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The Talented #2
The Defender
New roles. New rules. No margin for error.
Zezilia Ilar joins the sept son's entourage as a defender. Her growing Talent ability makes her a target for the Elitists, and her gender makes people question her competence. She must protect the sept son. Any mistake could be fatal.
Hadrian Aleron always knew his beliefs would cause trouble, but he didn't realize how much. Rebels are rising. He could lose his title, his position, and if he's not careful, his life. As the assassination attempts grow bolder, Hadrian must rely upon his young defender and their shared faith in the Almighty to keep him from faltering.
The Defender is the second in a trilogy. Reading Seventh Born first is recommended.
Zezilia Ilar joins the sept son's entourage as a defender. Her growing Talent ability makes her a target for the Elitists, and her gender makes people question her competence. She must protect the sept son. Any mistake could be fatal.
Hadrian Aleron always knew his beliefs would cause trouble, but he didn't realize how much. Rebels are rising. He could lose his title, his position, and if he's not careful, his life. As the assassination attempts grow bolder, Hadrian must rely upon his young defender and their shared faith in the Almighty to keep him from faltering.
The Defender is the second in a trilogy. Reading Seventh Born first is recommended.
- GenresChristian FictionFantasy
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2019
26 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Rossano
26 books453 followersRachel Rossano is a happily married mother of three children. She spends her days teaching, mothering, and keeping the chaos at bay. After the little ones are in bed, she immerses herself in the fantasy worlds of her books. Tales of romance, adventure, and virtue set in a medieval fantasy world are her preference, but she also writes speculative fantasy and a bit of science fiction.
She loves to read, discuss, and listen to comments on a wide variety of topics, both fiction and non-fiction.
She loves to read, discuss, and listen to comments on a wide variety of topics, both fiction and non-fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 2, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5.0
In this second installment of the Talented trilogy, the action and excitement rev up to nail-biting levels!
Read full review in the 2020 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
In this second installment of the Talented trilogy, the action and excitement rev up to nail-biting levels!
Read full review in the 2020 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 17, 2020
FINALLY! I absolutely adored the first book in this series, so have anxiously waited to continue. And, I wasn't disappointed! All the characters that we met and grew to love in "Seventh Born" are here and just as awesome as ever, especially Hadrian and Zezilia. In this installment the plot thickens considerably and the stakes rise to a heart-stopping point.
While the action and intrigue is superb, I will admit the relationship between Hadrian and Zezila was a bit frustrating. It just seemed completely unrealistic that neither figured out their feelings. Good grief! Even a child would be able to identify what they were stubbornly blind to! I think it would have been more realistic if they at least acknowledged their feeling for each other, then set about to work through them rather than ignorantly denying them.... Just my two bits...
Even so, it didn't diminish the overall awesomeness of the story. All the characters are so deftly written that the reader can identify and love (or hate) each for their subtle strengths and weaknesses.
Now... if we can just get that next book soon!
While the action and intrigue is superb, I will admit the relationship between Hadrian and Zezila was a bit frustrating. It just seemed completely unrealistic that neither figured out their feelings. Good grief! Even a child would be able to identify what they were stubbornly blind to! I think it would have been more realistic if they at least acknowledged their feeling for each other, then set about to work through them rather than ignorantly denying them.... Just my two bits...
Even so, it didn't diminish the overall awesomeness of the story. All the characters are so deftly written that the reader can identify and love (or hate) each for their subtle strengths and weaknesses.
Now... if we can just get that next book soon!
October 12, 2019
Zezilia, pushed away by her father her whole life because she messed up all his plans for having a highly-prized 7th son, and Hadrian, second in rank to the High King, 7th son of a 7th son, venture out in book 2 of this other-worldly series by Rachel Rossano. Both possess the special abilities associated with those who are considered Talents. They are confronting a growing threat from inside the kingdom’s current system of rulers and a simultaneous threat from the Elitists, a growing sect of rebels who were using the Talented in a scheme of intermarriage and cult-like mind control to take over from the outside. Zezilia, in particular, grows as she is released from the bonds of her difficult childhood and discovers the use of her abilities. The story is detailed, but not ponderous, and the characters are well-developed. This series might be labeled “slow-moving” if you are not a “detail person”, tending to skim novels for relaxation and general enjoyment. However, if you enjoy a good exploration of spiritual themes while being entertained by a creative story, you will enjoy this book. Rachel approaches the ideas of sacrifice, servant-leadership, and transformation of inner self while weaving an entertaining story. There is an exploration of the subjugation of women throughout the series, which is admirable and not done in a way that makes one feel like they are secretly at a feminist rally disguised as a novel. I’m actually hoping that there is a sort-of final reckoning on that subject in the last book. Her ability to create new worlds with new words, names, customs, and even physical abilities is amazing. In her other novels, she has created a world where her characters are guided by an all-knowing God who has a Christian “feel” to him, which she manages to do without it feeling uncomfortable or feeling like she is introducing a new religion. In this series, she has expanded on that, and offers more insight into Christian themes rooted in a different culture; a realm where physical abilities are often prized above spiritual, and those who follow the teachings of the Revelation are often persecuted. There is something about taking Biblical truths and moving them into another context that is spiritually refreshing. The story has notes of a futurism, when it leads one to explore where our own culture is headed. Hadrian faces his own mortality and has to decide that the position he has been placed in is not accidental and is worth the ultimate sacrifice, should it come to that. Zez has to realize her own worth apart from her father while also exploring the new value that others place upon her in a culture where women usually play a very subservient role. Be aware that these books are definitely connected to each other, and you will need to read all 3 to feel like you found a satisfying ending. I’m looking forward to the next one!
October 13, 2019
Engaging
I have been looking forward to reading this story. It is part of a trilogy, not a stand alone. It was a page turner. I can’t wait for the next book. Hopefully, it will be only a short wait.
I have been looking forward to reading this story. It is part of a trilogy, not a stand alone. It was a page turner. I can’t wait for the next book. Hopefully, it will be only a short wait.
May 9, 2023
Zez and Hadrian are back, with deepening mental connections that surprise and discomfort both of them. As they confront intensifying threats to their lives and the survival of their land, they try to discern the will of the Almighty, while repressing their growing attraction to one another.
This is a typical encounter with Zez’s inner struggle: “The few glimpses I caught of the faces that passed me revealed dark and foreign features. Whether it was the darkness or the unknown, I found fear filling me. I reached for the calm presence of the Almighty and the haven of His sovereignty.”
I enjoy Mrs. Rossano’s style. Being someone who chats with the Almighty myself regularly—especially when I’m uncertain how to move forward—I wasn’t bothered by her characters frequent check-ins with God.
The conflict with Elitists happens mostly out of sight, which is annoying, since it is the central concern of the entire plot, along with the power plays of the kings. I wish the author had developed those parts of the plot more thoroughly, showing us the action rather than summarizing it. This pushes the novel into a frustrated romance instead of a well-developed story. I feel like the author enjoys exploring her characters more than developing her plot.
Throughout the book, the characters must continually choose between duty to king, to family, to mentor, to the country. When deception saves lives, should it be embraced? When should one break promises?
This was an interesting read, and I agree with other reviewers that I felt annoyed at the lack of closure and honesty in the relationship between Hadrian and Zez. I didn’t understand how they sometimes were almost destroyed when distance separated them, yet at other times chose to be far apart. Obviously, I cared! So, enjoy this book and consider delving into the final book of the trilogy.
This is a typical encounter with Zez’s inner struggle: “The few glimpses I caught of the faces that passed me revealed dark and foreign features. Whether it was the darkness or the unknown, I found fear filling me. I reached for the calm presence of the Almighty and the haven of His sovereignty.”
I enjoy Mrs. Rossano’s style. Being someone who chats with the Almighty myself regularly—especially when I’m uncertain how to move forward—I wasn’t bothered by her characters frequent check-ins with God.
The conflict with Elitists happens mostly out of sight, which is annoying, since it is the central concern of the entire plot, along with the power plays of the kings. I wish the author had developed those parts of the plot more thoroughly, showing us the action rather than summarizing it. This pushes the novel into a frustrated romance instead of a well-developed story. I feel like the author enjoys exploring her characters more than developing her plot.
Throughout the book, the characters must continually choose between duty to king, to family, to mentor, to the country. When deception saves lives, should it be embraced? When should one break promises?
This was an interesting read, and I agree with other reviewers that I felt annoyed at the lack of closure and honesty in the relationship between Hadrian and Zez. I didn’t understand how they sometimes were almost destroyed when distance separated them, yet at other times chose to be far apart. Obviously, I cared! So, enjoy this book and consider delving into the final book of the trilogy.
November 18, 2020
Zezilia has completed her formal training, though she will likely continue to discover new talents and greater power over the next couple of years. She has joined the sept son as a Defender. Her job will not be an easy one given the increasing number of attempts on Hadrian’s life and their visit to the capital city where his enemy’s abound. In addition, the Elitists are becoming more active and will require an intervention before too much longer.
Book two of The Talented series will not disappoint. There is a lot more interaction between Zez and Hadrian in this book than there was in the first. In my opinion, it is a welcome change. I enjoy seeing the two of them learn more about each other. It is obvious to me they are falling in love, but he is fight it with all he has and she isn’t bold enough to openly and plaint state her feelings. As with the first book, the author does a great job wrapping up most of the loose ends while still making it obvious that there is more to come. I am excited to start the third book. This book has violence, but is free of foul language and sex scenes. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean fantasy and especially to those who enjoyed Seventh Born.
Book two of The Talented series will not disappoint. There is a lot more interaction between Zez and Hadrian in this book than there was in the first. In my opinion, it is a welcome change. I enjoy seeing the two of them learn more about each other. It is obvious to me they are falling in love, but he is fight it with all he has and she isn’t bold enough to openly and plaint state her feelings. As with the first book, the author does a great job wrapping up most of the loose ends while still making it obvious that there is more to come. I am excited to start the third book. This book has violence, but is free of foul language and sex scenes. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean fantasy and especially to those who enjoyed Seventh Born.
June 14, 2021
Overall, my review of The Defender is a 4.
The story was a strong sequel to the first book and showed strong development in characters, world, and plot. It had strong pacing and an interesting approach to aspects of the plot that could possibly have turned out very cliche or repetitive. As stated, there were a few elements of plot that I would have removed from the book, but the author was still able to draw the story together in a satisfying way that left me excited to see what happens next and desiring to further explore the world in future books.
To see more of my thoughts click here: https://thefoldedworld.wordpress.com/...
The story was a strong sequel to the first book and showed strong development in characters, world, and plot. It had strong pacing and an interesting approach to aspects of the plot that could possibly have turned out very cliche or repetitive. As stated, there were a few elements of plot that I would have removed from the book, but the author was still able to draw the story together in a satisfying way that left me excited to see what happens next and desiring to further explore the world in future books.
To see more of my thoughts click here: https://thefoldedworld.wordpress.com/...
December 12, 2020
Felt Incomplete
A solid 3.5 stars for this second book in the series. The problem to solve seemed to be routing the Elitist movement, but the story felt unresolved even when the Elitist movement was addressed. Mostly because the story began in the palace, I think.
I would have enjoyed it more if I could have gotten a better sense of what Zez and Hadrian were truly feeling, but for “reasons” they were too busy hiding that from themselves.
On to read the final book and see if the series will arc as I imagine.
A solid 3.5 stars for this second book in the series. The problem to solve seemed to be routing the Elitist movement, but the story felt unresolved even when the Elitist movement was addressed. Mostly because the story began in the palace, I think.
I would have enjoyed it more if I could have gotten a better sense of what Zez and Hadrian were truly feeling, but for “reasons” they were too busy hiding that from themselves.
On to read the final book and see if the series will arc as I imagine.
September 16, 2021
Fun read
Fun book, felt kind of short. Just marry her, Hadrian! Kind of dazed at how fast the entire political landscape changed. Grabbing book 3.
Fun book, felt kind of short. Just marry her, Hadrian! Kind of dazed at how fast the entire political landscape changed. Grabbing book 3.
October 14, 2019
Zezillia was supposed to be a seventh son, but she disappointed her father when she was born rather than the son he expected. What he didn't expect was that she would be Talented - she can sense people's emotions as well as sense when they are mind speaking with each other. She is the only person known to be able to Con-Prop (suddenly turn off her talent and affect all of those around her rather violently).
Hadrian is the Sep Son, the seventh son of a seventh son. He has promised Zez's father that he will marry her, but he doesn't feel like that would be the safest thing for her, and he wants her to want to marry him, not marry because of a promise she wasn't involved in.
In this story Zez becomes Hardrian's defender, she watches his back. When the world around them changes drastically and the Elitists are trying to kill them, they join their minds together so they can work together better and hopefully save their world.
There is a wee bit of romance or expectation of romance in this story. It is a clean read.
Hadrian is the Sep Son, the seventh son of a seventh son. He has promised Zez's father that he will marry her, but he doesn't feel like that would be the safest thing for her, and he wants her to want to marry him, not marry because of a promise she wasn't involved in.
In this story Zez becomes Hardrian's defender, she watches his back. When the world around them changes drastically and the Elitists are trying to kill them, they join their minds together so they can work together better and hopefully save their world.
There is a wee bit of romance or expectation of romance in this story. It is a clean read.
November 1, 2019
This is the perfect example of why I enjoy this genre and this author is living up to the hype. In order to keep her safe and teach her he has to keep her near. Keeping her near means putting her in danger. This is on top of his other stresses. She helps ground him and remind him to seek God for His strength and Wisdom. It's a difficult road when so much weighs on the motives and actions. In the meantime things are changing for them. Deep betrayals and deceit run in every direction and lives remain in jeopardy. This author spares the reader nothing as she drags you in kicking and screaming and flipping the pages like a mad person to get to the end. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and no they aren't standalone you need to read each book in order. I can't wait for the next book in the series to see what happens with these two since only part of their quest has come to an end while another is in the shadows.
November 8, 2020
This book Challenged me
Laced with the themes of Faith & honor, the story challenged me as it explored duty, service and waiting on the Lord. The read is clean but the time is medevil and there is much cruelty and war. There is a romance developing...
Laced with the themes of Faith & honor, the story challenged me as it explored duty, service and waiting on the Lord. The read is clean but the time is medevil and there is much cruelty and war. There is a romance developing...
December 7, 2019
Wonderful!
Pure enjoyment is what I found in this series, I was captivated and intrigued by the characters and storyline. Can’t wait for aBook 3 !
Pure enjoyment is what I found in this series, I was captivated and intrigued by the characters and storyline. Can’t wait for aBook 3 !
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews