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Sun-Blessed Trilogy #2

Facing the Gray

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“The Grays—they’re monsters. I don’t know if we can stop them. But we have to try. Monsters can’t be left alone.”


Nearly a year has passed since Tavi Malin split the earth and healed it, escaping from the Grays. She’s settled back into small-town life. But the Grays have been quietly growing stronger, and when they attack someone close to Tavi, grief threatens to destroy her.
Tavi and the Golds resume their battle against gray magic.  But the Grays are still pursuing Tavi—and that means anyone with her is in danger. She’s determined to protect her friends by fighting alone.
Battered by sorrow and fear, Tavi grows reckless, risking her friendships and her life. As the Grays produce weapons and plot to crown one of their own as king, Tavi considers what was once unthinkable: she may need to embrace gray magic in order to defeat it.
Continue the thrilling story that began in Facing the Sun!
Here’s what early readers are saying:
“This fast-paced second book of the Sun-Blessed Trilogy is really hard to put down. I loved seeing how Tavi’s gifts evolve!” -Kim Decker


“The Sun-Blessed Trilogy was one of the most exciting, breathtaking, and heart-stopping series I’ve ever read! Readers of all ages will enjoy this wonderful series.” -Madysun Waldrop
“Face it! You won’t be able to put these books down. Order them as a trilogy. You’ll want the next one at your fingertips when you finish the first one.” -Brenda Elliott
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Sun-Blessed Trilogy. Following Tavi and her friends through their journey of growing up, getting stronger and wiser kept me on the edge of my seat. All along I was either rooting or crying for them. Made me wish I were born blessed too!” -DeDe Pollnow

456 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2018

15 people are currently reading
83 people want to read

About the author

Carol Beth Anderson

25 books298 followers
Thanks for visiting my Goodreads Author page! I'm Beth, author of fantasy novels, microfiction, and nonfiction for authors.

If you're interested in what books I'm reading, feel free to connect with me on my personal Goodreads too.

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5 stars
36 (57%)
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24 (38%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Green-Hart.
Author 3 books52 followers
February 1, 2019
Facing the Gray is an excellent sequel to Facing the Sun. In some ways I liked it more!

I often found myself intrigued and sucked in, reading far more pages at a time than I thought I had. The author did a great job of balancing super-human powers with human and spiritual limitations such as age and the will of "Sava." Despite the abilities given to many of the characters by Sava, no one is a superhero. More often, characters become strong together. Limitations are a part of life and growing up and building character. Facing the Gray is a beautiful continuation of an honest HUMAN story about those very things: life, growing, and building good character.

One thing that stood out to me as I read the sequel is that the story has a quiet message woven throughout. It contains a modest but direct honor for women's cycles. Having midwives and characters with a more natural view of these things, the message of beauty in women's reproductive and menstrual cycles comes through in an organic way that doesn't make you feel weird-- just the opposite. I love seeing this kind of message... Gently pulling back a curtain of ignorance from a subject that culture sometimes wants to hide, but doing it without being abrasive or confrontational.
Profile Image for ErinTurnsPages.
610 reviews6 followers
August 1, 2019
This book was heart wrenching, Tavi's grief is portrayed so well, you will absolutely cry alongside her. The Gold's along with a few surprise friends plot and battle against the unconscionable for their ages. Tavi, through her heartbreak, still manages to stand strong and in the end make tough decisions that are right not only for herself, but for her world.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lana.
2,789 reviews60 followers
November 29, 2021
Tavi has seen her sister Misty murdered right before her very eyes, and her magic failed her when she needed it most. She lost her powers as of that moment, and in her grieving she lost faith in all her friends, especially in Tullen, who had held her back so she would not be captured. She blamed herself for failing her sister but she also blamed Tullen because she kept insisting she could have saved Misty. Tavi isolated herself from everyone and just brooded until the time came when she was forced to see that they needed to stop the Grays before they became any stronger. The group of friends called themselves the Golds, and were hell bent on stopping the Grays' evil doings. The Grays could do magic without succumbing to resistance which made them very powerful but very dangerous but Tavi wondered how they who could not wield their magic when faced with resistance could ever defeat their enemy, and at one point Tavi even considered turning to the Gray magic even though she knew in her heart that this would make her a murderer. Eritt who had befriended her once the group arrived in the city put the idea into her head and it grew till she realised this would make her as bad as those she was there to stop. This 2nd book is very riveting, their is still great loyalty towards Tavi even when she was being rather obnoxious, but there is also betrayal of the worst kind. Someone she had grown to trust and almost love betrayed her and risked throwing her back into the depressed mood she had been in since Misty's death. However she grew more adamant when she found out, and the battle was on but the enemy is strong and cunning and refused to be stopped even though they had to change some of their plans. Can this Gray evil be stopped before more people are killed? And more importantly will Tavi and Tullen ever get their love for one another back to what it had been before tragedy struck? I just have to start reading book 3 of this very exciting series asap!
Profile Image for Nicole Dunton.
1,419 reviews36 followers
January 12, 2020
Tavi is devastated when the Grays kill somebody important to her. In her grief, she turns away from everyone and determines to take the Grays down by herself. She's determined to take them down no matter what the cost. Even if that means she becomes a Gray herself.

This trilogy has maintained the same pace. I do enjoy it a lot. I just feel that it's not meeting its full potential. It's a lovely story full of lovely characters. I also love that everything is explained very discreetly. Especially the time gaps. It's pretty great. It definitely helps keep confusion at bay. It's one of the things that really bothers me. I hate when there's a time gap but it's not really clear.

I really can't say I loved Tavi in this book. I wanted to smack her in more than one instance. I did understand why she was being the way she was being though. It's natural to grieve. We all grieve in our own ways. I also didn't like the fact that none of her friends seemed to even try to understand. I can understand that too. They didn't really fully get the extent of her struggles.

The author also narrated this book. She did fantastically. I'm still somewhat convinced that she narrated this series I listened to. It's not realistic. There's a different name listed. It just sounds like her so much. If she ever decides to narrate as well as write, I'd definitely buy books she narrates. She has a talent for it. When I say that, I mean narrate other people's books.

I really did like this book very much. I fully recommend the person reads Facing The Sun first. It helps make sense of this book a lot more. I am both excited for the third and final book of the trilogy and nervous. I'm excited because I can't wait to see where the story goes. I'm nervous because, after this, there's no more! It's insane. I'll be willing to risk it anyway.
Profile Image for Sara Lawson.
654 reviews58 followers
April 17, 2020
Facing the Gray takes Tavi and her friends on a new adventure, but suddenly much more is at stake than ever before. When Tavi's sister is murdered by the Grays and Tavi learns that her friends have all made a pact to sacrifice themselves to protect her, she questions her own value and willingness to allow them to make such a sacrifice. Tavi also realizes her friends are in greater danger when they are in close proximity to her, and so she pushes them away and grieves on her own. The group also receives new information about the Grays' plans, and so they head out to try to prevent them. In the process, Tavi begins to seriously consider whether she will need to gain Gray magic in order to stop the Grays.

In many ways, this book was much slower than the previous one. But that is also what makes it a solid middle part of the story. It slowed down enough for us to watch some character development. Tavi had time to be super bratty to the majority of her friends (understandably so, but it didn't make her less annoying). Her ethical dilemma was interesting because it was so understandable, but clearly wrong despite the best rationale. The logic goes like this. In order to gain Gray magic, you must kill a person. Some people deserve death. Therefore, there are ways of getting Gray magic that are not wrong. Still, no. But I get it. I appreciated seeing Tullen's struggles from a different vantage point. I also loved that he never took the easy way out. This book also introduced more of the secondary Grays and demonstrated that they weren't all clearly evil either. Some believed in the cause; some wanted power; some were just in too deep and couldn't get out.

The ending was not a cliffhanger, but it was definitely mid-story, so readers will need to have book three available immediately following their completion of book two. I am looking forward to finishing the story.

I received a free audiobook copy of Facing the Gray from the author and have reviewed it willingly.
Profile Image for drama_mama73.
89 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2019
Facing the Gray is the second book in the Sun Blessed Trilogy by Carol Beth Anderson. I continue to enjoy the story, but I began to feel like the story was dragging. It has amazing moments that grabbed my emotions. In the beginning, I was frequently crying. On one page I'd be sad with Tavi, and then soon after I'd be furious with her. I found her immature and impulsive behaviors frustrating at times. Then I would remember that she is sixteen dealing with very serious situations. In the last half of the book, I would be reading and the suspense would be so much that I had to put the book down. Of course, I quickly picked it back up to find out what happened. The book ends leaving the reader with anticipation of how the conflict will be resolved in the final book. This book is a Young Adult book but is appropriate for pre-teens to adults. I recommend reading this series, just be aware that there may be some slow pages to wade through. I give this book three stars, while the trilogy remains four stars in my mind.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
Author 19 books398 followers
January 5, 2020
Couldn't Wait to Listen Every NIght! (Review for the trilogy.)
I received a free copy of this audiobook trilogy in exchange for an honest review. I was a little hesitant at first because authors don't always make the best narrators. But, I'm so glad I got it! The author does a really good job narrating the different voices and emotions. It was a pleasure to listen to. The story itself was entertaining, well-written, and full of wonderfully developed characters. I also like that Tavi is a flawed character. She isn't a supernatural that does everything right all the time. And, the reasons for her actions or inactions are drawn from her experiences and the way they've impacted her. While Tavi is a teen as are some of the other main characters, there are adult characters that also get to share their points of view. So, while it's young adult-friendly, I wouldn't say it's specifically a young adult book. But, that's my point of view. You may think differently. All in all, I really enjoyed the audiobook and recommend it. I'll be seeking out more from this author.
68 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2019
And the adventure continues. Tavi, Sullen and their friends are plotting how to confront and defeat the Gray magicians. They relocate to the big city, having to hide out or venture out in disguise all the time while developing their plan. Then it turns out that the fellow helping them is himself a Gray magician, although possibly not in league with the rest of the Grays – IF he can be believed. Nobody is convinced of that.

Will these Gold magicians, little more than children, be able to defeat a group of dedicated, experienced adults dead set on taking over the entire nation? It sounds rather daunting, when it’s put like that. Of course, some dissension in the Gray ranks doesn’t hurt. But can they? Or will they be conscripted into the Gray ranks? Or killed outright?

Intriguing questions, aren’t they?
Profile Image for Jacob Klop.
Author 8 books68 followers
November 23, 2020
Facing the Grey, Book 2 of the Sun Blessed Trilogy, expands on the Grays emergence as a powerful force, and Tavi and her friends attempt to stop them.

I loved the first book in this series and I think this one is even better. A tragic event during the early chapters is described wonderfully and serves as the backdrop that drives both the side and main plot forward. There’s some excellent character conflict throughout that blends in nicely with the story, and I found the chapters from the villain standpoints riveting. The ending was both exciting and satisfying, particularly when it seemed to be heading toward a somewhat ordinary finish when a sudden twist kept me reading late into the night.

I have the trilogy and will definitely be starting on the third soon.
Profile Image for Ashley McCartney.
182 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2018
As an advanced reader, I am giving an honest review of this new and upcoming book.

After reading the book one of the trilogy I was really looking forward to reading more. Book two picked up right where book one left off keeping the story moving in a cohesive manner.

Book two had more action scenes along with emotional ups and downs. The characters still keep your attention and you want to follow them along to see what’s going to happen to them.

The bad guys have been uniquely set up to either take over or have a hard fall. Only way to find out will be to continue the series through book three. I will be watching and waiting to continue the story.
Profile Image for Jessica Traver cashen.
358 reviews19 followers
October 12, 2018
Great read, well written with a great plot and characters. I was engrossed from start to finish. This book picks up where book 1 leaves off. This book has twists and turns, action, and emotional ups and downs. Personally I think this book is better than the first. The way that the story is set up for the Grays(corrupted magic) it could go either way. They will either succeed in taking over or have a hard fall. I can't wait to see what Tavi and her friends(the Golds-those with good magic) will do next! I think the 3rd book is going to be awesome.... I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lisa.
604 reviews66 followers
Read
January 6, 2020
In this, the second installment of the Sun-Blessed Trilogy, Tavi, Tullen, and their friends are working to fight Konner Burrell and the Grays, who are seeking to overthrow Cormina and install one of their own as king. Carol Beth Anderson does an amazing job of creating relatable characters and writing them realistically, and here we see them dealing with some tough emotional struggles. We also see that not all of the Grays are completely under Konner's thrall, and some may be having second thoughts. The book ends in climactic fashion, and I've got to get right on to the third book in the trilogy to see what happens! Well done, Ms. Anderson. You keep on writing, I'll keep on reading!
Profile Image for Kim.
6 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2018
I LOVED the first book of the Sun-Blessed Triology, Facing the Sun. But Facing the Gray kicked things up several notches! The excellent character development continues (I adore Tavi and Tullen and Jenevy, etc.) and the relationship dynamics are complicated by intense circumstances - think political intrigue, rebellion, and more! Anderson had me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath a few times as her characters navigated suspenseful and dangerous situations. We learn even more about the impact of the Sun-blessed gifts and the sinister Grays!
Profile Image for Kristin Newton.
16 reviews
November 2, 2018
Everything I loved about the first book, Facing the Sun, is in this continuation of the series, and I found this second book just as compelling. There is also some amazing character development as characters on both sides of the fight find themselves questioning where the line is between right and wrong, almost as if they are all 'facing the gray area' of the conflict and their own morality. I've already passed the first two books in the trilogy off to a friend and have started the third. I heartily recommend this series!
Profile Image for Patti.
44 reviews
November 8, 2018
So I’m horrible at writing reviews, but I wanted to get you excited to read or listen to this book. As the second in the series it is faster-paced than the first because the character setup is already done. The plot was exciting and well thought out. A
Her characters are believable even though some of them are magical.

There are storylines that parallel what is happening in our time and some good lessons to learn. However, the excellent storytelling is the reason to read this book.

I cannot wait to get my grubby little hands on Facing the Fire.
Profile Image for Melissa.
5 reviews
November 28, 2018
Carol Beth Anderson continues Tavi's imaginative journey in her wonderful prose. The 2nd in her debut trilogy, "Facing the Gray", didn't quite have the same speed appeal to me as "Facing the Sun". However, the plot itself is fast-paced full of new scenes and new characters. Anderson creates lovely imagery that often seems almost poetic while forcing the reader to truly empathize with a multitude of characters. "Facing the Gray" is not only about fighting against the group that calls themselves the grays, it's about learning that life is more than just black and white. Will I read book 3? Yes!
Profile Image for Emmy.
909 reviews11 followers
April 12, 2019
•audiobook•
4 Stars

A compelling sequel! Intricate character development through adverse heartbreak and impending malevolent series of events.

We meet new characters who are sweet and lively and add exuberance to the cast. They were easy to fall in love with - a little too easily?

Time skips are briefer but it still rewinds to explain ‘what was missed’.

The second book was very slow as Tavi works through her grief. She has an inner battle that is baffling. She wants to be a lone ranger yet she’s clueless. She doesn’t want to be with the team but her wallowing seems to blind her from the big picture. She was more of a pawn than a possible heroine, and it was disappointing.

The writing, plot, and characters are intriguing and the final book calls to me.
Profile Image for Cat Bowser.
Author 6 books43 followers
July 3, 2021
Oh I love when the middle book in a series is as strong as the first! It happens so rarely but you remember it each time.

The journey continues and Tavi’s emotions are front and center where they should be. You weep with her and feel her anger as she tries to push onward.

It builds on the last book and builds up for the next one, all things you want in a story. And the climax stands on its own even as the middle book in a series
Profile Image for Kenzie Millar.
18 reviews
January 31, 2022
The EMOTIONS! (If you know, you know).

Great second book in the series. I enjoyed getting to know more of the other characters, including the Grays. I really like that everyone on the "bad guys" has their own motivations and some of which you may even agree with. There's some great nuance.

I feel like this was a little less well paced than Book 1, but only in certain sections. And still extremely excited to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
July 13, 2025
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box.

The writer is also the narrator of this tale. Although it is grammatically correct, I am finding it is over lengthy and repetitive. Using too many incidents to tell the story, is just drawing the story out over prolonged.
Yes it is an inventive tale, and it definitely is intriguing. but it just needs to be compacted a little, to stop it making it tedious to listen to.
253 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2018
Thank you to Carol Beth Anderson for the advanced copy of Facing the Gray. I enjoyed the second installment of the series immensely. Lots of action and some unexpected twists! I especially liked how Tavi developed as a character in this book, especially considering the challenges she faced (no spoilers!).
Profile Image for Lejla.
78 reviews
January 9, 2019
This book is full of emotion... When I finally finished it, I almost died.
I need pause to think about this one...

Tavi was confused, full of pain and that was the worst part...
So much games.... at the end I am sorry of Ash...
What will happen at end I don´t have idea... But I will start reading book 3 when I calm down myself.
Profile Image for Bobbie.
332 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2023
I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first. There seemed to be a lot more complexity to all the characters throughout, and it felt like their motivations were purposeful. It was interesting to see how The Grays developed over time,and the moral dilemmas that were developed over the course of the book.
Profile Image for Erin Mendoza.
1,630 reviews24 followers
September 15, 2018
Thank you Carol Beth Anderson for an advanced copy of this book.
I think this one was even better than the first!
More twists and turns. More friendship. More magic. I can't wait to see what Tavi and her friends do next.
Profile Image for Eileen Hammond.
Author 10 books28 followers
July 15, 2019
Loved this follow-up to Facing The Sun. Pulls on your heartstrings as you root for the Golds. Tavi’s power grows even as she experiences teenage angst. Already ordered book 3, Facing The Fire. Can’t wait to read the conclusion!
Profile Image for Donamarie Fournier.
189 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2019
This book was slow at times and difficult to follow. I am enjoying the story but wish it would move faster. I like the characters a lot. Tavi, Tullen, Narre, Reba, Pala, Sela, Evitt, Ash, and others. I definitely do not like Konner. Konner is the ultimate bad guy.
164 reviews
February 3, 2021
The fight continues

The fight against the grays continues for Tavi's group with more diverse characters joining them all the time. Good plot development and character development as well as editing.
Profile Image for Alain Davis.
30 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2019
This is the second book in the Sun-Blessed Trilogy - my goodness! What a read! Our beloved Tavi faces so much in this book, and the whole story does not disappoint. There was plenty of emotional turmoil, a few happy moments (triumphs) - lots of planning. It was great to see how the bridge between the first and third books would be formed. This book was a fantastic bridge. The ending was superb - could not wait to see how the third book would go! For fans of the first book, this is a MUST READ!!
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