggles of warfare. The characters are appealing, intriguing and, sometimes, despicable.
I'm definitely moving directly on to book three, Star Mage. (Also, if you are an Audible listener, the narration is well done by Tanya Eby.)
Whereas, a second book in a trilogy is often seen as mere fluff as compared to the buildup of the world and characters in book one, I definitely did not find this to be the case with Mage Strike. We meet new characters who in no way felt like 'filler' to carry on the existing story line. I was fully intrigued by Jaena and, even moreso, by Ro...and can't wait to learn more of their story and background. There are an abundance of intriguing characters and a number of villains as well.
Overall, I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy, warfare, romance, world-building, and magic. The romance is strong but does not outweigh the overall theme of magic or the struggles of warfare. The characters are appealing, intriguing and, sometimes, despicable.
I'm definitely moving directly on to book three, Star Mage. (Also, if you are an Audible listener, the narration is well done by Tanya Eby.)
February 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Honestly, I forgot a lot of the smaller characters/dynamics from the first book, but I plunged forward, regardless. I do kind of wish that I had re-read the first book before reading the sequel because I think I would have appreciated the early events in this book much more. But, that has no bearing on whether Mage Strike itself was a good read - which it absolutely was! By about 200 pages in, I couldn't help but NEED to continue reading, even though it was definitely 4 hours past my bedtime. I liked the smooth transition of perspectives, which helps give a full body view of the entire plot. The ending is not a cliff-hanger, but I definitely want to read the finale! Also, Thorne, thank you very much for introducing new characters such as Jaena and Tharomar - I found them to be interesting and thrilling to read about ()
January 11, 2018
Even better than the first book.
Excellent world building! Good dialogue. Finely crafted characters. The weakness of this romantic adventure is in the romance. It is a fine line between turgid purple prose, soft porn and realistically boring romantic encounters. This one strays closer to realistic, certainly not graphically obscene unmarried bacchanals, or slavery porn, but perhaps a little tame for most readers. I get overwhelmed by some writers, but found nothing overtly objectionable. I would have liked for the author to have worked a little harder to avoid American catch phrases. (Pissed off, etc.) Common enough, world wide but could have found better choices for the characters involved.
Excellent world building! Good dialogue. Finely crafted characters. The weakness of this romantic adventure is in the romance. It is a fine line between turgid purple prose, soft porn and realistically boring romantic encounters. This one strays closer to realistic, certainly not graphically obscene unmarried bacchanals, or slavery porn, but perhaps a little tame for most readers. I get overwhelmed by some writers, but found nothing overtly objectionable. I would have liked for the author to have worked a little harder to avoid American catch phrases. (Pissed off, etc.) Common enough, world wide but could have found better choices for the characters involved.
December 23, 2016
I really liked this book. It picked up right where it left off in Mage Slave. The author continued to develop the characters and plot of the story. I do not want to give away anything so I do not want to give to many details. If you enjoy magic,love and the obstacles that create the kinds of characters that make you hope with anticipation that they succeed.... then you will enjoy this book. Happy reading!
January 16, 2017
A solid second book. I like the new characters we meet and continue to like the players already on the board. It got a little slow for me in the middle, but definitely picked back up again in the last 1/3 of the story. Again, the plot is well paced and believable. Romance and "omg should I kiss him" thoughts were a little more prominent in one of the story lines than I think it needed to be (I get it, okay?), but for the main characters, the plot still took the front seat.
August 16, 2017
I liked this book even better than the first book! I think the two main characters relationship matured quite nicely and I'm looking forward to the third. I liked that that was a decent amount of tension with the politics, it was a lot more realistic that way. The only complaint I have about the entire series is how fast they fell in love. In my mind it should be over about a month when In the book it's a few days.
November 11, 2017
Mystifying
I never know what to expect when it comes to epic fantasy books. I can remember when I was a child and I would day dream about being an animal. I have always and will always love animals. I guess I couldn't have been the only one to imagine that considering this book series. I'm anxiously awaiting to read the hopefully last series. I hate fantasy series that last too long!
I never know what to expect when it comes to epic fantasy books. I can remember when I was a child and I would day dream about being an animal. I have always and will always love animals. I guess I couldn't have been the only one to imagine that considering this book series. I'm anxiously awaiting to read the hopefully last series. I hate fantasy series that last too long!
June 28, 2017
BARF INSTA-LOVE. That's the only reason it's 4 stars instead of 5. I feel like there were also several gaping plot holes that could have been elaborated on. The changing of character perspectives keeps throwing me off, but I'm still very much intrigued by the whole storyline and can't wait for book 3 later this year!
January 7, 2017
I love this series!
These books are great! I'm picky so I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I like this series. Cool world building and lovable characters. Exactly the escape I was looking for!
These books are great! I'm picky so I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I like this series. Cool world building and lovable characters. Exactly the escape I was looking for!
January 25, 2017
a thrill ride
loved it,we get to meet a few more allies in a already excellent story line that transforms us back into the prince and partner in adventure,this isa great ride well done.
loved it,we get to meet a few more allies in a already excellent story line that transforms us back into the prince and partner in adventure,this isa great ride well done.
January 29, 2017
Awesome Second Book
This the second book in The Enslaved Chronicles series carried the story forward and makes the reader anticipate the next book. I would recommend this book to my friends and family.
This the second book in The Enslaved Chronicles series carried the story forward and makes the reader anticipate the next book. I would recommend this book to my friends and family.
February 15, 2017
Loved it!
Aven is so damn charming, I think I may be in love. The author continues to flawlessly develop her characters , endearing the reader to their strength and goodness. For the next installment, I hope we get to see our duo massacre some masters.
Aven is so damn charming, I think I may be in love. The author continues to flawlessly develop her characters , endearing the reader to their strength and goodness. For the next installment, I hope we get to see our duo massacre some masters.
August 9, 2017
Mage Rescue
What fast ride and a nail biter.Chapter one was a little slow but chapter three the momentum takes on a faster pace and it only increase to the end . By end your "like now what ?"and soooo ready for the next chapter .Totally enjoyed this book and can't wait for next,
What fast ride and a nail biter.Chapter one was a little slow but chapter three the momentum takes on a faster pace and it only increase to the end . By end your "like now what ?"and soooo ready for the next chapter .Totally enjoyed this book and can't wait for next,
January 6, 2017
One of the best books I read in a long time. Action, intrigue, romance, and suspense. I love Miara and Aven so much. I can not wait for book 3 to be released.
January 21, 2017
Great characters and story. Always something new happening and very exciting. I love how the magic is entwined in the story. The balance will always right itself.
January 8, 2022
I am really enjoying this series and look forward to Book 3.
August 13, 2017
Another 3.5 stars.
September 2, 2017
Love that there's more.
I continue to enjoy the development of characters for this story and the introduction of new characters keep it fresh. Can't wait for the next.
I continue to enjoy the development of characters for this story and the introduction of new characters keep it fresh. Can't wait for the next.
October 23, 2017
Loved it!
January 2, 2018
Loved it
Great read. Has it all .....suspense, romance, fights, villains, heros and heroines. And above all MAGIC! Can't wait to start final book.
Great read. Has it all .....suspense, romance, fights, villains, heros and heroines. And above all MAGIC! Can't wait to start final book.
February 8, 2018
I finished this so long ago I don't even remember what I felt about it. but I'll say 3.5 because the author has a way of knowing exactly where to stop one person's story to move to the next
September 25, 2018
Great sequel. I also need someone to take out that damn bitch knight. "Knight."
Also the weasely little traitor.
What a cast of characters! I wasn't so into Jaena suddenly appearing and having such a huge part, that kind of came out of left field, but I guess she DID play a huge part. Just seemed... why her to do all the things? I like Ro of course and really hope we find out more in book 3.
I can absolutely believe Aven and Miara's journey to/from mage hall brings them together, but it was the initial ... well it is a bit pat and convenient but Aven is *good* and in a way both of them got to experience freedom in a strange twist for the first time (in book 1) and book 2 is them convincing everyone else it's real. I liked the push back from Aven's parents.
Not really sad about Sorin - and I'm curious as to how others will fare. I'm hoping book 3 brings about water mages, because why not.
That ending - what? Samul! ... Also I need more details about him being a mage (and suppressing it always?)
I also love the cast of such strong women (in every sense) and that often the menfolk are the ones being the support and secondary - and they're totally ok with it.
Whoever is best equipped should handle the issues and have the resources they need. High fantasy indeed, and I'm here for it.
B+
Also the weasely little traitor.
What a cast of characters! I wasn't so into Jaena suddenly appearing and having such a huge part, that kind of came out of left field, but I guess she DID play a huge part. Just seemed... why her to do all the things? I like Ro of course and really hope we find out more in book 3.
I can absolutely believe Aven and Miara's journey to/from mage hall brings them together, but it was the initial ... well it is a bit pat and convenient but Aven is *good* and in a way both of them got to experience freedom in a strange twist for the first time (in book 1) and book 2 is them convincing everyone else it's real. I liked the push back from Aven's parents.
Not really sad about Sorin - and I'm curious as to how others will fare. I'm hoping book 3 brings about water mages, because why not.
That ending - what? Samul! ... Also I need more details about him being a mage (and suppressing it always?)
I also love the cast of such strong women (in every sense) and that often the menfolk are the ones being the support and secondary - and they're totally ok with it.
Whoever is best equipped should handle the issues and have the resources they need. High fantasy indeed, and I'm here for it.
B+
September 25, 2018
I thought this was a good follow up to the first book. However I felt the romance was a bit much. Aven and Miara are obviously established already but throwing in Jaena's thing with Tharomar made me kind of go eehhhhhh. It was basically "omg I wanna bang him/her" from the moment they met each other. It could have been a lot more gradual and would have felt waay more natural. Instead it seemed very forced from the beginning and reminded me of sappy cheesy romance novels (or maybe even worse because for some reason Tharomar comes off as way older than Jaena to me - not sure if they ever mentioned age though). It was a bit of a shame because Jaena's storyline was rather interesting and so I wish that part was just written a bit better. I sure hope in the 3rd book that Kae isn't going to escape and ALSO randomly run into some hot chick that's immediately into him too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2019
Good enough
*** UPDATE ***
Yeah, don't think I'll finish the series. Started the third book and couldn't get through the first chapter.
I like the story. I'm invested in the characters. I'm going to read the final book just to see the ending. Just be aware that the writing is amateurish. There are mistakes such a duplicate or missing words. Also, in this book, timing was confusing. In the same chapter, she flits from one set of characters to another. Usually this is done to show what is happening in different places within the same time frame. That's not what happened here. I was reading a chapter and a soldier mentions that Jaena missed Aven by an hour. I had to read a bit more to make sense of how that happened. I don't know. This book took a lot of me figuring it out as I read. Just didn't flow as well as it should.
*** UPDATE ***
Yeah, don't think I'll finish the series. Started the third book and couldn't get through the first chapter.
I like the story. I'm invested in the characters. I'm going to read the final book just to see the ending. Just be aware that the writing is amateurish. There are mistakes such a duplicate or missing words. Also, in this book, timing was confusing. In the same chapter, she flits from one set of characters to another. Usually this is done to show what is happening in different places within the same time frame. That's not what happened here. I was reading a chapter and a soldier mentions that Jaena missed Aven by an hour. I had to read a bit more to make sense of how that happened. I don't know. This book took a lot of me figuring it out as I read. Just didn't flow as well as it should.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews