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Furyck Saga #2
The Burning Sea
Alternative cover edition of B076483B2J
The Burning Sea is the exciting second book in this epic fantasy series by A.E. Rayne. Enter a world of kingdoms and warriors, of dreamers and dark magic. Follow an unstoppable warrior as she claws her way to power and uncovers the destiny that awaits her.
Also in this series:
Winter's Fury (The Furyck Saga: Book 1)
Night of the Shadow Moon (The Furyck Saga: Book 3)
Note: This book contains adult themes and mature content
The Burning Sea is the exciting second book in this epic fantasy series by A.E. Rayne. Enter a world of kingdoms and warriors, of dreamers and dark magic. Follow an unstoppable warrior as she claws her way to power and uncovers the destiny that awaits her.
As the kingdoms prepare for war, unexpected visitors and a horrifying murder, throw everyone's plans into disarray. Amidst the chaos, Jael must find a way to lead her men to victory against King Haaron and his sons, watching as Eadmund drifts away from her, powerless to save him.
Left behind on Oss, Edela is locked in a deadly struggle to keep Jael and Eadmund safe. She is going to need help to battle against the dark magic being woven by Evaine and Morana.
In Hest, Jaeger Dragos has found the Book of Darkness. He needs his father's dreamer to reveal its secrets, but can he trust her?
And in Edela's dreams, she is taunted with the terrifying visions of what is coming to claim them all…
Also in this series:
Winter's Fury (The Furyck Saga: Book 1)
Night of the Shadow Moon (The Furyck Saga: Book 3)
Note: This book contains adult themes and mature content
682 pages, ebook
First published November 7, 2017
2830 people are currently reading
1484 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Rayne
22 books623 followersIntroducing myself
Hello, I’m Amy!
I live in Auckland, New Zealand, and have done for three-quarters of my life. The other quarter was spent in England, where my kids were born. I have three of those, and they’re very cool. I’m a bit demented and thought it would be a good idea to have them a year or so apart. I’m still recovering from that misguided notion, but am convinced that a month in Bora Bora would set me right!
Speaking of travelling, as much as I crave a tropical island escape, you’re far more inclined to find me hankering after snow. We don’t have any of that in Auckland – not a drop! And, although it did snow occasionally in dear old England, I’m still looking for the up-to-your-window sort of snow experience. I come from Viking stock (my grandmother was Swedish), so maybe that’s why I have always craved the cold, white stuff. In fact, my husband and I bonded over our love of scarves.
'Twas love at first discussion about the pleasure of a good scarf!
My reading journey
I was drawn to historical romance as a young reader. I loved anything by the Brontë sisters, but I think Jane Austen was my favourite author at that time. It was a toss-up between Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre for my favourite book as a tween. As I got older and developed a real love of history, I became obsessed with anything do with Vikings. I fell in love with Bernard Cornwell and Robert Lowe, Giles Kristian, too. But there’s always been time to fit in the next Diana Gabaldon. Her Outlander series is probably my favourite series ever (great tv too!). History is my one true love, so some of my favourites lately have been C.J. Sansom’s thrilling Tudor series and Patrick O’Brien 19th century naval adventures.
I always thought I would write the Furyck Saga as a historical fiction series, but I never found a period or place where it felt possible. Ultimately, I realised that actual history was far too limiting, so I stepped away from reality and entered the wonderful world of fantasy, and that’s when the fun started…
It took me a long time to become a writer.
I have ring binders and ring binders of stories, screenplays, tv show concepts, and book ideas that I’ve been creating since I was 10-years-old.
I was always very fast with ideas but seeing them all the way through was a lot harder, and eventually, as I grew up, life and work got in the way.
I would try writing Winter’s Fury off and on, but I never got very far, and dissatisfied, I always gave up, telling myself there simply wasn’t enough
time to fit writing in around three children, two dogs, a graphic design business, etc. etc. But what I quickly discovered is that time is what you make of it.
Inspired by an article I read about James Patterson, who got up early to write his first book and fit it in around his job, I started making writing a
daily discipline; the idea being that, bit by bit, I would eventually create an actual book. At first, it was tough. It felt like I was training for a marathon
and I didn’t even know how to run. But every day it got a little easier and eventually, I started to write more freely, and one day I had enough of a
book to show my husband. At this point it was either, forget it again, or keep going.
He read it and said… keep going. So, I did.
And I haven’t stopped!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
September 29, 2022
Repetitive
This is a long, convoluted soap opera with swords and magic. The action scenes are usually pretty good, but the in between!! Definitely soap opera. And in the soap opera style, the author takes the reader to multiple points of view. Some of them scarcely changed from the last visit. There is much moaning and groaning, crying, gnashing of teeth, plotting and counter plotting. All accompanied by many ominous happenings and thoughts which portend evil and danger but offer little movement forward with the plot.
Free to read with Kindle unlimited.
This is a long, convoluted soap opera with swords and magic. The action scenes are usually pretty good, but the in between!! Definitely soap opera. And in the soap opera style, the author takes the reader to multiple points of view. Some of them scarcely changed from the last visit. There is much moaning and groaning, crying, gnashing of teeth, plotting and counter plotting. All accompanied by many ominous happenings and thoughts which portend evil and danger but offer little movement forward with the plot.
Free to read with Kindle unlimited.
January 12, 2021
Not a series I will be continuing. After struggling through the first book in the series, I was hoping that book two would see a better-paced plot, but alas that was not the case.
This book truly dragged for me, to the point where I questioned if I even wanted to continue reading as I just didn't care anymore about where the plot was going. As with the first book, the constant switches of POVs was jarring and I rarely felt that we spent enough time in any given plot line before being forced elsewhere. Because of this, the plot didn't feel as though it was moving forward - each time we checked in with a different POV they still seemed to be talking about something they needed to do or muttering vague cries about impending danger, but never seeming to be at the point where they actually do anything about it or learn something new?
Similarly, we spend over half the book watching Eadmund struggle and there's perhaps 1-2 chapters respite from this in the entire book? What is the point? I truly cannot understand how this has been strung into a 6 book series, nor can I see where the plot is heading. I understand the concept of a slow burn, but this was ridiculous - plot points first raised in early book 1 have still yet to come to fruition by the end of book 2? Nothing ever seems to pay off? No-one is remarkably closer to unveiling anything helpful and anyone who knows anything doesn't share it. It honestly feels at the close of book 2 that we're none the wiser than we were at the close of book 1, or even in some instances, the beginning of book 1.
It's really a shame as I think the characters and plot have the potential to make an epic series, but the sheer amount of dead-time when the plot is just frustratingly stagnant is too much for me.
This book truly dragged for me, to the point where I questioned if I even wanted to continue reading as I just didn't care anymore about where the plot was going. As with the first book, the constant switches of POVs was jarring and I rarely felt that we spent enough time in any given plot line before being forced elsewhere. Because of this, the plot didn't feel as though it was moving forward - each time we checked in with a different POV they still seemed to be talking about something they needed to do or muttering vague cries about impending danger, but never seeming to be at the point where they actually do anything about it or learn something new?
Similarly, we spend over half the book watching Eadmund struggle and there's perhaps 1-2 chapters respite from this in the entire book? What is the point? I truly cannot understand how this has been strung into a 6 book series, nor can I see where the plot is heading. I understand the concept of a slow burn, but this was ridiculous - plot points first raised in early book 1 have still yet to come to fruition by the end of book 2? Nothing ever seems to pay off? No-one is remarkably closer to unveiling anything helpful and anyone who knows anything doesn't share it. It honestly feels at the close of book 2 that we're none the wiser than we were at the close of book 1, or even in some instances, the beginning of book 1.
It's really a shame as I think the characters and plot have the potential to make an epic series, but the sheer amount of dead-time when the plot is just frustratingly stagnant is too much for me.
April 21, 2019
*no spoilers* but wow that scene with Axl and Lothar! You could say "I saw that coming," but it was still the most 'holy crap' moment of the book. I am thoroughly enjoying this series. It is so complex, the characters are well developed, and the mystery and intrigue are so surprising and with so many twists and turns I never want to stop reading. Like the first novel in the series, this one leaves off with a big cliffhanger. These books are long at around 600-700 pages each which allows for such rich character exploration. The scenes are long enough to be fascinating without being repetitive. There is a constant shifting of character perspective which is a literary tactic that I love since it makes a story that much more well rounded and nuanced. There are still several books left in this series to read but it is already becoming one of my favorite fantasy series!
July 7, 2022
I enjoyed the first book. It’s a little confusing switching between so many POV but I got used to it. I looked forward to Ed and Jael’s relationship growing… but gosh Ed is the worst! Why she has any interest in him is beyond me!! He is sooo lame. Why did she fall in love with him?? He was drunk and now a zombie… so who even is he? Her first lover is much better for her. After reading reviews it seems the NEXT 4 books are much of the same with Ed being useless and no one doing anything. So yea not finishing these.
August 6, 2022
Read:6/10/20
VARY BAD!! The h is still badass but the H still sucks. Th first book he was a drunken ass. I slowly started to like him then his ex has literary bewitched the weakling.
This ruined the whole book! The other characters were pretty good but I couldn't finish the last 50pgs.I checked out the next books and it looks like the H will stay under his exs power. I'm done with this series, which is a shame! If not for annoying H part it was not bad.
VARY BAD!! The h is still badass but the H still sucks. Th first book he was a drunken ass. I slowly started to like him then his ex has literary bewitched the weakling.
This ruined the whole book! The other characters were pretty good but I couldn't finish the last 50pgs.I checked out the next books and it looks like the H will stay under his exs power. I'm done with this series, which is a shame! If not for annoying H part it was not bad.
June 28, 2020
I am absolutely stuck into this series. The author has me gripped and with such long books it’s an absolute pleasure to read.
Read
January 11, 2025The story is great! However, I don't think I can stand another book of Eadmund being Eadmund. He was starting to grow and change in the first book. Then we went back to square one.
All his friends and family kept saying how great a man Eadmund used to be. I just feel bad for his wife Jael the whole time and just wandering if it would have been better to let him die. There are so many times I yelled just divorce Eadmund because she is allowed in this society. His friends and family were a bunch of liars. No man is worth this and she was forced to marry him anyways.
Jael could have even married the other brother, kill him, and bring peace to the land. She should have easily killed her uncle and that would have solved her problems. She is a warrior woman. She could easily have saved her country instead all this pain and dragging around the plot. She deserves to be happy with Aleksander, who actually loves her.
I still don't get why she even started to like Eadmund in the first place. He did absolutely nothing. He is a piece of crap!
I don't want to continue to torture myself with the rest of the series and reading more about Ead.
All his friends and family kept saying how great a man Eadmund used to be. I just feel bad for his wife Jael the whole time and just wandering if it would have been better to let him die. There are so many times I yelled just divorce Eadmund because she is allowed in this society. His friends and family were a bunch of liars. No man is worth this and she was forced to marry him anyways.
Jael could have even married the other brother, kill him, and bring peace to the land. She should have easily killed her uncle and that would have solved her problems. She is a warrior woman. She could easily have saved her country instead all this pain and dragging around the plot. She deserves to be happy with Aleksander, who actually loves her.
I still don't get why she even started to like Eadmund in the first place. He did absolutely nothing. He is a piece of crap!
I don't want to continue to torture myself with the rest of the series and reading more about Ead.
January 2, 2021
Better than the 1st
This was much more exciting than the 1st book. It's very frustrating that Edmund is such an idiot and is incapable of throwing the stone away, but I suppose that's what makes it interesting.
This was much more exciting than the 1st book. It's very frustrating that Edmund is such an idiot and is incapable of throwing the stone away, but I suppose that's what makes it interesting.
July 13, 2024
I can’t say enough how much I love this series. I really love how the author breaks each chapter up with different “scenes” from the different characters, rather than one chapter per character/storyline. This writing style just works well for my wandering mind. The audiobook narrator is fabulous as well. Finty Williams sounds just like Kat Stark from GOT. This series actually gives me a GOT vibe. It’s like if GOT and TOG got together and made a love child, you’d get the Furyck saga. If this book isn’t on your TBR you are missing out!!!!!
April 8, 2021
GRIPPING MUST READ - 5 STARS!
So much happened in the book that it took me a while to form words for a review but the bottom line is, I cannot praise the book enough and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The battle scenes were by far my favourite particularly with that ending! WOW!!
Regardless though the storyline is so fluid it becomes second nature to read. Similar to the style of writing in the GOT books, we are introduced to multiple perspectives within Osterland so that we as readers gain understanding of each fraction along with the characters thirst for war and vengeance.
Just like war, as Spring overcomes Winters Fury, The Burning Sea no longer impatiently awaits for
a simple crack in the ice to claim its next victim because there is now a fretfully desirous battle to be won that is within arms reach. A battle that they need not set off to sea for, as it is after all, right on their doorstep and is quite capable of claiming someone just as disastrous as a piece of cracked ice would.
With that in mind, the characters all must quickly acknowledge their not so distant pasts whilst also preparing for the future; for most this will mean preparing for warnings of heinous acts whereas for others, they may be getting their malevolent desires after all. For a darkness that creates a total absence of light, wicked and evil, claiming enemies and loved ones, in sickness and health, is on its way to all.
As a enthusiast for the female-led Furyck saga, I am pleased to see the continued development of sorrowful but relatable themes outlined in background characters such as Amma, Ayala, Biddy, and Fyn; though my focal appreciation is for Jael as she continues to take on both emotional and physical challenges that arise whilst also having to decide whether she wants to live in the past as a lovesick short tempered adolescent or, move forward as a warrior and wife.
With every decision comes challenges of the heart not just for Jael but Eadmund, Eirik and Eydis and even Ivvar. The family had gone through so much loss that it has torn them apart rather than unite them, and they must hastily decide whether they want to unify to gain freedom and peace, or to become lost in the vengeance that claims their hearts.
The Burning Sea addresses all of the above and so much more, that it’s simply a must read. And though we are overwhelmed with information from multiple character perspectives, we still want to know more....
What will come of the kingdoms? and what will all of this mean for Edela, Axl and Jael the rightfully born, and gifted upon, Queen.
“when the Darkness comes, Furia’s daughter will emerge from the shadows, clasping the Sword of Light...”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So much happened in the book that it took me a while to form words for a review but the bottom line is, I cannot praise the book enough and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The battle scenes were by far my favourite particularly with that ending! WOW!!
Regardless though the storyline is so fluid it becomes second nature to read. Similar to the style of writing in the GOT books, we are introduced to multiple perspectives within Osterland so that we as readers gain understanding of each fraction along with the characters thirst for war and vengeance.
Just like war, as Spring overcomes Winters Fury, The Burning Sea no longer impatiently awaits for
a simple crack in the ice to claim its next victim because there is now a fretfully desirous battle to be won that is within arms reach. A battle that they need not set off to sea for, as it is after all, right on their doorstep and is quite capable of claiming someone just as disastrous as a piece of cracked ice would.
With that in mind, the characters all must quickly acknowledge their not so distant pasts whilst also preparing for the future; for most this will mean preparing for warnings of heinous acts whereas for others, they may be getting their malevolent desires after all. For a darkness that creates a total absence of light, wicked and evil, claiming enemies and loved ones, in sickness and health, is on its way to all.
As a enthusiast for the female-led Furyck saga, I am pleased to see the continued development of sorrowful but relatable themes outlined in background characters such as Amma, Ayala, Biddy, and Fyn; though my focal appreciation is for Jael as she continues to take on both emotional and physical challenges that arise whilst also having to decide whether she wants to live in the past as a lovesick short tempered adolescent or, move forward as a warrior and wife.
With every decision comes challenges of the heart not just for Jael but Eadmund, Eirik and Eydis and even Ivvar. The family had gone through so much loss that it has torn them apart rather than unite them, and they must hastily decide whether they want to unify to gain freedom and peace, or to become lost in the vengeance that claims their hearts.
The Burning Sea addresses all of the above and so much more, that it’s simply a must read. And though we are overwhelmed with information from multiple character perspectives, we still want to know more....
What will come of the kingdoms? and what will all of this mean for Edela, Axl and Jael the rightfully born, and gifted upon, Queen.
“when the Darkness comes, Furia’s daughter will emerge from the shadows, clasping the Sword of Light...”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 27, 2020
This is even better than the first! It kept me on the edge of my seat but I hate what is happening to Eadmund. I hope someone puts Evaine out of her misery soon.
December 17, 2021
Again, I am spell bound by the story and depth of characters! What a rollercoaster! My heart stopped a few times!!
January 6, 2024
Fast paced - a great read. I love all the interwoven characters.
Read
August 14, 2024DNF. Made it 22% in. Not awful, but I could see it turning into mainly a soap opera. A pity as I enjoyed the end of the last book.
November 1, 2025
Basically a Viking soap opera! I love it! The drama, the love, the war, the deceit! Give me more!!! And we ended on such a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to continue on in this series.
March 5, 2021
This is a 4.5, but the few complaints I have mark it down to a four.
September 1, 2020
Excellent
I never expected to fall in love with this world, but I did! Excellent fantasy with a twist of Viking that grabs you and doesn't let you go.
I never expected to fall in love with this world, but I did! Excellent fantasy with a twist of Viking that grabs you and doesn't let you go.
May 8, 2023
This book was a solid 4 stars for me. The plot continues to thicken and because the story is told from many different perspectives, it feels like several hundred different threads are being woven together. All together, I thought there would be further progress and development between Jael (MC), and Eadmund, but things only seem to sour further, so this will really be a slow burn kind of resolution I feel which has been a bit hard to endure, I admit. However, I do love the way this story is told (although by other reviewers I can see some disagree), with multiple perspectives switching all the time if can be hard to follow for some but I find it keeps my squirrel brain really occupied with the next nut. It keeps me hooked, because then when she leaves you in suspense to switch to a point of view of someone you don't care about, you just want to get through really fast to find out what happens in the story in the point of view of your fav characters that really carry the story. I also appreciate that the author seems to be fairly skilled at making sure she doesn't leave any loose ends. I hate it when there is something obvious that is happening but the main character doesn't bring any attention to it, or it's totally dismissed and not brought up again. I'll try and find an example in next review to point out. I feel sometimes that I forget I am actually reading and instead feel that I am watching a movie, and some of the characters really give off Game of Throne Vibes, which I enjoy. Lots of fighting in this book, just a heads up. Some things that slightly irked me was the predictably of the events towards the end. I don't enjoy when I can guess what is going to happen, I quickly grow bored and I hope the third book can continue to weave in suspense and further surprise.
July 15, 2021
I read the whole thing, so that's something of an endorsement. However, as is often the case, the second installment didn't really live up to the promise of the first book. Many of the conflicts were repeated, and some of the characters had really strong reactions/emotions that the circumstances didn't explain very well. I questioned the motivations of some of the characters.
If. you liked the first one, you might like this one. As I understand, there are quite a few more in the series. I didn't continue reading.
If. you liked the first one, you might like this one. As I understand, there are quite a few more in the series. I didn't continue reading.
October 31, 2021
This is the second book in the series and so far it's barely holding my interest. There is a lot of different storylines going on and nothing to show that the author is going to tie any of them together any time soon. As anything that really kept me somewhat interested that would have been the battle. As for the way the book ended I'll have to admit anyone could have seen the confrontation coming so it wasn't a real surprise ending. So like the first book no real surprises. Might read the 3rd book to finish out the trilogy but doubting I'll read the rest of the series
April 6, 2022
I enjoyed the storyline and where it was headed, why but felt this was very dragged out, repetitive.
Why do we need to hear the same Evaine, Edela, Edmund, Jael, issue? We got it! Bouncing between characters was a different reading style but I don’t mind until parts that are repetitive and unnecessary.
I felt like there was a lot of filler writing and up until the end nothing was worth reading. Compared to the 1st book, book 2 fell way short. I will give the 3rd a chance but if it doesn’t improve not sure I’ll continue due to lack of interest.
Why do we need to hear the same Evaine, Edela, Edmund, Jael, issue? We got it! Bouncing between characters was a different reading style but I don’t mind until parts that are repetitive and unnecessary.
I felt like there was a lot of filler writing and up until the end nothing was worth reading. Compared to the 1st book, book 2 fell way short. I will give the 3rd a chance but if it doesn’t improve not sure I’ll continue due to lack of interest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2022
Darkness
This book is just too enthralled by the darkness that the author embraces. That has finally become clear in this second book. The first book was most obviously swords and magic, which was enjoyable enough to camouflage the dark theme. But the rest of this series or anything else by this author is no longer on my reading list.
This book is just too enthralled by the darkness that the author embraces. That has finally become clear in this second book. The first book was most obviously swords and magic, which was enjoyable enough to camouflage the dark theme. But the rest of this series or anything else by this author is no longer on my reading list.
December 27, 2019
So following up on my 2stars rating of book 1. this gets a 1 star as I didnt even finish reading it.
I dont know if it was my mood, and it pains me to rate this a 1 star but I seriously cannot stand Eadmund and the disaster he is about to bring on his warrior wife.
I dont know if it was my mood, and it pains me to rate this a 1 star but I seriously cannot stand Eadmund and the disaster he is about to bring on his warrior wife.
April 12, 2024
Generally I did enjoy this book, but it dragged on with too much dialogue, character POVs and description that, for me, goes beyond world building or character development (which I appreciate) and instead detracts from the storyline.
I find Jael and Eadmund to be unbelievable; he spent too much time drunk in book 1 to see much development of his character and their relationship so it seems unlikely that Jael would have fallen in love with him, then he spends pretty much the rest of the time since bound by Evaine and vacant around Jael. Already, this is growing tiresome, and having looked at reviews of future books, it seems this continues for much of the series. Again, it makes the romantic relationship between him and Jael unbelievable.
It may be fitting of the world the author is creating but for me there is too much misogyny and sexual violence to make for enjoyable fantasy reading, and from reading future book reviews, this continues and worsens.
This is a particularly subjective and personal criticism (others probably liked it):
The Axl/Lothar twist at the end just felt messy and pointless. I understand Axl's motivations in that moment and that it was a culmination of his feelings but if he'd just done it earlier it would have saved a lot of heartbreak and mess for everyone and especially the woman he loves (admittedly whilst creating more, but that happened anyway). For me, the first half of this book was spent doing things that were then undone by the second part, and whilst it may contribute to the greater storyline later, it just felt like there was a lot of wasted effort and story that could have been achieved with much less writing, and personally it's just something that I find irritating in a book.
Having looked through reviews of future books, the things that I dislike about the series continue to crop up so I won't be reading the next books. I cared enough about the characters to search for some summaries of what happens to them (though didn't find any comprehensive book summaries) but not enough to plough through another 5 books.
I find Jael and Eadmund to be unbelievable; he spent too much time drunk in book 1 to see much development of his character and their relationship so it seems unlikely that Jael would have fallen in love with him, then he spends pretty much the rest of the time since bound by Evaine and vacant around Jael. Already, this is growing tiresome, and having looked at reviews of future books, it seems this continues for much of the series. Again, it makes the romantic relationship between him and Jael unbelievable.
It may be fitting of the world the author is creating but for me there is too much misogyny and sexual violence to make for enjoyable fantasy reading, and from reading future book reviews, this continues and worsens.
This is a particularly subjective and personal criticism (others probably liked it):
The Axl/Lothar twist at the end just felt messy and pointless. I understand Axl's motivations in that moment and that it was a culmination of his feelings but if he'd just done it earlier it would have saved a lot of heartbreak and mess for everyone and especially the woman he loves (admittedly whilst creating more, but that happened anyway). For me, the first half of this book was spent doing things that were then undone by the second part, and whilst it may contribute to the greater storyline later, it just felt like there was a lot of wasted effort and story that could have been achieved with much less writing, and personally it's just something that I find irritating in a book.
Having looked through reviews of future books, the things that I dislike about the series continue to crop up so I won't be reading the next books. I cared enough about the characters to search for some summaries of what happens to them (though didn't find any comprehensive book summaries) but not enough to plough through another 5 books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2025
So good!
I really loving this series, although Eadmund, once again, makes you want to strangle him for being an idiot. His character sends me. But, it’s technically not his fault. Nor his wife or sister has told him anything about magic or spells and any possible connection Evaine may have to them. He doesn’t seem to know anything about Morana, despite his mom possibly being killed by her, according to his father, nor any connection she may have to Evaine. But no one has and it’s been the better part of a year since this story began.
Jael has very frustrating moments where she becomes the biggest procrastinator that ever lived, especially when it comes to handling things that deal with Eadmund. I’m starting to wonder if the prophecy was misinterpreted about them being meant to be together but rather just that she needs him to defeat the upcoming enemy/war. She doesn’t try at all when it comes to him and she knows magic is being used. Not once did she check his belongings for anything that looked spelled or had Tuuran or strange symbols on it. She claims to be a dreamer, but despite knowing her family and people are in danger, she doesn’t bother using her skills.
But despite all of that, I really like the book. Lothar is just as horrible, if not worse, and so is his scheming son. The daughter, Amma, turns out to not be so bad after her blinders come off about who her father really is as a man, a father and a king.
See my notes, highlights and commentary on Goodreads. Happy reading!
I really loving this series, although Eadmund, once again, makes you want to strangle him for being an idiot. His character sends me. But, it’s technically not his fault. Nor his wife or sister has told him anything about magic or spells and any possible connection Evaine may have to them. He doesn’t seem to know anything about Morana, despite his mom possibly being killed by her, according to his father, nor any connection she may have to Evaine. But no one has and it’s been the better part of a year since this story began.
Jael has very frustrating moments where she becomes the biggest procrastinator that ever lived, especially when it comes to handling things that deal with Eadmund. I’m starting to wonder if the prophecy was misinterpreted about them being meant to be together but rather just that she needs him to defeat the upcoming enemy/war. She doesn’t try at all when it comes to him and she knows magic is being used. Not once did she check his belongings for anything that looked spelled or had Tuuran or strange symbols on it. She claims to be a dreamer, but despite knowing her family and people are in danger, she doesn’t bother using her skills.
But despite all of that, I really like the book. Lothar is just as horrible, if not worse, and so is his scheming son. The daughter, Amma, turns out to not be so bad after her blinders come off about who her father really is as a man, a father and a king.
See my notes, highlights and commentary on Goodreads. Happy reading!
May 20, 2025
I’m torn; I wanted to love this so much. I first thought I was missing something with this and the first book because the POV changes. It is and was weird and startling and really interrupts the story. Whose point of view is it here? (I then learned the author self-edits and I think that was an issue she should have out sourced as not to conflict with her personal involvement. It would have improved the clarity)
I thought the series would be developing more at this point which I can suffer through. I like that Jael and Eadmund have started falling in love and are surprised by it, I think that could have been more developed. But the introduction of Alexsandar while they are still figuring things out is intriguing! And I think again could have been more developed.
Do dreamers dream each night? Or is Edela dreaming often due to her age and practice?
I knew the battle scene would be long which for me was quite boring but it’s always that way. The end between Axl and Lothar was a surprise I didn’t see coming. I’m conflicted with the love between first cousins; maybe I’m too modern?
I have the third book so I’m going to push through.
I thought the series would be developing more at this point which I can suffer through. I like that Jael and Eadmund have started falling in love and are surprised by it, I think that could have been more developed. But the introduction of Alexsandar while they are still figuring things out is intriguing! And I think again could have been more developed.
Do dreamers dream each night? Or is Edela dreaming often due to her age and practice?
I knew the battle scene would be long which for me was quite boring but it’s always that way. The end between Axl and Lothar was a surprise I didn’t see coming. I’m conflicted with the love between first cousins; maybe I’m too modern?
I have the third book so I’m going to push through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2021
Grab some popcorn and settle in for a great read!
While the first book of this was a little difficult to get into, this book grabbed me from page one. The author has put together a tale that winds the lives of Jael, Edmund, their families, and their enemies into a beautifully written tapestry that few authors have achieved. You don't want to miss any of the character arcs and each is intertwined in surprising ways. You come to care about what happens to every character. Even the antagonists are so well written that you find yourself caught up in their story. The battle scenes are well researched and written. You will find yourself on the battlefield, or on the ships wondering if your arrows will hit their marks. The last 50 pages or so are non-stop action. Your adrenaline will go into high speed over this intense final battle. It feels like you are watching an action movie watching the climactic scenes. Rayne's novel is a masterclass in the use of imagery. I can't wait to read the book 3!
While the first book of this was a little difficult to get into, this book grabbed me from page one. The author has put together a tale that winds the lives of Jael, Edmund, their families, and their enemies into a beautifully written tapestry that few authors have achieved. You don't want to miss any of the character arcs and each is intertwined in surprising ways. You come to care about what happens to every character. Even the antagonists are so well written that you find yourself caught up in their story. The battle scenes are well researched and written. You will find yourself on the battlefield, or on the ships wondering if your arrows will hit their marks. The last 50 pages or so are non-stop action. Your adrenaline will go into high speed over this intense final battle. It feels like you are watching an action movie watching the climactic scenes. Rayne's novel is a masterclass in the use of imagery. I can't wait to read the book 3!
September 16, 2023
3.5 Could have been 4.5
Here we go again. As frustrating as all these darn POVs are these books have sucked me in. I can't stop reading them and they are so longgggg. Jael never disappoints. Still a bad ass and taking numbers. I really wish this was an epic romantic fantasy adventure but its not and even though there is romance its very minimum. Enough to keep u interested but not nearly enough. No matter what obstacles come her way she's such a survivor such a fighter and I just love her. Eadmund is still on my shit list. He doesn't deserve her. But really what has he really accomplished but trouble ?? Yeah yeah not really his fault is it? This would have been 5+ start but don't get me started on all these darn POVs and these hundred characters. I will say I'm getting used too most but I would tale less POVs and more romance. Regardless of my personal preference. This series comes highly recommended. I could see a television series off of this. I'm super invested. So on to the next cause all the books are out which is amazing.
Here we go again. As frustrating as all these darn POVs are these books have sucked me in. I can't stop reading them and they are so longgggg. Jael never disappoints. Still a bad ass and taking numbers. I really wish this was an epic romantic fantasy adventure but its not and even though there is romance its very minimum. Enough to keep u interested but not nearly enough. No matter what obstacles come her way she's such a survivor such a fighter and I just love her. Eadmund is still on my shit list. He doesn't deserve her. But really what has he really accomplished but trouble ?? Yeah yeah not really his fault is it? This would have been 5+ start but don't get me started on all these darn POVs and these hundred characters. I will say I'm getting used too most but I would tale less POVs and more romance. Regardless of my personal preference. This series comes highly recommended. I could see a television series off of this. I'm super invested. So on to the next cause all the books are out which is amazing.
November 26, 2019
🔥🔥🔥 This series you guys. It is FIRE!!! 🔥🔥🔥There are book series that stay with you - this is definitely going to be one of them for me. Every.single.character is important.
Let me put it this way - IF THIS SERIES were available in hardcover for library purchase, this series would blow up and get a TV Deal, guarantee it. This is one of THE best series that I have read thus far. The alliances, the scheming, the plotting, the romance, the hearts broken, the love, the magic, the entire book is amazing.
Again, every single character plays an important role, even the ones you hate. Just when I think I can see something coming....BAM, the author drops a *BOMB*
I can't wait to see what the future holds for Edmund, Jael, Axl, Gisila, Gant, Alexander, Edela, Bibby, Edyis, Isauura, Thorgils and so much more. I love each of these characters and HATE a TON of characters... that is how good this author writes.
You FEEL with this book.
Let me put it this way - IF THIS SERIES were available in hardcover for library purchase, this series would blow up and get a TV Deal, guarantee it. This is one of THE best series that I have read thus far. The alliances, the scheming, the plotting, the romance, the hearts broken, the love, the magic, the entire book is amazing.
Again, every single character plays an important role, even the ones you hate. Just when I think I can see something coming....BAM, the author drops a *BOMB*
I can't wait to see what the future holds for Edmund, Jael, Axl, Gisila, Gant, Alexander, Edela, Bibby, Edyis, Isauura, Thorgils and so much more. I love each of these characters and HATE a TON of characters... that is how good this author writes.
You FEEL with this book.
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