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Nightborn

(Thrones & Bones #2)

Lou Anders (Goodreads Author)

4.11 · Rating details · 485 ratings · 74 reviews

For fans of Lloyd Alexander and Brandon Mull comes Book 2 in the acclaimed Thrones and Bones fantasy-adventure trilogy that began with Frostborn.

Karn Korlundsson is a gamer. Not a riddle solver. But in order to rescue his best friend, Thianna Frostborn, he will need to travel to the faraway city of Castlebriar (by wyvern), learn how to play a new board game called Chari ...more

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Hardcover, 353 pages

Published July 14th 2015 by Crown Books for Young Readers

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Jun 08, 2017 Amy Plum rated it it was amazing

I'm reading this series out loud to my kids, and they are utterly taken with the characters and the story. (Talking about it out of context when we're just walking down the street, etc.) I can't recommend it highly enough! ...more

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May 18, 2015 Wendy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: children-s-books, fantasy

With thanks to Penguin Randomhouse for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"The outside world was the best kind of terrifying." With a tasty opening line like that, I know I'm in for some fun.

Nightborn is the second book in Anders' Thrones & Bones series. It returns us to the vast continent of Katarnia, which expands beyond the frozen north we discovered in the first book, Frostborn. It also begins by introducing us to a new race of people and t With thanks to Penguin Randomhouse for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"The outside world was the best kind of terrifying." With a tasty opening line like that, I know I'm in for some fun.

Nightborn is the second book in Anders' Thrones & Bones series. It returns us to the vast continent of Katarnia, which expands beyond the frozen north we discovered in the first book, Frostborn. It also begins by introducing us to a new race of people and the character of Desstra, a dark elf intent on fulfilling her dream of becoming a member of the deadly Underhand. Desstra is a rogue skilled in the fine arts of traps and poisons, but she lacks that killer instinct that defines the dark elves in general, and the Underhand in particular.

Soon enough, the story pops back over to Karn, the main protagonist of the series, and it quickly jumps into the adventure when Karn is summoned by the great dragon, Orm. Orm has a quest for Karn: find the Horn of Osius--because, as it turns out, the dragon-controlling instrument Orm destroyed in the first book was not the only one in existence. The other catch? Orm has already sent Thianna on this quest, but the half-giantess has disappeared.

Karn's friendship with Thianna is what spurs his decision and remains the key motivator of the story for both Karn and Desstra, who inevitably comes in contact with the boy, since the dark elves are also hunting for the horn for their own dastardly reasons. The adventure takes us into the southern lands where we get to meet more elves, gnomes, dwarfs, and the various other creatures typical of fantasy realms, though Anders adds his own little quirks to make them all fresh and interesting. Thianna is missing for a good chunk of the book, which is disappointing, but the giantess definitely makes up for it when she finally arrives on the scene.

The sense of adventure never slows down, teetering from challenging riddles and games (this book introduces the game called Charioteers) to battles and sieges and even a manticore driven chariot race that would impress and amuse Ben-Hur.

One of my favourite things about Anders' series is the way he interjects little bits of trivia into the story, ensuring that there's lots of learning as well as fun for all ages. I also like that he's not afraid to let things get a little dark, even in a kids book. Parents can determine whether or not their children are ready to handle man-eating monsters and assassins, but I'd rather have the dark mixed in with the light, than have it omitted all together. Still, Anders' sense of humour lends just the right touch to keep things from getting too scary.

www.BiblioSanctum.com ...more

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Mar 21, 2016 Short Reviews rated it really liked it

Shelves: i-adore-the-hero, middle-grade, interesting-villian, loved-it, can-t-get-enough-of-these-series, fantasy-olden-day-ish, sequel, hell-yea, best-group-of-friends

Going through a strange phase of not being able to finish any book, I had to force myself to read this one, and happily I enjoyed it. It starts off a little slow, but once it picked up, the story went full speed ahead.

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Jul 18, 2015 Brian Anderson rated it it was amazing

Wanted to add a few words on the book, instead of just stars. I honestly can't recommend this series enough. I could try, but you'd want me to zip it after three pages of gushing.

Since page one of the first book in the series I have loved these characters. They felt real, I felt homey in their homes (well, at least Karn's village). So much so, I had that cringing anticipation, knowing bad things were going to happen. That eager anticipation of the character's adventure is a rare thing in books. ...more

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Apr 23, 2015 Anya rated it really liked it

Nightborn is a great sequel in that if you enjoyed book one, book two is all that and more! Friends on crazy adventures, Roman inspired civilizations, and learning more about yourself all feature heavily in Nightborn. Great for young readers and parents tired of gendered books especially :D

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May 21, 2015 Van (Short & Sweet Reviews) rated it it was amazing

Disclosure: I received a review copy (arc) from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

4 1/2 STARS.

Nightborn is the second installment in the Thrones & Bones series following Karn Korlundsson, a Norrøngard farmer and lover of board games, especially Thrones and Bones. Readers last left off with Karn and Thianna destroying the Horn of Osius, a magical horn crafted in Thica enabling the user to control all reptilian creatures such as snakes, wyverns and dragons. After the crazy adventure, K Disclosure: I received a review copy (arc) from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

4 1/2 STARS.

Nightborn is the second installment in the Thrones & Bones series following Karn Korlundsson, a Norrøngard farmer and lover of board games, especially Thrones and Bones. Readers last left off with Karn and Thianna destroying the Horn of Osius, a magical horn crafted in Thica enabling the user to control all reptilian creatures such as snakes, wyverns and dragons. After the crazy adventure, Karn returned home to help with the family farm, while Thianna traveled east to see the world beyond Ymiria. But it turns out the horn they destroyed wasn’t the only one made, as there are two more out in the world hidden. Just as Karn is getting the hang of bartering he is summoned by Orm to help Thianna, who has gone missing during her quest to find the remaining Horns of Osius. In this latest sequel, there are new foes, unlikely alliances, and more action as readers’ tag-along with Karn on his newest adventure.

In the first book Anders introduced us to Frost Giants, Norrøngardians and the Undead Draugs. In Nightborn, Anders expands on his world building as we travel east towards new territories inhabited by elves, dwarves, gnomes, nomads, and other fantastical creatures that will surely delight and disgust you (ew, rodent people!). The dark elves played a big part in Nightborn, similar to how the frost giants were in the first book. And they happened to be the best part of the story! I was immediately hooked from the first page as Anders drops readers right into the fray as the dark elves are taking their final exam, using their cumulative knowledge and training in stealth, sabotage, combat, and strategy to win a coveted position in the Underhand, a elite organization only opened to the best of the best.

One of the first thing that intrigued me to this series was how the author incorporated a board game into the story. Karn used his knowledge of the game Thrones and Bones to strategize and outfox all his enemies in Frostborn. And once again readers are in for another treat, since Nightborn involves another game called Charioteers, from the lost Gordion Empire and a riddle which if solved, discloses the location of the Horn of Osius. Of the two, I really liked the riddle. It was fun seeing Karn solve each verse taking him a step closer and closer to the horn.

All in all, Nightborn is an excellent addition to the series. I enjoyed it way more than I expected and in my opinion it was just as good, if not better than the first book. Make sure you check out the extra goodies at the end; there’s a instruction for Charioteers, a handy glossary, excerpts for a riddle, song, History of Katernia, empires timelines and maps. I highly recommend Nightborn to everyone and can't wait to read the next book! ...more

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Apr 28, 2015 Krystianna rated it really liked it

**Thank you to Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review!**

As soon as I finished Frostborn, I instantly picked up my copy of Nightborn and I'm so glad that I did! Nightborn was even better than Frostborn, which I didn't think would be possible!

In Nightborn, elves have tried to find out where the horn went, though Orm the dragon ate the elves who came. All he knew was that there were more coming back because they thought that it wasn't the la **Thank you to Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review!**

As soon as I finished Frostborn, I instantly picked up my copy of Nightborn and I'm so glad that I did! Nightborn was even better than Frostborn, which I didn't think would be possible!

In Nightborn, elves have tried to find out where the horn went, though Orm the dragon ate the elves who came. All he knew was that there were more coming back because they thought that it wasn't the last horn and that there's another one out there. They left a slip of paper with a clue on it, which Orm asks Karn to get to the bottom of. He decides to do it for Thianna. Thus, another book of epic adventure begins!

I mentioned in my review for book one that Karn was my favorite character, though that all changed in this book. Sure, I still really liked him, but Desstra became my favorite. Her backstory was just so interesting from the very beginning. She's from a group of elves who have been training all their lives, though she's told that she's failed and has to go on the hunt to find the horn in order to prove that she should pass. On the hunt, she meets Karn. I was so happy that Thianna was in this book again. I was so worried that she wouldn't be for some reason! It was wonderful to see another familiar face. I absolutely love the friendship between Karn and Thianna so much.

One thing that I absolutely love about this book is the world. It's filled with everything: trolls, giants, half-giants, humans, and elves. There's just so many elements that make it up. Every chapter contains a new part of the world! I loved learning more and more about it, and I'm sure that there's still more to learn.

Yet again, this book will have another beautiful map, a glossary, and game instructions! This time the game instructions are not for Thrones & Bones. They are for Charioteers, which is yet another game that I'm going to have to try out! There is also a timeline which is extremely helpful with the history of this magical world. I really hope that there's another book in this series, because I'm not ready to say goodbye to all of these wonderful characters! I really want to see where Karn, Thianna, and Desstra's journey brings them next! ...more

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Sep 07, 2015 Erik This Kid Reviews Books rated it it was amazing

Synopsis- Karn Korlundsson was quite happy learning to manage his family’s huge farm. So Karn didn’t understand why a wyvern (a small dragon-type thing) had to come out of the sky and kidnapped him from a local trading market. When he gets to the home of Orm, a giant linnorm (a type of dragon), Karn finds out that Thianna Frostborn, his half-giant friend, while on a mission for Orm, got captured by an enemy force. Orm says that she was looking for another Horn of Osius for him. The Horn can cont ...more

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Jun 04, 2015 heather - NightlyReading rated it really liked it

So normally, I am not a big fan of middle grade reads. I have tried and tried reading them in the past and to no avail, I have not been able to finish them! This book has become my exception to that rule! If you enjoy high fantasy, then you should probably pick up this series.

I had not read the first book and went into this completely blind! I must admit that although there were a few times that I seemed to get confused, I was able to follow the book through for the most part which made me VERY ...more

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Jun 16, 2015 Kathy Martin rated it really liked it

This second adventure in the Thrones & Bones series has Karn being sent by the dragon Orm to find the second of the horns that control the dragons. Orm has already sent Thianna looking and she has disappeared. Karn is willing to search but he is much more interested in finding Thianna than he is in finding the horn.

Desstra is a Dark Elf who is also searching for the horn. She wants to become an elite agent of the Underhand and must successfully complete this mission. Her plan is to pretend to be ...more

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Apr 25, 2015 Dizneeee rated it really liked it

Full review on my blog, Dizneeee's World of Books.

The adventures and events (chariot fighting, y'all!!!) were amazingly described and I could see the images clearly in my head. This book was definitely a movie for my brain. Lou Anders is a great fantasy storyteller!

I am still thoroughly enjoying this series and I cannot wait for the next book! Again, if you enjoy middle grade, fantasy, adventure, or friendship, this is a book and series for you. ...more

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Feb 02, 2018 Blabby Gabi rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 01, 2015 Alexa rated it really liked it

Shelves: flights-of-fantasy-2015

FIRST THOUGHTS: This sequel is definitely much more fast-paced than the first! But in the best way. I liked seeing our two MCs again, but I also fell in love with a new character. This book is so fun!

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Jun 14, 2016 Kristen Harvey rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-fantasy, action-adventure, middlegrade

A fun follow up to the first book, our two heroes are separate but soon end up on the path to finding one another. I loved the new characters, Desstra is definitely unlike the other dark elves and has a conscious, but it gets her in trouble with the other dark elves.

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Mar 24, 2015 Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens rated it really liked it

Shelves: adventure, childrens-books, fantasy

Another action-packed excursion into the world of Thrones & Bones! Written by local author!

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Mar 12, 2017 Fantasy Literature added it

3.5 stars from Kat, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE

Disclaimer: just so you know, some of the books we review are received free from publishers

Nightborn is the second novel in Lou Anders’ THRONES & BONES series for middle graders. I enjoyed the first novel, Frostborn, for its likeable protagonists, sense of adventure, touch of humor, and warm-heartedness. It’d be best to read it before beginning Nightborn.

The beginning of Nightborn finds Karn, our young gaming hero, back on the family ...more

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Jun 05, 2017 Kate Calina rated it it was amazing

Karn Korlundsson was heading to the fur market when the dust clouds started. Taloned claws swooped over him and bore him into the clouds. He soared through the sky to Sardeth, the Blasted City, home to the massive dragon Orm. The great creature’s interest in the renowned young man was keen. Word had reached Orm that a dreaded Horn of Osius, forged to control the formidable dragon race, might still exist. When Karn learned that his friend Thianna had disappeared while searching for it, he agreed ...more

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Apr 19, 2017 Cai rated it it was amazing

Shelves: children-middle-grade, read-2017

I liked this better than the first one. I love the characters especially the addition of Desstra.

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Jan 02, 2018 Hannah Givens rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, middle-grade, dragon

An excellent follow-up to the first book, adding a new character and new locations. I wasn't sure about the new character at first, but I very much liked that Karn and Thianna were allowed to progress -- they had their character development and sort of learned their lessons in the first book, and I'm glad they weren't sent back to square one, taught the same lesson over again, or anything like that. Also A+ more dragon content, Orm was already my favorite character. I thought the modern style of ...more

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May 24, 2017 Megan rated it really liked it

Shelves: middle-ages, vikings, dragons

When I first read Frostborn, two years ago, Nightborn didn't exist. But I adored the first book, and so I tucked it away in my mind to come back to later, hopefully when there was a sequel.

I forgot.

It wasn't until I was playing tafl one day that I remembered. And this time, there was a sequel.

30 pages in I considered marking it a DNF. I was having a hard time getting into it, but I decided to give it another chance. I am so glad I did. I love these books, with all their culture, their humor, ...more

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Apr 19, 2015 Ivie Isler rated it it was amazing

Shelves: series-i-recommend, kids, read-for-review, family

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

After reading Frostborn, the first Thrones and Bones book, I knew that I had to read Nightborn, the second book in the series. Lou Anders' world intrigued me, and I wanted to see where he would take readers next. Luckily for me, the publisher sent me a copy to review.

Readers can enjoy the second book in the series without reading the first book, but I wouldn't recommend it. Lou Anders sets the foundation of Karn and Thianna's f I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

After reading Frostborn, the first Thrones and Bones book, I knew that I had to read Nightborn, the second book in the series. Lou Anders' world intrigued me, and I wanted to see where he would take readers next. Luckily for me, the publisher sent me a copy to review.

Readers can enjoy the second book in the series without reading the first book, but I wouldn't recommend it. Lou Anders sets the foundation of Karn and Thianna's friendship in the first book, and it is the main reason Karn is so adamant about saving his friend, especially since Thianna is very different from Karn.

Nightborn takes readers further away from Karn's home. We discover more of Anders' world, and see different cultures incorporated into the storyline. Readers also learn more of the world's history. There is even a timeline in the back of the book that breaks down the history.

The story opens up with new characters, and an interesting twist to the capture the flag game. Readers learn that this is the "final exam" for the characters, and Dessetra is not going to lose! When graduation comes, she is forced to go on a special mission before truly graduating and joining the Underhand. Karn, on the other hand, is adjusting to his new normal. He's now a local celebrity after the events that happened in Frostborn, and he is stepping up to be hauld of the farm. Too bad he is taken and forced on a mission to retrieve a special item and find his friend Thianna.

Just like in the first book, Karn and Thianna have "bad guys" that they have to defend themselves from. Anders again incorporates mythical characters, this time elves, as key characters in the story. But this time, the dark elves are going after the same horn that Karn and Thianna are.

Desstra was my favorite character in the story. She is cunning, and the way she thinks is similar to Karn's way of thinking. Unlike her counterpart, Tanthal who uses the people around him and isn't afraid to hurt or kill them, Desstra shows compassion and mercy. Desstra isn't perfect though. She befriends and then betrays Karn. But when Tanthal tells her that she has to kill him, she finally does what is right, even if it means giving up on her lifelong dream. I look forward to reading about her in the third book and seeing how Anders continues to shape her character.

The story is wrapped up completely by the end of the book, just like in the first book. It ends with the characters setting out to explore more of the world. Thianna hasn't found out the history of her mother, after all. Now she has a worthy travel companion. I am interested to see how important Karn's role will be in the third installment.

Anders created another board game, Charioteers, for Nightborn. Just as he did in Frostborn, instructions, pictures, and rules are included in the back of the book. Readers can create their own board and play just as the characters do.

All in all, Nightborn is an adventurous story that is fun to read. It is perfect for middle graders, teens, and even adults. There is action and mystery. It shows how true friendship is meant to be.

...more

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Aug 02, 2015 Vanessa rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, middle-grade

Karn is a gamer; his favorite game is Thrones and Bones (after which the series is named). When his best friend Thianna–half giant, half human–is kidnapped, he’s tasked by the dragon Orm to find her. Easier said than done, for he must travel far from his rural home to the city of Castlebriar, deal with duplicitous elves, and solve riddles. Thianna was on a quest to find a horn, much like the one they discovered in book one, FROSTBORN–these horns make it so the user can speak with and coerce magi Karn is a gamer; his favorite game is Thrones and Bones (after which the series is named). When his best friend Thianna–half giant, half human–is kidnapped, he’s tasked by the dragon Orm to find her. Easier said than done, for he must travel far from his rural home to the city of Castlebriar, deal with duplicitous elves, and solve riddles. Thianna was on a quest to find a horn, much like the one they discovered in book one, FROSTBORN–these horns make it so the user can speak with and coerce magical beasts. And Orm isn’t the only one who wants to find the second horn.

Desstra is a dark elf, training to be a member of the Underhanded, a group of elite fighters. When an important test goes awry, she’s sent on a mission to prove she’s worthy. Part of that mission involves tricking Karn into thinking she’s something she isn’t. Because if she can’t get the horn before Karn does, then she will be outcast from the only home she’s ever known–even if she does think dark elves aren’t very nice.

Book 2 in the Thrones & Bones series by Lou Anders, NIGHTBORN builds on the story of the previous book. Karn and Thianna, despite their differences, are friends–a thing Desstra wishes for herself, but her new occupation makes such a thing impossible. They’re likable characters with their own special set of skills as well as their own foibles. Our heroes must use their wits and work together in order to survive. They have to fight the dark elves, who desperately want the second magical horn, including the dastardly Tanthal, Desstra’s team leader and last chance of graduating–he’s easy to hate. Most kids reading this series should be able to relate to the main characters in one way or another because they each have their doubts and struggles, but at heart are good kids trying to do the right thing.

The setting isn’t anything fancy, but it doesn’t get in the way of the story. Being able to use flying mounts cuts down annoying journey narratives, without feeling too much like a contrivance for convenience’s sake. The different races and locales, as well as the history give the story enough pizzazz to be interesting without being overwhelming. Especially amusing are the tidbits of history used by Karn to solve the puzzles, as well as the snarky talking beasts.

The story starts out a little slow in order to get readers up to speed in case they haven’t read FROSTBORN or as a refresher if they have. This means if you haven’t read the first book, it’s easy to catch up without feeling lost. Then the story moves quickly as Karn figures out the puzzles, finds his friend, and tries to stop the dark elves before they find the second horn.

And proves that even goofy gamer boys can save the day.

Recommended Age: 8+
Language: None
Violence: Peril, sword fighting, and some vague deaths
Sex: None

***Find this and other reviews on Elitistbookreviews.com*** ...more

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May 09, 2015 Venus rated it it was amazing

Review originally posted on Children's Atheneum

In this sequel to Frostborn, Karn Korlundsson has settled nicely into his life as the son of a Jarl, learning how to trade and bargain. His adventuring days are over, or so he thinks. When Karn is whisked away to have a (another) face-to-face encounter with a dragon, he finds himself on a quest to find his missing half-Frost Giant friend Thianna and another horn of power. However, finding a half-giant isn't as easy as he thinks it should be, especia Review originally posted on Children's Atheneum

In this sequel to Frostborn, Karn Korlundsson has settled nicely into his life as the son of a Jarl, learning how to trade and bargain. His adventuring days are over, or so he thinks. When Karn is whisked away to have a (another) face-to-face encounter with a dragon, he finds himself on a quest to find his missing half-Frost Giant friend Thianna and another horn of power. However, finding a half-giant isn't as easy as he thinks it should be, especially with dark elves on his tail. Karn carefully traces Thianna's footsteps, not caring so much about the horn, but determined to solve the riddle in order to find his best friend. Perhaps Karn would have a bit more success if betrayal wasn't also on the path of his quest.

I am quite pleased with this sequel to Frostborn. Karn is no longer whinging on about how much he hates being a farmer. Thianna's hangups about being half-Frost Giant have changed to a quest do discover more about her mother's (a human) people. There is still some interesting board games in the story, but has been cut back considerably with more of an emphasis on the game of riddles.

New to the story are the Dark Elves. These trained warriors are ruthless and hard, at least they are supposed to be. The problem elf is Desstra, who we follow as she struggles with the idea of identity and her loyalties within her own people group. Desstra has known no other life than that of the darkness of her kingdom. Confronted with kindness and friendship for the first time, something that lurks within her own heart, Desstra struggles between being herself and being the warrior she thought she wanted to be. This seems to be the real theme of the books too. Identity, belonging, and becoming your own person. Or dragon.

Lou Anders has created a big world, full of history, games, adventure, and war, and he has done it with great panache. The pacing is perfect. At the back of the book, feeling much like Lord of the Rings in this aspect, is a beautiful map, a glossary, History of Katernia, timelines, a song, and game instructions for Charioteers. I think it would actually be fascinating to create these game boards and try to play them.

A terrific fantasy adventure that promises much more to come, I can't wait to get my hands on a third.

An ARC of this book was provided to me by Random House Children’s Books in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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May 01, 2015 Chapter by Chapter rated it really liked it

Nightborn (Thrones & Bones 2) by Lou Anders was a fantastic follow up to its predecessor, Frostborn. We are once again immersed into a world of magic and mythical creatures, and are once again shown the value of true friendship.

Where book 1 showed us the growing friendship between Karn and Thianna, Nightborn shows us the value of the friendship that these two characters have. That through thick and thin, and with whatever is on the line, the friendship and loyalty that Karn has for Thianna super Nightborn (Thrones & Bones 2) by Lou Anders was a fantastic follow up to its predecessor, Frostborn. We are once again immersed into a world of magic and mythical creatures, and are once again shown the value of true friendship.

Where book 1 showed us the growing friendship between Karn and Thianna, Nightborn shows us the value of the friendship that these two characters have. That through thick and thin, and with whatever is on the line, the friendship and loyalty that Karn has for Thianna supersedes everything else.

Picking up where Frostburn pretty much left off, the book opens up with Karn learning more about the trade business. But to his surprise, a creature from the past snatches him up (literally) and carries him off to face an “old” friend who has some rather unfortunate news. Karn’s best friend, Thianna, may be in trouble and it has something to do with another Horn of Osius. Karn has no other choice to accept this mission because the fate of his friend is all that he cares about.

And it’s during this new adventure that Karn encounters the dark elves. A species not be taken lightly. Trained to move like assassins (silent and deadly), they give Karn a run for his money. And it’s amongst these dark elves that the paths of Karn and Desstra cross. With twists and turns, the fate of these two characters are intertwined, and both find something that they were not expecting.

I thoroughly enjoyed both the books in these series, and am positive that young middle grade readers everywhere will get caught up in this action filled adventure. With characters that are easily likeable (or easy to hate), and a storyline that will grip you from the very beginning, there is a little bit of something for everyone!

I especially love that characters from the first book made an appearance (a significant appearance at that). It made the story all that more enjoyable for me. What did I love the most about this book? The conversations that Thianna had with the dragons/wyvern/other creatures had me giggling out loud. I found the writing to be witty and addicting. I can’t wait to see what author, Lou Anders, has in store for us in the next installment!

Fans of How to Ride Your Dragon and The Balance Keepers series by Lindsay Cummings will be instantly hooked in the Thrones & Bones books! ...more

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Nov 03, 2017 Kai Porter rated it really liked it

Even though I was sick and took a long time to finish it was still an amazing book. I just started Skyborn.

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Jul 21, 2015 Angie rated it liked it

Shelves: middle-grade, fantasy, adventure

Nightborn is the second book in the Thrones and Bones trilogy. It picks up shortly after the events in Frostborn. Karn is learning to be a farmer and a trader and doing well at it. Before he can settle in though he is summoned by the dragon Orm for a quest. It appears the Horn of Osius from the last book is not the only one. Orm has already sent half-giant Thianna after the new horn, but she has disappeared. Karn is sent south to find her and the horn.

Karn is not the only one on the quest for t ...more

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May 26, 2018 Suzanne rated it really liked it

"Awesomely awesome" is how this novel is described by a ten year old boy who listened to this audiobook and I'm inclined to agree with his enthusiastic description of this second installment of the "Thrones & Bones", Nightborn. In this adventure, our young friends Thianna and Karn must solve another riddle to recover a second Horn before it is found by their enemies, who have now grown to include the Dark Elves. Their travels take them to a new Kingdom, and new locations within the growing fanta ...more

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Dec 19, 2014 Kelley rated it really liked it

Shelves: magical-heroines, heroines-i-like, kick-butt-heroines, good-friendship-stuff

Another delightful entry in the "Throne and Bones" series, with the right mix of adventure, friendship, and humor to make it enjoyable for boys and girls alike. I'm starting to suspect that, when it comes to "comfort-reading," I might actually prefer middle-grade to YA, since the emphasis in middle-grade fantasy is on adventure and we're more likely to see strong friendships between boy and girl characters. "Frostborn" was a winner in that regard, and this follow-up does not disappoint.

Karn come ...more

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Jun 05, 2015 Resch Reads rated it really liked it

This was an action packet adventure that definitely succeeded its predecessor in a way that not many authors can do. From the start I am captivated by the fictional world where elves, dragons, giants, gnomes, and more exist. Aside from the adventure and action, which there is a ton of, I found that there wasn't a single part of this story where I was bored or didn't want to continue reading. It takes a lot in a middle grade book for me not to get bored and Lou Anders excelled in this.

It was also ...more

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Aug 22, 2015 Yapha rated it really liked it

Shelves: children-s, fantasy

In this sequel to Frostborn, gamer Karn Korlundsson is basking in the glow of his heroics regarding the horn of Osius. Much to his dismay, he learns that there is a second horn that must be found and destroyed. Even worse, his best friend Thianna has gone missing while searching for it. He immediately sets off to find her. To complicate matters, two Dark Elves are searching for the horn as well, and will stop at nothing to get it. This is another exciting adventure filled with riddles, strategy, ...more

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About Lou Anders

Lou Anders

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Lou Anders is the author of Frostborn, Nightborn, and Skyborn, the three books of the Thrones & Bones series of Norse-themed fantasy adventure novels written for boys and girls equally. Anders is the recipient of a Hugo Award for editing and a Chesley Award for art direction. He was the 2016 Thurber House Childrens' Writer in Residence, and spent a month teaching, living, and writing in the haunte ...more

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Nightborn

(Thrones & Bones #2)

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