Tanzy’s journey continues in Windswept, the second installment of the Moonlit Trilogy…
Tanzy Hightower is the key in an ancient prophecy pivotal to the existence of all beings, both Seen and Unseen. Unseen who have waited a millennium for her birth are relentless in their efforts to see the prophecy fulfilled. Whether for good or evil, depending on which side of the conflict one stands. Others have sworn an oath to end Tanzy’s existence, permanently.
Already, Tanzy’s body has been compromised by her enemies, her veins now home to the blood of a wild horse whose instincts are becoming impossible to control. While Tanzy’s Unseen enemies work to draw her out of a remote safe house, her friends beg her to stay in hiding. She is torn, wanting to reunite with Lucas, who has loved Tanzy since her first incarnation, yet unsure whether fulfilling the ancient prophecy will protect those she loves or destroy them.
Southern gal. Momma. PNW transplant. Especially fond of family, sunlight, and cookie dough. Writing fantasy under pen name Jadie Jones. Publishing southern gothic thrillers under real name Casey Dunn. (SILENCE ON COLD RIVER - Pegasus Crime - 2020.)
I wrote my first book in seventh grade, filling one hundred and four pages of a black and white Mead notebook. Back then I lived for two things: horses and R.L. Stine books. Fast forward nearly twenty years, and I work with horses and hoard books like most women my age collect shoes. Its amazing how much changes... and how much stays the same.
The dream of publishing a novel has hitch-hiked with me down every other path I've taken (and there have been many.) Waitress, farm manager, road manager, bank teller, speech writer, retail, and more. But that need - the call from within to bring pen to paper - refused to quiet. Finally, in 2009, I sat down, pulled out a brand new notebook, and once again let the pictures in my head become words on paper.
Then I got married. Moved. Life sped up the way that it does, claiming each day faster than the last. I became a mother, and my manuscript reverted to something I would do one day. Thankfully, babies take naps, and there's only so much daytime television a person can stomach. And Tanzy, that main character of mine, was shouting at me from my office: "Hellooo? We aren't done yet, Jadie." So I pulled her out. I read our story. I tore it to pieces. And then I put it back together again.
As a child, my grandfather would sit me in his lap and weave tales about the Cherokee nation, and a girl who belonged with horses. His words painted a whole new world, and my mind would take flight. My hope - my dream - is that Tanzy's journey does the same for you.
So where does "Jadie Jones" come from? It's a pen name I created to honor two fantastic women who didn't get the chance to live out their professional dreams. First, my grandmother - a mother of four during post World War II America, who wanted to be a journalist so bad that even now when she talks about it, her blue eyes mist and she lifts her chin in silent speculation. And second, a dear friend's mother who left this world entirely too soon. To Judy Dawn and Shirley Jones, Jadie Jones is for you. It's been a pleasure getting to know her.
I am FREAKING OUT. How did I not see that coming? Who would have seen that coming? Holy mother of crap, how could this happen? Next book, next book, next book, next book—give me the next book now, now, now—
*deep breath*
As you can see, this book has incited some fangirling. Because of Reasons, I didn’t start it until recently plus I took awhile to sit down and read it once I had it. Once I did…well. Please see the opening paragraph for answers. Without a doubt, this book shall be awarded a seat on my Shelf of Awesome beside it’s predecessor.
The plot: To the author, you were nearly the cause of fratricide several times when my brothers interrupted me while reading this. (And I mean that in the best possible way.) I saw somewhere this book is over 100k words, but it didn’t feel like that. I tore through it in no time and there was not a dull line anywhere. This book was even more full of betrayals, twists, and shockers than the first one and no matter how hard I tried to figure everything out, I was still surprised.
Like with the first book, I spent a good deal of time missing Lucas when he wasn’t around. (Shut up.) He and Tanzy are so beautiful together and I will ship them until the day I die.
The characters: Tanzy has basically done a whole 360 from the quiet, isolated girl she was at the beginning of Moonlit. Now she’s a determined, hardcore warrior queen pitted against the nastiest immortal in existence I’m thinking maybe he should be scared. Her relationship with Lucas has also had a few (many) hitches, but she’s still willing to work at it and that warms my little fangirl heart to no end.
We met another character at the end of Moonlit—Jayce. I wasn’t sure I’d like her and usually I don’t like the friend-type characters, but I love Jayce. Oh, sweet, adorable, artistic, intermittently deadly Jayce. If she dies, I will be furious.
As for Vanessa—I have no idea what the hell is going on with Vanessa. Let’s just say she makes politicians look honest and leave it at that.
There are a bunch of other new characters that make an appearance as well—Bridget, Reese, Iris, Abby, Kate—and one or two others. (What’s up with Mouse?) But I’m just going to skim over them here and go straight to Lucas.
I’ve mentioned him three times before this paragraph, so you have probably picked up that I’m in Lucas’ fan club. He’s another one of “my babies” (a hypothetical collective of fictional characters I wish I could protect from their creators’ cruelty). I just…he’s an awesome character. The author doesn’t make him all perfect and sparkly and gooey and I love that—his persona seems real. I need to come up with a ship name for him and Tanzy…
I recommend this book, I recommend this series, I recommend this author. If anyone asks me if I liked this, be prepared for a deluge of half-finished sentences, jumping up and down, and excited hand flailing.
Windswept, Book II of the Moonlit trilogy, picks up where Moonlit left off.
We have action and intrigue from the beginning.
Tansy has changed, but she is still determined to save Lucas at all cost. Is he still alive? How far would you go to save soeone you love?
Tansy has been set up and is running for her life. She has been betrayed and is confused, not knowing who she can trust. Jaycee is still by her side. Can she be trusted? Is she meant to fulfill the prophecy?
Imagine, if you will, an Unseen world, existing side by side with ours, unknown by us. What if the veil was dropped and both worlds shown, allowing the evil to come through?
I know her road is a long and treacherous one and I am very excited to be traveling it with her. As I walk with Tansy, my questions are being answered. No decision will satisfy all her desires and I wonder if they will satisfy mine. Do I agree with her thoughts of what is to be done? Well, my question…which is the right one?
Love and sacrifice, friendship and betrayal. I have been anticipating this wonderful world created with fantastic characters and I was not disappointed.
Let me just jump in and say this is a thrilling read with great twists and a mysterious plot…book 2 of the Hightower Trilogy did not disappoint. A gripping story that leaves you on your knees begging for more. (*Ahem* ...clifhanger 😅)
Tanzy is caught between two worlds with no clear way out….either die or doom the world. Seemingly alone and abandoned this book starts out on a rather heart wrenching note. With loads of emotional and physical damage to deal with, but no time to sort out and work through her own baggage, because the worlds depend on her. Tanzy is hunted for a reality that has only been revealed to her in the very recent past and now has to figure out who to trust and which path to take.
Betrayed by everyone she thought she could trust. Tanzy is thrown in deep and has to make quick life changing decisions basically on the go…as forces from outside AND inside(herself) threaten to overpower her.
To quote Tanzy in Chapter 1: “Everything inside of me quakes as whatever binds me together threatens to explode.”
Her emotions shattered me…breaking my heart over and over again, what she has lost and how lost she feels…her inner turmoil roils on in my own veins. Threatening to snap her…(and me…lol)
And THEN she makes her decision…setting a course for herself, working with a plan and knowing where she is headed …she becomes an arrow. A new energy of purpose starts lining the pages. Still she needs to tread carefully as her every step and anyone…anything…around her can be used as a weapon against her….to make her comply to what THEY want.
This book is filled with action and self-discovery, friendships are built and lost. Two worlds and countless lives hang in the balance. Watch this girl face an enemy that joins the ranks of Worst Villains Ever and let’s find out what happens?? Yessss, I am VERY excited for the next book and y’all better get reading!!! 😄
There is something about this author's voice that sounds so heartfelt, so raw, so authentic, that regardless of the content, the story still rings true. I read the first book of the series, 'Moonlit', even though I really didn't think it would be my kind of book. I am not into horses or riding, but I picked it up anyway because the back of the book sounded intriguing. I fell -- hook, line, and sinker -- into the world that author Jadie Jones created, and couldn't wait to get my grabby hands on book 2 in the series, 'Windswept'. I must admit that I struggled to understand some of the sequences, but even that wasn't a deterrent for me in this book. The struggle that Tanzy / Spera faces in her plight against Asher is so artfully detailed, and Vanessa is my favorite Is-She-Or-Isn't-She character -- I still can't figure out what her end game is! Recommend this book for readers 14 and up.
NOTE: I probably would've finished this faster, but have a lot of reading I am catching up on.
I love how Windswept starts off where Wildwood left off – that made me dive right back in to the story (head first) and get lost in the world again.
Again, Jones did shock me with some twists and turns I did not see coming – and that is ALWAYS refreshing for me with all the predictable reads (or as my hubs calls it – my ‘predicting super power’ – tv shows, movies, and books). So when I find a story that surprises me, it makes me love it even more.
I loved Tanzy’s torment on wanting to be herself, but feeling this connection to Sepra that was undeniable. The characters reactions and emotions were so real to me, and at times broke my heart (Mom scene, most of the scenes involving horses – ahhh!). And the scene at the end with Lucas/horses – goodness! I associated my glossy eyes with how late I stayed up to read it (but I’m not gonna lie to you, I got a bid misty eyed).
Minor Complaint/Contains a few small spoilers:
The only *minor* thing I have to complain about is that occasionally I would forget about certain housemates/sisters/canditates, but the few that personalities shown through I LOVED (Jayce especially). Also where the eff was Asher? I felt like he was there, but maybe we didn’t know he was there…and Mouse – I hope she is in book 3 because she had me super curious.
Overall, I highly recommend starting/continuing this series to anyone. And I NEED book 3!
Windswept picks up exactly where Wildwood leaves off, like literally the same scene. It starts off with a bang, and it ends with a bang. For me, it brought me right back to the story, where I feel like I just read Wildwood yesterday. I really love the way that Jadie Jones writes, it flows seamlessly from scene to scene and even from character to character. There is only one POV, but there are clear differences in every single character, and there is also a difference in our main character, Tanzy, in the way she speaks and reacts to different ones. I loved the way that Tanzy evolved and accepted who she is in this book. Last book, she had a very hard time learning more about herself and the past, and this one, while she still struggled, she proved how strong she really was by being able to move forward with acceptance. There were a few lulls in the middle, but that is to be expected. Also, some things that happened I found to be terribly convenient, and those things were always covered up with "Vanessa is always a few steps ahead" and I thought that, too, was convenient. I really do love this story, though, and I can't wait for the next book. *I was gifted a copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts!*
so windswept picks up right were book one left off the first part of this book was mostly Tanzy discovering more about her powers and the Unseen world and who she can and cannot trust the second half of the book was more action packed.I actually felt really frustrated for these characters especially Tanzy because they are dealing with a bad guy thats 6 steps ahead of them!. We get a whole bunch of new characters (not all of them are as trustworthy as i thought) and of course the cliffhanger ending!!! I mean i knew it was coming one major element was set up in book one i was also suprised by one characters decision but arrgghhh...again im trying not to say too much because of spoilers but overall i really enjoyed book two in the hightower trilogy and i am really looking forward to book 3!
I was given a copy of this book for my unbiased opinion.
Another delightful book by Jadie Jones. Betrayed by Vanessa, Tanzy is on the run and trying to survive while her foes are one step ahead of her. She is still having a bit of an identity crisis, but the more she learns about Spera the more she can be herself again. Who can she trust and is anywhere safe?
I enjoyed following Tanzy's story with a delightful side of Jayce. I've been following Jadie's book since the first version of her Wildwood Trilogy, renamed The Hightower Trilogy, and this book is another great addition.
Another well-told story by Jadie Jones! Hidden worlds, secrets, and complicated relationships, what more can you ask for in YA fantasy? I’m not usually a fan of the “chosen one” trope, but I like how dark and twisted the role Tanzy is “chosen” for turns out to be. A cast of new characters are introduced in this second book in the series, and my favorite is the deeply loyal and witty Jayce. She’s the smart-mouthed, heart-of-gold character I often find myself drawn to, and I would certainly want her on my side in a fight against Asher.
Much more action packed than the first novel, the storyline picks up immediately on the very first page. Just as many sudden twists and turns that keep you guessing and wondering who you can believe and who can be trusted. Great addition to the trilogy and cannot wait to see how it all ends.
There is a prophecy about Tanzy relating to the Seen and Unseen. There are those that want to help her fulfill the prophecy and those that want to kill her in any way possible. Tanzy is trying to figure out her own powers but when her blood is infected she struggles just to control her own body. Will she be able to fulfill the prophecy or are her enemies going to win.
I just love this series. Tanzy is such a strong girl and has come so far since Moonlit. I love that she has become such a bad ass character. She has a lot to fight with and there are moments that I didn’t think she was going to make it. It doesn’t help that although there are a lot of good characters it doesn’t mean that they are really good or going to do anything other than get themselves through the trouble. The ending just made me want to rush into Wildwood to see how this series is going to end.
I received Windswept from WOW – Women on Writing in exchange for an honest review.
Jadie Jones blew me away with this one. In this sequel to Moonlit, she spins the mystery even more, gradually revealing more pieces of the puzzle. The main character Tanzy has already had her world turned upside down twice in the first installment, so here in book two she gets a little more stability. At last Tanzy meets others like her and there is the requisite training sequence. But Tanzy learns that caring about others is a liability too and her enemies are more than willing to cause collateral damage. I enjoyed Jadie’s evident knowledge of and love for horses, which comes out more here as Tanzy uses her equine expertise and senses. Windswept captured my attention and I powered through it quite quickly. I can’t wait for the 3rd installment in this series! *Note: I received this book through Goodreads FirstReads giveaway program.
Never did I expect to get wrapped up in a world of Seens and Unseens, but Jadie Jones sucked me in again with the sequel to Moonlit! In Windswept, Tanzy's world is further revealed and nothing is as it seems. Seriously, trust no one! The action scenes fall together in a way that brings them to life ... every punch, stab, flip and fall. And, once the action scenes started, I couldn't stop reading. It was like I hopped on a rollercoaster and there was no chance of getting off until the end!
Jadie Jones builds upon her first novel, MOONLIT, with the same stunning prose, exotic imagery, and dark, complex characters. Tanzy continues her journey, learning more about the world she came from, and the bloody terrors her future holds. The beings that inhabit the Jones’ Unseen world will stay with you well past the last page on the book. Let WINDSWEPT sweep you away.
The second book in this fantastic series, and I liked Windswept almost as much as the first book, Moonlit. They both ended in cliffhangers, so be sure you have the whole series before you start reading (I actually don't have the 3rd book so I'll need to get it soon!).