Phyllis and her 17 year old twin sister, Ilieus are blended ones. But Ilieus suffers from vision of darkness she is unable to discern. Forsaken by their parents the two cross the country in search of the Order of the Wise for help.
Cuthan the Charmer is mischievous enough to change anyone s mind with a smile and a wink. Born into a family of treasure hunters, he s searching for the key to unlocking his dormant powers.
Pharengon the Horse Lord was born to be King. Young and inexperienced he seeks a weapon to turn the tide of the war in his favor. But when his very own army betrays him, he will have to turn to the Lost Ones for assistance.
Caught in the fate of the Eastern World the youths destinies become twisted together in a frightful quest that will change the course of time. In the midst of their whirlwind adventure, they discover love, loss and uncover the truth about who and what is behind the chaotic, spiraling events in the Eastern World.
Angela J. Ford is a bestselling fantasy romance author who writes high-stakes epic fantasy and swoon-worthy fantasy romance novels filled with atmospheric worlds, diverse characters, and satisfying happily ever afters. Her stories feature fast-paced plots, rich descriptions, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and enchanting magic, often with a musical twist. With over 30 published books, Angela's imaginative storytelling has captured the hearts of fantasy romance readers worldwide. As an avid reader herself, Angela can often be found with her nose in a book.
Visit her website (angelajford.com) for signed hardcovers, exclusive book boxes and luxe bookish candles.
This second release from author Angela J. Ford does not disappoint. Filled with intrigue and mystery, each chapter leaves you wanting to start the next to find out the answer to your questions. We follow the story of the twins Phyllis and Ilieus through a beautifully imagined and described world as they struggle to understand their role in the chaos of the Eastern World. This novel pays tribute to the first in the series, The Five Warriors, yet can be read as a standalone, and leaves readers ready for what happens next.
The Blended Ones is the second book in the Four World Series. Set in the eastern world you meet six characters on a quest to save their dying world from an unknown evil. This book has adventure and mystery keeping you interested in what's going to happen next. An all around great read.
"The Blended Ones" is a high fantasy novel in some ways very reminiscent of the Shannara books. There are the Four Worlds and the Four People Groups, and adolescent siblings who have to go off on a magical quest to save the world. In this case, though, it's two sisters, Phyllis and Ilieus, who are "blended," meaning what you might call biracial, with parents of different People Groups. Ilieus has visions she can't control, while Phyllis is the stalwart one, taking over when her mother dies and she and Ilieus end up on the run, even as she harbors dreams of her own--dreams that might actually be able to come true?
Having two sisters as the central characters of a heroic fantasy novel is a nice touch, especially since neither sister is a stereotype. Ilieus is the "magical one" and Phyllis is the "heroic one," but neither of them are prone to the kind of quasi-macho posturing that too many so-called "strong heroines" engage in. Instead, they really are strong, something that the other characters not only accept, but take for granted. In fact, pretty much all the female characters are genuinely powerful, but in a natural, organic way. This is actually quite difficult for a writer to do, since we don't have a lot of examples to work from, so its realization here made a pleasant change.
The worldbuilding is imaginative, despite the echoes of other epic fantasy series and tropes such as magic swords, prophecies, and items of power. However, these are classic fantasy tropes for a reason, and the elements are brought together in a fresh fashion, with some charming touches such as Phyllis's pet dragon. The action does proceed at a frenetic pace, which is not something I personally care for, but I know that many fantasy readers prefer a fast-moving plot with lots of action. All in all, a fun and readable addition to the epic/heroic fantasy genre, especially for readers looking to kick back and enjoy something with a plot you won't get bogged down in and likable heroines as central characters.
My thanks to the author for providing a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
What a good story. It takes place a few years after the first book. The five from the first book are now legends of old. The people groups are now intermixing and the children are considered dangerous. Some are even killed as babies. A new King is on the rise and he has his five companions looking for a way to save the world. Two treasure hunters, twin girls, and his advisor. Once again, what a fascinating story of good vs evil. I was drawn in by the great description of events and I fell in love with the characters. Ms. Ford has a way with word that I really loved. I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out. I need to see how this all ends.
The first few chapters seem a bit disjointed and don't relate well to the first book; only when the twins start their journey does it pick up pace and flow more smoothly. The ending brings one briefly to what happened after the end of The Five Warriors. And since the prophecy has not been fulfilled in all respects, there has to be another story in there somewhere!
Wow just wow is all I have to say after finishing this book. It is very different from the first in the series (The Five Warriors). The only similarity is Angela's descriptive writing style that rolls a vivid live action movie in your minds eye as you read. Book one was more action and heroic deeds. Book two is full of adventures cloaked in mystery and intrigue. The plot is full of twists and surprises. Angela does a great job of bringing the main characters to life. Each are distinctly different, yet very relatable. At times you'll be cheering for all them. Other times you'll wonder are they really working together for the same goal. That goal is of course to save their world. Many unanswered questions are resolved at the end but the ones that aren't set the stage for the next book in the series.
I can finally put this down for a little bit. I thought there first book in this series was spectacular and that living up to that in a sequel would be impossible. Alas you've done it again and I can't wait to start the next book, but I must first come back to reality for a short time and take care of a few things. As an avid reader I must warn you if you are not ready to be swept up into one of the best series I have read in years. WALK AWAY, finish anything that needs finishing and only then sit down to read this epic tale. Be prepared to be swept away into another place and time and enjoy an adventure you will truly go out of your way to tell everyone you know to read this series.
Another wonder in the land of magic and fantasy! A ride of excitement and wonder. You can see the creatures and the landscape all around as if you are there! The scenes are amazing. You can feel the emotions in the characters. Beautifully written!
Same for the entire four book series. Story line good. Fun to follow. But the writing errors make it difficult to enjoy. I would no buy the book. Nor the series. I was able to read through amazon unlimited. If she got a good proof reader it would help
Wow! An another superb fantasy story I had found. I really like the story line of the book, how the character have deep connection between each other. Everyone should read this!
It has been a few years since The Five Warriors. The worlds have come together and the different people have started blended families. But these children are dangerous and many are killed as babies. Phyllis and Ilieus are two of these blended children. But Ilieus is starting to have dark visions and Phyllis decides that the best thing for them to do is to find the Order of Wise.
The sisters are joined by Cuthan, the son of treasure hunters that doesn’t take things too seriously. There is also Pharengon, an upcoming king that tried to turn the war in his favor but ended up with his own army turning on them. He is going to the Lost Ones to help save this world.
The Blended Ones is a change from The Five Warriors. The Five Warriors were ready for battle and willing to jump into the fight. The Blended One has the feel of a reluctant quest with everyone being the last person that should have gone. But the group has to succeed, if they don’t the Eastern World will fall.
I have to say at first it was a little disappointing going from a strong, kick butt, female warrior to twin sisters that are not really adventure material. Although this felt more of the ragtag group, they do come together to fight.
This is a great sequel to The Five Warriors but could easily have been read as a standalone novel.
I received The Blended Ones from Silver Dagger Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Must say right out at the start that this book was a great disappointment after the 1st book, this tale reminded me at times of Alice in Wonderland because things just sort of popped out of thin air, and at times where so childish it was unreal! Ilieus and Phyllis act like children, one is always in a daze but drifts from one person to another whilst the other keeps feeling sorry for herself because she feels left out. First with the dezzi and then when they met Tharmaren the wise on the lost ones isle. Miri, Artenvox and Cuthan are all very naive as characters go, Roturk, the dranagin could have turned into a fantastic saviour but nothing much is made of him! The characters drift apart and then meet up again as though by magic even when they have crossed the sea or the forest, there is too much of this happening, too much like a child's fairy tale. The five warriors of the first book had been real heroes but Phyllis and Ilieus are constantly afraid of everything and the rest of the company are plain daft especially Cuthan who even gives a smile before being sucked under by the quicksand! Definitely a disappointing read.
There are three elements that made this novel amazing.
One: This is a true epic fantasy. You open the novel to find a fully illustrated map and a quote from one of the book's factions: "Order of the Wise." The world inside the pages is huge and highly researched, making this a true epic fantasy.
Two: The central characters are twins! I absolutely love a book that has twins, more so when those twins are fully-fleshed characters. Angela didn't disappoint.
Three: This book tackles a real-world issue: Race. The world-lore is centered around the idea that groups have separated into their races. The very title brings to attention the "biracial" characters and gives the reader plenty food for thought. Brilliantly executed.
The only fault I found was the world and imagination got a little swept away at times, leaving us lost in the details and flurry of creativity. No matter how fantastic, I prefer fantasy to be grounded. But in the beginning of the book, Angela warns the reader about this very thing, so I can't hold it against her. Having such a vivid imagination is a wonderful skill!
I highly recommend "The Blended Ones" for anyone looking for a true epic fantasy!
I like the character and story development, some characters I did not like and you will see why.
I like the "stone" Phyllis found.
This is the second book in this Series you can read it as a standalone novel but I am going to read the first one The Five Warriors and then read the third book Eliesmore and the Green Stone.
This is the second story in the Four Worlds series, and is just as exciting as the first. The characters and world are imaginative, and the events that transpire in this story are intense. Just like with the first book, I could not put it down.
Phyllis and Ilieus are sisters from the Four Worlds. Ilieus has visions which she cannot control, Phyllis is the heroic one. The sisters are blended ones and come from parents of People Groups. Phyllis and Illieus go on a quest to save the world. This book is filled with magical mystery and adventures. I really enjoyed reading this fantasy novel.
An epic adventure. The Blended Ones is a great read, loaded with action, adventure and mystery. The protagonists are the twin sisters Ilieus and Phillys, consider a peril by those around them because they belong to two different people groups.This sisters are awesome, always leaning on each other, knowing their thoughts without speaking them loud.
Let me begin by asking, "Isn't that cover gorgeous??" It's beautiful! And so is the story within. It keeps you hooked with every twist and turn in a world that you can only find in this book. You will find magic and perilous journeys that will excite your sense!
The Blended Ones. Is. EPIC! I was immediately captivated by the protagonists, Phyllis and Ilieus, albeit, more so Phyllis than Ilieus. The tales of the Blended Ones, the Jeweled Ones, and the Horse Lords, captivated me from beginning to end. It is a non-stop adventure. The Eastern World is in grave danger of an unknown threat, the people groups have begun turning on each other, and it's up to The Lost Ones to bring a rightful balance to the World. The mysterious pasts of the twins, Phyllis and Ilieus, lead to the most shocking, yet bewitching plot twist of all. A beautiful tale of love as well unfolds, bringing a light among ever present darkness. Each character has their quirks, and some will just downright make you want to jump into the page and take them out, but I find this even more reason as to why I was drawn in. With every passing page, a new mystery lies that must be unfold and found out. Secrets will be revealed, tables will turn, and in the end, you as well will love, fear, and be in awe of, The Blended Ones. Angela, HUZZAH for another masterpiece! Definitely re-reading this one!
I liked this books a lot, not quite as good as the first book, but still an incredible read, it was a bit confusing at times, but I would pick back up soon after. It took me a bit to get in to, but once I did it took off for me.