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The Sword of Light Trilogy #2
Firestorm
The Gods have fallen.
The Three Nations are in chaos.
Archon is coming.
Enala is surrounded, trapped on the blood-soaked sands of Malevolent Cove. Desperate and alone, she watches the sky, and the Gold Dragons soaring above. Yet it is not the beasts she fears – but the men and woman encircling her. They promise their protection, but they are only words, and she has already lost everything to betrayal. Swamped by grief, she teeters on the edge of madness.
Meanwhile, Eric is close to mastering the curse of his magic. The perilous force writhes within him, desperate for freedom, but he refuses to bend to its will. Instead, he is determined to wield it for good, and right the wrongs of his past.
The Three Nations are in chaos.
Archon is coming.
Enala is surrounded, trapped on the blood-soaked sands of Malevolent Cove. Desperate and alone, she watches the sky, and the Gold Dragons soaring above. Yet it is not the beasts she fears – but the men and woman encircling her. They promise their protection, but they are only words, and she has already lost everything to betrayal. Swamped by grief, she teeters on the edge of madness.
Meanwhile, Eric is close to mastering the curse of his magic. The perilous force writhes within him, desperate for freedom, but he refuses to bend to its will. Instead, he is determined to wield it for good, and right the wrongs of his past.
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Published December 1, 2017
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About the author
Aaron Hodges
54 books297 followersAaron Hodges was born in 1989 in the small town of Whakatane, New Zealand. He studied for five years at the University of Auckland, completing a Bachelor's of Science in Biology and Geography, and a Masters of Environmental Engineering. After working as an environmental consultant for two years, he now spends his time traveling the world in search of his next adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 3, 2019
I read this as part of the collected edition. See my review of the trilogy as a whole at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 13, 2016
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
The first paragraph of a story can either get a reader eagerly wanting more, or get a reader to put a book down in disgust, and walk away. While establishing story questions is good, too much confusion can frustrate a reader. In the first paragraph, this sentence: “Bursts of flame licked the treetops as the beasts circled, great eyes staring down at them.” Is quite confusing. Who are “them”? That should be a question that is answered right there, instead of expecting the reader to guess, or patiently read on. At that point, most readers perusing the book, would put it down and walk away, a sale lost. While this is the second book in a series, there still needs to be some clarification to someone who just walks up and picks up the book. Or, if online, curiously scrolls through the first chapter to see if it’s something to purchase. To avoid confusion that would make the reader frustrated enough to put the book down and walk away, the sentence should instead read, “Bursts of flame licked the treetops as the beasts circled, great eyes staring down at Eric and his companions.”
There are a few instances where slang that is a bit too modern is used. For example, the word “fan” meaning someone who likes something a lot, and which comes from the word “fanatic” is used when Eric says: “…the Storm God is not a great fan of me…” That threw me off a bit, because it’s such a modern word, considering that this world appears to be a medieval style world.
Additionally, the story ends on a cliffhanger. Understandably, there’s another book coming, but I prefer at least some sort of payoff, some questions answered rather than the book just ending.
Having said that, the vast majority of the book was extremely well done, and really pulled me in. The writing flowed quite well, and showed me a very clear picture.
Here’s an example: "Even from a distance the jagged cliffs towered over their little vessel. Scraggly trees grew from the rock faces, their crooked branches reaching out for them like fingers. Behind them, the ocean stretched out to the horizon. He was glad they would not be venturing that way; the great expanse of water filled him with a dread he could not shake.”
I also think the author did a fantastic job creating the characters.
Eric, Gabriel, Enala, etc. are characters that are believable, consistent, and three-dimensional. I appreciate believable characters, especially ones I can relate to, and believe in. Maybe not necessarily like, but believe in.
One thing I liked especially, was the map at the beginning. Oh, I do love maps! They really help readers picture the story, in my opinion, including directions, and where a river etc. goes.
The author did a great job world building, creating the dragons, demons, landscape, etc. I would recommend this for someone who enjoys fantasy, and who doesn’t mind abrupt cliffhangers, with books in a series.
The first paragraph of a story can either get a reader eagerly wanting more, or get a reader to put a book down in disgust, and walk away. While establishing story questions is good, too much confusion can frustrate a reader. In the first paragraph, this sentence: “Bursts of flame licked the treetops as the beasts circled, great eyes staring down at them.” Is quite confusing. Who are “them”? That should be a question that is answered right there, instead of expecting the reader to guess, or patiently read on. At that point, most readers perusing the book, would put it down and walk away, a sale lost. While this is the second book in a series, there still needs to be some clarification to someone who just walks up and picks up the book. Or, if online, curiously scrolls through the first chapter to see if it’s something to purchase. To avoid confusion that would make the reader frustrated enough to put the book down and walk away, the sentence should instead read, “Bursts of flame licked the treetops as the beasts circled, great eyes staring down at Eric and his companions.”
There are a few instances where slang that is a bit too modern is used. For example, the word “fan” meaning someone who likes something a lot, and which comes from the word “fanatic” is used when Eric says: “…the Storm God is not a great fan of me…” That threw me off a bit, because it’s such a modern word, considering that this world appears to be a medieval style world.
Additionally, the story ends on a cliffhanger. Understandably, there’s another book coming, but I prefer at least some sort of payoff, some questions answered rather than the book just ending.
Having said that, the vast majority of the book was extremely well done, and really pulled me in. The writing flowed quite well, and showed me a very clear picture.
Here’s an example: "Even from a distance the jagged cliffs towered over their little vessel. Scraggly trees grew from the rock faces, their crooked branches reaching out for them like fingers. Behind them, the ocean stretched out to the horizon. He was glad they would not be venturing that way; the great expanse of water filled him with a dread he could not shake.”
I also think the author did a fantastic job creating the characters.
Eric, Gabriel, Enala, etc. are characters that are believable, consistent, and three-dimensional. I appreciate believable characters, especially ones I can relate to, and believe in. Maybe not necessarily like, but believe in.
One thing I liked especially, was the map at the beginning. Oh, I do love maps! They really help readers picture the story, in my opinion, including directions, and where a river etc. goes.
The author did a great job world building, creating the dragons, demons, landscape, etc. I would recommend this for someone who enjoys fantasy, and who doesn’t mind abrupt cliffhangers, with books in a series.
June 30, 2016
The Gods have fallen. The Three Nations are in chaos. Archon is coming. The company are surrounded, trapped on the blood-soaked sands of Malevolent Cove. Desperate and alone, they carry with them the final hope of the Three Nations. Her name is Enala and she is the last wielder of the Sword of Light. But the girl is mad, her mind lost in a chasm of grief. She lies helpless before the power of Archon. Meanwhile, Eric is close to mastering his magic. But with his master gone, there is no one left to protect him from the perilous force. It yearns for freedom and Eric alone stands against it. If it breaks free, all hell will break loose. To prevail he must break the shackles of his past. He must face the last ghost of Oaksville.
My question is: Where is the next book? I am looking forward to the next installment. Well thoughtout and story in this series. Plot twists galore. It leads you places where you are not ecpecting it to go. Has everything you would want in a story and series. Great Reading Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My question is: Where is the next book? I am looking forward to the next installment. Well thoughtout and story in this series. Plot twists galore. It leads you places where you are not ecpecting it to go. Has everything you would want in a story and series. Great Reading Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 7, 2018
I like the book, the story is predictable but it is entertaining.
February 15, 2019
She's just a girl... no, she's a bada**... no, wait, she's not. He's a bad guy... no, wait, he's not. Eric's an idiot... yep, still an idiot.
July 24, 2023
3.5 rounded up. Admittedly I'm a fair bit older than this series intended audience. If was 13 I'd devor this and read it again and again. 30-something me found it didn't have as much depth as I would have liked, but it's a plenty fun read and with pacey pose that zips along. So far, this series is something I could see myself recommending to younger YA readers who want to read more high and epic fantasy but find their 500+ page doorstops intimidating.
October 18, 2016
Firestorm opens in the aftermath of a battle, with a flight of dragons about to descend to claim vengeance for their fallen kin. If Eric and his small band of adventurers manage to convince the dragons not to kill them, they still need to find a way to get themselves, and the single heir to the magic of the Trolan royal line, to Kalgan and the Sword. Without the Sword in the hands of a Trolan royal, nothing stands between the demons and control of the Three Nations – and the demons are well aware of it.
Peopled with gods, demons, magicians, and dragons, Firestorm provided a rich backdrop for the epic fantasy woven across its pages as the heroes struggle to succeed in the face of overwhelming odds. I did feel that the characters would have come across more strongly without quite so much detailed description of their feelings and reactions, and the continued use of the possessive apostrophe ‘s’ for the plural scraped its nails down the blackboard of my soul, but overall the story was well laid-out. Author Aaron Hodges has created a convincingly-built world, and laid an intriguing trail of hints through this second novel, which, despite being the second in a trilogy, functions perfectly well as a stand-alone novel.
Peopled with gods, demons, magicians, and dragons, Firestorm provided a rich backdrop for the epic fantasy woven across its pages as the heroes struggle to succeed in the face of overwhelming odds. I did feel that the characters would have come across more strongly without quite so much detailed description of their feelings and reactions, and the continued use of the possessive apostrophe ‘s’ for the plural scraped its nails down the blackboard of my soul, but overall the story was well laid-out. Author Aaron Hodges has created a convincingly-built world, and laid an intriguing trail of hints through this second novel, which, despite being the second in a trilogy, functions perfectly well as a stand-alone novel.
December 23, 2024
Alastair is dead, as is Antonia the earth goddess, and the Three Nations are crumbling, but the worst thing is that evil is growing, and Archon is returning with an army of demons. Our group of young people is stranded at Malevolent Cove watching over Enala, who is catatonic and going crazy through her grief. Nerissa her gold dragon had been killed, and young Enala had lost too much in such a short time. However she was the only descendant left alive who could wield the powerful Sword of Light, the only weapon which might defeat the darkness. Eric is becoming stronger in his magic wielding, however Jurrien the storm god still living and angry as hell is not happy with Eric and takes out his anger on him. Till Jurrien too is killed by a soul blade wielded by Thomas, the once king but now the strongest warrior Archon has on his side. It seems that now it is up to the group of young mortals, a mix of magickers and warriors to fight against the evil threatening the Three Nations, but can they get Enala away from the cove, to safety. The road to the sword in Kalgan was fraught with peril, and Thomas was hounding them all the way. He had become even stronger having stolen through the soul blades the earth and storm magic the gods had wielded before their deaths at his hand. This is a book which demands great sacrifice and courage as the group faced even more losses, and had to go their separate ways with Eric and Enala ending up on their own to face the biggest battle yet! This series is getting stronger with every book, and this, book 2 is majestic, the battles are fierce and the near death experiences which they go through are scary as hell. Plus there are a few surprises thrown in which I for one was not expecting. Cannot wait to read book 3.
December 22, 2016
Although I believe this series can be read out of order, I’m glad I read the first before getting to Firestorm. I managed to learn the nature of the characters so I could even appreciate their growths even more. The second book in the Sword of Light series picks up where it left off in Stormweilder while giving us just enough of a glimpse to its predecessor for those that decide not to read in order.
We’re reacquainted with old friends, while some of them, including Eric’s mentor, Alastair, meets a terrible fate. Our protagonist, Eric, has learned a great deal of his magic and task. He’s now more able and willing to fight without hesitation. During the journey of magic in search of Light, Eric and his team is met with darkness as they battle their own demons, as well as each other.
There were quite a few misplaced punctuation, or absent of, which tended to distract me as I read. The dialogue was engaging, for the most part, though at times it slipped and didn’t provide the correct language for the time. The scenes were painted so well, I felt I was a part of the story.
Firestorm starts off slowly, but soon the action very rarely lets you go. For those who enjoy twists and turns, this book will not leave you disappointed. There is a cliffhanger at the end, which will make you want to pick up the third and final book of the Sword of Light trilogy just to figure out what happens next. If you enjoy demons, gods, magic and dragons all rolled in one, then I highly recommend you pick up this series.
We’re reacquainted with old friends, while some of them, including Eric’s mentor, Alastair, meets a terrible fate. Our protagonist, Eric, has learned a great deal of his magic and task. He’s now more able and willing to fight without hesitation. During the journey of magic in search of Light, Eric and his team is met with darkness as they battle their own demons, as well as each other.
There were quite a few misplaced punctuation, or absent of, which tended to distract me as I read. The dialogue was engaging, for the most part, though at times it slipped and didn’t provide the correct language for the time. The scenes were painted so well, I felt I was a part of the story.
Firestorm starts off slowly, but soon the action very rarely lets you go. For those who enjoy twists and turns, this book will not leave you disappointed. There is a cliffhanger at the end, which will make you want to pick up the third and final book of the Sword of Light trilogy just to figure out what happens next. If you enjoy demons, gods, magic and dragons all rolled in one, then I highly recommend you pick up this series.
July 22, 2019
Aaron Hodges Sword of Light Trilogy is pretty classic fantasy. The stakes increase a little more with each book, and this one has quite a wicked cliff-hanger. That said, you'll want to read the first book of the trilogy before diving into this one. Hodges gives enough backstory so you won't get lost, but some of the character arcs can't really be summarized adequately.
I found myself quite taken with the main characters in the story. Their plight drew me in during the first book and Hodges' characters continued to be engaging and intriguing in this book. For the most part, Hodges' avoids any annoying, unrealistic plot twists (the deus ex machina help at the last minute to save the day). Every surprise and twist is foreshadowed or hinted at earlier, so for the observant reader/listener one knows something is coming, though how that twist is executed still remains to be experienced. Hodges doesn't shy away from the consequences of one's actions, nor the common-sense actions of any character, good or bad. This is one thing I enjoy about Hodges' writing, because it lends the tale a sense of realism and makes the consequences of the characters' actions seem to have a real 'weight' about them.
So, all in all, I enjoyed the story quite a bit. Some of the plot points seem to be borrowed from classic stories (here's looking at you Star Wars), but they're woven together in a fairly original way, so I don't fault Hodges for that. The magical system is intriguing and seems mostly thought out.
[Note: I received a free copy of this book in return for a fair review]
I found myself quite taken with the main characters in the story. Their plight drew me in during the first book and Hodges' characters continued to be engaging and intriguing in this book. For the most part, Hodges' avoids any annoying, unrealistic plot twists (the deus ex machina help at the last minute to save the day). Every surprise and twist is foreshadowed or hinted at earlier, so for the observant reader/listener one knows something is coming, though how that twist is executed still remains to be experienced. Hodges doesn't shy away from the consequences of one's actions, nor the common-sense actions of any character, good or bad. This is one thing I enjoy about Hodges' writing, because it lends the tale a sense of realism and makes the consequences of the characters' actions seem to have a real 'weight' about them.
So, all in all, I enjoyed the story quite a bit. Some of the plot points seem to be borrowed from classic stories (here's looking at you Star Wars), but they're woven together in a fairly original way, so I don't fault Hodges for that. The magical system is intriguing and seems mostly thought out.
[Note: I received a free copy of this book in return for a fair review]
July 8, 2018
I really loved Stormweilder, the first book in Aaron Hodges’ The Sword of Light trilogy. Now, in Firestorm (book 2), Elena and Eric’s separate adventures continue. This is an exciting book and an important part of what’s becoming a truly epic tale. Once again well written and with a plot with everything one would want, be it demons, gods, battles or intrigue, plus a really surprising twist. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
August 11, 2019
Firestorm is the fantastic second book in the epic Sword of Light Trilogy. The book is a real page turner with lots of action and a cliffhanger ending that will leave the reader eager for the next book. I would strongly recommend getting the trilogy, because you will definitely want to read all three books.
The narrator of the audiobook does a very good job.
Suitable for teens and adults. May be too violent for younger audiences.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The narrator of the audiobook does a very good job.
Suitable for teens and adults. May be too violent for younger audiences.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 8, 2021
Good follow up to book one
The first installment of the series had me hooked and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second. The timeline followed precisely from where book one ended. The beginning took a lot of time filling in and settling the Gabriel and Eric relationship and then dropped it's impact as soon as it was resolved. That is when the storyline picked up and my interest peaked, just like book one. Would have been a little better if there was some insight on how the magic worked in the final battle, but that is where my want to read book three comes in!
The first installment of the series had me hooked and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second. The timeline followed precisely from where book one ended. The beginning took a lot of time filling in and settling the Gabriel and Eric relationship and then dropped it's impact as soon as it was resolved. That is when the storyline picked up and my interest peaked, just like book one. Would have been a little better if there was some insight on how the magic worked in the final battle, but that is where my want to read book three comes in!
June 19, 2017
The action is nearly constant, and the plot gets deeper. New skills are learned and revealed. Someone isn't you you think they are.Triumph and death are pretty much hand in hand through out this installment of the Sword of Light Trilogy.
I'm glad I picked up both of the remaining books after finishing the first book. For lovers of a good story, interesting characters who grow and evolve and surprises around every corner, you will enjoy this book.
I'm glad I picked up both of the remaining books after finishing the first book. For lovers of a good story, interesting characters who grow and evolve and surprises around every corner, you will enjoy this book.
April 23, 2018
Oh my goodness i thought book one was good... wow. If you haven't red this book then you are missing out on a great experience. even if you dont like "fantasy " you should read this . Thees books are well written with well developed characters , fast moving story , twist , turns and suspense. mr Hodges has made it into my top ten favorite authors . now i just have to find a copy of book 3. cant wait .
June 8, 2018
My fourth read/listen from author Aaron Hodges. I'm on an Aaron Hodges binge I read this in a day, it was attention-grabbing and enjoyable as is all Hodge's writings. The second book in the Sword of Light series. I look forward to the next book in the series. Aaron Hodges has moved up on my TBR list and since I own 8 books by him that won't be a problem. On to Soul Blade book 3 and the conclusion of the trilogy.
February 23, 2021
Powerful Cliff Hangers
There are several powerful cliff hangers. Inken, Carlin and Gabriel are thrown in a dungeon cell four stories down under the King Fraser's castle where the darkness enveloped them. In absolute darkness they struggled to breathe.
"This seems like a place where you go to be forgotten,"
Inken said.
"Or a place where no one will ever find you," a voice replied from the darkness.
A must read!
There are several powerful cliff hangers. Inken, Carlin and Gabriel are thrown in a dungeon cell four stories down under the King Fraser's castle where the darkness enveloped them. In absolute darkness they struggled to breathe.
"This seems like a place where you go to be forgotten,"
Inken said.
"Or a place where no one will ever find you," a voice replied from the darkness.
A must read!
July 5, 2023
a very good and fun read with lots of adventure, lots of action, some twists and turns and surprises. These people have to go up against a demon who has the power of not just one but two gods... how can they ever hope to survive?
this books ties up the lose ends from book one nicely, and as good as it was, it simply was not as good as the first, but not so bad as to keep me from reading the third book.
this books ties up the lose ends from book one nicely, and as good as it was, it simply was not as good as the first, but not so bad as to keep me from reading the third book.
July 4, 2017
Exciting
As the story continues, Eric learns more about his power and how to use it. Eric and his companions fight to defeat the evil trying to take over their world. This story is great, with many surprises. A must read. Now for book 3.
As the story continues, Eric learns more about his power and how to use it. Eric and his companions fight to defeat the evil trying to take over their world. This story is great, with many surprises. A must read. Now for book 3.
August 29, 2017
A Pretty Good Read...
This has the makings of a really good story. However, you really need an editor. There are lots of errors scattered throughout the book, which can be very distracting, and many of them can be easily fixed with a simple spell check, if nothing else.
This has the makings of a really good story. However, you really need an editor. There are lots of errors scattered throughout the book, which can be very distracting, and many of them can be easily fixed with a simple spell check, if nothing else.
July 15, 2018
The intensity of the action in this book did not let up. If there was a little break it would have made the story a little more palatable. Enjoying the character development but not enjoying the hopelessness so much.
March 9, 2019
I know it’s a common trait to have our heroes in fantasy face overwhelming odds and triumph... but here we are reaching almost sadistic levels of beating down our heroes, who never actually win anything... they just survive to be beat down again... gets a bit old.
April 7, 2021
It’s better than the first one, although that’s not saying much. The world-building and basic plot is good, but characters are still too flat and under-developed. It’s too short a book to properly flesh out the details.
June 18, 2022
Good Book
I enjoyed this book as well but found the villains winning at every step of the way a little old. I know they need to be strong but these villains are ridiculous. Hope the last book in the series is better balanced.
I enjoyed this book as well but found the villains winning at every step of the way a little old. I know they need to be strong but these villains are ridiculous. Hope the last book in the series is better balanced.
July 12, 2018
Heart stopping action. The Gods are dying. Can Eric and Enala defeat the demon and save the world? This book was full of heroes and sacrifices for the greater good.
November 9, 2018
Better than book 1, but still had a couple plot reveals that had me rolling my eyes at the clichés.
December 1, 2018
Double meh.
June 18, 2019
The author is in love with his thesaurus, but gets stuck on some words. The book isn't terrible, but it is far from great.
May 6, 2020
The tale continues
This is a real page turner, the action is intense and the twists of the story keep you seeking more. can't wait to start the third book.
This is a real page turner, the action is intense and the twists of the story keep you seeking more. can't wait to start the third book.
January 30, 2024
Fantastic suspense. Every new scene seemed to keep me on my toes and there was always some mystery ahead waiting to be solved. I’m excited for the third book in the trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews