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Order of the Ravens #2
Knight of Sacrifice & Shade
Between shadows and shade, survival means sacrifice.
On a mission to secure a powerful artefact, Bastian and his Order are forced to remain in the shadows, fugitives running from all that they know. With so much still unknown and their companions shrouded in secrets, trust is a luxury they cannot afford.
The journey north from the Golden City is a dangerous one, leading them through the perils of the ancient Finakyn Forest, a place where few are safely permitted to pass and others face the consequences of a vengeful and spiteful race.
With every delay incurred, the Mystic gains the advantage, growing in strength and power. What started as a fool’s errand for Bastian, has turned into a fight for survival.
He must fulfil his duty to his Order, as well as protect the handmaiden. And all the while…the Gods demand a hero.
* This is book two in a continuing series. It cannot be read as a stand-alone, and must be read in series order. This is an epic, high fantasy series that includes action, adventure, political intrigue, a somewhat reluctant hero with a dangerous journey ahead.
On a mission to secure a powerful artefact, Bastian and his Order are forced to remain in the shadows, fugitives running from all that they know. With so much still unknown and their companions shrouded in secrets, trust is a luxury they cannot afford.
The journey north from the Golden City is a dangerous one, leading them through the perils of the ancient Finakyn Forest, a place where few are safely permitted to pass and others face the consequences of a vengeful and spiteful race.
With every delay incurred, the Mystic gains the advantage, growing in strength and power. What started as a fool’s errand for Bastian, has turned into a fight for survival.
He must fulfil his duty to his Order, as well as protect the handmaiden. And all the while…the Gods demand a hero.
* This is book two in a continuing series. It cannot be read as a stand-alone, and must be read in series order. This is an epic, high fantasy series that includes action, adventure, political intrigue, a somewhat reluctant hero with a dangerous journey ahead.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2022
7 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Ava Speirs
5 books15 followersAva Speirs is the alter ego of USA Today bestselling author Eve L. Mitchell.
Ava is a huge fantasy fan and grew up reading stories that captured her imagination and took her on journeys of action and adventure. Her favourite stories to write are ones where the possibilities are endless and reality is what she creates. Ava favours the grumpy, sometimes reluctant hero and the fearless, usually sarcastic heroine.
Ava lives in the North East of Scotland with her significant other, Mr M. When not writing, Ava adores all things Dean Winchester, quaffs coffee like a champion, and still has no idea what a dangling modifier is. She is quite fond of a cliffhanger though...
Ava is a huge fantasy fan and grew up reading stories that captured her imagination and took her on journeys of action and adventure. Her favourite stories to write are ones where the possibilities are endless and reality is what she creates. Ava favours the grumpy, sometimes reluctant hero and the fearless, usually sarcastic heroine.
Ava lives in the North East of Scotland with her significant other, Mr M. When not writing, Ava adores all things Dean Winchester, quaffs coffee like a champion, and still has no idea what a dangling modifier is. She is quite fond of a cliffhanger though...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 10, 2022
Knight of Sacrifice & Shade by Ava Speirs is the second book in the Order of the Ravens series.
As this fantasy series continues, Ava Speirs has created a fascinating and compelling story that once again has exceeded anything that I thought was coming next.
Each chapter unveils more and more, which is seamlessly entwined with what has been previously told, along with each character's backstories and the present day scenes.
Every character from Bastian to Echo to the horse Ghost, has a key part to play. Like in the first book many secrets are revealed as their journey continues and at no point is it ever easy. There are trials that they must get through, enemies who must be fought and trust that has to be earned.
Overall this book has left me excited for what’s awaiting in the next book, Knight of Dagger & Darkness.
As this fantasy series continues, Ava Speirs has created a fascinating and compelling story that once again has exceeded anything that I thought was coming next.
Each chapter unveils more and more, which is seamlessly entwined with what has been previously told, along with each character's backstories and the present day scenes.
Every character from Bastian to Echo to the horse Ghost, has a key part to play. Like in the first book many secrets are revealed as their journey continues and at no point is it ever easy. There are trials that they must get through, enemies who must be fought and trust that has to be earned.
Overall this book has left me excited for what’s awaiting in the next book, Knight of Dagger & Darkness.
December 10, 2022
Hello book hangover! I'm still thinking about this book days later. This story encompasses what high fabtasy is all about. The attention to detail, and imagery provided by Ava had me journeying to a whole other world. Be prepared to settle in with a cozy blanket in your favorite reading chair. Tell your family to go away because you be will be devouring this book as fast as possible. I couldn't put it down.
Ava jumps us straight back into the story in book two and never looks back. Bastian, Echo and the crew continue their race up north to gain the aretefact. As they journey on they are met with a detour that leads them to a whole new set of trials that test the group individually and as a whole. We continue to see just why Bastian was called to the order, and why his men follow him so faithfully. Echo is tested as she grapples with wondering if she is truly doing enough during this journey.
Every page turn led me to five new question for every answer from the previous book. We meet new faces that will be key players in this quest to stop an impending war. Our beloved characters will be dance with even more strife and tests to prove that Echo and her red caped Bastian are the right people for the job. Bastian is strong in his conviction and continues to be a rock in a storm. Echo is strong in her faith as she journeys to stop the Gods from colliding.
Ava jumps us straight back into the story in book two and never looks back. Bastian, Echo and the crew continue their race up north to gain the aretefact. As they journey on they are met with a detour that leads them to a whole new set of trials that test the group individually and as a whole. We continue to see just why Bastian was called to the order, and why his men follow him so faithfully. Echo is tested as she grapples with wondering if she is truly doing enough during this journey.
Every page turn led me to five new question for every answer from the previous book. We meet new faces that will be key players in this quest to stop an impending war. Our beloved characters will be dance with even more strife and tests to prove that Echo and her red caped Bastian are the right people for the job. Bastian is strong in his conviction and continues to be a rock in a storm. Echo is strong in her faith as she journeys to stop the Gods from colliding.
December 10, 2022
This book is just amazing! The author has created a world and characters that are complex and intriguing, and the attention to detail is exceptional. This book starts where the last left off, Bastian and his men are still helping Echo and her companions on what is turning out to be an epic journey. It is not an easy journey and they have a lot to prove and overcome and their trust and faith in each other is tested along the way.
Once I started this book I had a hard time putting it down. The twists make you want to read more. The unraveling of the story and the glimpses into the characters background leaves you needing more. I can’t wait for the next book.
December 10, 2022
This story is amazing. Echo and Bastian travel through Finakyn Forest full of De’xynaith to get the artifact as the Mystic once again causes trouble for the travelers. There are many twists and turns as they head for the watchtower. I was laughing and yelling and needing to know what's coming next. Every page is full of action and I couldn’t put it down. Ava has done it again and I can't wait to see what comes next in this series.
December 10, 2022
What can I say about this second book in this epic fantasy series....?.....!.....amazeballs, awe-inspiring or just plain OMG !! How about all three.....this fantasy series is just simply brilliantly unique and I absolutely love it !!!! I literally inhaled this book and I'm so excited for the third book in this impressive series
December 12, 2022
If possible, I would love to shout just how great this book is from the depths of the interwebs. If I could find some way for more people to read this series just from this review, I would be super happy. SO LET ME SCREAM IT!!! READ THE ORDER OF THE RAVENS BOOK 1 AND 2 THEY ARE FANTASTICAL IN GREATNESS!!
This is book 2, it SHOULD be a bit of a letdown after book one's cliffhanger ending. BUT NO! We jump in with the story continuing and more being revealed as our group travels onward in the handmaiden's quest for the artifact to keep the old gods from warring with the new gods. Bastian is becoming more and more of HERO (yes, he deserves ALL the capital letters), and he is a hero's hero. Echo is gaining strength in her powers and learning to use them better. All the rest of the Ravens are there, along with Kase and Tyria (Echo's traveling companions). We learn more about everyone, which makes us love the group more. Each person's character and personality are becoming clearer and making all the characters someone you can root for, fall for, and want to know everything about. And just wait til you discover what you didn't know about Xan! Most of the book takes place in the Finakyn Forest and is wonderful storytelling.
Everything that happens in the Finakyn Forest leads up to our new cliffhanger, and the only thought I could have upon finishing is that this series has to be longer than a trilogy. There are just too many great stories to be told about the Ravens before we leave them. But there is still so much we don't know. Will they be able to return the artifact to its rightful place? Can they keep the gods from fighting? Is there eventually going to be a romance between Bastian and Echo? Yes, I know it's coming, but these two are ignoring everything that is drawing them together. And there are so many other storylines with all the Ravens it just can't be done in one more book. However, I will take what I can get just to spend more time in the fantastic story. If you love fantasy, then you NEED to read this series!!
This is book 2, it SHOULD be a bit of a letdown after book one's cliffhanger ending. BUT NO! We jump in with the story continuing and more being revealed as our group travels onward in the handmaiden's quest for the artifact to keep the old gods from warring with the new gods. Bastian is becoming more and more of HERO (yes, he deserves ALL the capital letters), and he is a hero's hero. Echo is gaining strength in her powers and learning to use them better. All the rest of the Ravens are there, along with Kase and Tyria (Echo's traveling companions). We learn more about everyone, which makes us love the group more. Each person's character and personality are becoming clearer and making all the characters someone you can root for, fall for, and want to know everything about. And just wait til you discover what you didn't know about Xan! Most of the book takes place in the Finakyn Forest and is wonderful storytelling.
Everything that happens in the Finakyn Forest leads up to our new cliffhanger, and the only thought I could have upon finishing is that this series has to be longer than a trilogy. There are just too many great stories to be told about the Ravens before we leave them. But there is still so much we don't know. Will they be able to return the artifact to its rightful place? Can they keep the gods from fighting? Is there eventually going to be a romance between Bastian and Echo? Yes, I know it's coming, but these two are ignoring everything that is drawing them together. And there are so many other storylines with all the Ravens it just can't be done in one more book. However, I will take what I can get just to spend more time in the fantastic story. If you love fantasy, then you NEED to read this series!!
December 23, 2022
Oh. My. Gosh. This is the second book in Ava Speirs’ Order of the Ravens series, and it might be even better than the first one!!! In “Knight of Sacrifice & Shade,” handmaiden Echo of the Frost must go on a journey with a select group of members from the Order of the Ravens, led by Bastian dal’Leif, in order to keep the peace. The tensions in this book were high, and the plot twists were absolutely mind blowing. I loved learning a little bit more about Bastian and the other members in his trusted circle of the Order of Ravens. I also thought that Echo showed a lot of growth and character development both since book one and over the course of book two. As for that ending… I can’t even!!! I cannot wait to see what happens next!!!
December 13, 2022
It’s just.. epic. A real fantasy in its finest, as we can always expect from this author. It was amazing and I was truly holding my breath while turning the pages. In this second part we got even more trials, perfectly constructed storyline with so many details, backstories and penwork that we completly immerse ourself in this story and this unique world. I forgot to sleep I was so engrossed in this title. This series is all I needed this weekend.
December 14, 2022
I love that in book 2 each chapter unveils more and more, along with each character's backstories and the present day scenes. I couldn’t get enough to this book! Easy 5 star read for me! This world is crazy and magical and I am so here for it! Top tier for fantasy for me! The cliff hanger from book 1 left me wanted more and more and book 2 certainly delivered that to me! If you love fantasy, then you NEED to read this series!!
December 15, 2022
With drama on every page this book will have you turning the pages long into the night. Mystery and magic, Gods and Knights....and a cliffhanger that will leave you breathless!!!! A fantastic read.
December 18, 2022
What another fabulous read. Completely engrossed back into this amazing world. This world and the characters are so addictive.
So many twists and who do you trust???
Just as you start to get some answer more questions crop up and you really don’t know who to rely on. The Ravens are fabulous and can’t wait for more
So many twists and who do you trust???
Just as you start to get some answer more questions crop up and you really don’t know who to rely on. The Ravens are fabulous and can’t wait for more
April 20, 2023
Blood and betrayal... and yet they continue on.
Bastian, Khaldan, Ax, and Zan together are fantasy version of Dumas' Musketeers. Loyal to a fault even when the order they belong to is corrupted. The world building is excellent.
Bastian, Khaldan, Ax, and Zan together are fantasy version of Dumas' Musketeers. Loyal to a fault even when the order they belong to is corrupted. The world building is excellent.
June 5, 2023
This series is so criminally underrated. I think it’s a pretty solid fantasy. It’s enjoyable and the characters are fun (even if a little dumb sometimes…looking at you Echo 👀). My only ever so slight problem is sometimes the names get jumbled for me, particularly the X names. It’s easy to work out who is who eventually but at first, I definitely had to take a minute to sort them out.
I love Bastian’s character. Xan is also one of my favorites. Bastian has little moments of light heartedness and fun that really help break up his normally pretty serious attitude. Surprisingly, Echo is one of my least favorites at the moment, though I still love her! She’s just very naive and bull headed. She just can be very frustrating at times (which honestly is a sign of a well written character for me). It seems pretty hard for her to view anything from other people’s perspective, at least at the moment. There’s still 2 more books which leaves tons of room for more character growth. She’s already grown a lot compared to book 1.
I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. The final book just came out this past week, so I’m looking forward to the next two installments.
I love Bastian’s character. Xan is also one of my favorites. Bastian has little moments of light heartedness and fun that really help break up his normally pretty serious attitude. Surprisingly, Echo is one of my least favorites at the moment, though I still love her! She’s just very naive and bull headed. She just can be very frustrating at times (which honestly is a sign of a well written character for me). It seems pretty hard for her to view anything from other people’s perspective, at least at the moment. There’s still 2 more books which leaves tons of room for more character growth. She’s already grown a lot compared to book 1.
I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. The final book just came out this past week, so I’m looking forward to the next two installments.
December 17, 2022
On the edge of my seat heart beating so freaking fast , speechless and mind blown in the best way possible. That’s exactly how I felt the moment I opened up Knight Of Sacrifice and Shade and started reading . Now I am not typically someone who reads or enjoys fantasy romances at all . But Ava’s Order Of The Raven Series is definitely the exception. Dark , raw , gritty , intriguing, suspenseful, mysterious, secrets , magic , enemies to lovers , twists and turns , non stop action, drama , angst , tragedy, phenomenal world building, characters that are so captivating, unique and very very multi layered you simply cannot stop yourself from tumbling headfirst into a journey like you’ve never experienced before . If I had to choose 3 words to best describe what was one of the best books I’ve read this year . They would have to be unforgettable, unputdownable and a true masterpiece
December 17, 2022
Knight of Sacrifice and Shade is book two in the Order of the Ravens series and picks up where the Knight of Sword and Shadows ended
Bastion is guarding Echo whilst he and his men - Khaldan and Ax, are travelling to find the Artefact, with the sullen Kase and handmaiden Tyria in toe.
The way Eve weaves this tale is fascinating, the twists unexpected and sometimes leave more questions than answers. But the brotherhood and dedication to each other is second to none.
Having said in my review of book one, the series is the first fantasy based read and Eve certainly has me converted - I’m dying to see how she finishes this story
Eve you rock! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me
Bastion is guarding Echo whilst he and his men - Khaldan and Ax, are travelling to find the Artefact, with the sullen Kase and handmaiden Tyria in toe.
The way Eve weaves this tale is fascinating, the twists unexpected and sometimes leave more questions than answers. But the brotherhood and dedication to each other is second to none.
Having said in my review of book one, the series is the first fantasy based read and Eve certainly has me converted - I’m dying to see how she finishes this story
Eve you rock! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me
December 18, 2022
Brilliant read. This is book 2 of the series and was just as good as the first book.
Echo is determined to find the artifact but along the way she realises she has much to learn about herself. She is guided by the Gods and waylaid by the mystic. A Mystic that is determined to get to the artefact before Echo. The Order of the Ravens Is having the hardest time trying to keep their mission on track. to many people wish different scenarios and all are pulled in different directions.
Brilliant read. Cant wait to get my hands on the next.
Echo is determined to find the artifact but along the way she realises she has much to learn about herself. She is guided by the Gods and waylaid by the mystic. A Mystic that is determined to get to the artefact before Echo. The Order of the Ravens Is having the hardest time trying to keep their mission on track. to many people wish different scenarios and all are pulled in different directions.
Brilliant read. Cant wait to get my hands on the next.
May 14, 2023
Book 2
Book 2 had errors throughout and was a fun read. The plot and characters developed well and had a few nice twists throughout. The female character is naive and sheltered. She doesn't know what to do most of the time and had bouts of being strong. The male characters are strong soldiers and overcome trials put in front of them. The book ends on a cliffhanger, but I look forward to book 3.
Book 2 had errors throughout and was a fun read. The plot and characters developed well and had a few nice twists throughout. The female character is naive and sheltered. She doesn't know what to do most of the time and had bouts of being strong. The male characters are strong soldiers and overcome trials put in front of them. The book ends on a cliffhanger, but I look forward to book 3.
December 19, 2022
Strap in, for an amazing ride
Being book 2 of a series doesn’t stop this story from being an adventure worth reading. Once I started reading I didn’t want to put the story down. No spoilers here, but I highly recommend this series, and I am waiting on the next installment with excitement!
Being book 2 of a series doesn’t stop this story from being an adventure worth reading. Once I started reading I didn’t want to put the story down. No spoilers here, but I highly recommend this series, and I am waiting on the next installment with excitement!
May 26, 2023
I'm invested in the story now, I think there's tough times ahead for Bastian and his companions, but I am eager to see how it plays out. Highly recommend this series.
June 24, 2023
4 stars. Good sequel. The characterization is especially good. Also, while around half of the book takes place in one tree village, the action, intrigue, and tension doesn't diminish.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews