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The Shattered Sylph (Sylph #2)

by L.J. McDonald (Goodreads Author)

4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 · rating details · 464 ratings · 60 reviews

Kidnapped by slavers, Lizzie Petrule was dragged in chains across the Great Sea to the corrupt empire of Meridal. There beneath a floating citadel and an ocean of golden sand, lies a pleasure den for gladiators-and a prison for the maidens forced to slake their carnal thirst.

Despite impossible odds, against imponderable magic, three men have vowed Lizzie’s return: Justin,...more

Mass Market Paperback, 321 pages

Published March 30th 2010 by Leisure Books

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Aug 18, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sylphs, fantasy

The more I read of this series, the more I like it.

Six years have passed since the events of The Battle Sylph, but the transition feels seamless. Solie is still queen of what is now known as Sylph Valley. Heyou (**cringe**) is still at her side. Lizzie, Leon's daughter, is now 18 years-old. She is still in love with Ril, her father's battle sylph. But he closed himself off to her emotionally after he was injured at the end of the last book. And she believes he has no feelings for her beyond fri...more

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Mar 31, 2012 Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mentioned at Badass Hidden Gems..

http://badassbookreviews.com/badass-h...

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 thi...more

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Aug 25, 2011 Tracy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

~* 4.5 Stars *~
Happily Addicted to Sylphs
It was meant to be nothing more than a small taste of freedom, a tiny rebellion against overprotective guardians, and a chance for a girl on the cusp of womanhood to stretch her wings a little. Eighteen-year-old Lizzy Petrule and her friend Loren slipped away from the group who traveled to Para Dubh from their home in Sylph Valley and headed to the docks. They wanted to see the ocean. Lizzy was unaware of the danger, of the nature of some of the people w...more

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Sep 26, 2012 Anja rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Well, when I finished the book the first thing, which came to mind was: intense. So many things happened, which I did not expect, but kept me on the edge that half way through the book I was totally indecisive. I really wanted to keep reading the book to know how the story continued, but on the other hand I was afraid to keep reading of all the things that might come. When I finally started reading again I couldn't let it out of my hands.

I really like complicated and screwed up characters and R...more Well, when I finished the book the first thing, which came to mind was: intense. So many things happened, which I did not expect, but kept me on the edge that half way through the book I was totally indecisive. I really wanted to keep reading the book to know how the story continued, but on the other hand I was afraid to keep reading of all the things that might come. When I finally started reading again I couldn't let it out of my hands.

I really like complicated and screwed up characters and Ril absolutely fit that profile. Even with knowing what the book was about I didn't expect Ril to get more complicated and even more screwed. Geez. There was never time to take breath to get my head wrapped around what he has to endure. I like that, I'm always up for a fast paced book, but was it necessary to but Ril through so much? Anyway, he's story was great even if I still don't really understand why he felt so free with being totally submitted to Leon? I found it very horrible that he had so many masters. I also had a hard time to understand why Leon, which I btw. really love, was so possessive of Ril, but once my mind was set to him being like a son for Leon it started to make sense and I was really glad that didn't stand in the way of Lizzys and Rils happiness.

Lizzy was like all the young characters in the book, naive and not very mature and to be honest that's my only beef with the books. I which the female leads were older. (And even Eapha, who was supposed to be 30 felt sometimes like she was too young.) I don't like YA books, so those young females have a hard time with me, but with all the things that happened to Lizzy she had to grow up faster than she would have in Sylph Valley. And I hope she keeps growing, because with the genes from Dad, you only can become awesome.

As usual the story itself, the world building was great, the new "supporting" characters even if I was really glad that the new girl and her Sylph weren't part of the mission. I also could have done without Justin, but I guess he will come into play in the 3rd book.(less)

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Sep 14, 2011 Cj W rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, romance, fantasy

Wow.
This book, another one that I bought for $2 at Wal-Mart because it was short and sounded interesting, is pretty good.

Firstly, I am not the most informed person, but I have never heard of a 'Sylph' before. From what I understand, they are supposed to mimic the elementals. Air, water, Land, And I assume, that the Battle Sylphs' that this book is mainly about, are supposed to be the 'fire' element.

They are from another dimension, and in most lands, they become trapped in this world, by humans l...more Wow.
This book, another one that I bought for $2 at Wal-Mart because it was short and sounded interesting, is pretty good.

Firstly, I am not the most informed person, but I have never heard of a 'Sylph' before. From what I understand, they are supposed to mimic the elementals. Air, water, Land, And I assume, that the Battle Sylphs' that this book is mainly about, are supposed to be the 'fire' element.

They are from another dimension, and in most lands, they become trapped in this world, by humans luring them by the way of a beautiful woman, for them to want this woman, and be drawn to her, then they kill her. Which traps the Sylph in our realm. Quite interesting.
However, some Sylphs are in this land in another way. They have fallen in love with women, and mated with them, making them the Sylphs one true master, their 'queen'. This also makes this woman the queen of all other nearby Sylphs. This makes her their master also. Except that in these regions, they also have the ability to have 'sub-masters'. Women that they fall in love with, or men that they have a bond with. Although they do not like men masters, and the only one that I've read that has one (now willingly but not to begin with) is Ril.

This is actually a good book.
It does qualify, in my book, as smut. It is however on a deeper emotional level then I have read in the past. Although I do admit I have not read a ton of 'romance novels'.

This could be such a promising movie if the right director got ahold of it. It's got it all. Romance, really good fight scenes, and an interesting story line. I would be very interested to see what someone could do for this book or even the series in the video form.

I also enjoy the thought process behind the book, and the Queens.
Slaves, who are trapped and forced to do their masters bidding, hate one another and go mad inside with aggression and loathing, once freed and have the option of staying under the order of a 'just' ruler, find love for one another and happiness under the ruler, and it becomes 'service', not slavery, with love, not contempt.

Anyways, I would say that this book was worth the money, and may be worth slightly more then I paid for it. I am actually interested in other books of this series/author now, to piece together the history of Ril and his life and what happened to make him the way he is.

I know the above is only a slight 'taste' of what the book is about, without going into much detail. I think this is one you should read yourself and let it unfold.

CJ
(less)

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Aug 13, 2010 Jess the Romanceaholic rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-read, favorites, werewolves-or-other-shape-shifters, fantasy, favorite-heroes, favorite-heroines, slave-or-indentured-servant, harem, kidnapped, psychic, big-screen-worthy-action, auto-buy, tortured-hero, too-stupid-to-live-moment, physically-imperfect-or-scarred, physically-tortured, gladiator, friends-to-lovers, forbidden-love, angsty-read, betrayal, desert, family-issues, major-illness-or-injury, major-character-death, not-for-the-squeamish, oh-noes-u-saw-me-nekkid, celibate-hero, fated-to-be-mated

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Ahh I had the most epic review written and my bloody computer decided that NOW was the time to shut down for an automatic update! *grumbles*

*ahem*

Anyway.

The second installment in this series (the first being The Battle Sylph), Shattered Sylph picks up four years after we left off...

I do love me a tortured hero, and let me tell you, Ril is tortured in spades.. He was drawn to this world under the pretext of finding a queen (mate) only to be forced to witness her brutal murder and was subsequently...more

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Oct 10, 2012 Anorielt rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Erster Satz: Cherod Mash war ein Mannm der bekannt für seine Derbheit und seinen Hang zu Gewalttätigkeiten.

Falkenherz spielt 6 Jahre nach dem Ende der Ereignissen auf der Klippe. Die Gemeindschaft hat sich wieder in ihrem Tal niedergelassen und mittlerweile ein eigenes Königreich gegründet, Sylphantal, mit Solie als ihrer Königin. Die Sylphen haben eine Stadt für ihre Meister geschaffen und auch die Anzahl an Kriegern ist beträchtlich gewachsen. Doch die Anzahl der Krieger sorgt natürlich dafür...more Erster Satz: Cherod Mash war ein Mannm der bekannt für seine Derbheit und seinen Hang zu Gewalttätigkeiten.

Falkenherz spielt 6 Jahre nach dem Ende der Ereignissen auf der Klippe. Die Gemeindschaft hat sich wieder in ihrem Tal niedergelassen und mittlerweile ein eigenes Königreich gegründet, Sylphantal, mit Solie als ihrer Königin. Die Sylphen haben eine Stadt für ihre Meister geschaffen und auch die Anzahl an Kriegern ist beträchtlich gewachsen. Doch die Anzahl der Krieger sorgt natürlich dafür das die Länder um Sylphental herum sich fürchten und irrerseits mehr Krieger rufen. Genau deswegen ist Leon mit seinem Krieger Ril ausgezogen um das zutun was er gut kann: Spionieren. Als er wieder nach Hause kommt, erfährt er zu seinem Ensetzen das seine älteste Tochter Lizzy, in einer entfernten Stadt entführt und über das Meer weggebracht wurde. Zusammen mit Ril, der Lizzy durch ein Geheimniss in sich spüren und auffinden kann, macht er sich auf den Weg um seine Tochter zurück zu holen.

Lizzy wird derweil in einem fremden und weitentfernten Königreich an einen Sklavenhändler verkauft und landet dadurch in den Harems der Stadt. Diese Harems sind dazu da die vielen hundert Krieger des Landes zu besänftigen. Sie vergnügen sich mit den Frauen darin, für die junggfräuliche Lizzy ein wahrer Albtraum. Dennoch ist der Harem besser als als Futtersklave zu enden, die, in Käfigen gehalten und deren Zungen hinausgeschnitten wurden, nur dazu da sind die vielen Sylphen zu ernähren.

Im Gegenteil zum ersten Band der Reihe, ist der Grundton von Falkenherz sehr ernst und düster. Lizzy befindet sich in einem Königreich wo Sklaverei offen erlaubt ist, Sylphen nur dazu da sind um zu arbeiten und die Adeligen sich am Leid anderer ergötzen. Man merkt auch deutlich das Ril um einiges älter ist als Hedu und dadurch auch weniger naiv. Ich muss zugeben das ich mit etwas ganz anderem gerechnet hatte, nämlich damit das Leon und Ril Lizzy relativ schnell befreien und die drei dann auf der Flucht sind. Gekommen ist es dann aber ganz anders.

Der Plot ist absolut spannend, es gibt keine Stelle an der ich gelangweilt war, auch wenn ich Leons Part, nachdem er von Ril getrennt war, nicht ganz so gut fand. Das Ende ist auch nicht ganz unerwartet, von Anfang an war klar das es nur eine Möglichkeit gibt um die Lizzy und Rill zu befreien, dennoch war es absolut spannend und mitreißend.

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Fazit
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Eine gelungene Fortsetzung die noch besser ist als der erste Band der Reihe. Düsterer, ernster und voller Gefahren.(less)

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May 06, 2012 R.G. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle

A great sequel to the Battle Sylph... it'll keep you on the edge of your seat with the never ending action, excitement, and the hope that love will conquer all... especially if that love is coming from a centuries old battler... it was nice to see the other kingdoms and how Sylph Valley is interacting with them but also to travel all the way to a kingdom with a floating island and that needs saving just as much as the kidnapped Lizzy they hold hostage there... Leon and Ril were the more interest...more

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Nov 23, 2011 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book happens a few years after Battle Sylph. The Sylph valley is thriving even and are learning how to co-exist with their sylphs rather than enslaving them. The world becomes more and more interesting as it becomes more complex in nature. This is also Ril and Lizzie's story and I was thrilled because Ril was one of the more interesting characters in the first book.

In this book Lizzie is captured and several people come to her rescue. Within this new world over one of their seas, Lizzie and...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Melanie S. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011

Sowohl Leon und Ril, als auch Lizzy kennen wir bereits aus dem Vorgängerband Die Krieger der Königin. Hier erschuf die Autorin eine interessante und komplexe neue Welt, von der ich nicht dachte, dass sie diese noch übertreffen könnte. Aber mit Die Krieger der Königin. Falkenherz ist ihr das gelungen und sie zeigt uns eine komplett neue Welt in der Sylphen wieder andere Aufgaben übertragen bekommen haben. Es ist interessant diese neuen Abläufe kennen zu lernen und dabei geht auch die persönliche...more Sowohl Leon und Ril, als auch Lizzy kennen wir bereits aus dem Vorgängerband Die Krieger der Königin. Hier erschuf die Autorin eine interessante und komplexe neue Welt, von der ich nicht dachte, dass sie diese noch übertreffen könnte. Aber mit Die Krieger der Königin. Falkenherz ist ihr das gelungen und sie zeigt uns eine komplett neue Welt in der Sylphen wieder andere Aufgaben übertragen bekommen haben. Es ist interessant diese neuen Abläufe kennen zu lernen und dabei geht auch die persönliche Beziehung zu den einzelnen Charakteren nicht verloren. Vielmehr bindet die Autorin auch neue Charaktere geschickt ein und bei einigen von ihnen reichen schon ein paar wenige Absätze um sie dem Leser näher zu bringen. In Meridal werden Sylphen über Nummern definiert und es wird ihnen ein einheitliches Aussehen vorgeschrieben. Dadurch ist es zwar nicht so einfach die Einzelnen unter ihnen voneinander zu unterscheiden, aber trotz ihrer Gleichheit konnten sie sich Eigenheiten erhalten. Die Gesellschaft ist gänzlich anders aufgebaut als in Lizzys Heimat, erfährt aber hier eine unglaubliche Wende, die mich wiederum neugierig zurücklässt und mich auch wünschen lässt, dass eine Verbindung zu Meridal aufrecht erhalten wird.

War der Anfang noch eher ruhig, so hat mich der Schluss richtiggehend mitgerissen. Ein ruhiger Beginn an sich ist nichts Schlechtes, so wurden die Charaktere und ihre Geschichte dem Leser wieder in Erinnerung gerufen. Zudem erfährt man, dass seit dem Ende des 1. Teils sechs Jahre vergangen sind während derer Solie mit Hilfe von Hedu ihren ‚Stock’ festigen und ausbauen konnte. Das Kennenlernen der Gemeinschaft im neu gegründeten Sylphental hat mir dann aber doch etwas gefehlt und ich freue mich schon, wenn wir im nächsten Teil der Reihe wieder mehr von ihnen sehen. Neugierig erwarte ich die Veränderungen zu erleben, die in der Zwischenzeit vorgenommen worden sein müssen. Und wirkten Solie und Hedu im ersten Teil zum Teil noch jugendlich dürften die beiden eine ebenso unglaubliche und faszinierende Entwicklung durchgemacht haben, wie die Welt, die die Autorin erschaffen hat. Als einzigen anstrengenden Charakter empfand ich Justin, der für mich kaum Wichtigkeit hatte. Seine Rolle war nur eine kleine, aber mit seinem Auftreten hat er sich nicht beliebter bei mir gemacht. Eher das Gegenteil war der Fall und bis zum Schluss dachte ich, dass er die Aktion vermasseln könnte oder es absichtlich tun würde. Man möchte meinen, dass er ein anderes Verhältnis zu den Kriegersylphen hat, da er jahrelang mit ihnen zusammengelebt hat, aber von seinem Vater, der im ersten Teil eine entscheidende Rolle einnahm, scheint er diesen Charakterzug nicht zu haben.

L.J. McDonald entführt uns hier auf eine Gefühlsachterbahn, die es wirklich in sich hatte. In dem einem Moment fühlte man sich noch glücklich, freute sich mit den Charakteren, und bereits im nächsten war man gefühlsmäßig ganz unten angelangt, wollte weinen, schreien, toben und sich dann auch verängstigt zurückziehen. Unseren Protagonisten wird es in keiner Weise leicht gemacht und vor allem Ril hat sehr unter den Entwicklungen zu leiden. Er liegt am Boden und wird noch getreten, er wird als Ding gesehen und nicht als ein Wesen, das Gefühle haben könnte, auf der anderen Seite gibt es durchaus Menschen, für die genau er wichtig ist und die sich um ihn sorgen. Er musste in vorherigen Kämpfen viel mitmachen und ist in seiner Kraft gebrochen und auch verunsichert. Das macht ihn aber umso sympathischer und hatte man ihn nicht schon längst in sein Herz geschlossen, dann ist jetzt der richtige Zeitpunkt dafür gekommen. Mit Ril gab es hier so viele ergreifende Szenen, die dem Leser auch die Tränen in die Augen treiben und wo man am liebsten in die Handlung eingreifen möchte. Nur die Hoffnung auf ein Happy End, auf eine Heilung von Lizzy ließ mein Leserherz ruhiger schlagen. Lizzy macht ebenfalls eine emotionale Entwicklung durch. Zwar nicht in dem Ausmaß, wie es bei Ril der Fall war, aber vom Mädchen wird sie nun zu einer jungen Frau, die Ril Auge in Auge gegenüberstehen kann. Diese gezwungene Trennung und die anschließenden Ereignisse brachten die beiden noch stärker zusammen und gerne möchte ich sie wieder sehen und mehr mit ihnen erleben.

Fesselnd und spannend, atemberaubend und mitreißend – L.J. McDonald konnte mich schon längst von sich überzeugen, aber mit Die Krieger der Königin. Falkenherz hat sie ein weiteres fantastisches Buch geliefert! Lesen und genießen, kann ich euch da nur empfehlen :)(less)

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Sep 23, 2011 Wendy Mitchell rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Recommended to Wendy by: Requested review

Shelves: must-read-series, requested-review, favorites

Ril’s first memory of this world was seeing the man known to him as Master and later as Leon. kill his adolescent queen before his very eyes. As a Battle Sylph bound to a human, he was compelled to obey Leon's every command. For many years Ril was bound to the form of a large red tailed hawk, unable to speak or walk as a man. He hated Leon with an unholy fury, but Ril held no animosity towards females. Hearing Leon’s wife cry out in pain, Ril rushed to her side. It was this night that Ril met L...more
Ril’s first memory of this world was seeing the man known to him as Master and later as Leon. kill his adolescent queen before his very eyes. As a Battle Sylph bound to a human, he was compelled to obey Leon's every command. For many years Ril was bound to the form of a large red tailed hawk, unable to speak or walk as a man. He hated Leon with an unholy fury, but Ril held no animosity towards females. Hearing Leon’s wife cry out in pain, Ril rushed to her side. It was this night that Ril met Lizzy, Leon’s oldest daughter. At the moment of her birth, Ril knew she was his. Injured in a battle, Ril is permanently crippled and now has pulled away from Lizzie, who is now blossoming into a mature woman. Hurt and angered by Ril’s distance, Lizzy becomes closer to Justin, who intends to wed Lizzie. When Lizzie is abducted by pirates and sold as a harem slave, Leon and Ril must mend their differences and come together to find a daughter and a mate.

I read this book immediately after The Battle Sylph, so Ril’s devastating injuries were still fresh in my mind, as was his enduring love of Lizzie. I will admit that Ril was one of my favorite battlers. He was the most damaged of the three I became attached to in the first book. This book is several years in the future and their sylph valley is growing and starting to realize it’s potential. There are still many, many roadblocks, and more than enough enemies. The majority of the story takes place in a foreign land. Forcing the men looking for Lizzie into close quarters at times. There are a lot of attitude adjustments and forgiveness needed before things can be made right.

There are a ton of new elements added to the series both in the valley and abroad. It kept me turning the pages even though I was desperately in need of sleep. This author has the ability to keep you glued to the pages to the detriment of even your health. This series is JUST that compelling. I was swigging expresso and Red Bulls with ibuprofen just to keep my eyes open. I had to make sure Ril would be OK. I was that heavily invested. I truly did not believe the first book could be improved upon. It was. This book was a more intense but easier read because I knew so many of the players and where they had been. I defy you to read these books and not be effected. It is not a possibility.(less)

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Jul 27, 2010 Bookwatcher ~Mary MooCow~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorites

this book is the second of the serie

. The first one I classify as YA, this one no! There is no teenager story here... and the things get ugly!

So, after The Battle Sylph (Solie and Heyou love story) The Shattered Sylph will tell the Ril and Lizzi sweet story.

Ril is the complete oppose of Heyou... but there is a motive... while Heyou was a funny and young Battle Sylph, Ril suffer a lot being Leon Battle Sylph slave. So he can't be as Heyou... and he isn't!
In two words Ril is a tormented hero. A...more

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Apr 22, 2010 Melindeeloo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shattered Sylph continues the story after Battle Sylph. It's six years later and Sylph Valley has come into its own, but the titled character Ril is still crippled and while still more than human, he's nowhere near a match for the other Sylphs. The story is shared among the leads Ril, Lizzy and Lizzy's father Leon after Lizzy is kidnapped and enslaved in a foreign land. When it seems that there is no way to find out where Lizzy's been taken, Ril uses a hidden bond between them to track her and R...more

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Jan 28, 2011 Jill rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Can't wait to read this one! And oh how wonderful it was.

The second story follows the story of Ril and Lizzy since it was there lives that came to an unsteady plateu in the previous story.

Ril is still crippled but plodding through with his condition as he assists Leon in missions away from the newly formed Sylph Valley. The valley itself has turned into a prosperous little kingdom over the past 6 years, but little has changed for Ril. He still keeps his conflicting thoughts and emotions to hims...more

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May 19, 2012 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

It's been 6 years since Solie was made queen by Heyou and the Valley of the Sylphs was established. Ril is working with Leon to help establish relationships with neighboring lands and do a little spying as well. Ril, who has never completely healed from being torn apart during the past battler war, does as much as he can as a broken battle sylph. He's stubborn and often exceeds his limits requiring him to sleep everyday and rest, something regular battle sylphs do not have to do. Can he trust a...more

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Dec 19, 2010 Keri rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the sequel to The Battle Sylph. This story revolves around Lizzy and her father's battle sylph, Ril.
In The Battle Sylph Ril was mortally wounded, healed, but left crippled. Ril has secretly loved Lizzy for years. Though he longs to claim her as his own, how could a crippled battle sylph possibly be worthy of such a woman?
Lizzy is kidnapped, taken across the sea, and sold into slavery. Upon learning of his daughter's kidnapping, Leon is determined to rescue her. Knowing he'll never be th...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Erin Kyle rated it 3 of 5 stars

This wins a 3.75* rating, and the only reason I'm not giving it a 4 is the time it takes to tell the story.

I truly enjoy this story. The book takes a looong time to tell it, though. As I read, I couldn't help but wonder whether the story really needed to be that long.... Great characters, great HEA, great world (I didn't read the first Sylph book and I managed to muddle through this book just fine. A few times, I had to base my understanding on some illusive context clues, and I imagine those th...more

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May 24, 2012 Cat Crawfield rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Inhalt:
Fernab der Heimat stiften Leon und sein Kriegssylph Ril für Unruhe, indem sie die Beschwörungszeremonie eines weiteren Kriegssylphen stören und somit ein junges Mädchen vor dem sicheren Tod bewahren und den beschworenen Sylphen statt an einen böse, ranghohen Adligen, an sie binden.
Einerseits ist das gut, da ihr somit die Sicherheit auf dem Weg nach Sylphental garantiert ist – andererseits jedoch müssen Leon und Ril aufpassen, dass der neue Sylph nicht mit seiner Herrin schläft und sie som...more Inhalt:
Fernab der Heimat stiften Leon und sein Kriegssylph Ril für Unruhe, indem sie die Beschwörungszeremonie eines weiteren Kriegssylphen stören und somit ein junges Mädchen vor dem sicheren Tod bewahren und den beschworenen Sylphen statt an einen böse, ranghohen Adligen, an sie binden.
Einerseits ist das gut, da ihr somit die Sicherheit auf dem Weg nach Sylphental garantiert ist – andererseits jedoch müssen Leon und Ril aufpassen, dass der neue Sylph nicht mit seiner Herrin schläft und sie somit zu seiner Königin macht. Da Sylphen sehr anhänglich sind, gestaltet sich dies als gar nicht so einfach.
Währenddessen hat sich auch Leons Tochter Lizzy auf eine Reise begeben. Gemeinsam mit den Warenhändlern hat sie sich auf den Weg ins Königreich Para Dubh gemacht. Doch anstatt zu helfen, erkundigen die 18jährige Lizzy und ihre Freundin Loren lieber die Stadt. Am Hafen treffen sie auf Seeleute, auf deren Flirtversuche Loren sofort anspringt, während Lizzy sich eher skeptisch zurückhält. Die Seeleute erkennen in Loren und Lizzy aufgrund ihrer Herkunft einen hohen Wert und nur durch die Aufmerksamkeit ihrer Sylphe kann Loren ihnen entkommen, während Lizzy in ihre Fänge gerät.
Als ihr Vater und sein Kriegssylph Ril, der Lizzy von ihrer Geburt an abgöttisch liebt, von der Entführung erfahren, machen sie sich sofort auf die Suche und stehen sich bald einem scheinbar unbesiegbaren Gegner gegenüber.

Fazit:
„Falkenherz“ ist der zweite Band der „Die Krieger der Königin“-Reihe von L.J. McDonald.
Nachdem es im ersten Band um das Schicksal der jungen Solie und ihres Sylphen Hedu, sowie der Gründung des Königreiches Sylphental ging, spielt der zweite Band 6 Jahre nach dem ersten und beschäftigt sich hauptsächlich mit Leons Tochter Lizzy, der bereits in Band 1 eine Rolle gespielt hat, und seinen Sylphen Ril.
Seit ihrer Geburt liebt Ril die älteste Tochter seines Herren. Durch die geheime Verbindung, die er geschaffen hat, als Lizzy gerade einmal 7 Jahre alt war, ist auch sie sein Meister und er hat die Fähigkeit, neben Leon auch sie immer und überall zu spüren.
Während sich Leon und Ril auf die Suche nach Lizzy machen, wird diese in einem fernen Land an grausame Machthaber verkauft, denen ihre Herkunft, entgegen der Meinung der Seeleute, vollkommen egal ist. Sie wird als Konkubine in einen Harem geschickt, um den Sylphen außerhalb ihrer Dienstzeiten beizuwohnen.
Anfangs lernt man Lizzy als leicht verspieltes Mädchen kennen, der die Regeln anderer nicht allzu viel auszumachen scheinen. Im Laufe der Geschichte entwickelt sie sich jedoch zu einer mutigen und selbstbewussten Frau. Während die anderen Frauen im Harem sich mit ihrem Schicksal abgefunden haben, wird sie von der Hoffnung gehalten, dass ihr Vater und Ril kommen werden, um sie zu retten.
Die Beziehung zwischen Leon und seinem Kriegssylphen Ril spielt in diesem Band eine sehr wichtige Rolle. Beide müssen lernen, wie sehr sie doch aufeinander angewiesen sind und wie wichtig das gegenseitige Vertrauen doch ist. Wenn man als Meister eines Sylphen immer wieder unbewusst Befehle ausspricht, ist die Grenze zur Knechtschaft nur sehr schmal.
Der Schreibstil von L.J. McDonald ist sehr flüssig und gut zu lesen. Die Seiten blättern sich schon fast von alleine um. Einige Szenen waren mir persönlich jedoch zu unrealistisch und übertrieben. Selbst wenn ein Sylph einen Stein wirft, kann dieser den Körper eines erwachsenen Mannes, der zudem eine Rüstung trägt, nicht durchbrechen!
Die Atmosphäre in „Falkenherz“ war im Gegensatz zum ersten Band eine ganz andere und manchmal hatte ich das Gefühl, etwas ganz anderes zu lesen, statt dem zweiten Band einer Reihe, von der mich der erste Band vollkommen begeistert hat.
Deswegen fällt es mir diesmal auch etwas schwer, dieses Buch zu bewerten.
Zum einen gefällt mir der Handlungsstrang insgesamt sehr gut, zumal die Geschichte rund um die Sylphen mal etwas ganz anderes ist und Abwechslung in die aktuelle Fantasyliteratur bringt.
Zum anderen war jedoch die Atmosphäre in diesem Buch irgendwie merkwürdig.
Ein Grund dafür könnte sein, dass Ril Lizzy schon ihr ganzes Leben lang liebt und sie diese Gefühle für ihn ebenfalls bereits im Teenageralter entdeckt hat. Als sie sich dann endlich kriegen, sollte man meinen, dass sie vor Glücksgefühlen und Liebe nahezu überschwemmen sollten – dies kam allerdings nicht sehr deutlich rüber. Als Leser hatte ich oftmals das Gefühl, als würde sich alles in einer Liebesbeziehung in der Welt der Sylphen nur um Sex drehen. Mir hat einfach die Romantik und das Gefühlvolle gefehlt.
Nachdem ich nun lange zwischen 3 und 4 Sternen geschwankt habe, habe ich mich nun dazu entschlossen, „Falkenherz“ trotzdem noch 4 Sterne zu geben und dem dritten Band „Schattenmacht“, der im August erscheint, noch eine Chance zu geben.(less)

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May 29, 2012 1000 + rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is my favorite book of this series to date!

Ril is a battle sylph that grew up around his masters family and loved his daughters, especially Lizzie. When Lizzie is kidnapped Ril, her father and Justin, the kid who thinks he loves her, take off on a search to find her.

This story is heart wrenching in so many ways. Not only the kidnapping of the beloved Lizzie but the place and conditions that she is taken to. Sold into slavery, left to fend for herself in a harem and scared witless.

The dyn...more

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Dec 12, 2011 mlady_rebecca rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author__l_j_mcdonald, genre__fantasy, fiction__part_of_a_series, genre_sub__faeries, fiction__speculative, pov__third_person_multi, 2011, own_series_box_8, format__trade_pb

Took a few chapters to get back into the series, but once I did it was hard to put down.

Unlike some loosely connected "couple per book" series, this one flowed nicely from book one to book two. Mostly because we already knew the characters, rather than watching a new person being brought in to be the perfect other half.

Ril is still dedicated to Lizzy, but he's pulled back from her since he was so severely injured. But when Lizzy is kidnapped by pirates, Ril's secret bond with her is the only wa...more

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Nov 29, 2011 Sherri *Mistress of Laundry* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, ebook, alpha-male, futuristic, hero-to-die-for, heroine-i-loved, kick-ass-heroine, paranormal-romance

Absolutely outstanding read! This series only gets better and better. There's a little bit of romance, a little bit of paranormal, a little bit of urban fantasy and a whole lot of action. I never once found myself bored with the storyline or the characters.

This basically picks up 6 years after The Battle Sylph left off. YOU ABSOLUTELY WILL HAVE HAD TO READ THE FIRST BOOK in order to understand the dynamics of the story and the relationships between characters. You will be lost in the first chap...more

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Oct 21, 2010 Ronda Tutt rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, fantacy, favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. EXCELENT READ! ENTERTAINING! FUNNY!

This series was brilliantly written. The Fantasy, the romance, the paranormal, it has it all and it is astounding. Another fast turning page read that you can’t put down.

In the first book The Battle Sylph, Leon and his battle sylph Ril were a major part of the story. We know that both are great warriors and assets to the queen and are very loyal.

In this story, six years later after the Sylph Valley is created, Leons daughter "Lizzy" who is now 18 and is dying...more EXCELENT READ! ENTERTAINING! FUNNY!

This series was brilliantly written. The Fantasy, the romance, the paranormal, it has it all and it is astounding. Another fast turning page read that you can’t put down.

In the first book The Battle Sylph, Leon and his battle sylph Ril were a major part of the story. We know that both are great warriors and assets to the queen and are very loyal.

In this story, six years later after the Sylph Valley is created, Leons daughter "Lizzy" who is now 18 and is dying to get out of the whelms of her parents rule and find her true love. Lizzy has one boy "Justin" who has an interest in her, a boy whom she once pecked kissed when she was 16 and of course a man she was interested in "Ril" who majorly kissed her that same night when she was 16. Lizzy just wanted to get away and figure things out and decide what she wanted in life.

Little did Lizzy know how her life would change? Lizzy and two other female friends take off to a city beyond the mountains to explore unguided that is until Justin shows up. Her friend Loren (tramp in heat) started flirting with some pirates on a doc and next thing they know all chaos breaks out and they end up kidnapping Lizzy. Justin doesn't even try to save her, he runs off instead like a cowed down dog with his tail tucked between his legs.

Mean while, Leon and Ril are on their own mission in another city stopping them from bringing other sylphs over or interfering before the intended master tries to kill the female sacrifice. Of course as it goes, Leon and Ril end up killing the entire priest and rescuing the girl and the new sylph. Little did they know they were heading into another adventure to rescue Lizzy when they got home?

Leon, Ril, and Justin end up on a journey of a life time to rescue Lizzy, the story is amazing. All the characters are amazing but my favorite is Leon. He is such a hero and an honorable man that keeps his promises. It is going to be interesting to see where the 3rd book takes off.
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Jun 02, 2010 Has rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Sylph series by L.J Mcdonald. Ever since I found out that Ril would be the hero of the second book, I have been anticipating his story. The book starts off a few years after the events from The Battle Sylph where the inhabitants of the free sylphs and humans have built up their settlement. However, the tranquillity does not last long when Lizzie – during a trip at a local trading port – gets kidnapped by slavers and is transported to a desert kingdom to become a se...more This is the second book in the Sylph series by L.J Mcdonald. Ever since I found out that Ril would be the hero of the second book, I have been anticipating his story. The book starts off a few years after the events from The Battle Sylph where the inhabitants of the free sylphs and humans have built up their settlement. However, the tranquillity does not last long when Lizzie – during a trip at a local trading port – gets kidnapped by slavers and is transported to a desert kingdom to become a sex slave for enslaved Battle Sylphs. Ril – the Battle Sylph who was hurt badly and permanently damaged in the last book – goes with Lizzie’s father Leon, and Lizzie’s wannabe suitor Justin across the great ocean to follow and save her from the slavers. But they all end up changing things irrevocably.

I loved Ril’s character from The Battle Sylph and I found that this book was even better than the first. I felt it was tighter in plot and even though the pace was slower, it concentrated more on the development of the romance which was something that the first book didn’t focus on enough for me. It was also good to explore the wider world and the new setting which was a stark contrast of the Sylph and human settlement. And the rich and exotic land of Meridel was a perfect contrast to the small valley human/Sylphs settlement. I especially loved the Gladiator type setting, and how different the Sylphs were treated in this environment compared to other kingdoms. It showed how torturous and twisted it was for the sylphs and human slaves, and in many ways it was a harsher life compared to what the Battle Sylphs in the previous book faced – since this was for entertainment purposes. It also felt more epic in scope and the aftermath I feel will definitely have repercussions for future generations as well as neighbouring kingdoms.

I thought that Lizzie’s character was slightly more developed than Solie, and that helped to strengthen and establish the romance between her and Ril. I also loved that Ril wasn’t fully healed from the previous events in the first book, and it was a permanent thing which was interesting to see because I half expected that he would be somehow healed. And again, L.J Mcdonald again surpasses tropes and expectations which I was happy to see because it gave Ril’s character more depth. Shattered in mind and in body from the previous book, Ril did not think he was worthy of Lizzie – even though he imprinted himself on her as a child. Although I am not a fan of the imprinting/Soul Mates trope, L.J Mcdonald’s take does work and fits into the world-building and it did not appear icky or forced in any way. It was also a good point to have her other potential suitor Justin as a contrast and rival to Ril’s imprinting – although Lizzie never had any strong feelings for him, but I found that this trope was well done.

My only gripe is Justin’s character. I found his character pretty whiny and annoying. His role in the latter part of the book became redundant – especially since a lot of focus was set on him in the story, but towards the end of the plot it fizzled out and was ignored. I was kind of disappointed because it felt the tension and hate he had with Ril was leading up to something, but nothing happened and it was anti-climatic. Maybe this plot point might be resolved or explored in the next book.

I think The Shattered Sylph was a great follow up in the Sylph series, and its expands the world that is vibrant and colourful, but also brutal and violent that helped to build up an epic like tone. I eagerly look forward to the next book – which from the sounds of it, features a hilarious couple – but also the repercussions and fallout which will affect all of the Sylphs.(less)

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Nov 18, 2012 Deanna Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: keep

OMG! I know it's probably not proper to start a book review with OMG but I don't care. McDonald has done it again with the 2nd book in her Sylph series, and again I find myself compelled to turn to the beginning again and re-read it when I have only just read the last page. She made me cry, she made me laugh, and she made me fall in love all over again.

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Mar 31, 2012 B.E. rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved The Battle Sylph, so when I went looking for the sequel, I was a little leery - afraid that it might not hold a candle to the original. I was so wrong. The Shattered Sylph is an amazing story. I just wish I hadn't waited so long to buy a copy. Now I have to find out if there's a third one floating around out there somewhere and if not, why?

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Nov 02, 2012 Kasey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, series, pnr-uf, historical

Meh. Not nearly as exciting as the previous installment. Kept waiting for the story to be more about Ril, but it felt like filler for the series. And the end felt like it was missing a chapter or two, as it simply just ENDED. In fact, I turned the page and thought, "Wait. No. That was IT?!"

That being said, the story was interesting and it's still a worthwhile read. However, I felt like book 1 left us with the potential for a great story (about Ril & Lizzie) to be told, and when it happened,...more

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May 21, 2010 Jenna rated it 4 of 5 stars

I like the 2nd in this series even more than the first. The relationship between Ril and Lizzy seemed more real somehow, probably because she grew up with Ril in the house as her father's battle sylph. The intrigue was very interesting since it involved slavery and gladiators and such.

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Aug 16, 2010 Maybaby rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Maybaby by: L.J McDonald

This was enourmous fun to read! I liked the first book in the series but L.J McDonald soundly trumped her first book with this sequel. I can't recommend it enough for those who like fantasy with a bit of romance added into the mix.

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Sep 27, 2011 Sheila Grindatti rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book had a few more parts that were harder to read.... only because I found myself so wrapped up in the characters I was yelling at them and had to put the book down to get a grip.
On that note I liked the book and can't wait to see where the author takes the story.

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Dec 22, 2011 Joy Daniels rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-favorite-paranormals

I loved both the Battle Sylph (book one) and this book, #2 in the series (trilogy?) The author does a wonderful job creating a brand-new kind of fantasy world, a race of fascinating creatures with an insect-like society. Sexy, exciting and emotionally complex. Highly recommended.

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About L.J. McDonald

I first started writing in 1986, when my grade ten English teacher read some of my poetry and said that I had talent. I was so floored at the concept that I started writing short stories. My parents weren't quite so thrilled that I was doing something that took my away from my schoolwork, so I arranged to write a novel for two school credits, thereby turning writing into homework. Those two credi...more I first started writing in 1986, when my grade ten English teacher read some of my poetry and said that I had talent. I was so floored at the concept that I started writing short stories. My parents weren't quite so thrilled that I was doing something that took my away from my schoolwork, so I arranged to write a novel for two school credits, thereby turning writing into homework. Those two credits resulted in the creation of the novel Cure for the Phoenix, which I haven't read in over twenty years and which will likely not see the light of day. Even now I remember it as being quite clichéd, though my husband likes it.
I did make some attempts to get published over the years, and almost made it at one point, but other things were on my mind. To me, not submitting was easier than dealing with rejection slips, so I stopped trying. I did still keep on writing though. It's true that for writers, it's a compulsion. I just never considered the idea that anyone other than my husband would want to read any of it.
That changed when I picked up a book titled Moongazer by Marianne Mancusi. It had an ad in it for the Shomi Romantic Fantasy Novel Writing Contest, where the winner would get a guaranteed publishing contract in Canada and the United States. I mentioned it to my husband and he nagged me until I entered the first three chapters of The Battle Sylph in March of 2008. Sometime after that, I was wandering the Shomi site and found a link to a page detailing what features the judges were looking for. Other than my book being fantasy, I hadn't done a single thing on the list and figured I must have lost. My husband said, okay, wait for them to confirm that, then ship it out to the next company. You're not hiding for the next twenty years this time.
So, time passed, and the contest closed. The day after the winner was chosen, I was emailed by someone at Shomi who did confirm that, yes, I'd lost the contest, but the head Editor liked my three chapters so much he wanted to see the rest of the book. So I had a minor heart attack and sent it in. I then heard nothing until November 2008, when I was contacted by Chris Keeslar, Senior Editor for Dorchester Publishing, asking if the book was still available. I said yes, as were the four sequels. A week later, he bought the first three books in the series and I had another near heart attack. I also decided I needed an agent.
It's a lot easier to find an agent when you submit emails with subject lines that read "I have a guaranteed publishing contract for three novels - need an agent". Within a month, I'd signed with Michelle Grajkowski with the Three Seas Literary Agency, and the rest, hopefully, will be happy history for everyone.

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