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Morgana Trilogy #2
Rise of the Fey
When Morgan was sent to her family home in Fond-du-Lac, Wisconsin, a small part of her had hoped that it meant she would finally get the family life she'd always dreamed of. Instead, she was propelled into another world under Lake Winnebago where kids like her are trained to become knights in a millennia-old fight against the Fey.
Now, after having been an unwilling key to liberating Carman, the worst she-demon of modern times, Morgan finds herself locked up in jail. All because of what her parents were. But Morgan's done with playing nice and following orders—not that she was ever that good at it—and it's high time she took her own destiny into her own hands. Before the knights execute her, and certainly before Carman destroys the whole world in her rage.
Now, after having been an unwilling key to liberating Carman, the worst she-demon of modern times, Morgan finds herself locked up in jail. All because of what her parents were. But Morgan's done with playing nice and following orders—not that she was ever that good at it—and it's high time she took her own destiny into her own hands. Before the knights execute her, and certainly before Carman destroys the whole world in her rage.
500 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2014
35 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Alessa Ellefson
15 books78 followersOgre killer, witch subduer, bookkeeper for the Gnomes Of Terrible Hirsuteness Society, and Fairy documentarist, Alessa uses any spare time she has to write her accounts of the Fey kingdom before her memories can be wiped clean.
Curse of the Fey is the final installment in the Morgana Trilogy, a young adult fantasy series based on the memoirs of Morgan Pendragon that were relayed through the goodwill and resilience of pigeon messengers (a true feat in dragon- and harpy-infested skies).
Alessa is also the author and illustrator of the Mighty Pax's Misadventures children's book series, which currently includes A Christmas Tail, the Big Booboo, and Attack of the Fluffbutts! It is inspired by her dog Pax, the French bulldog with a heart of gold, who loves to snore away next to her while she works.
To keep up to date with her activities and latest investigative forays into the magical realms, check out her website!
Curse of the Fey is the final installment in the Morgana Trilogy, a young adult fantasy series based on the memoirs of Morgan Pendragon that were relayed through the goodwill and resilience of pigeon messengers (a true feat in dragon- and harpy-infested skies).
Alessa is also the author and illustrator of the Mighty Pax's Misadventures children's book series, which currently includes A Christmas Tail, the Big Booboo, and Attack of the Fluffbutts! It is inspired by her dog Pax, the French bulldog with a heart of gold, who loves to snore away next to her while she works.
To keep up to date with her activities and latest investigative forays into the magical realms, check out her website!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 19, 2015
Interesting concepts within the book, but I found the writer's craft let it down a little. I found Morgan sometimes quite an unlikable character despite my impression that the author was trying really hard to get me to admire her. The writing sometimes becomes a little confused, jumping from setting to setting, situation to situation quite suddenly meaning I sometimes have to reread the passage to understand whats going on.
However I did enjoy the use of little known words casually, forcing the reader's vocab to expand. The reworking of the traditional Arthurian legends into the modern day was well executed. I hope the author continues her writing, this was clearly a first novel but with practice I think she could produce excellent work.
However I did enjoy the use of little known words casually, forcing the reader's vocab to expand. The reworking of the traditional Arthurian legends into the modern day was well executed. I hope the author continues her writing, this was clearly a first novel but with practice I think she could produce excellent work.
September 15, 2021
3,5 stars out of five.
I am an absolute of Alessa Ellefson and her Morgana Trilogy, if only for the way she forces me to think about the meaning or to look up certain Latin anatomy terms. This is definitely a book that pushes you to expand your knowledge! I was also very much fascinated by the reflection of Bri on how to reposition the guards in order to better protect the school.
As always, Alessa masters subtle irony and interior monologues. Morgan is torn between her new double identity and the world she is called upon to protect when Arthur chooses her as his squire. However, as is rarely the case, except for a Disney movie, characters are not black and white. Each people has a just(ified) reason to defend its world by all means necessary. Knights have been butchered by Fey. Fey have been either killed or reduced to slavery or second-class citizenship by men. Still, there once was a time when Fey and men worked together to bring Carman, she who must not be named, into captivity.
I couldn't put the book down during the first 300 pages. It was so exciting, so exhilarating. Afterwards, I began to struggle a bit through the pages during the Lake High fellowship's visit to Caameloth and Morgan's captivity by Mordred. I realize they are essential plot twists, but I felt the plot was a tad stretched out.
That does not prevent me from looking, again, very much forward to the third and final novel. Can Morgan escape eternal doom? Can the balance be restored again? Will Morgan get all the answers she's been looking for? Will we get them? What will happen between Morgan and Arthur?
Alessa EllefsonRise of the Fey
I am an absolute of Alessa Ellefson and her Morgana Trilogy, if only for the way she forces me to think about the meaning or to look up certain Latin anatomy terms. This is definitely a book that pushes you to expand your knowledge! I was also very much fascinated by the reflection of Bri on how to reposition the guards in order to better protect the school.
As always, Alessa masters subtle irony and interior monologues. Morgan is torn between her new double identity and the world she is called upon to protect when Arthur chooses her as his squire. However, as is rarely the case, except for a Disney movie, characters are not black and white. Each people has a just(ified) reason to defend its world by all means necessary. Knights have been butchered by Fey. Fey have been either killed or reduced to slavery or second-class citizenship by men. Still, there once was a time when Fey and men worked together to bring Carman, she who must not be named, into captivity.
I couldn't put the book down during the first 300 pages. It was so exciting, so exhilarating. Afterwards, I began to struggle a bit through the pages during the Lake High fellowship's visit to Caameloth and Morgan's captivity by Mordred. I realize they are essential plot twists, but I felt the plot was a tad stretched out.
That does not prevent me from looking, again, very much forward to the third and final novel. Can Morgan escape eternal doom? Can the balance be restored again? Will Morgan get all the answers she's been looking for? Will we get them? What will happen between Morgan and Arthur?
Alessa EllefsonRise of the Fey
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2016
I love this series. my only complaint is sometimes Morgan just needs to shut up and stay back. I know she's supposed to be the hero, but honestly it never seems to work like that usually she makes everything horrible even worse. Also I just feel like for someone who wants to kick some serious ass she would be more dedicated to training. I like the books, but her lack of effort towards self preservation gets a tad old.
December 14, 2015
The story just keep getting better and better. I can't wait for the next book.
December 17, 2017
Waste of time
The protagonist is such a weak character who repeatedly makes stupid decisions and refuses to think toward the future. This whole series is a complete waste of time.
The protagonist is such a weak character who repeatedly makes stupid decisions and refuses to think toward the future. This whole series is a complete waste of time.
September 24, 2018
Main character is the worst.
July 14, 2018
Not quite sure what to make of Rise of the Fey, honestly.
While the first book started off slow and picked up in its later half, as any good introductory title would, the pacing in this one is just messy. Morgan is thrown at one place after another, giving her just enough time for respite in-between, and each time she tries to escape without much of a plan for what would happen afterwards. We see her and Arthur's relationship patchily develop, as do her powers, but not so much Morgan herself . During Blood of the Fey, the pacing made it easy to overlook Morgan's foolish recklessness. After roughly a combined thousand pages of rinsing and repeating, I can't say I appreciated the constant use of this trait to put her and her group in danger's way.
I'm hoping to see more of Morgan's growth later. Hopefully, by the end of this trilogy, she'll somewhat resemble the powerful sorceress that legends speak of—powerful in more than simply combat prowess. Overall, though, I found this to be quite a weak sequel.
As of Rise of the Fey, there are still many loose plot points that will undoubtedly be addressed in the final part of the trilogy, whenever that is released. One thing I really liked was Ellefson's ease when setting up such details for use much, much later. There wasn't much room in the last few pages to properly explain anything at all, but I trust we'll see it again in the third book.
While the first book started off slow and picked up in its later half, as any good introductory title would, the pacing in this one is just messy. Morgan is thrown at one place after another, giving her just enough time for respite in-between, and each time she tries to escape without much of a plan for what would happen afterwards. We see her and Arthur's relationship patchily develop, as do her powers, but not so much Morgan herself . During Blood of the Fey, the pacing made it easy to overlook Morgan's foolish recklessness. After roughly a combined thousand pages of rinsing and repeating, I can't say I appreciated the constant use of this trait to put her and her group in danger's way.
I'm hoping to see more of Morgan's growth later. Hopefully, by the end of this trilogy, she'll somewhat resemble the powerful sorceress that legends speak of—powerful in more than simply combat prowess. Overall, though, I found this to be quite a weak sequel.
As of Rise of the Fey, there are still many loose plot points that will undoubtedly be addressed in the final part of the trilogy, whenever that is released. One thing I really liked was Ellefson's ease when setting up such details for use much, much later. There wasn't much room in the last few pages to properly explain anything at all, but I trust we'll see it again in the third book.
May 10, 2021
This is a bad case of "too much ". Main heroine does not get a respite, she is thrown from one bad situation into another and if there is a pause, she finds trouble herself.
Now, for my biggest complaint. After book one I mentioned that the world is very confusing with lots of rules that are never properly explained. I hoped book two will clarify some, but ,to my dissapointment, author just keeps on heaping on more half information. I find the idea of this world very interesting, but when I have to piece every bit of information together myself, the scraps author gives, is not enough for proper world building. Maybe I am supposed to be better versed in mythology, know more lures to follow without explanations, but I found it hard, especially because author have changed the original concepts. I can't say the world building is weak, but it is definitely not good either.
I am also not sure I like any of main or side characters . I know the negatives of characters are supposed to make them more realistic, but traits author gives them are so strong, that they tend to overshadow any good. I struggled to relate, to understand and to forgive.
Is this book interesting? Definitely. Should you read it? Sure, why not. Just don't expect clarity.
Now, for my biggest complaint. After book one I mentioned that the world is very confusing with lots of rules that are never properly explained. I hoped book two will clarify some, but ,to my dissapointment, author just keeps on heaping on more half information. I find the idea of this world very interesting, but when I have to piece every bit of information together myself, the scraps author gives, is not enough for proper world building. Maybe I am supposed to be better versed in mythology, know more lures to follow without explanations, but I found it hard, especially because author have changed the original concepts. I can't say the world building is weak, but it is definitely not good either.
I am also not sure I like any of main or side characters . I know the negatives of characters are supposed to make them more realistic, but traits author gives them are so strong, that they tend to overshadow any good. I struggled to relate, to understand and to forgive.
Is this book interesting? Definitely. Should you read it? Sure, why not. Just don't expect clarity.
May 31, 2019
I absolutely love this series, and the author. People are writing bad reviews saying that the character is making too many mistakes, and I agree. But that is part of who she is.
I mean, you know that it’s a good book if you get so embarrassed or annoyed or angry at a character that you throw your book across the floor.
Of course, the ending of this book left me utterly confused and now I don’t know what I’m going to do until I get my greedy little hands on the third book.
In conclusion, I went through both the second and first book in a time span on two days. I’ve fallen in love with a couple of characters, and I adore how the main character is way-too realistic. Everyone makes mistakes, and I feel the embarrassment burn on my cheeks for Morgan when she does.
Can’t wait for the third!
I mean, you know that it’s a good book if you get so embarrassed or annoyed or angry at a character that you throw your book across the floor.
Of course, the ending of this book left me utterly confused and now I don’t know what I’m going to do until I get my greedy little hands on the third book.
In conclusion, I went through both the second and first book in a time span on two days. I’ve fallen in love with a couple of characters, and I adore how the main character is way-too realistic. Everyone makes mistakes, and I feel the embarrassment burn on my cheeks for Morgan when she does.
Can’t wait for the third!
September 20, 2019
This series is entertaining. Sometimes I feel like she kills people off too much and doesn’t give people a chance to be better. I also feel like the heroine dies A LOT in this book. Thank goodness she can heal herself. It would be nice to see her be able to eat one meal or sleep through one night without something happening. Does that make sense? It is almost too packed with action. I can’t seem to put the book down though and I am enjoying it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2018
Enjoyed reading both books so far. A little heavy on the Latin terminologt. I felt like the characters need a little more development. I want to be cheering for the heroes, and on edge when the villains challenge them.
Looking forward to the third story.
Looking forward to the third story.
May 7, 2022
I kept turning pages and couldn't stop for hours
Love being able to unravel Morgan's past while following this painstakingly slow love story move forward. A little revenge was so overdue that I'm expecting more to come.
Love being able to unravel Morgan's past while following this painstakingly slow love story move forward. A little revenge was so overdue that I'm expecting more to come.
August 29, 2020
Sooooo bad. Just skip it.
November 23, 2025
Think: a mix of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, with Arthur and Excalibur thrown in.
August 11, 2015
Loved the first book and this sequel did not disappoint! I'm not a big fan of urban fantasy but the fact that I've been looking forward to this second installment and am now eagerly awaiting the last one definitely speaks for how great a trilogy this is!
As much as I enjoyed this book, though, I found myself slightly annoyed with Morgan and Arthur.
I'm kind of torn about the anatomy terms. I love that they support Morgan's background knowledge in medicine and add a unique touch to the books, but at the same time I found that the narrative could get slightly jarring if used too much.
All in all, this book was fantastic with lots of surprising plot twists! Also, thank you for the sneak peek at the earlier chapters! A lot of my favorite authors set a release date for sequels only to push it back for another couple of years with little to no update for the readers (which I totally understand - life happens) so it was quite an unexpected treat to be able to read a new chapter each month during the duration of the postponement :) Can't wait to see how everything ties up in the last book!
As much as I enjoyed this book, though, I found myself slightly annoyed with Morgan and Arthur.
I'm kind of torn about the anatomy terms. I love that they support Morgan's background knowledge in medicine and add a unique touch to the books, but at the same time I found that the narrative could get slightly jarring if used too much.
All in all, this book was fantastic with lots of surprising plot twists! Also, thank you for the sneak peek at the earlier chapters! A lot of my favorite authors set a release date for sequels only to push it back for another couple of years with little to no update for the readers (which I totally understand - life happens) so it was quite an unexpected treat to be able to read a new chapter each month during the duration of the postponement :) Can't wait to see how everything ties up in the last book!
April 20, 2015
OK, once again I am cheating, putting in a review for my own book. But I'm still having a blast with the story, which has as much if not more action than the first book, and definitely more twists and turns.
I obviously can't write too much in here without revealing the plot before the book's published... Just know that Morgan's now decided to be a lot more proactive, and so have the Fey. Which makes the whole world that much more chaotic while the Arthur and the other knights scramble to stop Carman before she destroys all humans.
I obviously can't write too much in here without revealing the plot before the book's published... Just know that Morgan's now decided to be a lot more proactive, and so have the Fey. Which makes the whole world that much more chaotic while the Arthur and the other knights scramble to stop Carman before she destroys all humans.
May 4, 2015
Ahh. Wth is up with that kiss and not talking about it after? And that damn gift, really? Did no one determine it needed an explanation?!?! And the gorgeous but crazy and scary fey guys, what's the deal? I'm secretly holding out hope that she will turn AC into a good guy and he will be a hero. I know it won't happen, but a girl can dream. The sexual tension in that triangle leave me hoping for a got scene in the next book if a decision is made.
September 10, 2015
I couldn't wait for this second part of the trilogy because I was already in love with the unique and well thought-out characters. And I wasn't disappointed! I got to discover more aspects of Morgan's new world as well as new places, and it was all done without losing track of the heroine's journey, the latter being full of adventure, revelation and courage.
I highly recommend the story for both newbies and confirmed fantasy readers!
I highly recommend the story for both newbies and confirmed fantasy readers!
October 31, 2016
As well as for the first book, Rise of the Fey reads very fluently. You get sucked in the action immediately and it goes on till the end of the story. The story has a really good pace and it never gets boring. There is a really good balance between slow scenes on one hand and change in events on the other. The descriptions of the characters and the environment are very original. And of course, last but not least, the story itself is very compelling. Can't wait for the third part.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews