Bridge Beyond Her World

Song of the Worlds #2

by Brandon Barr

Book Two in the new sci-fi fantasy saga readers are comparing to Dune and Game of Thrones.

Can Winter’s visions save her and her brother? Winter and Aven are thrust into the Guardian order. Winter clings fiercely to her god-given destiny as she discovers the mysteries of the Guardians, and the portal that exists on her world. But her visionary gift is no longer a secret, and she soon finds herself face to face with assassins, Shadowmen, and a new terrifying vision of the future.

Meluscia’s hunger for intimacy burns ever brighter. Her eye remains on Mica, and her desire for him pushes her beyond boundaries she never dreamed she would cross. Despite the rejection from her Father and her failed attempts to attain the throne and bring peace to her kingdom, has she actually lost her power? Or does hope remain?

Savarah’s mission to destroy her master’s work continues, but her killing spree must come face to face with Osiiun, the only man in the realm capable of striking fear in her well-armored heart.

Entertaining, shocking, and spiritual, THE BRIDGE BEYOND HER WORLD is Book Two in the epic saga. Continue the series today!

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fiction

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2016

About the author

Brandon Barr is a USA Today bestselling author and is the creator of the Song of the Worlds Series. You can grab a FREE copy of the series prequel, Ella Dethroned, here: http://www.subscribepage.com/brandonbarr

Hailing from California. Brandon Barr writes in the genres of science fiction and fantasy and often combines the two, preferring stories where the science is soft, the fantastic is vivid, and the flesh and soul characters are front and center.

Reviews

[Fee Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridge Beyond Her World by Brandon Barr is the second book in the Song of the Worlds series. As we follow Meluscia, a dying king's daughter, and Winter, a farm girl, we learn more of their actions and feelings, and their determination.

Bridge Beyond Her World picks up where Rise of the Seer leaves off. We are introduced, once again, to Meluscia and Winter as they continue their separate journeys with doubts, and yet they both have a quiet determination to have what they want and desire. We are introduced to more of the sci-fi element in this story, which Brandon weaves together beautifully with the fantasy aspect. Once again, Brandon shows his story telling to be intriguing and exciting with beautiful prose that elicit deep emotions, which makes the reader care deeply for these characters.

[William Bitner Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading “The Bridge Beyond Her World (Song of the Worlds Book Two) by Brandon Barr. This is turning into a much bigger and more complex world then I could have ever expected. The story just gets more and more interesting and is the definition of Epic Fantasy in my opinion. The Science Fiction played a much larger part in this installment of what is turning out to be one heck of a journey. If you like a story with the feel of “Game of Thrones and Dune” all mixed into one fantastic storyline, you will love this read. Looking forward to Book Three.
Synopsis: “Can Winter’s visions save her and her brother? Winter and Aven are thrust into the Guardian order. Winter clings fiercely to her god-given destiny as she discovers the mysteries of the Guardians, and the portal that exists on her world. But her visionary gift is no longer a secret, and she soon finds herself face to face with assassins, Shadowmen, and a new terrifying vision of the future.
Meluscia’s hunger for intimacy burns ever brighter. Her eye remains on Mica, and her desire for him pushes her beyond boundaries she never dreamed she would cross. Despite the rejection from her Father and her failed attempts to attain the throne and bring peace to her kingdom, has she actually lost her power? Or does hope remain?
Savarah’s mission to destroy her master’s work continues, but her killing spree must come face to face with Osiiun, the only man in the realm capable of striking fear in her well-armored heart.”

[Kevin Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.
This makes three in a row that have utterly wowed me!

As with the previous book, Robin Miles narrates beautifully, with an excellent assortment of voices. My one quip is that sometimes her inflections do not match the descriptions of the voices.

This one brings in a much stronger Sci-fi element and begins to tie things together while simultaneously bringing in quite a few new threads.

I have a strong sense of where this seems to be heading and I can't wait for the rest of the series to take us there.

I love the dynamic between Winter and her brother, and the new elements with Pyke are absolutely brilliant!

While she is extremely well-written, I'm really starting to dislike Melluscia. Her questionable ethics in the first book didn't bother me too much, but in this one she takes a downward turn that while 100% in keeping with her character, makes her really unlikable for me.

The cast of side and supporting characters grows considerably here, and (blessedly) does so without the pages and pages of Backstory that worms its way into so many epic fantasies.

As I've come to expect from Brandon Barr, the prose is almost flawless, leaving my attention free to focus on this wonderful story that is building into a true epic.

I definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a brilliant epic fantasy, particularly if you like a little science fiction mixed in with your fantasy.

[Paul Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first book, Rise of the Seer and gave it 5 stars. I pre-ordered Book 2 and started it soon after it was delivered to my kindle. I did enjoy the sci-fi turn to the story though I preferred the heavier fantasy feel of Book 1. My biggest issue was trying to keep track and understand the various factions/groups in the story. There are Missionaries, Guardians, Consecrators, Royals, Sanctuss's, etc and I found it hard at times to follow the multiple threads and keep up with the different characters motivations. The other thing that I found hard to process was Savarah's decision to stop serving her Master, Isolaug, and work to betray him instead because she suddenly decides that the love her sister Meluscia has for her people is so great that she feels she must turn against Isolaug. It was just hard for me to buy the sudden change of heart. I plan on reading the next book as I want to see how everything comes together and like the other reviews here, Barr's prose flows very smoothly and is a pleasure to read. I guess I just wish I wasn't so easily confused!

[Roland Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holding off a full review until I've read Book 3 as the plot threads are still unravelling. For now, I can say that I am enjoying the series as the world-building is complex and the characters have multiple facets (and agendas) to their personalities.

However, I was hoping for some resolutions in Book 2 after the cliffhangers in Book 1, but although resolved initially, the twists and turns continued. Clever but irritating.

Book 3 waits for when I want more SF-fantasy.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I am so incredibly conflicted by this book. The first book needed some more world building, and this book somehow required even more. All of the conversations around faith and the will of the gods was replaced with technology until the climax, which was a little irritating. The climax was rather delicious in parts, and infuriating in others. And then to pour salt on the wound, the book just ended, leaving me a lot of questions. I think I will have to read the next in the series.

[Chelsies Reading Escape]

How many books are we getting in this series.

[Joe Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid middle entry

This book continues the series well, expanding cast, plot, and stakes. Looking forward to the third... So much so that it's downloading as I write this.

[Damian Southam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The arrival of Karience, Empyrean of the Guardian order of Loam, could've come sooner; but at least it was in time to see the continued health of the twins. Unfortunately for the farmers the arrival was in good time for the Baron Rhaudius as well. They can only hope that in their professed role as peacekeepers the Guardians will see a change to the consequences facing the farmer's now that the baron will continue his rein. Like in most benevolent caretaker roles seen throughout literature, the charter mandating involvement in internal world affairs prevents them from doing so until their authority is fully recognised. Loam is a signatory to the process but is yet to complete it's indoctrination.

Whilst these years progress the involvement of the guardians is symbiotic. Only at the end of several decades of involvement can the peacekeepers enforce their minimum standards. Karience is lucky enough to have a card up her sleeve for in its absence that horrid day eould have turned to annihilation. In the meantime persuasion and political wrangling are the currency by which they can intervene. If not for Winter's oracle capabilities, which made her recommendations for guardian recruitment a foregone conclusion, Karience would have had no bargaining power at all. Baron Rhaudius' status as a family relation to the royalty of Loam dictates certain requirements if that family is to recognise his domain's authority. These higher tier desires dictated his necessary inclusion of Winter in her enrolment and his own desires to have his bastard included with the twins gave Karience the ground she needed; not the order itself.

As the twin's indoctrination into the order progresses, it is clear political machinations which dictated their quality of life on Loam, continue to work in the similar ways. Now they're within the organisation itself in lieu of the realm where they were born, but as much if not more wrangling is still going on. Aven would see this as jumping from the frying pan into the pot, or perhaps the flame itself; depending that is, on how long they can avoid the increase in traps now around them. Although once her oracle status was discovered it might be more fair to say they were there all along. Just that now they're in closer proximity.

The freedom she innocently perceives in the exclusion from the baron's land, is seen as a farce by Aven. Only his dedication to remain at the side of the last person alive that he loves keeps him at Winter's side. Cracks are beginning to spread in his resolution, the same cracks formed by the inability to save the ones they loved. Once Winter meets with a Sznctuss of the Consecrators sect within the order, and is exposed to the group Humanity Kind and gheir more zealotry subdivision those same cracks will attack her faith too. It may also well be true that even though Winter can see the cruelties of the creations she is one of the few that truly understands the necessity of it. Given her long exposure to those same mechanisms it is not an understanding born of naivety, and perhaps it's formation under said circumstances in one such as Winter, a beautiful soul without content for others, it will also allow others to realise a necessity without the need for blame

As seen by the end of Her Dangerous Visions, Winter's peace with her destiny formed by Leaf at age nine, is a gulf widening between the twins that could very well prove to push them apart. Whilst Winter is protected emotionally to an extent by her faith in the Makers, Aven experiences disillusionment. The powerlessness and guilt that has worked its way into Aven's psyche may be the downfall of what he could become; although to be fair this could be construed as harsh, given he was happy with his lot (at least before it was lost). Whilst inherently detrimental to their relationship it does show hints of being a double edged sword. Aven may be the one better equipped to see through the fog that's spreading before them. Although that's not to suggest Winter is incapable of reaching the same conclusions. Whilst she might be perceived outwardly as naive and impressionable this in no way restricts her from perceiving her environment correctly.

With this new book comes the furthering of sentiments only hinted at before in the way the beasts, or aeraphim, perceive their roles. Greater context and history is now beginning to be revealed and sheds light on what they do. The apparent acts of aggression hitherto seen as simply evil are showing a new face for why they are so. As creations of the Makers at the dawn of time, their spiritual nature which results in immortality has seen to the development of changes in their roles. Analogies could be drawn between what we know of demons in other types of fantasy. Just as supernatural beings in any fantasy see their existence shaped by different forces to those of mortality and its moralities, these long lived beings have a different conception of what is the order and meaning of life.

So too in the ways demons can possess and persuade, herein there are the mutated beasts which are possessed; and the Shadowmen who are persuaded. As the spirits leave the possessed beasts when the vessel dies and is free to take up a new vessel, demons are often conceptualized to return to the underworld until something new falls to their possession: hence both are immortal. Similarly much of their meanderings are inherently related to power. Whilst humanity deals with its conceptions of what the Makers designed for them so too the beasts. Humanity might too simplistically see these actions as against themselves, when so too are the beasts acting against their Makers. By association the only truths humanity sees are those in relation to their own. This does not inherently mean the conclusions they draw are right.

In another location, Meluscia also waivers on the precipice of demise of a different nature. Her strangled purity and the longings she barely fought continue to show the potential to take her places she'll surely suffer, if not be able to return from. Abstinence on faith alone has all the hallmarks of turning something good to bad. Not to insinuate this as a foregone conclusion. In introducing an illicit nature to physical gratification that is often what it becomes. Just as any illicit behaviour has the potential to bring something wrong to what might otherwise be right, Meluscia's need for physical closeness is set to make her become what she despises unless she finds a good outlet.

Whilst on the topic of inhabitants of the hold, young Savarrah has fully tipped her hand. Her new found desires are set to turn the weaponised against its creator. Just as the memories of those who are weaponised are filled with the endless hurts necessary to make them, if that process is insufficiently balanced with valuable experiences, then the conditioned tool can turn on its maker. Her strengths were what made her so good at her job, she just needed to face up to the correct place for where reperation should've been sought. Whilst its undoubtedly a case of too little too late for some of her victims and past transgressions, she does hold a certain power to achieve what otherwise may have not been possible. One things for sure, her dedication is second to none and as things stand currently, she's the most likely to succeed.

The portals, a.k.a. the Gods Eyes, and the collective names given to the worlds either industrialised by technology, upworlds, and those which are not, primworlds, bring to mind certain notions of the stargate. Of course there's no dialing shevrons keys based on constellations but the travel is much the same. That the portals herein are part of nature, blended in ways that you would be forgiven for missing, offers an intuitive consideration of the possibilities. There's no supreme technology owing to any most advanced civilisations. The portals simply are. But as one might expect, their uses for advancement certainly make them hot commodities. Ownership, if such a thing is even possible, has lead to thousands of instances of conflict. Its no surprise that on each world they're located, the seat of power rests nearby for control. In ratified worlds of the guardian civilisations, free use of portals is the paragon incentive; citizens are alleged to be able to travel between worlds freely. The ideal is often lost in translation as you'd expect, but it is a powerful olive branch nonetheless.

The technical skills of Brandon have become a mainstay in the further stories now adding to the whole of The Song of the World series. The change in name is very apt for the former was insufficient given what is now known. Admittedly it wouldn't have been something you'd normally be inclined to judge, but as it has happened its possible to see why. The Boy and The Beast is both less obvious to delineate and less applicable to the overall themes. Getting back to my point, additional skills aforementioned can be seen in the nuances of the rapidly increasing new cultures. Despite the presence in the guardian order of a technological implant of standardisation, the cultural differences are thankfully present. With the VOKK devices (as they're called herein) that are attached to the minds of members of the order it is conceivable that it might have been possible to take the easier road of lapsing into just one kind of identifiable cultural interaction. The differences in thinking by the different characters based on their heritage provides comic relief periodically and curiosities as well. Some well timed highlights break the tension otherwise inherent in the plot. As they stir things up for the characters a similar effect is fealt by the reader.

The pyramidal structure of hierarchy within the order gives an impression of ancient Rome. Whilst the titles are different the organisational aspects have similarities. The various levels of authority are factors of the level preceding them. For every new tier the numbers present reduces until the uppermost tier is reached, where the greatest authority is held by the minimal number of representatives. This might dilute the absolute effects of power corrupting, but it in no way eliminates it altogether. On the whole it seems power corrupts regardless of intentions. If any one chain were to gain enough like minded representatives, its possible to conduce that if those views were corrupted, a sickness could still reach the zenith. The design is of course meant to provide safeguards against it, one would hope that at any one tier there'd be enough people to identify it. Its not long though before the system shows its weakness, and those surrounding the twins are not all what they seem. In some ways I'm reminded of the clone army and storm troopers: thousands upon thousands of assumed allies can be refashioned as a blight on what amounts to egalitarianism if the wrong people have their hands on the pulse.

Therein Brandon has once again shown mastery over human understanding, as examples alight in how just one bad apple alone can corrupt those around them. The ingenious manipulations show just how possible an intelligent and experienced thinker can act in ways that facilitate others conforming to the formers corruption, the whole while believing they're doing the right thing. Personally I love to come across well explored nuances of behaviour and have always loved fantasy/scifi-fantasy for their ability to provide omniscient platforms by which to view behaviour. At the risk of spoilers done by insinuation, this is perhaps why advocates wanted Winter within the ranks. Although she does not have implicit control over her visions, its possible that she could have any number or combination of visions that go a long way to identifying the seeds.

This of course both makes her an assett and a huge potential threat. We can only hope her lovable nature will mean she accrues a significant number of advocates that'll protect her when they're needed, in case Aven isn't there to protect her. Its certainly no conclusion that her brother will inevitably be at her side. Karience is definitely shaping up to be one of the more powerful protectors so far. Despite some of the mentioned ways the Makers have been known to protect their progenies, Leaf has as yet shown no new direct intervention other than when he pulled her from the river when she was nine. For Karience the awareness of bad seeds in the guardian order and the absolute proof of Winter's abilities and therefore importance is revealed in stunning style. Barely escaping with their lives Karience comes to realise that she does experience the makings of a mother's instincts to protect. This new awareness, although not negative like the formers, still acts to shock her nonetheless. Karience struggles to work out if this is something growing in her that's been placed by the Makers, or something inherently associated with Winter alone.

The philosophical debates inherent in the storylines continue to be an enormous strength of the storytelling by Brandon. Texts that get readers thinking about life around them and their own beliefs are inevitably those which leave the greatest impressions on all exposed to their telling. Culturally the equal most important functions of storytelling is the entertainment of the masses combined with the manner by which life lessons are transmitted. Entertainment and enjoyment are prima facia, as without them the desired mechanisms could not be used to transmit learning. Learning is often proportional to the amount of enjoyment taken from the stories in a correlational way. As one increases so to does the otherm and vice versa. If reviewers were to judge novels solely on this basis alone The Bridge Beyond her World would undoubtedly be a home run. With all the other intriguing aspects mentioned above and in my previous reviews of Ella Dethroned and Her Dangerous Visions, the home run herein is with bases fully loaded. Do yourselves a favour and pick up the Song of the World series; you won't just be entertained and captivated, you might just learn to examine the burning questions about life in an enjoyable way too.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Dangerous Visions, the first book in Brandon Barr’s Song of the Worlds series, was do wonderful that I’ve been eagerly awaiting book 2. Not surpassingly I them gobble up The Bridge Beyond Her World as soon as I had it on my iPhone. It cost me a night of sleep (and a zombified painful day at work afterwards) but it was so delicious that I have to say it was worth the price. Wonderfully complex characters and plot streams, action, adventure, thrills and unexpected twists and turns continue in this latest book. I’m not even going to try to summarize it, but instead I will simply note that if you read the kindle blurb (which was well done) you’ll get a good sense of what this book, and series is all about. If you find it appealing you will love this book, though really it’s best to start at book 1.

Highly recommended. (Very much so.)

[Gustavo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's weird for me when the second book in the series is better than the first, But this is exacty how I feel about this book in relation to the first.

The low fantasy setting is giving way to a science fiction story with low fantasy elements, and that is wonderful. There is also a lot less abuse of the cliffhanger, and that means the book works better.

We finally get a peek into the Guardian order and can now get an image of some of their inner workings. And what we discover is somehow more disturbing that the beasts they fight. It's not completely rotten, but who to follow is really a dangerous question to answer, as intrigue and dark motives seem to be the driving force of several characters.

A great follow up for a sort of weak first book.

[Tala Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely excellent!

This book series has me impatiently waiting for the next book at the end of January. I was left with many questions and those I'm sure will be answered in book 3. Frightening turns and twists for all our favorite characters, Aven and Winter, Meluscia and Savarah. Magic and terrifying visions that leave Winter in a ball on the floor. Meluscia hearing a prophecy based on her indiscretion that wards interesting for the future of the kingdom. I'm sad that Mr Barr is no longer with us physically, but his spirit of epic fantasy will live on forever in this series of books. Looking forward to the final saga.

[Stephen Semones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Greatness Continues...

I thought book one, Rise of the Seer was top-notch, as it slowly tied two separate stories together. Now, in book two, those stories continue to be told, now edging closer and closer together.

The fantasy is great, but the addition of science fiction really allows the author to explore his own worlds further and further, not being trapped by the typical sword and sorcery fare. This isn’t your typical fantasy epic.

Brandon Barr really ups the ante with book two and leaves you salivating for more.

[Fee Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bridge Beyond Her World by Brandon Barr is the second installment of the Song of the Worlds series.

This story picks up where the first book ends. I was not expecting as much sci-fi elements, but it actually worked quite well within the story. Such excellent storytelling, Brandon has given me a new appreciation for genre mixing. This is such a well thought out and executed tale that, I have to say, it is one of the best stories I have ever read.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Enjoyed Reading This Book!

OH MY GOODNESS!! This was such a great continuation of the series. My heart is still pounding with anticipation of what is to come next! Brandon has written this work of fiction so well it could be reality. I am saddened he isn’t writing anymore but God seemed to need him more. Through his words he lives on! I can’t wait to pick up the next book and read on. This is one series I can read again and again.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intricate web

As the tale progresses, we see more and more the hidden influences and politics that are directing major players we are barley aware of. Plays and counter plays, loyalty and deceit, love and hatred are all bound together as the characters grow and become aware of what is truly happening.

[C.F. Welburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to enjoy most series more as the plot thickens, world expands and characters develop... Well, book 2 of Brandon Barr's Song of the Worlds accomplishes all of this and more. Although I enjoyed Rise of the Seer, everything escalates to a whole new level here and the ending will leave you reaching for book 3!

[Francis Fraiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent second book of the trilogy.

An excellent second book of the trilogy. I am now eagerly awaiting the third book. The very sad death of the author Brandon Barr has robbed the world of a very talented wordsmith. One small consolation for his family and his reader's is that He has left a great legacy with his books, which I heartily recommend to all.

[Violet H Harmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Enjoyable Read

I’ve very much enjoyed book two of this series. I liked one but two has been a lot better.
Getting the characters from the most primitive world into a more developed setting helped a lot.
I hope three developers the likable characters much more and destroys the monsters.

[Karen King · Rating 5 out of 5]

So original.

This book is very original and kept me interested the whole time. I can't wait to read the next book. I'd recommend this for people that enjoy the popular sci fi, but want something that isn't becoming a movie just yet.

[Barbara Salfelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still going strong

Could not put the first book down till I finished it. This one was the same way. I love the different stories coming together, now on to the third one.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive. This is no Cinderella story. I enjoyed the journey immensely.

[Mike Eakins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A marvelously written story. I felt this could have been two books, at times it read as two separate books. (I did put this down for a bit to "marinate") But definitely worth the read.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The situations on Loam and Hearth are becoming increasingly volatile. Winter and Aven almost lost their lives. Meluscia has no idea of the various plots being carried out all around her as she continues her quest for the throne. And there's something much bigger than everyone afoot.

Aven and Winter find themselves suddenly among the mysterious Guardians. The Guardians oversee the portals on various worlds, guarding them to make sure nothing that could be dangerous to a planet or its people come through. And they're especially interested in keeping control of portals away from the Beasts--ancient creatures opposed to the Makers and their creation. Aven and Winter should feel safe among the order. But there is a plot from within the order that makes their diligence extremely important.

Meluscia must still face her detractors. What she doesn't know is that her sister, Savarah, has several secrets of her own. But Savarah wants to see Melusica become Luminess, and she has made it her mission to see that happen. Meluscia's own desires might get her into some trouble, especially if the wrong people find out about her indiscretions. But she plans to stand firm on her plan for peace.

None of them are fully aware of the importance their planets play in a prophecy of incredible proportions. And that prophecy is the reason that the Beasts have taken an interest in these otherwise unassuming worlds. Will they find out the truth and be able to do something about it before it's too late?

--

Delving further into this world was quite the adventure for me as a reader. The history of the Guardians, the detail the author has created for the order, and their interactions added an additional layer to the world created in the first book. The new characters introduced play off the existing characters in new and interesting ways.

The feeling of an epic fantasy comes through loud and clear. And the multiple and varied conflicts will leave readers glued to the pages, while wondering just how everything might turn out in the end.

I'm absolutely looking forward to the next book.

[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.]

[Sarah Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! The ending took me for a ride, so many twists in the last few chapters. I'm enjoying watching the female characters evolve and grow.

[Gretchen Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed the first book in this trilogy a lot but this one (the second) is even better! It continues to develop the characters (in sometimes quite unexpected ways) while expanding the scope of the worlds quite a bit. You start glimpsing the bigger picture and the science fiction component to the storyline becomes more obvious and more center stage. My only concern is that there is only one more book left! I'm already feeling sad about that because I've gotten attached to several of the characters and also can't imagine how everything will resolve in the last book. I would write more but I have to go start reading the third (and sadly final) book in this series. I HIGHLY recommend reading this trilogy. I don't think it really matters what your normal genres are that you read, I think this is well written and fast paced enough that anyone would enjoy.

[Tywyll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barr has a very pleasant writing style and interesting worlds and characters. I'm glad I randomly decided to pick up his series. Though I must admit, the eye-catching covers had much to do with it. This picks up right where book 1 leaves off, adding to the intrigue and fleshing it out more. There were a handful of spellings and grammatical errors but easily overlooked. The allegorical aspect is still there. I suppose it's the underlying theme of the books but not too heavy or frequent thankfully. Mel still has her issues but hopefully she'll become a better person by the end of book 3. This sequel had more of an intriguing cliffhanger ending than the first novel, which felt like it ended in the middle of a paragraph. On to the 3rd book to see how everything is resolved.

[Constance Guillory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

I liked this book! I thought I may get confused, but I was right there with Winter and Even as they adapted to life in the Guardians tower how sad it all was taken away. I liked where they were heading. But what an ending! What the hell was Meluscia thinking? Okay, she wasn't thinking. She is now though. Savarah is still in the game and I'm glad about that. She is growing on me. Exciting all the way through!!!

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read! Book 2 in the Song of the Worlds Trilogy from Brandon Barr. I struggled reading this as the story transitioned more into science fiction than fantasy, and I'm not really a science fiction person. Barr's writing continues to be excellent, his character development and plot capture the reader's attention. On to book 3!

[Diane]

Received a complimentary copy to read and review. As with the first one I really enjoyed reading this one as well. It is a great second installment of the series. There are great twists and turns. Readers will want to add this one to their TBR lists.