Warriors of the Heynai

by M.J. Webb

The Heynai bestowed upon the people of Estia one great weapon to fight the forces of evil, a set of five stones which possess unlimited powers. They housed them in a protective box and entrusted it to a Keeper, a guardian chosen from Earth. For centuries, the Stones and the Keepers defended their world against wizards, tyrants and armies. Until the day that two ordinary fifteen year old boys from England broke them.In ‘Jake West – The Keeper of the Stones’ the boys fought battles, freed an entire army from slavery, and waged war against an evil wizard and his legions of murderous beasts. Now, the beleaguered Rebel Army is marching to the city of Dassilliak, pursued by the tyrant, King Vantrax, his savage beast warlord, Sawdon, and his entire Northern Army. Ahead of them lies a sizeable enemy force which is waiting to spring a deadly trap. They are running out of time and they are in desperate need of a miracle. The only weapon they have lies in ruins. Jake West is the only one who can restore it. But Jake and the seriously wounded Ben have gone home!

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Middle Grade

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2011

About the author

M J Webb lives and works in the heart of England. A short while after the birth of his two children he found himself wanting to do something for them. To give them something from him they could hopefully be proud of.
The Jake West trilogy was the result.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Webb/e/B0...
http://www.amazon.com/M-J-Webb/e/B004...
These books are easy reading, penned for anyone above the age of twelve who has a little imagination.

In September 2022 A Child of Szabo was published. This is a high octane adult thriller which will appeal to readers of Lee Child, Mark Greaney, Tom Cain etc.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Child-Szabo-...

In 2024 he published Realm of Ruin. This is an adult fantasy standalone with a little spice so 18+. It's fast-paced and full of action. A few twists.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Realm-Ruin-B...

2025 saw the release of fast-paced action thriller 'The Ajax File' which is suitable for 16+. https://www.amazon.com/Ajax-File-M-J-...

M J Webb is also an avid reader. He reads historical fiction, fantasy, young adult novels, military and thriller/adventure stories.
His rating system;

5 - Absolutely loved it. Couldn't put it down.
4 - Great book. Interesting and well crafted.
3 - Not bad at all. Too easy to put down however.
2 - Didn't grip me. A bit of a struggle.
1 - Sorry, not for me.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment of the Jake West series and it really, really, REALLY good!
In this book, Jake tries not only to save himself, his old and new friends and restore the stones but also tries to save another world from annihilation.
This book is full of twists and turns that leave the reader on the edge of his or her seat. I didn't want to put the book down.
Anyone who is interested in YA and fantasy should definitely take the time to sit down and read this book and its companions!

I can't wait to read the 3rd book!!

Thank you!!

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake west - warriors of the Heynai is book 2 in the fast paced Jake West series by M.J Webb.
M.J Webb jumps right into the story with brilliant descriptions of the lands and characters. I love the way M.J Webb takes you on a adventure and makes you feel like that you are in the story.
I absolutely loved the 2nd book in the Jake West series. I truly recommended M.J Webb's books and look forward to reading more by the author.
🌟I was gifted a copy of the book from the author in exchange for a honest review.

[Yvette Calleiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Jake West series. Although the author does a good job of briefly summarizing book one, I would highly recommend that readers read book one before reading this book. It will allow you to fully understand what is happening and the growth that the characters make.

This book picks up with Ben seriously wounded and Jake having to face his father while also realizing that his grandfather is not dead yet. He has a choice to stay safe at home with his family, but he chooses to keep his promise to those of the other world and help them fight King Vantrax and all of his evil.

This book pulled me in even deeper than I already was with the first one. Anyone who loves war stories or books that focus on strategic battles will LOVE this series. It is not usually my genre (though the Lord of the Rings trilogy is still one of my faves), but this story grips you and makes you keep rooting for the good guys no matter what the odds (and the odds are definitely against them).

The characters are very well developed. They all have flaws which keep them human, but their courage and comradship make them so endearing. I love Ben's character for his humor and the things he blurts out. I enjoyed the introduction of the new characters that helped moved the story along. I love that some characters from book one came back when you least expected it (don't want to give anything away...I hate spoilers).

This book continued with the VERY long descriptive scenes which I must admit I skimmed through at times because I wanted to get back to the action. The author does a beautiful job of describing the different species and the scenery; I'm just really bad at being patient enough to read it all. The author also uses British words in some parts, but it isn't enough to deter an American reader from understanding anything. There are certain "words" which started to become a little annoying ("Srr," "Raaar"), but again I just skipped over them. None of that took away from my enjoyment of the storyline.

And again, the author left us in a cliff-hanger which I absolutely LOVED! Those are my favorite kind of stories because it makes your mind go crazy with your own ideas and your fingers itch to pick up the next one. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy or epic wars/battles.

Note to parents: This book contains a LOT of violence so I wouldn't recommend it for the preteen. There is no profanity, vulgarity or sexual scenes, but the violence can be pretty heavy at times.

[Jonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this novel Webb jumps right into the action of the story, and this action comes with a huge twist from the first installment, while still picking up exactly where it left off. The action continues throughout the entire novel without a single dull moment. There are lots of laughs coupled with even more adventures.

The descriptions in this novel remain just as clear as in the first. I also appreciate that you get a better picture of what the lands look like. Descriptions are about more than just people and events now. The differences between the various peoples of the land also becomes abundantly clear. Throughout this volume the reader can see what they all look, act, and sound like.

The characters in this novel continue to be very real (while not necessarily realistically human) and they pull you further and further into the story with their trials. I love the fact that mid quest some of the characters can stop and halve a conversation about picking up girls. It just adds to their realism. The characters also remain consistent between the first and second volumes of the series. No one magically gets a new personality. Also, no one’s speech patterns change.

I love the way that Webb fills the reader in on the history of the lands. Rather than simply having a long narrative he has certain characters telling stories about past events or certain areas. This helps keep up the fast pace of the novel while filling everyone in on background. He also dangles the stories throughout the novel so you don’t have any information overloads.

Putting the date at the start of various sections is an easy, effective way to show the progression of time in a novel. Webb does so in such a way that it doesn’t intrude on or break the flow of his story telling. By integrating it right into a sentence the progression is pointed out subtly, not breaking your concentration on everything else. It also helps the reader determine what events are happening in tandem as the author does flip back and forth between the two main forces and the hero’s quest. All the while everything remains quite real.

As a whole this novel was such a fun, exhilarating read that I hated to see it end. The characters overcome their trials against all odds again and again. You cannot help but want to be part of their world. By the end of the novel you also want to grab the next as you need to know how their quests end.

[John Dizon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warriors of the Heynai by MJ Webb is the sequel to the author’s debut fantasy novel which follows hot on the heels of the original. Once again we follow the exploits of Jake West as he continues along the crusade to depose the evil King Vantrax and his brutal hordes. Only Jake has been transported back to his own world in the opening scenes at the deathbed of his grandfather, whose mystical stones provided the portal to where Jake becomes the next family war hero. Overcoming his grief, he makes his way back to the side of Princess Zephany, joining forces with the Estians to rejoin the cataclysmic battle.

There is not a whole lot of missing pieces requiring the reader to pick up Jake West – The Keeper of the Stones to get up to speed, though it is just as enjoyable a read and highly recommended. Webb brings us into the mix with seamless transition as his friend Ben Brooker makes a reappearance along with the King’s evil henchman Sawdon. There’s lots of swords and sorcery, teenage romance and rollicking fun ahead. Pick up a copy of Warriors of the Heynai by MJ Webb and prepare to be thoroughly entertained.

[Isis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Two is a continuation of the trials and tribulations the boys face as they each seek to fulfill their role in this new world. Jake, while having the hopes of the entire world on his shoulders may just have it easier, for he knows his role to play. But Ben is along for the ride, supporting Jake.

There is easily as much, if not more, action in this book than in the first. Yet the characters continue to develop nicely and with depth one might not expect in a story of this nature. Mr. Webb has done an excellent job with the boys, showing them as they mature, but never letting us forget that they are still two 15 year old school-boys. Webb has done a very nice balancing job between creating a fantasy world and keeping the two main characters grounded in a reality that manages to straddle both worlds they currently inhabit.

Like Book One, this book ends well, answering some questions and still leaving more than enough to draw the reader back to the series the moment Book Three becomes available. A solid series that looks as if it will stand the test of time nicely.

[Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe that the best review that a reader can give a book is when they say that they can't put the book down. This is most certainly the case with Jake West -Warriors of the Heynai. The only two things that prevented me from reading the book from cover to cover in one go was work and sleep!!! I had read the previous book - Jake West -Keeper of the Stones - and was awaiting the second book with great anticipation...And I wasn't disappointed. Jake West - Warriors of the Heynai is a thrill ride from start to finish, full of suspense and drama. That, coupled with the believable and likable characters, makes for a very entertaining read. Both books have been recieved with much excitement, definitely from this reader, and I am not on my own. I am looking forward to the next installment of Jake West with great anticipation and I am eager to see how the story unfolds. These books are a must for all fans of this genre and they will certainly appeal to readers of all ages.....

[Charity Parkerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic fantasy adventure
Jake West is back in a new time travel adventure. This time around, we meet The
Warriors of the Heynai, as Jake sets out to restore the box of stones and keep
his promise to defeat King Vantrax . The twists and turns will leave you on the
edge of your seat. You'll cheer for Jake's success, and hold your breath during the
moments, that failure seems imminent.

This book is written in 3rd person, and it broke my heart from the very beginning,
but luckily, Webb found a way to bring the reader back from the brink of
depression. I read somewhere that M.J. Webb had been compared to C.S.
Lewis, but I think that it should be the other way around, because M.J. Webb is a
powerhouse in his own right.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy adventures.

~Author Charity Parkerson

[megHan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as good as the last. New characters, more adventures, another battle ... I cannot wait to find out what happens in book 3.

I know I can be like others and really go into the storyline, but I feel that seriously detracts from the enjoyment of the story. I will tell you that you will be surprised by what joins the rebel army ... and by what King Vantrax is able to summon because of the magic he holds. I caught myself holding my breath so many times, hoping upon hope that things would turn out ok and would be totally shocked by the outcomes.

I so far highly recommend this trilogy. Just one more to go. :)


I was given this trilogy by the author with the promise of an HONEST review.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is getting better and better, I think. I love a little but of time travel. I have read the first book in this series and so far I like how this author writes. I think if you like to read books about time travel you should check it out. This book has a little bit of everything in it for you beside just time travel. * I was given this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Mirrani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warriors of the Heynai is perhaps better for young readers who are looking for something to read to kill time than it is for anyone who is looking for a book that they can't put down. It continues the concept of traveling to another world and being a leader in that world with powers that you never would have had in your own.

Kinks from the first novel seem to be worked out a little better in this, the second of the series. We have moved past long back story and clumsy descriptions, however there are still times when we are told something is happening instead of having it described to us.

Characters are true to themselves in this book, almost to the point of being repetitive. You can easily anticipate when someone is going to be coming in with a remark or what they are going to react to.

I felt that there was more story to this book than the previous one, more direction for the plot to take. Our adventurers are traveling the world on an actual quest, rather than trying to work their way through the events of a world they know litte about, as was happening in the previous story. Readers discover that Jake's stones can do much more than we originally thought possible and begin a journey to repair the broken box which will provide the rightful king with the power to dethrone his brother and put right to the world.

A story full of travel, battle, and magic, Warriors of the Heynai is stitching up an interesting story of responsibility, strength and courage that young readers should enjoy as an entertaining read.

Note: Though this book was a free gift from the author, the content of my review was in no way influenced by the gifting. The book speaks for itself and my review would have been worded just this way even if I'd gone out and bought it.

[Kami · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me by the author for an honest review. Thank You.

This book starts where the last one left off, in a hospital and someone close to Jake is dead. “The stones were a mighty weapon given to the people of Estia by the Heynai, spirits who entrusted the box to the Keepers, ancestors of Jake's from Earth. It had survived centuries, protecting the world and countless others from harm, and Jake and Ben had broken it!” This book starts out pretty good. The writing is stronger and there are less cliches. I am still confusing Vantrax's name with a herpes medication in my head. I was liking Jake more in this book. Ben is kind of annoying. I wasn't really caring at all about any of the other characters. Jake, Ben, Tien and Verastus are on a quest to restore the broken stones. King Artex is trying to raise an army. Vantrax is trying to kill off everyone and raise a zombie army. There are a lot of exciting moments happening. Towards the middle I started getting bored again. I would read a little, then get bored, then go back to it and read a little. But I really had a hard time getting into it and it wasn't really holding my attention too well. Once The Battle of Dassilliak started I was liking it again and it was getting really exciting. This author writes really good battle scenes and I was getting into them but the filler in between was boring me. The book ended well and got really exciting. I was liking it again towards the end. This book was better than the first one. If that continues to hold true then the third book should be the best. I guess I will need to pick up the last book so as to see how this series ends. 3.5 stars.

[saad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of the Jake West series is much better than the first book and I give it a rating of 3.5 STARS.

Like the first book I received this one too for free from the author in return for a review. Thank you Mr. Webb.

I would have given this book a solid 4 stars but for the fact that some of the shortcomings of the first book(The Keeper of the Stones)continue in this one.

The writing style and narration could still be better. There are some spelling and punctuation errors. The narration and the dialogues of the characters continue to be melodramatic most of the time.

I still find Ben irritating. His attempts at humour seem lame to me most of the time and it feels as if he is trying too hard to be funny. Even when the situation requires him to be serious he either makes a lame attempt at being funny or says something so immature that I want to shout at him to shut up.

However on the bright side, the book has a really good plot that is fast paced, with lots of action. There is never a dull moment throughout the book.

The character of Jake is more mature in the second book.It was nice to see that even though he has a lot of powers, he is not infallible and he still has to pick his fights.

On the whole this is a good book that will appeal to the readers of Fantasy,YA genre and it has and ending that will keep you guessing as to how the story will progress in the next book of the series.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment of the Jake West series and ooooooo it is good, it has everything you could possibly want in a book, other worlds, strange cultures and races, battles between good and evil, huge near impossible quests, spirit guides, best friends (who constantly eat), bravery in the face of adversity, winged horses, mystical stones and best of all fire breathing dragons (I do like a dragon...I'm with Ben, they would make great pets). In this installment we follow Jake as he tries not only to save himself, his old and new friends and restore the stones but while he tries to save another world from annihilation.

Webb has taken his work to the next level as the story picks up pace, pulling the reader from one epic battle to another with moments of uneasy quiet between, where you catch your breath, take stock and prepare for the next battle of wills, spells and undead armies. I don't want to give too much away but the battles in this book will leave you as breathless as Tolkien's epic sieges (you may want to get in supplies beforehand because you will not be leaving your seat until the very last page).

My previous concerns over the length of each characters inner monologues has been blown out of the water and left hanging by Webb's flowing prose and rapid story telling that leave no doubt that this series will just get better and better. Now to eagerly await the next installment of Jake West and friends...lets not leave it too long shall we...

[Cesar M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I have to say that I really enjoyed this second book in the Jake West series. The story really moves on, always keeping you wondering whats around the corner. Jake the main charachter matures a lot during in this book as he faces new challenges and has plenty of new powers to finesse. But whilst the story explains his powers, he is still limited in his abilities until the stones are restored.
Ben his best friend has also learnt how to stand on his own two feet, to fight within his capabilities but also to make a mark separate from Jake.
Princess Zephany also has to make a step forward into adulthood as she faces challenges of her own, and almost fails but for some last minute intervention from Jake (she may thank him later for that?), but she has to stand and convince others to fight, she has to lead the fight herself, and towards the end of the book she assumes control of the rebels.
I was a bit confused at the end of the book, as I half expected an army of dragons to appear and destroy the Kings army, but it didn't happen, which leaves me wondering if such a thing will happen in the last book of the series.
Also left on a knife edge is the fate of the rebel King, who is left laying injured in the fallen city, unable to move whilst recovering from his injuries. For the time being he has remained hidden, but will his brother find him? I have to wait for the next book to find out.

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake West Book Two


The first Jake West story left us, not so much with a cliffhanger, as with a strong sense of Jake’s determination. He has found his destiny, learned his purpose, and he is dedicated to living it-somehow. But Book Two again throws us into the emotional turmoil, commencing the story with Author Webb’s trademark dialogue and speedy plotting. As we know from life, once we find our destiny, events are more likely to turn topsy-turvy than they are to run straight and smooth, and this proves to also be the case for young Jake Webb, the “Keeper.”
Jake elicits reader’s empathy; he recognizes and acknowledges his emotions, positive and negative, making it easier for the reader to see him as “a real person,” someone we might actually know. And the suspension of disbelief, our ability to believe the worlds the author creates, comes easily and naturally. I had no problem switching from “real life” to the understanding of Jake’s other worlds-one just flowed naturally out of the other.

This book, like the first in Jake’s series, will appeal to YA, but also to middle-grade readers and even to adults (such as myself) because both books have so much going for them: characterisations, plotting, rapid pace, realistic emotions, and well-drawn world-building. Don’t delay in getting both of these books; set aside a nice duration to read; and get acquainted with young Jake West. You’ll be happy you did.

[M.J. Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book and I've agonised over rating it myself. I have seen on this site that most authors do however and so I give it 5 stars; one of the many 5 star ratings on Amazon.co.uk is shown below.
It was penned for teens and young adults. It's a bit of fun and escapism, nothing more.


"Jake West and Ben are back! After following their epic journey across Estia in the previous book in the series, I couldn’t wait to continue reading. The boys face many perils in their search to repair the stones. The plot was gripping, dramatic and full of action. Many new characters are introduced including the mysterious titular Heynai, spirits that assist Jake throughout his quest.

Surely the stars of this novel are Jake West, Ben, and the brilliant Princess Zephany. What positive role models! I was entranced by the majesty and mystery of Estia once again!

M. J. Webb is an excellent storyteller and I was thrilled to return to his world."

Aimee (Review from site)

[Tracy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Adventure Continues…”

Once again, M.J. Webb, has taken me on another amazing adventure! As the story continues, Jake, with the help of old friends and new, continues his journey through the madness of war throughout the land of Estia. As his powers of the Keeper continue to grow, he is also joined by the mysterious warriors of the Heynai, a group of magical spirits who help to guide him in his efforts to save the people of Estia from the tyranny of King Vantrax, brother of the rightful king, Artrex and his warrior daughter, Zephany. With more twist and turns than the first, the battle for Estia rages on and it appears that all is likely to be lost unless Jake can fulfill his part of the prophecy. In just a nick of time, Jake rejoins his friends in the middle of battle and the story leaves off as Jake and friends move on to prepare for the greatest battle of all. Kudos again to M.J. Webb’s amazing story-telling! Still looking forward to the next!

[Michael Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warriors of the Heynai continues to follow the story of keeper Jake and the rebel army as they strive to survive the onslaught of the evil sorcerer Vantrax.

I liked this book much better than the first book. The writing style is similar to the first book, but slightly better in my opinion. It is still written to juveniles but it is more palatable for adults. All the characters have really hit their stride this go around and the story telling is quick-paced and thrilling. The plot of the book is where things really shine, and it kept my interest the entire time. This is a book of action and of war. I felt myself drawn into the world and into the plight of characters. While the first book succeeded in me hating certain characters, this book helped me to love others. If you read the first one and enjoyed it well enough, then you will enjoy the continuing story.

See my reviews at http://www.michaelscifan.us

[Sarah Martinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even more than the first one! This book continues the adventure with Jake, Ben, Zephany and the others in a fast paced adventure, still trying to save Estia from the evil sorcerer King Vantrax.

This book, Warriors of the Heynai, takes on a Lord of the Rings and Eragon style of writing. Right off the bat, this story draws you in when an event happens that you couldn't believe possible, and continues with many heart stopping and even heart wrenching events that keep you turning the pages to find out if everything turns out alright in the end!

I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the history of Estia better. I also enjoyed many of the new characters and can't help but route for them as they continue their journey.

All in all, this is a great book that will keep your pages turning, and will fill your imagination with an incredible journey. I definitely recommend this book to any who love fantasy and adventure!

[Monaliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me by the author for an honest review.

The "Warriors of the Heynai" is the continuation of Jake West's quest into Rhuaddan (another world which is a mixture of old west with kings and monsters and MANY battles). I think this book was much more interesting and quick paced than the previous one.

Jake continues to be amazing as a Keeper, but Ben is kind of moaning too much. However, they are best friends and continue together and look out for one another. They continue their fight against the evil King Vantrax. With the help of spirits (the heynai) Jake, Ben, Verastus and the wizard Tien they will try to fix the stones that might change the war that has been going on in Rhuaddan.
This book is definitely a MUST read.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like the first book in the series I found Warriors of Heynai an entertaining fantasy read. I also say it's more of a younger teen read than a YA book.

Warriors of the Heynai was easier to read and more interesting than The Keeper of the Stones. This could be due to the reader knowing more about the characters and places. Loved reading about the old and new characters and more about Estia. Battle scenes were great but did find some scenes too descriptive. I must say, I loved the twists and turns throughout the story. And once again a major cliffhanger at the end of the book.

Thankyou M J for giving me answers to questions I had in the first book but now I have heaps of new ones left unanswered.

Here I come book 3.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Webb has done an excellent job with the second installment of The Jake West series. Jake and Ben continue their adventure in a strange land where they meet fierce and interesting creatures. The Heynai choose to guide Jake and his friends along their way to the hopeful victory over the evil wizard Vantrax. They have many obstacles that they have to face where Jake's will and leadership skill is tested. Vantrax has them on the run but hopeful in the next installment we will see a victory for Jake and his friends. I can't wait!

[Mrsfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read keeper of the stones on holiday couldn't wait to get back to get this book and I haven't been disappointed an excellent read I recommend everyone to give this author a go my best advice is to buy Keeper of the Stones, Warriors of Heynai and the third in the trilogy the Estian Alliance at the same time you will not want to wait to get the next adventure they really are a good read, congratulations Mr Webb!!!!

[Karley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a young boy and his best friend travelling to another world/realm and it is up to them to save everyone or it will destroy everything including their own world. It is full of Magic, action and mythical characters. These books are for young adults and older.

I really enjoyed this book , at first I was shocked at the total change in Ben but hang in there, it will make sense in the end :)
It is full on from the start with excitement and action!

[Bruce Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book lead into a much bigger picture of all those hero’s that make this story it is a turning of a story of how one person is capable of reaching the hearts of those around them and helping them make the choices they have for the greater good. I love the interaction of all the characters that are needed to make one hero special. For we never truly do things on our own. Life brings us to people and places that help us be who we are. I see that build up in this book.

[Craig Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fantastic follow on from book one. lots of action and the storie never faulters or becomes boring, always wanting to know what is going to happen next. book Three bring it on

[Lisa Billinghurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book with lots of twists and turns again. A book I didn't want to put to down at times. Rolling book 3

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more book reviews, please visit: Thoughts and Pens.

In this second installment of The Keeper of Stones, Jake West and the gang took us again into the world of Rhuaddan via time travel. The Warriors of the Heynai immediately picked up from where the first book left. This time, Jake wasn’t only facing the dilemma of saving Rhuaddan and the fixing of the stones but he must also race against time to save Ben from the clutches of death. With this almost impossible task, Jake discovered another perk of being a Keeper, the ability to do time travel. Saving Ben was successful. But would Jake be successful in completing his quest for the stones?

Being a fantasy lover that I am, I have this obsessive-compulsive tendency to finish all the books in the series despite the fact that I was greatly disappointed with the first one. Maybe because I always see the silver lining ahead, that things would get better in the next one. With the Warriors of the Heynai, I am in a way glad that things were looking better as compared with the first book. Jake and the gangs’ adventures in this book were great. From the time travel to the breathtaking quests to the large-scale battles, everything was admirable. Such magnitude should have been hard to pull off but M.J. had done it gracefully.

The world building was absorbing. There were a lot of instances that I got lost in it relishing Rhuaddan’s beauty and its veiled horrors. M.J. managed to create a world that is at par with that of J.R.R Tolkien’s LOTR Middle-Earth. Every place was superbly described that navigating becomes a subconscious adventure.

The new creatures presented in this book are created with excellence and as such, perfect to give dignity to a wonderful place such as Rhuaddan. The zombie army and the Lords of Srenul were the ones who made a significant impact on me. They are just cool and wished that I have seen a lot of them in this book.

Though kind of impressed with how this book turned out, I cannot fully say that this greatly satisfied me. Most unfortunately, the elements that I didn’t like in the first were carried to this book. It was still full of verbosity. Creature description seemed a lot to take in. POVs were still crazily alternated that it was confusing. For the love of books, I understand that there’s a need for readers to relate to the characters but it doesn’t necessarily mean that readers should take a look at every character’s train of thought just to achieve that. This kind of approach has seriously given me a headache.

Moreover, almost every character gave me an impression that they were “trying hard Shakespearians” with all their melodramatic dialogues and thoughts. It really gave me the creeps and the ewwws. I understand that there’s a need for such a thing especially if it’s a moment of tension but if it’s done almost always, then I’m going to have to stamp my foot. Even the normal dialogues and interactions have it that everything seems off. For me, there’s always the right moment to deliver that melodramatic, tear worthy dialogue.

Also, the problem that I have with the character development from the first book reoccurred in this one. It was somewhat forced or something. Take Jake for example. He was described as an ordinary boy who is at ease and certainly loves to laugh. I didn’t see that. Instead, I saw a boy who instantly became matured and a total bore without even transition...that in-between phase before becoming a fully matured adult. And what really annoyed me most is Ben. He is just a retarded immature who loves to spew corny jokes. Immaturity can be fun if one knows when to strike. And using that as a premise to deliver a joke can be a hit or miss. But take my word for it, in Ben’s case that was a total miss… epic fail. Boom. The only person that I learned to like in this book is Zephany. But there is still a possibility that I’m going to hate her if she doesn’t stop talking in melodramatic tones whenever she has the chance to talk.

And before I start boring you, my dear friends, I’m going to wrap this review for now. If you like getting lost in epic battles of heroism or pursuing an action packed journey with winged horses or Medusa-like dragons or exploring a cosmic world of extra ordinariness, then this book is highly recommended.

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great start to the story rates 4 stars, but after that the story dragged. Really, this book was just the transition time between Jake arriving in the first book and the big battle in the next book.

I would abandon the series, because I don't really enjoy reading the story, but I do want to know what is going to happen to Jake, Ben & Zephany.

Likes:
* Shifting point of view between, Jake & co. (Ben, Tien & giant Falorian, Verastus), Princess Zephany, King Artrex and evil King Vantrex
* Old, retired legendary warrior, ????
* King Artrex's friend and commander, Knesh

* Made progress retrieving the Blood Stone, Eye of Tonall??
* Awaking dragon, Gellsorr
* Winged horses
* Heynei guardians
* Demons and warriors resurrected and summoned by King Vantrex


Dislikes:
* Awkward unpronounceable names, strange interjections and long repeated spells were irritating and caused me to stumble during my reading
* SLOOOWW middle and end
* Just because cliche's are placed in quotes doesn't make them okay
* The boys hood terms were irritating (innit, ya, yeah, bro, etc)

* From where I sit, the bad guys are winning
* Cannot figure out the audience for these stories, true epic connoisseurs would not appreciate the cliches and colloquial terminology


For-review:
Received a free copy for review from author.