Tales of Fire and Embers

Tales of Earth and Leaves #2

by Xandra Noel

A year of silence.

A mysterious return.

A deal to be struck

A year after the events in Evigt Forest, Anwen is still haunted by memories. And one of them happens to stand right in front of her. The last thing she expected that day was to see her enemy again.

Rhylan returns with a plan and a purpose, inviting Anwen to the Fire Kingdom and promising the impossible. A chance to see Ansgar again. All she has to do is sign a deal that forces her into a life-binding agreement with the fireling.

Can Anwen overcome betrayal and risk paying a new price for trust?

Genres: Fantasy

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2022

About the author

Emerging from a world where mythical beings still weave themselves into everyday life and traditions, Xandra Noel's roots run deep with fairy folklore. From her earliest days, she was immersed in tales of enchantment, heeding her grandmother's warnings against the lure of fairy rings.

Enter the realms of Xandra Noel's faerie tales and surrender to a new adventure. Prepare yourself for an escapade where every twist and turn reveals secrets longing to be unearthed and hearts yearning to be entwined.

Discover Xandra Noel's stories:
Tales of Earth and Leaves
The Realm of Wind

Reviews

[Xandra Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book birthday! 🥳🥳🥳

Tales of Fire and Embers is now available on amazon and kindle unlimited :)

Hope you enjoy! Happy reading 🥰🥰🥰

[Rambling Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first book in this series had so much potential, but this one fell short for me.

The whole contractual period between Anwen and Rhylan felt like unnecessary filler material. I skimmed through every bit of it, especially when it became obvious that Cressida- the cardboard cutout “best friend” character - was suddenly in love with Rhylan, and he with her. Two major problems with this pairing: first, what kind of crappy person finds out a guy is responsible for destroying her best friend’s mate, and then completely glosses over the year of trauma her friend has suffered through because the guy is “so hot”? Secondly, the readers are to believe this unbelievably shallow and vapid character has somehow become the true love of an ancient fae male, the strongest fae in existence?

Also, the kinship between Anwen and Rhylan and the storyline with Rhylan and her brother is a confusing mess. Parts of the story imply that Rhylan knew of the siblings connection with him all along, and yet there was a scene with her family when Rhylan seems shocked when her ancestry is revealed. Also, the sexual tension between Anwen and Rhylan, plus the dreamscape he created for her, is bizarre, all things considered. He appeared in the dream toward the end… was he eavesdropping, mentally there, WATCHING?! Here I was thinking it was going to turn into a ménage series, only to find out they are related. Granted they’re separated by 7 generations, but still… the ick factor is high.

Finally, what is the deal with Rhylan’s shifting personality? This characterization feels clunky. Is this a trauma response, is he bipolar, does he have alternating personalities? What? Anwen refers to him as two different people at times but no clear explanation is given. Maybe she just perceives him as two people?

I had high hopes for this one, but I think I’m going to skip the end of this series.

[Bronwyn O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Xandra Noel for sending me a copy of Tales of Fire and Embers to review.

Ah, I just loved this book! It was such a fun read, in fact, I read it in one sitting because I was just glued to it.

I did find it hard in the first half as our main characters Anwen and Ansgar are separated from one another. This is just a pet peeve of mine, but once they are reunited it was so worth the wait.

I was super intrigued by our "villain" Rhylan and I would love to learn more about him in the future book. And the ending...well! If you know you know!

I enjoyed getting to see what makes Anwen and Ansgar tick a bit more.

I wish it was a little longer so we could flesh out the storylines and some of the characters. I am so intrigued to see where it goes now.

[Mia Regine · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you're reading a book series and an awful lot of times the second book doesn't live up to the expectations left by the first book. Well this one did. It lived up to the expectations, and it slayed the expectations. I loved the first one. BUT THIS ONE. Holy- Wow. I had trouble putting it down at times. Aaah and Rhylan. Aaah my heart. I know I probably wasn't supposed to, but I catched feelings. I catched feelings. And the end. I'm heartbroken. And crying. And I don't know what to do with myself right now! It was a roller coaster. But yeah, soooo go read people!!! I don't know what else to say.

[FelineFatalistic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again an amazing book was offered to me for beta reading and I took the chance happily. Fire and Embers had me worried about what might happen with the story, but it kept me on my proverbial toes the entire time. Surprises, a few tears, tension, and the need to put it down out of worry and second hand embarrassment... I quite enjoyed getting to read this book, and I'm quite happy I got to take a look and read it. It certainly is something I'd suggest to anyone who got hooked on the first book, and I look forward to seeing any other books coming from Xandra Noel in the future.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book one so was eager to read book two and OMG it was so so good, maybe even better then the first. An action packed fantasy romance that once again drew me in hook, line and sinker until I found myself lost in the story once again. There’s surprises and twists and turns as we continue on this adventure, it’s gripping and enthralling and I just couldn’t put it down. We do get some answers but of course more questions do arise, there’s betrayal and distrust and I just love Anwen and Ansgar and am eager to see where the author takes us.

[HeyItsNeeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want this book to end. It was a roller coaster ride. Anwen had to carry on with her life, for a year, thinking her mate was dead. Until Rhylan decided to surprise her, making promises she knew he couldn’t keep. He promised her she’d get to see Ansgar again. Buuuuuuut Rhylan is evil….and charming…..and hot….and annoying. 🫣😏

I wish we got his pov in this book as well.

The ending definitely threw me for a loop, like my jaw was on THE GROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This book made me fall in love with a certain relationship that could never, and should never be. 😭 🤌🏾⭐️

[The Goth Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - after the event of the first book, this one took a while to get going. However once it got going it didn’t stop! For an indie author this is really great and I will continue the series. I think I disadvantaged myself by having a 2 year gap between the previous book and this. It’s probably why I struggled to remember certain details. However, I’m shocked and mind blown at the plot twist at the end. On that note, the ending felt a little rushed. I would have like to have some more indent analaysis of the events. A sound read I recommend.

[Jade Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys i was so excited to be an ARC reader for this book!! it has fantasy, it has spice, it’s simply fantastic. I was hooked on the first couple pages and connects so well with the readers of the book. I have to say I’m so I love with the cover art of these books as well! Honestly so amazing and the way the author writes the characters are freaking amazing! GO BUY IT! ❤️

[Essiery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this as much as the first one. I have the same kinda love-hate relationship with Rhylan I had with Snapes when reading Harry Potter and I'm loving every minute of it. I was also at the edge of my seat with everything going on with the prince. I'm so glad we get some thing clarified. In this book. I hope the next book comes out soon. I cant wait to read it!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me hooked within the first couple of pages, I could not put it down. It has all the qualities that I seek in a book, I was a little lost cause I have not read the first book, but do plan on purchasing both for my bookshelf.

[Bette rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

leaves you breathless a story that leaves you wanting more the plot to the point the romance chef's kiss the villain you hate it but it leaves you thinking love the books and I can't wait how it ends xandra takes you to a world and an adventure like no other



[Jessica Hoffa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good

I really enjoyed this installment in the series. I wish we got Rhylan's POV in the story too, but hopefully in another book we will. The story flowed pretty well, and overall was a good continuation of the first.

[Shawna Fitzgibbons · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not at good as the first book it took me more than half way through to get into it and the ending was not expected at all but it didn’t make any sense and there where lots of gaps in the story…still gonna read the next one though lol

[Dee Beausang · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was even more captivating then the first one! I felt honored to be an ARC for this and my god it was worth it im now hanging out to find out what happens next 😍👌

[Melinda Bonnici · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this 2nd book in the series. My heart was broken and put back together in the best way possible. Again, I could not put this book down.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid 4.5⭐️😍

So often the second book in a series can leave you feeling a little disappointed but this wasn’t one of them

The 2nd is honestly just as good as the first if not better . After the cliffhanger ending of book 1, we get some answers but are also left with more questions 😅

It honestly has me hooked just as much as ACOTAR did 🤩

[Robyn Frances IronOak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the development in her and Rhys relationship. Her human nature and personality shows depth as well as she & Cressi build more into the story! I’m glad it follows the dual POV! Perfect spice 🌶️ I’m so glad we’re understanding Rhy more! I’m quick to judge 😅

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25. I want to start off by saying I loved the first book. I felt like this one was a little slow and not much was happening for the first 50%.

My main complaint was the relationship/dynamic with Rhylan and Anwen. We find out (spoiler) that he’s her great(x7) grandfather or whatever at the end. However, throughout the book she mentions her attraction to him and the connection they have many times. One time she even said if she weren’t in love and mated with Ansgar she would basically jump his bones. Rhylan even makes comments about her looks often as well. So when we find out they’re related I was a little turned off by that. I felt like we could have been shown their weird connection without the sexual attraction. Idk, maybe it’s just me.

Overall, I liked the book. Just a few complaints.

[The Book Hangover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment of the fae fantasy series and continues with Ansgar, and Anwens story. Another great read that had more excitement and intrigue than the first book as well as keeping the romance and spice. I am really looking forward to reading more from Xandra Noel and discovering what happens to the other characters from this world.

[aria · Rating 4 out of 5]

rhylan is an's great(7×) grandfather?!? no but what? i was dying for some rhylan×anwen content and you make him her family. lemme go die rq
other than that, the book was awesome i completed it in two days and enjoyed every minute of it