More action, more intrigue, more magic...
358747
In Air Awakens, Vhalla is introduced to the reader as a simple library assistant. In Air Awakens, she unkowingly saves the crown prince, learns she is a sorcerer, discovers her abilities, violently defends the prince with her Windwalker powers, is put on trial and conscripted into the army. At the close of Air Awakens, she is a talented but inexperienced sorcerer who is unsure of her abilities, strength and her own mental resolve.

Fire Falling takes the characters, plot and action laid in Air Awakens and pushes them to the next level. The writing style continues to be engaging and paints a vivid picture of the characters, scenes and actions throughout the book. One of my favorites is the sandstorm scene.

Fire Awakens is about Vhalla coming to grips with who and what she is, the loss of close friends, physical and mental challenges, prejudices and other obstacles encountered by Vhalla during the march to war. It is about her becoming who she must be. It is a metamorphic process that pushes her to the limits of her strength of will, physical strength and magic capabilities. Just as an athlete or soldier must endure rigorous physical training, overcome exhaustion and develop a singular mental focus in order to succeed, Vhalla must be transformed from the inexperienced and unsure Windwalker to a confident, powerful and formidable force if she is to survive.

Some reviewers have commented that Vhalla was "whiney" in Fire Falling. However, I think simply labeling Vhalla as whiney is too narrow a perspective and does not look beyond the simple, outward behavior. My interpretation of Vhalla's "whining" is that it is the outward manifestation of Vhalla going through a personal metamorphism as she is transformed into the person and sorcerer she must become, not just to survive but to ultimately triumph over her adversaries and obstacles. It is the outward expression of the angst, sorrow, guilt, anger and all other emotional aspects of someone who is becoming the heroine and champion she must ultimately be.

Can't wait for Earth's End.
289290
As this series progresses, the 'magic' gets darker and more occult.  While I thought the first couple books were good for younger teens or tweens, I think books 3, 4 and 5 are better suited to older teens and young adults.  The action in this books moves along, but it's not difficult to follow.  The love interests are balanced and both the male and female characters are strong and capable.  Also, while there are love interests, it's not graphic or explicit .. first base stuff.
2209487
Ceda's adventures continue in the sequel to 12 Kings in Sharakhai.  This one includes a lot more planning and espionage than the first book, and overall, I thought was a much more detailed, fleshed-out story... which is a great compliment following the excellent first novel!  Here, the Kings really begin to take shape as individual antagonists, rather than some vague menace, and the rest of the villains of the desert come into complex view.  Certainly a must-read if you enjoyed the first book, or are a fan of complex fantasy series like Rawn's Towers of Ambrai or Erickson's Malazan.
1520323
The action is nearly constant, and the plot gets deeper. New skills are learned and revealed. Someone isn't who you think they are. Triumph and death are pretty much hand in hand through out this installment of the Sword of Light Trilogy.

I'm glad I picked up both of the remaining books after finishing the first book. For lovers of a good story, interesting characters who grow and evolve and surprises around every corner, you will enjoy this book.
1085987
I enjoyed  the first one, and this one was even better. Just downloaded the third.  More action more exotic settings, some mystery revealed with more to come!. Well done.
2511504
Because I already know who the characters are, the sequel reads better than the first one.
The story within the prologue, which is of an older timeline, seems destined to repeat itself.
The dog-headed serpent carries out the emperors task of searching for Hagyai Rovines missing son. In part he likes it, in part he doesnt. Eventually, Tobias ends up at Stonerunner Creek alongside Isador in his search for prince Yoffis. Akilah and Sycarus are experiencing magic & sacrifice aboard the Prodigious. Akilah explores the bowels of the longship, and the whispering beings give her a voyage into the empyrean. The lord captain Neezor Arrtrofis gets his own POV chapter!
In her new station as inquisitor, Drakanes is faced with new challenges. She and Narak al Zull get close. But fate is not kind to them. The new, reformed Inquisition is cunning and oppresive as ever. Though Drakanes finds the cathar heretics within the masonic guild, she too is imprisoned at Bremenshire by the order of lord Vandros. But sir Hubert and Birus Mandon (who sadly gets only one POV chapter in the whole book, but its an awesome one) come to her rescue, and Drakanes swears to avenge al Zull.
In the Northlands, Kalafar Sodomis is waging his war against Holton Brax and his allies. The description of the battles are superb. As a reader, you actually see it all in your mind. Unfortunately, Olivia Sodomis plans to ouster Juni (Kalafars wife) from Weiyenor, and she employs the aid of inquisitor Philip Dagincourt to do it. Once Kalafar hears of it, he decideds to leave the siege of Braxs castle in the hands of his bannermen, and makes haste for Weiyenor. Along the way, however, Kalafar encounters his brother Arfaij  but the man is no longer human...
Back in the Southlands, in the capital, Amarius Mero and Isador are trying to each do their thing. Politics, matters of economy and intrigue encircle them. These story threads impact the other characters from the very beginning. A lot of good character development is delivered by the author. We learn more about the world too. And a new character is introduced as well, Ian Blackway. Hoping to read more of him in the future.
As a bonus, the author put in at the end of the book a sample chapter from book 3, A Dance With Fools And Devils. And its the perfect hook!
3907428
Tammy Joe Trask is back for more trouble and more people / creatures trying to kill her. At the end of Would-Be Witch, Tammy Jo has finally came into powers, well... sort of, she was successful in giving her arch nemesis, Jenna, a hiccup hex. But after a week of uneventful days and night she received a letter from the World Association of Magic. Apparently our resident handsome wizard and lawyer Bryn Lyons was found at fault by siding and casting spells along side Tammy Jo and the authorities found her guilty and/or dangerous therefore has summoned her to do a challenge to basically defend her life. To make it look fair, they have sent in a British guy named Jonathan and a fire trigger happy, and her Aunt's ex-lover named Incendio to teach her. But is that really their purpose? To prepare for this training Tammy Joe decided to cast a spell and ask for earth's power only to unleash an armageddon. Thus slightly opening the door of the Never (faery world) unleashing hobgoblins, nasty changeling, horticulture horrors and pixie dust covering her town trapping them inside.

As usual Tammy Jo was running around town dodging murderous wizard, sleazebag neighbors and saving the day. I am so happy that Bryn and her are getting really close. There are a lot of significant situations in this book that will probably lead them into teaming up more. Aside from all the chaos they both discovered that they are half witch half something else. It explains a lot about why Tammy Jo's magic is all wonky and how her and Bryn survived a sure death scene. And at last... Zach has finally came in to terms that Tammy Jo's claim of magic, ghost and everything else. And he is about to make up for ever doubting her and thinking she's a bit crazy by going into training, so he could protect her more. I am seriously torn on who is the best man for Tammy Jo, they both have excellent qualities and infuriating flaws, it is hard to predict at this point on who is she going to end up with. This series is getting really exciting. I can't wait for Halfway Hexed! Umm... when is it coming out anyway?
3039498
Better than the first one! The world is brought into better focus, the characters become more detailed and the plot thickens. This book highlights the best aspects of the series.

For the full review and more Dragonlance, check out ReadingOverTheShoulder.com
3508828
A good series with excellent characters built to enhance an intricate story line that weaves through an interesting world of magic and mayhem!
3527120
The second book in this series gets the adrenaline pumping, as Drake Morass, Elaina Black, and Keelin Stillwater move from one struggle to the next. They fight both human and supernatural enemies in scenes so vividly choreographed the reader can easily visualize the action in a running head-movie. The fight to gain official status of the Pirate Islands - and for the figurative throne and ruler' s crown - is at the center, but there are many side conflicts, and one never is sure where a character's loyalty might lie.
It's an intricate dance, led by sleek pirate vessels and huge Men of War. Arbiters, Sorcerers, and an enigmatic creature named Kebble add the spice of mystery and magic.
From frightened pirates fleeing from hordes of ravenous insects and hungry vines enlivened by angry spirits, to a full-on naval battle with traitors at every turn, the tension keeps building and finally explodes into a surprising but satisfying conclusion.
And, of course, Rob Hayes leaves the reader with a tantalizing sense of remaining business.
This was a rollicking good read, with delightfully complex characters, even some quite loveable ones.  I highly recommend it, but choose a time to read when you won't be interrupted, because it is hard to put down.
3625332
Captivating, lots of action, and many twists and unexpected plot turns.
4735703
I really liked the first book and was eager to read Ben's continuing adventures. This story is action-packed, and young readers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow Ben's journey with the girl he likes and a new young student. This time they travel to Zargon, one of the Guardian's Six Worlds and home of Ben's dragonborn mother. The setting was fascinating, and the danger spine-tingling. I'm giving this book 4.5 stars rounded up to five, only because there were a few places when I wished the plot wasn't moving quite so fast so the reader could take a breath and have more time to get to know the characters better. Recommended!
4421505
This series just keeps getting better and stronger. Daphne's magic has quickened and it seems she and Carson may be Champions as well. I liked seeing more of the magic.
Estep's imaging of Loki is interesting to me. Especially with the Reaper girl's obsessive object.
1591693
I eagerly awaited this book's release having read and thoroughly enjoyed it's three predecessors: The Alchemyst, The Magician and The Sorceress.
Nicholas and Perenelle grow weaker by the hour, Dr Dee becomes more desperate to get the missing Codex pages before his Dark Elder can punish him for his previous failures, Machiavelli and Billy the Kid have yet to find a way off Alcatraz Island, Josh and Sophie don't know who they can trust, Scatchach and Joan of Arc are missing somewhere in the dinosaur era and a stranger that looks like Scathach enters Josh and Sophie's life.... That's pretty much where the action left off at the end of The Sorceress, The Necromancer picks it up and races on ahead at a furious pace. You can almost hear the clock ticking as all the central characters are running out of time.  The established characters return and you're introduced to new ones, and nobody's motives seem clear.  There's some unexpected comedic exchanges  that made me laugh, and a very colourful new Dark Elder is introduced who is sure to become a favourite of many.
With nods to eras from Pleistocene to Elizabethan to the American Wild West, and mythologies from Mayan to Celtic to Roman there really is a little of something for everyone in this series, with it's complicated plot twists, dubious motives, magics a plenty and action packed adventure plot it's sure to engage even a reluctant reader.  I recommend it to all ages from 10 to 100.
2885778
This story keeps getting better. The action and suspense are great! With this level of fantasy, I've found another author to love.
1245050
Cimorene is back, and this time there are more entertaining characters, more plot surprises, and more soapy lemon water!  When King Mendenbar finds  a section of his realm, the Enchanted Forest, suspiciously burned, he seeks  Kazul, King of the dragons, for help in catching the culprit after helpful  advice from the witch Morwen. When he gets there, however, he discovers  that Kazul is missing, and he and the dragon king's Chief cook and  librarian, Cimorene, embark on a journey to rescue Kazul, who is most  likely in the custody of wizards.  On the way, they come across a  malfunctioning magic carpet, a highly technical magician, and many other  new and interesting characters.  The story is extremely well written and a  ton of fun.  A must read, the 2nd book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles,  Searching for Dragons is no disappointment.
2315512
Another excellent installment of the Accidental Sorcerers saga. This one focused much more on Sura, where the first two books were more slanted towards Mik. We learn the secrets of Sura's past, secrets she didn't yet know, and follow her on an epic adventure where she doesn't have either Mik or Bailar's help. This is another fun and exciting adventure. As with the first two books in the series, I wish it had been novel-length instead of a novella simply because I wished to learn more about the world and characters. The story does a good job of hitting on the important events, but I wouldn't mind seeing it linger a bit more. Not really a complaint, but simply a wish. If you enjoy epic fantasy, give this one and the rest of the series a read! I'm anxiously awaiting the fourth installment.