Unclean

The Hexborn Chronicles #2

by A.M. Manay

Shiloh and Silas are in real trouble, and only Shiloh can save them.
Queen Esta has not forgotten Silas’s role in her mother’s ouster, nor is she sanguine about Shiloh’s possible claim to her throne. The new queen is out for blood, and her allies in the church begin a purge as brutal as it is efficient. Soon, Silas sits alone in the Dark Tower while Shiloh labors under the cruel eye of the most powerful priest in the realm, a man with dark ambitions of his own.
Not content to wait for help that might never come, Shiloh is determined to save herself, Silas, and the innocents who surround her. New friends help her to form a daring and dangerous plan as Silas works desperately to wield influence at court from inside his prison cell.
Can Shiloh harness her magic in a new way to rescue herself, her husband, and the people of Bryn? Can she face a future that is not the one she would have chosen? And will Silas still be by her side?

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2019

About the author

In addition to her work as an indie author of paranormal new adult fantasy, A.M. Manay is a former inner-city chemistry teacher, a singer, a yoga enthusiast, a Clerk of Session in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and a mother through domestic open adoption. She has a passion for increasing diversity in popular culture and for strong heroines who stand up for themselves, make their own decisions, and don't depend on romance as their reason for being.

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding fantasy story from a first time author for me. Couldn’t get enough.

[Yvette Calleiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am a huge fan of A.M. Manay's books, and this one did not disappoint. It picks up right where Hexborn left off, and I was immediately right back into Shiloh and Silas' world! In Hexborn, I grew to love Silas, even though his character had done atrocious things. In Unclean, Silas' past catches up to him, and although he deserves what's coming to him, it breaks my heart to see him suffer. Lol! The author did such a wonderful job staying true to his character, even with everything he went through.

And Shiloh... That girl never gets a break! Lol! My heart hurt for her and everything she was put through. And just when she believes she can start trusting people once more, the betrayals start all over again. When she finally feels as if she can let her guard down and live her life the way she wants to, she's forced into a role she never wanted.

And then, there are their enemies and the depths to which they will go to make sure that they have the upper hand! They are conniving and evil and brilliant in their plans. The magical element in this book is fantastic, but I also love that not everything can be solved through magic.

If you enjoyed Hexborn, this novel will leave you begging for more! I can't get enough of her multi-dimensional characters and their magical world! :-)

[Tiffani Rippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can NOT get enough of the series. It's like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, mixed into one fantastic story. A.M. Manay has a way of writing that will get you hooked and excited one minute and completely devastated the next.

This is the second story in this series and I could not stop reading it once I started. With so many unexpected events popping up I didn't know what to expect next, and I, for one, am insanely glad for that when it comes to a book. I for one am dreading, waiting for the next installment in this series.

[Hugh Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this fast-paced book as much as (or possibly more than) the first in the series. Love that Manay builds such complexity into the characters and the intrigue but moves lightly and swiftly enough that it sweeps us along much like Sorkin's West Wing.
Manay has certainly earned a place on my personal list of authors (Gaiman, Rothfuss, Butcher, Scalzi) for whom the next book can't come soon enough for me!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2

I love Shiloh and Silas. This book was so good. Already want the next one. Shiloh is fierce. So much is set against her, but she does what needs to be done. And Silas, he is the rock she needs. Couldn’t put this book down, which meant no sleep. Probably should have started earlier :). Highly recommend this series.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Unclean” is the second installment of the “Hexborn Chronicles,” and the storyline continues where the first book left off. I’ve come to adore the new relationship between Shiloh and Silas. I was sad they were apart, thanks to greed, corruption, power and some bad decisions. This left Shiloh finding her inner leader as she takes care of the people falling sick. Then things go from bad to worse, and Shiloh develops new friendships. Her determination pulled me further into this intriguing story that’s filled with magic, royalty, family, loyalty, and deception. Shiloh gains more knowledge of not only herself but how to maneuver within a bleak situation.

This is a well-written, fast-paced adventure with enough twists, making it hard to put down. Shiloh is at the heart of this tale and has quickly become one of my favorite characters with her strength and sense of justice, even though she is one of the “unclean.” Like I said about the first book, I’m captivated with the magical girl who has pink hair and eyes. Although this can be a stand-alone, I’d start with “Hexborn.” You don’t want to miss any of this tale. I highly recommend this YA book for all ages.