The Heart of Death

The Tarrowburn Prophecies #2

by L. Ryan Storms

What’s dead is alive, what’s alive is dead…

Now that the White Sorceress, Bringer of Life has been found, and the rightful King of Castilles restored to the throne, all that’s left to do is live happily ever after…until another ominous prophecy disrupts the peace.

Rumors of undead things roaming the land and chaos tipping the world into darkness spur Reina and Quinn into another journey, but the new prophecy holds a nasty surprise. The two must travel to the Southern Plains with The One Who Failed, and that can only mean…Niles must join them.

They must locate the elusive Heart of Death and stop the Chaos Wielder from turning the world into the living dead, but combatting a deadly power stronger than anything they’ve ever known is no simple undertaking. To find the answers they need, they’ll have to journey through dangerous, enchanted lands, make untold sacrifices, and retake control of the talisman’s unexpectedly volatile magic.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romantasy

366 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2020

About the author

L. Ryan Storms is an award-winning Young Adult Fantasy author who loves to read and write strong female protagonists with a "Fine. I'll do it myself!” mindset.

Storms lives in Pennsylvania with her cancer-survivor husband, two children, and a “rescue zoo” of ever-changing furry and feathered friends. When she’s not reading, writing, or keeping her kids in line, Storms can be found rescuing the latest neighborhood strays or snuggling her pet chickens in the suburbs.

Reviews

[L. Storms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I’m going to give this 5 stars! I loved writing this book, maybe even more than the first one. I hope you enjoy the journey, too!

[Gail Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Tarrowburn Prophecies series, and I loved it as much as I loved "A Thousand Years to Wait" (Book 1). "The Heart of Death" follows Reina, Quinn, Brigantino, and (much to their collective displeasure) the much-despised Niles Ingram on a quest to fulfill a new prophecy, one that requires a lengthy, dangerous journey to find the Heart of Death, a pre-requisite for preventing the Chaos Wielder from destroying life on Liron...at least, life as everyone knows it. Through twists and turns, the book introduces two important new characters, one of whom becomes pivotal as the book ends with the perfect set-up for the final book in the series (which I ordered as soon as I finished this one!). L. Ryan Storms is so talented at world building and tying plot threads together that it takes my breath away, often. I can't wait to read the third and final book in the series, "Chaos Bound," although I admit to a bit of a lump in the throat knowing that at the end of it I'll have to say goodbye to the characters and world Storms has lovingly and meticulously created.

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh. again, for some dumb reason it keeps me wanting to find out just what the author will do with it, tho it is predictable and steals ideas from other stories. the writing is what irritates me most as unless you pay close attention to who's point of view the chapter is in the sentences all start with I did this, I did that theme and if you don't mark your page at the start of a new chapter you forget which persons point of view you're in. very amateurish. on a positive note the cover artwork is beautiful.

[Jenny Derochemont · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm curious to see how the next book goes. I have a feeling I know what will happen with Quinn now that he's stuck in limbo. At first, I was upset because I wasn't sure how the third book would work without his help, but it seems like he needs time and space to forgive himself to truly move on. I hope he isn't in this limbo for the whole third book.

I figured Niles wasn't going to make it. I actually liked Niles. Even though he was one of the antagonists in the first book, I felt like he had more personality than Quinn.

I don't really care for Alesh much.i also don't like the Chaos wielder much. I'm there is some reason behind her motives even though she says there isn't. I think maybe if Niles had been the Chaos Wielder or turned into him after the previous one died, that would have been interesting.

Overall, I did enjoy the book and look forward to the conclusion and reading more of her work in the future.

[Jean Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second book in the Tarrowburn Prophecies trilogy (even more than the first book!). Get lost in a fantastical world of magic, the walking dead, a misfunctioning talisman, an unlikely troupe, and even unlikelier evil...as we join Reina and Quinn on another adventure. This story kept me turning pages as we learned more about Quinn's haunted past (I've had a soft spot for him since book 1, A Thousand Years to Wait) and Reina's challenges as the White Sorceress (magic is not as easy as it seems). A few more interesting characters from book 1 show up, too, as the group races against time and a new villain. I loved the twists and turns, the world building, and the secondary characters that rounded out the cast. Such an enjoyable, easy, and heart-pounding read. I can't wait to see what's in store in book 3.

[Kristin Jacques · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Spoiler free review)

An imaginative, intense sequel that succeeds in upping the stakes of the first novel, providing readers with a journey of redemption, hope, and fear that twists through the pages to a conclusion that leaves you craving book three.

The Heart of Death picks up with Quinn and Reina, facing a new threat as the next stage of the prophecy unfolds. As they race off to head off the mounting chaos with a familiar, somewhat unsavory face in tow, their adventure and the story itself is filled with a creeping necrotic dread that culminates in an ending that had me shouting with equal parts shock and tentative hope for the next chapter. Can't wait to see what fate has in store for these characters next!

[Jessica Rancatore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Tarrowburn Prophecies doesn't disappoint. We delve deeper into the magic and mystery of this world and the character development adds depth and richness to book 1. Bringing Niles back was not at all what I expected!

I enjoyed the twisty path this adventure took and how Storms peppered in moments that felt like they were part of an Indiana Jones movie without being cliche. There are some unexpected twists in here! Of course, the ending forces you into reading book 3 if you want to know the conclusion and I'm more than happy to oblige.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy (before final revisions) of "The Heart of Death" & I am thrilled! I was a big fan of her first novel, "A Thousand Years to Wait," so climbing inside of this novel felt like going back to a beloved place. The action, romance, character development, and world-building are all on point. I love this exciting new chapter & I can't wait to return to The Tarrowburn Prophecies once more!

[Leia Talon · Rating 5 out of 5]

With beautifully-crafted characters and a compelling plot, this series is definitely a favorite. I loved the first book, and the way the story evolves in this one is wonderful. The characters, the love story, the heartbreaking (and heartwarming) relationships, the rich settings and varied culture—all of the world building and storytelling adds up to a fantasy tale very much worth the read. This is a magical story, indeed.

[emotionALLYreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in The Tarrowburn Prophecies was definitely an adventure. I really enjoyed Quinn and Reina’s journey, though any hope I had of them catching a break was dashed almost immediately. That said, I loved seeing their relationship grow and appreciated Quinn struggles to forgive himself for his past. Reina’s strength was also a highlight for me, especially with how dramatic the ending of book two was. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens next!

[Sammy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

L Ryan Storms has delivered again. The second installment is just as good, if not better than the first. The world building is on point and the characters are well fleshed out. I really love Quinn. Definitely recommend, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a harrowing continuation of the adventure of Reina and Quinn from A Thousand Years to Wait. I can honestly say I am not envious of this heroine. What terrible circumstances she finds herself in and still, no end to the chaos. I cannot wait until #3 comes out!

[Candy Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book was amazing but the sequel took it to the next level. Love, fear, hope. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure.

[Nikki Minty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic sequel which again had me flying through the pages, and biting my nails with all the twists and turns throughout.
I liked getting a glimpse into Quinn’s haunted past. He and Moreina are both solid and lovable characters who feel real to me.
I can’t wait for book 3.

[Nick Baranov · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot thickens, what a fantastic sequel. A thoroughly enjoyable read.