Allie Rydell left her life behind to protect the world from the Goddess of Night. But after weeks of training, hunting, and learning to use the life-giving power that inexplicably chose her, saving Midgard seems more impossible than ever. Nott’s followers have eyes across the realms, and they’re determined to collect the bounty on Allie’s soul. And the closer Allie and her protectors get to the pieces of the immortal weapon that could save them all, the more destruction Nott manages to unleash — not only on the world Allie loves, but on the friends she’d give her life to save.
Darkness is coming. And this time, it won’t leave any survivors.
Leia Stone is the USA Today bestselling author of multiple bestselling series including Matefinder and Wolf Girl. She's sold over two million books and her Fallen Academy series has been optioned for film. Her novels have been translated into five languages and she even dabbles in script writing. Leia writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance with sassy kick-butt heroines and irresistible love interests. She lives in Spokane, WA with her husband and two children.
I love Allie's kick butt attitude, her love of sweets, and her waiting to freak out over all of the changes she's been forced to make both mentally and physically.
I enjoyed the first book in the series and was really curious about what would happen next to Allie and her protectors. It was an entertaining book but the more I read Allie's thoughts the more she gets under my skin. She acts/ thinks like a teenager and comes over very immature. She gets herself into situations and when Tore tries to make the best out of those decisions she doubts him. At that point I just want to smack her and tell her maybe she shouldn't get into these situations in the first place. Secondly the Tore/Allie romance also doesn't do it for me. The chemistry never jumped off the page. She constantly calls him protector as her nickname for him, but it just makes me want to roll my eyes.
The things I do like are the use of Asgardian mythology, the world building of magical creatures and getting to know the other characters better as well as the history.
All in all I will be reading the 3rd book as I want to know what will happen further. I feel invested in the story. I hope Allie grows up a bit in the final instalment as that is the only thing that annoys me in these books.
I enjoy reading Leia Stone's novellas, especially when I need a quick read during another book hangover. But I have come to the conclusion that maybe this series just wasn't for me.
I really hoped the second book would get better than the first. There is lots of action, but the story didn't grip me, I still can't feel any chemistry between Allie and Tore and some scenes were way too cheesy.
But my biggest complaint is that in this book the heroine Allie reaches some new level of "Special Snowflakeness". She has some crazy superpowers, can resurrect the dead, have a pet dragon and wields a cool magic weapon. It's not even the full list of her talents. Cool, right? But still somehow she always gets her ass kicked by every single *evil thing* she meets during her mission.
I wanted to like this book, I really did, but I just couldn't.
We are back to the adventure in the second installment of the Night War Saga! It is incredible how you can read this book, one pinned by two authors, and their voices come together in a unique and fresh way, creating something you will want to devour. They blend their writing styles so well that you would think it was one person if they didn't list two. This series is so much fun. The characters, the setting, the supernatural universe.... You can't beat it.
Allie is a brilliant heroine. I think, for me, she is one of the reasons I adore this series. In this book, we see her grow even more into who she was meant to be. Her personality grows even more (if that is even possible) and she becomes a character to admire. Her snark is on point and her fears are totally relatable. I feel like any "human" who suddenly came into supernatural powers would be struggling just like her. But she does it with humor, determination, and heart. Add into the journey her band of protectors and this story is full of humor, fight, and comraderie. Allie and Tore's relationship is sweet and full of want. These two push and pull. Their relationship is well paced in this book and so REAL. There is not much time to snuggle when you are trying to save the world, and the authors acknowledge that without forcing anything. They sneak in moments together and that is something that makes the story better!
I enjoyed exploring new realms with Allie and seeing the new experiences through her eyes and each one is as fascinating as the last. Things moves fast, never stopping for too long, and it adds to the adventure of the story. As you read the story plays out like a movie, transporting the reader from one exciting dimension to the next. In the first book of the series we meet everyone, learning their strengths and weaknesses. In this second book, people begin to settle into their role and the story launches forward. Some intense confrontations happen in this book and new storylines are developed, leaving the reader curious and excited for more. My only complaint about this book is that it ended too soon. I cannot wait to read more and follow Allie and her band of protectors into the unknown.
Holy hot demigod, they've done it again. I adore Allie and her inner dialogue. It truly makes this book so much better. Some examples are "His black cargos hugged the muscles of his butt with each step. The boy deserved a trophy for that butt" and "Pacifying an angry dwarf did not fit in with our drama-free exit strategy"
Allie is still in search of her sword and goes after the pieces. We get to see more of Greta and her budding relationship with Bodie. I just love that boy. We have a lot of jokes in my household of "That's what she said" comments and "Your Mom!" I constantly found myself snickering and snorting while I read. I just can't put these books down. I read until 4 am to finish this book.
We get to obviously see more of Tore and Allie's relationship and she gets to meet his father, which she isn't really happy about because of her appearance at the time. And may I just say that he's quite the jerk.
There was one instance where I started freaking out and I'll have to admit, I did quickly flip towards the end of the book, there is absolutely no way I could have just kept reading! My heart was breaking. That's what I adore about these two authors. They get you in the feels. I've read their books that they've written independently as well as together and what a treat these lovely ladies create. I certainly hope that they keep this up and we get more books! (Yes, I'm selfish like that)
I would recommend this book to any of my friends. You laugh, cry, snicker, gasp, pull your hair out, and bite your fingernails. This has it all. And you should read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What an exciting second book in the series this is. We pick up pretty much where book 1 ended with Allie and her four defenders in their safe house, still training and preparing for getting the rest of the pieces of gud morder and defending Nott.
The action picks up pretty much from the beginning and this book is action packed, with a few light hearted and tender moments thrown in. Allie and Tore have moved their relationship up several notches and it's really sweet watching how Tore feels about Allie.
My favourite part about this book was the dragons, because come on dragons are freaking amazing and my favourite things ever. I squealed with excitement when dragons were mentioned and I think I may have a new favourite character (sorry Allie and Tore).
There were some real shockers thrown into this book that I didn't see coming. Particularly at the end, wow, that was a mahoosive shocker for all! I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series and seeing what scrapes Allie will get into next, whilst still managing to kick some ass. Defender gets the full five stars from me and well done to the authors, S. T. Bende and Leia Stone for creating another action packed, heart warming and laughter filled journey in the Night War Saga adventure, I really enjoyed it.
weet Mother of all things Awesome Love is not a strong enough word for how I feel about this gorgeous book!!! Defender is a Breathtaking adventure full of killer action, epic romance, and wickedly funny humor! I was up all night devouring every delicious page sleep is so overrated lol couldn't stop reading even if I wanted to!
S.t. Bende & Leia Stone have stolen my heart once again I'm dying for book 3 Need more #AllieBadassBeauty #ToretallyFoxy #GorgeousGreta #BodaciousBodie #Mackalicious #JohannHotness!!!
'Defender' was a fantastic, exciting, action-packed sequel to 'Protector'. We pick up right where book one left off. I loved following along as Allie and the gang try to recover more pieces of the Gud Morder in order to defeat wicked Nott and save Midgard. And let me tell you, I love this group of characters. I could easily hang out with them on a boring day, just playing cards at home drinking hot cocoa in my PJs. But there's not much sitting around for this crew. Instead of downtime, we get thrust into action, suspense, and death-defying moments. There was one moment in particular (which you will recognize when you get there), that I was like "Nooooo!" But I hung in there, loving the story and biting my fingernails at the same time, until the very end. And that ending. Just wow! I have so many theories! But let's also remember it's not just all action all the time. We get romance, friendship, drama (don't all families have drama?), dragons, twists, turns, and wonderful character development. I absolutely love this series and cannot wait for the next book, 'Redeemer.'
This is an exciting heart churning sequel to Protector. I loved the fast paced action as Allie and the gang try to recover more pieces of the Gud Morder in order to defeat the black-hearted Nott and save Milgard. This story has you on a roller coaster of tension from the beginning to the “Oh my god” ending. I love the development of the characters, the growth of the friendships, the romance, and the thrilling twists in the storyline. I can’t wait for the next in the series
I flove this series. I honestly can't get enough of Allie and the gang. This book pretty much kicks off as it means to go on - full steam ahead. You meet more characters as Allie and the Protectors carry on the search for pieces of gud morder and the action steps up another notch with the freaky appearance of Notts. Yet, in between all this, there are snatches of romance, banter, growing friendship and revelations about Tore's past. It was perfect.
I want more!!!!! *cries* this was so much better than the first one that I want to die. First of all Nott is ugly and bodie thank the gods you're safe also the rest of the mess was effed up specially that ending like you don't do that ever. fyi Vidar is a humongous jerk
This book was everything! This series is stunning. I flew through Defender on the edge of my seat. These two authors combine to pack one Hel of a punch! Can't wait for the next one!!
I found this book an excellent continuation of the saga especially because the story is more dynamic than the previous one which is an introduction to the world and to the characters.
In this volume we follow Allie on her journey to find the missing pieces of her weapon, the only spade capable of killing the goddess Nott. Of course, to do so, she will have to fight putting her friends in danger.
My favorite thing is the relationship that is created between the characters, the found family trope is certainly present. I fell in love of all the Protectors and I adored Allie who, despite everything, didn't let herself get knocked down.
To clarify, it's not a spicy saga (for now my rating is 0 🌶) and it's not a reverse harem (unfortunately 😥). Also, I would very well classify it as YA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The collaboration between this two authors is AMAZING! The story flows perfectly and the twists and turns keep you wanting more. I love where this story is taking me and the journey, including characters, are done. This series is so well done and I'm excited to see more from both of these authors. Thank you!
Holy Hel! These books are stressing me out!!!!! All of these characters are badasses, AND THEN, we get all new badasses to add to the pot! OMGGGGGGG!!!!! Scarlet is one of my new favorites! So much is going on with Nott, that my brain keeps spinning and spinning. I couldn't stop reading, ST and Leia are absolutely amazing! I can't wait for the next book!!!
OK so i had no idea that Defender was releasing today until i opened up my kindle! I was so excited because i have been impatiently waiting for Defender since i finished Protector.
Defender starts shortly after we leave Allie in Protector; she is still trying to bulk up and gain muscle and skills in preparation for her big fight with Nott, shes super loved up with Tore at the moment and completely prepared to rip his clothes off, if they were ever given more than 15 minutes alone together. Allie and her group of guardians are still on the quest to find the rest of the weapon pieces. Good news is that they are well into the finding the pieces with only a few more to be found in the next installment of the book. However there were some pretty major challenges in this book; dragons and giants and Nott, Oh My! Every member of the team is challenged, but all of them rise to it and God Up! (Still loving that term). Nott continually proves why shes a bad guy and why not to mess with her, as far as villain characterization goes, i think shes a pretty good character (not as in shes a nice person, but just the type of villain the story needs).
Tore and Allie have to be my favourite thing about this series, their interactions, their love for each other, not to mention their sexual tension! I was annoyed however that it felt like they never had any down time together, i get that all the realms are having a rough time at the moment, but at the very least they could spend the few nights where they can sleep, sleeping together (just sleeping) and spending their precious few safe hours together. That being said, JUST DO IT ALREADY!!!!!!! That's not to say they dont already have an amazing connection, they do, i just wish they had more alone time scenes together to bond.
I love that Bodie and Greta finally addressed their feelings! super happy moment right there! I love Mack as always, hes such a sweetie. Johann is so reliable and after seeing his family, you can totally understand why he is such a valuable member to the team.
All over i loved defender! i just need more of it now!! Redeemer isnt out till October, which is way to far away!!
5.0. Much like Protector, Defender has everything going for it: a strong heroine, great supporting characters, action, drama, suspense, and humor. This time though, the romance really comes into the forefront.
Plot: As Allie continues to train and search for the pieces of her weapon, Nott becomes more desperate to defeat her. When the goddess starts hurting more of the people Allie has grown to love, she and the team are forced to seek help in the unlikeliest of places.
Characters: I love Allie as a heroine. She’s smart, determined, thoughtful, and kind. Nott throws everything she can at her, and even though Allie makes a couple of impulsive choices in this book, she usually takes the time to figure out what she needs to do to defeat Nott and takes things one step at a time. Also, as Allie grows closer to her protectors, we learn more about each guy’s personality and motivations. That’s especially true of Tore, whose feelings have grown strong enough that he decides to tell Allie about his past.
Writing: Defender was very easy to dig into, and it was one of those books that you WANT to keep reading because the story is compelling. Bende and Stone have built an incredible world, and their descriptions make it so easy to visualize. They’ve done a great job explaining the mythology and creating character histories that show how each person fits into that mythology. There is some cursing (mainly in Swedish) and a ton of violence. There is also a lot of sexual tension, so if the book were a movie, I’d probably rate it PG-13.
Bottom Line: If you read Protector, Defender is a must-read. It’s very fast-paced, and throughout the book, there was always something going on, whether it’s the action, the romance, or the MAJOR revelations. Just prepare yourself in advance for a major book hangover and the severe case of anxiety you’ll get as you eagerly await the third book in the series.
Wow, another great action story in this series, the search and the fight continues in this book. Allie meets some more parents of her friends, like Johann his fathers. But who is the spy telling their secrets to Nott the enemy making it all even harder?
Love the way Allie is bonding with a dragon and we get to know a bit more of her background and Tore his background. The place they go to on the end Trondheim brings back memories to my visit to it. Curious if in the next book some familiar places will be mentioned.
There is lots of actions and coming up and after your friends in this book. Next to the darkness and evil in this book there is enough light and fun things. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Wauw, wat een gaaf actie verhaal als tweede deel in deze serie. De zoektocht en het gevecht gaat verder in dit boek. Allie maakt kennis met nog meer ouders van haar vrienden, waaronder de vaders van Johann. Maar wie is er aan het spioneren en verteld de geheimen door aan Nott? Dit maakt het er allemaal niet makkelijker op.
Hoe schattig is het dat Allie is bonding met een draak? Tevens krijgen we meer te weten over haar verleden en dat van Tore. Op het eind van het boek gaan ze naar Trondheim en dat brengt herinneringen terug aan mijn verblijf daar. Ik ben beneden of er in het volgende boek bekende plaatsen langs gaan komen.
Er zit veel actie, opkomen en zorgen voor je vrienden in dit boek. Ik kan niet wachten om het volgende boek in deze serie te lezen.
Defender swoops in with another suspense filled Norse ride! After reading and enjoying Protector, I couldn't wait to read Defender and see where Allie would go next on her quest to find the pieces of her weapon! And of course now that her relationship with Tore is in full swing, I was more than ready to see their relationship unfold!
Defender picks up around where Protector left off, with Allie still in the middle of her training after healing from her almost near death experience. However, now that she knows she has a real chance of healing her mom and being at last reunited with her, she is more determined than ever to kill Knott and bring the pieces of her weapon back together at last.
This second installment was full of development after development with all new worlds. Characters you've been waiting to meet are revealed, and the suspense was a constant! Tore and Allie's relationship was absolutely adorable throughout! And of course there's the rest of the gang of protectors charged with ensuring the safety of Allie. What I would give to have myself a group of hot men at my beck and call 24/7! Sounds like a sweet deal right? And of course all of them are such gentlemen! Defender brings with it more growth of these beloved characters, and new relationships are formed that are most certainly surprising.
This book was over before I knew it, the pace was swift and left me wanting more! And that ending?! I have so many questions! So.Many. And my heart is breaking for certain characters that I won't name. But I most definitely look forward to reading the continuation of this adventure. And I would for sure recommend you read Defender!
Defender is book two in the Night War Saga that is co-authored by Leia Stone & S.T Bende.
Allie Rydell left her life behind to protect the world from the Goddess of Night. But after weeks of training, hunting, and learning to use the life-giving power that inexplicably chose her, saving Midgard seems more impossible than ever. Nott’s followers have eyes across the realms, and they’re determined to collect the bounty on Allie’s soul. And the closer Allie and her protectors get to the pieces of the immortal weapon that could save them all, the more destruction Nott manages to unleash - not only on the world Allie loves, but on the friends she’d give her life to save.
I enjoyed this book more than book one, we got to exploring new realms with new experiences with Allie and the Protectors. She has grown into herself so much in this book. Allie is relatable, and that makes the book mush more enjoyable. This book moves fast and the gang are never standing still long enough. Tore and Allie’s relationship continues to grow and flourish, constantly pushing and pulling, there are a few minutes for them to enjoy each other’s company but not enough to go the full way.
Get ready to go on one hell of an adventure with Allie and the guys, it’s jam packed of danger, fighting, new experiences, meeting new people and older acquaintances.
Full of Tension & Fear. Is There A Traitor In Asgard?😒😟😱💔 I'm Loving The Norse Mythology!😍🙏👑 (Read using Kindle Unlimited) Defender: Night War Saga #2
After just surviving being infected with Dark energy in Book #1, Allie & Tore become a couple.💘😍 He admits fear held him back from her in the past, he's emotionally damaged by his past with his Dad, the God of Revenge, but he still doesn't open up about it!😔 Bodie finally admits his interest in Greta & why he doesn't make a move.🙈😘
After a new lead on a piece of her Gud Morder weapon comes in they head out to retrieve it. Yet again they walk into another of Dark Goddess Notts traps!😡 While saving Allie - Bodie is sent crashing through a portal into a Dark Realm, Allie & Tore kill the culprit in their rage & grief.💔😭 Its agreed they need help & a plan to try to rescue him.🙏 We get to finally meet Tore's Father 👎 as well as both of Johann's.💙💕 The working theory is that there is a traitor within Asgard working for the Dark!!😱
This was another exciting read, full of action & finally some open & honest emotional sharing!!💘 Now we just need Allie to grow up a bit & it'll be perfect.👍😍 I adore her & Tore together, they really do compliment each other, I just wish she was a bit more mature.🙏 On to book #3 😍🌟
The quest to gather the remaining pieces of Allie's weapon, Gud Morder, is ongoing. Without the instrument, Allie and her protectors won't be able to kill the Goddess of Night, Nott, and break the curse of the Night Sleep that befell her mother.
Try as they may, Nott's follower always seems to know their movement, suggesting that there is a mole in Asgard. On top of that, one of Allie's protectors has been kidnapped, and the team must go to Nott's lair for rescue, even though they know it's a trap.
I love the unexpected twist in this story. The world-building is so detailed and intricate that I felt like I was right there with Allie and the other protectors. Every character has their own unique personality and complexities that made me connect with them. However, I do wish Allie could grow a little more mature.
One of my favourite parts of the book is the pets; Scarlet and Killer are both so lovable, and I'm so excited to see where the story takes them. Lastly, I can't wait to read the conclusion and how they finally getting their well-deserved vacation in Bora Bora. Oh, and Allie, please don't forget to tease Johann with his nickname 😉.
I really liked this second installment. We saw a lot of good growth of Allie and Tore's relationship. We got even more of glimpse into "their world". The conflict is heating up very nicely. You actually get to truly interact with/battle Nott some in this book, which I think is a good thing. This was you actually got some insight into how it's going to be fighting her in the "final battle". There were also plenty of hints as to the relationships of the other protectors, which is a nice touch. As much as I wish this could have been a Reverse Harem story (my current obsession, totally personal preference), it's nice to see everyone getting some love ;) Also, there's a new creature introduced in this book, that while at times feels a little like the birds in the Hobbit (a bit of a cop-out to a sticky plot situation) I still LOVE it, and Scarlet. She's awesome. I can't wait to see what becomes of that situation as time progresses.
I DO wish we had a pronunciation guide. That way I really knew how to say these places and names in my head.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Don’t let the 3 stars fool you, I HAVE enjoyed this book and the series so far!
However, I feel like the books are too short. I enjoy more depth, drawn out scenes, and shocking revelations.
With this book I feel like we know the characters but not as much as I would like for a story the author has created.
DRAWN OUT SCENES!!! It shouldn’t take less than one chapter to retrieve the powerful weapon they need. Plus, i also feel like something serious always happens to a character and but then it always gets better a few pages later. I think things need to be drawn out a little longer, it’s just too fast for me😅🤷♀️
Shocking revelations when they are supposed to be, like at the end of the book. Not in the middle of the book and then not expanded on.
Lastly, the love between the two main characters need to be picked up a little bit. If the book was longer, that could help with this part too... but🤷♀️😂
Let me just say though... THE END OF THIS BOOK😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😍 I can’t wait to read the next book!
Established characters: check! Character development: check! Several new worlds: check! Plot twists: check! The only things I think it was lacking in was some spice (instead of Allie and Tore pining over each other the entire book), and little differences in how some of the conflicts end. There are several times that Allie comes out of it by needing healing or the Asgardian hospital. I did enjoy how Stone and Bende build on their universe in this series by showcasing different worlds, cultures, and creatures. We finally get to see some of the other protectors’ families and what makes them the men they’ve become. The end also had a few spots where it could have been tied off; yet they kept going just so they could end with an unexpected hook. I guess I’d just prefer stories with more drama leading up to a big hook than a kind of lull before it’s set. The continuation of the mythology though was really interesting pieces to the larger puzzle. Again, I’m thankful this series is already complete so I can keep binging to see how it ends.
Bende and Stone continue expounding on their epic Norse YA fantasy adventure in book 2, with Allie and her 4 bodyguard protectors traversing more dangerous and intriguing Norse realms, fighting dangerous creatures like dragons, fire giants, and finally coming face-to-face with the villain of the series, the vengeful and powerful goddess Nott. There's a lot of tense action, some tear-jerking emotion, and a lot of character building as Allie's quest to find all the pieces of her Nott-destroying weapon interweaves with her protectors' families. After the coupling that occurred in book 1, Protector (no spoilers here, read it!), the interplay between the main character and her boyfriend is a little less tense and a bit saucier, though as per usual, the book is still clean and the writing style is perfect for a young teenage audience. Looking forward to Allie and the boys' continued efforts to achieve what's fated of her.
Ah...I can't even...I want more and I want it now! (stomps foot) Leia Stone and ST Bende have created such a brilliant and enchanting world together, I don't want to leave it. The story picks up where we left off in Protector. Nott is still loose and wrecking havoc on all the realms and Allie is still coming into her strength and trying to find all the pieces of Gud Morder. Challenges hit the group at each and every turn. There are surprises around several corners. Each page pulls us further into this enticing story filled with action, danger, heart-wrenching loss and little morsels of heat. Allie's and Tore's relationship continues to grow and evolve and "Holy mother of pearls!" is it good. You just might catch a few sparks flying from other guys in the group as well. I'm feigning for the next book!! Hurry and write guys!!!
This is the second book in the series of night war saga and the story leads on very well from book one. This book continues with Allie having to search the realms with her protectors for more pieces of gud morder which is the weapon she needs to defeat Norr goddess of darkness. The book shows the growth in Allie and her power and how she leans to control this with the help of Greta the crystal healer. In addition it shows the relationship between her and tore which becomes more sexual, although I have to admit I much preferred the sexual tension between them. The introduction of the killer the dog and scarlet the dragon are great and I can't wait to hear more about them and what they are capable of. I hope to hear more about the relationship she has with Greta. There is a twist at the end so it will be interesting to see what the two authors do with this.