" . . . will undoubtedly garner legions of fans . . ." - Readers' Favorite
"This is fantasy done right . . ." - A Review
The Vorelian Saga is an award-winning saga with 5-star recognition and silver medalist in Magic and Folklore from the 2022 Readers' Favorite international competition, while also taking gold in Dark and Epic Fantasy and silver in Legends, Magic, and Folklore in the 2022 BookFest awards.
DESCRIPTION Following the drastic events of The Blood of the Lion , the dark and thought-provoking epic high fantasy continues with more world building and far more magic. War is on the horizon and a new empire is rising. Are you prepared?
“. . . every so often, Chaos selects a soul that is strong enough to serve her.”
King Morei made the ultimate sacrifice to win the battle against Diemon, but the consequences are more than he is prepared for. A plague has struck the city of Geral, but its cause is diabolical, and the consequences are devastating. The citizens are desperate for an answer, but when rumors ensnare Morei in the cause for the city’s downfall, the king’s control slips further.
Syra has one to reach the Infernol, a secret organization committed to preparing the Vorelians against the resurrection of the Lirallian Empire, once ruled by the most powerful Energy Harvester in history, capable of manipulating volatile forces. But destiny has other plans and Syra must face the truth of her heritage, even if it costs her everything.
Across the Ashen Sea, Cyrus finds himself in East Razan, the ancient city of Eiyrặl. He’s promised answers by the king himself, but curiosity forces Cyrus to question what he is told. What he finds will force him to make a become the Dragon Rider he is destined to be or continue to run.
O.M.G. 😶😍 Stop everything right now! You need to read this!
I had been waiting impatiently for this book for a year, and boy, it delivered!🔥
I gripped the pages, not wanting to go to sleep! It's darker and stormier than ever! This book is more delightful than the sweetest dessert, and I LOVE desserts!!! Oh, like a dark black espresso coffee with a raspberry mousse and black chocolate icing cake. Can it get better than that? OMG, fate has wicked plans for these characters! This is such a rollercoaster ride, and hang on because you're going down 😂😂
I loved every character's storyline! OMG keeping this review spoiler free is hard hahahaha! Cyrus has some great moments in store. I love the city where he travels and the royal family. We finally learn more about dragon riders!!!
Syra! Oh, dear Syra. I am thrilled with what happened to Syra! hahahahaha I would have had more of her story! I can't wait to see what happens next to her!
One of my favorite dark characters from the first book is back 😈 and he is perfect, as he always is hehe.
And Morei... ahhhh poor, misunderstood Morei... Mouhahahaha I can't say what happens to him, but needless to say, I love all of it.
And can we speak about those characters introduced at the very end??? So much is said in this small little chapter! And yet, so much is yet to be answered!
If you haven't read The Blood of the Lion, you must read it RIGHT AWAY! Then jump right into this book! I swear you'll be yearning for the next book!
Yes yes yes! This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2023 and I'm utterly impressed! The Mark of the Damned is the second book in The Vorelian Saga written by C.D. McKenna. This book picked up where The Blood of the Lion left off and hit the ground running. This fantasy adventure has the perfect balance of world building and heart wrenching character arcs blended with danger around every corner. I adore the way the author weaves the tales of three characters together through multiple perspectives. Cyrus and Sozar were my favorite characters from the first book and that held true throughout this one too. I found myself anticipating their chapters the most as I read. I mean, who doesn't love dragons? Syra is my girl! I was so pleased to see her storyline move after how the first book ended. And Morei is such an interesting character. I seriously can't wait to see how all of these different plotlines come together. I'm already anticipating the next book in the series!
This. Was. Amazing ! The way this adventure was written was phenomenal! The world building and character development of each main character was beautiful and so easy to understand as the story went on. I loved learning more about everyone and where there journey is headed. I do have to say I have such a connection to Syra. She’s my favorite ! Cyrus is a close second. Lol I mean a DRAGON RIDER come on that’s badass ! This was my favorite book out of the two so far in the series. I loved it so much.
Had this book on my shelf for some time. I enjoyed the first one, though I thought it lacked polish. Did not feel it this time. C.D. McKenna is painting a very dark world here, and I am excited to be along for the ride.
3 POVs here, same ones as the first. Syra's role in the story grew, but her parts fell the flatest for me. Cyrus went from my least favorite up to my silver medal. The lore and mystery of the Dragon Riders, and Cyrus' inability to trust anyone anywhere were thoroughly enjoyable. And Morei. Oh Morei. The makings of an all-timer in him. His story - a descent to evil, an ascent from evil, or a mix of both, have been the cornerstone of this series thus far. And, as things go along for all three characters, the Gods make their presence known in more and more ways...can't wait for book 3
The Mark of the Damned is the second book of the Volerian Saga, written by the sweet writer C. D. Mckenna. Honestly, I have no words to describe this book.
Every time I embark on one adventure with her, it feels like I literally leave reality for as long as I am reading and simply stand as a witness of all those perspectives she puts out there for us.
The second book, much like the first, follows different stories that I imagine will eventually get together, however this time I must admit I was much more anxious for Cyrus` parts than the others (blame the dragon, I guess). As we move forward and learn along with the characters whatever is destined for them, it becomes impossible to stop reading, because not only does the simple way she writes compels you to move on, but because there is always a little surprise on each corner.
I definitely recommend the whole series so far, and I am very curious as to how others will write their reviews without spoiling those details that will eventually make all the sense to the plot.
Thank you, C.D. Mckenna, for the honor of receiving another ARC copy of your Vorelian Saga series.
The Mark of the Damned picks up right where The Blood of the Lion ended, and it did not disappoint! The story keeps on getting better, more intricate, and rich. Rich in lore, worldbuilding, and best of all, the depth of the characters.
Two of my negative points from my review of book one have improved greatly. The pacing of this book is faster, without sacrificing anything from book one. I found the descriptions of both characters and their environment richer, and that helped me envision the world the author wanted to relay.
+ Cyrus and Syra, their unfolding stories were just packed with tension, suspense, and so many good scenes. I love the direction they are going in and can't wait to know what lies ahead for them.
The addition of the Guardian Zarek, he's a complex and interesting character that takes no prisoners. He's blunt, direct, and tolerates no nonsense, which is everything Syra needs as a teacher and protector.
I Can't forget to mention the dragon Sozar, I simply adore him, and I love that he's the voice of reason in Cyrus' life.
+ and - Morei, I still like his personality the best out of the three main points of views. He's a grey character that's very complex and tormented, capable of good and evil, and I really enjoyed where he ended up at the end of this book. But his parts are also the reason why this book didn't get five stars from me, and that's because of the repetition surrounding his story.
His story is the slowest pacing-wise, and his scenes contain much of the same inner monologue. This was also an issue in book one, his tragic backstory, his regrets/fears/issues, it keeps repeating on and on but worded differently. It happens to Cyrus and Syra too, but in Morei's case, it's in your face in almost every other scene. It could be that the author wants to emphasize this given the direction she takes his character in and the state of his mental health, but for me, it becomes too much, and I found myself wanting to skim but I never did.
- Court politics, surrounding Morei. I found the argument of why Morei gave into another king's threats to be weak, especially considering what he did to keep his throne in book one. I don't believe a ruler would base his people's welfare, not to mention their independence as rulers on one trade deal with another country. They would constantly live after another ruler's whims, so what would be the point of them being a separate country if the severity of this trade agreement is to be taken seriously? I find this frustrating because of the fact that Morei already had a royal guest visiting him, Queen Emerald. Why wasn't the option of accepting her proposal and securing a new trading agreement with Junok explored? Even if it would fall through, the thought should have crossed the king's mind at least, or even Emerald herself, given how desperate she was to strike a deal with Morei. The world inside the Vorelian Saga is vast, and not yet fully explored but aside from two territories, there wasn't any mention of others refusing trade with Geral, only that rumors had spread about Morei.
But aside from these issues, The Mark of the Damned is a must to read if you enjoyed The Blood of the Lion, and if you haven't picked up book one yet, then what are you waiting for? You're in for a treat if you enjoy adult fantasy!
"The Mark of the Damned: The Vorelian Saga" by C.D. McKenna is an enthralling journey into a world where destiny, magic, and the struggle for power intertwine in a symphony of dark fantasy. From the very first page, readers are drawn into an intricate blend of characters and plotlines that are both compelling and thought-provoking.
The story picks up from the aftermath of "The Blood of the Lion," where King Morei, Syra, and Cyrus trek through the perils of a world on the brink of chaos. King Morei’s sacrificial victory over Diemon has left the city of Geral in ruins, plagued by a mysterious illness. As rumors implicate Morei in the catastrophe, his grip on power begins to waver. Meanwhile, Syra goes on a perilous journey to find the Infernol, an organization poised to thwart the rise of the dreaded Lirallian Empire. Across the seas, Cyrus's quest for truth in the ancient city of Eiyrặl leads him to a life-altering decision between embracing his destiny as a Dragon Rider or continuing his life as an outsider.
McKenna’s content is rich with imaginative lore and complex characters that drive the tale forward. The writing style is both lyrical and immersive, perfectly suited to the grand scale of the high fantasy genre. The vivid descriptions and dynamic pacing keep readers engaged, while the dialogue feels authentic and contributes significantly to character development. The book’s appeal to its target audience is undeniable; fans of epic and dark fantasy will find themselves hooked by its depth and intricacy.
Uniqueness is another of the book's strong suits. The blend of traditional fantasy elements with fresh, original ideas sets "The Mark of the Damned" apart from its contemporaries. The editing is meticulous and ensures a seamless reading experience without any jarring inconsistencies or errors. The book’s world-building is exemplary and weaves together various cultures, histories, and magical systems in a way that feels both expansive and cohesive.
However, even in this masterfully crafted saga, a few areas for improvement could be noted. At times, the multitude of subplots may feel overwhelming, and some readers might find it challenging to keep track of all the characters and their respective arcs. Additionally, the pacing, while generally well-balanced, occasionally lags during the extensive world-building sections. However, these are subjective opinions and do not immensely detract from the overall reading experience.
This book might not resonate with readers who prefer straightforward, fast-paced tropes or those who are not fond of dark themes and morally ambiguous characters. Conversely, it will be a treasure trove for enthusiasts of complex fantasy worlds and character-driven stories. Comparisons can be drawn to the works of George R.R. Martin and Brandon Sanderson, where intricate plots and detailed world-building are paramount.
In conclusion, "The Mark of the Damned" makes a significant contribution to the literary world of fantasy. Its rich content, unique approach, and profound themes of destiny and power are bound to leave a lasting impression. C.D. McKenna has crafted a saga that not only entertains but also provokes thought and introspection - a standout in the genre and a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I started reading ‘The Mark of the Damned’ as soon as I finished the first instalment of C. D. McKenna’s ‘Vorelian Saga’, and this sequel delivers just the same way as its predecessor. I devoured it over the Christmas/New Year holiday.
Again, this book braids the stories of McKenna’s three protagonists, Morei, Cyrus and Syra, and we find them right where they left off in Book One. The king continues to grapple with the conflict between his internal struggle and managing a kingdom in turmoil. Morei’s subjects still despise him, and even his closest advisors want him removed to keep on a sound footing with adjacent kingdoms. Meanwhile, Syra continues to face significant physical and emotional trials as she tries to maintain her existence in the real world and the Soul Realm, culminating in a prophesy-induced encounter with a God that will forever change her life. Cyrus is the most interesting of McKenna’s characters (and his dragon, Sozar) as he seeks to understand his past. He heads to Razan to meet with King Kyllian but does not find the answers he needs and his future becomes even more uncertain and complex.
McKenna wisely uses these characters to move the saga forward, but in true fantasy style, she introduces new ones to increase the complexities between our heroes. This enables her to add more ambiguity to the book, which helps blur the edges of each section. McKenna is a fan of a cliffhanger, and the ‘Vorelian Saga’ reads like a 1950s TV sci-fi, where everything culminates in an impossible moment for her characters to endure. This is not necessarily bad; it makes for a fast-paced read, but it does mean the book lacks significant highs and lows. Perhaps there is just one too many surprise?
Nevertheless, this is a spectacularly epic work. It has kings, dragons, gods, monsters, battles, magic, and everything else you would expect of a full-on fantasy series. The world-building continues to be top-notch, with almost perfect descriptive text to help the fantasy flow.
‘The Mark’ is the second book of a grand fantasy saga, which continues following the dramatic concluding events of the first book (The Blood of the Lion). It follows a variety of protagonists – Dragon Riders, Kings, warriors, Guardians of Death, Gods and so on – in an intricate story with multiple plot lines and character POVs (indeed, it is almost three separate stories). There is magic, fighting, intrigue… all the elements a fantasy fan would want from a tome like this. And, of course, it doesn’t truly end, leaving room for the next book(s).
The writing is competent, and certainly as good as (if not better than) much in this genre. The characters are thoughtful and well-developed; the dialogue generally sounds like dialogue; and the action is effectively delivered. Also, there is considerable world-building here – plenty of lore and even some maps. My negatives are relatively minor and revolve around the pacing, which I thought was a bit slow at times: in the first third of the book, for example, we have Syra and her colleagues musing on their past tragedies; Merei the King facing accusations of being the source of a plague; and Cyrus the Dragon Rider visiting a new city to gain some info on his past (that is, not a lot actually happens). However, the pace picks up a bit heading into the business part of the novel, and after all, wouldn’t I prefer a careful, nuanced book than a succession of action scenes? Well, probably, yes, but it’s all a matter of balance. Still – a good four from me, and I think if you’re a serious fan of the genre, this won’t let you down.
An engrossing dark fantasy that plunged me into a world of political intrigue, ancient magic, and moral ambiguity. The author's writing style is vivid and immersive, painting a rich tapestry of a realm teetering on the edge of chaos.
The character development is a highlight, particularly with the king's descent into darkness. I found myself simultaneously horrified by and sympathetic to his transformation, which speaks to the author's skill in crafting complex, flawed characters. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter raising the stakes and deepening the mysteries surrounding the plague and the resurgence of long-dormant powers. While the worldbuilding is intricate, I occasionally felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of lore and terminology introduced. However, this complexity also adds depth to the story, rewarding careful reading and rereading. Can't wait to come back to it for another reading.
The novel excels in subverting traditional fantasy tropes, offering a grittier, more morally gray narrative than I initially expected. The exploration of power's corrupting influence and the blurred lines between hero and villain are particularly compelling.
I'd recommend this book to fans of grimdark fantasy and readers who enjoy political machinations in their epic tales. It's not for the faint of heart, but those who appreciate morally complex characters and high-stakes conflict will find much to savor in this first installment of the Vorelian Saga.
"The Mark of the Damned," the second installment of McKenna’s Vorelian Saga, sets in at a fast pace; once again, the reader immediately gets captivated in the intricate world. Familiar characters such as Morei, Syra, and Cyrus take center stage. Much emphasis is placed on the moral ambiguity of King Morei and his internal struggle – not least as it presents itself against the backdrop of the political game he’s embroiled in. To convincingly emulate pre-state conditions, the framework of possible actions could perhaps have benefited from being expanded around the character of Queen Emerald. However, Morei’s inability to produce a diplomatic feat seems the inevitable foundation of his personality, as demanded by the storyline. It's not his soft skills but a dramatic display of rashness that makes the staggering climax of his character at the end. The introduction of new characters like Zarek enriches the ever-more complex network of social relationships. Overall, the world-building is in perfect harmony with the first installment - though enlarged upon and increasingly intricate (which makes me think it’s really a book for adults). In addition to the maps already provided in the first installment, this one also offers a short directory on Vore terminology, which comes in handy for navigating the Vorelian world. Once again, an exceptionally well-crafted work!
C.D. McKenna continues to amaze with this sequel—Book 2 was even better than the first installment!
This saga is rich, dark, epic fantasy that I think fans of Game of Thrones would adore. There's gritty violence, emotionally devastating character arcs, a healthy dose of mystery, and just a smidge of romance. (Plus dragons, pirates, fantastical monsters and demand. You know, everything you could want.)
The world-building is phenomenal, and it's a different reading experience for each character's POV. The kind, Morei, was especially interesting and complex because of the duality of his hardened "do what has to be done" side, and the tender vulnerability that shows flashes of itself even as he spirals into darkness. His was my favorite POV for this reason, but the other two really delivered the adventure aspect I'm used to from fantasy.
Syra's storyline felt more like a classic prophecy/quest journey, and her interactions with her comrades added a little light to the gloom. Cyrus's bond and connection with his dragon brought back the nostalgia of Eragon for me—and who doesn't love a dragon?
Above all, these books are amazingly well-written. McKenna's style is lush, descriptive, introspective, and really pulls you into the world her characters are experiencing. These books are truly undiscovered gems, and I'm recommending them to every high fantasy lover I know!
“I guess what I’m trying to tell you is that death is something we never prepare for, and yet it is the most familiar thing to us.”
Chelsea does it again!!!! Her story telling continues to demand your attention!
There is a lot going on in the second book of The Vorelian Saga. If you haven’t read The Blood of the Lion, STOP! Go pick up a copy. It’s a must have for multiple reasons.
King Morei is struggling to keep order in his kingdom after the events on the battlefield. His people are afraid of him and his council want him dethroned, in order to appease the neighboring kingdoms. Morei is conflicted on what the best option is for him and his people. In the end, what he decides may not be what he wants. But destiny always prevails.
Syra’s journey is proving to be a difficult one. Her mental and physical strength is pushed to their limits as she and her companions trek to The Infernol. Along the way, she continues to slip between her world and the Soul Realm. Where she is confronted by Sekar. On her final interaction with him, the course of Syra’s life may change forever.
Cyrus heads to East Razan in hopes of speaking with King Kyllian. The only person who may have answers to the questions that continue to plague him. But what he finds are only more questions and secrecy. One of those secrets, shows us the beginning shape of the Dragon Rider, Cyrus is destined to become.
The descriptive writing in this story is first-rate. It will ensnare your imagination and toy with your emotions. Making your heart palpitate with every turn of the page. When your finished, it will leave you wanting more!!!
One thing is certain, if you are a fan of High Fantasy. After reading this series, you will be a Vorelian for life! ⚔️🐉Let the Empire reign🐉⚔️
This is the 2nd installment of McKenna's Saga and it does not disappoint! From the first page, this story jumps in and hits the ground running. We get our beloved characters back too! Morei, who you cannot help but root for him- even though his methods can be a little on the gray side. I do love morally gray characters :) Syra, who is discovering who she is and all I can say is wow.. ( I do not want to give any spoilers away). We also have Cyrus and Sozar his dragon, who are both growing into their own, and I have a feeling they are going to be a major players! I love the way McKenna has started showing the intertwining of the characters too. We also get introduced to a few more favorites.. Love Zarek! I cannot say enough about this story. If you love true dark epic fantasy, pick this book up and give it a read but make sure you start with her first book of this saga, The Blood of the Lion. I am on pins and needles waiting for the next book to drop, The Dance With Destiny, next spring of 2024. Thank you McKenna for taking us on this fantastic journey with you. I am excited to see what's next!
A tale of sacrifice and destiny Building on the foundations of The Blood of the Lion, C.D. McKenna delivers a superb sequel in The Vorelian Saga, plunging readers deeper into magic, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity. The story explores the aftermath of King Morei's sacrificial victory as mysterious illnesses plague Geral city, and his reign hangs by a thread. McKenna’s lyrical, evocative prose depicts his nuanced internal struggle and descent into darkness. His character is memorable. Syra’s resilience and humanity on her perilous quest to uncover secrets that could alter the kingdoms’ fate counterbalance the action-packed themes. Across the Ashen Sea, Cyrus’s storyline and bond with his dragon, Sozar, is steeped in self-discovery. McKenna's richly detailed landscapes, cultures, and magical systems create an immersive epic integrating ancient prophecies, gods, and warring empires. While some may find the dense lore and multiple subplots challenging, The Mark of the Damned is a thrilling must-read for fans of the genre, especially those who enjoy a thin line between hero and villain. Full marks!
This is book two of The Vorelian Saga and picks up right where The Blood of the Lion ends. The world building is epic and builds on top of the foundations laid in book one. World building is one of my absolute favorites when I read fantasy and this book (the entirety of the series so far) is absolutely epic in how things play out. The detail in creating religions and the ability to make it meaningful throughout the entire book is also another of my favorites. It's no small feat and only adds to this beautifully crafted world. It feels real and drew me in right from the start, just like book one.
I won't put any spoilers in my review, but if you like dragons (always say yes to dragons), tough choices to be made that are in the gray area of morality, and forces beyond the control of the characters' will, then this is definitely for you. The characters bring this epic world to life through their sorrows, hopes, and will to survive. What does destiny have in store? You'll have to read to find out 😉
After reading Chelsa's debut novel 'The Blood of the Lion' last year, I was waiting impatiently for book two in this fantasy series and wow, I was not disappointed.
Picking up from where book one ended, I immediately got immersed back into the story straight away.
My favourite characters were back, including Cyrus, who is a dragon rider and his dragon Sozar. (My dragon obsession is fulfilled again). They are such a cool partnership.
King Morei is also back and his troubles continue. Another of my favourite characters as there is so much to him in many different ways, good and evil!
If you enjoy dark, epic fantasy then this series is for you. The word building is phenomenal. Chelsea's writing style is second to none. I really can't wait for book three now to discover more about the new characters introduced.
I would highly recommend you start with book one if you haven't already read it. You won't be disappointed.
I want to start off by saying I loved book one but this... this took on a whole new level. The stakes were higher. New characters melding with the old. Learning more about the old characters.
I have an absolute soft spot for Morei. Probably says more about me than him 🤣 If you love Morally Grey men... He's your guy through and through.
Zarek was my main crush in this one though and I really hope we get to see more of him.
Zorya was a welcomed addition to our Dragon Riders story and I also loved seeing the Rider interact with humans as well as his dragon.
I would love to pick this author's brain about this world because it is so vast, and I can only imagine the hours gone into building it.
I really wanted to like this series and I’ll finish it but it’s not easy to get through. I feel like it’s too fragmented. Told from 3 POV changing in each chapter. It gives you just an appetizer portion of the story before switching when you really just kinda wanna get into it a little bit more with each character. It also drags literally I’m on the third book now, and things are finally actually happening the first book, and even the majority of the second take forever to establish the world. I get your world building, but it’s too much focus on the action, there’s an entire sections. I’m skimming over just because it’s not worth the time to literally read it cause it doesn’t add anything to the story. Again, it has a great premise. It’s filled with dragons gods and morally questionable characters but again it’s just too fragmented and it drags.
A stunning sequel! I am so honored to have received an ARC copy of this book. I’ve been anticipating The Mark of the Damned ever since the jaw dropping ending of book 1. C. D. McKenna does not disappoint. The world is so much richer and developed in this sequel. I was drawn in right from the prologue and immersed at once. Though Morei and Syra are still amazing characters, Cyrus really pulled me in. I loved his connection with his dragon, Sozar and the path they took through a new kingdom meeting fascinating characters. I’m fully invested and cannot wait to see what happens next!
This Epic Fantasy saga follows three main characters in the Vore world as fate carves out their paths (or better yet, the Gods—as they manipulate the destiny of the characters because of ancient prophecies)
In the first book (The Blood of The Lion) Morei stood out because of his villain origin story, but in this instalment I really enjoyed the growth of Cyrus and Syra.
The Dragon Rider learns shocking secrets that push him and his dragon, Sozar, into making hard decisions, while Syra finds out more about the Soul Realm and her role, unearthing Kar’s betrayal.
The Mark of the Damned, written by C. D Mckenna, and the second book in the Vorelian saga, is a rollercoaster ride of the paradoxes of life within a fantasy realm. Light cannot exist without darkness, peace without chaos and hope without despair.
Three separate stories with three noteworthy characters—Morei, Cyrus and Syra—all connected by one commonality—destiny.
The Mark of the Damned is a highly enjoyable and engaging read that took me on an adventure from the first page and held me there to the very end. I could not stop reading this book!
I really enjoyed this 2nd installment in the Vorelian Saga. Turning pages felt like setting off an epic chain of dominoes in this one. The twists and turns make for a compelling read.
I’m more invested in Syra’s and Cyrus’s stories in this book, and the revelations about the Soul Realm are very cool. I hope to learn more about it in the 3rd book. Although this is far from a romantasy, there’s a small glimmer of romance that I appreciated for what it was.
If you enjoy epic dark fantasy, I highly recommend this series!
What do you do when a prophecy takes hold of your life and the gods want you dead? Run.
Seriously, this was such a fantastic read and I am looking forward to the next book and the final battle. Did I mention that the gods are now in the game? One is falling into darkness, another is running for her life as she comes to grips with who she really is, and the last just decided what he needs to do to protect the future.
I can not wait for all of them to meet!
I received an advanced reader copy for an honest review.
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️(4.5/5)🫑 Oh.My.Gosh! You guys, this series is going to be amazing!!!
This is NOT a YA easy read. This is 💯an Adult Epic Fantasy. It’s not adult because of spice; I gave it a 🫑 because there are two fairly mild scenes, but nothing explicit. This is Adult because of the complexity of the story and writing. I know most of my followers probably know that I’m mostly a Romantasy readers, but this one falls within the same category as: Priory of the Orange Tree, Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones. Epic Fantasy, Battles, Demons, Gods, Dragons, Relics, Political Intrigue, Monsters.
The story picks up about 2 weeks’ish after the ending of The Blood of the Lion. I will not go into any major details to avoid giving any spoilers.
We continue to follow King Morei’s battle with his inner demons. The Gods are real and one is trying to make his life miserable.
Sera continues to find answers to her prophecy while fleeing from the bounty on her head. She encounters one of the Gods that will change her life.
Cyrus continues to find answers to his heritage while also finding out that he is not alone.
This one definitely ends on some pretty major cliffhangers.
The Vorelian Saga is part of a complex story; so enjoy the journey and come join the Empire.
Book two in The Vorelian Saga picks up where book one ended. This is a deliciously dark world and continues with the three POV main characters. Syra, Cyrus, and Morei’s stories continue but I found myself becoming more invested in Cyrus this book. I won’t give spoilers but these characters continue to grow and their adventures are far from over. C.D. McKenna has a talent for creating far off lands and people that pull you in and make you forget the mundane.
I have been proud to be an ARC reader for this the second in a series of books called The Vorelian Saga. It is a well written book that continues the journey of the three characters from The Blood Of Lion and adds depth to their journey. It is amust to read book one first so that you get to know the characters. I would highly recommend this book.
I'm way too invested in these characters at this point. What have you done to me, McKenna! Near the end of this second installment, I almost threw my book across the room! The tale has taken an unexpected twist and darkened considerably (more so). I'm nothing if not a stubborn reader, however. I will forge on! I must!
Outstanding! C.D.McKenna delivers an exceptional sequel in the The Vorelian Saga! Energetic fantasy world building and harrowing characters that draw you in and take a firm hold. Beautifully written Epic, High Fantasy! Primed for the next chapters in this incredible adventure!