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The Tale of Eaglefriend #2
Eaglebreaker
When a deadly woman from a clan that tortures eagles into submission captures Morlen’s dear companion, Roftome, he embarks on a quest more terrifying than any he has yet undertaken.
Going alone into the Mountains of the Lost, Morlen treks an uncertain path through hostile forces that embody the grimmest legends. Worst of all are the Pyrnaq—wretched, twisted corruptions of the free eagles they once were—and their overwhelming presence is a constant reminder of the terrible fate that he must spare Roftome at all costs.
Held as a prized acquisition within the clandestine force that eagle kind has dreaded for centuries, Roftome finds himself uniquely positioned to influence his abused brothers and sisters whose minds may still be salvageable. The cost of this rare opportunity, though, quickly proves more severe than he’d anticipated.
Despite the absence of their two strongest allies, King Verald and Lady Valeine lead the Eaglemasters on a massive campaign to wipe the Ferotaur Wildlands clean of their ancient enemies. But as they delve deeper into the overrun wasteland, they hear whispers of a watchful evil that their intrusion might soon unleash.
On a desolate corner of the world and threatened on every side, Morlen realizes that his only hope is to unite with one of the fierce ghouls he fought in his first adventure. And as the days pass into weeks, and months, he grows more afraid whether the end of his long journey will bring him face to face with the friend he lost, or… with something else.
Going alone into the Mountains of the Lost, Morlen treks an uncertain path through hostile forces that embody the grimmest legends. Worst of all are the Pyrnaq—wretched, twisted corruptions of the free eagles they once were—and their overwhelming presence is a constant reminder of the terrible fate that he must spare Roftome at all costs.
Held as a prized acquisition within the clandestine force that eagle kind has dreaded for centuries, Roftome finds himself uniquely positioned to influence his abused brothers and sisters whose minds may still be salvageable. The cost of this rare opportunity, though, quickly proves more severe than he’d anticipated.
Despite the absence of their two strongest allies, King Verald and Lady Valeine lead the Eaglemasters on a massive campaign to wipe the Ferotaur Wildlands clean of their ancient enemies. But as they delve deeper into the overrun wasteland, they hear whispers of a watchful evil that their intrusion might soon unleash.
On a desolate corner of the world and threatened on every side, Morlen realizes that his only hope is to unite with one of the fierce ghouls he fought in his first adventure. And as the days pass into weeks, and months, he grows more afraid whether the end of his long journey will bring him face to face with the friend he lost, or… with something else.
- GenresFantasy
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2019
95 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Murray
6 books19 followersCharles Laurence Murray was born in 1989 and grew up in San Diego, California. He spent many days lost in the humming, spark-scattering clashes between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, caught up in a charge with the Riders of Rohan, and enthralled by the cadence and poise of Doc Holliday emerging from the shadows to face Johnny Ringo. When he was thirteen, he became obsessed with the idea of an eagle-riding, sword-wielding hero and developed it over the years into an epic, four-part fantasy series called The Tale of Eaglefriend.
He published his first novel, A Facet for the Gem (The Tale of Eaglefriend--Book One) at the end of February, 2016, and it has been featured on ten Amazon Top 100 lists, ranking at #2 in Kindle Teen Epic Fantasy, and at #5 in Kindle Adult Epic Fantasy. Podium Publishing, the award-winning audiobook publisher whose first fiction title was Andy Weir's The Martian, picked up the audible rights to The Tale of Eaglefriend five months after its debut, and narrator James Foster brings the first installment to life with a stellar performance.
On November 1, 2018, after weeks of severe illness while beginning the final three chapters of Eaglebreaker, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had metastasized to his lungs. The ensuing months of chemotherapy and other treatments were highly effective, and finally in August of 2019, after learning the cancer had spread to his brain and enduring a string of seizures from the hemorrhaging, he completed the book. Thanks to California's remarkable health care and the expertise of his doctors and nurses, he has a long, happy life to look forward to.
The Tale of Eaglefriend will continue with Books Three and Four.
Get the latest updates at authorclmurray.com and facebook.com/AuthorCLMurray
He published his first novel, A Facet for the Gem (The Tale of Eaglefriend--Book One) at the end of February, 2016, and it has been featured on ten Amazon Top 100 lists, ranking at #2 in Kindle Teen Epic Fantasy, and at #5 in Kindle Adult Epic Fantasy. Podium Publishing, the award-winning audiobook publisher whose first fiction title was Andy Weir's The Martian, picked up the audible rights to The Tale of Eaglefriend five months after its debut, and narrator James Foster brings the first installment to life with a stellar performance.
On November 1, 2018, after weeks of severe illness while beginning the final three chapters of Eaglebreaker, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had metastasized to his lungs. The ensuing months of chemotherapy and other treatments were highly effective, and finally in August of 2019, after learning the cancer had spread to his brain and enduring a string of seizures from the hemorrhaging, he completed the book. Thanks to California's remarkable health care and the expertise of his doctors and nurses, he has a long, happy life to look forward to.
The Tale of Eaglefriend will continue with Books Three and Four.
Get the latest updates at authorclmurray.com and facebook.com/AuthorCLMurray
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 3, 2020
Eaglebreaker is the sequel to A Facet for the Gem. As with any sequel, I recommend reading the previous book first.
Even though it's been almost four years since the first book was released, Eaglebreaker is well worth the wait! Murray expands his excellent world-building skills, in a big way, in this one.
When Roftome is captured by the Pyrnaq, Morlen sets out on a quest to save his friend, but along the way he almost loses himself, as his guide (and only companion) is Hironthel - a Shrieker - a sworn enemy of Morlen's. (Murray's writing is so good, portraying such harsh emotions, that you can actually sense Morlen changing, becoming more hardened, as his quest continues.)
I love the dynamic that Murray has given these two adversaries. There is a lot going on in this novel, (I haven't even mentioned King Verald, Lady Valeine, Sydrenna, or the Ferotaur King!) but with all of the action and battles aside (and there is plenty of that!), the relationship (if that's what you can call it) between these two opposing characters - for me - is the heart of this story (very Tolkien-like, in my opinion).
Murray is definitely growing as a writer, and I am looking forward to Book 3!
Even though it's been almost four years since the first book was released, Eaglebreaker is well worth the wait! Murray expands his excellent world-building skills, in a big way, in this one.
When Roftome is captured by the Pyrnaq, Morlen sets out on a quest to save his friend, but along the way he almost loses himself, as his guide (and only companion) is Hironthel - a Shrieker - a sworn enemy of Morlen's. (Murray's writing is so good, portraying such harsh emotions, that you can actually sense Morlen changing, becoming more hardened, as his quest continues.)
I love the dynamic that Murray has given these two adversaries. There is a lot going on in this novel, (I haven't even mentioned King Verald, Lady Valeine, Sydrenna, or the Ferotaur King!) but with all of the action and battles aside (and there is plenty of that!), the relationship (if that's what you can call it) between these two opposing characters - for me - is the heart of this story (very Tolkien-like, in my opinion).
Murray is definitely growing as a writer, and I am looking forward to Book 3!
December 31, 2019
I was excited to get a beta copy of the second book in the Eaglefriend series. I liked the opening chapter which reminded us that Roftome is not a 'captured' eagle but he is with Morlen willingly and they are trusted friends. C.L. Murray did a good job reminding us of where the first book left off and of the damage done by Felkoth.
We learn of the pyrnaq which are eagles that are truly enslaved and their stories are heartbreaking. While there is a significant continuation of the story of Morlen and Rotome, we are introduced to some pivotal characters in this book. Sydrenna is a trainer of the pyrnaq who longs to restore her clan to their previous autonomy and glory.
We are also introduced to a Shrieker named Hironthel, who defies the odds and is no longer just a mindless beast. He challenges Morlen's beliefs about the enemy and he quickly becomes one of my favourite characters of the story. We are fortunate in this book that there are multiple arcs progressing at once and each no less interesting than the other.
Valeine is the sister of the king and is a strong warrior in her own right. She is always focused on the protection of her people and kingdom. I like the relationship she has with her brother and appreciate its not the usual brother and sister fighting for the throne story. The siblings have a strong bond and a common enemy in the Ferotaur King. Rather than wait for the constant assaults from the wildlands, its determined the best course of action is to the rid the wildlands of the scourge once and for all. This is not as straight forward as it seems and leads to some of the most interesting plot twists of the book.
This was an extremely enjoyable read with specific events that occur alongside a broader storyline that is sure to become even more significant in the next book. This book had many times of joy and warmth and some really heart wrenching moments as well. A great fantasy and most enjoyable read!
We learn of the pyrnaq which are eagles that are truly enslaved and their stories are heartbreaking. While there is a significant continuation of the story of Morlen and Rotome, we are introduced to some pivotal characters in this book. Sydrenna is a trainer of the pyrnaq who longs to restore her clan to their previous autonomy and glory.
We are also introduced to a Shrieker named Hironthel, who defies the odds and is no longer just a mindless beast. He challenges Morlen's beliefs about the enemy and he quickly becomes one of my favourite characters of the story. We are fortunate in this book that there are multiple arcs progressing at once and each no less interesting than the other.
Valeine is the sister of the king and is a strong warrior in her own right. She is always focused on the protection of her people and kingdom. I like the relationship she has with her brother and appreciate its not the usual brother and sister fighting for the throne story. The siblings have a strong bond and a common enemy in the Ferotaur King. Rather than wait for the constant assaults from the wildlands, its determined the best course of action is to the rid the wildlands of the scourge once and for all. This is not as straight forward as it seems and leads to some of the most interesting plot twists of the book.
This was an extremely enjoyable read with specific events that occur alongside a broader storyline that is sure to become even more significant in the next book. This book had many times of joy and warmth and some really heart wrenching moments as well. A great fantasy and most enjoyable read!
August 6, 2024
Loved the entire series
February 11, 2020
Outstanding
I chose outstanding because that's what it was. I had a hard time putting it down, like the first one. Love the story line, and would love to ride and befriend a eagle must.
I chose outstanding because that's what it was. I had a hard time putting it down, like the first one. Love the story line, and would love to ride and befriend a eagle must.
January 11, 2020
Picking up where A Facet for the Gem (The Tale of Eaglefriend Book 1) left off, C. L. Murray's Eaglebreaker (The Tale of Eaglefriend Book 2) wastes no time in upping the ante and raising the stakes. Morlen, the victorious young Eaglefriend, has little time to lick his wounds and savor his triumph before the world turns over on top of him. Abruptly separated from those dearest to him, Morlen sets out alone to set things right.
Enemies become friends and friends turn into enemies in this fast-paced epic fantasy. Full of twists, turns, and surprises, Eaglebreaker is an action-packed page-turner; a recommended read and satisfying sequel that will leave you craving for The Tale of Eaglefriend Book 3.
Enemies become friends and friends turn into enemies in this fast-paced epic fantasy. Full of twists, turns, and surprises, Eaglebreaker is an action-packed page-turner; a recommended read and satisfying sequel that will leave you craving for The Tale of Eaglefriend Book 3.
January 12, 2020
Wow! I truly enjoyed reading this book. Exciting and captivating and heartwarming.
June 5, 2025
Yet another mixed review...
First off, what happened to the eagles in this story was horrific. I am impressed by the authors' imagination but I'd rather have not read that.
The dedication of the hero was admirable.
I was listening to this on a trip so the good news is, the story kept me awake.
Take care, Christina
First off, what happened to the eagles in this story was horrific. I am impressed by the authors' imagination but I'd rather have not read that.
The dedication of the hero was admirable.
I was listening to this on a trip so the good news is, the story kept me awake.
Take care, Christina
December 2, 2022
Eaglebreaker
A darker, more morbid waiting than the previous novel. Perhaps a mirroring of the misfortunes in the authors own life. Well done
A darker, more morbid waiting than the previous novel. Perhaps a mirroring of the misfortunes in the authors own life. Well done
May 11, 2021
There are things that I liked a little bit better then the first book, and there are things in this one that I feel are a little bit unrealistic. Morlen's friend Roftome is captured by a group of mountainous humans that enslave their eagles and use tortuous methods to tame them. I like the fact that the main character Morlen spends much time with a creature that he once killed with reckless disregard and thought the they had no redeeming value. Meanwhile his wife Lady Valeine with her brother Lord Verald lead the forces of the Eaglemasters to try and eliminate the Ferataur threat forever in a genocidal war.
What I didn't like was it seemed to take forever for Morlen and his companion to even find his friend Roftome. Also Lady Valeine during the war finds out that she was pregnant but refuses the leave the battle field even when she is in the third trimester and riding an eagle could have been dangerous to the pregnancy. She nearly gives birth on the battlefield. I don't know much about women and pregnancy but I think that is very unrealistic.
I think the good points out weigh the bad and so I'm giving it a favorable rating.
What I didn't like was it seemed to take forever for Morlen and his companion to even find his friend Roftome. Also Lady Valeine during the war finds out that she was pregnant but refuses the leave the battle field even when she is in the third trimester and riding an eagle could have been dangerous to the pregnancy. She nearly gives birth on the battlefield. I don't know much about women and pregnancy but I think that is very unrealistic.
I think the good points out weigh the bad and so I'm giving it a favorable rating.
January 11, 2020
Right out of the gate, I have to point out how awesome it is to see a pregnant commander! It's absurd how underrepresented pregnancy is in SFF outside of reproductive dystopia, I can only think of a couple other works that feature it. Here we actually truly see a successful woman, dealing with the internal decisions of when and whom to disclose her status to, how it will affect her career and the accommodations that can be made. /rave
Sydrenna, an eagle trainer for her clan, has lofty goals of innovating a new deadly eagle formation and gaining power, but in doing so takes a dark path into ruthlessly enslaving and crushing the spirits of those she can capture. Morlen the Eaglefriend must set off on a journey to save the Eagles and the spirit of his friend Rofthome. Meanwhile, Valeine and Verald are set to ride out to war, as the wildlands are ever encroaching, overrun with the minions of the Ferotaur King. So divided, they must together save their land from evil.
With the first book we had a very traditional fantasy plot setup, here there are some elements (an almost frodo/gollum journey relationship plays out), but the plot really ramps up from an idyllic start for the new couple, to the much darker happenings in the background of the world that will alter their course. Eaglebreaker explores much more of the heavy weight of decisions on each characters shoulder, for the greater good or those they love.
I received early release of this book for beta reading purposes, with no personal affiliation to the author or review commitments attached, this review reflects my own honest opinions.
Sydrenna, an eagle trainer for her clan, has lofty goals of innovating a new deadly eagle formation and gaining power, but in doing so takes a dark path into ruthlessly enslaving and crushing the spirits of those she can capture. Morlen the Eaglefriend must set off on a journey to save the Eagles and the spirit of his friend Rofthome. Meanwhile, Valeine and Verald are set to ride out to war, as the wildlands are ever encroaching, overrun with the minions of the Ferotaur King. So divided, they must together save their land from evil.
With the first book we had a very traditional fantasy plot setup, here there are some elements (an almost frodo/gollum journey relationship plays out), but the plot really ramps up from an idyllic start for the new couple, to the much darker happenings in the background of the world that will alter their course. Eaglebreaker explores much more of the heavy weight of decisions on each characters shoulder, for the greater good or those they love.
I received early release of this book for beta reading purposes, with no personal affiliation to the author or review commitments attached, this review reflects my own honest opinions.
May 25, 2022
A good, lite read, that sometimes feels like a Might&Magic fanfic but in a good way. A definite step forward in terms of quality over the first book. Roftome got pretty excellent character development in this book but unfortunately Morlen did not as much :) (realizing you said nasty things isn't quite enough). Interested to see where it all goes and will continue reading <3
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews