"If you are willing, pay your worth. Let the gods decide."
After a disappointing venture into Emberlyn Forest, Queen Natylia of Thrais is feeling anything but confident. To make matters worse, the Council is now involved, placing her on lockdown to ensure she rules her kingdom as appointed.
But she knows the Scepters are out there. At any moment those magical keys could be used to release four dangerous Titans from their prison far beneath Saphir Lake. If Natylia fails to find the Scepters before they fall into the wrong hands, her kingdom won’t be the only one to suffer.
With the support of Jyn, Camion, and Meryn, Natylia sets out to hunt these ancient relics before war and death can destroy Araenna. And when a former love gets tangled into the mix, Natylia is forced to learn the true meaning of forgiveness.
Betrayal haunts her every step, but the fate of Araenna depends on her every decision—and a test of power may cost her everything she holds dear.
Tyffany Hackett is an award-winning author of Young Adult and New Adult Fantasy. Her stories are filled with strong women, found family, powerful friendships, and lots of loveable cinnamon rolls. Residing in Upstate New York, Tyffany spends her days corralling her little minecraft addict and her nights trying to make the words go. In her down time you can find her killing reapers, darkspawn, or battling for the horde.
It's been a while since I read Imber by Tyffany Hackett, which is the first book in the Thanatos series. I vividly remember how I ended up cursing myself for not having read the ARC sooner so.. Safe to say I jumped and started reading very quickly the moment my ARC of Tellus arrived on my Kindle.
I mentioned it in my other review as well, but it's definitely worth repeating how diverse the cast in this trilogy is. There's LGBTQIA+ rep, POC rep, anxiety rep.. That alone might be plenty of reason to get yourself a copy of these books, no? On top of that, the voice of each character is distinct. There's only one POV, but you still feel how different and unique the other characters are. Their depth, their growth and changes throughout the story.. The impact events have on them.. It's all so well done, well written and executed..
As for the pace of the book.. I don't think I ever read a book by someone who's able to write in such a manner as Tyffany. The pace changes often and that fits the story perfectly. Action-packed scenes have a faster feel to them, while the parts where there are meaningful moments relationship-wise are slower. I personally felt the change in pace added a lot to my reading experience since it drew me in and barely let me go.
Of course, automatically, this book was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. And that's not even mentioning the twists and turns Tyffany throws our way. I am not even ashamed to admit I messaged her, cursed her and.. well.. felt like throwing something at her at times. That's how deep I got into the story. And let's not forget how I cursed her to hell and back with that particular ending.. Like.. YOU DON'T DO THAT TO ME, OKAY.
One final thing I want to address is the attention to detail. I haven't seen a lot of fantasy novels where any of the characters take the time to sharpen their blades. It's something I very much appreciated seeing since it shows how deep the author goes to deliver a story that covers everything!
I don't think I have to mention how Tyffany is one of my favorite authors. She deserves for her books to reach more people so.. if you like me even the tiniest bit, you'll add Imber to your TBR, buy a copy and start reading!
Tellus was the perfect balance of down moments and action scenes, of sweet scenes and sassy times. Unlike the previous book, that had to set up the world and introduce us to its characters, this book did not have that necessary hindrance, which made this a faster read. The author’s writing style also makes it very easy to effortlessly follow the story. So easy, in fact, that some nights I had to force myself to put the book down and sleep.
The characters are a fantasy lover’s dream: a queen, an elf, a witch, a blacksmith, a pirate and godly figures. Natylia, Camion, Meryn and Jyn (especially him) are amazing, but that was a fact I had already witnessed in Imber. The new addition, the dashing pirate Andimir, completely stole my heart. (Although Jyn still holds his place as favorite character of the series.) Characters are one of my favorite aspects of a story. If they don’t make me laugh and cry, if I cannot relate to them, then I will most likely not like the book. It could have the grandest worldbuilding, but the characters make the story. Well, Tyffany Hackett has created a story with characters that are easy to love and root for. They’re relatable, they are funny, they are swoony, and their bonds of friendship make it so that you feel their love and their pain for each other.
Not gonna lie, I may have cried a couple of times.
And with that I am not saying that the worldbuilding is lacking. On the contrary, the world is perfect! As for the storyline, as I said before, it was addicting and fast paced, and there was a plot twist towards the end of the book that I did not see coming. At all. It was mind blowingly good! And the ending… ugh, that ending! It definitely made me scream into my pillow and very excited for the third book (as if I needed any help with that.)
I highly recommend this series to people who love fantasy. It has the characters, the magic, the atmosphere and the world of a fantasy that has nothing to envy popular titles.
Oh lord, friends, where do I begin? Firstly, with a plea for you to read the first book, “Imber”, in this epic series first and foremost. You have to or nothing else will make sense, but it's worth it, so, so worth it. Once you do that, come back, sit down next to me, and let me tell you about all the heart strings that “Tellus” is going to pull, because it will pull them and pull them, break some, but then give you more because there are moments so achingly sweet mixed in with the pain our dear heroes face. What kind of pain? Oh, just the fate of the world, no biggie. “Tellus” picks up pretty seamlessly from where “Imber” left off: Nat has failed to retrieve one of the Scepters that is keeping the Titans locked away. There are 2 more left, but they don’t know where they are, or who could be conspiring against them, keeping Nat from her throne and risking the life of her family—by blood or no.
I had the pleasure of beta reading “Tellus” prior to its release, so I knew what was in store for me—I knew and it still didn’t help. What Natalyia goes through, her fear, anxiety, desire to save her people, to sacrifice herself to make life easier for others, are all so real and tangible that even though she is a queen, you can completely connect to her as a real person, and you feel FOR her. The same can be said of Camion who, when he’s with Nat, is just so sweet sometimes it made my teeth ache. Like I’m sure I have a few cavities now, thanks, Hackett! But even with knowing what was going to go down, one of my favorite things about this story, nay, this series is the friendships and the banter between the cast of characters the author has introduced us to. I want to be part of their circle, that’s how well they’re crafted, how funny they can be, and how loyal they are to one another. For a fantasy series, all the characters are well rounded, their struggles so real, that this is an inspiring read. One you want to share with young adults who are struggling to find their place in the larger world, and who need to know that even if you fall sometimes, if you fight for what you love, for what you believe in, you can accomplish great things—though it does help to have an Elf and witch bestie on your side, just saying.
“Tellus”, much like its predecessor, is a steady read. It’s not super-fast, not slow, but this wonderful blend of both to where you are given time to absorb the world Hackett is presenting; you get to see the lushness of it, experience the magic and feel like you really understand it, before moving on to the next area. The action is heart pounding, the hints teased with remarkable subtly that you are kept wondering, and guessing as to who is really after them, what will happen next; one secret revealed with a dozen more to take its place. I was never bored during this read, never felt like this was a typical second book in a series where it’s just a place holder to the climax—this was a fun and inspiring adventure to be a part of in its own right.
But here’s the thing, remember those heart strings I told you about? Prepare to have them snapped with the ending! Even with knowing what was going to happen, part of me wished it wasn’t going that way. That the cliffhanger wouldn’t be quite the cliff it was, and it wasn’t compared to the original version, but still! It still kind of was AND HOW DARE YOU HACKETT?! I say this mainly because I am devastated in a good way, but also because I know some people have mixed feelings about books with cliffhangers. I’m hoping if you know it’s there ahead of time you won’t throw your book/Kindle across the floor and do some voodoo magic on this lovely author. She really is a master of the gentle touch though, so pay attention to what unfolds because she does give you the answers, but you will miss them in the incredible world and character building Hackett presents if you don’t read closely.
This is a wonderful series full of meticulous world building, wonderful characters with incredible friendships, slow burn romances, and no cheesy love triangles! The topics can be heavy at times, like, real heavy—so this is still probably better for a more mature YA reader, but there is no gory violence or super sexy scenes, so rest assured. And even with the cliffhanger shattering my heart, it’s shattered in the way I most love: with a desperate desire to dive back into this world as soon as possible. Even though I did beta read this novel early on, I’d still give it 5 stars (4.5 if I want to get salty about that ending tho) because I feel like the main character’s struggles and the deeper issues this book tackles head on is far more important than any saltiness about the ending. Seriously, this is a wonderful fantasy series full of heart, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here!
Ok. Meeting Andimir was the best part of this sequel. He’s amazing and fit in so well with the rest of the group. I absolutely adore him. All of the characters bring so much to the story and I couldn’t get enough!
What just happened? I am forever screaming about that ending. I just...I need answers. I am broken, I am a mess.
To start this off, holy hells and dancing dragons, this was a ride. And in the best ways possible. In Tellus, we got to see so many places! And I loved all of them! I am so impressed by how good this was! I mean, if I could give it an extra star I would. Here, consider this a sixth star.
I had so much fun reading this. So many moments of laughter, my heart turning into a gooey mess and me screaming into the void. This was everything I needed and some. Was this perfection? Yeah, pretty much. All the introduction stuff was no longer needed here so the only thing I criticized pretty much went *POOF* here. The pace was fast and just right, the plot gripping and the company was simply the best.
We finally see some of the antagonists wreaking havoc, see new allies and most importantly, our new addition to the hero-squad: Andimir. That boy is one of my absolute favorites (don't worry, Jyn is still my child). I loved all the different interactions with him, the new banter, the fun. And so many revelations.
Since this is the second book, I won't go into detail and I'm not a fan of putting spoilers in my reviews but yeah, THIS TRILOGY IS ADDICTING.
Excuse me but when can I finally read the next book. I know it is close but I can't. That ending was a shocker. I am so freakishly excited for book three even though I will have a hard time saying goodbye. I dread what is to come and I will never be ready but I need Ventus now. Please. Someone please have mercy on me. I NEED ANSWERS!!!!
Honestly, if you didn't get it from my previous rambling: I HIGHLY recommend this series to all fans of fantasy. Even if you've only read adult fantasy and dislike YA as much as I do, please just read this. This trilogy is SO good and the characters are amazing. Yes they are young people but they are most definitely not your average and very annoying YA group. Me praising a YA book, is probably the highest compliment you can get. There. I said it.
READ THE THANATOS TRILOGY!
(I'll go back to staring out the window while I wait for Ventus.)
The second book in a fantasy trilogy, we follow Queen Natylia and her companions on the hunt for the Tellus scepter. In a race against time, they are desperately trying to prevent three vicious titans from being released and wreaking havoc on their world.
I loved all the characters in this book, it’s hard to choose a favorite. These characters were well developed and we got a good sense of what was going on in their heads. Not only were the characters great but their relationships with one another were also well done. A group of friends who would die for each other (and almost do at some points). They refused to abandon one another, even when tensions ran high and mistakes were made. Then we have the romance subplot. It’s so refreshing to see a healthy relationship where they communicate with each other. They had problems but they talked 👏🏻 it 👏🏻out 👏🏻.
The world was a continuation of the one we were presented in Imber, but it went far beyond that. In fact it has one of the coolest settings I have ever read. We also got to learn more about the magic system in this installment. However, it is still a pretty soft magic system so don’t expect hard and fast answers.
Along with expanding on the world and magic, we also built on the plot laid down in book one. We learned more about the evil forces at work behind the scenes and who might be pulling the strings. There are a lot of threads left open, but as the middle book in a series this is to be expected. The plot was well paced and I enjoyed how much time we spent with the crew on their search.
The writing style is a good balance of description and plot. The descriptions of several locations were vivid and helped to make them some of my favorite.
Overall, I really enjoyed continuing on this journey with Nat and her friends. The plot and subplot were woven together beautifully. I cannot wait for the final book in the trilogy to see how the story wraps up.
Disclaimer: I am friends with the author but I feel this in no way impacts my rating or review of the book, but felt it important to disclose for transparency. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review* Tellus was nothing that I expected and yet everything I hoped it would be. I binged Imber and Tellus back to back in one weekend and now I wish I'd taken it a little slower just so I can be back with them searching for truths and learning about the world rather than waiting in agony to find out what happened to my dear friends. The character growth and depth of the whole crew was really amazing. Usually when I read a book about "kids my age" (18-25) writers just make hormone-driven high schoolers into older people or shove old people into younger bodies. Tyffany built characters that show the youthfulness of their age with the rationality their situation and positions in life call for. No empty airheads here. Well except maybe Lucian but he doesn't really deserve to have a head in my opinion, but that may be a bit harsh...unless my suspicion about the ending of the book is true. Meryn!!! Poor Meryn with her character development being so overwhelmingly plot-twisting. My heart might always be snapped in two from the three boys in their different kinds of love for Natylia and the faith they put in her ability to restore her queendom. Tellus does have a bit of a cliff-hanger but at least Natiyla and Camion weren't literally hanging off a cliff as a dear Uncle Rick did to my poor Percabeth. Waiting a year to read the conclusion will most likely lead to many theories and rereads and at this point maybe Sherlock levels of corkboard string maps. Some books are worth reading twice. Others are worth memorizing and quoting. This one is worth losing my heart again and again.
AMAZING! Utterly AMAZING! The characters, the plot twists, the ROMANCE, the magic, THE CUTE BABY ABIMAL CREATURES!! 🖤🖤
Tellus is everything one wants in a sequel. Beautiful and exciting. I was at the edge of my seat all the time. The characters have developed so much during their journey and I love them to pieces. And the romance between Natylia and Camion is as precious as ever.
On the not so bright side (TOTALLY STILL A BRIGHT SIDE), this book has DESTROYED ME! The plot twists, the danger, the tears. Such an emotional rollercoaster that end with a bang!
I can’t wait to see what awaits Natylia, Camion, Meryn, Jyn and Andimir in Ventus. 100% recommend this series to fans of fantasy, strong female leads, adorable romances, gut wrenching scenes, magic and amazing, complex characters 🖤
I had the privilege of beta reading this book months ago, and it was amazing back then, but during my reread of the final copy I was blown away by the story all over again. This book takes the beautifully crafted world of Imber and expands it with many more layers and complexities that make this story so intriguing as a sequel. The main character Nat likewise explores new depths in herself as a leader, a friend, and a magic user. The characters in this book are so rounded out and fascinating -- I could read fluff pieces about them all day long!
In book two, we get new settings and a ton of new characters that I love. The magic takes on new and interesting developments, while the stakes are only getting higher. Hackett's writing is so gorgeous, and I found myself sucked in all over again. I cannot WAIT for the third book of the trilogy!
I highly recommend these books for anyone who likes light Tolkien-esque fantasy with the imagery and flow of SJM's writing.
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Where do I even begin with this book? It was amazing in every sense of the word. There are plenty of surprises in this book. There is even one where I knew there was something going on, but I just did not know just how big it was going to be. This book kept me reading even when I shouldn't have, even distracted me from my own writing a few times! The ending of this book has left me stunned, internally repeating the phrase 'Holly Sh*t'. And I don't curse lightly. Overall a 5 star read, and an excellent sequel to Imber. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. I can hardly even wait for the third and final book, Ventus!
This book, guys. This book is tons of FUN!! There’s sword fights and adventure and magic and new creatures to discover around every corner. And then there’s the characters. So diverse with relatable flaws, and you’re always left guessing as to what they’ll do next! The world building is vast and beautiful, and you can’t help but picture the various places in your head. If you enjoy fantasy adventure with a sprinkle of sweet romance, then don’t wait another day to join the quest!
Wow!!! I'll say it again....Wow! Let me first just say that I'm not a huge fantasy reader anymore. I used to love them, but all the stories started melding together, and it all just seemed too out there. Having said that, THIS series is phenomenal!! I read Imber and loved it, but then, like I said. I kind of fell out of love with fantasies. But since Ventus is coming out soon, I had to recommit. And MAN, I'M SO GLAD I DID!!
Tyffany Hackett has created characters that are seriously some of my all time favorites. They are so multidimensional that you feel their pain and their grief along with their joys and happiness. And there was plenty of all of that to go around. It was the perfect blend of intense action and lighthearted humor. And of course, at it's heart, a true story of friendship. These characters live and die for each other, and you're literally turning pages to see whose life hangs in the balance next.
But like I said, there are plenty of light moments too. And the humor often had me laughing out loud. Especially with the addition of Andimir, who I couldn't stand when he was first introduced, but eventually grew to love. Another testament to the author's ability to write great characters.
Tellus is book 2 in the Thanatos Trilogy and is a Young Adult/New Adult High/Epic Fantasy novel.
Book Cover: 4* - Continuing with the more environmental atmospheric feel, this cover is just as cool as the first one, but this time we are going very green. The protagonist stands ready to venture into some ruins, most likely hoping to find the next scepter for the battle of the titans powers.
Summary/Tagline: 5* - Oh man the tag and the summary is FREAKING amazing. I mean come on, "If you are willing, pay your worth. Let the gods decide." I had NO idea what that could possibly mean until I read this book and WOW! Is all I can say. I was already hooked by that tag alone and the rest just kept me curious until I finally opened the book and read it.
Characters: 5* - Alright, we continue to follow Natylia only for the entire book and she had an amazing growth. Because this is book 2, I will make sure to keep things spoilery free, but make sure you've at least finished book 1, Imber, before continuing. I already loved Tily in Imber, and this book just made it permanent. Her anxiety of what might happened if she doesn't continue her journey for the other scepters, her fear for her sister's safety, her growing love for Camion and her friends, and her willingness to forgive a former lover who just up and vanished without a word years prior, her regret on certain decisions that almost divided her friends, and her will to keep going no matter what. It was just amazing following her throughout this book. Even her friends and a new guest to the group were just . . . I want to be a part of this friend group SO badly haha! There are also some really intimidating antagonists and villains in this book and I can't wait to see more of them in the final book of this trilogy.
World Building: 5* - We continue to learn more of this world in book 2, which is just awesome. More cities, understanding more of Nat's powers, we even got to learn more about the Titans AND elves in this book. We even learned more about the characters in this book! Really hard for me to say what without going into spoilers, but just take my word for it, I was very much satisfied by the end with the information given to me. Also, I want a Zylarra. That is all.
Story: 5* - Oh wow. Just, wow. Tellus takes place only 2 weeks after Imber and things were set in motion fast. The death of the councils, a possible betrayal, and needing to be separated from family, again, and Natylia was forced to not look back and keep going. The adventure was thrilling, fast paced, and very informative to state my hunger for all the going ons in this story. I was nervous, excited, laughing, even flabbergasted and stunned when certain information was thrown my way. It was VERY hard for me to put this book down, and with how this book ended, I seriously can't wait to pick up book 3.
Over All: 5* - Definitely, Tellus deserves this 5 stars from me. Even though the story was thrilling and pretty action packed this time around, there was also so many character moments that made me go aww, laugh, and want to cry. I love Natylia and the gang and I seriously can't wait to see how this journey will end. Seriously, if you were ever wondering if you should get all 3 books together, YES! This book freaking left me hanging with that ending! I gots ta know what will happen to Nat!
Well, this was a crazy, action-packed follow-up to Imber! Wow! Andimir was the perfect addition and I love him so much!!! There were also a few great twists that I totally didn't see coming (but looking back the hints were RIGHT THERE OMG) It was great to see Natylia's growth as she starts to come into her magic. If I had one teeny little complaint it would be that the other characters baby her a bit much. But they're also too hard on her. It just made me feel for her even more. Like, give the girl a break and let her figure this out!
Overall, this was a super fun adventure that felt like the perfect merging of classic and modern fantasy. Can't wait for book three!!!!
Merged review:
Well, this was a crazy, action-packed follow-up to Imber! Wow! Andimir was the perfect addition and I love him so much!!! There were also a few great twists that I totally didn't see coming (but looking back the hints were RIGHT THERE OMG) It was great to see Natylia's growth as she starts to come into her magic. If I had one teeny little complaint it would be that the other characters baby her a bit much. But they're also too hard on her. It just made me feel for her even more. Like, give the girl a break and let her figure this out!
Overall, this was a super fun adventure that felt like the perfect merging of classic and modern fantasy. Can't wait for book three!!!!
WHAT. HAPPENED.TO.ME.THAT CLIFFHANGER OMGGGGG. So if you guys haven’t read the first one in this beautiful trilogy (Imber), I highly recommend you do so before you read this one. Tyffany does the world building beautifully while also introducing us to very unique and beautiful characters who you cannot help but instantly love and want to protect because they are baby and the most beautiful souls in literature. I adore them.
Now for this masterpiece. Holy wow. I am DYING for Ventus. That cliffhanger seriously wrecked me but omg was this book a page turner from the get go. She does amazing at building off all the wonderful work from the first one and diving in to give you a sequel full of some epic twists, a story that builds on the love you have for Nat and her crew of beautiful babes (Jyn is my husband), and a jaw dropping conclusion that will leave you not only gut wrenched with worry for the fate of these beautiful characters I PROMISE you will adore, but an intense hunger for MORE MORE MORE. Thank GOD this woman is an absolute QUEEN and works her booty off to bring us such a beautiful world and character rich stories that the wait, though hard on the heart, will be more than worth it.
Please. Just read these books. And be warned, your heart will be invested, you will fall in love, and you will feel every bit of agony possible because these characters and these stories will lodge themselves deep into your heart and soul.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review. This review is Spoiler Free!
Okay. Firstly. Wow. Wow, oh wow, oh wow. I flipping love this series. I adored book one (If you recall, I wrote a fairly long review for it!) so was dying for book two. Sadly, upon receiving the review copy, I fell Ill, along with became incredibly busy with moving out of home for the first time and meeting my boyfriends mum and sister for the first time. So, the three of those things combined made for a rather stressful few months for me. So I was unable to read this book immediately as I was so desperate to do. But my gosh, now that I have finally picked this book up and completed it, my mind is left whirling.
The world. The characters. The story. The magic. The writing. The... the... just the everything! This story continues on with the suspense and fantastic story telling. We see a great deal more of character development, world building, and most of all, unforgettable, heartbreaking moments. This book had me, once again, on the edge of my seat. I was racing through the pages, turning one after the other, desperate for answers, impatient to to what would happen next. I seriously could not put this book down and can not recommend this series highly enough!
This book, of course, gets a 5 out of 5 stars. How could it not? If you have not picked up book one, do it!! And if you have but have yet to read book two, then, um DO IT!!! I mean, you will probably cry. But... like... it'll be good too cause the feels man... the feels... many feels... okay I will stop now.
If y'all are not following this author in some form or fashion. If y'all are not supporting this author already, then WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?
Hackett's characters are real and complex (like actual people and not archetypes!). The friendships are only further strengthened in Tellus, which I think is the real selling point of these stories. Don't get me wrong - I love me some adventure quests to save the world - but was is a story without the relationships between its characters? Hackett has the ability to create and build relationships that come to life on the page. Each character is an individual, and people who get time on the page serve a purpose. No one feels like "just this spare guy."
There are multiple twists and turns in this book, and each one is executed well. Whether or not I saw them coming, I was still genuinely entertained when the twists happened regardless. This book was such a fun read and absolutely binge-able.
World-building and information flow naturally as characters meet those who legitimately have more knowledge than them and are willing to impart that knowledge. The information doesn't just drop from the sky into the narrative, which I understand can be a pet peeve for some readers. The addition of the map was especially nice for someone like me whose brain has proven so far incapable of mapping worlds on its own.
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story. Like the first in the series, it was very well written and filled with action and adventure in a well-built fantasy environment. We follow our familiar and loveable cast of characters as they search for the second staff, but not without first returning to the kingdom. The plot thickens throughout the story, to the point where I did not want to stop reading. A bit more romance in this one compared to the previous, but again don’t worry, all romantic interaction is clean and contains no adult content. I have to say, I am really impressed with the story so far, and how each book in the series has managed to surpass my expectations. I am looking forward to reading the third book to find out what happens.
I really felt connected to Natylia when I read Imber. Now here we are in book two and it’s good to be back. One of my favorite things while reading this series is how the characters pull themselves back together after a loss. Natylia’s relationships with Jyn, Meryn, and Camion are all diverse and beautifully written. Seeing the world expand, and getting to know new characters like a pirate named Andimir has been fun.The action in this story is very intense and I was holding my breath a few times. After that cliffhanger, I’m so happy that this is a trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was given an ARC copy of this book from the author.
Just like the first book of the series, the writing is strong but not complex which appeals to the more mature readers who enjoy YA.
I found this book had a few more lulls between action scenes than the first book but it still managed to keep me interested. I did enjoy the introduction of a new character and am very curious to see how he may shift the storyline. Same goes for some interesting facts which were revealed by the end of the book.
A fantastic read. This is a fast paced read. That has great world building as well as the Characters are brought out so well. And the scenes are written so well I can see them in my minds eye as I read. There are twists and turns. I definitely recommend this read. Shauna Joesten
Such an excellent sequel! I loved the characters and the growth they went through. The romance is so swoony and lovely. And that ending... I need Ventus sooo bad! I can't wait for the next book!
Well, this was a crazy, action-packed follow-up to Imber! Wow! Andimir was the perfect addition and I love him so much!!! There were also a few great twists that I totally didn't see coming (but looking back the hints were RIGHT THERE OMG) It was great to see Natylia's growth as she starts to come into her magic. If I had one teeny little complaint it would be that the other characters baby her a bit much. But they're also too hard on her. It just made me feel for her even more. Like, give the girl a break and let her figure this out!
Overall, this was a super fun adventure that felt like the perfect merging of classic and modern fantasy. Can't wait for book three!!!!
Merged review:
Well, this was a crazy, action-packed follow-up to Imber! Wow! Andimir was the perfect addition and I love him so much!!! There were also a few great twists that I totally didn't see coming (but looking back the hints were RIGHT THERE OMG) It was great to see Natylia's growth as she starts to come into her magic. If I had one teeny little complaint it would be that the other characters baby her a bit much. But they're also too hard on her. It just made me feel for her even more. Like, give the girl a break and let her figure this out!
Overall, this was a super fun adventure that felt like the perfect merging of classic and modern fantasy. Can't wait for book three!!!!
I hope you have Ventus ready, because this book ends on quite the cliffhanger!
This one...this one hurt. Not only does Natylia do something rash and dangerous, relationships get strained and feelings get hurt. Everyone goes through a rough patch in this one. However, a bright spot: Andimir!! You hear about him in the first book, but you actually get to meet him here! And I loved him! He is such a great source of support for everyone and he so easily fits in with the rest of the group. And Meryn - oh man! She has a much larger role to play.
I just love how Tyffany writes her characters. The development is just so good and they're very human and flawed and have their things that they work through. She has only gotten better at it in her later books.
Favorite Quotes Natylia: "...I've learned that there's merit to letting a person show you who they are, before you judge them from someone else's eyes. Misunderstanding, hatred, jealousy, guilt...they're ugly excuses to make an innocent person seem lesser."
Jyn: "I would rather spend the rest of my life hurt by the mistakes of my friends than to let no one in at all."
Meryn: "It's not about what you can do that no one else can. It's about the way you see the world. You're not different because of what you can or can't do. You're different because of the way you experience things. The way you feel them. Every perspective is valuable, even the wrong ones."
Camion: "Every scar tells a story, even the ones you can't see. Or don't want to."
Natylia: "You can't start a new adventure if you never open the book."
Cam: "The leaving wasn't the hard part. Finding your way in a world that doesn't see you like you've been told to see yourself. Accepting your worth and hoping others will too. That's the hardest part." Nat: "And your scars." Cam: "Yes, those too. Sharing the scars is the hardest part." Nat: "Why?" Cam: "Because you have to hope people can see past the ugly, the twisted, and find the good within. Most people don't care to look."
This book picked up much quicker than the first (Imber). Part of that is the world and characters are already established, but because of its quicker pace to get into the action, I enjoyed it more than the first one.
The characters and their banter is what really makes this a favorite read for me. Reminds me a bit of how companions in the Dragon Age franchise interact (which I love!) The teasing, the humor, the bickering. It all makes the characters feel real and the story alive.
Another part I loved is one of the reveals about a character. I really enjoyed the reaction and them talking through that. There were enough little odd things that helped build up that reveal and make them all make sense. I loved it. Excited about where it takes us in Book 3.
As soon as I finished this one, I bought the third book.
Tellus continues the trilogy with this wonderful cast of characters who are great friends and work together unfailingly. The second story begins with a failed attempt at getting the real scepter, only a replica. This doesn't stop the adventure or ongoing danger as they search for the Tellus scepter. Again, there are unexpected dangers, twists and turns. I had to wait far to long to get the last of the 3 books, and purchased it as soon it was released.
A book two not even a bit less interesting from a first one of Thanatos saga... As expected,I would say :-). Can't wait to have a go with following that story in book three...