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Bound by Blood and Sand #2
Freed by Flame and Storm
Revolution is nigh, and one seventeen-year-old girl stands at the head of it all.
Jae used to be a slave, laboring with the rest of her people under a curse that forced her to obey any order she was given. At seventeen, she found the source of her people’s lost magic and became the only person to break free—ever. Now she wants to use her power to free the rest of her people, but the ruling class will do anything to stop her.
Jae knows that breaking the curse on her people would cause widespread chaos, even unimaginable violence between the castes, and her caste would likely see the worst of it. Many would die. But to let them remain shackled is to doom them to continue living without free will.
How is one girl, raised a slave and never taught to wield power, supposed to decide the fate of a nation?
Jae used to be a slave, laboring with the rest of her people under a curse that forced her to obey any order she was given. At seventeen, she found the source of her people’s lost magic and became the only person to break free—ever. Now she wants to use her power to free the rest of her people, but the ruling class will do anything to stop her.
Jae knows that breaking the curse on her people would cause widespread chaos, even unimaginable violence between the castes, and her caste would likely see the worst of it. Many would die. But to let them remain shackled is to doom them to continue living without free will.
How is one girl, raised a slave and never taught to wield power, supposed to decide the fate of a nation?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 12, 2017
9 people are currently reading
928 people want to read
About the author
Becky Allen
2 books115 followersBecky Allen grew up in a tiny town outside Ithaca, New York, and graduated from Brandeis University with a major in American studies and a minor in journalism. She is the website director of TheBody.com, an online HIV resource, and loves New York, brunch, and feminism. Becky lives in New York City.
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January 23, 2018
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Freed by Flame and Storm by Becky Allen
Book Two of the Bound by Blood and Sand series
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: December 12, 2017
Rating: 3 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
Revolution is nigh, and one seventeen-year-old girl stands at the head of it all.
Jae used to be a slave, laboring with the rest of her people under a curse that forced her to obey any order she was given. At seventeen, she found the source of her people’s lost magic and became the only person to break free—ever. Now she wants to use her power to free the rest of her people, but the ruling class will do anything to stop her.
Jae knows that breaking the curse on her people would cause widespread chaos, even unimaginable violence between the castes, and her caste would likely see the worst of it. Many would die. But to let them remain shackled is to doom them to continue living without free will.
How is one girl, raised a slave and never taught to wield power, supposed to decide the fate of a nation?
What I Liked:
Bound by Blood and Sand was one of the most thought-provoking, brutal desert fantasy novels that I've read. I really enjoyed it, which was great because I'd had high expectations for the book. It was intriguing and complex, and there were cruel and heartbreaking aspects of the book that made it even more powerful and intense. I have been eagerly awaiting this book, as it is the sequel and conclusion of the series. Unfortunately I struggled with getting into the book, but overall, it is a good conclusion novel.
Freed by Flame and Storm picks up with Elan and Jae fleeing, trying to get to someplace safe so they can regroup and plan, in order to save the Closest. They run into expected allies - the Order, a group determined to topple the Highest. Their goals align, and so they accept the Order's help. The fate of the Closest rests on Jae and Elan's shoulders, and this means that difficult choices must be made. A former slave girl and a traitor boy with no last name - they will right wrongs, or send the world into chaos.
This book seemed to deal more with consequences - consequences of Jae obtaining so much magic, consequences of Elan defecting, consequences of trying to break the Curse that binds the Closest. It wasn't a brutal, cruel read like its predecessor, but it was harsh in a different light. There was a lot of subtle politics at play, as well as scheming and betrayal.
Jae has to be strong enough for hundreds and thousands of people, and she proves her strength over and over in this book. She isn't perfect and she has plenty of insecurities, but she does what she thinks is good for all, and her instincts are sure. Jae is an easy character to like and root for.
Elan as well. I liked him the most, of all of the characters of this book. He is so kind and compassionate, and very driven and selfless.
It was cool to read from Erra's POV, in addition to Elan's and Jae's. The entire book is written in third-person, but limited to specific POVs. Erra becomes a very important person in this book (both in a good way and bad), so it was neat to read her perspective.
Also, props for all of the diversity in this book. Jae is dark-skinned, Erra is gay, and Erra has a very cute but also star-crossed romance going on.
The plot meandered and honestly it took entirely too long to get to The Point of this book (I'll talk about that in the next section), but I will say that the ending was a good one. I half-expected a non-HEA but the ending works for the series. It's a good one for Jae, for Elan, for the Closest, and even for the Highest. Series ending should be more like this (in my opinion), with a good balance of "good" and "bad".
What I Did Not Like:
My biggest complaint about this book is that is sooooo boring. I had the hardest time reading it. I usually try and review books a month in advance. There are about two weeks left before this book publishes and I'm only now reading it and posting a review. It took me so long to get into the story. Every time I picked up the book, I couldn't get into it. Nothing was holding my attention. This book had a completely tone compared to its predecessor. I couldn't remember much from the ending of the previous book, so that was a drawback too.
It might have helped if this book was shorter. It felt like the plot wandered this way and that way and didn't get to the point. Halfway through the story, the Closest are released. I was like, shouldn't this be the ending? But in the second half of the book, the author tries to show us the consequences of releasing the Closest. Honestly I was so bored from the start, by the time I got to the Closest being freed from the Curse, I wasn't riveted or excited or anything. I started skimming fairly early on and kept flipping. Nothing was holding my attention, and so many pages were filled with useless drivel. I hate to say it but this book could have been condensed to maybe 100 pages or less. So much of it didn't seem to have a purpose (to me as a reader).
This was incredibly disappointing because I had no issues with getting through Bound by Blood and Sand. But this book really tried me. I fell asleep while reading it no fewer than five times, and it took me days to read it (whereas usually I'll read a book in one sitting, regardless of how "bad" or boring it is). This book wasn't "bad", but it was unfortunately very boring.
Would I Recommend It:
All of that being said, I'm half-in, half-out in terms of putting a recommendation out there. I loved book one but really didn't enjoy book two (mostly because the book is boring). I'd say don't bother with the series if you haven't started it. But if you've read the first book, definitely finish the series. But this series isn't an enjoyable one overall (with book two being so much weaker than book one). It's not a series I'd recommend a person binge-read.
Rating:
2.5 stars -> rounded up to 3 stars. I wish I had enjoyed the book more, but the plot just didn't hold my attention. In general it wasn't a bad book and the story certainly did the job in terms of wrapping up the series, but the book could have been way shorter, based on what was presented. I struggled so hard with this book and it's a terrible feeling, so I'm going with this rating. I may try some of the author's new books in the future, but I'll definitely be more wary than before.
Pre-read squees:
Super, super excited to read this book. I loved Bound by Blood and Sand. =)
Freed by Flame and Storm by Becky Allen
Book Two of the Bound by Blood and Sand series
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: December 12, 2017
Rating: 3 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
Revolution is nigh, and one seventeen-year-old girl stands at the head of it all.
Jae used to be a slave, laboring with the rest of her people under a curse that forced her to obey any order she was given. At seventeen, she found the source of her people’s lost magic and became the only person to break free—ever. Now she wants to use her power to free the rest of her people, but the ruling class will do anything to stop her.
Jae knows that breaking the curse on her people would cause widespread chaos, even unimaginable violence between the castes, and her caste would likely see the worst of it. Many would die. But to let them remain shackled is to doom them to continue living without free will.
How is one girl, raised a slave and never taught to wield power, supposed to decide the fate of a nation?
What I Liked:
Bound by Blood and Sand was one of the most thought-provoking, brutal desert fantasy novels that I've read. I really enjoyed it, which was great because I'd had high expectations for the book. It was intriguing and complex, and there were cruel and heartbreaking aspects of the book that made it even more powerful and intense. I have been eagerly awaiting this book, as it is the sequel and conclusion of the series. Unfortunately I struggled with getting into the book, but overall, it is a good conclusion novel.
Freed by Flame and Storm picks up with Elan and Jae fleeing, trying to get to someplace safe so they can regroup and plan, in order to save the Closest. They run into expected allies - the Order, a group determined to topple the Highest. Their goals align, and so they accept the Order's help. The fate of the Closest rests on Jae and Elan's shoulders, and this means that difficult choices must be made. A former slave girl and a traitor boy with no last name - they will right wrongs, or send the world into chaos.
This book seemed to deal more with consequences - consequences of Jae obtaining so much magic, consequences of Elan defecting, consequences of trying to break the Curse that binds the Closest. It wasn't a brutal, cruel read like its predecessor, but it was harsh in a different light. There was a lot of subtle politics at play, as well as scheming and betrayal.
Jae has to be strong enough for hundreds and thousands of people, and she proves her strength over and over in this book. She isn't perfect and she has plenty of insecurities, but she does what she thinks is good for all, and her instincts are sure. Jae is an easy character to like and root for.
Elan as well. I liked him the most, of all of the characters of this book. He is so kind and compassionate, and very driven and selfless.
It was cool to read from Erra's POV, in addition to Elan's and Jae's. The entire book is written in third-person, but limited to specific POVs. Erra becomes a very important person in this book (both in a good way and bad), so it was neat to read her perspective.
Also, props for all of the diversity in this book. Jae is dark-skinned, Erra is gay, and Erra has a very cute but also star-crossed romance going on.
The plot meandered and honestly it took entirely too long to get to The Point of this book (I'll talk about that in the next section), but I will say that the ending was a good one. I half-expected a non-HEA but the ending works for the series. It's a good one for Jae, for Elan, for the Closest, and even for the Highest. Series ending should be more like this (in my opinion), with a good balance of "good" and "bad".
What I Did Not Like:
My biggest complaint about this book is that is sooooo boring. I had the hardest time reading it. I usually try and review books a month in advance. There are about two weeks left before this book publishes and I'm only now reading it and posting a review. It took me so long to get into the story. Every time I picked up the book, I couldn't get into it. Nothing was holding my attention. This book had a completely tone compared to its predecessor. I couldn't remember much from the ending of the previous book, so that was a drawback too.
It might have helped if this book was shorter. It felt like the plot wandered this way and that way and didn't get to the point. Halfway through the story, the Closest are released. I was like, shouldn't this be the ending? But in the second half of the book, the author tries to show us the consequences of releasing the Closest. Honestly I was so bored from the start, by the time I got to the Closest being freed from the Curse, I wasn't riveted or excited or anything. I started skimming fairly early on and kept flipping. Nothing was holding my attention, and so many pages were filled with useless drivel. I hate to say it but this book could have been condensed to maybe 100 pages or less. So much of it didn't seem to have a purpose (to me as a reader).
This was incredibly disappointing because I had no issues with getting through Bound by Blood and Sand. But this book really tried me. I fell asleep while reading it no fewer than five times, and it took me days to read it (whereas usually I'll read a book in one sitting, regardless of how "bad" or boring it is). This book wasn't "bad", but it was unfortunately very boring.
Would I Recommend It:
All of that being said, I'm half-in, half-out in terms of putting a recommendation out there. I loved book one but really didn't enjoy book two (mostly because the book is boring). I'd say don't bother with the series if you haven't started it. But if you've read the first book, definitely finish the series. But this series isn't an enjoyable one overall (with book two being so much weaker than book one). It's not a series I'd recommend a person binge-read.
Rating:
2.5 stars -> rounded up to 3 stars. I wish I had enjoyed the book more, but the plot just didn't hold my attention. In general it wasn't a bad book and the story certainly did the job in terms of wrapping up the series, but the book could have been way shorter, based on what was presented. I struggled so hard with this book and it's a terrible feeling, so I'm going with this rating. I may try some of the author's new books in the future, but I'll definitely be more wary than before.
Pre-read squees:
Super, super excited to read this book. I loved Bound by Blood and Sand. =)
Read
December 14, 2017Oh hey - I wrote this! And it's out now!
*
FREED finishes the story begun in BOUND BY BLOOD AND SAND. Jae now has full control of her magic, and has sworn to use it to free her people -- but she knows doing so will spark a war, and those same people may well end up slaughtered. She never asked to be a leader, but now she holds the fate of thousands in her hands.
Meanwhile Elan, who walked away from his family, must face the consequences of that decision when he faces his own sister in battle.
*
Basically: this is a story of revolution and responsibility, about discovering what it means to be a leader. It's about how power seeks to protect itself, and what rulers owe to their people. But mostly, it's about Jae, and how her decisions have the power to re-shape the whole world...
(I think it's pretty great. But I'm probably biased.)
*
FREED finishes the story begun in BOUND BY BLOOD AND SAND. Jae now has full control of her magic, and has sworn to use it to free her people -- but she knows doing so will spark a war, and those same people may well end up slaughtered. She never asked to be a leader, but now she holds the fate of thousands in her hands.
Meanwhile Elan, who walked away from his family, must face the consequences of that decision when he faces his own sister in battle.
*
Basically: this is a story of revolution and responsibility, about discovering what it means to be a leader. It's about how power seeks to protect itself, and what rulers owe to their people. But mostly, it's about Jae, and how her decisions have the power to re-shape the whole world...
(I think it's pretty great. But I'm probably biased.)
April 29, 2017
Okay, I read this book right after the first book... I couldn't help myself. In lieu of writing a big review (which I did for the first book) I am going to keep this one simple, since there are 6 more months before it comes out. This book picked up where the last one ended, and not much has changed. Jae and Elan are still trying to figure out where the knife, that can end the Closest oppression, is or even how to destroy it. As they get closer into the city, they find unexpected allies, enemies, and friends. I really liked seeing Jae's growth after what happened in the last novel, and Elan definitely continues to grow and learn as a character.
I want to point out that the success of this story isn't because Allen came up with a whole new original story. That's been happening lately, only to make readers annoyed that these "original" tales are much like a tossed salad of other stories melded together. Allen keeps her story simple, she doesn't overreach with flashiness, and the end result is something all her own. Not completely original (oppressed people vs the elite) but her story telling built a whole new set of characters in this tale as old as time.
4 stars
I want to point out that the success of this story isn't because Allen came up with a whole new original story. That's been happening lately, only to make readers annoyed that these "original" tales are much like a tossed salad of other stories melded together. Allen keeps her story simple, she doesn't overreach with flashiness, and the end result is something all her own. Not completely original (oppressed people vs the elite) but her story telling built a whole new set of characters in this tale as old as time.
4 stars
July 22, 2019
An enjoyable and satisfying conclusion to this duology! I especially loved seeing more of the worldbuilding & magic system--it's different from other fantasy books I've read but also wasn't overwhelmingly complex for my tastes.
July 14, 2017
I loved it. Absolutely loved it! I thought it was a very fitting sequel and I hope the author continues to build stories in the world she has created.
November 26, 2018
So, I didn't like this one as much as the first book. I had some issues with the beginning and middle, but loved the ending. Overall a good duology, with interesting characters.
I will be keeping my eye on more books from this author.
I will be keeping my eye on more books from this author.
August 25, 2018
You can see my full review here!
This was a satisfying finale. After the events of the last book, Jae and Elan are trying to free the Closest for real this time with the potential of war on their heels. While reading, I found that the story was slow, but the pacing was fast? I mean, I found in no time I was on chapter 10 yet it felt like I was trudging through the story.
However, I was having fun with the events that were happening. Jae in this installment was amazing, more so than in book one if I'm honest. She made the tough choices, especially in the end and stayed consistent throughout. And by her side was Elan, loyal till the end. We meet some side characters, returning characters make an appearance and I liked the majority of them. Overall, this finale was well worth the wait.
Bound by Blood and Sand - ★★★★
This was a satisfying finale. After the events of the last book, Jae and Elan are trying to free the Closest for real this time with the potential of war on their heels. While reading, I found that the story was slow, but the pacing was fast? I mean, I found in no time I was on chapter 10 yet it felt like I was trudging through the story.
However, I was having fun with the events that were happening. Jae in this installment was amazing, more so than in book one if I'm honest. She made the tough choices, especially in the end and stayed consistent throughout. And by her side was Elan, loyal till the end. We meet some side characters, returning characters make an appearance and I liked the majority of them. Overall, this finale was well worth the wait.
Bound by Blood and Sand - ★★★★
February 3, 2018
Really pleased the author kept this as a two-book story, and that THANK GOD there wasn't a love triangle. Well-written, with great world building that never dove too deep into the weeds but wasn't shallow either. No crazy reveals; just lots of good story that builds and builds upon itself.
Best of all, characters don't stupidly hide crap from each other for no reason. At no point did I yell "if they would just TALK to each other there would be no problems!" the way so many other books in this vein tend to make me do.
Highly recommend. It's nice to have a YA that wields some of the fantasy YA tropes with a defter, lighter touch the way this one does
Best of all, characters don't stupidly hide crap from each other for no reason. At no point did I yell "if they would just TALK to each other there would be no problems!" the way so many other books in this vein tend to make me do.
Highly recommend. It's nice to have a YA that wields some of the fantasy YA tropes with a defter, lighter touch the way this one does
December 7, 2017
I loved Jae's story so much. This was such a non-stop adventure full of twists and turns I never saw coming. Excellent job, Becky!
FRTC.
----------
Full review AND GIVEAWAY can be found here: https://agingerlyreview.wordpress.com...
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.**
I stumbled upon Becky Allen’s first book in this duology, Bound by Blood and Sand, last year and fell madly in love with Jae and her quest. The underlying plot (oppressed people versus the upper class with power) is not original, but the reason for it certainly was. I was thrilled when the publisher asked me to review the second book and host a giveaway. So prepare yourselves, you lucky readers, for a glowing review and a giveaway for both books! WOO! Now first… the review. 😉
This book picks up right after the first book ends. Jae and Elan are on a quest to free the Closest. Jae has recently freed herself from the dreaded Closest curse and knows in her heart of hearts she can free everyone else. Their quest is dangerous but necessary. Along the way, new characters are introduced that will change the course of the this battle in ways nobody could see coming.
The one thing that stood out the most to me was Jae. Her character was complex, well developed, and real. She felt real, anyways. I was in constant awe of her strength, determination, and selflessness. Jae was always the first to run into battle or give up her meal so someone else would not go hungry. She was never sacrificed to show she was better because she was a mage, it was always for the good of someone else. She knew better than anyone what it was like to not have anything and she never wanted anyone else to go through that. That was so refreshing to read! It really made me admire her even more. In a way, it made me want to be more like her. I also really enjoyed how there was an attraction between Jae and Elan but it was not the focus of the story. Whatever was going on between those two was a side story and a slow burn. Elan had one of the best character arcs I’ve read in awhile. From where he started this series to where he ended was brilliant to see. I’m thrilled I was a part of his change. ‘
There are a host of new characters introduced in this story but all necessary. I won’t give away who they are and what position they hold as you’ll need to get the book to find out for yourself. 😉 What I can tell you is that you should not trust what every says and don’t always believe what you read. Everyone is trying to either save themselves or protect someone else.
The plot was a non-stop action packed ride! Allen started the action right out of the gate and never let up until the very end. She did a wonderful job of keeping the reader (me) in this world she created. The way Jae weaved her magic and how she was able to summon it was so well done. I’m not a big super huge high fantasy reader and I don’t feel this was a high fantasy read. It was just enough fantasy and just enough of everything else to be the perfect balance. It was not over complicated and I liked that. No love triangles (WOO!), no instalove, no confusing names for people/places/things that caused me to stumble every time it was mentioned. Like the last bowl of porridge for Goldilocks, it was just right.
I cannot and will not stop gushing about this book! It was the ending that I hoped for. It was so well done and nothing is left to question. Allen did a wonderful job of putting everything in its place and that made me happy.
----------
Full review AND GIVEAWAY can be found here: https://agingerlyreview.wordpress.com...
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.**
I stumbled upon Becky Allen’s first book in this duology, Bound by Blood and Sand, last year and fell madly in love with Jae and her quest. The underlying plot (oppressed people versus the upper class with power) is not original, but the reason for it certainly was. I was thrilled when the publisher asked me to review the second book and host a giveaway. So prepare yourselves, you lucky readers, for a glowing review and a giveaway for both books! WOO! Now first… the review. 😉
This book picks up right after the first book ends. Jae and Elan are on a quest to free the Closest. Jae has recently freed herself from the dreaded Closest curse and knows in her heart of hearts she can free everyone else. Their quest is dangerous but necessary. Along the way, new characters are introduced that will change the course of the this battle in ways nobody could see coming.
The one thing that stood out the most to me was Jae. Her character was complex, well developed, and real. She felt real, anyways. I was in constant awe of her strength, determination, and selflessness. Jae was always the first to run into battle or give up her meal so someone else would not go hungry. She was never sacrificed to show she was better because she was a mage, it was always for the good of someone else. She knew better than anyone what it was like to not have anything and she never wanted anyone else to go through that. That was so refreshing to read! It really made me admire her even more. In a way, it made me want to be more like her. I also really enjoyed how there was an attraction between Jae and Elan but it was not the focus of the story. Whatever was going on between those two was a side story and a slow burn. Elan had one of the best character arcs I’ve read in awhile. From where he started this series to where he ended was brilliant to see. I’m thrilled I was a part of his change. ‘
There are a host of new characters introduced in this story but all necessary. I won’t give away who they are and what position they hold as you’ll need to get the book to find out for yourself. 😉 What I can tell you is that you should not trust what every says and don’t always believe what you read. Everyone is trying to either save themselves or protect someone else.
The plot was a non-stop action packed ride! Allen started the action right out of the gate and never let up until the very end. She did a wonderful job of keeping the reader (me) in this world she created. The way Jae weaved her magic and how she was able to summon it was so well done. I’m not a big super huge high fantasy reader and I don’t feel this was a high fantasy read. It was just enough fantasy and just enough of everything else to be the perfect balance. It was not over complicated and I liked that. No love triangles (WOO!), no instalove, no confusing names for people/places/things that caused me to stumble every time it was mentioned. Like the last bowl of porridge for Goldilocks, it was just right.
I cannot and will not stop gushing about this book! It was the ending that I hoped for. It was so well done and nothing is left to question. Allen did a wonderful job of putting everything in its place and that made me happy.
December 11, 2017
First I would like to state that I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. I loved the story so much. This was a non-stop adventure full of twists and turns that I hadn’t seen coming. This is a good fantasy novel. A second book in the series that can be read as a standalone novel. I had not read any books by this author before but I will be now. . Kept my attention throughout. Great characters and great storyline. I truly enjoy the authors writing style, the author pulls you into the book from the very beginning and makes it so you don't want to put the book down. Excellent job Great book> Highly recommend.
November 4, 2022
I've been reading a lot of books lately, but this is the first time in a while where I've enjoyed the reading so much for the story itself, instead of for the fun of checking one off my list. This duology is a fascinating world with a simple setup that reveals itself with just the right amount of pacing. It's not too complicated, but it also feels original and fresh. The characters are true and rootable, and the conclusion to this story was just perfectly executed. The scene when she breaks the curse for everyone is wonderful and I like that it happened early enough for us to enjoy the triumph but also deal with the very real consequences. This was just a great pair of books that was very compelling, and now I am sad to read anything else because I just don't think it'll be as interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2024
Freed by Flame and Storm is the second book in the Bound by Blood and Sand duology. The story follows 17 year old Jae, who is a mage set on freeing her people from being cursed. Elan is a disavowed prince who is seen as a traitor by his family. Jae and Elan must work together to free her people and stop a war from starting.
This book started out really slow and I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it. Once I got to the middle 100 pages or so, the book got really interesting. And then suddenly, it slowed down again. I wanted so much more for Jae and Elan but I was sorely disappointed.
2 out of 5 stars!
This book started out really slow and I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it. Once I got to the middle 100 pages or so, the book got really interesting. And then suddenly, it slowed down again. I wanted so much more for Jae and Elan but I was sorely disappointed.
2 out of 5 stars!
July 7, 2018
As Jae’s world explodes into revolution, new factions and new problems emerge in this very exciting sequel. I really loved how the world expanded, involving new characters & shifting loyalties. The multifaceted ways that the privileged and the oppressed struggled with each other was refreshingly realistic, & the slight mentions of romance were neatly done. A powerful story about the power of social justice.
February 2, 2022
I almost did not read this because there was not an audiobook version. However, I loved the characters so much I pushed through it. So happy I did! I hope there is an audiobook version in the future so I can enjoy it even more!
Happy endings bring me joy, too. Did I mention I love the characters? It did seem to wrap up fast, but overall I am very satisfied and would love to settle back into this world again.
Happy endings bring me joy, too. Did I mention I love the characters? It did seem to wrap up fast, but overall I am very satisfied and would love to settle back into this world again.
January 13, 2018
I can't review this objectively, since Becky is one of my closest friends, but as someone who was part of the workshopping progress for the first book in this series, I found it thrilling to get the chance to read this sequel, falling back into the familiar world and characters but following brand-new and surprising plot developments. A lovely reading experience in every way.
January 27, 2018
Freed by Flame and Storm (Bound by Blood and Sand, #2)
by Becky Allen Another home run. Freed by Flame and Storm was an absolute page turner. Jae the go to Savior. Many trials come her way which push her to the limits. This series is a definite favorite. Thank you, Becky!
by Becky Allen Another home run. Freed by Flame and Storm was an absolute page turner. Jae the go to Savior. Many trials come her way which push her to the limits. This series is a definite favorite. Thank you, Becky!
May 5, 2019
Around 3.4? I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book, but I look forward to whatever Becky Allen cooks up next. Despite some shortcomings, this series is better than any standard YA fantasy out there imo. It makes me mad that no one knows about it.
February 3, 2022
When I finished the first book I couldn't wait to read this one! The characters and character development were great. The resolution to everything was exactly how I feel it should be, even if it was not how I imagined it. Great conclusion to an amazing story.!
December 18, 2017
Liked the story and how it all ended. Sometimes it good when an author doesn't prolong a series.
September 24, 2017
Good fantasy novel. A second book in the series that can be read as a stand alone novel.
February 2, 2018
2.5 stars.
Not as compelling as the first one.
Not as compelling as the first one.
February 15, 2018
The first one was better. :(
April 22, 2018
Gorgeous storytelling and a very believable plot line. Highly recommended.
October 20, 2018
Amazing. I couldn't put the book down. It has 323 pages, and I read it in a week.
September 21, 2019
Great story!
January 24, 2020
Still lots of fun, maybe not as good as the first one, but i really enjoyed reading it and I liked how it resolved.
June 27, 2024
Compulsively readable as always, and the end made me all misty eyed.
February 16, 2025
Better than the first book. love the way it ended
April 8, 2025
Not as good as the first but still a good conclusion. Parts were a bit slow and predictable for me.
March 29, 2020
I've wanted to read this for a long time, definitely not disappointed. I've come to love the main characters, i am also glad that romance bit was not emphasized. Overall, a worthy read
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