Mountain and Ash

Ena of Ilbrea #2

by Megan O'Russell

The Guilds are not her only enemy.

Ena has pledged herself to the Black Bloods’ cause, spending months saving children from the grips of the Sorcerers Guild. But freedom demands a steeper price.

Following her heart has led Ena through danger and to a sanctuary she never dreamt existed. Surrounded by magic, a future free of blood and pain seem within her grasp. But hope and love have never been a part of her story.

As danger haunts her home, a powerful force demands her aid in murder. Refusing will endanger everyone she cares for―taking an innocent life is more than her soul can bear.

When death comes for Ena, will she lose her heart or her life?

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Magic, Ebooks, Young Adult

498 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2020

About the author

Megan started writing when she discovered playing Cordelia in King Lear leaves you way too much time waiting backstage. She began her career as an author during an ill-fated trip to Oz. She hasn't stopped writing (even when living on a tour bus) since.

Megan's wanderlust has led her all over the globe. When she's not planning her next escapade, she's diving into fantasy worlds where she doesn't have to worry about what rules she's supposed to follow or how many pairs of socks she can fit in her suitcase.

Her love of storytelling has helped Megan weave her real-life exploits into seven different book series. From the epic fantasy world of Ilbrea to the paranormal dystopian romance of Girl of Glass, there is always is a new way to escape into adventure.

Megan would love to connect with you on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or TikTok but feels obliged to warn you in advance that you will be hearing about her cats…a lot.

If you want to stay up to date on all Megan's books and adventures (and hear about her cats) you can find all her social media links, including where to sign up for her readers community at: https://linktr.ee/meganorussell

Reviews

[#ByFelicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have I mentioned how much I absolutely love Finn? So far he’s my favorite side character. I love his relationship with Ena. They’re basically best friends at this point and I am here for it!

Ena seems to have pulled herself more together this round as she seems to have found a place for herself among the Black Bloods. More like a purpose. I found myself sharing her irritation and frustration with the kid gloves that the everyone seemed to use around her.

Liam is kind of irritating me with his dismissive attitude. So much angst. Communication goes a long way my guy. I mean, I love you but I don’t like you right now.

The mystery surrounding Emmet is still that. A mystery. He’s made a name for the himself but no one really knows why. So I’m very curious about that. I feel like he’s hiding something from Ena and I’m anxious to find out what/if it is.

This book seems to lag a little bit. But it definitely picks up the further you get into it. The smuggling of the sorci children kept me on edge with anticipation. I loved all the kids but I gotta admit that Evie and Dorran were close favorites. Evie is a smart and strong kid for her age but when you live at the mercy of the Guilds you have to be.

Overall, I loved the book. The world building in the series just keeps getting better. Although it didn’t have a ton of action, it made up for it with the banter between Ena and Finn. Looking forward to the next one!

[Kate Page · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are things that I liked about this, but overall I didn’t really rate it, and won’t read more in the series. I think there were too many things going on, which left you feeling unsatisfied by all of them and that none of them were allowed time to develop. My main problem, though, was with the development of the central character, Ena. I liked her in the first of the series, but here it felt like she’d become stranded in a place where she felt continually guilty and super responsible for everything that went wrong. It got to be a bit irritating. It also pushed the plotting into an inward dynamic, rather than exploring the power dynamics in the world itself. So you knew rather too much about how bad Ena felt about everything, and not enough about the world itself.

[Hannah Michaels · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 42%.

This... I wanted to like this. But this book really just lacks a spark. It’s dragging and it doesn’t feel like we’re truly working towards a larger goal here. It just feels like things are affecting the characters but they’re not making conscious decisions to alter what’s going on. I wish, again, for more world building. Disappointed that I didn’t like this more. :(

*I received a free copy of this in exchange for my honest review.*

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this a fascinating high fantasy, but the writing is absolutely exquisite. The prose and descriptions are top tier, and absolutely beautiful, and to add to that, the narration adds a soothing, ethereal tone, enhancing the writing even further. Listening to this book was not only a pleasure for the story, but for the absolutely pleasing and almost soothing effect it had. Just fantastic all around.

As far as the story goes, we are now in the aftermath of Ena’s efforts to eliminate the general, and she is now living with the Blackbloods in the mountains. She is going regularly with Finn (and oh, do I love Finn sooooo much!!) on runs to help rescue Sorci children, to keep them from being taken and manipulated by the sorcerers guild, and they are working with other Blackblood clans to get them to safety. But the other clans have learned of Ena’s abilities with creating deadly poisons, and they want to use her skills to help further their agenda even more. Ena, however is not keen on this idea, not wanting to participate in the assassination of anyone else. Liam has been keeping his distance since their kiss, and it has caused a lot of tension between them, but he is ever protective of Ena, despite everything.

Outside forces come into play quite a bit in this story. They are dealing with terrifying, magical, mythical beasts, a possible traitor in the clan that is sabotaging their runs to save the children, and ultimatums by other clans in order to gain their cooperation. All the while, trying to maintain their existence within the mountain and keep their rebellion alive. The story moves along at a good pace. We get a lot more of the world building happening, much more depth into the Blackbloods and their ways of life and history. We also get a good perspective of what Ena is willing to do to make a difference, to help the sorci children who are unable to protect or help themselves. When they go out on the runs, there is action, there is banter, there is peace, and there is turmoil. The escalation of the two clashing sides continues to build, and the book ends in a heart stopping, and precarious situation for Ena.

I very much enjoyed this audiobook, and I’m excited to continue the journey with Ena, et al, in this continuing series!

[Kierstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewer’s Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

In the second book of Ena of Ilbrea, Ena has integrated herself even more into the Black Bloods’ community. Her and Finn (such a cutie!) go on missions to rescue sorci children in the hopes that they will not fall into the hands of the guilds. However, saving the children is not just an operation of the Black Blood clan us readers have come to know and love; it is an intricate alliance involving other clans that brings these children to safety. Consequently, readers learn more about the Black Bloods, one of the hopes I had prior to reading book two.

In this book, there are a few new characters introduced. One of them being the leader of another Black Blood clan, Regan, and I have a feeling she will reappear before the series concludes. Besides the question I have regarding Regan’s intentions, I also have a couple of other questions and concepts that I hope to see answered/explored either in the third or forth book: (1) An enemy besides the guilds is introduced. Where did the beast come from? Are there more monsters lurking? (2) Who is the traitor? I do have a guess which character it is, but I shall wait and see. (3) The sorcerers that side with the guilds: What exactly can they do power wise? Do they drain the children that they capture? Or use magic to force them into doing their bidding?

Overall, I am loving this series, from the characters to the entire world that Megan O’Russell has crafted, and I cannot wait to read more books by her. A warning, though, do prepare yourself for a cliffhanger that’ll leave you with a book hangover while you wait for book three.

Rating: 4.5 stars

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a epic saga that will keep you reading late into the night! Ena and Finn have been rescuing children with magic and handing them off to another clan to get them to safety. Something happens that may change that process, however.

Once again Megan’s story is so riveting that it is extremely frustrating when life happens and you have to leave the book to answer its call. But the magic is still there when you return to pick up the story again!

I wholeheartedly recommend this series to young adult and adult readers alike because you will be mesmerized by her story-that I can guarantee! However, you can’t start this book until you have read the previous stories! It would be like starting a movie in the middle and finding yourself lost because you wouldn’t know what transpired earlier.

Start this series today and you will find you have a new author you will not want to put down! The feeling that comes over you as you read is magical! The writing is superb and the stories are unforgettable!

Bravo Megan for a book just like your previous books and series that grabs hold of you and only releases you for a little while until the next continuing book is released and then that magical pull starts all over again! I would like to think I’m her biggest fan but all the rest of her fans would probably say they were too so I just delight in getting “ lost” within the pages and feeling like I’m actually there as the story unfolds! That’s the magic of Megan’s books- that feeling!!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In the second book in this series, Ena is seen taking on more responsibilities within the Black Bloods band that she has become a part of. She is seen right from the get-go on a mission to rescue one of the sorci children, a role that she has taken on passionately throughout this entire book. Along with trying to save as many sorci children as she possibly can, with the help of the one and only Finn, they have to deal with a new threat to their camp. There is a monster running around threatening the group, and putting the entire camp at risk. Furthermore, they have to deal with the Brien's threatening to take away their help in saving the sorci's from the Guild, which would make the work that much tougher.

This book had me drawn in immediately, and kept me wanting to see what would happen next all throughout. I enjoyed it immensely and once again cannot wait to see what happens next in Ena's story.

I just have to note that Finn has just continued to grow on me throughout this series and I absolutely live for his presence. His and Ena's relationship is so pure and friendly I just can't get enough of it. I was so glad he was her partner throughout this book just to get more of a taste of his unique charm.

[QueenSiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

It lost me for a while around the middle, and I feel like Ena is a little too dramatic about her self hatred, but I like where it’s going. I feel it the author very accurately represents the feelings a woman of Ena’s age would feel with the struggles she faces and her motivations. My main gripe is how much I DONT like the main love interest, and how much I prefer another alternative love interest who seems to not have piqued Ena’s interest at all, even though it seems much more reasonable to give him at least the time of day. The BEST part of the entire book was the final sequence that takes place in the Lir Valley. It was the most interesting part of the book by far, the only section I stayed up to read. Overall a good book, but I feel like almost nothing was accomplished until that final section. Regardless, I really appreciate the realistic actions and responses Ena has to emotional and stressful situations, and that accurate depiction keeps me invested in her even if the drama in her inner monologue is a bit much for my taste. Overall a good read, I’ve already reccomended the series to a friend as it doesn’t rely on NSFW scenes to promote itself but doesn’t shy away from adult situations.

[MummysVampire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second instalment of Ena of Ilbrea series by Megan O’Russell. I listened to the audio version narrated wonderfully by Alexandra Hunter who really brought these great characters to life.
Ena now lives in mountains with the black bloods. Liam is trying all he can to ignore her and not act on the feelings he clearly has, claiming it’s for her protection.
So Ena tries to forget the kiss and focuses all her attention on helping children with Magic escape the Guild. Like in the first book she is fearless and selfless and puts herself in danger to save the life’s of others.
There are more threats on the horizon than just the Guild. A potential traitor in the Black Bloods camp and a monstrous beast roaming the Forrest. Add in another clan of Black Bloods that are brutal and care only for themselves.
This is packed with action and even though Ena may not possess magic, her intelligence and bravery knows no bounds.
Be aware this ends with oh my gosh moment and I was so hoping it would happen so I think whilst it’s a cliffhanger it’s also a very exciting moment in journey.
I so need more of this awesome series now.
4.5 out of 5 exciting stars.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ina has grown up from the naive child who needed to be rescued into a competent woman who is now rescuing children from the greedy reach of the guilds. It hasn't come without its share of heartache though. She's found her place with the Black Bloods - but still isn't completely accepted by all. Faced with yet another set of impossible choices, she strives to forge a new option.

This book again goes in a different direction from what I expected, adding more depth and nuace to this world and the relationships within in. The Guild isn't the only enemy, and not all the dangers are outside the camp. The chemistry with Finn is fabulous, the relationship with Liam is complicated, and we get just a tiny peek more at Ina's brother. Fast paced, strong addition to the series. This was a book I did not want to put down!

This is book 2 and while it tells the story of a complete chapter in Ina's life, it builds on the prequel and book one and ends with a huge reveal and bit of a cliff hanger for book 3. This series is meant to be read in order.

[Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love reading about Ena and the black bloods 🔥

There is something about this world that is just so real and raw but still so much fun and magical 💫 I absolutely love Adventures with strong women, grand quests and major fights and political upheaval 💪 Megan O'Russell delivers all the above and more and has fast become a favorite author of mine just from this series ❤

Ena is a strong, stubborn but yet somehow still vulnerable and real woman that you can relate to 💗 I love her passion and being a new mum I've got a particular soft spot for her strong drive to protect children and go to any lengths for her friends or the kids 😍

The storyline is developing nicely and each book has a distinct plot but also contributes to the overall storyline of the series such is brilliant too!

There are so many things to love about this series and I honestly can't decide if I love the characters the plot or the world more but that just means there's more to love 😘

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this part of the series. I still love reading through Ena's eyes because she is fierce and perceptive, but also just needed to be loved and accepted. This book starts quickly, and getting up to speed that quick - it does help if you've read the first book. (I suspect it would be difficult to read this book as a stand-alone.) The threat of the Guilds to magical children is still in here, carried over from the first book, but there are two new threats that are introduced in this book (no spoilers) and the Black Bloods face each one head on, gradually trusting Ena with more responsibility for herself and others. I immediately switched to the 3rd book to start reading it, with almost no down time between the end of book 2.

[Kimberly #Audiofile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This does really remind me a little of Sarah j Maas’s throne of glass series. Which is such a good thing to me. The amount of art that’s given to the world building in this book is awesome.

Romance aspect is definitely still a secondary component. Audio is fabulous the female narrator is a great pick for this series and makes this a really easy listen.

Loving Finn! I have a feeling tho that if anything’s going to happen to anyone it will be him 🙈🙈 fingers crossed I’m wrong.

I want to see the brother and sister finally team up and kick some arse! COME ON TEAM

Looking forward to book3! Ekkk GREAT SERIES 100% of I’ll be continuing this amazing series.

4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gifted audio in exchange for an honest review.

[Jess Boaden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am beyond obsessed with Ena’s story. Her courage and fight is appealing in so many ways and her constant need to help and stay strong connects with me and I bet a lot of other readers.

The world building through out this series so far is extremely clever. The thought that has gone through this series is precise and delicate. The scenes are well described, giving you the tools to imagine it yourself.

The writing is very well done, there are a few slow burning moments but not in a way where you lose interest. You are constantly hoping for the best and waiting for the happy ever after. I can not wait to read the next book!

Follow Ena’s story in the next instalment Ice and Sky!!

[Vicki DeVico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ena has pledged herself and her life to the cause of the Black Bloods, folk with ties to the magic of the mountains. After growing up in Ilbrea, only knowing the evil, grasping magic of the Guilds, she willingly joins the Black Bloods who are trying to save young 'sorci'--children who show magical abilities. Pledging her loyalty and life to Liam and his clan, she goes on missions with Finn (a totally incredible character in his own right and his interactions with Ena are awesome!) to save the magical children. The dangers and challenges in this book make it a tremendous read and I highly recommend it (along with the entire series!).

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this new book in the series, but be warned, it ends with a cliffhanger so I hope we don't have to wait too long to see what happens next :) Ena has settled into her new home, and a new role with the black bloods, helping rescue others from the terrors of the guild, but that is far from the only challenge she faces in this new book. The characters continue to develop but there are still mysteries to be resolved. I received an ARC of this book, and this is my voluntary and true opinion of the book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a fun world to follow along with Ena, the Black Bloods, and the Guild.
We get to see how Ena works alongside Finn with rescuing those who are prized. I must admit that I’m a big fan of Finn. The journeys are fun and full of angst and anticipation waiting to see what happens next. For me, the book was a bit slow at times but overall it was a enjoyable listen.
The narrator did wonderful. The variety of tones and variations used were great and easy to follow. I’m eager to see what happens because that hook really got me there at the end.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ena is still with the Black Bloods' and going on rescue trips with Finn. She pledges herself to their cause and now there is no turning back. So many life-and-death situations going against the Sorcerers Guild. How many rescue missions can they attempt before death comes for them? OMG where does this author get her imagination from to be able to write books like this. Very, very highly recommended.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The guild aren’t the only monsters on the mountain. I loved this book 2 of Ena’s story. We meet some new characters and see new places as Ena and Finn are trying to save the magically children before the guild can seize them. We also get more depth and background on the characters we already know. Finn is my favorite character, he takes his job seriously but still has a lot of whit and positivity. I can’t wait to see what happens next! This book left us on a huge cliffhanger!

[Andra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in Ena of Ilbrea series

A page-turning, gripping magical adventure which continues to be filled with bravery, magic, choices, bonds, and betrayal. In a world where everyone has a part to play, strength is found in survival. Strong character development and detailed world building. This series is captivating and full of action. Highly recommended.

"Some things are worth any price."
"I've known darkness, and I am not afraid."

[Jill Gauger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A monster on the loose terrorizing the Blackbloods and the Guild after the children with magic. Ena and Finn travel to find the children and save them from lives of who knows what kind of abuse at the hands of the Guilds.
Ena and Finn go to find one child but are returning with four.
They meet with dangerous obstacles at every turn. I love the storyline of this book and series. A wonderful read.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Again, I adore this series...I read several months ago and being able to relive Ena's story through an audiobook has just been fantastic!

Alexandra Hunter does a fabulous job - I really love how she is consistent with how she is capturing Ena's spirit.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Annie Kosar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic & Magnificent Mischief!!!

Love where this journey is headed!!:-). The characters are daring and brave and full of passion!!! Lots of action and unexpected places and magic and secrets!!! Cannot WAIT to escape in the next book of this series and see where it takes us!!:-). LOVED IT!!:-)

[Alyssa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring and repetitive. Thought I’d give the rest of the series a chance even though the first book wasn’t amazing to me but after this I’m not reading the rest. There’s almost way too much going on but at the same time nothing going on because it all seems to repeat itself. It’s not even in the category of so bad it’s entertaining, it’s just bad.

[John Bristow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, after chiving reading the first chiving book I got caught up with the chiving characters and there chiving adventures. But the chiving part I couldn’t get past was the lazy chiving dialogue. At least it is better than the last series I read which replaced “chiving” will a liberal dose of the dreaded f bomb all through the story.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a new chapter in Ena's story
as she continues her quest.
Life, death, pain and terror are
her constant companions as are
hope, love and compassion.
Come along as her journey continues.
Enjoy !!

Phyllis S.

[Andrea Chiossone · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s impossible not to love this story and the characters. And as it ended on quite a cliff hanger I’m going to have to move straight on to book 3.

My only gripe is the overuse of the word “chivving” - not quite so bad as the 1st book, but still too much.

[Valerie Worster · Rating 4 out of 5]

good, but…

Her stubbornness and recklessness are starting to grate on my nerves. She does whatever she wants and somehow comes out unscathed. I’m curious to see what she’s got herself into now, so I guess the author has done her job.

[BETH BROOKS-MOIR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

Wow! Book 2 was an awesome ride! I love these complex characters, and the world building is fantastic. I definitely recommend this series. I am excited for book 3! Thank you!

[Kyla Sixkiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series! The characters are relatable. Things feel real with this book, there’s funny moments and intense moments. I want to continue on and see where Ena ends up next and how she’ll persevere this time.