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The Age of the Seventh Sun #2
The Jade Bones
Cast into the underworld after an act of shattering betrayal, Mayana and Ahkin must overcome unimaginable odds if they are to return home and reclaim the throne of the Chicome. A river of blood and demons disguised as children are only two of the challenges standing in their way. Fortunately, they are not unequipped. Mayana’s royal blood controls the power of water, and Prince Ahkin wields the power of the sun itself. Ometeotl, the Mother goddess, provides them with other gifts—and an ominous warning that one of them may not survive. But can the goddess be trusted?
Back in the lands above, Mayana’s best friend, Yemania, has survived the empress selection ritual—but her next challenge may be more than she can bear. The new empress of the Chicome Empire demands she become High Healer. Yemania has no interest in serving in the palace; she wants to use her healing ability to help the common people. More than that, her heart is no longer her own. She has met an enchanting stranger—Ochix, one of the feared Miquitz people who are ancient enemies of the Chicome.
As Mayana and Ahkin move ever closer to confronting the lords of the dead, Yemania and Ochix must hide their forbidden romance or face the wrath of both their empires. Meanwhile, the new empress has made a dangerous alliance that might destroy everything they hold dear.
Four young people risk their lives to save the world from a looming apocalypse in this captivating sequel to The Seventh Sun. Based on ancient Mesoamerican legends and mythology, The Jade Bones is a compelling and romantic adventure that builds to a heart-stopping climax.
Back in the lands above, Mayana’s best friend, Yemania, has survived the empress selection ritual—but her next challenge may be more than she can bear. The new empress of the Chicome Empire demands she become High Healer. Yemania has no interest in serving in the palace; she wants to use her healing ability to help the common people. More than that, her heart is no longer her own. She has met an enchanting stranger—Ochix, one of the feared Miquitz people who are ancient enemies of the Chicome.
As Mayana and Ahkin move ever closer to confronting the lords of the dead, Yemania and Ochix must hide their forbidden romance or face the wrath of both their empires. Meanwhile, the new empress has made a dangerous alliance that might destroy everything they hold dear.
Four young people risk their lives to save the world from a looming apocalypse in this captivating sequel to The Seventh Sun. Based on ancient Mesoamerican legends and mythology, The Jade Bones is a compelling and romantic adventure that builds to a heart-stopping climax.
382 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 2021
39 people are currently reading
2584 people want to read
About the author
Lani Forbes
7 books274 followersLani Forbes is the daughter of a librarian and an ex-drug smuggling surfer (which explains her passionate love of the ocean and books). A former teacher turned trauma counselor, her passion was showing readers the transformative and encouraging power of story on the human experience. A California native whose parents live in Mexico, Lani resided in the Pacific Northwest where she stubbornly wore flip flops no matter how cold it got. She was a proud nerd, Gryffindor, and member of Romance Writers of America and the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She passed away on February 3, 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
September 25, 2020
this sequel follows two POVs. one takes place in the living world and is plot based. the other takes place in the underworld and focuses more on character development and world-building. and while i appreciate the dichotomy these two journeys present, i definitely favoured one over the other.
in fact, i practically skimmed over one POV entirely. pesonally, i dont think it really added anything new to the story and was only included because its the natural progression of the story (aka filler needed for the next installment). but the other POV was enough to keep my interest in the story going. the political intrigue was so interesting to me.
overall, this is a decent sequel and a good set-up for the next book to come in this series.
many thanks to blackstone publishing for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
in fact, i practically skimmed over one POV entirely. pesonally, i dont think it really added anything new to the story and was only included because its the natural progression of the story (aka filler needed for the next installment). but the other POV was enough to keep my interest in the story going. the political intrigue was so interesting to me.
overall, this is a decent sequel and a good set-up for the next book to come in this series.
many thanks to blackstone publishing for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
September 2, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"And who has protected who down here, prince of light? When will you realize that we are doing this together? "
Ok let me start by authors are truly on a roll this year! 2020 is seriously a crappy year for us but these amazing books are shedding some much needed light into this darkness!
The Jade Bones picks up right where we left off in book one. So if you don't remember what happen to Ahkin and Mayana, I suggest you re read The Seventh Sun to get caught up.
The odds were certainly not in Ahkin and Mayana's favor in this book and these two could not catch a break. I wasn't sure they could survive everything the underworld was putting them through and I was even more worried about whether their relationship would survive.
Where book one was more romance oriented, this book is more action and fantasy, which surprisingly I liked!
There were a couple things that annoyed me in the book. One being Yamania, again. In book one I just didn't care for how whiny and "weak" she seemed. Although she seemed to be stronger and seemed to be growing a backbone, the whining was still present. I DO feel like by book three I might very much enjoy her character arc though and I actually did enjoy her situation with Ochix.
Secondly, Mayana seemed quite selfish in this book to me. Her intentions were selfless, but I felt she didn't think a lot of things through and didn't consider Ahkin or the big picture of things. So I wanted to scream at her quite a few times!
The cliffhanger was a treat since I totally did NOT know this was going to be a trilogy, and after what happened I just want to know if I can have book 3 now??
4/5 ✰’s
"And who has protected who down here, prince of light? When will you realize that we are doing this together? "
Ok let me start by authors are truly on a roll this year! 2020 is seriously a crappy year for us but these amazing books are shedding some much needed light into this darkness!
The Jade Bones picks up right where we left off in book one. So if you don't remember what happen to Ahkin and Mayana, I suggest you re read The Seventh Sun to get caught up.
The odds were certainly not in Ahkin and Mayana's favor in this book and these two could not catch a break. I wasn't sure they could survive everything the underworld was putting them through and I was even more worried about whether their relationship would survive.
Where book one was more romance oriented, this book is more action and fantasy, which surprisingly I liked!
There were a couple things that annoyed me in the book. One being Yamania, again. In book one I just didn't care for how whiny and "weak" she seemed. Although she seemed to be stronger and seemed to be growing a backbone, the whining was still present. I DO feel like by book three I might very much enjoy her character arc though and I actually did enjoy her situation with Ochix.
Secondly, Mayana seemed quite selfish in this book to me. Her intentions were selfless, but I felt she didn't think a lot of things through and didn't consider Ahkin or the big picture of things. So I wanted to scream at her quite a few times!
The cliffhanger was a treat since I totally did NOT know this was going to be a trilogy, and after what happened I just want to know if I can have book 3 now??
4/5 ✰’s
February 4, 2021
AHHHHHHH That is how sequels are done!!!
RTC
RTC
Want to read
August 26, 2020I need this book...Please, please, please... I need to find out what happened to Mayana and Ahkin.
September 22, 2020
The Jade Bones is a very strong follow up to Lani Forbes's 2020 debut, The Seventh Sun. It picks up where the first book left off (with Mayana and Ahkin traversing the underworld), and there are a surprising number of tests and challenges for them to face, both in terms of their magic, their strength, their ability to trust one another – and yes, even the gods.
Most surprising of all, though, is the new POV Forbes offers the reader with Princess Yemania, the Daughter of Healing, and her love interest, a Miquitz warrior named Ochix. I won't say too much more about this relationship except that I felt it was the strongest part of the book. Learning more about the Miquitz and their culture rounds out the world of The Age of the Seventh Sun, and seeing Yemania grow so much as a character is really satisfying as a reader. In fact, I think she went from being my least favorite character in Book 1 to being my favorite character in Book 2. A really nice character arc that feels well deserved. Ochix was also a very solid character who was fun to get to know since he was a Mequitz death warrior (although, for being a prince of the people who worship the God of the Dead, he maybe felt a little *too* good?). Forbes tends to add nuance to her characters as the story progresses, though (as she did with Yemania), so I expect to see more dimension to Ochix in Book 3.
In The Jade Bones, Ahkin and Mayana also grow as characters and as a couple (always a good thing), though I felt their relationships still felt geared towards the YA crowd (appropriate, given this is a YA novel). For example, there were times when both characters were too quick to demonize themselves or simply ignored each other's instincts or advice, which can be frustrating as an adult reader.
Still, given the context of the genre and its audience, I feel The Jade Bones is an exceptionally strong sequel to The Seventh Sun. If you didn't enjoy Book 1, then I doubt Book 2 would sway your opinion about the series either way – but if you DID like the first book, then you're going to get all the things you've returned for: more relationships, more magic and mythology, and more action and adventure. The climax to The Jade Bones was likewise just as strong as its predecessor, so it's nice to see Forbes stick the landing once again with several satisfying resolutions and a few massive cliffhangers.
FINAL VERDICT
4/5 stars
The Jade Bones is a fantastic second volume in Forbes's Mesoamerican-inspired fantasy series. Pick it up if you enjoyed the first book and are looking for more layers of myths and magic, more palace intrigue, and more relationship drama.
Most surprising of all, though, is the new POV Forbes offers the reader with Princess Yemania, the Daughter of Healing, and her love interest, a Miquitz warrior named Ochix. I won't say too much more about this relationship except that I felt it was the strongest part of the book. Learning more about the Miquitz and their culture rounds out the world of The Age of the Seventh Sun, and seeing Yemania grow so much as a character is really satisfying as a reader. In fact, I think she went from being my least favorite character in Book 1 to being my favorite character in Book 2. A really nice character arc that feels well deserved. Ochix was also a very solid character who was fun to get to know since he was a Mequitz death warrior (although, for being a prince of the people who worship the God of the Dead, he maybe felt a little *too* good?). Forbes tends to add nuance to her characters as the story progresses, though (as she did with Yemania), so I expect to see more dimension to Ochix in Book 3.
In The Jade Bones, Ahkin and Mayana also grow as characters and as a couple (always a good thing), though I felt their relationships still felt geared towards the YA crowd (appropriate, given this is a YA novel). For example, there were times when both characters were too quick to demonize themselves or simply ignored each other's instincts or advice, which can be frustrating as an adult reader.
Still, given the context of the genre and its audience, I feel The Jade Bones is an exceptionally strong sequel to The Seventh Sun. If you didn't enjoy Book 1, then I doubt Book 2 would sway your opinion about the series either way – but if you DID like the first book, then you're going to get all the things you've returned for: more relationships, more magic and mythology, and more action and adventure. The climax to The Jade Bones was likewise just as strong as its predecessor, so it's nice to see Forbes stick the landing once again with several satisfying resolutions and a few massive cliffhangers.
FINAL VERDICT
4/5 stars
The Jade Bones is a fantastic second volume in Forbes's Mesoamerican-inspired fantasy series. Pick it up if you enjoyed the first book and are looking for more layers of myths and magic, more palace intrigue, and more relationship drama.
February 3, 2021
This was an absolutely stunning sequel to The Seventh Sun. This has adventure, romance, and beautiful messages about worthiness and communication. I love that we follow Mayana and Ahkin's journey, while also seeing Yemania's personal growth, relationships, and viewing the political intrigue of the world Lani Forbes built.
Without any spoilers, I knew this would be a great book the minute I started squealing out of joy, grunting and rolling my eyes out of frustration, and wanting to talk about with my friends.
Thank you so much Blackstone Publishing for sending me an ARC; I am so incredibly grateful. I cannot wait for the next book in this series, and I will read anything that Lani Forbes will write.
Without any spoilers, I knew this would be a great book the minute I started squealing out of joy, grunting and rolling my eyes out of frustration, and wanting to talk about with my friends.
Thank you so much Blackstone Publishing for sending me an ARC; I am so incredibly grateful. I cannot wait for the next book in this series, and I will read anything that Lani Forbes will write.
September 20, 2020
Second chances, first love, exotic magic ... the sequel to THE SEVENTH SUN is sure to enchant and thrill.
It was fun to see Akhin and Mayana again, but Yemenia and Ochix really stole the show and my heart.
It was fun to see Akhin and Mayana again, but Yemenia and Ochix really stole the show and my heart.
February 20, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for a unbiased, honest review.
This was the perfect sequel to The Seventh Sun! It dives deeper into the cultural history and is more action packed than the first, if that's even possible. The novel is divided into two different POV, the first being between Ahkin and Mayana's voyage in the underworld. The second POV comes from Yemania where readers are kept apprised of the political intrigue and happenings. Readers are also treated to a new romance that I am ABSOLUTELY here for!
Although I am sad that Mayana and Ahkin's relationship doesn't flourish in this sequel, I completely understand that they have to endure some real hardships now that they are truly getting to know one another. I love that they eventually learn to work together as they battle the nine layers and monstrosities that are determined to keep them in the underworld.
And that cliffhanger! That was truly an unexpected ending. I am so happy to know that this will continue on in another novel because I am honestly not read to leave these characters behind!
Thanks to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Favorite Pages Book Club for the early copy!
This was the perfect sequel to The Seventh Sun! It dives deeper into the cultural history and is more action packed than the first, if that's even possible. The novel is divided into two different POV, the first being between Ahkin and Mayana's voyage in the underworld. The second POV comes from Yemania where readers are kept apprised of the political intrigue and happenings. Readers are also treated to a new romance that I am ABSOLUTELY here for!
Although I am sad that Mayana and Ahkin's relationship doesn't flourish in this sequel, I completely understand that they have to endure some real hardships now that they are truly getting to know one another. I love that they eventually learn to work together as they battle the nine layers and monstrosities that are determined to keep them in the underworld.
And that cliffhanger! That was truly an unexpected ending. I am so happy to know that this will continue on in another novel because I am honestly not read to leave these characters behind!
Thanks to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Favorite Pages Book Club for the early copy!
May 19, 2021
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3/3.5 stars.
*PLEASE READ OWN VOICES REVIEWS - THIS IS NOT ONE*
I am reviewing this book from the stand point of someone who enjoyed the first book, but as I am not a part of the culture that these books are based on, I cannot speak to any inaccuracies or misrepresentation.
I think this book wasn't quite as good as the first one, the main characters who I found quite interesting and compelling in the first book felt a little washed out in this novel. I did enjoy Yemenia's chapters a lot more, and I enjoyed seeing her character development. I just felt that there was something missing overall from the story, I didn't find myself as in love as I was in the first one.
It does have action, suspense, love and betrayal but I just found that it needed a bit more work on the depth of the characters and their interactions with one another.
3/3.5 stars.
*PLEASE READ OWN VOICES REVIEWS - THIS IS NOT ONE*
I am reviewing this book from the stand point of someone who enjoyed the first book, but as I am not a part of the culture that these books are based on, I cannot speak to any inaccuracies or misrepresentation.
I think this book wasn't quite as good as the first one, the main characters who I found quite interesting and compelling in the first book felt a little washed out in this novel. I did enjoy Yemenia's chapters a lot more, and I enjoyed seeing her character development. I just felt that there was something missing overall from the story, I didn't find myself as in love as I was in the first one.
It does have action, suspense, love and betrayal but I just found that it needed a bit more work on the depth of the characters and their interactions with one another.
February 15, 2021
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Lani Forbes blew me away with this book! I loved The Seventh Sun but everything seemed a little more elevated in this book.
The biggest thing I have to comment on is the character development and the romance. I complained about things feeling too instalovey with the first book and that is completely not the case with this book. In fact, Forbes seemed to make a conscious decision to show how a healthy relationship should operate. Mayana and Ahkin started this book right where they left off in The Seventh Sun, freshly fallen into the underworld. I loved seeing them acknowledge that they don't really know each other and haven't been treating each other like equals, and then consciously taking steps to understand the other person and see things from their viewpoint. It was great to see their characters develop individually as they journeyed through the underworld and see their relationship develop as they began to see their relationship as a trusting partnership.
And holy smokes, Yemania and Ochix? Almost too much for me to handle, I loved them so much. They balanced each other out really well and, as much as I loved the passion, I also loved their mutual respect and open-mindedness toward each other.
The plot kept me really engaged and definitely left me needing more at the end. I loved reading this from different POVs. Not only did it help me feel closer to the characters and really feel their growth but it kept up the fast-paced feel of the plot.
I will definitely try to get my hands on the next book as soon as it's available, because that was some cliffhanger! I really fell for the characters even more in this book and can't wait to see where the author takes the plot next!
Full review: https://picturethisliteraturecom.word...
Lani Forbes blew me away with this book! I loved The Seventh Sun but everything seemed a little more elevated in this book.
The biggest thing I have to comment on is the character development and the romance. I complained about things feeling too instalovey with the first book and that is completely not the case with this book. In fact, Forbes seemed to make a conscious decision to show how a healthy relationship should operate. Mayana and Ahkin started this book right where they left off in The Seventh Sun, freshly fallen into the underworld. I loved seeing them acknowledge that they don't really know each other and haven't been treating each other like equals, and then consciously taking steps to understand the other person and see things from their viewpoint. It was great to see their characters develop individually as they journeyed through the underworld and see their relationship develop as they began to see their relationship as a trusting partnership.
And holy smokes, Yemania and Ochix? Almost too much for me to handle, I loved them so much. They balanced each other out really well and, as much as I loved the passion, I also loved their mutual respect and open-mindedness toward each other.
The plot kept me really engaged and definitely left me needing more at the end. I loved reading this from different POVs. Not only did it help me feel closer to the characters and really feel their growth but it kept up the fast-paced feel of the plot.
I will definitely try to get my hands on the next book as soon as it's available, because that was some cliffhanger! I really fell for the characters even more in this book and can't wait to see where the author takes the plot next!
Full review: https://picturethisliteraturecom.word...
September 9, 2020
There are books that take you on an adventure and there are books that you consume, then there are books like The Jade Bones that do/are both. After devouring The Seventh Son I was excited for more. The Seventh Son left me with a killer book hangover, and I could not get it out of my head for weeks, so when The Jade Bones was announced, you bet I was beyond excited because I needed more from these characters and more from this world.
The Jade Bones starts out almost immediately where The Seventh Son ends and it take the reader on the adventure of their life, or should I say their afterlife? We once again meet Ahkin and Mayana as they fight their way out of the darkness of the afterlife and back into their world and reality. I loved that this story was both in duel POV and in duel worlds. Being a part of both the real world as it was happening and the afterlife as the characters were experienced it, really brought the story to life.
The way the author brought to life the mythology and historical life stories of this culture and religion adds another dimension to both the characters and the story. The characters come alive within these pages and the story line keeps the reader engaged. I could not put it down and it met all my hopes and expectations from book one. I could not The Jade Bones or The Seventh Son more then I do. Both books are on my Best Reads of 2020 list and I will continue to read and love them. I received an ARC via NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing and I am leaving my honest review.
The Jade Bones starts out almost immediately where The Seventh Son ends and it take the reader on the adventure of their life, or should I say their afterlife? We once again meet Ahkin and Mayana as they fight their way out of the darkness of the afterlife and back into their world and reality. I loved that this story was both in duel POV and in duel worlds. Being a part of both the real world as it was happening and the afterlife as the characters were experienced it, really brought the story to life.
The way the author brought to life the mythology and historical life stories of this culture and religion adds another dimension to both the characters and the story. The characters come alive within these pages and the story line keeps the reader engaged. I could not put it down and it met all my hopes and expectations from book one. I could not The Jade Bones or The Seventh Son more then I do. Both books are on my Best Reads of 2020 list and I will continue to read and love them. I received an ARC via NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing and I am leaving my honest review.
February 3, 2021
The Jade of Bones is the follow-up to Lani Forbes's debut novel from 2020, The Seventh Sun. The Seventh invites us into a world where Gods favor the people and their lives deeply entrenched in rituals that prevent their world from being destroyed. The story is told in two separate character storylines. One follows Ahkin and Mayana as they travel through the underworld's nine realms and can be very dark at times. The other follows Princes Yemenia, the daughter of healing, and her new love interest Ochix.
Lani Forbes gets to the heart of the matter throughout this story that what these people have believed their whole lives about how their world works is nothing but garbage. The story is about fighting against what you have always been told and trying to see the truth. Many political upheavals are happening while Ahkin and Mayana try to escape the underworld. The cliffhanger ending had me in tears, and I can not wait to see what happens in book three.
Lani Forbes gets to the heart of the matter throughout this story that what these people have believed their whole lives about how their world works is nothing but garbage. The story is about fighting against what you have always been told and trying to see the truth. Many political upheavals are happening while Ahkin and Mayana try to escape the underworld. The cliffhanger ending had me in tears, and I can not wait to see what happens in book three.
January 31, 2021
A sequel that truly is as thrilling and mesmerizing as the book that started this journey, The Jade Bones is the worthiest of praise. In a setting where most YA doesn’t venture, it stands apart. Lani Forbes is an amazing writer with the talent to make you love all of her characters, but the best part for me is that they read so genuinely as people. You can’t go wrong with this series and Forbes is an author I will follow for the rest of her career.
April 11, 2022
I like that in The Jade Bones we get to know Yemania better and see things happening in the overworld from her perspective.
Mayana and Ahkin’s journey through the underworld is…hard. And painfully slow. It felt like their journey would never end. The dog Ona is probably the best character in this book with the goddess Ometoetl as a pretty close second.
I’m currently uncertain as to whether I actually care to read book three or not. I most likely will since I already have a copy on my TBR shelf. But I’m not as enthused about reading it as I generally like to be.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)
Content warnings similar to book one: some mild language, some sensuality, lots of violence. I personally wouldn’t recommend to anyone under 18.
Mayana and Ahkin’s journey through the underworld is…hard. And painfully slow. It felt like their journey would never end. The dog Ona is probably the best character in this book with the goddess Ometoetl as a pretty close second.
I’m currently uncertain as to whether I actually care to read book three or not. I most likely will since I already have a copy on my TBR shelf. But I’m not as enthused about reading it as I generally like to be.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)
Content warnings similar to book one: some mild language, some sensuality, lots of violence. I personally wouldn’t recommend to anyone under 18.
February 17, 2021
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
Based on ancient Mesoamerican legends and mythology, The Jade Bones picks up right where we left off in book one. So I went back and reread it the Seventh Sun to refresh my memory.
A fast paced compelling adventure that builds up and keeps you on the edge of your seat. That leads up to a to a heart stopping climax!
If you enjoyed the first book than you are in for an stellar mythology
Mayana and Akin have to travel the underworld to find the Lords of the Dead. They face many challenges as they take the journey meant for souls on there way finality.
Facing trials and near death escapes they find themselves not knowing if they should trust each other. This was a riveting absorbing book, with great dual POV’s.
The characters growth is exceptional and I found that I have switched my preference from one of the main characters from the previous book to another.
The world building is wonderful and the authors writing insures the reader is fully invested in the storyline as it unfolds.
Can the Goddess be trusted, the tale weaves from above and below.
Mayana’s royal blood controls the power of water, and Prince Ahkin wields the power of the sun itself. Together they tackle obstacles that bear down on them, and challenges standing in their way.
Yemania becomes a high healer by the new empress of the Chicome Empire.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
Based on ancient Mesoamerican legends and mythology, The Jade Bones picks up right where we left off in book one. So I went back and reread it the Seventh Sun to refresh my memory.
A fast paced compelling adventure that builds up and keeps you on the edge of your seat. That leads up to a to a heart stopping climax!
If you enjoyed the first book than you are in for an stellar mythology
Mayana and Akin have to travel the underworld to find the Lords of the Dead. They face many challenges as they take the journey meant for souls on there way finality.
Facing trials and near death escapes they find themselves not knowing if they should trust each other. This was a riveting absorbing book, with great dual POV’s.
The characters growth is exceptional and I found that I have switched my preference from one of the main characters from the previous book to another.
The world building is wonderful and the authors writing insures the reader is fully invested in the storyline as it unfolds.
Can the Goddess be trusted, the tale weaves from above and below.
Mayana’s royal blood controls the power of water, and Prince Ahkin wields the power of the sun itself. Together they tackle obstacles that bear down on them, and challenges standing in their way.
Yemania becomes a high healer by the new empress of the Chicome Empire.
February 14, 2021
Thank you @Favouritepagesclub @Blackstone and @LaniForb for the amazing opportunity to read The Jade Sun (releasing February 16, 2021) and I'm so happy to be a part of the Book Tour!
#BookReview
I finished this in a day everybody, a day, and the ending still came too soon! Can we address the ending of this book!!?? 😧
The world-building in this is just as amazing as the first book, as well the the character developments. I love Mayana, I feel like I'd make the same decisions she makes, she thinks with her heart and is a strong character.
I love the trek Mayana and Ahkan are set on; physically and emotionally. As well as Yemania and her love interest. This book was filled with emotions and trials and "What!??" moments.
The added POV was brilliant and very easy to follow and I love that it continues pretty fluidly from the first book, The Seventh Sun.
All in all, I'd highly recommend this book!
#BookReview
I finished this in a day everybody, a day, and the ending still came too soon! Can we address the ending of this book!!?? 😧
The world-building in this is just as amazing as the first book, as well the the character developments. I love Mayana, I feel like I'd make the same decisions she makes, she thinks with her heart and is a strong character.
I love the trek Mayana and Ahkan are set on; physically and emotionally. As well as Yemania and her love interest. This book was filled with emotions and trials and "What!??" moments.
The added POV was brilliant and very easy to follow and I love that it continues pretty fluidly from the first book, The Seventh Sun.
All in all, I'd highly recommend this book!
February 17, 2021
I absolutely adored this book.
The relationship that continued to develop between Mayana and Ahkin and Yemana was amazing.
I can't speak good enough of this.
On the whole the book was a little slow due to it being a quest book, it was never boring.
The character development that happened within each of our main characters was off the charts and I can't wait until the third book!
The relationship that continued to develop between Mayana and Ahkin and Yemana was amazing.
I can't speak good enough of this.
On the whole the book was a little slow due to it being a quest book, it was never boring.
The character development that happened within each of our main characters was off the charts and I can't wait until the third book!
February 11, 2021
OMG my soul just died!! I had asked the author on a sale of one to how much will this rip out my soul is the cliffhanger and she was right!!! This one devastated me to no end and now I have to wait a year to read the next one. #DIE!
This one we pick up right where we left off and this time a new POV is added of the princess that can heal. I loved her so much and being in her POV worked so well to keep us informed about what was going on in the world above.
If you loved book one then this one is going to freaking kill you!! I didn't think I could fall harder for these characters but this story kicked my butt. The character arcs in this one worked well and I love seeing Yama somewhat growing a backbone and coming more into herself and Mayana and Ahkin learning more about each other.
Forbes comes back with a book even better than her first!
This one we pick up right where we left off and this time a new POV is added of the princess that can heal. I loved her so much and being in her POV worked so well to keep us informed about what was going on in the world above.
If you loved book one then this one is going to freaking kill you!! I didn't think I could fall harder for these characters but this story kicked my butt. The character arcs in this one worked well and I love seeing Yama somewhat growing a backbone and coming more into herself and Mayana and Ahkin learning more about each other.
Forbes comes back with a book even better than her first!
August 4, 2025
Was better than the first book, there was so many twists and turns. So excited to read the third book.
February 12, 2021
I loved THE SEVENTH SUN and couldn't wait for this second installment in the series. I was not disappointed! Lani Forbes blew it out of the water. With elements reminiscent of Dante's Inferno and not one but two smoldering romances, THE JADE BONES picks up where THE SEVENTH SUN left off and barrels through both the Overworld and Underworld to the book's riveting conclusion. Yemania's story is particularly touching while Mayana's is action-packed and seeped in magic. Bravo!
February 2, 2021
Continuation of the story. I like the alternate viewpoints and storyline with Yemania. This had more romance and a few unveilings but felt like the setup to the next book. Overall liking this!
January 9, 2021
4.5/5 stars (rounded up to 5)
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Spoilers for The Seventh Sun ahead.
After ending up in the underworld, Mayana and Ahkin struggle to make their way back out. Their world is in danger and they need to retake the throne. However, the many layers of Xibalba are not easy to pass through. Not to mention, Mayana and Ahkin are mad at themselves and each other. The Mother goddess leaves them with a dark warning that one of them won't survive... Meanwhile, Yemania has been appointed to High Healer. When she crosses paths with a death demon, an unlikely romance starts. Hiding their relationship while dealing with their own responsibilities is dangerous for them both.
I really enjoyed this book! The biggest surprise for me was how much I liked Yemania's POV. I was not a fan of her in The Seventh Sun because she just came across as mopey and whiney. Her POVs in this book made me appreciate her so much more. I also really liked her relationship with Ochix! Of course, I was definitely curious about Mayana and Ahkin too. Their trip through Xibalba was interesting. Once again, this book ended with a cliffhanger so I will be desperate to get my hands on book 3! The dual POVs kept the plot moving, but I was a little frustrated at times when a switch would occur. I'm looking forward to seeing what POVs we get in book 3!
If you read The Seventh Sun, make sure you read The Jade Bones to continue on with Mayana and Ahkin's journey, as well as the new journey of Yemania and Ochix! If you haven't read The Seventh Sun, go read it!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Spoilers for The Seventh Sun ahead.
After ending up in the underworld, Mayana and Ahkin struggle to make their way back out. Their world is in danger and they need to retake the throne. However, the many layers of Xibalba are not easy to pass through. Not to mention, Mayana and Ahkin are mad at themselves and each other. The Mother goddess leaves them with a dark warning that one of them won't survive... Meanwhile, Yemania has been appointed to High Healer. When she crosses paths with a death demon, an unlikely romance starts. Hiding their relationship while dealing with their own responsibilities is dangerous for them both.
I really enjoyed this book! The biggest surprise for me was how much I liked Yemania's POV. I was not a fan of her in The Seventh Sun because she just came across as mopey and whiney. Her POVs in this book made me appreciate her so much more. I also really liked her relationship with Ochix! Of course, I was definitely curious about Mayana and Ahkin too. Their trip through Xibalba was interesting. Once again, this book ended with a cliffhanger so I will be desperate to get my hands on book 3! The dual POVs kept the plot moving, but I was a little frustrated at times when a switch would occur. I'm looking forward to seeing what POVs we get in book 3!
If you read The Seventh Sun, make sure you read The Jade Bones to continue on with Mayana and Ahkin's journey, as well as the new journey of Yemania and Ochix! If you haven't read The Seventh Sun, go read it!
December 21, 2020
In this second installment of The Age of the Seventh Sun series…
Mayana and Akin have to travel the underworld to find the Lords of the Dead. Their journey is normally for actual souls on their way to their final resting place. Still very much alive, Mayana and Akin are nearly killed in the underworld left and right. Despite the tools given to them by Ometeotl, the Mother goddess, their trust in each other and in themselves is constantly jerked back and forth throughout their journey.
Meanwhile… in the land above…
Lani Forbes flawlessly keeps readers engaged in Mayana’s journey with Prince Akin while also exploring another strong female in this series, Yemania. The story shifts flawlessly between the above and below. Yemania doesn’t realize her own personal strength because she’d been told for years that she wasn’t worthy of anything. She was constantly reminded by her father and siblings that she wasn’t traditionally beautiful, that she wasn’t thin enough, and that she wasn’t the best healer in the family. Her backstory is the setup for why she’s so insecure about her skills and her worth as a person when she’s kept in the palace as the royal healer.
Yemania stumbles into a handsome man on the brink of death and risks her own personal safety to save him. While it would be an adorable “how we met” tale to friends, it’s of course much more complicated than that. In addition to societal issues between them, Yemania has to learn to love and trust herself before she can give love to anyone.
Above and below, time is running out…
Mayana and Yemania are both racing against time and their enemies in the above and the below until finally, their worlds collide. I could almost hear either my heart beat ascending up until the “moment of truth”. I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath! I’m so anxious for the next book in this series. As much as I loved The Seventh Sun, I managed to love The Jade Bones, just a little bit more.
Mayana and Akin have to travel the underworld to find the Lords of the Dead. Their journey is normally for actual souls on their way to their final resting place. Still very much alive, Mayana and Akin are nearly killed in the underworld left and right. Despite the tools given to them by Ometeotl, the Mother goddess, their trust in each other and in themselves is constantly jerked back and forth throughout their journey.
Meanwhile… in the land above…
Lani Forbes flawlessly keeps readers engaged in Mayana’s journey with Prince Akin while also exploring another strong female in this series, Yemania. The story shifts flawlessly between the above and below. Yemania doesn’t realize her own personal strength because she’d been told for years that she wasn’t worthy of anything. She was constantly reminded by her father and siblings that she wasn’t traditionally beautiful, that she wasn’t thin enough, and that she wasn’t the best healer in the family. Her backstory is the setup for why she’s so insecure about her skills and her worth as a person when she’s kept in the palace as the royal healer.
Yemania stumbles into a handsome man on the brink of death and risks her own personal safety to save him. While it would be an adorable “how we met” tale to friends, it’s of course much more complicated than that. In addition to societal issues between them, Yemania has to learn to love and trust herself before she can give love to anyone.
Above and below, time is running out…
Mayana and Yemania are both racing against time and their enemies in the above and the below until finally, their worlds collide. I could almost hear either my heart beat ascending up until the “moment of truth”. I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath! I’m so anxious for the next book in this series. As much as I loved The Seventh Sun, I managed to love The Jade Bones, just a little bit more.
Read
February 19, 2021Have you ever had a book that surprisingly stuck with you? Like you read it, fell in love, but then continued to think about it when you didn’t think you would? Well that was what happened after I read The Seventh Sun last year. So, to say I’ve been waiting for this book for a while is a bit of an understatement. I just HAD to know what happened next in this world and I just wanted to dive right back into the rich magic and culture.
And one thing that I am so happy for is that this book didn’t disappoint. So often we see second books fall into the sophmore slump, but The Jade Bones just expertly expanded on the first book while still holding what I fell in love with from the first. Plus we get some new characters, a boatload of character development, and (gasp) my favorite: epic world building. Things just start coming together in this book, you know?
Now, I sped read this book so make sure you have some time set aside for this one. I mean, I sped read it because I missed a tour stop (I hate life, my calendar decided to delete my day for this tour, why is February turning out like this?) BUT I also would have sped read it even if I wasn’t a failure and late. It was just that good and I continue to look forward to seeing what Forbes produces next.
You can view my full review & giveaway on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
And one thing that I am so happy for is that this book didn’t disappoint. So often we see second books fall into the sophmore slump, but The Jade Bones just expertly expanded on the first book while still holding what I fell in love with from the first. Plus we get some new characters, a boatload of character development, and (gasp) my favorite: epic world building. Things just start coming together in this book, you know?
Now, I sped read this book so make sure you have some time set aside for this one. I mean, I sped read it because I missed a tour stop (I hate life, my calendar decided to delete my day for this tour, why is February turning out like this?) BUT I also would have sped read it even if I wasn’t a failure and late. It was just that good and I continue to look forward to seeing what Forbes produces next.
You can view my full review & giveaway on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
December 23, 2020
The Jade Bones is the sequel to The Seventh Sun, a fantasy series with much of its ideas drawn from the Maya culture. The Jade Bones is an excellent continuation of the series.
Lani Forbes has penned another winning story. The dual story line follows Mayana and Yemania as they each face trials that challenge them on many levels. I appreciated Forbes handling of the men in Mayana and Yemania’s lives being tested and having to trust the intellect and abilities of the women. In fact, they all had to learn to rely on one another to get through their various trials.
This series is full of non-stop tension and unique situations that kept me riveted. I don’t ever remember reading anything similar to The Age of the Seventh Sun series. If you like fantasy, check out these books. The amazing world, the well-drawn characters, and the emotional depth left me wishing for the next book. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of The Jade Bones through Netgalley, but the thoughts are all mine.
Lani Forbes has penned another winning story. The dual story line follows Mayana and Yemania as they each face trials that challenge them on many levels. I appreciated Forbes handling of the men in Mayana and Yemania’s lives being tested and having to trust the intellect and abilities of the women. In fact, they all had to learn to rely on one another to get through their various trials.
This series is full of non-stop tension and unique situations that kept me riveted. I don’t ever remember reading anything similar to The Age of the Seventh Sun series. If you like fantasy, check out these books. The amazing world, the well-drawn characters, and the emotional depth left me wishing for the next book. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of The Jade Bones through Netgalley, but the thoughts are all mine.
October 15, 2021
It was breathing taking and i can't wait for the third..
January 1, 2021
Love love love this sequel! So much so, I think I liked it more than the first. It was the same beautiful world that Lani created in The Seventh Sun, but where book 1 held a lot of necessary world building and character development, we got to jump right into the heart of the story and the meat of the plot in The Jade Bones. LOOOOVVEDDD Yemania’s POV and may even ship her and Ochix more than Ahkin and Mayana. Total page turner, highly recommend.
July 10, 2021
I think I'm going to die if I don't get the 3rd book Asap.
Pls anyone with the info?
Pls anyone with the info?
November 1, 2021
Woah.
What a ride.
Being an 18 year old with an unresolved Percy Jackson addiction, was this exactly what I needed at this time? Yes.
I already said the first book seemed inspired by the Riordanverse but this one?! We get Percabeth in Tartaros for a whole book pLuS a Helnik style side story?????? R u kidding?
The triple perspective was such a good idea omg. I was fully invested in both stories start to finish. Yemania and Ochix were SO PERFECT. Mayana and Ahnik were already pretty good but we did such a deep dive into their character development and personal trauma that they seem like real people. ONA omg. I CANNOT. My sweet puppy omg.
The whole book was Unputdownable. Nothing felt unnecessarily rushed or dragged out, all the relationships were handled so well and I've never read better depiction of flawed characters. Ahkin and Mayana being literal soulmates but still having to figure each other out and adjust to one another while still being true to themselves was something I never knew I needed to see in a book. I think you should definitely get through the first book to get to this one. I cannot WAIT for the next installment. WoohoO.
What a ride.
Being an 18 year old with an unresolved Percy Jackson addiction, was this exactly what I needed at this time? Yes.
I already said the first book seemed inspired by the Riordanverse but this one?! We get Percabeth in Tartaros for a whole book pLuS a Helnik style side story?????? R u kidding?
The triple perspective was such a good idea omg. I was fully invested in both stories start to finish. Yemania and Ochix were SO PERFECT. Mayana and Ahnik were already pretty good but we did such a deep dive into their character development and personal trauma that they seem like real people. ONA omg. I CANNOT. My sweet puppy omg.
The whole book was Unputdownable. Nothing felt unnecessarily rushed or dragged out, all the relationships were handled so well and I've never read better depiction of flawed characters. Ahkin and Mayana being literal soulmates but still having to figure each other out and adjust to one another while still being true to themselves was something I never knew I needed to see in a book. I think you should definitely get through the first book to get to this one. I cannot WAIT for the next installment. WoohoO.
February 23, 2021
The Jade Bones is a stunning and vibrant novel about a fantasy world where Mayana and Ahkin must go through levels of the underworld to make it back to the world of the living. They must pass different levels of tests and through these develop into stronger characters. A lot like life and learning and growing and becoming better people. It reminds me of how the world is never black and white, but has countless shades of gray, and the gray is where the most positive and beautiful change comes from, in recognizing errors or weaknesses are not permanent fixtures of who we are, but they are the roots of the strengths that drive us into growing into more soul-aligned versions of ourselves. It is flaws that make humanity beautiful, and it is flaws that ultimately teach us, but we must embrace the flaws of ourselves and others with acceptance and love to help heal our world and selves.
Yemania and Ochix budding love story is gripping and heart fluttering. I absolutely loved this! Won't tell more so I don't spoil it. :)
Yemania and Ochix budding love story is gripping and heart fluttering. I absolutely loved this! Won't tell more so I don't spoil it. :)
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