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The Order of the Krigers #2
Burning Shadows
The Order of the Krigers has risen.
Determined to destroy the Order, the vicious king, Morlet, scours the land searching for the twelve chosen ones. He burns entire villages hoping to crush the Krigers.
He has other plans for Kaia.
In order to end the curse, Kaia must conceive a child before the Krigers can kill Morlet. However, Kaia doesn’t know if the father is supposed to be her fiancé, Vidar, or his brother, the evil king. Determined to find the answer, she sets off to the other side of the mountains with Anders. Stifling her growing feelings for the assassin, Kaia unearths secrets that force her to reevaluate her cause. Can she sacrifice so much of herself to save the kingdom of Nelebek? Can she kill Morlet when she is starting to understand and even sympathize with him? And is there really any choice at all, especially when it comes to matters of the heart?
With newfound power, Kaia’s heart and mind are entwined with the realization that choices come with a price, passion can rival hatred, and an evil looms on the horizon, more sinister than she ever imagined.
Determined to destroy the Order, the vicious king, Morlet, scours the land searching for the twelve chosen ones. He burns entire villages hoping to crush the Krigers.
He has other plans for Kaia.
In order to end the curse, Kaia must conceive a child before the Krigers can kill Morlet. However, Kaia doesn’t know if the father is supposed to be her fiancé, Vidar, or his brother, the evil king. Determined to find the answer, she sets off to the other side of the mountains with Anders. Stifling her growing feelings for the assassin, Kaia unearths secrets that force her to reevaluate her cause. Can she sacrifice so much of herself to save the kingdom of Nelebek? Can she kill Morlet when she is starting to understand and even sympathize with him? And is there really any choice at all, especially when it comes to matters of the heart?
With newfound power, Kaia’s heart and mind are entwined with the realization that choices come with a price, passion can rival hatred, and an evil looms on the horizon, more sinister than she ever imagined.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
51 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Anne Davis
28 books1,067 followersJennifer Anne Davis graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. She is currently a full-time writer. Jennifer is the recipient of the San Diego Book Awards Best Published Young Adult Novel (2013), winner of the Kindle Book Awards (2018), a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (2014), and a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards (2014).
Visit Jennifer online at:
www.JenniferAnneDavis.com
Visit Jennifer online at:
www.JenniferAnneDavis.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 7, 2017
Isn't this cover gorgeous? I prefer it over the cover for Rise, actually. This one has more of the right feel to it. Less ... fantastical. This portrays the grittiness to come, and I really enjoy that fact.
Summary:
The Order of the Krigers has risen.
King Morlet is determined it should not be for long. Desperation claims the vile King and he begins to raze villages to the ground in the hopes to destroy the lengthy network of supporters the Krigers have gathered. All the while, his plans for Kaia grow even more sinister.
The symbol on Kaia's bo staff means choice. And there is much for her to choose from. When it is revealed that she must bear a child before Morlet can be destroyed, she is uncertain who the father is meant to be: her fiancé, Vidar, or his brother. All the while she attempts to stifle her feelings for the assassin, Anders.
Just when it feels as if she has no choice in the matter at all, she finds that she has the biggest decision yet to make: Give up a part of herself to save the kingdom, or let Nelebek remain beneath the dark reign of Morlet.
It is a question that will define her, and decide the fate of a nation.
Initial Thoughts:
I was so geeked to pick up where Rise left off. You know, considering that cliff we were left hanging off of... The minute I got Anders and Vidar back was almost orgasmic.
Characters:
Kaia has grown up, for the most part. She is a being who questions everything, because no one is being straight with her. There is also a compassion to her that is less annoying and more relatable in this book than in the last. We also have far less TSTL moments, so I didn't want to strangle her nearly as much. As far as her development, I feel like we're still in the middle of her character arc, so I'm just hoping it improves even more come the next book. Overall, we connected far better in this book, which I was thrilled about.
Anders is my sweet little assassin baby and no one can convince me otherwise. While I still think he deserves better than Kaia, what he deserves more is a happy ending. There are a lot of trials for Anders in this one and it makes it so difficult to bear. His interactions with Kaia were exactly what you expect from him, and that made it equally heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Vidar and I were fighting in this book. I mean, I understand his pragmatism. That doesn't mean I had to like it. In this book you get a far clearer image of what goes on in his head, and the sacrifices he's willing to make for his people and his nation. And while they are powerful motives, it feels like he doesn't follow through with the right conclusion all the time. Considering his character, however, I understood the decisions he made and I still love him as a person. Faults and all.
Krigers are badasses. End of discussion.
Morlet ... gah it's so easy to hate him, but then there are those moments that you're no longer sure where Morlet ends and Espen begins. It makes it difficult. Very, very difficult.
Plot & Setting:
If you've read Rise, you know the setting. And frankly, I'm in too much of a hurry to move on to the plot to waste time explaining it. There's a map. You'll figure it out.
Now, the plot followed a bumpy road. What I mean to say is: subplots exist here. And we have to follow a few of the subplots in order to propel us into the larger framework. I. Freaking. Love. That.
Because of the subplots, we get answers to questions that plagued us in Rise. We are introduced to new characters and the hint of possibilities. There are more joyous moments that cushion your heart for the heartbreaks that follow. And they offer an expectation as well as an offer. Those subplots are the reason Kaia needs to continue.
It was brilliantly done.
Writing:
There's a reason I come back to this author's work. It is un-put-downable. Once the story captures you, there's nothing you want more than to just curl up in a warm blanket and read the day away. (Or few hours. Depending on how long it actually takes you.) I love how compelling the writing is, no matter which of her books I pick up. That is truly the mark of powerful storytelling to me.
Overall Opinion:
Vast improvement over Rise. Hands down. Everything seemed to come together more naturally and the character development kept me totally invested. Good book.
Summary:
The Order of the Krigers has risen.
King Morlet is determined it should not be for long. Desperation claims the vile King and he begins to raze villages to the ground in the hopes to destroy the lengthy network of supporters the Krigers have gathered. All the while, his plans for Kaia grow even more sinister.
The symbol on Kaia's bo staff means choice. And there is much for her to choose from. When it is revealed that she must bear a child before Morlet can be destroyed, she is uncertain who the father is meant to be: her fiancé, Vidar, or his brother. All the while she attempts to stifle her feelings for the assassin, Anders.
Just when it feels as if she has no choice in the matter at all, she finds that she has the biggest decision yet to make: Give up a part of herself to save the kingdom, or let Nelebek remain beneath the dark reign of Morlet.
It is a question that will define her, and decide the fate of a nation.
Initial Thoughts:
I was so geeked to pick up where Rise left off. You know, considering that cliff we were left hanging off of... The minute I got Anders and Vidar back was almost orgasmic.
Characters:
Kaia has grown up, for the most part. She is a being who questions everything, because no one is being straight with her. There is also a compassion to her that is less annoying and more relatable in this book than in the last. We also have far less TSTL moments, so I didn't want to strangle her nearly as much. As far as her development, I feel like we're still in the middle of her character arc, so I'm just hoping it improves even more come the next book. Overall, we connected far better in this book, which I was thrilled about.
Anders is my sweet little assassin baby and no one can convince me otherwise. While I still think he deserves better than Kaia, what he deserves more is a happy ending. There are a lot of trials for Anders in this one and it makes it so difficult to bear. His interactions with Kaia were exactly what you expect from him, and that made it equally heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Vidar and I were fighting in this book. I mean, I understand his pragmatism. That doesn't mean I had to like it. In this book you get a far clearer image of what goes on in his head, and the sacrifices he's willing to make for his people and his nation. And while they are powerful motives, it feels like he doesn't follow through with the right conclusion all the time. Considering his character, however, I understood the decisions he made and I still love him as a person. Faults and all.
Krigers are badasses. End of discussion.
Morlet ... gah it's so easy to hate him, but then there are those moments that you're no longer sure where Morlet ends and Espen begins. It makes it difficult. Very, very difficult.
Plot & Setting:
If you've read Rise, you know the setting. And frankly, I'm in too much of a hurry to move on to the plot to waste time explaining it. There's a map. You'll figure it out.
Now, the plot followed a bumpy road. What I mean to say is: subplots exist here. And we have to follow a few of the subplots in order to propel us into the larger framework. I. Freaking. Love. That.
Because of the subplots, we get answers to questions that plagued us in Rise. We are introduced to new characters and the hint of possibilities. There are more joyous moments that cushion your heart for the heartbreaks that follow. And they offer an expectation as well as an offer. Those subplots are the reason Kaia needs to continue.
It was brilliantly done.
Writing:
There's a reason I come back to this author's work. It is un-put-downable. Once the story captures you, there's nothing you want more than to just curl up in a warm blanket and read the day away. (Or few hours. Depending on how long it actually takes you.) I love how compelling the writing is, no matter which of her books I pick up. That is truly the mark of powerful storytelling to me.
Overall Opinion:
Vast improvement over Rise. Hands down. Everything seemed to come together more naturally and the character development kept me totally invested. Good book.
November 19, 2016
Oh, Jennifer Davis is soo good at writing a story! I was totally sucked in again to this book in the series and just as things were getting really crazy, she ended it! Ugh! I hate her for that! Ha-ha!
The story is full of action, adventure and the smattering of romance that isn’t what you would normally read about. The romance is forbidden. Also it is not a love triangle but there are 3 guys vying for Kaia! There is a curse that must be broken and it involves Kaia having to practically sacrifice her own life’s choices in order to save her kingdom. That’s a lot riding on a teenager! But Kaia is strong, smart and well trained. She might be a little stubborn too.
Again, if I could this book would have 10 stars. The writing is that good. Every action scene is well written and I could see it easily in my head as everything unfolded. Not only does it suck you in, but you want to stand up while you read as if you were watching it in real life and routing for Kaia, Anders, Vidar and the Krigers to succeed in their quest!
You want a great story, lots of action, magic, evil, finding the good in bad people, romance, moats, fighting for what you believe in, and going the extra mile than look no further because this is it!
The story is full of action, adventure and the smattering of romance that isn’t what you would normally read about. The romance is forbidden. Also it is not a love triangle but there are 3 guys vying for Kaia! There is a curse that must be broken and it involves Kaia having to practically sacrifice her own life’s choices in order to save her kingdom. That’s a lot riding on a teenager! But Kaia is strong, smart and well trained. She might be a little stubborn too.
Again, if I could this book would have 10 stars. The writing is that good. Every action scene is well written and I could see it easily in my head as everything unfolded. Not only does it suck you in, but you want to stand up while you read as if you were watching it in real life and routing for Kaia, Anders, Vidar and the Krigers to succeed in their quest!
You want a great story, lots of action, magic, evil, finding the good in bad people, romance, moats, fighting for what you believe in, and going the extra mile than look no further because this is it!
November 4, 2016
This is book two in Jennifer Anne Davis Order of The Krigers series where she strikes out beyond her other series that mostly has to do with princess who trying to take back her kingdom. This series is vastly different in that we are dealing with a magical group of characters knows as the Krigers who are trying to to take down the evil Morlet. In this second book the 12 Krigers are all together and are working towards trying to discover how they are to link together as one to take down Morlet. You get various scenes as they try to train together to do this. You also got poor Kaia who has been told she to bear a child and she not really sure if to be with the man she pledge to marry or the man who she might give her heart to if she can find a way to save him from the evil that consumed him into this evil character. So as the story comes to a close on this book and we are eagerly waiting for book three how will this child come into the world. Will it be with the evil king as has been for told, will it be with the man she pledge to marry or will their be no baby? Only Jennifer Anne Davis knows :)
February 9, 2017
The first book in this series was a bit of a disappointment for me after the author’s stellar True Reign and Reign of Secrets series, but we’re back, baby! The Rema/Allyssa books are still my favorite. Nonetheless, the author’s god-given genius is much more pronounced here. The first book in this series was published with Month 9 and this one is self-published (go indies!), another explanation for why this story felt more authentic, I think.
The plot:
We’re back to the less predictable storyline style of the beloved True Reign series I keep mentioning. It was more difficult for me to predict what would happen and I liked that. I do wish there had been more focus on a clearer build/climax, but that damnable love triangle is (mostly) gone, thank God.
The characters:
I liked Kaia more in this one. A LOT more. She has autonomy and has started talking back to Vidar (YES). She also balances between the whole acceptance of her fate and maintaining ownership of her life. I was impressed with how that was handled and like I said, MUCH better than the previous book. In the last one, she lets that jerk Vidar pressure her into an engagement and it made me SO ANGRY. I WAS SALTY FOR MONTHS AND I’M STILL MAD AND…*deep breath* Everything’s better now. It’s okay. I’m okay.
Vidar and Morlet—the two immortal princes—are still both pieces of work in their own way. Morlet is the mass murderer driven by evil magic and Vidar is the control-freak, “Kaia must marry me because reasons” heir to the throne. Guess which one I like more? Yes—Morlet.
There was a great deal more explanation for Morlet’s actions. His mood swings and irrational behavior are suddenly quite understandable and I might even be liking him more than Anders *gasp*. Keyword there is “might” and it depends on what happens in book three.
On a minor note, I did like that Allyssa got another girl as a friend in this one. Bonus points for not making the warrior girl have all guy friends, definitely.
In summation, I was impressed with how much better the author did on her own versus with a publisher. I think most the little things that knocked this down from 5 stars—odd twists and circling in the story, one or two rocky transitions—were the results of leading the story back over to a plot truer to the original vision. Even with this issues, this is a definite recommended read from me.
The plot:
We’re back to the less predictable storyline style of the beloved True Reign series I keep mentioning. It was more difficult for me to predict what would happen and I liked that. I do wish there had been more focus on a clearer build/climax, but that damnable love triangle is (mostly) gone, thank God.
The characters:
I liked Kaia more in this one. A LOT more. She has autonomy and has started talking back to Vidar (YES). She also balances between the whole acceptance of her fate and maintaining ownership of her life. I was impressed with how that was handled and like I said, MUCH better than the previous book. In the last one, she lets that jerk Vidar pressure her into an engagement and it made me SO ANGRY. I WAS SALTY FOR MONTHS AND I’M STILL MAD AND…*deep breath* Everything’s better now. It’s okay. I’m okay.
Vidar and Morlet—the two immortal princes—are still both pieces of work in their own way. Morlet is the mass murderer driven by evil magic and Vidar is the control-freak, “Kaia must marry me because reasons” heir to the throne. Guess which one I like more? Yes—Morlet.
There was a great deal more explanation for Morlet’s actions. His mood swings and irrational behavior are suddenly quite understandable and I might even be liking him more than Anders *gasp*. Keyword there is “might” and it depends on what happens in book three.
On a minor note, I did like that Allyssa got another girl as a friend in this one. Bonus points for not making the warrior girl have all guy friends, definitely.
In summation, I was impressed with how much better the author did on her own versus with a publisher. I think most the little things that knocked this down from 5 stars—odd twists and circling in the story, one or two rocky transitions—were the results of leading the story back over to a plot truer to the original vision. Even with this issues, this is a definite recommended read from me.
December 28, 2016
3.5 STARS
I am a huge fan of JAD and feel she's one of the most underrated authors in this genre. My standards for her are somewhat high and I always expect to be blown away by her work. This was a solid second book for a series, and I didn't dislike it, but I just didn't love it like the first book.
The beginning was painstaking slow and the direction of the romance was tedious and annoying. How many possible love interests does one heroine need? It really frustrated me and distracted from the bigger story. Happily, the later half picked up significantly and was filled with countless plot twists and interesting events. I enjoyed the closing chapters and look forward to the next installment. I am optimistic that book 3 will have me loving the series again.
I am a huge fan of JAD and feel she's one of the most underrated authors in this genre. My standards for her are somewhat high and I always expect to be blown away by her work. This was a solid second book for a series, and I didn't dislike it, but I just didn't love it like the first book.
The beginning was painstaking slow and the direction of the romance was tedious and annoying. How many possible love interests does one heroine need? It really frustrated me and distracted from the bigger story. Happily, the later half picked up significantly and was filled with countless plot twists and interesting events. I enjoyed the closing chapters and look forward to the next installment. I am optimistic that book 3 will have me loving the series again.
November 15, 2016
Loved loved loved. It was an awesome sequel to the first book, and now I'm dying for the third book. Everything about the relationships between Kia, Anders, and Vidar is amazing and I love seeing how it changes and grows. And then there is Morlet...so much I want to say, so much I can not say because I don't want to ruin it for anyone. So complex.
I really would just babble away about the story, but I truly don't want to ruin this for anyone, so I'm going to stop, but I highly recommend the series and this book. Amazing!
I really would just babble away about the story, but I truly don't want to ruin this for anyone, so I'm going to stop, but I highly recommend the series and this book. Amazing!
December 3, 2016
So I'm annoyed, just cause I waited so long and practically zoomed through this book to be upset that I now have to wait for the next...
Well I knew that was going to happen but it still doesn't make me feel any better.
Okay, about the book.
If you didn't see it coming, you will have a few surprises. We meet a few new interesting characters.
I would definitely recommend this series... you just need to be patient!
Well I knew that was going to happen but it still doesn't make me feel any better.
Okay, about the book.
If you didn't see it coming, you will have a few surprises. We meet a few new interesting characters.
I would definitely recommend this series... you just need to be patient!
September 10, 2016
review coming soon..
November 17, 2016
Amazing book. A must-read for all YA fantasy fans! Another masterpiece from best-selling author Jennifer Anne Davis!
February 19, 2022
I can’t wait to read the next book as they are actually going to take action. Kaia needs to conceive a child before then, but she’s only 16. I don’t have anything else to say but I enjoyed it.
December 31, 2016
Review:
Protagonist: After freeing the other Krigers from Mortlet's captivity, the country of Nelebek is closer than ever to being rid of the ruthless tyrant Mortlet. However, before Kaia and the other Krigers can end Mortlet's reign she needs to conceive a child of royal blood, meaning either she has a child with Vidar or, more terrifying yet, she has to have a child with Mortlet. Yet, she's able to see the good parts of Mortlet, the parts that have yet to be corrupted by the Skog Heks magic flowing through his system. Much of Kaia's development in this book is tied into her role in breaking the curse. The symbol on her weapon means "choice" and still she feels that if she wants to do right by her country and the people she's come to care for, she has no choice. I loved watching Kaia's struggles in this book because it made her feel all the more real of a character. She's by no means a perfect character, she's flawed, she thinks too much with her heart, and she has real fears that can interfere with her mission, that being said, she still does what she believes is right and faces her challenges head on. Sometimes she comes out victorious, but other times she needs to lick her wounds and regroup. All these things make her such a great character to root for and to watch develop over the course of this series.
Romance: One of my favorite aspects of this series so far has been the way the author has approached the romance. In a way, there's a love triangle, but it's presented in a very unique and unusual way. It's obvious, even in the first book, that there's really only one true contender for Kaia's heart, and yet she's drawn to Mortlet, or at least the human side of him, Espen, and finds herself engaged to Vidar in hopes that conceiving a child with him will help break the curse, all the while fighting her growing romantic feelings for the assassin Anders. This isn't your typical YA romance, and the way the author handles it is inexplicably amazing. While Kaia's feelings for the men in her life play a role in the overall story, she never lets that define who she is. She's not trying to find a husband or someone to spend her life with, she wants to break this curse, so if romantic entanglements get in the way she won't let it stop her from doing what she needs to do, which I greatly admire in a YA heroine. That all being said the romantic tension between Kaia and Anders is off the charts amazing. It does get a tiny bit too soapy at times, but it always finds a way to reign itself in before it gets too much. Then there's the complicated connection between Kaia and Mortlet which is extremely compelling, while I'm not rooting for Mortlet and Kaia to end up in any way together, I understand her struggle and understand the fight that Mortlet's humanity, Espen, must be fighting every day.
World Building: With all the Krigers finally together you'd think that it wouldn't take that long to band together, link up their powers and destroy Mortlet, but there's much more to this story left to be told. Since much of Kaia's development involves her role in breaking the curse, that's also what most of the world building is based upon. In this book, we learn more about what transpired when the curse was first cast. Whatever did happen to the girl that Espen was so ready to give up anything to be with? Now that Skog Heks has been killed what does that mean for the rule of balance in Nelebek? Why is Kaia the only female Kriger? All of these questions and more are answered in this installment. I usually find that the second installment in a trilogy is the most world building heavy, and even though I haven't read the final book in this trilogy, this book is jam-packed with world building. While I'm sure there's still much to explore as this series comes to an end next year, I was blown away by the information we discover in this installment and I loved the way the author presented it. It never felt out of place or like a huge info-dump, but much more natural and realistic.
Predictability: Going over this story I was trying to pinpoint what twists there were and try and remember my reactions to them, however, I wasn't able to find that many. That's not to say that there weren't twists in this story, but more that they weren't presented like normal literary twists. There were definitely some twists that felt more "normal" that were either well foreshadowed or came out of nowhere, but there were other times that it was more how certain characters got out of tricky predicaments or how they reacted to trials and hardships that were in a way twists. Not because the characters were acting out of character, but because they handle it in a way that's both unexpected and yet completely something they would do that catches me off guard. Either way, there were only a small handful of times that there was something presented as a twist that I was under the impression the reader already knew or should have known, and even those moments didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.
Ending: As this installment was coming to a close I had so many expectations for where I thought the story was going to go, and yet nothing quite turned out in the way I expected. Things were postponed until the final installment that I thought would have happened in this installment, and there were things that I expected to happen that just didn't and the way the author wrote around it was incredible. I really wish I could go into specifics here because there's a moment near the end of the book that really spoke to me because Kaia does something that I've only seen a handful of other female protagonists do and it was something that just made me love her character all the more. Again, I wish I could go into specifics, but I don't want to risk spoiling people because not only am I against causing spoilers, but it's also a moment that I feel is best experienced without any prior knowledge that it's coming. The ending itself was both incredible and aggravating. Incredible because I loved the final climax of the story and where things leave off, and yet aggravating because I hate waiting for the next installment and while I know I don't have to wait as long as people who read this as soon as it came out, August can't come soon enough. (I bet the author feels the exact opposite though lol)
Rating:
If you couldn't tell by my glowing review, I loved this book, even more than the first one, and everything the world building, the magic system, the characters, and the romance are all phenomenal. If you read the first book and were hesitant to read the second, don't be, it only gets better! (Granted that's coming from someone who wasn't hesitant to continue this series.)
Protagonist: After freeing the other Krigers from Mortlet's captivity, the country of Nelebek is closer than ever to being rid of the ruthless tyrant Mortlet. However, before Kaia and the other Krigers can end Mortlet's reign she needs to conceive a child of royal blood, meaning either she has a child with Vidar or, more terrifying yet, she has to have a child with Mortlet. Yet, she's able to see the good parts of Mortlet, the parts that have yet to be corrupted by the Skog Heks magic flowing through his system. Much of Kaia's development in this book is tied into her role in breaking the curse. The symbol on her weapon means "choice" and still she feels that if she wants to do right by her country and the people she's come to care for, she has no choice. I loved watching Kaia's struggles in this book because it made her feel all the more real of a character. She's by no means a perfect character, she's flawed, she thinks too much with her heart, and she has real fears that can interfere with her mission, that being said, she still does what she believes is right and faces her challenges head on. Sometimes she comes out victorious, but other times she needs to lick her wounds and regroup. All these things make her such a great character to root for and to watch develop over the course of this series.
Romance: One of my favorite aspects of this series so far has been the way the author has approached the romance. In a way, there's a love triangle, but it's presented in a very unique and unusual way. It's obvious, even in the first book, that there's really only one true contender for Kaia's heart, and yet she's drawn to Mortlet, or at least the human side of him, Espen, and finds herself engaged to Vidar in hopes that conceiving a child with him will help break the curse, all the while fighting her growing romantic feelings for the assassin Anders. This isn't your typical YA romance, and the way the author handles it is inexplicably amazing. While Kaia's feelings for the men in her life play a role in the overall story, she never lets that define who she is. She's not trying to find a husband or someone to spend her life with, she wants to break this curse, so if romantic entanglements get in the way she won't let it stop her from doing what she needs to do, which I greatly admire in a YA heroine. That all being said the romantic tension between Kaia and Anders is off the charts amazing. It does get a tiny bit too soapy at times, but it always finds a way to reign itself in before it gets too much. Then there's the complicated connection between Kaia and Mortlet which is extremely compelling, while I'm not rooting for Mortlet and Kaia to end up in any way together, I understand her struggle and understand the fight that Mortlet's humanity, Espen, must be fighting every day.
World Building: With all the Krigers finally together you'd think that it wouldn't take that long to band together, link up their powers and destroy Mortlet, but there's much more to this story left to be told. Since much of Kaia's development involves her role in breaking the curse, that's also what most of the world building is based upon. In this book, we learn more about what transpired when the curse was first cast. Whatever did happen to the girl that Espen was so ready to give up anything to be with? Now that Skog Heks has been killed what does that mean for the rule of balance in Nelebek? Why is Kaia the only female Kriger? All of these questions and more are answered in this installment. I usually find that the second installment in a trilogy is the most world building heavy, and even though I haven't read the final book in this trilogy, this book is jam-packed with world building. While I'm sure there's still much to explore as this series comes to an end next year, I was blown away by the information we discover in this installment and I loved the way the author presented it. It never felt out of place or like a huge info-dump, but much more natural and realistic.
Predictability: Going over this story I was trying to pinpoint what twists there were and try and remember my reactions to them, however, I wasn't able to find that many. That's not to say that there weren't twists in this story, but more that they weren't presented like normal literary twists. There were definitely some twists that felt more "normal" that were either well foreshadowed or came out of nowhere, but there were other times that it was more how certain characters got out of tricky predicaments or how they reacted to trials and hardships that were in a way twists. Not because the characters were acting out of character, but because they handle it in a way that's both unexpected and yet completely something they would do that catches me off guard. Either way, there were only a small handful of times that there was something presented as a twist that I was under the impression the reader already knew or should have known, and even those moments didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.
Ending: As this installment was coming to a close I had so many expectations for where I thought the story was going to go, and yet nothing quite turned out in the way I expected. Things were postponed until the final installment that I thought would have happened in this installment, and there were things that I expected to happen that just didn't and the way the author wrote around it was incredible. I really wish I could go into specifics here because there's a moment near the end of the book that really spoke to me because Kaia does something that I've only seen a handful of other female protagonists do and it was something that just made me love her character all the more. Again, I wish I could go into specifics, but I don't want to risk spoiling people because not only am I against causing spoilers, but it's also a moment that I feel is best experienced without any prior knowledge that it's coming. The ending itself was both incredible and aggravating. Incredible because I loved the final climax of the story and where things leave off, and yet aggravating because I hate waiting for the next installment and while I know I don't have to wait as long as people who read this as soon as it came out, August can't come soon enough. (I bet the author feels the exact opposite though lol)
Rating:
If you couldn't tell by my glowing review, I loved this book, even more than the first one, and everything the world building, the magic system, the characters, and the romance are all phenomenal. If you read the first book and were hesitant to read the second, don't be, it only gets better! (Granted that's coming from someone who wasn't hesitant to continue this series.)
October 10, 2022
The book repeats the same statements too many times—Kaia is a Kriger, we have to sacrifice them for the good of the entire kingdom, all twelve Krigers need to connect their powers together to kill Morlet, Anders is bound to Vidar, Vidar and Kaia are engaged, Kaia can’t feel anything for Anders.
Kaia still hasn’t gotten over her hesitation to kill which, as I mentioned in my review of book 1, is very infuriating. It’s like the author was trying too hard to make Kaia be the tiny sliver of ‘good’ in such a brutal plot. The ‘trying too hard’ part came through in the amount of times Kaia was at a mental battle with herself of what was the right and wrong thing to do. You’re an honourable person, Kaia, but please get over it already.
The undeniable attraction between Anders and Kaia was torturous, and not in a good way. Any time they had a ‘moment’ together, it was ruined. I quote: ”Even if he misheard the prophesy, and my blood was supposed to mix with Morlet’s, that didn’t mean there was hope for Anders and me. There was no point in thinking of him in any other than friendship.” Point made. This always comes after a ‘moment’.
All that being said, this book was better than book 1, which I find pretty common with series. Book 1 is always the introduction to the characters and world, and then the rest of the series holds all the exciting action. I’m really enjoying this series. The characters and the magic. It’s engrossing.
Kaia still hasn’t gotten over her hesitation to kill which, as I mentioned in my review of book 1, is very infuriating. It’s like the author was trying too hard to make Kaia be the tiny sliver of ‘good’ in such a brutal plot. The ‘trying too hard’ part came through in the amount of times Kaia was at a mental battle with herself of what was the right and wrong thing to do. You’re an honourable person, Kaia, but please get over it already.
The undeniable attraction between Anders and Kaia was torturous, and not in a good way. Any time they had a ‘moment’ together, it was ruined. I quote: ”Even if he misheard the prophesy, and my blood was supposed to mix with Morlet’s, that didn’t mean there was hope for Anders and me. There was no point in thinking of him in any other than friendship.” Point made. This always comes after a ‘moment’.
All that being said, this book was better than book 1, which I find pretty common with series. Book 1 is always the introduction to the characters and world, and then the rest of the series holds all the exciting action. I’m really enjoying this series. The characters and the magic. It’s engrossing.
July 2, 2022
ok
This book was a lot of things, matter of fact this series is a lot of things. A bunch of stuff happens in this book and some of it was cool and some of it was dumb. She’s supposed to train and become stronger but she’s never in one place long enough to do that. Who knows, maybe I’m lumping all the books together and I don’t actually know what this book is about, because I’ve read all of them and personally, I think it gets worse after the first book.
This book was a lot of things, matter of fact this series is a lot of things. A bunch of stuff happens in this book and some of it was cool and some of it was dumb. She’s supposed to train and become stronger but she’s never in one place long enough to do that. Who knows, maybe I’m lumping all the books together and I don’t actually know what this book is about, because I’ve read all of them and personally, I think it gets worse after the first book.
September 29, 2022
an extension
This felt like an extension of book 1 not a book 2. Nothing progressed or evolved as you’d expect with a book 2. The characters didn’t grow. The story didn’t change or move along much. The plot was stagnant. The reader learned very little about the characters or the issues they were facing. The ‘big twist’ was seen from miles away. For that reason you can’t even say that moved the plot; it was too obvious.
This felt like an extension of book 1 not a book 2. Nothing progressed or evolved as you’d expect with a book 2. The characters didn’t grow. The story didn’t change or move along much. The plot was stagnant. The reader learned very little about the characters or the issues they were facing. The ‘big twist’ was seen from miles away. For that reason you can’t even say that moved the plot; it was too obvious.
April 6, 2019
This is one of the best book series I have ever read. Usually with most books around the 2-3 book of the series I’m done with it and it starts to get boring. But I have to say every single book in this series has kept me happy and entertained the entire way. Thank you for making a lovely series you did a very good job.
February 3, 2021
Eek. Not at all what I expected
One. Not at all like the authors other books. Two. Not appropriate for a teen audience. I really don’t know that I will bother with the third book. I mean I’m intrigued only to see if the author somehow redeems this twisted awful storyline but yet I’m not sure how she could. It is crazy because my daughter and I loved her other series.
One. Not at all like the authors other books. Two. Not appropriate for a teen audience. I really don’t know that I will bother with the third book. I mean I’m intrigued only to see if the author somehow redeems this twisted awful storyline but yet I’m not sure how she could. It is crazy because my daughter and I loved her other series.
November 9, 2016
Wow! Another great read by Ms. Davis. Full of mystery, intrigue, love, hate, magic, betrayal, and kingdoms. Who will father Kaia's baby? Can she kill the evil king? Will the Krigers be successful to end the curse? A great story to keep you on your toes!
August 15, 2021
Great Sequel
A quick, easy and delightful read. The ending leaves me ready for book 3! I enjoy seeing how conflicted the characters are between actions of the heart and that of duty.
A quick, easy and delightful read. The ending leaves me ready for book 3! I enjoy seeing how conflicted the characters are between actions of the heart and that of duty.
November 20, 2016
Great sequel to book 1, Rise. This one was action packed and I'm excited to see where the story leads.
August 31, 2017
Enjoyable but different
If you are interested in stories of magic, good, evil and suspense-- this is a good series for you! Fun-- but not predictable.
If you are interested in stories of magic, good, evil and suspense-- this is a good series for you! Fun-- but not predictable.
June 17, 2018
Damaris could have been either new Grei Heks OR Morlet in disguise. I hoped for option nr 2
August 10, 2019
🦸♂️it's like meeting your super hero only to find out he's an asshole.
May 16, 2021
Well well well. Can Anders just love her and fight for her? Ugh. So many weird twists going on.
September 1, 2021
Page Turner
I read this book in a day. Can’t wait to see what happens in the final book. I’m so excited.
I read this book in a day. Can’t wait to see what happens in the final book. I’m so excited.
November 17, 2022
I've loved these books so far.
Its a good story and keeps you turning the pages.
Romance with magic and action. Don't hesitate to read this series
Its a good story and keeps you turning the pages.
Romance with magic and action. Don't hesitate to read this series
December 26, 2016
This book was another highly anticipated book for me. It’s the second book in the Order of the Kriger’s series. I enjoyed Rise very much. Rise played with the idea of moral ambiguity and redemption in ways that I really liked. I loved the uncertainty in all the character’s futures. Unfortunately 2016 has not been a good year for books 2 in a series. Burning Shadows was not the exception to this rule.
It started out strong. I really enjoy the way the villain struggles with himself. Morlet acts evil but still there are glimpses of Espen, especially around Kaia. They both struggle with their connection to each other and that connection built over the course of the book. I also really loved the Vidar/Anders dynamic. Vidar is the character I love to hate. It’s a mark of a fun book when I enjoy the villain and I hate the hero. It makes me think that things won’t turn out the way I expect.
In the middle of the book, things started getting complex and a little confusing. There were multiple plot reveals that weren’t adequately explained. It felt to me like it jumped from reveal to reveal with no time to describe what was happening. I would have liked a couple more paragraphs of exposition. I think more description of these events might have helped with my chief complaint of this book...
Everything went sideways 75% of the way through.
Not in a metaphorical, $#%! hit the fan, plot sort of way. When I say things went sideways, I mean characters started acting in completely oddball, unexplainable ways. I even flipped back 100 pages because I didn’t understand what was going on and I figured I must have missed something. Nope. They just started acting odd for no reason. I spent much of this week trying to grasp what happened. I reread it a third time, and talked to my husband and even my friends about it. Eventually, I figured I must be interpreting it wrong; I must have missed something. Still, I have no idea what happened and it bugs me.
If the point was to get me to think about the book, I’m definitely worked up about it. I am absolutely going to read book three to see if it’s explained.
Have you read this book??? PLEASE talk to me!This review was originally posted on Emily Reads Everything
It started out strong. I really enjoy the way the villain struggles with himself. Morlet acts evil but still there are glimpses of Espen, especially around Kaia. They both struggle with their connection to each other and that connection built over the course of the book. I also really loved the Vidar/Anders dynamic. Vidar is the character I love to hate. It’s a mark of a fun book when I enjoy the villain and I hate the hero. It makes me think that things won’t turn out the way I expect.
In the middle of the book, things started getting complex and a little confusing. There were multiple plot reveals that weren’t adequately explained. It felt to me like it jumped from reveal to reveal with no time to describe what was happening. I would have liked a couple more paragraphs of exposition. I think more description of these events might have helped with my chief complaint of this book...
Everything went sideways 75% of the way through.
Not in a metaphorical, $#%! hit the fan, plot sort of way. When I say things went sideways, I mean characters started acting in completely oddball, unexplainable ways. I even flipped back 100 pages because I didn’t understand what was going on and I figured I must have missed something. Nope. They just started acting odd for no reason. I spent much of this week trying to grasp what happened. I reread it a third time, and talked to my husband and even my friends about it. Eventually, I figured I must be interpreting it wrong; I must have missed something. Still, I have no idea what happened and it bugs me.
If the point was to get me to think about the book, I’m definitely worked up about it. I am absolutely going to read book three to see if it’s explained.
Have you read this book??? PLEASE talk to me!This review was originally posted on Emily Reads Everything
February 21, 2017
And here I thought it was going to be a great book but then it totally suck
November 21, 2016
I love this series
The only thing I don't like about JAD books are the cliffhangers! :) I've told myself to wait a little closer to the release date for the next book in the series before reading the currnet one but alas, I don't have the willpower lol. They're just too good.
I have a few theories on how this will end and I can't wait to see how everything unfolds!
I would recommend this series to a friend.
The only thing I don't like about JAD books are the cliffhangers! :) I've told myself to wait a little closer to the release date for the next book in the series before reading the currnet one but alas, I don't have the willpower lol. They're just too good.
I have a few theories on how this will end and I can't wait to see how everything unfolds!
I would recommend this series to a friend.
November 18, 2016
I finally got around to finishing this book and it was sooo good!!
Sometimes the 2nd book in a series seems like filler and this was defiantly not that. In fact there's a lot of things that I can't say in here because it gives too much away. We learn SOO much in here about all the characters.
I can not wait for the 3rd book!
Sometimes the 2nd book in a series seems like filler and this was defiantly not that. In fact there's a lot of things that I can't say in here because it gives too much away. We learn SOO much in here about all the characters.
I can not wait for the 3rd book!
January 27, 2017
Morlet is as cruel as usual but the book still lacks a little bit of substance just like its predecessor.
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