On The Meldon Plain

The Fourline Trilogy #2

by Pam Brondos, Lauren Ezzo (Reading)

Natalie Barns is falling apart. Since returning from Fourline, she’s tried desperately to focus on the world in front of her—the one of classes, money, and family. But the wound in Natalie’s shoulder from her final encounter with the Nala radiates pain constantly throughout her days, while her nights are tormented by terrifying dreams of the Nala—and of Soris, the rebel fighter she failed to protect. Seeking refuge from what plagues her, Natalie returns to the costume shop and discovers her wound is much more dangerous than she ever could have imagined. What she learns sets her on an inexorable path back to the kingdom of Fourline. If she’s to have a chance of survival, she must confront Soris’ fate and the fears that have been festering in her heart—or the Nala remnant will change her life forever.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Romance, Young Adult Fantasy, Audiobook, Science Fiction Fantasy

Audio CD

First published January 19, 2016

About the author

Pam Brondos is the author of The Fourline Trilogy and lives where the wind blows on a daily basis.

Reviews

[Marisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book and I was really excited for this one. However, although I thought the story was action-packed and interesting, it was totally ruined for me by the fact that the protagonist was totally whiny and mopey the whole time. It felt like she was acting like an ignorant child, making stupid remarks and not acting logically at all. She obsessed over Soris and fixing him the whole time and I just found it really tiresome. Her only saving grace was that she started to actually learn to fight.

But, in the end, I will still end up reading the last book. The story is really good and the world is really interesting. I even like all of the other characters. I want to know how things end.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really really enjoyed reading these so far. The audiobook was fantastic and I was thoroughly engaged throughout the entire book. I was a bit skeptical at first about picking up this trilogy but I’m so so glad I did!

The character development for Natalie was lovely to read and loved the developing relationships between the characters too. Also enjoyed getting to know the world of Fourline more and the amazing world in which the author has set. The plot was so intriguing and I can’t wait to read more! I’m going to be sad finishing this trilogy. Definitely going to need to read the next one now!!

[Bailee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always found the way authors choose to portray parallel universes interesting because it can be taken in so many different ways. Many times, it becomes a sort of mirroring universe where the main character sees two worlds that have the same people who make very different choices. Other times, such as the case with this novel, the similarities really end at the physically close nature of these two worlds. Like Alice in Wonderland, the main character ventures through a seemingly nonthreatening entrance into a world that is not their own. Similarly, they become a sort of key figure throughout the text and in the end, it would seem that these characters are required to choose: which world do they want to belong in? During the course of the novels, they gain ties to both worlds, lives that both are hard to give up and easy to forget when indulging the other life. Yet, a choice has to be made and sometimes, it is not at all what the readers anticipate it to be.

With stories such as this one, I never know quite what to expect. Often times authors portray one life as utterly terrible, so that the choice would be easier later on; however, this author does not do that. Rather this author creates a good life for the main character in both realms — one where she is a normal girl, and the other where she is the heroine and in some ways one of their only hopes at winning what appears to be an endless war. I honestly am grateful that I never have to make such a difficult decision, where the choices are either family and peace or love and heroic action. Yet, this is the position that our heroine finds herself in as she realizes that her choice may be more permanent that she dared imagine in the first place.

Natalie, or Nat as she prefers to be called, once again finds herself returning to the Fourline after escaping back to her home. She has a mission to complete, one that she didn’t do while she was there the last time, and it could prove to be life or death for the man she couldn’t keep safe, Soris. Her emotions towards him change and intensify as she realizes the devastating toll her choices may have made and she is determined to save him from her mistakes. However, her return is not necessarily taken well as she claims her right to be a Sister. Everyone questions, challenges, or ignores her. She isn’t from there — it is not her fight. Everything changes once she begins fighting again. Now, she must face the reality that her presence might do more harm than good, but can she leave behind her friends once more?

One thing that I really liked about Natalie is the fact that she isn’t necessarily the “Chosen One” of this parallel universe called the Fourline. While she is a powerful character, she often finds herself in places that she has to ask herself what role she has in this world she is visiting. Although a valued asset, the author is quick to point out that she isn’t the only asset and that the world would continue without her. That is something that I value a great deal in this novel because it sets it apart from a lot of other fantasy novels. I am curious to see how the world looks if she returns in the last book.

I enjoyed this book a lot, and I look forward to the final novel of this series. I am interested to see how Nat evolves and whether or not she will face a choice at the end of the trilogy that will make her choose what world she really belongs in. This is the sort of read that keeps you turning the page and on the edge of your seat.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plenty of action, but I didnt feel like I knew enough of what was going on to be convinced as to the logic of the plans being carried out. I had this constant feeling of being swept along just experiencing the events as they happened without really knowing why they happened, and unable to form opinions as to the likelihood of a successful outcome. This was somewhat frustrating to me.

I also didn't really think Nat showed any significant character growth. If anything, she seemed to have regressed. She was constantly making stupid mistakes, she was clumsy and loud during their missions. It took her a long time to come clean with Soris about her plans, despite the feelings she was developing towards him. She never told him that Andris had bullied her into deciding to leave long before plot events created a significant reason for her to do so. I was absolutely sick of the way Andris talked down to her and treated her with contempt and blatant disrespect, and extremely aggravated at her and everyone else for allowing it to continue. I am so ready for someone to knock him down a peg or two, or even better, punch him in his hate-spewing mouth.

I will read the last book, just to see if Nat, or anyone for that matter, can come up with a way to counteract the Nala venom.

[Casey Rislov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie Barns has really become apart of kingdom of Fourline. This book she finds herself falling in love, fighting for what is right, and becoming a strong person inside and out. However her family at home has no idea. I really enjoy the world of Fourline- from the the characters to the scenery to the conflicts that arise. A series worth reading.

[Vanessa Chantronic · Rating 1 out of 5]

Spoilers.

Wasn't a fan of last book and this next installment is not better.

Natalie is insufferable. As a reader you spend a lot of time in this book knowing what is going on and just waiting for her to catch up. Barba is dull. Soris is an angsty cardboard cut out. Annin is an interesting character.

The same problems with the first book continue with this one - the world is underdeveloped, the characters are one dimensional and the plot strains credulity.

For example, the idea that Natalie could become a sister over a such a short period when people study for years to become sisters is ridiculous enough but even more so given that she becomes a sister when she knows barely anything about Fourline. So she becomes a sister and then spends the rest of the book blundering through Fourline commiting faux pas and gaffes because of her ignorance of basic Fourline knowledge.

The duozi provide a good opportunity to explore ideas of prejudice, race relations etc. Will be interesting how that is dealt with in the final book.

At least the ending of this book is less abrupt than the last book.

[Philip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, it's ok, and that's about as much as can be said for my impression of the book. A lot of the things I thought the author was purposely/stylistically not addressing in the first book... well, apparently those may have been a more general shortcomings of the series. As an adult and/or a somewhat experienced writer, you probably won't hate yourself for having read "On the Meldon Plain," but you likely won't feel like it did anything for you either. If you're more of a beginner or a YA, go for it, maybe your take will be different than mind!

All that being said, I'll still finish the trilogy just because...

[Mark Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high expectations for On the Meldon Plain, because Gateway to Fourline was so good. I was not disappointed. I queried Pam on Twitter if this would be up on NetGalley, and I was happy she replied in the affirmative.

The story picks up shortly after book one ended, and was focused more on Nat, and Soris, than the rest of the rebels. A new threat is revealed, and this book sets up The Last Remnant nicely. The ending of this book was satisfying, and I look forward to reading book three in May. Books one and two are free to Kindle Unlimited members, so read them.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie Barns journeyed into Fourline and completed a mission to destroy a tracking system used to keep tabs on rebel forces who support Estos, the true king. Estos is back in his homeland fighting to regain the throne and Natalie is in this realm trying to keep up with her family and her studies. A wound that she received in Fourline is not healing and her pain is increasing. Nat goes to Sister Barba and discovers that she must return to Fourline and sever the head of the monster (called a Nala) who infected her and her friend Soris. Sister Barba finishes Natalie's training and Nat goes back into Fourline as a full Sister. Nat, Soris, and their friend Annin find and behead the creature but in doing so they awaken the Nala Queen and free human children being abused by the Nala horde. When Natalie returns to the Healing House she recognizes a woman in a painting as the crazed person that she met in the capitol's castle on her first visit to Fourline. This means that Estos' sister, the deposed Queen, is alive but under the control of an evil man known as The Chemist. Nat, Soris, Annin, and others set out to free the Queen. They succeed, but lose a member of the rescue party. Natalie now has a price on her head from The Chemist and a vengeful Nala queen in constant pursuit, which increases the threat to everyone. Natalie returns to college, but leaves her heart in Fourline with Soris.

Natalie is a strong heroine. She has great determination and courage, which combine with her conviction of right and wrong to make her a good role model for young women. She has her fair share of faults and foibles which make her relatable and causes readers to route for her even when she is headed steadfastly and stubbornly in a questionable direction. Her romance with Soris is wonderfully restrained and sincere. They have a strong physical attraction but hold that secondary to the qualities that they find attractive in each other and the duties they are balancing to family, king and country. This is a refreshing take on romance, relationships, and what love really involves, particularly their desire to sacrifice for each other if necessary. The plot is well written and fast paced, complex in the number of story lines moving forward and believable in the context of the tale. The characters interact in meaningful and consistent ways, maintaining their personalities and creating excellent tension amid themselves and the plot and each place in the story. Parts of this yarn are reminiscent of Narnia, Prydain, and Pern and many elements follow familiar archetypes in an interesting and well written pattern. It isn't new, but it is well done and is a very enjoyable read.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natalie Barnes is back at school but struggling. She carries deep guilt over her role in Soris becoming a duozi, her shoulder wound from a Nala bite refuses to heal, and nightmares keep her exhausted. Her friends and family, noticing her decline, assume she is using drugs. After months of avoiding her Fourline companions, she finally returns to the costume shop and learns the truth: her wound is far more serious than she realized. Because she killed the Nala without severing its head, a psychic link remains, and the only way to break it is to find the creature and behead it. The same Nala also bit Soris, so they are both trapped in the mental torment this connection creates.

When Nat returns to Fourline to track down the Nala, she discovers that Mudug is holding a mysterious woman captive and delivering duozi children to the Nala. An encounter with the Nala queen, the Nalaide, sends Nat fleeing back to Earth, leaving Soris behind yet again.

Second installments sometimes shift tone or style, but this book flows smoothly from the first. Natalie's romance with Soris, however, continues in a way I find frustrating. It began in the first book as a familiar trope in which two people fall for each other but refuse to communicate honestly. They argue, storm off, avoid each other, reconcile briefly, then repeat the cycle while each assumes the other is angry or indifferent. About halfway through this book, they finally start relating more maturely, which was far more satisfying, but the romance still has a long way to go before it hooks me.

Mudug’s plan to rule Fourline grows more intricate in ways that deepen the plot. The supporting cast remains true to themselves, though they do not evolve much. We gain some bits of backstory, which I enjoyed, but I wanted more meaningful character development from the main players: Natalie, Soris, Annin, and Andris. For the most part, they remain static.

Natalie continues to defend the duozi, people bitten by Nala who become half-human, half-Nala hybrids. Mudug campaigns fiercely against them, enslaving them and labeling them enemies of the people. Natalie recognizes this as bigotry and calls it out whenever she encounters it. I appreciate that the author engages with this theme so directly.

All in all, the story is fast-paced and engaging enough to keep me reading, but I am beginning to feel less invested in what happens to these characters. The book ends on a cliffhanger, which is expected for the middle of a trilogy. I’m giving this one three stars, down from the four I gave the first. I’ll be reading the final book, but I’m hoping for some genuine character growth; otherwise, that rating may slip even further.

[Jaime K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good continuation of the first book.

Nat keeps having nightmares about Soris the Nala, and her shoulder from the Nala she killed isn't healing.
And it's because it wasn't beheaded.

She gets help from Barba--not only in answering why her shoulder hasn't healed, but also in becoming a legitimate Warrior Sister. It's quite interesting, including with how she trains and creates an orb before entering Fourline.

Meanwhile, she has to avoid her sister Cal, who's started at the same college as her.

Back in Fourline, Mudug still doesn't know that the royal family is back. And that's a good thing. So when she goes back there, she is able to find Soris (who is NOT HAPPY with her) to tell him about the Nala. And then she helps them all discover that Estos' sister Emilia is actually...alive?

They (and Benedict, the snake) band together to find Nat and Soris' Nala (and in doing so they find the Nala queen along with some insanely odd Nala, which is super creepy) then break into the palace to rescue Emilia.
It is annoying that Nat keeps essentially seeing Soris as a project to fix, to heal. It's incredibly frustrating. And Annin & Andris both point it out, which is good because it's true. But it doesn't change her thinking process.
However, she does tone down. And when she does, Soris' behavior also becomes less extreme. In doing so, the two realize how deep their feelings are for each other.

And it does jeopardize the mission, but it's also realistic.

We learn about the relationship Benedict has with someone, which surprised me.
We learn a lot about the Sister, duozi, and the Nala.
We learn more about the Chemist and Mudug. The Chemist is even worse IMO because it's his idea about what to do with the duozi and with adults who are weaker. It's awful.

What irks me more than Nat continuously striving to save Soris is how she lies to and omits information from him. He doesn't find out the Nala queen is after her until days and days after she learns about it, and it's from his brother not her.

[Kat(i)e · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked so much about the ideas behind this and the first book but the near-constant conflict between characters became so grating, I'm only going to finish the book out of sheer will. I know that conflict is what makes a story interesting. Books need a mix of larger conflicts (survival, good vs evil, physical and mental battles) and smaller conflicts (humanizing character flaws and relational differences) but the author went overboard with too many areas of conflict all turned up to the point where it drowns out my ability to care about the very land and people I'm supposed to be hopeful will win.
Stop here if you don't want to risk spoilers. I don't know if what I want to say is a spoiler, but it might be.

It is enough conflict for one book for the heroine to have to overcome: financial crises, familial strife, physical pain, mental anguish, working tirelessly to finish school and train, fight creatures, deal with otherworldly racism and deal with an impossible romance.

By adding the constant onslaught of verbal (and some physical) abuse by her supposed compatriots, it barely leaves room for anything else. All the other elements of a fantastic story are there - but it's robbed of the heartening binding of ties between people who overcome conflict *together.*

[Ness · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second part of the trilogy has many of the same faults the first part had. This one was a little harder to get through because the pacing was all wrong. For chapters nothing much happens except Benedict being a racist prick and Nat and Soris moping over each other as they make their way to Rustbrook, then the execution of their plans is rushed through so we can get back to being on the road.
And as much as I liked Soris in the first one, he's starting to get on my nerves. Nat even more so, but she's never been one of my favourites anyway.
As the books ends we are left with a few open questions. And I will keep reading only because I want to know if my suspicions about white Nala are correct and to know what drives Mudug.
I'm a bit sad to say that I don't really care about Nat and Soris anymore.

[Amanda Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I gave the first book only four stars because even though I found the world intriguing and the plot engrossing, I had a problem with some of the relationships and lack of clear development. It felt like hey, these people met, bad things happened, and boom - feelings were there and it was implied that they had been there and were intense the entire time and I somehow blinked and missed it. There were just some key intermediate steps missing. This book was so much better about that! There were thoughts, passing glances, heartfelt words, and actual actions among and between people, all making me understand, believe, and feel things about the relationships among the characters. I loved it and will be starting the next one immediately.

[ShannyQ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting concept but not developed and completely predictable.

This is and extremely amateur writer.

The concepts in this series are interesting but it is all together undeveloped. The narrative is forced. The plot is completely predictable. The interactions between characters completely flat. Even the love story between Nat and Soris so weirdly sprinkled into plot line. The Nala are supposed to be these crazy super predators but Nat can easily kill a lot of them but the Nala can’t kill her?

Things you can tell about the writer.. she loves running.. it’s a highlight in the book... loves the idea of a strong heroine who can apparently train to be a total warrior sister in a few months?

Just a really poor written book.

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character starts this book in pain (physical and emotional) from how the last book ended (which was clearly not her fault). Her guilt and doubt dominate all her relationships and choices. Her only chance at redemption she thinks is to go back to Fourline.

I had hopes she would get out of the funk, but it only got worse. And I ended up quitting the book about 2/3 through because I wasn't having any fun. Maybe it's just that I don't connect with that personal struggle enough, but the constant "I don't want to talk about it" followed by self-recrimination robbed the fun out of the story.

[Darryl Frayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm thoroughly invested in Nat's journey now. There are too many slow moments in this book for my taste, and some repetition that I often skimmed over. Nevertheless, Nat's story intrigues me. Her friends are better developed throughout this book, clearing up some questions I had in book one. Her foes, the Nala, are vividly described and Nat's role in Fourline becomes more significant. Her romantic interest helps create tension and is quite believable given her circumstances. The ending of this book was much better than book one: I felt like I could wait for a day before starting book three. But that was all! I've started book three and am looking forward to an exciting conclusion.

[Gin Ferrara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this 3 stars because I didn't, couldn't finish it. Life is short.

I have a lot I could critique as to why I didn't finish it. I gave a review to the first book, and had reservations then, but hoped the writing would even out, and the protagonist would develop some admirable qualities. But it didn't happen soon enough to keep me reading.

Also? (Spoiler) If you are going to train a regular girl as a warrior mage, SHOW US how she does it. Tamora Pierce is the master of making training interesting. It can be done. Jumping from agreeing to training, and suddenly having a full set of otherworldly warrior skills takes all the fun away.

[Tiffany McCrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not totally sure what actually happened in this book. The plot was a bunch of traveling with no major movement story wise. There was no real chemistry between Natalie and Soris and instead every couple of pages we watched them have some willfully misunderstood conversation and then just whine about protecting the other. Why are they in love? There's a lot of Annin in this one, and I liked that a lot. I'm almost more interested in her at this point than Natalie. I'll give the last book a read, in the hopes this was just a typical bridge book issue.

[Hollyann · Rating 2 out of 5]

At the end of the first book, I was really on the fence about continuing. I wasn't in love with it, but I thought it had some potential. But, I figured, it's free, so I might as well err on the side of reading the next one.

This one was a slog to get through. I think the first one had my interest in the worldbuilding, which was actually quite good, but once the worldbuilding was established, the characters couldn't keep up. I had a really hard time paying attention and this book took about three weeks to complete, simply because I just didn't want to read it.

[Stan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The second book in a trilogy, here the protagonist feels she is solely responsible for what happened in the previous book. Instead of acting like the supposed young adult she is, she continually whines about fixing things and how guilty she feels. She is rapidly becoming a cardboard cut-out, while the others are shuffled off to the side. What could be a decent YA series is devolving into a whinefest.

[Constance Guillory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nala

I would not want to run into those nasty Nala creatures! I think this book and the whole trilogy should be made into a movie. It would be very good
After rescuing the queen and the duozi, Nat still has to deal with queen of the Nalas. She can't seem to get a break, not even with Soris.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this unique story. My only complaint about this book would be the rapid timeline. The main character grows too fast as a character to be realistic. I know this is fantasy and that play's into the entire situation, but personal growth and discovery would make it easier to connect to her.

[Fernando · Rating 3 out of 5]

The events on this book were a bit too simplistic. The story revolves with a particular focus and misses the chance to explore more of fourline's unique world. I still liked the way progression was handled and felt the author prefers to focus on important plot devices rather than letting the characters ramble about. Pretty good overall!

[Margaret McCurdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tale of two worlds.

Second part of an intriguing tale. The Fourline Trilogy is an interesting story of two worlds separated by a membrane, with compelling characters on both sides. Great tale for fantasy fans and the rise of the underdog.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving It

This series is so good. I love the character growth occurring in this continuation of the series. The characters have gained more depth to them and makes me feel invested in their lives and journey. The description of this world is just wonderful.

[Banobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entrancing, spellbinding, seductive!

Strong determined, passionate,an mild mannered, coed transformes into a force of nature, the nemisis of the evil that has pleaged Fourline for untold generations

[Nina Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!

Absolutely loved it!
Couldn’t wait to read more about Nat & Soris, and the whole gang’s adventures after the first book in the trilogy; needless to say I flew through this book and on to the third one!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read!

The first book was a bit slow but establishing a story like this needs a good amount of background. The second book though, is fantastic and I can't wait to read the next one!

[Katey Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series just keeps getting better and better with each chapter, I can't wait to read the next installment although the thought of the story line ending is super bittersweet. I need to know what happens with Soris and Nat and everyone else who is also inflicted by the Nala.