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The Aure Series #2
White Bird
Merisande has returned home to heal from her harrowing ordeal in the fae kingdom. Sir Avry continues to write to her in the hope that he can spark a romance between them. Meanwhile, the king appoints Avry as his successor. Avry has no choice but to accept the title of king-in-waiting, despite his fear that it’ll ruin his chances with free-spirited Merisande.
His personal issues are soon pushed aside when an old enemy returns, bent on destruction. The fae king, having survived the ruin of his kingdom, has sworn revenge and sends The White, a giant, shape-shifting bird, to attack Avry’s people.
The White has been subjected to centuries of mistreatment by her handlers, known as binders. And the danger she poses cannot be understated.
As Avry desperately tries to find a way to save his people from the evils of the fae king, Merisande’s sudden disappearance only adds to his worries. But soon an unexpected ally appears as the fae prince returns from afar, intent on righting his father’s wrongs.
Has he come in time? Or has his father unleashed a power that threatens to destroy their world forever?
His personal issues are soon pushed aside when an old enemy returns, bent on destruction. The fae king, having survived the ruin of his kingdom, has sworn revenge and sends The White, a giant, shape-shifting bird, to attack Avry’s people.
The White has been subjected to centuries of mistreatment by her handlers, known as binders. And the danger she poses cannot be understated.
As Avry desperately tries to find a way to save his people from the evils of the fae king, Merisande’s sudden disappearance only adds to his worries. But soon an unexpected ally appears as the fae prince returns from afar, intent on righting his father’s wrongs.
Has he come in time? Or has his father unleashed a power that threatens to destroy their world forever?
- GenresAudiobook
359 pages, ebook
Published November 1, 2018
7 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 27, 2019
[This is the 2nd book in the Aure Duology]
I love the 2nd book better than the first book in the duology. To be honest, I felt like I was reading a fairy tale of a knight who is learning the rules of a king while pursuing his love. The internal struggles are expressed elegantly and realistically as Avry is serving the king and chasing/protecting his love. He is in a fickle situation where royalty comes first before pursuing his love.
As you can guess, what overcomes his decision? His heart that chases after his love.
I love the 2nd book better than the first book in the duology. To be honest, I felt like I was reading a fairy tale of a knight who is learning the rules of a king while pursuing his love. The internal struggles are expressed elegantly and realistically as Avry is serving the king and chasing/protecting his love. He is in a fickle situation where royalty comes first before pursuing his love.
As you can guess, what overcomes his decision? His heart that chases after his love.
July 21, 2019
Mer is home with her loving father and brother, recovering from the horrific experiences she endured while in the fae kingdom. Sir Avry is kept far from her as the king engages him in duties aimed to keep him close and to keep him safe. The king's legitimate successor would not rule the kingdom well, so he intends to select Sir Avry as his successor.
Avry fears that the very independent Mer would resist marrying him as king. His life is at risk too. Some would stop at absolutely nothing to preserve the traditional line of succession. Then the crazed fae king unleashes a fearsome and colossal White Bird to exact revenge on the kingdom. Mer gets swept away through this conflict. Avry is once again driven to find and rescue the woman he loves.
I loved this book! I was longing for Mer's family to be lifted out of their utter poverty. I could barely stand the sadness in Avry, loving someone he feared he could never have. The back story of The White Bird and the centuries of her mistreatment was heartbreaking. The political intrigue and shocking back-stabbing was riveting. The father-son-like-love between Avry and the king was touching.
The ending was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! There was a satisfying and exultant climax to the story. Bravo to W.K. Greyling!
Avry fears that the very independent Mer would resist marrying him as king. His life is at risk too. Some would stop at absolutely nothing to preserve the traditional line of succession. Then the crazed fae king unleashes a fearsome and colossal White Bird to exact revenge on the kingdom. Mer gets swept away through this conflict. Avry is once again driven to find and rescue the woman he loves.
I loved this book! I was longing for Mer's family to be lifted out of their utter poverty. I could barely stand the sadness in Avry, loving someone he feared he could never have. The back story of The White Bird and the centuries of her mistreatment was heartbreaking. The political intrigue and shocking back-stabbing was riveting. The father-son-like-love between Avry and the king was touching.
The ending was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! There was a satisfying and exultant climax to the story. Bravo to W.K. Greyling!
March 17, 2020
I really enjoyed this audiobook.
After listening/reading the first book, I had so many questions at the end. For me, it felt a little unfinished. Thankfully, all my questions were answered in this book. We find out what happened to Gandel. We learn more about the witch. We find out what happened to the fae. It’s a good story overall.
I loved the ending for Merisande and Avry. I loved the ending for Gandel. I thought everything wrapped up perfectly. Good ending to the series.
After listening/reading the first book, I had so many questions at the end. For me, it felt a little unfinished. Thankfully, all my questions were answered in this book. We find out what happened to Gandel. We learn more about the witch. We find out what happened to the fae. It’s a good story overall.
I loved the ending for Merisande and Avry. I loved the ending for Gandel. I thought everything wrapped up perfectly. Good ending to the series.
July 15, 2019
Loved it. White Bird ties in so well with the first novel and pulls you along with the adventure.
There was never a true lag in action. Side characters from the first book take on stronger roles and the shift in action is a natural but refreshing shift. I look forward to more books!
There was never a true lag in action. Side characters from the first book take on stronger roles and the shift in action is a natural but refreshing shift. I look forward to more books!
November 16, 2019
I really enjoyed listening to this book. Fantastic storyline that was very well put together. The characters were awesome! I hate that it ended. I wish there was more to their story. But in all I can honestly recommend it and narrator did a good job.
November 23, 2019
I normally do not have luck with series books. But W.K. Greyling delivered! White Bird is the second book of the Aure Duology. Once again the characters and all the covered details brought the story to life. I absolutely loved the ending! I want more!
July 11, 2019
Couldn’t get enough!
I could not wait to get home and open this book up! The story line kept me guessing and yearning. I fell in love with the characters! What a wonderful series.
I could not wait to get home and open this book up! The story line kept me guessing and yearning. I fell in love with the characters! What a wonderful series.
August 12, 2019
This is the second book in the series and was very well written and was so good. Again, amazing narration.
January 30, 2020
This was a great book, and I loved reading this duology.
I enjoyed the romance that budded throughout. The adventure and rescue was all fun to read, the characters were realistic and I overall enjoyed this book.
I enjoyed the romance that budded throughout. The adventure and rescue was all fun to read, the characters were realistic and I overall enjoyed this book.
January 31, 2020
Gripping! Fantastic! What a wonderful love story entwined in adventure, anticipation and doubt. My ears missed the womans voice that narrated the first book but soon it did not matter and later i felt it was definitely fitting for n man to narrate this one. A great sequel ending perfectly!
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July 24, 2020Captured my attention and kept me reading for both books,love this series
April 7, 2019
A wonderful completion of a great duology. The Aure Duology is awesome for adults as well as young adults. Plenty of action to keep you enthralled.
As I reviewed the Audible version, I will include a review of the narration. The narrator has done a great job. His perfected pauses has kept the story moving in the direction needed. I thought I wouldn't like his character voices but he did a good job with them.
As I reviewed the Audible version, I will include a review of the narration. The narrator has done a great job. His perfected pauses has kept the story moving in the direction needed. I thought I wouldn't like his character voices but he did a good job with them.
June 23, 2019
I loved this book. I had read the first one, Beneath the Roots and just had to get the next one to see how the story finished! I enjoyed reading about the Fae and Mer and she finally found happiness even thru all the trials she went through. It was a great read.
November 30, 2019
OhMgee. I absolutely enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It’s so good, just like the first one. I really love It from start to finish. Ahhh please I need more. Is there more???
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August 26, 2021Just finished so much enjoyment I really felt I was Avery and I lived his life with him.
Well done W K excellent writing
Well done W K excellent writing
January 9, 2021
Great
I loved both of her books, 1 & 2. Great fantasy reading. I will be reading more of her work.
I loved both of her books, 1 & 2. Great fantasy reading. I will be reading more of her work.
December 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, and it was a great sequel. I like that most of the questions I had about the first book were answered in this one, and that we got to learn more about Astrid and the Fae, and what was happening with Gandel. It picks up right where the first left off, and explores what's happened since then. I loved that Mer actually went through some nice character development and didn't just do a 180 on her feelings, even if she was infuriatingly stubborn at times. I definitely found Avry more interesting this time around, since he's the more of the main character in this one. I was great to hear more of his thoughts and about his past. The ending was great also. I received a free review copy of this book.
October 23, 2019
Really liked the first book Beneath the Roots great world building and that was also found here in White Bird was very easy to picture this world and characters in it. Narrator was very good once again W.K. Greyling is good at crafting fairy tail worlds that are easy to Picture and get into just wish there was more to this story is all.
June 16, 2023
lovely tale
I am Ms. Greyling’s new biggest fan and am looking for more compelling fairy tales to emanate from her pen. An epic adventure ala Naomi Novick.
I am Ms. Greyling’s new biggest fan and am looking for more compelling fairy tales to emanate from her pen. An epic adventure ala Naomi Novick.
November 22, 2019
Listened to audio narrated well by Time H. Dixon.
This story picks up after Avry and Merisande escape the Fae. I would strongly recommend reading 'Beneath the Roots' before reading 'White Bird' as they are closely tied together.
There are a couple story arcs happening, the Fae Prince's desire to start a new life and escape his fate, Avry's life at court versus his desires to be with Merisande, Merisande daily life, the Fae peoples fate/plans/history and the kingdoms plot and intrigues. All of this going on can make it hard to wonder were to focus on in the story, but it also makes it interesting because you don't know where it's going to taking you.
The prince tries to escape his fate, even going so far as to have his wings removed.
Merisande struggles with nightmares from her ordeal and adjusting to life with her family again, Avry's continued affection and ends up in danger once again.
Avry must do his penance for disobeying the King but his love for Merisande never abates and he writes to her daily to keep their connection alive and foster tender feelings from Merisande. When she disappears he once again abandons duty to save her.
I enjoyed this story even if it took awhile to get where it was going and pull all it's threads together. It ends a bit abruptly right where I want to know more, I wish the author had given us just a bit more, maybe a little epilogue, it sort of felt like the book was slammed shut at the end.
I voluntarily received this audiobook for an honest review.
More of my reviews can be found at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
This story picks up after Avry and Merisande escape the Fae. I would strongly recommend reading 'Beneath the Roots' before reading 'White Bird' as they are closely tied together.
There are a couple story arcs happening, the Fae Prince's desire to start a new life and escape his fate, Avry's life at court versus his desires to be with Merisande, Merisande daily life, the Fae peoples fate/plans/history and the kingdoms plot and intrigues. All of this going on can make it hard to wonder were to focus on in the story, but it also makes it interesting because you don't know where it's going to taking you.
The prince tries to escape his fate, even going so far as to have his wings removed.
Merisande struggles with nightmares from her ordeal and adjusting to life with her family again, Avry's continued affection and ends up in danger once again.
Avry must do his penance for disobeying the King but his love for Merisande never abates and he writes to her daily to keep their connection alive and foster tender feelings from Merisande. When she disappears he once again abandons duty to save her.
I enjoyed this story even if it took awhile to get where it was going and pull all it's threads together. It ends a bit abruptly right where I want to know more, I wish the author had given us just a bit more, maybe a little epilogue, it sort of felt like the book was slammed shut at the end.
I voluntarily received this audiobook for an honest review.
More of my reviews can be found at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is the followup to Beneath the Roots. I don't know that this is really a standalone - in that I would not recommend you start with this book without having read Beneath the Roots. I think you really need the foundation of the first book to really appreciate the character development and the choices they make.
The focus here is more on Sir Avery and dealing with becoming an heir to the Kingdom. While Avery still hopes/dreams of Mer, he has to make difficult choices and preserve the Kingdom. This is a very good conclusion and, of course, brings about the hoped for ending. This is great for the entire family with several nice life lessons.
The narration of this book switched to a male voice - Tim Dixon. I presume this is because Avery is the focus. He did a very good job, providing various voices for the characters, allowing the listener to easily differentiate between them
This is the followup to Beneath the Roots. I don't know that this is really a standalone - in that I would not recommend you start with this book without having read Beneath the Roots. I think you really need the foundation of the first book to really appreciate the character development and the choices they make.
The focus here is more on Sir Avery and dealing with becoming an heir to the Kingdom. While Avery still hopes/dreams of Mer, he has to make difficult choices and preserve the Kingdom. This is a very good conclusion and, of course, brings about the hoped for ending. This is great for the entire family with several nice life lessons.
The narration of this book switched to a male voice - Tim Dixon. I presume this is because Avery is the focus. He did a very good job, providing various voices for the characters, allowing the listener to easily differentiate between them
March 10, 2020
This review is for both books in this series as I listened to/ read them back to back.
I initially started with the audio version of Beneath The Roots but just couldn’t get into it - there’s nothing wrong with Krista Nicely’s narration as such, it just starts rather slowly and my attention kept wandering. I then switched to the ebook and got quickly drawn into the story - once that had happened I could alternate between reading and listening and enjoyed both.
The second volume is narrated by Tim H. Dixon who I found easy to listen to right from the start - by then I was invested in the characters of course and wanted to see what was going to happen to them.
The story itself is at the darker end of the fairytale spectrum (think Grimm rather than Disney), there’s plenty of original elements in both the plot and world building, the characters are layered and interesting and largely manage to avoid the typical fantasy stereotypes and tropes (a few of those we all want of course!) and the whole thing culminated in a satisfying ending. Great stuff!
I initially started with the audio version of Beneath The Roots but just couldn’t get into it - there’s nothing wrong with Krista Nicely’s narration as such, it just starts rather slowly and my attention kept wandering. I then switched to the ebook and got quickly drawn into the story - once that had happened I could alternate between reading and listening and enjoyed both.
The second volume is narrated by Tim H. Dixon who I found easy to listen to right from the start - by then I was invested in the characters of course and wanted to see what was going to happen to them.
The story itself is at the darker end of the fairytale spectrum (think Grimm rather than Disney), there’s plenty of original elements in both the plot and world building, the characters are layered and interesting and largely manage to avoid the typical fantasy stereotypes and tropes (a few of those we all want of course!) and the whole thing culminated in a satisfying ending. Great stuff!
February 12, 2020
I was given this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review. This story is intriguing and better-paced than the first book in this duology. The story is a good continuation of the characters from the first novel, but it could stand alone if someone read them out of order. This feels like a middle grades to YA novel, which I wasn’t expecting, as it was simply advertised as “fantasy.” However, I’m a fan of those genres, so I personally wasn’t unhappy with it.
May 16, 2021
Great book, I enjoyed every minute!
This is a book you can just race through! It was really difficult to put down. The character development is well done and the romance not forced, but allowed to grow comfortably. There are parts to laugh about (flickers got me in stitches of laughter for some reason lol) and parts where you'll feel your heart squeeze in sadness. My recommendation? This book is definitely worth a read
This is a book you can just race through! It was really difficult to put down. The character development is well done and the romance not forced, but allowed to grow comfortably. There are parts to laugh about (flickers got me in stitches of laughter for some reason lol) and parts where you'll feel your heart squeeze in sadness. My recommendation? This book is definitely worth a read
February 4, 2022
This story continues the story of the two young people after their return and the betrayal that they are subjected to. The action and the drama are good and the characters develop throughout the ordeal as they overcome various issues thrown into their paths.
The narration of this book is very good with the voices being done for each character.
This book was provided free of charge with the expectation of an honest review.
The narration of this book is very good with the voices being done for each character.
This book was provided free of charge with the expectation of an honest review.
August 19, 2021
I am a bit disappointed (audiobook - audible version) when the author decided to mush up the character narration / stories and weave them together … I dislike the disconcertion it creates while listening.
*SPOILER*
At moments, I couldn’t imagine or bring up a visualization of the dream scene.
I liked the first book in the series more than the 2nd.
*SPOILER*
At moments, I couldn’t imagine or bring up a visualization of the dream scene.
I liked the first book in the series more than the 2nd.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2019
Audible:Excellent follow up to Beneath the Roots.We have Avry still trying to get the attention of Mari and the White still wreaking havoc. Tim H. Dixon was a very fine narrator. I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
October 5, 2019
Audiobook review: Good second book that brought out sadness, humor, & elation. Love the setting. Very entertaining story that wrapped up loose ends. The narrator did a great job! I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 6, 2020
I don't know why it took me so long to start this book! I finished it in a day. This book was the perfect end to the series. At times it seemed to drag and I was wondering why certain things were necessary, but over all a wonderful read.
September 9, 2021
Excellent Read
I Love this series, downloaded #3 and can't wait to start. I'm at work rushing my browser to quicken so I can start. W.K. writing/story telling is so VIVID I can see the Kingdom as I read. Such good feeling this book gives me of Mer and Avry....
I Love this series, downloaded #3 and can't wait to start. I'm at work rushing my browser to quicken so I can start. W.K. writing/story telling is so VIVID I can see the Kingdom as I read. Such good feeling this book gives me of Mer and Avry....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews