Helpful Score: 4
Ril and Leon are two of the most intriguing and memorable characters I've read about in a fantasy, much less in a romance novel. (I still don't understand why this series is found in the romance section as it would probably be better off in the sci-fi/fantasy section!) Leon was pretty cool in the prior novel but in this one he's like a freakin' Jedi--with mind tricks, blending into a strange land, and making friends out of enemies. It sounds hokey but I tell you it isn't as nothing stretches into the realm of disbelief. His relationship with Ril is explored in greater depth than before, and we find the two of them have evolved into something akin to a father/son relationship, but with greater intimacy. It's really hard to explain without reading the novel but it is a very beautiful relationship. Ril, who has never been a typical sylph, really suffers in this story but in the end he gets Lizzy, his Queen, and a powerful and loving ally in Leon. I'm very curious as to whether his unusual sylph abilities will have repercussions in later novels in the series. And if I had one complaint about this novel it's that I would have wanted it to be longer and explored the reactions of Sylph Valley when our heroes arrive home. But I am strangely pleased that the author didn't take any easy way outs, which is all too easy when magic is involved. Instead, no one miraculously heals or becomes all powerful and our heroes are much more heroic for having the battle scars to prove their mettle.
Definitely recommend this book if for no other reason than it has some of the best interpersonal relationships I've seen in any category of novel. The characterization is dynamite and will stay with you long after you close the book on its final pages. I read it in one sitting because the story kept propelling me to want to know more. Everything was so raw and vivid, it was like watching a powerful epic unfold in the IMAX of my imagination.
Definitely recommend this book if for no other reason than it has some of the best interpersonal relationships I've seen in any category of novel. The characterization is dynamite and will stay with you long after you close the book on its final pages. I read it in one sitting because the story kept propelling me to want to know more. Everything was so raw and vivid, it was like watching a powerful epic unfold in the IMAX of my imagination.
Michelle R. (mreneerouser) -
Helpful Score: 3
Not often can I fall in love with a second in a series book and like it more than the first in the series but that is what happened here (and the 1st book was a 5 star, that makes this technically a 6 star?). The book was so good, I missed dinner with the family, read it straight through the night. The book has everything and I can't wait for book #3. I highly recommend reading book #1 (The Battle Sylph) before reading this book and then prepare to spend every minute totally swept up in the story.
