So I knew before I even read it, it was going to be epic! First, the cover looks great!
On to the story...
A powerful witch, a centuries-old vampire, and a dangerous new enemy...
Still coming to terms with her magical abilities, Naomi must confront a new dark enemy--only to discover they share a mysterious connection.
Torn between love and duty, Alaric wants nothing more than to protect the woman he loves, even if it means risking everything he's fought for.
When their former allies turn against them, Naomi and Alaric are forced to go on the run, towards a showdown that will put Naomi's newfound powers--and their relationship--to the test...
I realized that Alaric and Naomi has this undeniable attraction but Alaric in my opinion was always holding on too tight. My favorite part of the book was when Alaric told Naomi I see you! Ahhh! Melted my heart.
I would recommend this series and I am looking forward to the third installment.
I'm a huge fan of this author, so I was excited to read the second book in her current series. Naomi, Alaric and their friends find themselves taking on a new mysterious Big Bad, and it's unclear who of their allies they can trust. This new villain is more powerful than anyone Naomi has faced, and her confidence in her abilities take a hit. Her and Alaric's relationship also faces some challenges that need to be sorted out, which is tough to do when you're trying to save the world and all. My favorite characters from the first book made a return, and there were plenty of new characters stirring up trouble. I was very happy with how this ended, and the setup for the next book has me looking forward to it!
***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***
I haven't read the first book, but that doesn't take away from reading this book. It stands alone by itself and this story is self contained. The story is well written and the relationship between Alaric and Naomi is well defined. This book also goes to show the value of good communication between a couple. Relationships get off track if you can't communicate honesty and truth with your other half. Naomi over does the I'm my own person thing and Alaric does what his nature dictates and that's to over protect. With the danger that is going all around them, this could get one of the killed. This is a good story and I am sure the first book and the rest of the series will be just as good.
Still a few name mistakes which is annoying. I don't think the storyline is as good as the first book and I think the final fight scene could have been better, it was a tad tame.
I loved this book. I’m very invested in the characters and I cannot wait for the third book to be released. It’s a very easy read I would recommend this book to everyone
This was a good sequel book. Getting Alaric’s and Naomi’s stories more in depth was interesting. They have an exciting relationship. New characters introduced, new romance. Ends and beginnings. Great statement for this witch/ vampire book. Worth reading.
I loved every word of the Descendants books. They had everything you expect and so much more. So fast paced, easy to read, and so much excitement. I can't wait to get to the next book in this series.
*I received a free ARC of this book. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
To paraphrase a familiar saying: you don’t have to read the first book in this series to enjoy the second, but it helps!
What I particularly enjoy about this series is the way the author blends the fantasy plotline with the romantic developments, but keeps the balance equal between the two elements, so that they meld seamlessly together.
The relationship between Alaric and Naomi is developing naturally, with both internal and external conflicts which feel unforced and reasonable, and resolutions that include calming down and talking things through like adults who care about each other – WIN! There is even some personal growth for each of them as they learn to compromise their previously held traits in order to make things work together with give and take on both sides. I love that Alaric can be protective but not controlling, and Naomi can be independent but still soft – authentic character building.
Likewise, the ‘Descendant’ plot of supernatural war looming between the Alliance and the Order develops further in this arc, with Naomi pushing her powers further, learning to work as part of a team, and uncovering more about her mysterious family past. There is plenty of action and intrigue (with the mole subplot particularly) to keep the pace fast and tense, so once I’d got started I found I freewheeled my way easily to the end of the book in one read.
The finale is big, satisfying and implies that the next book may be focused around a different main character entirely! I think this is a good move because, whilst I have enjoyed following Alaric and Naomi, this book brings them to a good resting point and it is hard to see where the author could take them next without repeating some of what has come before. Whereas a fresh perspective would be an ideal way to carry on the same story, but with a twist. I look forward to finding out where the Alliance is heading next…
“W-what happened?” she asked, startled. Zahara approached her, fury tightening her expression. “Why would you say those things?” she demanded. “Why?!” “I-I spoke the words of the Binding spell,” Naomi said, blinking at her in confusion. “No,” Madalena said, stepping forward, her expression infused with worry. “At first you were. And then they changed.” “To what? What did I say?” There was a long silence. It was Alaric who broke it. He stepped forward, his tone grim. “You said, ‘Death to all inferiors, humans and Blood Beasts. Witches will have their rightful place.'”
– L. D. Goffigan, Marked Descendant
(Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog)
“Why do you betray your own kind?” the witch hissed. “Lying with a Blood Beast? Fighting against our cause?”
Having destroyed the Incantation Stone and defeated Raphael, Naomi’s relief is short-lived when she begins to hear whispers that suggest the existence of another Incantation Stone. Unfortunately her warning falls on deaf ears with the leaders of the Alliance who are sceptical, some even hostile.
While uttering the Oath during her induction ceremony to join the Alliance, Naomi finds herself articulating an incantation against her will. “Death to all inferiors, humans and Blood Beasts. Witches will have their rightful place.”
The Alliance are appalled and Naomi is understandably horrified. Madalena and Alaric realise that a witch had to be close by Naomi and use a specific spell to force her to say the Incantation and realise they have a traitor in the Alliance. But who?
When an enraged mystery woman confronts Naomi in an alley and attempts to kill her for betraying the Order and killing Raphael, Naomi comes to realise that she shares a strong connection to her assailant. As unexpected enemies in the Alliance make themselves known, Naomi’s past and present are on course to collide, resulting in a showdown that will put her new found powers to the test and her future with Alaric on the line.
Marked Descendant is the second instalment of the Descendant series and picks up after the events of the first book. The book was fast paced with enough twists and turns to leave the reader guessing as to the identity of the traitors in the Alliance. We learn more about Naomi’s mother and her background. The introduction of Naomi’s aunt was a clever twist although I wish her past had been explored more in detail.
Naomi and Alaric grow as a couple despite the many challenges they face. Elisabetta was an interesting addition and I hope to read more about her background in the next instalment. It was nice to see the return of Madalena, Casimir, Fiona and Elias. We see Casimir and Fiona’s story (which began in Winter’s Fire) finally come to its conclusion. We’re also given a taste of Elias’ background. Judging by the final chapter, it seems that Elias will have a bigger role in the third instalment so I’m looking forward to the author expanding on what drives him.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Shadow Descendant which was narrated by Price Walden and I am voluntarily reviewing it. I felt that the narrator gave a smooth and concise delivery which made it easy to differentiate between characters. His pronunciation of the incantations was particularly impressive. Recommended for fans of A Discovery of Witches.
I put this sequel to right on par with the first book. The action is fast paced and well written and the characters are consistent. If you liked the first book you will also like this one. We further explore the relationship between Naomi and Alaric which I really like but I am really looking forward to learning more about Elias in the third and final novel of the Descendants trilogy.
Possible Spoilers
I like the reveal of her biological aunt as the villain, but I wish we got her back story in more detail. There was only one "memory" of her as a little girl, but I feel like maybe a longer scene or another "memory" would have really amped up the emotion in the climactic showdown. I mean Naomi mentions feeling sorry for Genevieve but it's only a flicker and I think it could have been an interesting story to develop. I did like that we saw Naomi and Alaric have issues because he did not trust her to take care of herself and save herself which you see a lot in urban fantasy. Nice to see Naomi stand her ground and once again save the world.
Marked Descendant (Descendants #2) was another great read by L.D. Hall. Naomi is just getting to a point where she was coming to terms with her magical abilities. But now she has to confront a dark energy even though they share a connection. Alaric will protect Naomi even if it risks everything he has fought for. I enjoyed reading Naomi and Alaric's story and can't wait to read more in this series.
This series just keeps getting better I have devoured the first 2 in the past 13 hrs and can not wait to get started on the 3rd The book can be read as a stand alone but I would not want to miss the first book
Found a new author to delve in to. These books are excellent. The right of combination of ingredients to make you love the characters and sit up all night to finish the story.Then a sadness when you have to wait for a new book.