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The Taellaneth #2
Revealed
A killer caught, the mastermind still at large, and an exile growing into her power.
Arrow’s freedom from the Erith is finally in her grasp.
But there is a rogue magician at large. Ruthless, determined, skilled in unclean magic, the powerful rogue threatens everyone and everything, including the life Arrow wants to live.
With the true strength of her magical power unlocked, Arrow may be the only one who can stop him.
Note: Revealed (The Taellaneth – Book 2) continues immediately after Concealed (Book 1) and contains spoilers for Book 1.
Arrow’s freedom from the Erith is finally in her grasp.
But there is a rogue magician at large. Ruthless, determined, skilled in unclean magic, the powerful rogue threatens everyone and everything, including the life Arrow wants to live.
With the true strength of her magical power unlocked, Arrow may be the only one who can stop him.
Note: Revealed (The Taellaneth – Book 2) continues immediately after Concealed (Book 1) and contains spoilers for Book 1.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2018
156 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Nelson
32 books433 followersI am a fantasy author living in Scotland, United Kingdom and spending my days juggling the demands of an elderly, spoiled cat, two giant dogs and a host of fictional characters.
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 23, 2023
3.5 stars
I really enjoy Arrow as the main character of this series. She’s very powerful, but due to her lifelong constraints she still has a lot to learning/growing/healing to do. I’ll definitely be reading the next book.
I really enjoy Arrow as the main character of this series. She’s very powerful, but due to her lifelong constraints she still has a lot to learning/growing/healing to do. I’ll definitely be reading the next book.
August 24, 2021
This is second in an Urban Fantasy series with story and character arcs that span books. I recommend reading them in order.
You know what to expect already, and this one meets those expectations well. And without being predictable. I loved the revelations promised in the title. Even better, there's definitely more left to learn, but totally feeling like a natural result of progress made during this story (as opposed to the author withholding for synthetic reasons).
And I don't have much more to say, I think. The pace was excellent. Developments matched (exceeded in many ways) my expectations. And I really like Arrow. Her years of servitude have exactly the right weight and I love how she responds to all these people who are all "what, you're still mad?" (with restraint, but little patience). So five stars and I'll definitely be picking up the next.
A note about Craft: One difference from the first book is that the editing is noticeably bad in this one. I noticed multiple errors per chapter. I'm not that observant, so there were likely many more I didn't catch.
A note about Chaste: We get more of a certain person in this story and it ends with him making a romantic move. A kiss after the final victory. It catches Arrow completely off guard, but not unpleasantly so. It was good. Very chaste, still, but a bare hint that there may be a bit of a slow burn on offer after all.
You know what to expect already, and this one meets those expectations well. And without being predictable. I loved the revelations promised in the title. Even better, there's definitely more left to learn, but totally feeling like a natural result of progress made during this story (as opposed to the author withholding for synthetic reasons).
And I don't have much more to say, I think. The pace was excellent. Developments matched (exceeded in many ways) my expectations. And I really like Arrow. Her years of servitude have exactly the right weight and I love how she responds to all these people who are all "what, you're still mad?" (with restraint, but little patience). So five stars and I'll definitely be picking up the next.
A note about Craft: One difference from the first book is that the editing is noticeably bad in this one. I noticed multiple errors per chapter. I'm not that observant, so there were likely many more I didn't catch.
A note about Chaste: We get more of a certain person in this story and it ends with him making a romantic move. A kiss after the final victory. It catches Arrow completely off guard, but not unpleasantly so. It was good. Very chaste, still, but a bare hint that there may be a bit of a slow burn on offer after all.
May 24, 2021
3.5
Just when she thinks she's out- they drag her back in!
After the big battle of the pervious book everyone is still trying to pick up the pieces of their discovery.
Soon enough Arrow is sent back to the Taellaneth to give her reports and to renew her Oath to the Erith. However, Arrow has been waiting and planning for this day for the last 15 years, and she finally gets to say the one word she's been dying to finally speak.
With her refusal to continue her bound service to the Erith she is exiled to the human lands, and left with nothing but the clothes on her back. Finally getting her freedom is all Arrow has ever wanted- unfortunately for her, (and fortunately for the rest of the world) Arrow's conscience cannot allow her to leave this possible conspiracy alone. She knows there are others involved in the plot they just unraveled, and will stop at nothing to find the persons ultimately responsible...
Even if that means swallowing her anger and working with the Erith this time around.
(Personally, I really like Kallish- bc she is just a badass. Orlis on the other hand was getting on my nerves..)
Also,
Still I'm digging the magic and characters so--On to the next!
Just when she thinks she's out- they drag her back in!
After the big battle of the pervious book everyone is still trying to pick up the pieces of their discovery.
Soon enough Arrow is sent back to the Taellaneth to give her reports and to renew her Oath to the Erith. However, Arrow has been waiting and planning for this day for the last 15 years, and she finally gets to say the one word she's been dying to finally speak.
"No."
With her refusal to continue her bound service to the Erith she is exiled to the human lands, and left with nothing but the clothes on her back. Finally getting her freedom is all Arrow has ever wanted- unfortunately for her, (and fortunately for the rest of the world) Arrow's conscience cannot allow her to leave this possible conspiracy alone. She knows there are others involved in the plot they just unraveled, and will stop at nothing to find the persons ultimately responsible...
Even if that means swallowing her anger and working with the Erith this time around.
(Personally, I really like Kallish- bc she is just a badass. Orlis on the other hand was getting on my nerves..)
Also,
Still I'm digging the magic and characters so--On to the next!
March 13, 2022
4.5 stars.
So good!
Arrow, the heroine is more than just a War Mage.
However despite her strong magic, physically she just an ordinary strength woman.
Her ears popped with a loud crack that made her wince.
“You are not dead,” Orlis was saying, over and over.
“No, I am not.” She sat up, wincing. Ribs. Yet again. There must be some kind of spell she could use to stop that. Or perhaps ask her opponents not to hit her in the ribs. Her hand came away covered in ash from the unclean mage fire. Which had somehow not burned her to death.😳😜
For the romance bits?
She’s got, her first kiss, yay! 😳😘😂
Continue to book#3
❤️❤️❤️
So good!
Arrow, the heroine is more than just a War Mage.
However despite her strong magic, physically she just an ordinary strength woman.
Her ears popped with a loud crack that made her wince.
“You are not dead,” Orlis was saying, over and over.
“No, I am not.” She sat up, wincing. Ribs. Yet again. There must be some kind of spell she could use to stop that. Or perhaps ask her opponents not to hit her in the ribs. Her hand came away covered in ash from the unclean mage fire. Which had somehow not burned her to death.😳😜
For the romance bits?
She’s got, her first kiss, yay! 😳😘😂
Continue to book#3
❤️❤️❤️
August 7, 2021
3.5
Still good, but the lack of backstory and the NA vibe (as in honestly too naive and good an heroine for her story) are felt here.
There is no explanation on the reasons why she was abandoned by her grandfather (if her keeper was her grandfather), why her name and her family were struck out (given who her grandfather was), why everyone and his uncle hated her, where were all those people that all of a sudden now seemed surprised she’s has been so mistreated while enslaved.
It honestly left holes as big as Canada in the story (if not necessarily in the plot).
You might not notice everything while you are running around with her, but you soon will.
PS. I read book 3. A lot was explained :D
Still good, but the lack of backstory and the NA vibe (as in honestly too naive and good an heroine for her story) are felt here.
There is no explanation on the reasons why she was abandoned by her grandfather (if her keeper was her grandfather), why her name and her family were struck out (given who her grandfather was), why everyone and his uncle hated her, where were all those people that all of a sudden now seemed surprised she’s has been so mistreated while enslaved.
It honestly left holes as big as Canada in the story (if not necessarily in the plot).
You might not notice everything while you are running around with her, but you soon will.
PS. I read book 3. A lot was explained :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2023
4.5/5.0
Loving this series so far! Absolutely adore Arrow and enjoy seeing her start to grow into her confidence and self-worth. Still a looong way to go but it is wonderful to take the journey with her. The kiss at the end was a much needed aspect. I will admit to being just a titch disappointed in who it was with (as I always like the strongest, most powerful) but it makes perfect sense. Happily off to continue in the next book!
Loving this series so far! Absolutely adore Arrow and enjoy seeing her start to grow into her confidence and self-worth. Still a looong way to go but it is wonderful to take the journey with her. The kiss at the end was a much needed aspect. I will admit to being just a titch disappointed in who it was with (as I always like the strongest, most powerful) but it makes perfect sense. Happily off to continue in the next book!
June 20, 2023
2.5 ish ...sluggish pacing and not enough tension
September 13, 2018
Another 4.5 stars for this series.
I am totally loving reading about Arrow and her character growth is written so perfectly and is very believable based on her background. I also really liked the fact that the supporting characters got a bit more development in this one. Also, in book 1, I wanted romance, or at least the hint of something for Arrow, and we finally get that in this one. It doesn't come until near the end of the book, but given everything else that is going on, it is totally understandable. Plus, Arrow is struggling navigating simple friendships, so anything more than that is likely to throw her for a loop anyway.
The author has expanded on her world building in this one as well and we get to learn a lot more about the Erith. The book moves at an even faster pace than book 1 and is a real page turner. On to book 3, and then the wait for the last two to be release (why do I do this to myself?)
I am totally loving reading about Arrow and her character growth is written so perfectly and is very believable based on her background. I also really liked the fact that the supporting characters got a bit more development in this one. Also, in book 1, I wanted romance, or at least the hint of something for Arrow, and we finally get that in this one. It doesn't come until near the end of the book, but given everything else that is going on, it is totally understandable. Plus, Arrow is struggling navigating simple friendships, so anything more than that is likely to throw her for a loop anyway.
The author has expanded on her world building in this one as well and we get to learn a lot more about the Erith. The book moves at an even faster pace than book 1 and is a real page turner. On to book 3, and then the wait for the last two to be release (why do I do this to myself?)
April 25, 2025
Whew that was a magical ride!! Please stop trying to kill Arrow. The Edith needs to go away, I’m glad Arrow is no longer beholden to them but she’s still yo loyal and feels she has to help them. The mystery from book one continues as Arrow and the Kin chase the rogue magician. There’s more surprises in store for Arrow, new characters introduced and the Kin are becoming the family she’s longed for. This was a pretty good book 2 in the series.
December 29, 2018
This is a great book to form episode 2 of the Taellaneth series. I'm not normally a fan of multi-book series but I loved this series and can't wait for the next ones. This book makes great use of the really rich world that Arrow inhabits and delves a bit deeper into some of the aspects that were glanced at in book 1. It also starts to build further on the way that magic works in this world - with its multiple layers of views and activities - which provides a very engaging extra dimension to Arrow's story, making her work as a magic-user easy to visualise and understand.
Arrow is a great character - very believable, likeable, hard-working and dynamic. As before, it's another unpredictable, fast-paced plot which keeps the reader fully engaged. I love the relationships that Arrow is now starting to build with the 'kin people and how that differs very much from her upbringing amongst the Erith. The 'kin seem very steely but also affectionate, and their growing respect for and trust in Arrow (and hers for them) provides a really interesting interplay when contrasted with the cold and formal politics of the Erith.
I like that each book is a self-contained story with no awkward cliffhangers or annoyingly unfinished loose ends, although the reader is very much aware that there's still plenty of room to explore interesting new perspectives from the different peoples in Arrow's life which could be followed up in the future.
Very much looking forward to the next book!
Arrow is a great character - very believable, likeable, hard-working and dynamic. As before, it's another unpredictable, fast-paced plot which keeps the reader fully engaged. I love the relationships that Arrow is now starting to build with the 'kin people and how that differs very much from her upbringing amongst the Erith. The 'kin seem very steely but also affectionate, and their growing respect for and trust in Arrow (and hers for them) provides a really interesting interplay when contrasted with the cold and formal politics of the Erith.
I like that each book is a self-contained story with no awkward cliffhangers or annoyingly unfinished loose ends, although the reader is very much aware that there's still plenty of room to explore interesting new perspectives from the different peoples in Arrow's life which could be followed up in the future.
Very much looking forward to the next book!
January 8, 2022
We do learn more about Arrow's background and get a better look into her thoughts and desires as a person, which I think is one of the best parts of this book. The attitude of the fae (I know it's not what they are but don't want to take the time to figure out how to spell it) changed drastically from what we've seen in the first book. That wasn't given much explanation but it was nice to see that I, as the reader, wasn't the only bewildered by the drastic change, Arrow was too. I would love to see what caused that to happen in the next book. One thing that I actually didn't enjoy was the random love interest. This character came out of nowhere, and while there were hints dropped about his feelings since when we met him, it felt very disingenuous to what we know so far of everyone's attitude towards Arrow. Otherwise the plot does tend to be pretty solid and quite enjoyable.
Overall
World building: 3 stars
Characters: 3 stars
Plot: 3.5 stars
Overall
World building: 3 stars
Characters: 3 stars
Plot: 3.5 stars
February 22, 2023
Not as impressive as the first one - a lot of the world-building novelty has worn off, and Arrow is mostly dissatisfied and clueless. I also dislike the attempts to roll back some of the severe bullying she has been subjected to, and the attack-kiss from a severely under-developed love interest. Still, I will most certainly read the next installment.
August 13, 2023
Another surprisingly good read. Since I basically tried this series because I couldn’t find something I liked I have been really enjoying these books. Good story, characters, action. Easy to read but not light. Definitely recommend
February 1, 2024
Beautifully written, compelling characters, and fine story telling!
January 11, 2026
Kept me up until 5am. May arrow’s ribs get a break in the next book.
July 11, 2025
An easy to read high fantasy style story with a bit of paranormal. Each book continues immediately after the one before ends.
November 7, 2023
3.5 stars! Story is filled with lots of action and magic!
July 11, 2022
3.7
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The problems I had with the first book were either non-existent or were lessened enough to not bother me. I found the biggest issue for this book was that there was a bit of pronoun games happening at times, where I don't quite know who was speaking, and when and about whom. I also felt Arrow experienced a bit too big of mood swings. I don't know that they were outright the wrong choice for the character, after all she has had a life of abuse and neglect. However, the mood swings just appeared at one point in the book, never having been a real issue previous within this book or the book prior. So, I suppose their abruptness is what I have a problem with.
The story itself was fairly intriguing. The character dynamics are interesting and have a bit of mystique to them. Many novels hit you over the head with the character dynamic explanations, but the uncertainty of some of the dynamics in this book felt more organic, more real life. Most other books act like the main character is a perfect and certain judge of character for everyone he/she interacts with. Arrow is very cynical and dubious of everyone around her, so it is reflected in her skeptical gut reactions.
I started reading this book only mildly curious about what Arrow was going to do post-banishment. I really only read this book because it was already in my library. Now I am trying interested to read more. I think there needs to be a bit more clarity with what the rules of magic are in this world and just the political dynamics within factions is still quite hazy. I don't know that either of these things will be cleared up, but I am still interested in learning where Arrow goes now that obvious big bad is gone. I assume a bigger bad will appear, but that's what I'll have to find out..
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The problems I had with the first book were either non-existent or were lessened enough to not bother me. I found the biggest issue for this book was that there was a bit of pronoun games happening at times, where I don't quite know who was speaking, and when and about whom. I also felt Arrow experienced a bit too big of mood swings. I don't know that they were outright the wrong choice for the character, after all she has had a life of abuse and neglect. However, the mood swings just appeared at one point in the book, never having been a real issue previous within this book or the book prior. So, I suppose their abruptness is what I have a problem with.
The story itself was fairly intriguing. The character dynamics are interesting and have a bit of mystique to them. Many novels hit you over the head with the character dynamic explanations, but the uncertainty of some of the dynamics in this book felt more organic, more real life. Most other books act like the main character is a perfect and certain judge of character for everyone he/she interacts with. Arrow is very cynical and dubious of everyone around her, so it is reflected in her skeptical gut reactions.
I started reading this book only mildly curious about what Arrow was going to do post-banishment. I really only read this book because it was already in my library. Now I am trying interested to read more. I think there needs to be a bit more clarity with what the rules of magic are in this world and just the political dynamics within factions is still quite hazy. I don't know that either of these things will be cleared up, but I am still interested in learning where Arrow goes now that obvious big bad is gone. I assume a bigger bad will appear, but that's what I'll have to find out..
August 17, 2021
A continuation of the story started in book 1. Arrow is growing and changing.
June 6, 2024
I was quite disappointed with this second book.
Overall I still enjoyed reading it but it wasn't nearly as enjoyable as I found the first one to be.
My biggest issue was how a lot in this book seems to stand in stark conflict with the picture that was painted about the MC and her life among the Taellaneth in the first one.
I think it's partially an issue with the author not being able to find a good way for her character to do anything for the Erith. So the author had to introduce reasons for her MC to care.
How this manifests is that we are suddenly introduced to all these decent people that somehow had no clue that the MC had been abused constantly for 15 years. That in itself is already very hard to believe.
You see, the author has written herself into this corner where she had only bad options to escape from again. I assumed in the first book that the MC would just go live somewhere else but the series is called The Taellaneth so I should have known better.
This leads me to my second problem. We are given a lot of new information about her, her past, the world in general and lots of bits and pieces, secrets, magic, about everything going on really.
I was really curious about all that stuff after the first book because it was really quite stingy with that kind of information. But now the problem is that it all doesn't quite fit together very well.
It doesn't form a coherent picture and the longer I think about it the worse it gets.
So much of it just seems to be plain plot convenience that isn't even meant to be any sort of world-building, like the book the MC finds. The book is just a cheap-ass excuse that annoyed me a lot.
The more questions I want to write down the more questions I keep thinking of, and the more I question it all the further it all falls apart.
Many of the character motivations made not logical sense.
All these Taellaneth people with their centuries of experience act more like immature teenagers with no clue about anything apart from how to be a proper schoolyard bully.
The first book worked so much better for me because I didn't have all these insights into how shallow the world really is.
The bad guy is hilariously over the top evil to the point of caricature, constantly evil-laughing like he went too much to melodramatic super-villain school or something.
And there are so many throw-away pieces of story in here that are very clearly only there to steer the characters and the plot to where it was supposed to go even if that doesn't really make much sense.
One last nitpick I have is the extreme overuse of this visceral stream of conciousness word sequence salad.
This is a good tool I enjoy in moderation, but the author uses it way too often and more importantly for way too long at a time. Instead of feeling immersed and present it just got tedious to read and to follow. Yea, I get it, she is in pain and fighting for her life. You don't need to keep repeating disconnected words like red, black, and pain constantly. And neither does it make much sense to describe an entire fight just using a sequence of disconnected adjectives.
This all sounds like the book is just terrible. And maybe it is, but I enjoyed reading it for the most part. I am just much worse at expressing positive aspects of books so all you usually find in my reviews are the negative aspects.
There are lots of other reviews that do a much better job expressing the positive aspects.
I will still read the third book, but now this is only a 3-star experience for me rather than the 4-stars I was hoping for based on the first book.
Overall I still enjoyed reading it but it wasn't nearly as enjoyable as I found the first one to be.
My biggest issue was how a lot in this book seems to stand in stark conflict with the picture that was painted about the MC and her life among the Taellaneth in the first one.
I think it's partially an issue with the author not being able to find a good way for her character to do anything for the Erith. So the author had to introduce reasons for her MC to care.
How this manifests is that we are suddenly introduced to all these decent people that somehow had no clue that the MC had been abused constantly for 15 years. That in itself is already very hard to believe.
You see, the author has written herself into this corner where she had only bad options to escape from again. I assumed in the first book that the MC would just go live somewhere else but the series is called The Taellaneth so I should have known better.
This leads me to my second problem. We are given a lot of new information about her, her past, the world in general and lots of bits and pieces, secrets, magic, about everything going on really.
I was really curious about all that stuff after the first book because it was really quite stingy with that kind of information. But now the problem is that it all doesn't quite fit together very well.
It doesn't form a coherent picture and the longer I think about it the worse it gets.
So much of it just seems to be plain plot convenience that isn't even meant to be any sort of world-building, like the book the MC finds. The book is just a cheap-ass excuse that annoyed me a lot.
The more questions I want to write down the more questions I keep thinking of, and the more I question it all the further it all falls apart.
Many of the character motivations made not logical sense.
All these Taellaneth people with their centuries of experience act more like immature teenagers with no clue about anything apart from how to be a proper schoolyard bully.
The first book worked so much better for me because I didn't have all these insights into how shallow the world really is.
The bad guy is hilariously over the top evil to the point of caricature, constantly evil-laughing like he went too much to melodramatic super-villain school or something.
And there are so many throw-away pieces of story in here that are very clearly only there to steer the characters and the plot to where it was supposed to go even if that doesn't really make much sense.
One last nitpick I have is the extreme overuse of this visceral stream of conciousness word sequence salad.
This is a good tool I enjoy in moderation, but the author uses it way too often and more importantly for way too long at a time. Instead of feeling immersed and present it just got tedious to read and to follow. Yea, I get it, she is in pain and fighting for her life. You don't need to keep repeating disconnected words like red, black, and pain constantly. And neither does it make much sense to describe an entire fight just using a sequence of disconnected adjectives.
This all sounds like the book is just terrible. And maybe it is, but I enjoyed reading it for the most part. I am just much worse at expressing positive aspects of books so all you usually find in my reviews are the negative aspects.
There are lots of other reviews that do a much better job expressing the positive aspects.
I will still read the third book, but now this is only a 3-star experience for me rather than the 4-stars I was hoping for based on the first book.
August 19, 2024
Taellaneth2
Arrow cannot catch a break. She no sooner stops a catastrophic outbreak of unclean magic, before she is dragged back to give an account - which she knows won’t be believed. And they expect her to just put herself back in harness to those who so ill used her?
Uhh … no. Just no. Cue shocked face.
So they kick her out. With just what’s on her person. There’s the door. Use it.
But it won’t be that easy for the Erith. They can try to “ostrich” all they want, as that is the Erith way, but things are not over, nor settled.
And there are others who are not as ignorant and dismissive of her abilities. There may not be the same level of command over her, but there is still work to be done. And secrets that must be revealed.
And, for the first time, there is help: access to resources, personnel and information. There is also a place to call her own, in good condition. From being always on her own to have so many people around, is disquieting to Arrow. So few wanted to be around her, that being responsible for a cadre of White Guard, a Taellan lord, and an apprentice is a lot of adjustment. Not to mention, constantly retreating her ribs.
But, undertrained though she may be, Arrow is unwilling to leave the fate of the shifkin and humans to the indifference of the Erith. She presses on.
Arrow cannot catch a break. She no sooner stops a catastrophic outbreak of unclean magic, before she is dragged back to give an account - which she knows won’t be believed. And they expect her to just put herself back in harness to those who so ill used her?
Uhh … no. Just no. Cue shocked face.
So they kick her out. With just what’s on her person. There’s the door. Use it.
But it won’t be that easy for the Erith. They can try to “ostrich” all they want, as that is the Erith way, but things are not over, nor settled.
And there are others who are not as ignorant and dismissive of her abilities. There may not be the same level of command over her, but there is still work to be done. And secrets that must be revealed.
And, for the first time, there is help: access to resources, personnel and information. There is also a place to call her own, in good condition. From being always on her own to have so many people around, is disquieting to Arrow. So few wanted to be around her, that being responsible for a cadre of White Guard, a Taellan lord, and an apprentice is a lot of adjustment. Not to mention, constantly retreating her ribs.
But, undertrained though she may be, Arrow is unwilling to leave the fate of the shifkin and humans to the indifference of the Erith. She presses on.
February 17, 2023
Gotta say I was a bit disappointed with this one.
It started to feel all very same same.
stumble into fight, barely make it out, broken, bruised, battered and of course, "Ribs again".
while it was interesting watching her growth, progression, adjusting to a new way of life or trying to at least, her general attitude and mood (even though totally understandable) was very grating and catching in such way that it made for less enjoyable reading.
And don't even get me started on the continued cryptic stuff, half answers, non-answers. unexpected, unexplained changes in attitude. Missing background, etc....
so yeah, bored with the repetitiveness, irritable mood and then the sudden romantic interest. ugh. sorry, even though I'd seen it coming still was not happy about this development, not at all.
I would've much preferred a kin as romantic interest, maybe Zachary (which is really saying something as I'm normally really not into May-November tropes) or even no romantic interest at all would've been better than this one.
Plus, having read the Ageless Mysteries not too long ago it all feels rather familiar
So yeah, I don't think I'll be continuing this series. At least not for now
It started to feel all very same same.
stumble into fight, barely make it out, broken, bruised, battered and of course, "Ribs again".
while it was interesting watching her growth, progression, adjusting to a new way of life or trying to at least, her general attitude and mood (even though totally understandable) was very grating and catching in such way that it made for less enjoyable reading.
And don't even get me started on the continued cryptic stuff, half answers, non-answers. unexpected, unexplained changes in attitude. Missing background, etc....
so yeah, bored with the repetitiveness, irritable mood and then the sudden romantic interest. ugh. sorry, even though I'd seen it coming still was not happy about this development, not at all.
I would've much preferred a kin as romantic interest, maybe Zachary (which is really saying something as I'm normally really not into May-November tropes) or even no romantic interest at all would've been better than this one.
Plus, having read the Ageless Mysteries not too long ago it all feels rather familiar
So yeah, I don't think I'll be continuing this series. At least not for now
June 27, 2023
Good
Note: this continues on from where book one left off. It’s not a standalone, and the first book needs to be read before this.
Arrow has fought, and survived a battle with the demonic shadow beings, but it’s not long before she realizes that it’s not over.
The Erith, however, are demanding, and while Arrow finds herself free from their demands, it’s at a cost.
Her abilities are unusual though, and it’s not long before danger comes calling again.
Arrow learns a lot in this book, not all of it a positive experience, and we learn a lot about her too. A crisis of confidence causes her to re-evaluate a lot, and in this we can see just how much the abuse she has experienced, has affected her. Fortunately she is also strong willed, and that helps.
We also meet some interesting new characters in this one, and see a hint (though only a hint) of a potential romance for our heroine (not that she can see it for herself).
It’s an action packed tale, with plenty of adventures and magical shenanigans for the fantasy fan. There’s even a hint of mystery for those who enjoy a magical mystery tale.
Note: this continues on from where book one left off. It’s not a standalone, and the first book needs to be read before this.
Arrow has fought, and survived a battle with the demonic shadow beings, but it’s not long before she realizes that it’s not over.
The Erith, however, are demanding, and while Arrow finds herself free from their demands, it’s at a cost.
Her abilities are unusual though, and it’s not long before danger comes calling again.
Arrow learns a lot in this book, not all of it a positive experience, and we learn a lot about her too. A crisis of confidence causes her to re-evaluate a lot, and in this we can see just how much the abuse she has experienced, has affected her. Fortunately she is also strong willed, and that helps.
We also meet some interesting new characters in this one, and see a hint (though only a hint) of a potential romance for our heroine (not that she can see it for herself).
It’s an action packed tale, with plenty of adventures and magical shenanigans for the fantasy fan. There’s even a hint of mystery for those who enjoy a magical mystery tale.
April 1, 2023
I’m torn, the beginning was very word heavy. Not a lot happening but necessary cause I realize Arrow needed time to find out a lot of things.
Thinking now I realize it’s my own impatience that made the first half seem wordy lol cause things started to pick up at a decent pace (50%) so yeah definitely me
I like that the book ends w Arrow coming into her own, settling into her freedom. I do wish she would actually find training esp her combat skills lol but alas it adds a certain charm to her
The bit w Kesser really pissed me off, the whole book one the author seemed like she was setting something up w Zachary the book two my guy is absent & the interactions are more like friends or some sort of uncle. Ugh
Kesser’s reaction to her abuse at the hands of the T-whatever ppl is annoying like sir did you not know or see? Then you’re saying some nonsense about I despise bullies. Sir you’re a bully yourself f outta here pls
If she ended up w Orlis that’s better than Kesser
Anyway I’m reading book 3 even though I know not knowing her eventual love interest will bug me to no end do
Thinking now I realize it’s my own impatience that made the first half seem wordy lol cause things started to pick up at a decent pace (50%) so yeah definitely me
I like that the book ends w Arrow coming into her own, settling into her freedom. I do wish she would actually find training esp her combat skills lol but alas it adds a certain charm to her
The bit w Kesser really pissed me off, the whole book one the author seemed like she was setting something up w Zachary the book two my guy is absent & the interactions are more like friends or some sort of uncle. Ugh
Kesser’s reaction to her abuse at the hands of the T-whatever ppl is annoying like sir did you not know or see? Then you’re saying some nonsense about I despise bullies. Sir you’re a bully yourself f outta here pls
If she ended up w Orlis that’s better than Kesser
Anyway I’m reading book 3 even though I know not knowing her eventual love interest will bug me to no end do
March 23, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. Loved the characters so much, and the emotional beats were perfect. Arrow is wonderful to follow. Her struggles with going from outcast to surrounded by people that want to support her feel so authentic and the angst levels were just right for me. Loved the surrounded cast as well.
My problems were with the plot. The story moved forward in jolts, and honestly wasn't developed well. Most of the forward movements came from literal info dumps (characters having info shoved into their heads) or monologues. The final fight honestly came out of nowhere and shouldn't have been in this book. It was very rushed and didn't have a satisfying ending. There were some revelations a few chapter earlier that would have been a much better place to leave things, and then the info from that could have been developed at a better pace for book 3.
But for as much as the plot just wasn't great, the characters and emotional beats were good enough to have me overlooking the issues. Will absolutely read book 3.
But
My problems were with the plot. The story moved forward in jolts, and honestly wasn't developed well. Most of the forward movements came from literal info dumps (characters having info shoved into their heads) or monologues. The final fight honestly came out of nowhere and shouldn't have been in this book. It was very rushed and didn't have a satisfying ending. There were some revelations a few chapter earlier that would have been a much better place to leave things, and then the info from that could have been developed at a better pace for book 3.
But for as much as the plot just wasn't great, the characters and emotional beats were good enough to have me overlooking the issues. Will absolutely read book 3.
But
July 3, 2022
Coming off the back of having loved Vanessa Nelson's Hundred series so much I was nervous about starting a new series. Would it be as good? Oh yes! Every bit as wonderful, heart warming, characters you want to know and live through every second with. This is the best sort of immersion reading where you really do forget the whole world around you and Arrow and her friends, allies and enemies became my everything for a few days. I am reviewing all 5 books together as once again I powered through all 5 in 5 days and literally let real life go into the background. My idea of a perfect book really. Arrow was broken, betrayed and patronised at every time by her peers yet she still sees the good in people, works for the greater good and eventually there are those that notice and she builds up a trusted circle and in which to literally save the world over and ever. Loved every second of it and wish I experience them for the first time all over again.
August 16, 2023
Not as good as Book 1
I had high expectations after the first book but for some reason, IMO, though the flow was just as good, this installment fell flat. I grew irritated with her multiple references to her mistreatment all these years that never really got explained. Yes, mixed breed, but what happened to be so reviled or who decided that she would be reviled if her grandfather was so respected? How could she be qualified as a war mage if she never passed combat training or other skills that she blames on her poor treatment? Ya, sorry but this book had 75% of pity me and my poor history and maybe 20% of story progression with 5% of character digression. The MC was pathetic and not in a way that had me cheering for her. I'll try the last in series, but if it starts in on multi chapters of "my poor mistreatment even though my grandfather was a hero.." I'll probably opt out.
I had high expectations after the first book but for some reason, IMO, though the flow was just as good, this installment fell flat. I grew irritated with her multiple references to her mistreatment all these years that never really got explained. Yes, mixed breed, but what happened to be so reviled or who decided that she would be reviled if her grandfather was so respected? How could she be qualified as a war mage if she never passed combat training or other skills that she blames on her poor treatment? Ya, sorry but this book had 75% of pity me and my poor history and maybe 20% of story progression with 5% of character digression. The MC was pathetic and not in a way that had me cheering for her. I'll try the last in series, but if it starts in on multi chapters of "my poor mistreatment even though my grandfather was a hero.." I'll probably opt out.
November 20, 2025
Perhaps not quite as engaging as Concealed due to less novelty in the setting, Revealed was still an enjoyable read. I hope the author expands the world and setting in the next book, and explores more of Arrow's interactions with new people.
We got a hint at romance near the end of this book, and I'm honestly not sure how I feel about it. It felt randomly tossed in, with no substantial foreshadowing or chemistry to make it believable or compelling. Perhaps the next book will remedy that.
I'm unsure if I'll read all five books in the series, but I'll absolutely read the next one to see where Arrow decides to go with her newfound freedom. Hopefully far away from these hateful Erith.
We got a hint at romance near the end of this book, and I'm honestly not sure how I feel about it. It felt randomly tossed in, with no substantial foreshadowing or chemistry to make it believable or compelling. Perhaps the next book will remedy that.
I'm unsure if I'll read all five books in the series, but I'll absolutely read the next one to see where Arrow decides to go with her newfound freedom. Hopefully far away from these hateful Erith.
May 31, 2023
(4.5 stars) - expanding Arrow's world ...
... in multiple directions
In book 2, Arrow begins to learn more about her world & the many lies she's been told all her Taellaneth years. We get more drips & drops about her past & her abilities. And the master villain mage makes the villains from book 1 look like child's play
Oh and Arrow breaks her ribs. A lot. Thank goodness for fae healing
Also we finally get a romantic spark, lol. On to book 3 ...
*** CONTENT ***
Still clean so far. There's a low key mention of a same sex attraction ("you will be assimilated"). Violence & deaths are a little more than in the first but not gratuitous
... in multiple directions
In book 2, Arrow begins to learn more about her world & the many lies she's been told all her Taellaneth years. We get more drips & drops about her past & her abilities. And the master villain mage makes the villains from book 1 look like child's play
Oh and Arrow breaks her ribs. A lot. Thank goodness for fae healing
Also we finally get a romantic spark, lol. On to book 3 ...
*** CONTENT ***
Still clean so far. There's a low key mention of a same sex attraction ("you will be assimilated"). Violence & deaths are a little more than in the first but not gratuitous
July 24, 2023
4.3/5 stars - Good Sequel
This second book was really good but didn't feel quite as focused as the first. It continues the storyline of the dark magician from the first book, and most of the story has our FMC either following him or running from him / his cronies. They're on the move a lot. It means there's lots of great action but not as much character development. We do have a couple new side characters who are interesting and some (small) developments on the romance front. While this wasn't as much of a slam dunk as the first book, it was still really satisfying, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
This second book was really good but didn't feel quite as focused as the first. It continues the storyline of the dark magician from the first book, and most of the story has our FMC either following him or running from him / his cronies. They're on the move a lot. It means there's lots of great action but not as much character development. We do have a couple new side characters who are interesting and some (small) developments on the romance front. While this wasn't as much of a slam dunk as the first book, it was still really satisfying, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
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