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A Mage's Influence #2
Vines of Promise and Deceit
With the nomad delegation in Tartora, a royal tour is underway. But with the threat from both the raiders and the fallen kingdom itself growing, Cadence and Zeke's charade is stretched to the breaking point as they fight to protect their friends. But as Cadence struggles to keep them all alive, she refuses to give up on helping her sister—if only she knew how to do that.
But Airlie isn't helpless. Determined to find answers about her and Cadence's heritage, Airlie is still willing to do anything to protect her sister. But Cadence is moving beyond her reach, and even Airlie's enormous power might be helpless to defeat the looming danger that's threatening the tour.
But Airlie isn't helpless. Determined to find answers about her and Cadence's heritage, Airlie is still willing to do anything to protect her sister. But Cadence is moving beyond her reach, and even Airlie's enormous power might be helpless to defeat the looming danger that's threatening the tour.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2022
204 people are currently reading
797 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Cellier
126 books2,747 followersMelanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
January 6, 2025
I found this second book in the series to be a more captivating read than the first. The shift in focus to Cadence, the main POV character, allowed her to take center stage rather than merely spectating in her own life.
The camaraderie between Cadence and the crown prince and princess adds depth to the story, and her budding relationship with Zeke is a delightful aspect. This instalment showcases Cadence's growth in power, her heroic feats, and her direct confrontation with the antagonist.
The direction of the story has me intrigued, and I'm eagerly anticipating how it will unfold in the next book.
The camaraderie between Cadence and the crown prince and princess adds depth to the story, and her budding relationship with Zeke is a delightful aspect. This instalment showcases Cadence's growth in power, her heroic feats, and her direct confrontation with the antagonist.
The direction of the story has me intrigued, and I'm eagerly anticipating how it will unfold in the next book.
February 11, 2022
This series still feels too much like the other recent ones. The girl falls for the first guy she sees and he happens to be a prince, girl has some sort of unknown or new power that is world changing, girl does a lot of stupid/dangerous things, etc. Also, I didn’t see the point of the tour and why would any country send its entire royal family on a journey? Contains: some mild fighting and kisses.
April 19, 2023
This was such an exciting read! All the emotions, all the opinions, all the characters were so realistic, and I loved Airlie's storyline, too! Secrets can be frustrating in novels like this but I never really got frustrated with the things characters weren't telling each other. I loved Zeke and Gia especially, but all the characters were awesome! I was really intrigued, and LOVED the ending! Overall, this was a great second book to the series that I loved and I can't wait to read the next one! Highly recommend for those who love kingdom fantasy.(11-12+)
May 25, 2023
This books is just as good, if not better, than book 1! This series is so much fun, and I'm loving the new magic system and the characters!
February 3, 2022
Awesome!
So I must admit that I am a huge fan of Melanie Cellier. Yet when I read the synopsis of this new series of hers, my first thought was oh ok it's like the last two series. I wasn't complaining, if she writes it I'm probably going to read it. And yet! This new series of hers takes things up a notch. I love the fast paced action, and though the write up sounds familiar, the story is not. I WHOLEheartedly recommend this read.
So I must admit that I am a huge fan of Melanie Cellier. Yet when I read the synopsis of this new series of hers, my first thought was oh ok it's like the last two series. I wasn't complaining, if she writes it I'm probably going to read it. And yet! This new series of hers takes things up a notch. I love the fast paced action, and though the write up sounds familiar, the story is not. I WHOLEheartedly recommend this read.
December 4, 2023
3.5/5.0
A good, if frustratingly slow moving story. Now that Cadence knows her powers, the fact that she must hide them from everyone is super frustrating to read. I’m also not sure if I really like the suddenly divided POV split between her and her sister, Airlie. Still, I do like the overall plot and the characters enough to keep reading the next installment.
A good, if frustratingly slow moving story. Now that Cadence knows her powers, the fact that she must hide them from everyone is super frustrating to read. I’m also not sure if I really like the suddenly divided POV split between her and her sister, Airlie. Still, I do like the overall plot and the characters enough to keep reading the next installment.
March 27, 2025
Not as good as the first, but I am STILL HOOKED! I’m so glad I found this book universe. We learned a lot more about the characters and the history of everything in this book.
Basically…
With the nomad delegation in Tartora, a royal tour is underway. But with the threat from both the raiders and the fallen kingdom itself growing, Cadence and Zeke's charade is stretched to the breaking point as they fight to protect their friends.
Also… I think the romance is finally brewing.
Basically…
With the nomad delegation in Tartora, a royal tour is underway. But with the threat from both the raiders and the fallen kingdom itself growing, Cadence and Zeke's charade is stretched to the breaking point as they fight to protect their friends.
Also… I think the romance is finally brewing.
February 11, 2022
Not as promising
Kinda hard to finish. Characters have no chemistry whatsoever.
Jumbled ideas thrown together. Nothing really focused. Trying to see if book 3 is better
Kinda hard to finish. Characters have no chemistry whatsoever.
Jumbled ideas thrown together. Nothing really focused. Trying to see if book 3 is better
March 19, 2022
Good Sequel
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the last. This isn’t to say that I didn’t enjoy the first book, but I was more… invested in this book rather than observing with interest. I think the dual narration—which I guessed at as soon as we saw Cadence’s name at the beginning of chapter 1–helped a lot. While things were moving a bit more slowly on Cadence’s end, we had Airlie’s storyline to add context and spice things up. This book ended up feeling much better paced.
I loved that, though a little abrupt, there was relationship development and that the twins felt a bit more fleshed out in character. I also appreciated the obvious love between the sisters, even with their fights. And it was nice seeing them come to understand the other’s perspective in the ways that they did.
While there were a few things that seemed a bit silly—the entire royal court traveling during dangerous times—I’m excited to see how things play out with both the main characters and the rest of the kingdom.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the last. This isn’t to say that I didn’t enjoy the first book, but I was more… invested in this book rather than observing with interest. I think the dual narration—which I guessed at as soon as we saw Cadence’s name at the beginning of chapter 1–helped a lot. While things were moving a bit more slowly on Cadence’s end, we had Airlie’s storyline to add context and spice things up. This book ended up feeling much better paced.
I loved that, though a little abrupt, there was relationship development and that the twins felt a bit more fleshed out in character. I also appreciated the obvious love between the sisters, even with their fights. And it was nice seeing them come to understand the other’s perspective in the ways that they did.
While there were a few things that seemed a bit silly—the entire royal court traveling during dangerous times—I’m excited to see how things play out with both the main characters and the rest of the kingdom.
November 29, 2022
Things begin to happen in this one, and there's a second point of view - we get both sisters. I liked this one much more than the first, and it keeps building. Looking forward to the next.
July 20, 2023
I liked book 2 more than the last book. The raiders grow daring, attacking the mage guild directly to capture the powerful Airlie. Now separated, this book alternates the chapters of the story between the two sisters differing POV. With Airlie's disappearance and Cadence sure she’s been abducted, it's frustrating that those in leadership instead claim she ran from her responsibility.
Then my one big complaint. In the end of the previous book, in a desperate attempt to protect the royal twins, Zeke activates Cadence, revealing a fourth power form. Zeke and Cadence agree to keep it secret and study what they can find about it together. But the secrecy around her seed activation, type and level of power, is annoying. While I acknowledge their reasons for the secrecy, it's hard to believe these 17 and 19 year olds are as brilliant as they are purported to be, and yet still so frustratingly dense about this, especially with the gravity of the events occurring around them. Thankfully this is resolved in this book and it looks like secrets will be a thing of the past between the main cast of characters (fingers crossed).
That said, I found the cast of characters, including Everly, Zeke, Gia and Nik continue to be likeable and am thrilled that they developed and grew during the book. The pacing is better in this story and romances are starting to blossom in a healthy way. This a solid 3 star read, and I'm invested and will continue the series.
Then my one big complaint. In the end of the previous book, in a desperate attempt to protect the royal twins, Zeke activates Cadence, revealing a fourth power form. Zeke and Cadence agree to keep it secret and study what they can find about it together. But the secrecy around her seed activation, type and level of power, is annoying. While I acknowledge their reasons for the secrecy, it's hard to believe these 17 and 19 year olds are as brilliant as they are purported to be, and yet still so frustratingly dense about this, especially with the gravity of the events occurring around them. Thankfully this is resolved in this book and it looks like secrets will be a thing of the past between the main cast of characters (fingers crossed).
That said, I found the cast of characters, including Everly, Zeke, Gia and Nik continue to be likeable and am thrilled that they developed and grew during the book. The pacing is better in this story and romances are starting to blossom in a healthy way. This a solid 3 star read, and I'm invested and will continue the series.
June 30, 2022
Enjoyable 2nd, But Only An Average Read
This one, just like the first, starts off slowly. When I saw the outline was with the chapters formatted in the POV of Cadence and Airlie, I wasn't too thrilled.
I didn't really care for Airlie in the first book, and wasn't sure I could endure much from her particular acuity and insight, in this book. As much as she claims, and did to some extent, come across as to just being overly protective of her little sister, she continues to strike me as forceful, inflexible, obstinate, and arrogant, amongst a few other negatives.
It wasn't until almost 50% of the book, in chapter 14, that my disinclination began to lessen toward Airlie. At least in condensed portions.
I'm almost embarrassed to admit I switched over to minutes left in the chapters of the book. At 67-71% of the book, I was discouraged and was looking for a couple of situations to materialize: 1) to hurry up and be over, or 2) for the directive, vibe, and main focus to take a drastic change, just as It had in the first one.
This one didn't capture me, engage my attention, or pique my curiosity as much as the first one. It emerged with a conclusively contrasting vibe than the original contour and directive.
As well, the way Cadie's seed activation, type and level of power, lingered on, and was concealed, all the way from book 1, and once again throughout book 2, was working my last nerve. Yes I completely acknowledge the why's regarding the secrecy, partially due to their immaturity and sheltered life's, but at 17 and 19 years of age, as brilliant as these two are allegedly amplified to be, even common sense would've kicked in by now. Especially with the severity of all that's been transpiring.
Don't get me wrong, there was evidently something that kept me engaged enough to continue forward in my reading of this one. I think a substantial attraction was the very basic fact that I genuinely wanted to love this installment in the series, especially after the ending of the first one. I had hope that Cellier would pull it together, and make it into the mesmerizing, phenomenal narrative, I know she's capable of producing, and which it's significantly worthy of.
And of course what do you know, in a single stroke, as in the 1st one, redemption of the whole book, or rather extensively, begins to materialize towards the end of it, 3/4's done. It's relatively evident, despite the fact the book is wrapping up, in actuality it's just beginning, as it leads you into the next one in the series. Although this is exceedingly clever, you'd need to be rather obtuse and dense to not pick up on this little bit of trickery being laid out for the future.
I can only rate this at a 3, and will continue on with the series, but only after taking a short break in between.
This one, just like the first, starts off slowly. When I saw the outline was with the chapters formatted in the POV of Cadence and Airlie, I wasn't too thrilled.
I didn't really care for Airlie in the first book, and wasn't sure I could endure much from her particular acuity and insight, in this book. As much as she claims, and did to some extent, come across as to just being overly protective of her little sister, she continues to strike me as forceful, inflexible, obstinate, and arrogant, amongst a few other negatives.
It wasn't until almost 50% of the book, in chapter 14, that my disinclination began to lessen toward Airlie. At least in condensed portions.
I'm almost embarrassed to admit I switched over to minutes left in the chapters of the book. At 67-71% of the book, I was discouraged and was looking for a couple of situations to materialize: 1) to hurry up and be over, or 2) for the directive, vibe, and main focus to take a drastic change, just as It had in the first one.
This one didn't capture me, engage my attention, or pique my curiosity as much as the first one. It emerged with a conclusively contrasting vibe than the original contour and directive.
As well, the way Cadie's seed activation, type and level of power, lingered on, and was concealed, all the way from book 1, and once again throughout book 2, was working my last nerve. Yes I completely acknowledge the why's regarding the secrecy, partially due to their immaturity and sheltered life's, but at 17 and 19 years of age, as brilliant as these two are allegedly amplified to be, even common sense would've kicked in by now. Especially with the severity of all that's been transpiring.
Don't get me wrong, there was evidently something that kept me engaged enough to continue forward in my reading of this one. I think a substantial attraction was the very basic fact that I genuinely wanted to love this installment in the series, especially after the ending of the first one. I had hope that Cellier would pull it together, and make it into the mesmerizing, phenomenal narrative, I know she's capable of producing, and which it's significantly worthy of.
And of course what do you know, in a single stroke, as in the 1st one, redemption of the whole book, or rather extensively, begins to materialize towards the end of it, 3/4's done. It's relatively evident, despite the fact the book is wrapping up, in actuality it's just beginning, as it leads you into the next one in the series. Although this is exceedingly clever, you'd need to be rather obtuse and dense to not pick up on this little bit of trickery being laid out for the future.
I can only rate this at a 3, and will continue on with the series, but only after taking a short break in between.
February 8, 2022
This book! The unreliable narrator is *strong* with this one, and it's done so well. I absolutely loved it.
I'll be honest, I was a bit concerned coming into *another* series centering on a magic academy and a girl with forbidden/unknown powers, especially after being so underwhelmed by the Hidden Mage series that I still haven't actually finished it. But this one is so, so much better. We have healthy relationships, no massive lack of trust between the female and male lead, positive interactions between students and trustworthy adults... The magic system is interesting and unique, especially the wild power we begin to learn about in this book. I also liked Airlie more in this book than in the first, though I was frustrated with one of her choices at the end. There are still so many questions to be answered, and I cannot wait to see how things unfold in the next book!
I'll be honest, I was a bit concerned coming into *another* series centering on a magic academy and a girl with forbidden/unknown powers, especially after being so underwhelmed by the Hidden Mage series that I still haven't actually finished it. But this one is so, so much better. We have healthy relationships, no massive lack of trust between the female and male lead, positive interactions between students and trustworthy adults... The magic system is interesting and unique, especially the wild power we begin to learn about in this book. I also liked Airlie more in this book than in the first, though I was frustrated with one of her choices at the end. There are still so many questions to be answered, and I cannot wait to see how things unfold in the next book!
June 14, 2024
Vines of Promise and Deceit is the second novel in the A Mage’s Influence series. This story is a continuation from the first novel, so readers should read the novels in order if they want a more comprehensive understanding of the plot and characters. The series follows two sisters, Cadence and Airlie, and the magic they possess. While the first novel only included the POV of Cadence, this novel adds in the POV of Airlie. I loved this addition as I felt it was difficult connect to Airlie in the first novel. With the dual POV, I do wish that the audiobook had two narrators instead of one as I love the clear distinction with the POVs. The sisters care a lot about each other but have a lot of insecurities when it comes to the other. Their relationship is explored a lot in this story, but there is still a long way to go in the series.
In this part of the series, Airlie has disappeared, and Candence needs to figure out why. While that is taking place, a royal tour happens to solidify an alliance between the nomads and Tartora. There is more that happens, but it is difficult to discuss without spoilers. I will say that I did enjoy the pacing of this story more compared to the first, although it was still slower than expected. I think this is due to this being a four novel series compared to a trilogy, which means the action needs to be spread out a little more. The romances are slowly developing, but nothing is firmly set in stone yet. I enjoyed this interesting approach to romance as many series tend to establish romances earlier and while I can predict the ending, there is still a little mystery left. Overall, I think this was a nice second novel in a series.
In this part of the series, Airlie has disappeared, and Candence needs to figure out why. While that is taking place, a royal tour happens to solidify an alliance between the nomads and Tartora. There is more that happens, but it is difficult to discuss without spoilers. I will say that I did enjoy the pacing of this story more compared to the first, although it was still slower than expected. I think this is due to this being a four novel series compared to a trilogy, which means the action needs to be spread out a little more. The romances are slowly developing, but nothing is firmly set in stone yet. I enjoyed this interesting approach to romance as many series tend to establish romances earlier and while I can predict the ending, there is still a little mystery left. Overall, I think this was a nice second novel in a series.
October 3, 2023
Book 2 takes place after Airlie's disappearance. With Zeke's help, Cadence takes up the mantle of her sister's responsibilities, in secret, at the guild. The Nomad tribes come to visit, including Zeke's own mother.
We get an additional POV in book 2 - Airlie. While it's not the one I wanted, I do think it was necessary given where book 3 is heading. We learn more about Calista, it's people, the general, all the things we weren't privy to while book 1 set up the plot.
Melanie Cellier always does a fantastic job at pacing her books. Book 1 was mostly set up, but never felt like an info dump. We do passively watch much of what happens through Cadence's eyes, but she is very well established as the central narrator.
The romance takes a back seat, but interests are established in book 1. In book 2, we see some more of that. Cady and Zeke are sweet pairing, but I'm not crazy about them. Mostly because Zeke is so kind and it wasn't a hate to love romance (I have a type, ok?).
Airlie's potential romantic plotline is also introduced, along with her newly established goals for what I assume will be the remainder of the story. It's all done very neat and tidy and I just absolutely love that about the author. Cellier is truly a master of her craft and I can't wait to jump into book 3!
We get an additional POV in book 2 - Airlie. While it's not the one I wanted, I do think it was necessary given where book 3 is heading. We learn more about Calista, it's people, the general, all the things we weren't privy to while book 1 set up the plot.
Melanie Cellier always does a fantastic job at pacing her books. Book 1 was mostly set up, but never felt like an info dump. We do passively watch much of what happens through Cadence's eyes, but she is very well established as the central narrator.
The romance takes a back seat, but interests are established in book 1. In book 2, we see some more of that. Cady and Zeke are sweet pairing, but I'm not crazy about them. Mostly because Zeke is so kind and it wasn't a hate to love romance (I have a type, ok?).
Airlie's potential romantic plotline is also introduced, along with her newly established goals for what I assume will be the remainder of the story. It's all done very neat and tidy and I just absolutely love that about the author. Cellier is truly a master of her craft and I can't wait to jump into book 3!
July 12, 2022
Cadence continues her fake apprenticeship in order to help her overworked sister Airlie. Her time spent in the library and at mass meals deepen her connection to crown princess Gia, prince Nik, and school charmer Zeke. The raiders grow daring, attacking the mage guild directly to capture the powerful Airlie. In a desperate attempt to protect the royal twins, Zeke activates Cadence, revealing a fourth power form. Zeke and Cadence agree to keep it secret and study what they can find about it together.
Airlie disappears and Cadence is sure she’s been abducted, though others in leadership claim she ran from her responsibility.
Political delegations arrive, and a royal tour is planned to solidify an alliance between the nomads and Tartora.
Cadence must wield her new power in secret and find her sister using instincts and battling for her life against a rogue and wild magic no one can control.
This novel actually has dual pov of both sisters once Airlie is abducted by the raiders. The side character’s motivations and personalities strengthen and the sibling dynamics increase as well. I really enjoy Cellier’s way with internal conflict for both main characters.
Airlie disappears and Cadence is sure she’s been abducted, though others in leadership claim she ran from her responsibility.
Political delegations arrive, and a royal tour is planned to solidify an alliance between the nomads and Tartora.
Cadence must wield her new power in secret and find her sister using instincts and battling for her life against a rogue and wild magic no one can control.
This novel actually has dual pov of both sisters once Airlie is abducted by the raiders. The side character’s motivations and personalities strengthen and the sibling dynamics increase as well. I really enjoy Cellier’s way with internal conflict for both main characters.
June 8, 2022
Because of the title and warning of Cadie's father in the first book, I was under the impression that one of the sisters was destined to be the great villain of the story. Nothing further from the truth: in this instance, the author is trying to make both sisters the protagonists.
Honestly, I don't like Airlie that much, that's the only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5. I would rather Cadance be the only narrator.
In this book, we go back to the Academy. Cadie is taking her sister's place in the defense of the school, unbeknownst to everyone but Zeke, and she starts to comprehend the mantle of responsibility and expectations her sister has been dealing with. Also, she would do anything to rescue her sister. And is trying not to get too enamored of Zeke.
Amazing book.
Honestly, I don't like Airlie that much, that's the only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5. I would rather Cadance be the only narrator.
In this book, we go back to the Academy. Cadie is taking her sister's place in the defense of the school, unbeknownst to everyone but Zeke, and she starts to comprehend the mantle of responsibility and expectations her sister has been dealing with. Also, she would do anything to rescue her sister. And is trying not to get too enamored of Zeke.
Amazing book.
November 27, 2024
Well now we are talking! This book in the series I think was better than the 1st book. All the emotions portrayed beautifully and I absolutely loved the focus on Candace and how she slowly learned more about her own power. Also, the duel pov was a nice way to help readers understand more about the world building and past histories.
Zeke and Candace's sweet romance was one of the best things about this book. I like stories like this where romance doesn't take the spotlight but the development is definitely there! Also, there was a rising misunderstanding but I'm glad the author ended it in the next chapter.
Their group adventure!!!! It was nothing very big but still I enjoyed Airle's rescue mission.
And lastly, the sisterly bond of Airle and Candace was soo lovely. Having two older sisters, I feel like I can relate to them!
Looking forward to their adventure in the Nomad lands!🤭
Zeke and Candace's sweet romance was one of the best things about this book. I like stories like this where romance doesn't take the spotlight but the development is definitely there! Also, there was a rising misunderstanding but I'm glad the author ended it in the next chapter.
Their group adventure!!!! It was nothing very big but still I enjoyed Airle's rescue mission.
And lastly, the sisterly bond of Airle and Candace was soo lovely. Having two older sisters, I feel like I can relate to them!
Looking forward to their adventure in the Nomad lands!🤭
August 7, 2022
So happy to report I liked this one better than its predecessor. The plot felt original as opposed to a retelling of one of the author’s previous stories with a new facade. The political situation is different, and the focus was more on the two sisters and their history and predicament (particularly the Airlie parts) and on how the magic works ( more in the Cadence parts) and less all about Cadence wondering if Zelenograd likes her or not. There was some of that, but it didn’t seem to dominate this book the way I felt it did the last book. I finished the previous book a little irritated and not sure how I felt about moving forward. And in fact didn’t move forward until I’d read something else. I finished this one and immediately downloaded the next.
November 2, 2023
3.8 Stars for the 2nd book of the series
If I'm being brutally honest, I'm actually starting to get tired and bored of the insecurity between the 2 sisters. The jealousy and rivalry between them keep being highlighted and they don't learn from their past conversations. It's just good that they're given 2 separate male leads or it might turn into a love triangle. I kept on trying to remind myself that the reason they're the way they are is because of the very wrong parenting while they grow up.
At least I can see that they are trying hard to be reasonable, understanding, and mature a bit, and that redeemed the story. It did not happen instantly; they're shown struggling to adjust, which is realistic.
I'm still looking forward to finishing the whole series.
If I'm being brutally honest, I'm actually starting to get tired and bored of the insecurity between the 2 sisters. The jealousy and rivalry between them keep being highlighted and they don't learn from their past conversations. It's just good that they're given 2 separate male leads or it might turn into a love triangle. I kept on trying to remind myself that the reason they're the way they are is because of the very wrong parenting while they grow up.
At least I can see that they are trying hard to be reasonable, understanding, and mature a bit, and that redeemed the story. It did not happen instantly; they're shown struggling to adjust, which is realistic.
I'm still looking forward to finishing the whole series.
February 8, 2022
The story continues. Candace is still at the guild, but no one knows yet that her seed has been activated and that she is very powerful. Zeke is taking all of the credit for what Candace does to save those around her from the Rebels who want her, and who have her sister Airlie.
Airlie is a prison of The General and his rebels. He's placed a seed on her that keeps her from being able to use her powers, and the more she learns about these people who are part of her own heritage the more she wants her powers released so she can keep her sister safe.
There is a lot of action in this story, and it keeps moving along at a great pace. The characters main and supporting are very well written and I can see them as I read, walking alongside them as they go through their story. It is a clean read. There isn't a Christian message or theme here, but it is a story of good versus evil and people working together to fight against wickedness - which is exactly what the Church should be doing!
Airlie is a prison of The General and his rebels. He's placed a seed on her that keeps her from being able to use her powers, and the more she learns about these people who are part of her own heritage the more she wants her powers released so she can keep her sister safe.
There is a lot of action in this story, and it keeps moving along at a great pace. The characters main and supporting are very well written and I can see them as I read, walking alongside them as they go through their story. It is a clean read. There isn't a Christian message or theme here, but it is a story of good versus evil and people working together to fight against wickedness - which is exactly what the Church should be doing!
March 7, 2025
This book was much better than the first. Now that the worldbuilding and basic magic knowledge was out of the way it was a lot easier to enjoy the story, and the characters had true arcs and lessons they learned that hadn't hit as hard as the first book. So far, I still prefer Melanie Cellier's Spoken Mage and Crown of Power series but I'm invested enough that I want to keep reading and I still expect the books will continue to improve as I go.
I also felt a little like this may have a similar arc as the Spoken Mage books, but it is different and I see it coming into its own better in the second book. I'm having fun!
I also felt a little like this may have a similar arc as the Spoken Mage books, but it is different and I see it coming into its own better in the second book. I'm having fun!
February 6, 2022
Good sequel to the first book
The book started out a little slow, which is why I took off a star, but picked up pretty quickly. The romance aspect of it seemed a bit hurried - they seemed like regular friends until suddenly they weren't? But ok, I'm game. The parts I enjoyed a lot were the sister dynamic and getting to know Airlie. She is much more likeable and complex than she appears in the first book. All in all, this was a good installment in the series and I am looking forward to book 3.
The book started out a little slow, which is why I took off a star, but picked up pretty quickly. The romance aspect of it seemed a bit hurried - they seemed like regular friends until suddenly they weren't? But ok, I'm game. The parts I enjoyed a lot were the sister dynamic and getting to know Airlie. She is much more likeable and complex than she appears in the first book. All in all, this was a good installment in the series and I am looking forward to book 3.
June 21, 2023
Vines of Promise and Deceit is a lovely confection of YA tropes. For fans of Melanie Cellier and/or YA tropes, this is a wonderful read! We've got chosen one, forbidden love, rebellious royalty, runaway teen rescues, etc. So many tropes were perfectly blended together to create a wonderful second book in the series!
I love that the "chosen one" theme from book one continues here, and that it's given more background and we understand more. It was really interesting watching Cadence come into her own while she and Airlie are apart, and I appreciate that Cellier managed this while still keeping the sisters close.
I look forward to the next installment in the series!
I love that the "chosen one" theme from book one continues here, and that it's given more background and we understand more. It was really interesting watching Cadence come into her own while she and Airlie are apart, and I appreciate that Cellier managed this while still keeping the sisters close.
I look forward to the next installment in the series!
July 27, 2023
This was a great sequel in this series! I liked the back and forth between Airlie and Cadence's point of views and seeing how each of them grew so much. And I really liked how they are both trying to overcome some of the hurts and secrets of their childhood.
Also, absolutely LOVED seeing Cadence and Zeke's relationship grow! Yay! Looking forward to see Airlie and Evermund's grow too (though we'll see if Renley provides some competition maybe)?
Now a trip to the nomad's Hidden City is coming. Excited to see what the trip holds and hopefully see how both sisters grow more in their power.
Also, absolutely LOVED seeing Cadence and Zeke's relationship grow! Yay! Looking forward to see Airlie and Evermund's grow too (though we'll see if Renley provides some competition maybe)?
Now a trip to the nomad's Hidden City is coming. Excited to see what the trip holds and hopefully see how both sisters grow more in their power.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
Cadence Comes Into Her Own
Life in the Guild is very different for the sisters Airlie and Cadence than their previous home. Once Airlie disappears after an argument with Cadence, Cadence must discover who she is. Along the way she learns to recognize and trust others who become the friends she always wanted, but wasn’t sure she’d ever have or could trust.
Especially one young man who makes her heart beat faster, but she isn’t sure she should trust him. She certainly can’t trust his mother who likely will become the new queen of the Nomads.
Enjoy! 😃
Life in the Guild is very different for the sisters Airlie and Cadence than their previous home. Once Airlie disappears after an argument with Cadence, Cadence must discover who she is. Along the way she learns to recognize and trust others who become the friends she always wanted, but wasn’t sure she’d ever have or could trust.
Especially one young man who makes her heart beat faster, but she isn’t sure she should trust him. She certainly can’t trust his mother who likely will become the new queen of the Nomads.
Enjoy! 😃
February 6, 2022
More revealed
Getting more background information is helping this series improve. But it is still weaker than Cellier's other two series. Again, I am continuing to read mainly to uncover the background info about a world that is more interesting than the viewpoint characters.
To be honest, Zeke is the only character I really like. He's the only one of the major characters who isn't whiny in one way or another. I also like Evermund, but we rarely see enough of him.
Getting more background information is helping this series improve. But it is still weaker than Cellier's other two series. Again, I am continuing to read mainly to uncover the background info about a world that is more interesting than the viewpoint characters.
To be honest, Zeke is the only character I really like. He's the only one of the major characters who isn't whiny in one way or another. I also like Evermund, but we rarely see enough of him.
April 21, 2022
a great second book in the series
Cadence is not quite sure what to do with her new power, now that it’s activated. And she wants to find her sister, Airlie, more than anything. Can she learn how to use her power to protect her friends from the raiders and find her sister? A great second book in the series. Lots of action, and interesting world building. The relationship between the two sisters feels very authentic
Cadence is not quite sure what to do with her new power, now that it’s activated. And she wants to find her sister, Airlie, more than anything. Can she learn how to use her power to protect her friends from the raiders and find her sister? A great second book in the series. Lots of action, and interesting world building. The relationship between the two sisters feels very authentic
February 9, 2023
The pacing felt quite slow and I don't think I'll be reading the rest in the series. Not enough happens in each book to keep my interest. If this series was condensed into one or two books, I'd probably enjoy it a lot more. I love the Four Kingdoms books by this author, and all of the spin off series, so I will definitely keep giving her other books a try, but I don't think I'll finish this series.
March 11, 2023
I liked this better than the first book. Airlie and Cadence are separated and we get to see things from both their perspectives. I like both Airlie and Cadence more now. Cadence is growing into her power as the only Power Mage in the kingdom, even though no one but her and Zeke know it. She’s on the hunt to rescue her sister from the raiders.
We learn more about the magic and the ways in which it’s used in this book are so cool! We also learn more about what motivates the story villains.
We learn more about the magic and the ways in which it’s used in this book are so cool! We also learn more about what motivates the story villains.
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