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Exiled from her underground home by Betony, the jealous queen of the piskeys, Ivy sets out to make a new life for herself in the world above - a quest that leads her to mystery, adventure, and a hoard of spriggan treasure. But a deadly poison still lingers in the Delve, and Ivy cannot bear to see her people dying under Betony's rule. With the help of some old friends she sets out to warn the piskeys of their danger, urging them to rise up and free themselves - before it is too late. Interest Age: 9+
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First published January 2, 2014
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About the author
R.J. Anderson
18 books1,476 followersR.J. (Rebecca) Anderson was born in Uganda, raised in Ontario, and has spent much of her life dreaming of other worlds entirely. She is the author of ten traditionally published fantasy/SF books for children and teens, including the UK-bestselling faery romance KNIFE. Her latest published book is TORCH (Book 3 of the Flight and Flame trilogy, which began with SWIFT and NOMAD).
* * * REVIEW POLICY * * *
I review books that I enjoyed reading and think other readers may enjoy as well, but that doesn't mean I agree with or endorse those books in every respect. If you're concerned about content, please check out other reviewers or sites that provide detailed warnings.
I'm no longer giving star ratings as I don't find them nuanced enough, but for books I've already rated, see below:
5 stars: I loved this book so much that I expect to read it again and again -- I reserve this rating for beloved classics and books that knocked my socks off.
4 stars: I really enjoyed the book and/or thought it was excellently done -- there is a good possibility that I'll re-read it.
3 stars: I enjoyed the book and thought it was well done. Should not be taken as belittling the book or its author -- it really does mean "I liked it".
2 stars: I didn't connect to this book as I'd hoped. This category includes books by authors whose other works I truly love, so it's not a dealbreaker. Just found this particular book wasn't for me.
1 star/DNF: Definitely not for me. But I won't be reviewing it because I choose to focus on books I enjoy.
* * * REVIEW POLICY * * *
I review books that I enjoyed reading and think other readers may enjoy as well, but that doesn't mean I agree with or endorse those books in every respect. If you're concerned about content, please check out other reviewers or sites that provide detailed warnings.
I'm no longer giving star ratings as I don't find them nuanced enough, but for books I've already rated, see below:
5 stars: I loved this book so much that I expect to read it again and again -- I reserve this rating for beloved classics and books that knocked my socks off.
4 stars: I really enjoyed the book and/or thought it was excellently done -- there is a good possibility that I'll re-read it.
3 stars: I enjoyed the book and thought it was well done. Should not be taken as belittling the book or its author -- it really does mean "I liked it".
2 stars: I didn't connect to this book as I'd hoped. This category includes books by authors whose other works I truly love, so it's not a dealbreaker. Just found this particular book wasn't for me.
1 star/DNF: Definitely not for me. But I won't be reviewing it because I choose to focus on books I enjoy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
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August 23, 2020I just re-read this and SWIFT back to back (shh, it's been a few years, I'd forgotten a lot of it) and am so very proud of the way Ivy and Martin's story turned out. I can't wait to finally share the brand-new third book of the trilogy with my readers in February 2021!
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November 5, 2018MY HEART EXPLODED.
Update, 4 years later: MY HEART IS STILL EXPLODING.
Update, 4 years later: MY HEART IS STILL EXPLODING.
January 13, 2019
This book finishes the story begun in SWIFT, and also reveals that the series is a spin-off of another series which, like a turnip, I didn't begin with. Oh well.
I enjoyed this story even more than SWIFT, especially the final quarter or so which set up a series of wonderfully heart-wrenching dilemmas. As with the previous book, I loved that this one was tonally very much a throwback to the YA literature of the 1950s and 60s - think of THE DARK IS RISING or THE CHRONICLES OF PRYDAIN. There's darkness peeking in at the corners of RJ Anderson's faery world, but she does a great job of using a light touch to describe it.
There were two things going on in this book that I particularly enjoyed. First, a lot of the story revolves around the question of whether a character with an evil past has really repented or not. Second, it's about a young woman trying to alert her friends and relations to the fact that their ruler does not in fact have their best interests at heart, and I loved the way this was depicted - Ivy doesn't want to start a revolution, she just wants to convince her old neighbours that they're being exploited and lied to, and that it's slowly killing them. I thought that whole plotline was brilliantly handled.
I enjoyed this story even more than SWIFT, especially the final quarter or so which set up a series of wonderfully heart-wrenching dilemmas. As with the previous book, I loved that this one was tonally very much a throwback to the YA literature of the 1950s and 60s - think of THE DARK IS RISING or THE CHRONICLES OF PRYDAIN. There's darkness peeking in at the corners of RJ Anderson's faery world, but she does a great job of using a light touch to describe it.
There were two things going on in this book that I particularly enjoyed. First, a lot of the story revolves around the question of whether a character with an evil past has really repented or not. Second, it's about a young woman trying to alert her friends and relations to the fact that their ruler does not in fact have their best interests at heart, and I loved the way this was depicted - Ivy doesn't want to start a revolution, she just wants to convince her old neighbours that they're being exploited and lied to, and that it's slowly killing them. I thought that whole plotline was brilliantly handled.
January 10, 2025
The first book got me interested in the series. This book got me ✨invested✨.
If you enjoy....
⇒Coming-of-age tales
⇒Redemption arcs
⇒Contemporary issues dealt with in a fantasy world
⇒Imperfect, but relatable protagonists
⇒Family drama
⇒Slow-burn, clean romance
⇒True heroes as opposed to anti-heroes
⇒Love triangles that don't drive you crazy, but are a bit heart wrenching
...then I would say this trilogy is for you. If the first book seems a bit too juvenile for you, persevere into this one, and I believe that thought will disappear early on in the story.
I hope you give this trilogy a try!!
If you enjoy....
⇒Coming-of-age tales
⇒Redemption arcs
⇒Contemporary issues dealt with in a fantasy world
⇒Imperfect, but relatable protagonists
⇒Family drama
⇒Slow-burn, clean romance
⇒True heroes as opposed to anti-heroes
⇒Love triangles that don't drive you crazy, but are a bit heart wrenching
...then I would say this trilogy is for you. If the first book seems a bit too juvenile for you, persevere into this one, and I believe that thought will disappear early on in the story.
I hope you give this trilogy a try!!
June 2, 2022
This was my favourite book in the trilogy. The characters growth was amazing, the plot moved really nicely, and it kept me utterly captivated. I really liked seeing how the story opened after book one. We got to explore more and get a better feel of the world that the characters are in.
Not a thing to complain about in this one. I would love to read it again lol
Not a thing to complain about in this one. I would love to read it again lol
March 6, 2022
*4.5 stars*
THE PLOT TWISTS THOUGH.
I was /not/ planning to enjoy this as much as I did. The first book was cute but this one was wonderful. I’m emotionally invested now. 👏🏻
THE PLOT TWISTS THOUGH.
I was /not/ planning to enjoy this as much as I did. The first book was cute but this one was wonderful. I’m emotionally invested now. 👏🏻
November 22, 2025
Oh oh oh!! The ending! 😍😍🥹💕
July 1, 2020
I was so not ready for this story to be over! Such a glorious sequel, that had me hooked the whole time.
I love how the characters continue to grow and develop since the first book, and I just fell more in love with them.
The storytelling of this book is masterful and I enjoyed the whole story immensely.
Hugely recommend to all lovers of fairytales! I can't wait for TORCH to release in February 2021!
I love how the characters continue to grow and develop since the first book, and I just fell more in love with them.
The storytelling of this book is masterful and I enjoyed the whole story immensely.
Hugely recommend to all lovers of fairytales! I can't wait for TORCH to release in February 2021!
February 14, 2025
Rating 3.5 Stars ⭐️
Welp, I had a lot of time today so I finished this book pretty fast. 😂 It seems to be a pattern with these books. 😂
I might change some stuff in this review after I’ve let the book sit for a bit. It’s kinda a jumbled mess in my brain right now 😂 reading it fast and for a long time in one sitting will do that to ya. 😂
I don’t really know what to say about this one. It was enjoyable, but I definitely had some problems with it. Mostly some of the same stuff with the first one, but I had more problems with Ivy in this one. I just felt like some of her actions, decisions, and thoughts didn’t stay consistent to her in the first book or her in this book. She just felt a little bit all over the place.
(I did notice this with other characters as well)
I also don’t know if this is a middle grade or a young adult series, but either way it’s like a mix of both and I don’t really love that. I just feel like some of the things it deals with and Ivy’s age, should be for older. But some of the way Ivy handles things and talks just seems more middle grade. (I did notice this with other characters as well.)
I did however, love Martin!! 😂 He’s in it wayy more than the first book, and you get to know more about him!! He’s definitely my favorite character! I also felt like he was the most stable and steady character in these books. He did have a few moments where he seemed a little off, but even then it kinda fit his personality.
Over all I think the story and plot was ok. I did enjoy reading it, even if I did get frustrated a few times with stuff. In my opinion it has some flaws, and that’s ok. Maybe this series just isn’t for me. :/
I will be reading the last book, but mostly for Martin! 😂 I haven’t decided if I liked it better than the first book, though.
Well, I think that’s about it! See ya at the next one!
~EllieJellyBean ✌️
Welp, I had a lot of time today so I finished this book pretty fast. 😂 It seems to be a pattern with these books. 😂
I might change some stuff in this review after I’ve let the book sit for a bit. It’s kinda a jumbled mess in my brain right now 😂 reading it fast and for a long time in one sitting will do that to ya. 😂
I don’t really know what to say about this one. It was enjoyable, but I definitely had some problems with it. Mostly some of the same stuff with the first one, but I had more problems with Ivy in this one. I just felt like some of her actions, decisions, and thoughts didn’t stay consistent to her in the first book or her in this book. She just felt a little bit all over the place.
(I did notice this with other characters as well)
I also don’t know if this is a middle grade or a young adult series, but either way it’s like a mix of both and I don’t really love that. I just feel like some of the things it deals with and Ivy’s age, should be for older. But some of the way Ivy handles things and talks just seems more middle grade. (I did notice this with other characters as well.)
I did however, love Martin!! 😂 He’s in it wayy more than the first book, and you get to know more about him!! He’s definitely my favorite character! I also felt like he was the most stable and steady character in these books. He did have a few moments where he seemed a little off, but even then it kinda fit his personality.
Over all I think the story and plot was ok. I did enjoy reading it, even if I did get frustrated a few times with stuff. In my opinion it has some flaws, and that’s ok. Maybe this series just isn’t for me. :/
I will be reading the last book, but mostly for Martin! 😂 I haven’t decided if I liked it better than the first book, though.
Well, I think that’s about it! See ya at the next one!
~EllieJellyBean ✌️
January 7, 2021
Where to even begin?
This story swept me up in an immersive fairy tale world and never let me go. The lore behind the spriggans, piskeys, and faerys was deep, but with a new twist that had me feeling as if I had never read about fairies before.
Ivy is a true heroine! I loved watching her grow throughout this book and step into her role as a leader. She learned to conquer her fears and fly free.
And then Martin: that weasel-faced spriggan whom I adore. His character is my favorite. There are so many levels to his character, and I'm always trying to figure him out. His witty quips, and well-placed Shakespeare quotes had me laughing through the entire book. I am looking forward to seeing him appear more in TORCH.
Anderson has crafted a breathtaking fairytale full of adventure, friendship, mystery, and suspense! Readers of all ages will be delighted with Nomad, and find it hard to say goodbye at "The End."
This story swept me up in an immersive fairy tale world and never let me go. The lore behind the spriggans, piskeys, and faerys was deep, but with a new twist that had me feeling as if I had never read about fairies before.
Ivy is a true heroine! I loved watching her grow throughout this book and step into her role as a leader. She learned to conquer her fears and fly free.
And then Martin: that weasel-faced spriggan whom I adore. His character is my favorite. There are so many levels to his character, and I'm always trying to figure him out. His witty quips, and well-placed Shakespeare quotes had me laughing through the entire book. I am looking forward to seeing him appear more in TORCH.
Anderson has crafted a breathtaking fairytale full of adventure, friendship, mystery, and suspense! Readers of all ages will be delighted with Nomad, and find it hard to say goodbye at "The End."
January 1, 2015
4.5 stars
The Faerie Rebels and Swift series are pure YA gold, worthy of a spriggan hoard!
In Nomad, we pick up right where Swift left off: with Ivy banished from the Delve and in the company of "Richard" (now Martin). And though details were a bit hazy to me, seeing as I read Swift 2 years ago, thankfully, Susana was reading it now, so I could ask questions to my heart's content.
Ivy and Martin, while hiding in a cave, come upon a hoard of spriggan treasure which allows them to live in more comfort. But that's the only bit of luck they seem to have: Martin is still looking for his people and trying to find out who he was, and Ivy, plagued my dreams of a spriggan boy from 400 years past, still has to find a way to save her people from the poisoned Delve, and the rule of her aunt Betony.
Apart from a brief exposure of the "Nice Guy" who is friendly just as long as there is a chance for "something" else, and a few attempts to overcome fantastical racism, there weren't many social issues represented in this book - at least compared to what usually shows up in this series; to date: disability, racism (albeit the fantastical type), cultural clash, feminism, spiritual doubt, infertility, toxic familial relationships, among many others.
That's not to say it wasn't an excellent book from start to finish, but I was expecting more, that's how greedy R.J. Anderson's writing has made me...
Ivy, as in the previous book, is still an amazingly believable and well-written character. Her thought-processes and actions make sense, she's mature for her age, but not so mature as to be unbelievable, she's brave, and stubborn, and loyal, and a delight to read!
Martin is still his Shakespeare obsessed self, given to a bit of the over dramatic at times, but thoughtful and so heartbreakingly intent on hiding his true emotions!
That's one of the (many) things I love about R.J. Anderson's writing: how she writes so much emotion, and has her characters attempt to hide it, and the readers suffering alongside them.
This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which I usually despise, but in this case I just rejoiced, because it means there must be another book in the making, and I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on it!
December 22, 2014
So, I've just finished this story, and in the aftermath of this glorious experience, all I can say is basically:
THE FOLLOWING ONE, BETTER NOT BE THIS SERIES' LAST VOLUME!
How can I possibly face a world without all of these characters???
Okay, Martin's dramatics may have rubbed off... a tiny bit... on me. BUT it's true. I will miss all of them, as sure as I would miss long time friends.
This is an amazing series that develops contemporary issues, giving them spotlight in these characters' lives. Who cares if they're fairies, sprigans or piskeys?
They feel real. They act real.
In my mind they are real... and they broke my heart while reading this story!
The politics in the Piskey world have taken a turn for the worst.
As we saw in the last book, Ivy was thrown out by her aunt Betony, _the Joan (this title means she gets to give the orders...), _despite having saved them all, but the Piskeys remain in danger.
The place were they have lived their entire lives is poisoned, and they keep dying or growing sick, and their Joan doesn't do anything about it.
Once again it will be up to Ivy to find a way to go against her aunt's intransigence.
Helping her we have Martin (aka Richard, aka you better not trust me, aka Shakespeare is my life!) and some piskey friends.
Ivy is young, and she feels young while reading this story.
She makes mistakes. She's not a Knife (see book with the same name)... which is good, because this means the author kept her real... to the way she was raised!
This means that mostly she fights with her heart. She fails, and she has to get up, even when she doesn't believe it possible
Martin is the opposite, with a melodramatic vein in him.
He's a jaded, sarcastic, at times impossible to figure out, character!
I love him! Especially in the way he's always there for Ivy.
We follow Ivy's story, and Ivy's path, and all of a sudden, his story, and his past, are right in the middle of it. Good and unexpected twist!
Oh, oh, and the way it ends... ;) *big Cheshire smile*
Can I just say how much I love this weasel?
Again? ;)
Can't wait to read the follow up!
November 7, 2020
This book was incredible! The worldbuilding and character development was absolutely phenomenal. I felt like I was drawn much more into the lore and magic of this world compared to the first book, and I am now enraptured by this world of spriggans and faeries and piskeys. I truly cannot wait for book three to release!
Ivy: I felt like this book showed huge growth for Ivy. She went from being very insecure and unsure to confident and strong. I loved watching that change come about in her.
Martin: Martin, oh, Martin, you are such a delightful character to read about. I really hope to see much more of you in Torch!
The dream sequences, the different magical people groups converging, this book exceeded my expectations by a lot!
Ivy: I felt like this book showed huge growth for Ivy. She went from being very insecure and unsure to confident and strong. I loved watching that change come about in her.
Martin: Martin, oh, Martin, you are such a delightful character to read about. I really hope to see much more of you in Torch!
The dream sequences, the different magical people groups converging, this book exceeded my expectations by a lot!
February 28, 2021
I was so not ready for this story to be over! Such a glorious sequel, that had me hooked the whole time.
I love how the characters continue to grow and develop since the first book, and I just fell more in love with them. I was utterly swept off my feet by the twists and turns and adventures they took me on. Complex characters? Um...yes please. My heart has been stolen by a weasel-faced spriggan boy.
The storytelling of this book is masterful and I enjoyed the whole story immensely. I couldn't help but be pulled heart and soul into loving this story and these characters!
Hugely recommend to all lovers of fairytales! Such a wonderful, wonderful trilogy!!
I love how the characters continue to grow and develop since the first book, and I just fell more in love with them. I was utterly swept off my feet by the twists and turns and adventures they took me on. Complex characters? Um...yes please. My heart has been stolen by a weasel-faced spriggan boy.
The storytelling of this book is masterful and I enjoyed the whole story immensely. I couldn't help but be pulled heart and soul into loving this story and these characters!
Hugely recommend to all lovers of fairytales! Such a wonderful, wonderful trilogy!!
January 28, 2014
(Firstly--beautiful cover!)
NOMAD was lovely. It follows Ivy, who's a piskey, banished from her home and still trying to convince her people that the cave they live in is slowly poisoning them. Meanwhile, she's in exile with Martin, half-faery and half-spriggan, who would like to find his own people. But it's she, not Martin, who keeps having dreams about a spriggan boy from hundreds of years ago...) One thing I think the author does especially well is writing deep emotion for characters who hold their feelings in tight reserve. Trust me, that is NOT an easy thing to do!
Only the first two books of the series were published in the US, so if you are trying to get the rest of them, you can order them pretty easily through amazon.uk.co.
NOMAD was lovely. It follows Ivy, who's a piskey, banished from her home and still trying to convince her people that the cave they live in is slowly poisoning them. Meanwhile, she's in exile with Martin, half-faery and half-spriggan, who would like to find his own people. But it's she, not Martin, who keeps having dreams about a spriggan boy from hundreds of years ago...) One thing I think the author does especially well is writing deep emotion for characters who hold their feelings in tight reserve. Trust me, that is NOT an easy thing to do!
Only the first two books of the series were published in the US, so if you are trying to get the rest of them, you can order them pretty easily through amazon.uk.co.
July 12, 2017
Just love it. I don't know what else to say. Just want to gush, really.
I also love the parallels you can find between these 'faery' experiences and, well, humankind. Tribalism, war, refugees, identity, societal convention, prejudice, the complexities and complications of the different types of relationships we have, forgiveness, politics etc, etc. I mean, it's not like RJ Anderson set out to write a series of scientific observations - faery feels are real! It's just that there's a surprising amount of depth that could be introduced to a potentially younger crowd, in an entirely appropriate manner. It's not overwhelming, controversial, or shocking, but it's there. It's good.
I would just... like to be a faery.
I also love the parallels you can find between these 'faery' experiences and, well, humankind. Tribalism, war, refugees, identity, societal convention, prejudice, the complexities and complications of the different types of relationships we have, forgiveness, politics etc, etc. I mean, it's not like RJ Anderson set out to write a series of scientific observations - faery feels are real! It's just that there's a surprising amount of depth that could be introduced to a potentially younger crowd, in an entirely appropriate manner. It's not overwhelming, controversial, or shocking, but it's there. It's good.
I would just... like to be a faery.
January 3, 2014
THIS BOOK IS AMAZE BALLS
ivy and martin there is no denying i am in love with them they make this book worth it i am literally going to go crazy till i find out when the next book is coming out...Gahhhhh i need book now. i'll go cavewoman on R.J.Anderson ass if the next book isn't as amazing.
i read the book in kindel as hard copies are not yet out. (though i'm definitly still buying a hard copy.)
ivy and martin there is no denying i am in love with them they make this book worth it i am literally going to go crazy till i find out when the next book is coming out...Gahhhhh i need book now. i'll go cavewoman on R.J.Anderson ass if the next book isn't as amazing.
i read the book in kindel as hard copies are not yet out. (though i'm definitly still buying a hard copy.)
November 28, 2016
I listened to this as an audio book and loved it all. The suspense was killing at me and at one stage I was so afraid that something might happen I did not want to read it anymore. But it is a lovely adventure filled fairy tale, that was delightful to read. There was some violence and some 'scary' parts but other than that no bad content. I guess there was also some romance. But it was a very fun enjoyable story.
September 1, 2023
This book was fabulous! It’s clean, amazing, funny and absolutely entrancing!!! I flew with swift wings,i sobbed in the tunnels of the delve, and I fought a ruthless battle on cobblestone streets. I shall forever remember the freedom of flight, smile at the sight of martins and swifts, and of course I shall always remember to value my loved ones over myself. If you love to be free then sit in a cave grab some tea and embrace this wonderful story <3
April 10, 2014
A wonderful book! Reading this made me remember my first encounter with R.J Anderson's writing in 'Knife'. I fell in love with her take on faeries then, and I'm still in awe of her stories now.
August 18, 2014
Sad. I FINISHED IT :(
Update:
I have now re-read this book. This is my opinion:
WTF! Seriously, cliffhanger! Really bad cliffhanger! And no more in series? Bookworm445 sad. Arrgh!
Update:
I have now re-read this book. This is my opinion:
WTF! Seriously, cliffhanger! Really bad cliffhanger! And no more in series? Bookworm445 sad. Arrgh!
July 31, 2020
4.5 stars
I FORGOT HOW GOOD THAT ENDING WAS
CW: Grief, sexism (challenged)
I FORGOT HOW GOOD THAT ENDING WAS
CW: Grief, sexism (challenged)
August 12, 2019
I do hope book 3 eventually finds a publisher. I'm rooting for Ivy and the piskies--and Martin, too. Definitely Martin.
June 14, 2022
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ I just love these books! They’re just delightful to read.
January 14, 2021
I remember reading the first book in this series and thinking that it reminded me of something. As I finished this book, it suddenly came to me. Now I know the book is fantasy but it so resembles an anime type story. There is one in particular that my son had me hooked on. This series however is much better than that show because beneath the surface of the story lies lessons of faith. The author allows us to soar away with Ivy as she gets ready for her new mission.
Ivy is a bit stronger and more assured of herself. I kept hoping she wouldn’t let her guard down and allow herself to become used by an enemy that is very crafty. I really liked that Ivy could shift into another form. Oh how the imagination in this story is so entertaining. I’m thrilled that Martin is back with us . I adore him and think he has become someone to be reckon with. His ability to heal others is quite intriguing and makes me wonder if it zaps his strength when he uses his power. My mind just goes crazy reading this book because it has so many intricate parts that help readers keep their attention glued to the story.
I’m amazed that an author can deliver a story that stretches the imagination yet gives a story that teaches valuable lessons. There is a passage in the story that made me stop and really think. “And if you are comfortable in one form, it’s not easy to adjust to another.” Do we sometimes feel so content where we are at, that we don’t want to step out of our comfort zone? Does sin make us feel so comfy, that we don’t want to fight off the enemy? That one little section in the story really impacted me. I now understood why Ivy was so determined to fight.
I loved this book even more than the first maybe because I witnessed the maturity of the characters and the way they are able to forgive. The author does an amazing job of showing us what it is like to face our fears and allow ourselves to overcome them. I’m not there with my fears yet, but each day I become a little more determined like Ivy did in the story.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Ivy is a bit stronger and more assured of herself. I kept hoping she wouldn’t let her guard down and allow herself to become used by an enemy that is very crafty. I really liked that Ivy could shift into another form. Oh how the imagination in this story is so entertaining. I’m thrilled that Martin is back with us . I adore him and think he has become someone to be reckon with. His ability to heal others is quite intriguing and makes me wonder if it zaps his strength when he uses his power. My mind just goes crazy reading this book because it has so many intricate parts that help readers keep their attention glued to the story.
I’m amazed that an author can deliver a story that stretches the imagination yet gives a story that teaches valuable lessons. There is a passage in the story that made me stop and really think. “And if you are comfortable in one form, it’s not easy to adjust to another.” Do we sometimes feel so content where we are at, that we don’t want to step out of our comfort zone? Does sin make us feel so comfy, that we don’t want to fight off the enemy? That one little section in the story really impacted me. I now understood why Ivy was so determined to fight.
I loved this book even more than the first maybe because I witnessed the maturity of the characters and the way they are able to forgive. The author does an amazing job of showing us what it is like to face our fears and allow ourselves to overcome them. I’m not there with my fears yet, but each day I become a little more determined like Ivy did in the story.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
January 11, 2021
“All my life I’ve been a nomad, or a fugitive, or both. It’s time to stop hiding, and face up to what I’ve done.” He took her hands in his. “You taught me that.”
An imaginative, outstanding sequel to “Swift”, R.J. Anderson’s The Flight and Flame Trilogy continues with “Nomad.” Because it picks up where book one leaves off, this series does need to be read in order for maximum enjoyment. This story, too, is very well suited for both adults and young adults, containing enough adventure and societal relations for an older audience while also harkening to the angst of those just entering adulthood. While its predecessor did not involve a romantic thread, “Nomad” does, and while I will be the first to admit that I am not much of a romance fan, I have to commend Anderson for carrying it out so well in this story. She crafts it into the heart of the tale without it becoming the main focus or a distraction, which takes finesse.
The few issues that I had with “Swift” were resolved with “Nomad”, and in fact make sense in retrospect. Most of the characters in the first book were unattractively self-centered, albeit not necessarily maliciously so, and as a result sympathizing with them felt like a bit of a chore and I felt little to no connection with any of them. However, this is the beauty of trilogies: not only observing but walking alongside the characters as they grow and transform—in this case, sometimes literally! “All this time, Ivy had been obsessed with what she wanted. But she hadn’t gained the wings she longed for until she stopped fretting about how much they meant to her, and started thinking about what they could mean to someone else.”
The characters are my favorite part of this series; the fantasy element adds to their already high level of unpredictability, and I love being surprised throughout the narrative. New connections come to light, with their own set of consequences, as Ivy makes it her mission to somehow save the Delve from the deadly hazard that the current Joan, her aunt Betony, dismisses. Despite her status as an exile, Ivy determines to save her people or die trying. Strange dreams about the piskeys and spriggans of yore puzzle her as she works to create a plan and learns more about herself in the process. With themes such as sacrificial love, forgiveness, and mercy, the Christian aspect of this series is subtle but recognizable. And mercifully, there is not a cliffhanger at the end of this story—enough to leave readers anticipating the rest of the journey, but no lack of resolution to the plot of this segment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
An imaginative, outstanding sequel to “Swift”, R.J. Anderson’s The Flight and Flame Trilogy continues with “Nomad.” Because it picks up where book one leaves off, this series does need to be read in order for maximum enjoyment. This story, too, is very well suited for both adults and young adults, containing enough adventure and societal relations for an older audience while also harkening to the angst of those just entering adulthood. While its predecessor did not involve a romantic thread, “Nomad” does, and while I will be the first to admit that I am not much of a romance fan, I have to commend Anderson for carrying it out so well in this story. She crafts it into the heart of the tale without it becoming the main focus or a distraction, which takes finesse.
The few issues that I had with “Swift” were resolved with “Nomad”, and in fact make sense in retrospect. Most of the characters in the first book were unattractively self-centered, albeit not necessarily maliciously so, and as a result sympathizing with them felt like a bit of a chore and I felt little to no connection with any of them. However, this is the beauty of trilogies: not only observing but walking alongside the characters as they grow and transform—in this case, sometimes literally! “All this time, Ivy had been obsessed with what she wanted. But she hadn’t gained the wings she longed for until she stopped fretting about how much they meant to her, and started thinking about what they could mean to someone else.”
The characters are my favorite part of this series; the fantasy element adds to their already high level of unpredictability, and I love being surprised throughout the narrative. New connections come to light, with their own set of consequences, as Ivy makes it her mission to somehow save the Delve from the deadly hazard that the current Joan, her aunt Betony, dismisses. Despite her status as an exile, Ivy determines to save her people or die trying. Strange dreams about the piskeys and spriggans of yore puzzle her as she works to create a plan and learns more about herself in the process. With themes such as sacrificial love, forgiveness, and mercy, the Christian aspect of this series is subtle but recognizable. And mercifully, there is not a cliffhanger at the end of this story—enough to leave readers anticipating the rest of the journey, but no lack of resolution to the plot of this segment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
February 14, 2021
This second book continues the story of Ivy and Martin and WOW! It’s so GOOD!! I didn’t want to put it down. (And read it in two days.) I don’t want to give away any spoilers...so just know that I enjoyed this book even more than the first. ♥️
Now to read book three!!
Now to read book three!!
May 19, 2022
This is such a sweet story. I felt for the characters and all the hard decisions they had to make so much. Ivy needs a hug. Martin needs a hug. They just all need hugs. Can't wait for #3.
January 19, 2025
Fast paced, intense, and a little bit more mature than the first one, I enjoyed it.
Content warnings are the same as the first, but with a kiss added. On to the next!
Content warnings are the same as the first, but with a kiss added. On to the next!
January 19, 2021
Nomad is the second book in the Flight and Flame Trilogy. And of course, as that implies there will be a third book. My kids cannot wait for the third book to arrive as they have absolutely loved this series.
I am not a huge fan of fantasy like this. It's just not my cup of tea. But my teenage children love it. It's one of their favorite genres. I love having good Christian fiction that they can read without having to wonder what's in it and if it's really okay for them to read.
This book is definitely okay to read! I would say keep it teenager and above though. It says young adult fiction and I just don't think younger than teenage will get some of the plots and such. Plus there is some danger and suspense.
I highly recommend you read book one first. It's going to make the whole book make sense. I fear if you don't you're going to spend most of the book wondering what you've missed and how everything fits together.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I am not a huge fan of fantasy like this. It's just not my cup of tea. But my teenage children love it. It's one of their favorite genres. I love having good Christian fiction that they can read without having to wonder what's in it and if it's really okay for them to read.
This book is definitely okay to read! I would say keep it teenager and above though. It says young adult fiction and I just don't think younger than teenage will get some of the plots and such. Plus there is some danger and suspense.
I highly recommend you read book one first. It's going to make the whole book make sense. I fear if you don't you're going to spend most of the book wondering what you've missed and how everything fits together.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
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