What do you think?
Rate this book
Ellinor #2
Deadlock: An Eerden Novel
“There are those willing to fight for you, if you fight for yourself.”
The plan was always to go to Amardeep, just not like this.
Ellinor Rask always planned to head for the Ashling’s island in order to hunt down those who had killed her husband, but now she’s going for something she didn’t expect: help. With Ellinor’s magic still beyond her reach, the only ones capable of removing her magical shackle are the sentient androids Ellinor has vowed to destroy. If only she can tolerate the Ashlings long enough to aid them in return, of course.
But getting the attention of those who could help proves difficult, and more dangerous than anticipated. Knowing whom to trust becomes a frantic dance as Ellinor and her friends traverse the toxic island in disguise, going from fight-club dance arenas to drug labs all in their search for assistance. Ellinor discovers, however, that hiding a dreeocht who is becoming more unstable by the second is increasingly deadly.
If hiding was all Ellinor had to worry about, she might have a chance at survival. But something waits beneath the glitter of Amardeep that Ellinor and her friends are not expecting . . . something they may be unprepared to face.
The plan was always to go to Amardeep, just not like this.
Ellinor Rask always planned to head for the Ashling’s island in order to hunt down those who had killed her husband, but now she’s going for something she didn’t expect: help. With Ellinor’s magic still beyond her reach, the only ones capable of removing her magical shackle are the sentient androids Ellinor has vowed to destroy. If only she can tolerate the Ashlings long enough to aid them in return, of course.
But getting the attention of those who could help proves difficult, and more dangerous than anticipated. Knowing whom to trust becomes a frantic dance as Ellinor and her friends traverse the toxic island in disguise, going from fight-club dance arenas to drug labs all in their search for assistance. Ellinor discovers, however, that hiding a dreeocht who is becoming more unstable by the second is increasingly deadly.
If hiding was all Ellinor had to worry about, she might have a chance at survival. But something waits beneath the glitter of Amardeep that Ellinor and her friends are not expecting . . . something they may be unprepared to face.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2021
5 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Clayton
14 books276 followersC. E. Clayton is the author of young adult fantasy series, “The Monster of Selkirk”, the creator of the award winning cyberpunk Eerden Novels, and her horror short stories have appeared in anthologies across the country. By signing up for her newsletter, you'll immediately get a free novella set in the Eerden universe! She'd also be thrilled if you followed her on Instagram and liked her bookish and pet photos, and Amazon where you can get updates on her new releases. When she’s not writing you can find her treating her fur-babies like humans, constantly drinking tea, and trying to convince her husband to go to more concerts. And reading. She does read quite a bit.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 29, 2024
This isn't my normal type of read. In my mind this is done as an. anime type setting. There are a few others in this series as well.
October 17, 2021
I can’t thank the author enough for sending me this early copy of Deadlock. It didn’t disappoint!!
The visuals in this story blew me away. It’s so easy to imagine yourself in the center of Ellinor’s world as she and the rest of her friends navigate around a new city, with a hoard of new enemies lurking around every corner. There were often times I held my breath because it seemed like there wasn’t anyone you could trust. Not when they’re driven by their own motives and goals.
The found family in this story is just…It’s perfect. Nothing I say could ever do it justice. Fiss is such an interesting character. I adore him so much! Ellinor and Jelani…I don’t want to say anything that gives away too much about their “relationship,” but I will say this, do I have a new OTP on my favorite ships list?? ;) If you said yes, you would be correct. Mark Jelani down as another book husband-worthy character. I just love how patient he is with Ellinor. He encourages her without coming off as domineering, arrogant, or pushy. And that I found to be the most endearing quality about him, as Ellinor’s circumstances are a lot different than your typical heroine’s. I’m rooting for their endgame!
On another note, this story has me hooked. I can’t wait to see what happens next after that ending!!! Things are about to get rather crazy, and I’m so here for the chaos that a certain caster has had coming to him!
The visuals in this story blew me away. It’s so easy to imagine yourself in the center of Ellinor’s world as she and the rest of her friends navigate around a new city, with a hoard of new enemies lurking around every corner. There were often times I held my breath because it seemed like there wasn’t anyone you could trust. Not when they’re driven by their own motives and goals.
The found family in this story is just…It’s perfect. Nothing I say could ever do it justice. Fiss is such an interesting character. I adore him so much! Ellinor and Jelani…I don’t want to say anything that gives away too much about their “relationship,” but I will say this, do I have a new OTP on my favorite ships list?? ;) If you said yes, you would be correct. Mark Jelani down as another book husband-worthy character. I just love how patient he is with Ellinor. He encourages her without coming off as domineering, arrogant, or pushy. And that I found to be the most endearing quality about him, as Ellinor’s circumstances are a lot different than your typical heroine’s. I’m rooting for their endgame!
On another note, this story has me hooked. I can’t wait to see what happens next after that ending!!! Things are about to get rather crazy, and I’m so here for the chaos that a certain caster has had coming to him!
October 29, 2021
I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of this book and, let me tell you, it was a pleasure! Deadlock picks up where Resistor left off, taking the reader on a wild adventure to the island of Amardeep, home of the Ashlings. There, we get to see the crew embark on a bananas quest to free Ellinor from her shackles. If only it goes so smoothly.
My favorite part of this series has to be the characters. There's such a wide variety of personalities and they all shine so brightly in this installment. Especially Ellinor, who's put into quite a few difficult positions throughout the book. It's just so fascinating to watch her move through her world and grow as a person alongside her companions.
Another highlight is the worldbuilding. I think I liked the setting of this book even better than the ones of the first. We've got this amazing, glittering island that's a thing of both beauty and corruption. It really feels like a living place.
If you liked Resistor, you're going to LOVE this book. And if you're a fan of Jelani (because who isn't, am I right?) you'd better buckle up because this is a RIDE!
My favorite part of this series has to be the characters. There's such a wide variety of personalities and they all shine so brightly in this installment. Especially Ellinor, who's put into quite a few difficult positions throughout the book. It's just so fascinating to watch her move through her world and grow as a person alongside her companions.
Another highlight is the worldbuilding. I think I liked the setting of this book even better than the ones of the first. We've got this amazing, glittering island that's a thing of both beauty and corruption. It really feels like a living place.
If you liked Resistor, you're going to LOVE this book. And if you're a fan of Jelani (because who isn't, am I right?) you'd better buckle up because this is a RIDE!
Read
March 7, 2022I am so happy to announce that the special edition hardcover of Deadlock is here! This full color hardcover includes new chapter headings, plus all the incredible character art that was commissioned for the second book in Ellinor's series. It truly is a work of art, in my humble opinion.
October 12, 2021
Practically read this book in one sitting. The author continues to just shock me with this absolutely amazing and detailed world building. As well, something that gets me every time is found family. You saw what it could be in book one by book two this is solidified and it absolutely beautiful and perfect!!
I am so happy with how the book ended! There is clearly di much more coming but with the end I can see the direction the author is going and I am here for it!!
I am so happy with how the book ended! There is clearly di much more coming but with the end I can see the direction the author is going and I am here for it!!
November 2, 2021
I love this series so much. It's set in such a high tech world that sometimes I have to slow down and reread sections to understand what's being discussed about the organic and robotic beings. Ellinor's growth and understanding of the Ashlings as a whole in this book is great. The action scenes are so exciting and there's enough down time to really understand all of the characters and their story. I'm glad I still have the short story to read while awaiting another book in this series.
May 17, 2022
Another thrilling wonderful novel from CE Clayton! This world! Jelani ;)
Longer review to come <3
Longer review to come <3
December 14, 2021
Disclaimer: I received the finished book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Deadlock
Author: C.E. Clayton
Book Series: Ellinor Book 2
Rating: 4.5/5
Diversity: Non-Binary Characters, Bisexual coded MC
Recommended For...: science fiction, magic, technology
Publication Date: November 2, 2021
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 18+ (Language, Violence, Gore, Death, Drug and alcohol allusions, Terminal illness allusion, Romance, Sexual content, Religion, Grief)
Explanation of CWs: There is cursing in this book. There is lots of violence and some gore. There is death and the death of a spouse is mentioned, as well as grief. There are some allusions to drug and alcohol, as well as terminal illness. There is also some romance and sexual content. There is slight mentions of religion.
Publisher: Starfish Ink
Pages: 367
Synopsis: The plan was always to go to Amardeep, just not like this.
Ellinor Rask always planned to head for the Ashling’s island in order to hunt down those who had killed her husband, but now she’s going for something she didn’t expect: help. With Ellinor’s magic still beyond her reach, the only ones capable of removing her magical shackle are the sentient androids Ellinor has vowed to destroy. If only she can tolerate the Ashlings long enough to aid them in return, of course.
But getting the attention of those who could help proves difficult, and more dangerous than anticipated. Knowing whom to trust becomes a frantic dance as Ellinor and her friends traverse the toxic island in disguise, going from fight-club dance arenas to drug labs all in their search for assistance. Ellinor discovers, however, that hiding a dreeocht who is becoming more unstable by the second is increasingly deadly.
If hiding was all Ellinor had to worry about, she might have a chance at survival. But something waits beneath the glitter of Amardeep that Ellinor and her friends are not expecting . . . something they may be unprepared to face.
Review: For the most part I liked this sequel! I loved the addition of Fiss and I felt like this book was more cohesive than the first one. The plot seemed more streamlined and a little less chaotic. The book had great character development and world building. The book was also well plotted and overall I really liked it and felt it was a great continuation of the main story.
However, I did have some issues with the book. I felt like the book needed a recap in the beginning, which would help readers since the first book had quite a bit happen in it. The back to back action scenes gave me a bit of whiplash and it felt a bit daunting to have a lot of action scenes. I also felt that the book slowed down a bit midway.
Verdict: It was good!
Book: Deadlock
Author: C.E. Clayton
Book Series: Ellinor Book 2
Rating: 4.5/5
Diversity: Non-Binary Characters, Bisexual coded MC
Recommended For...: science fiction, magic, technology
Publication Date: November 2, 2021
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 18+ (Language, Violence, Gore, Death, Drug and alcohol allusions, Terminal illness allusion, Romance, Sexual content, Religion, Grief)
Explanation of CWs: There is cursing in this book. There is lots of violence and some gore. There is death and the death of a spouse is mentioned, as well as grief. There are some allusions to drug and alcohol, as well as terminal illness. There is also some romance and sexual content. There is slight mentions of religion.
Publisher: Starfish Ink
Pages: 367
Synopsis: The plan was always to go to Amardeep, just not like this.
Ellinor Rask always planned to head for the Ashling’s island in order to hunt down those who had killed her husband, but now she’s going for something she didn’t expect: help. With Ellinor’s magic still beyond her reach, the only ones capable of removing her magical shackle are the sentient androids Ellinor has vowed to destroy. If only she can tolerate the Ashlings long enough to aid them in return, of course.
But getting the attention of those who could help proves difficult, and more dangerous than anticipated. Knowing whom to trust becomes a frantic dance as Ellinor and her friends traverse the toxic island in disguise, going from fight-club dance arenas to drug labs all in their search for assistance. Ellinor discovers, however, that hiding a dreeocht who is becoming more unstable by the second is increasingly deadly.
If hiding was all Ellinor had to worry about, she might have a chance at survival. But something waits beneath the glitter of Amardeep that Ellinor and her friends are not expecting . . . something they may be unprepared to face.
Review: For the most part I liked this sequel! I loved the addition of Fiss and I felt like this book was more cohesive than the first one. The plot seemed more streamlined and a little less chaotic. The book had great character development and world building. The book was also well plotted and overall I really liked it and felt it was a great continuation of the main story.
However, I did have some issues with the book. I felt like the book needed a recap in the beginning, which would help readers since the first book had quite a bit happen in it. The back to back action scenes gave me a bit of whiplash and it felt a bit daunting to have a lot of action scenes. I also felt that the book slowed down a bit midway.
Verdict: It was good!
December 17, 2021
On the run from Cosmin, Ellinor Rask teams up with an old friend and some acquaintances on a treacherous journey to unlock her magical powers sealed away by the collar stuck on her neck by her former employer. As the ragtag team attempts to flee to Amardeep where they hope to get help in taking the collar off of Ellinor, they soon realize that a pursuing mob boss is the least of their worries. Apparently, if not dealt with, the collar could kill Ellinor and corrupt Fiss, a pure magical being she is connected with. Desperate to save Ellinor and Fiss, the group’s search for help leads them into even more dangerous territories.
C.E Clayton’s Deadlock is the second book following the main character, Ellinor Rask. Set in an expertly developed fictional world, Deadlock is fantasy heaven as it blends magic and technology. Clayton’s writing, for me, is high-end. She locks down the basics like clarity and aptness pretty easily but really flexes her descriptive writing muscles as she evokes mental images wherever she can. I also love how it seems like the stakes are set at first, but they suddenly go up a notch, and everything becomes a frantic race against time.
Clayton also doesn’t disappoint with her character development. Each character has a memorable and distinctive voice and personality. Plus, Clayton’s protagonist goes through a resonating evolution depicting how outward circumstances can cause inward change in people and vice versa. Deadlock is a sequel so readers who have not read the first novel may have questions that go unanswered, however the novel’s main plot will still make sense.
Deadlock by C.E. Clayton is a unique fantasy novel combining science fiction technology with magic. Readers will experience gripping suspense, extraordinary scenery and page-turning action.
C.E Clayton’s Deadlock is the second book following the main character, Ellinor Rask. Set in an expertly developed fictional world, Deadlock is fantasy heaven as it blends magic and technology. Clayton’s writing, for me, is high-end. She locks down the basics like clarity and aptness pretty easily but really flexes her descriptive writing muscles as she evokes mental images wherever she can. I also love how it seems like the stakes are set at first, but they suddenly go up a notch, and everything becomes a frantic race against time.
Clayton also doesn’t disappoint with her character development. Each character has a memorable and distinctive voice and personality. Plus, Clayton’s protagonist goes through a resonating evolution depicting how outward circumstances can cause inward change in people and vice versa. Deadlock is a sequel so readers who have not read the first novel may have questions that go unanswered, however the novel’s main plot will still make sense.
Deadlock by C.E. Clayton is a unique fantasy novel combining science fiction technology with magic. Readers will experience gripping suspense, extraordinary scenery and page-turning action.
December 13, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of this book and, let me tell you, it was a pleasure! Deadlock picks up where Resistor left off, taking the reader on a wild adventure to the island of Amardeep, home of the Ashlings. There, we get to see the crew embark on a bananas quest to free Ellinor from her shackles. If only it goes so smoothly.
My favorite part of this series has to be the characters. There's such a wide variety of personalities and they all shine so brightly in this installment. Especially Ellinor, who's put into quite a few difficult positions throughout the book. It's just so fascinating to watch her move through her world and grow as a person alongside her companions.
Another highlight is the worldbuilding. I think I liked the setting of this book even better than the ones of the first. We've got this amazing, glittering island that's a thing of both beauty and corruption. It really feels like a living place.
If you liked Resistor, you're going to LOVE this book. And if you're a fan of Jelani (because who isn't, am I right?) you'd better buckle up because this is a RIDE!
My favorite part of this series has to be the characters. There's such a wide variety of personalities and they all shine so brightly in this installment. Especially Ellinor, who's put into quite a few difficult positions throughout the book. It's just so fascinating to watch her move through her world and grow as a person alongside her companions.
Another highlight is the worldbuilding. I think I liked the setting of this book even better than the ones of the first. We've got this amazing, glittering island that's a thing of both beauty and corruption. It really feels like a living place.
If you liked Resistor, you're going to LOVE this book. And if you're a fan of Jelani (because who isn't, am I right?) you'd better buckle up because this is a RIDE!
October 7, 2023
I read the first book over a year ago before picking up this second one, and it's a real testament to the storyline that I was able to get right back into it and remembered each of the characters, despite having read (literally) 100+ books in between.
The characters are all endearing, the world building is fantastic, and there's enough action to keep it going. There's definitely some sci-fi tropes at play but I'm here for it, and there's enough uniqueness that this is worth a read for any sci-fi lover.
There's no spice (a couple fade-to-blacks) so this is a stark departure from my typical smut reads, but I just love the story so much that it's forgiven. I'm excited to start the third installment!
The characters are all endearing, the world building is fantastic, and there's enough action to keep it going. There's definitely some sci-fi tropes at play but I'm here for it, and there's enough uniqueness that this is worth a read for any sci-fi lover.
There's no spice (a couple fade-to-blacks) so this is a stark departure from my typical smut reads, but I just love the story so much that it's forgiven. I'm excited to start the third installment!
February 25, 2023
A great continuation of Ellinor's story. With the help of friends, Ellinor continues to go on adventures to get to the bottom of the secrets that she has been told. There is lots of action throughout this story but I found the character development to be most endearing. Thank you to C.E. Clayton for a gifted copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
July 31, 2023
3 stars-
This was an average middle installment for the series. I'm still not completely sold on it, but I did have a good time reading it.
This was an average middle installment for the series. I'm still not completely sold on it, but I did have a good time reading it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews