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Steel and Magic #2
Blood Ties
"The action blended nicely with the dramatic tension to make this an unputdownable read. Fantasy readers will love this story." - N. N. Light's Book Haven.
Dretlon Valley has been conquered, but now the city of Maldra has caught wind of a new threat stirring in Southern Elabrium. Rumours tell of not just adepts being possessed by the dreaded wraiths, but essentia, the common people, are turning against one another. Behaviour that was once only characteristic of necrom is revealing itself in them too.
Has the world gone wrong? Have the laws of elemental magic broken, or is there something more? Jake and Louie have to not only find out, but face more danger than ever to get to the bottom of it. All the while they struggle to learn who among their friends have turned... and if they can bring them back.
Dretlon Valley has been conquered, but now the city of Maldra has caught wind of a new threat stirring in Southern Elabrium. Rumours tell of not just adepts being possessed by the dreaded wraiths, but essentia, the common people, are turning against one another. Behaviour that was once only characteristic of necrom is revealing itself in them too.
Has the world gone wrong? Have the laws of elemental magic broken, or is there something more? Jake and Louie have to not only find out, but face more danger than ever to get to the bottom of it. All the while they struggle to learn who among their friends have turned... and if they can bring them back.
455 pages, Paperback
Published February 19, 2021
6 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Leon
6 books49 followersBorn and raised in Calgary, Canada, Melanie has been in love with the medieval fantasy all of her life. Dreams of magic, dragons, maidens, and knights have enthralled her since a young age.
Medieval literature university classes were among her favourites, as was art history from the medieval to the classical periods. Together, along with her excitement of reading anything written about the medieval period, Melanie has gained a realistic view of the medieval age, and how to tweak it into something new.
Action, peril, strategy, and determination fill her books. Determination for life, for friends, and for doing what no one else dares to do.
On the side, Melanie has strong interests in design, photography and horse jumping. If you read carefully, you might notice tidbits that only an artist or horse owner would know.
Medieval literature university classes were among her favourites, as was art history from the medieval to the classical periods. Together, along with her excitement of reading anything written about the medieval period, Melanie has gained a realistic view of the medieval age, and how to tweak it into something new.
Action, peril, strategy, and determination fill her books. Determination for life, for friends, and for doing what no one else dares to do.
On the side, Melanie has strong interests in design, photography and horse jumping. If you read carefully, you might notice tidbits that only an artist or horse owner would know.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 5, 2020
There’s a new threat in southern Elabrium and no one is sure what is going on, least of all brothers Jake and Louie. Essentia, also known as the common people, are behaving like the necrom, turning against one another and spreading evil. Rumors circle the city of Maldra speaking of wraiths possessing the common folk. Not knowing how to conquer this new threat, Jake and Louie wonder if the world has gone mad. Can they defeat the wraiths invasion and turn their friends back before it’s too late or will they succumb to the wraiths?
Blood Ties picks up where Elemental Links left off and brings the same level of fantasy world-building narration I thoroughly enjoyed in book one. The stakes, this time, are much greater for Jake, Louie, and their circle of friends. The plot moves at a quick pace and I found myself staying up late reading. The more I read, the more I needed to know what would happen next. The action blended nicely with the dramatic tension to make this an unputdownable read. Fantasy readers will love this story, hopefully just as much as I did. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
Favorite Quote or Character: If I had to pick a favorite character, it would have to be Jake. He’s a wonderful character with a personality I can relate to.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Blood Ties picks up where Elemental Links left off and brings the same level of fantasy world-building narration I thoroughly enjoyed in book one. The stakes, this time, are much greater for Jake, Louie, and their circle of friends. The plot moves at a quick pace and I found myself staying up late reading. The more I read, the more I needed to know what would happen next. The action blended nicely with the dramatic tension to make this an unputdownable read. Fantasy readers will love this story, hopefully just as much as I did. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
Favorite Quote or Character: If I had to pick a favorite character, it would have to be Jake. He’s a wonderful character with a personality I can relate to.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
February 10, 2021
Blood Ties by M.A. Leon is a riveting story with a thrilling buildup, and strong messages of friendship and camaraderie, loyalty, and betrayal.
The author’s skillful prose is topped with an immersive reading experience that lingers long after you finished the book. Please stop for a moment to appreciate the map at the beginning of the book as it’s hand-drawn by the author herself: M.A. Leon – wordsmith and cartographer.
The medieval adventure continues in Blood Ties, the second novel of the Steel and Magic series. M.A. Leon’s immersive magic world keeps the reader engaged throughout the story with new challenges, dramatic tension, and relatable characters.
The writing and world-building are spellbinding at times reminded me of Lord of the Rings, but a little more action-packed, so if you love Tolkien’s writing you should definitely give this series a try!
Picking up where Elemental Links ended, the brothers are back in the city of Maldra as southern Elabrium faces a new threat. They thought they defeated the necroms, but they found a new way of to possess the common people. When Essentia start behaving like necroms and turn against one another, Louie and Jake don’t know what is happening. Things go from bad to worse when one of their own is possessed.
The dominant theme of the story is the neverending battle between good and evil, with a healthy dose of magic, mystery, and plot twists. Besides that, loyalty, betrayal, kinship, and the friendship of those who fight side by side make the characters well rounded.
The second installment in the Steel and Magic saga gets pretty emotional at times, like, for instance, when Louis and Jake return to their parents’ home. If you remember, at the beginning of Elemental Links, the necroms come looking for Louie and slaughtered his parents in their homes.
As the brothers reach their old home for the first time since the attack, memories of old times make for a very emotional scene. We realize how much the brothers have grown since it all started. Thinking of his parents, Louie recounts their many adventures and the friends they picked up along the way.
Read more at: https://www.summonfantasy.com/book-re...
The author’s skillful prose is topped with an immersive reading experience that lingers long after you finished the book. Please stop for a moment to appreciate the map at the beginning of the book as it’s hand-drawn by the author herself: M.A. Leon – wordsmith and cartographer.
The medieval adventure continues in Blood Ties, the second novel of the Steel and Magic series. M.A. Leon’s immersive magic world keeps the reader engaged throughout the story with new challenges, dramatic tension, and relatable characters.
The writing and world-building are spellbinding at times reminded me of Lord of the Rings, but a little more action-packed, so if you love Tolkien’s writing you should definitely give this series a try!
Picking up where Elemental Links ended, the brothers are back in the city of Maldra as southern Elabrium faces a new threat. They thought they defeated the necroms, but they found a new way of to possess the common people. When Essentia start behaving like necroms and turn against one another, Louie and Jake don’t know what is happening. Things go from bad to worse when one of their own is possessed.
The dominant theme of the story is the neverending battle between good and evil, with a healthy dose of magic, mystery, and plot twists. Besides that, loyalty, betrayal, kinship, and the friendship of those who fight side by side make the characters well rounded.
“Well, living through a couple of life-or-death situations has that effect on people.”
The second installment in the Steel and Magic saga gets pretty emotional at times, like, for instance, when Louis and Jake return to their parents’ home. If you remember, at the beginning of Elemental Links, the necroms come looking for Louie and slaughtered his parents in their homes.
As the brothers reach their old home for the first time since the attack, memories of old times make for a very emotional scene. We realize how much the brothers have grown since it all started. Thinking of his parents, Louie recounts their many adventures and the friends they picked up along the way.
Read more at: https://www.summonfantasy.com/book-re...
Currently reading
April 12, 2021The Blood Ties audiobook is in production!
Keep an eye out for the grand announcement when it's released. Ryan Haugen is working hard at perfecting each character, humans and poltergeists alike!
☆☆☆☆☆
Keep an eye out for the grand announcement when it's released. Ryan Haugen is working hard at perfecting each character, humans and poltergeists alike!
☆☆☆☆☆
February 18, 2020
Jack and Louie thought they got rid of the necrom and possessed adepts that were turned evil beyond comprehension. But then news of normal people going insane, murdering their fellow townsmen, and becoming wild animals comes to the city of Maldra… it all goes downhill from there.
This book is filled with action, mysteries, and magic… I also forgot to add spirits called wraiths or seraphs that either possess you or become your companions. So, when you are reading this book… Don’t let the wraiths in. Seriously… you’ll regret it.
This book is filled with action, mysteries, and magic… I also forgot to add spirits called wraiths or seraphs that either possess you or become your companions. So, when you are reading this book… Don’t let the wraiths in. Seriously… you’ll regret it.
April 27, 2022
M.A. Leon's second entry in her Steel and Magic series brings us back to the magical lands of Elabrium, back to the adventures of our heroes Jake and Louie Brandon. This time, the Brandon boys are faced with a new threat: the evil necrom are somehow using wraiths to corrupt not just magic adepts but non-magical people as well! What was once a straightforward battle against the necrom remnants turns into a race against time to find the source of this new corruption and cut it off! M.A. Leon expands the scope of her world greatly in this new book, bringing us a broader understanding of the spirit world that once held only seraphs and wraiths. From water sprites to arborescent elders, the magical creatures of Elabrium are out in full force. Her amazing worldbuilding skills do not falter, taking the reader through thrilling introductions to new concepts that make her world feel rich and alive as ever.
Blood Ties deviates somewhat from the narrative style of the first book, Elemental Links. The first book focused on the inner struggles and inner voices of the characters, while this second book focuses much more on their physical actions and physical conflicts with the dark forces infiltrating their land. I personally was looking forward to deeper exploration of the characters: of Jake's jealousy and overprotectiveness, of Marcus' honor beneath his arrogant shell, of Troy's inner valor. The book is filled with witty banter among our many male protagonists, although I would have traded half of it to read more pages devoted to the depths of these characters, especially Jake.
M.A. Leon planted a bountiful tree of character intrigue with her first book, but only dangles the fruit a little nearer in Blood Ties. Having only gotten a bite more of it, I hungrily await the continuation of the series.
Blood Ties deviates somewhat from the narrative style of the first book, Elemental Links. The first book focused on the inner struggles and inner voices of the characters, while this second book focuses much more on their physical actions and physical conflicts with the dark forces infiltrating their land. I personally was looking forward to deeper exploration of the characters: of Jake's jealousy and overprotectiveness, of Marcus' honor beneath his arrogant shell, of Troy's inner valor. The book is filled with witty banter among our many male protagonists, although I would have traded half of it to read more pages devoted to the depths of these characters, especially Jake.
M.A. Leon planted a bountiful tree of character intrigue with her first book, but only dangles the fruit a little nearer in Blood Ties. Having only gotten a bite more of it, I hungrily await the continuation of the series.
Read
July 9, 2025Blood Ties was an immersive, heart-pounding continuation of a world that already had me hooked from book one. I was especially drawn to the way you handled the emotional layers beneath the magic, the questions of loyalty, identity, and power made everything feel deeply human, even with the fantasy backdrop.
The action sequences were beautifully paced, but what really stood out was how you balanced the danger with character growth. Jake and Louie’s arcs are so compelling, their choices felt real, messy, and meaningful. The tension surrounding who to trust kept me turning pages, and I loved the slow unraveling of what’s really happening in Southern Elabrium.
Your background in medieval literature absolutely shines through, the way you blend realism with magic makes the world feel ancient, mysterious, and yet oddly familiar. I also caught a few small touches that felt like they came from your photography or horse jumping experience, those little details made everything richer.
Thank you for building a story that’s both thrilling and thoughtful. I’m looking forward to the next installment and more time spent in this beautifully dangerous world.
The action sequences were beautifully paced, but what really stood out was how you balanced the danger with character growth. Jake and Louie’s arcs are so compelling, their choices felt real, messy, and meaningful. The tension surrounding who to trust kept me turning pages, and I loved the slow unraveling of what’s really happening in Southern Elabrium.
Your background in medieval literature absolutely shines through, the way you blend realism with magic makes the world feel ancient, mysterious, and yet oddly familiar. I also caught a few small touches that felt like they came from your photography or horse jumping experience, those little details made everything richer.
Thank you for building a story that’s both thrilling and thoughtful. I’m looking forward to the next installment and more time spent in this beautifully dangerous world.
February 9, 2020
Leon’s deft, engrossing sequel to Elemental Links picks up where the last installment left off: the necrom have been defeated at the battle of Dretlon Valley, and the brothers are back at the city of Maldra. But now the necrom have found a way to possess essentia and turn them against each other: the enemy that Jake and Louie are facing this time is far more dangerous, and the stakes rise higher with one of their own possessed.
Leon’s assured prose skillfully handles shifting network of loyalties and hidden betrayals, and the brotherly love, lasting friendships, haunting dark forces, and political intrigue elevate the stakes of the story. The story moves at a swift pace, and a horde of plot twists and shocking revelations keep the pages turning.
Leon has delivered an entertaining tale that is ripe with both tension and intrigue.
Lovers of YA fantasy will be greatly pleased.
Leon’s assured prose skillfully handles shifting network of loyalties and hidden betrayals, and the brotherly love, lasting friendships, haunting dark forces, and political intrigue elevate the stakes of the story. The story moves at a swift pace, and a horde of plot twists and shocking revelations keep the pages turning.
Leon has delivered an entertaining tale that is ripe with both tension and intrigue.
Lovers of YA fantasy will be greatly pleased.
May 11, 2021
Disclaimer - I was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love this series so freaking much!! I may have received the first two for free but I am def buying them cause I need them on my shelves.
I love the constant action and adventure and magic. I love watching the characters and their friendships and relationships grow and change as they are put through challenges.
I absolutely can't wait to see what the next book brings and highly recommend this series
I love this series so freaking much!! I may have received the first two for free but I am def buying them cause I need them on my shelves.
I love the constant action and adventure and magic. I love watching the characters and their friendships and relationships grow and change as they are put through challenges.
I absolutely can't wait to see what the next book brings and highly recommend this series
January 5, 2021
An excellent continuation of the adventure! There are fun new characters that each have their own unique personalities while complimenting the characters we already know and love. Looking forward to number 3!
February 3, 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable follow-up to Elemental Links that further explores returning characters, introduces delightful new ones, and pushes the conflict with the necrom into a new and chilling phase.
4.5/5 I appreciate the internal struggles depicted as much as I do the external ones.
4.5/5 I appreciate the internal struggles depicted as much as I do the external ones.
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February 8, 2021Exhilarating and Entertaining
The ongoing tale of the Brandon brothers and their cohorts continues to bring laughter, suspense and satisfaction. A good second book. A great read.
The ongoing tale of the Brandon brothers and their cohorts continues to bring laughter, suspense and satisfaction. A good second book. A great read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews