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Fallen Flame #2
Scattered Plume
In the wake of death and betrayal, Vala flees the island of Garlin with Xavyn in search of the truth about her identity.
To find the answers they seek, they must first cross The Divide—a mass of cloud and fog that has separated human lands from the rest of the world for hundreds of years. As they pass through what is meant to kill all who draw near, a surge of magic emerges, bringing death to some and more power to others. In turn, The Divide is weakened, the fog dissolving enough to reveal what lies beyond, reigniting thoughts of war between sides.
But the imminent collapse of The Divide isn’t the only thing concerning Vala and Xavyn. They discover what Vala needs the most is also what the Islain queen had been searching for—a feather. Not only could it help prevent war, it could restore Vala’s immortality despite all she has forgotten. Though there are others also searching, waiting for magic to return, prepared to risk it all for the same immortal goal.
To find the answers they seek, they must first cross The Divide—a mass of cloud and fog that has separated human lands from the rest of the world for hundreds of years. As they pass through what is meant to kill all who draw near, a surge of magic emerges, bringing death to some and more power to others. In turn, The Divide is weakened, the fog dissolving enough to reveal what lies beyond, reigniting thoughts of war between sides.
But the imminent collapse of The Divide isn’t the only thing concerning Vala and Xavyn. They discover what Vala needs the most is also what the Islain queen had been searching for—a feather. Not only could it help prevent war, it could restore Vala’s immortality despite all she has forgotten. Though there are others also searching, waiting for magic to return, prepared to risk it all for the same immortal goal.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2018
65 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Miller
12 books606 followersJ.M. Miller lives on Florida’s Emerald Coast with her husband and daughter.
When she isn't spending time with her family or being distracted by social media sites, she writes contemporary and fantasy romance novels.
When she isn't spending time with her family or being distracted by social media sites, she writes contemporary and fantasy romance novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 29, 2018
4.5 stars If you haven't read Fallen Flame yet, I think you definitely should!
Now, it's been a year since I read the first book in this series so I had to read my review (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) to remember what relationship some characters had with the main character, Vala, but after that everything went smoothly.
One thing that really stood with me, as the first book did too, was the dedicatory: "To those unsure, the watchers, the self-doubters, take the chance, despite the fear. You are a fortunate one." And this one is even better than the first one because after reading the book you get a secret meaning.
"I stopped, planting my boots. There was a need in me, to know more, and I was not willing to be led blindly."
Firstly, Vala is still one of my favorite female characters. She's so prepared to fight against anything that isn't right and she also hates not being informed of things happening around her. In this second book, aside from those great traits, she has more physical strength and also she's more confident because she finally realised she's not a simple guardian. I truly adore her <3.
"Today had changed many minds. It had ended many as well."
Although Vala is amazing, for me the most fantastic thing in this book was the world. There are mermaids, dragons, Volares, fae of all kind, a tree with special abilities, etc. It was incredible! Every detail was so well explain (without being tiring) that I felt I was beside these creatures watching them interact with one another.
"I believed she had been strong all along, but I felt as though she had become something more in the time I'd known her, something fierce. Something heroic."
Another character that I loved was Esenna and her fabulous friendship with Vala, the girl love was truly powerful in their relationship <3 Moreover, Esenna is just a wonderful person to be around, she helped everyone and was very determined to do what was right.
There were only two aspects that I didn't enjoy as much as everything else. The first one was that a lot of things seemed too easy to fix, maybe if there was a little bit more of action and suspense I would have enjoyed it more. And the other thing was the romance, don't get me wrong, for me it was super cute and lovely but it developed a bit too quickly for my liking.
However, the ending was expectacular. I almost cried because it was so heartwarming, I wasn't expecting it at all but I'm so glad it happened. I'm sure it's going to stay in my mind forever because of how lovely it was. I'm really looking foward to reading the next book (especially the dedicatory :P) because I'm really intrigued by what a certain character is planning to do next ;).
Thank you so much to J.M Miller for giving me an e-arc of her book in exchange of an honest review.
Now, it's been a year since I read the first book in this series so I had to read my review (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) to remember what relationship some characters had with the main character, Vala, but after that everything went smoothly.
One thing that really stood with me, as the first book did too, was the dedicatory: "To those unsure, the watchers, the self-doubters, take the chance, despite the fear. You are a fortunate one." And this one is even better than the first one because after reading the book you get a secret meaning.
"I stopped, planting my boots. There was a need in me, to know more, and I was not willing to be led blindly."
Firstly, Vala is still one of my favorite female characters. She's so prepared to fight against anything that isn't right and she also hates not being informed of things happening around her. In this second book, aside from those great traits, she has more physical strength and also she's more confident because she finally realised she's not a simple guardian. I truly adore her <3.
"Today had changed many minds. It had ended many as well."
Although Vala is amazing, for me the most fantastic thing in this book was the world. There are mermaids, dragons, Volares, fae of all kind, a tree with special abilities, etc. It was incredible! Every detail was so well explain (without being tiring) that I felt I was beside these creatures watching them interact with one another.
"I believed she had been strong all along, but I felt as though she had become something more in the time I'd known her, something fierce. Something heroic."
Another character that I loved was Esenna and her fabulous friendship with Vala, the girl love was truly powerful in their relationship <3 Moreover, Esenna is just a wonderful person to be around, she helped everyone and was very determined to do what was right.
There were only two aspects that I didn't enjoy as much as everything else. The first one was that a lot of things seemed too easy to fix, maybe if there was a little bit more of action and suspense I would have enjoyed it more. And the other thing was the romance, don't get me wrong, for me it was super cute and lovely but it developed a bit too quickly for my liking.
However, the ending was expectacular. I almost cried because it was so heartwarming, I wasn't expecting it at all but I'm so glad it happened. I'm sure it's going to stay in my mind forever because of how lovely it was. I'm really looking foward to reading the next book (especially the dedicatory :P) because I'm really intrigued by what a certain character is planning to do next ;).
Thank you so much to J.M Miller for giving me an e-arc of her book in exchange of an honest review.
Read
April 21, 2020
Character Illustration by Gabriella Bujdosó
Available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited!
Fallen Flame - Book 1
Scattered Plume - Book 2
Map design by Tiphs
October 29, 2018
This ARC was provided by the author in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Fallen Flame when I read it last year. It was a fun YA fantasy novel that, despite some of the usual YA fantasy tropes, crafted a nice murder mystery in an interesting setting with an unusual heroine with charcoal-y skin.
Unfortunately, I have to say I was left disappointed with its follow-up, Scattered Plume. At first, I put it down to my having forgotten much of the plot of the last book when I was reading this, as the action picks up very much from the finale of Fallen Flame. I was left scrambling to remember who exactly everyone was and what was going on - was Xavyn, the love interest, trustworthy? Who was Elige, and why did Xavyn work for her? I vaguely remembered the Divide, a magical barrier separating the human world from its mystic counterpart, but couldn't remember much else about the world building, as Fallen Flame (to my memory) had taken place exclusively in a palace in the human world.
So, when our two main characters cross the Divide in an explosion of magic, with ships firing at each other, much yelling, and previously landlocked merpeople sprouting gills all of a sudden, I was quite confused. I'll admit, catching readers up on previous events can be pretty tricky, but I don't remember the last book being so complicated that it would need much time to do so. Plus, a lot of the information we're bombarded with is brand new, since the last book was set in a (mostly) human world. I honestly had no idea what was happening, but just decided to keep going in the hopes that it would become clearer.
Sorry guys, but it did not become clearer. At all. The mcs, Vala (and the following is not a spoiler as it is revealed sometime during Fallen Flame) who is the reincarnated goddess Alesrah, and Xavyn, a shape-changing fae, are on a quest to find 3 feathers. The feathers belonged to Alesrah, who shed them and hid them in various places in the magical half of the divide at the cost of her own immortality. So...honestly, I didn't quite understand this. I wasn't sure why exactly the feathers needed to be shed and hidden; I didn't understand the reasoning for Alesrah's decision to separate humans from magical beings; I didn't understand the events leading up to the Final War and why two other goddesses turned against her; I didn't understand what she was a goddess of, even - fire? Humans? I quite simply didn't believe that Vala/Alesrah was a goddess. The only thing we're told about her goddess years is that she got very unfortunately fucked over by her (non-divine) lover. This just...didn't seem so goddess-like to me. Honestly, I liked Vala a lot better in book one wherein she was a smart, badass guard living with a very unfortunate complexion. Her pluck and intelligence and bravery in Fallen Flame seemed to fall by the wayside here.
Plot-wise, aside from being very confusing with little in the way of explanation, it's also paced very inconsistently. The first half is a lot of info-dumps, talking, and many characters being introduced in brief scenes that didn't seem to flow together properly. Then, from the 65% mark, 2 feathers and an important sword are found one after the other fast as you like. The journeys between each location were so short it was as if they were right next to each other.
This leads me to my main problem with the novel - it simply seems rushed, especially in the second half. The tight plotting of the first novel is nowhere to be seen here. It's deeply frustrating, as there is a lot of potential in both Miller's story and world. Magic returning to a ravaged land? Cool. Flying fae? Cool. Goddesses? Cool. But none of it fits together properly - there are very few details which makes it very hard to a) understand or b) care about anything in this world. The rushed world building also seeps into the characters. They do not have clear voices or even clear personalities or appearances. It was hard for me to tell them apart, never mind guess at their allegiances, who might betray who etc. They all spoke in ways that didn't fit their sketchy personalities or the setting, such as a presumably wise, older merman saying: "I'm sure you've noticed that today has not been the greatest." It comes off as not only rushed, but childish. This poor choice of words is unfortunately present throughout the book - a description of a dragon was particularly disappointing: "the pen gate burst open and the most terrifying creature I'd ever seen burst through. Thin grey scales reflected the firelight with its movement, though there was a darker reddish colour like the cavern stone shading on the top of its head and neck, and lower on its legs too. Its long neck and tail swung around as it opened its wide jaw and screeched louder than it had before.."
I would be seriously hard pressed to describe this novel as young adult at times, due to the behaviour of the characters and how the plot moved along. The speed and ease in which the quest items are found...the fact that the main trio manage to get themselves a pet dragon...which they name after their own initials... it was all very twee.
I was also not at all sold on the romance between the main characters, as I simply didn't feel any kind of love between them. I was told about it, but not shown it. Xavyn is a particularly frustrating character, as I really did think he was going to betray Vala. This isn't a good thing, as it only conveys how vague his character was.
Overall, Scattered Plume is a very different beast from the first book both in terms of plot and tone. While there is certainly potential in the world that has begun to be formed here, in my opinion it needs a lot of work for it to be believable and engaging for its target audience, which may well be middle grade readers.
I really enjoyed Fallen Flame when I read it last year. It was a fun YA fantasy novel that, despite some of the usual YA fantasy tropes, crafted a nice murder mystery in an interesting setting with an unusual heroine with charcoal-y skin.
Unfortunately, I have to say I was left disappointed with its follow-up, Scattered Plume. At first, I put it down to my having forgotten much of the plot of the last book when I was reading this, as the action picks up very much from the finale of Fallen Flame. I was left scrambling to remember who exactly everyone was and what was going on - was Xavyn, the love interest, trustworthy? Who was Elige, and why did Xavyn work for her? I vaguely remembered the Divide, a magical barrier separating the human world from its mystic counterpart, but couldn't remember much else about the world building, as Fallen Flame (to my memory) had taken place exclusively in a palace in the human world.
So, when our two main characters cross the Divide in an explosion of magic, with ships firing at each other, much yelling, and previously landlocked merpeople sprouting gills all of a sudden, I was quite confused. I'll admit, catching readers up on previous events can be pretty tricky, but I don't remember the last book being so complicated that it would need much time to do so. Plus, a lot of the information we're bombarded with is brand new, since the last book was set in a (mostly) human world. I honestly had no idea what was happening, but just decided to keep going in the hopes that it would become clearer.
Sorry guys, but it did not become clearer. At all. The mcs, Vala (and the following is not a spoiler as it is revealed sometime during Fallen Flame) who is the reincarnated goddess Alesrah, and Xavyn, a shape-changing fae, are on a quest to find 3 feathers. The feathers belonged to Alesrah, who shed them and hid them in various places in the magical half of the divide at the cost of her own immortality. So...honestly, I didn't quite understand this. I wasn't sure why exactly the feathers needed to be shed and hidden; I didn't understand the reasoning for Alesrah's decision to separate humans from magical beings; I didn't understand the events leading up to the Final War and why two other goddesses turned against her; I didn't understand what she was a goddess of, even - fire? Humans? I quite simply didn't believe that Vala/Alesrah was a goddess. The only thing we're told about her goddess years is that she got very unfortunately fucked over by her (non-divine) lover. This just...didn't seem so goddess-like to me. Honestly, I liked Vala a lot better in book one wherein she was a smart, badass guard living with a very unfortunate complexion. Her pluck and intelligence and bravery in Fallen Flame seemed to fall by the wayside here.
Plot-wise, aside from being very confusing with little in the way of explanation, it's also paced very inconsistently. The first half is a lot of info-dumps, talking, and many characters being introduced in brief scenes that didn't seem to flow together properly. Then, from the 65% mark, 2 feathers and an important sword are found one after the other fast as you like. The journeys between each location were so short it was as if they were right next to each other.
This leads me to my main problem with the novel - it simply seems rushed, especially in the second half. The tight plotting of the first novel is nowhere to be seen here. It's deeply frustrating, as there is a lot of potential in both Miller's story and world. Magic returning to a ravaged land? Cool. Flying fae? Cool. Goddesses? Cool. But none of it fits together properly - there are very few details which makes it very hard to a) understand or b) care about anything in this world. The rushed world building also seeps into the characters. They do not have clear voices or even clear personalities or appearances. It was hard for me to tell them apart, never mind guess at their allegiances, who might betray who etc. They all spoke in ways that didn't fit their sketchy personalities or the setting, such as a presumably wise, older merman saying: "I'm sure you've noticed that today has not been the greatest." It comes off as not only rushed, but childish. This poor choice of words is unfortunately present throughout the book - a description of a dragon was particularly disappointing: "the pen gate burst open and the most terrifying creature I'd ever seen burst through. Thin grey scales reflected the firelight with its movement, though there was a darker reddish colour like the cavern stone shading on the top of its head and neck, and lower on its legs too. Its long neck and tail swung around as it opened its wide jaw and screeched louder than it had before.."
I would be seriously hard pressed to describe this novel as young adult at times, due to the behaviour of the characters and how the plot moved along. The speed and ease in which the quest items are found...the fact that the main trio manage to get themselves a pet dragon...which they name after their own initials... it was all very twee.
I was also not at all sold on the romance between the main characters, as I simply didn't feel any kind of love between them. I was told about it, but not shown it. Xavyn is a particularly frustrating character, as I really did think he was going to betray Vala. This isn't a good thing, as it only conveys how vague his character was.
Overall, Scattered Plume is a very different beast from the first book both in terms of plot and tone. While there is certainly potential in the world that has begun to be formed here, in my opinion it needs a lot of work for it to be believable and engaging for its target audience, which may well be middle grade readers.
November 12, 2020
“Though I feel...I feel so much more, so much closer to you beyond even that. Closer than perhaps I should because of who I am, things I’ve done. Maybe I’m being brash and self-serving, but with everything that could happen, might happen...I know denying it will only lead to a much worse punishment of regret.”
***
This story was absolutely amazing and the words spoken were incredibly breathtaking. It sent my emotions into tail spins and feels into summersaults. I honestly cannot put into words everything I am feeling. They would just come out sounding inadequate when the story deserves so much more.
Vala’s character has grown leaps and bounds from the moment we first met her and she is now this stunning force; a beautiful goddess to be reckoned with. I adored her more and more as the story progressed and we got to see this new Vala emerging. Especially with the new and somewhat fragile friendship with Esenna. I adored them as a team and how they got stronger through the story.
And don’t get me started on her relationship with Xavyn. My heart almost couldn’t handle them. Gorgeous. Mesmerizing. Heart wrenching. It was nearly too much. One moment I wasn’t sure I could trust Xavyn and the next I never wanted them to ever part. Their feelings for one another tore at me in the most exquisite way. Painfully beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
This story was captivating...an enchanting tale that will consume every inch of you heart. 5 Stars!
***
This story was absolutely amazing and the words spoken were incredibly breathtaking. It sent my emotions into tail spins and feels into summersaults. I honestly cannot put into words everything I am feeling. They would just come out sounding inadequate when the story deserves so much more.
Vala’s character has grown leaps and bounds from the moment we first met her and she is now this stunning force; a beautiful goddess to be reckoned with. I adored her more and more as the story progressed and we got to see this new Vala emerging. Especially with the new and somewhat fragile friendship with Esenna. I adored them as a team and how they got stronger through the story.
And don’t get me started on her relationship with Xavyn. My heart almost couldn’t handle them. Gorgeous. Mesmerizing. Heart wrenching. It was nearly too much. One moment I wasn’t sure I could trust Xavyn and the next I never wanted them to ever part. Their feelings for one another tore at me in the most exquisite way. Painfully beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
This story was captivating...an enchanting tale that will consume every inch of you heart. 5 Stars!
Read
January 13, 2022DNF’ed at 15%
I wanted to love this. But I literally can’t wrap my brain around anything that’s happening here. 😣
I wanted to love this. But I literally can’t wrap my brain around anything that’s happening here. 😣
October 3, 2018
Oh my goddesses! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Scattered Plume. I loved the descriptions of the characters and marveled at how amazing this world is. I loved catching up with X and Vala from Book 1 and meeting new characters. My favorite characters were Esenna, Raphim and VEX. I’m excited about the ending of this book. A couple of my favorite quotes are as follows:
“It’s far better to fall in love with yourself and perfect what’s uniquely yours than to be miserable your entire life obsessing over what you will never be.”
“I am forever yours”
“And besides, how many beings can say they have a pet dragon”
This is book 2. Fallen Flame is book one and is highly recommended to read first.
“It’s far better to fall in love with yourself and perfect what’s uniquely yours than to be miserable your entire life obsessing over what you will never be.”
“I am forever yours”
“And besides, how many beings can say they have a pet dragon”
This is book 2. Fallen Flame is book one and is highly recommended to read first.
May 2, 2021
I don't understand why not more people read this, it's such a typical ya fantasy story that anyone can enjoy!
It can be a bit complicated sometimes with the big history of goddesses and wars but as a fantasy book it’s fun to get to know everything about the world.
The best part must be the characters...
Everyone is just so unique and I love to meet them all. My favorites are Vala and Xavyn for sure, their relationship is just sooo cute and sweet and it just makes me melt sometimes😩
I can’t wait until I can finish this series but I already know the last book will be too short😪
I would definitely recommend giving Fallen Flame and this one a try!
It can be a bit complicated sometimes with the big history of goddesses and wars but as a fantasy book it’s fun to get to know everything about the world.
The best part must be the characters...
Everyone is just so unique and I love to meet them all. My favorites are Vala and Xavyn for sure, their relationship is just sooo cute and sweet and it just makes me melt sometimes😩
I can’t wait until I can finish this series but I already know the last book will be too short😪
I would definitely recommend giving Fallen Flame and this one a try!
September 22, 2021
Audio Review:
Scattered Plume (Fallen Flame, Book 2) is a really good follow up to Fallien Flame. My favourite thing in this audiobook is the fantastic world and the deep history of this world. Dragons, Fae of all kind, Volares and a tree with special abilities are all part of this unique world. Vala is a great character and her growth is seen throughout the book. I'm looking forward to listening to book three when available.
Amelia Hugh narration is excellent. Her inflection altered when needed. I was transported into the world watching from the sidelines. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her performance.
Scattered Plume (Fallen Flame, Book 2) is a really good follow up to Fallien Flame. My favourite thing in this audiobook is the fantastic world and the deep history of this world. Dragons, Fae of all kind, Volares and a tree with special abilities are all part of this unique world. Vala is a great character and her growth is seen throughout the book. I'm looking forward to listening to book three when available.
Amelia Hugh narration is excellent. Her inflection altered when needed. I was transported into the world watching from the sidelines. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her performance.
October 3, 2018
ARC received by the author
The second installment of Fallen Flame was just as much of a wirlwind as book 1. In Fallen flame we met Vala, an emotionally and physically abused guard with a serious case of Stockholm Syndrome. We learn about her growing bond with Haidee and her tumultuous feelings for the prince and Xavyn.
WELL THROW ALL THAT AWAY BECAUSE SCATTERED PLUME IS NOT THAT. While the ending of FF provides pivotal information in regards to the plot of SP, the rest is water under the bridge, so to speak.
In SP, we join Vala and Xavyn crossimg the divide and find that the crossing has brought Magic back to the land and people in giant waves. Time is suddenly and precariously short as Vala and Xavyn rush to find her feather and stop a war along with the end of the world.
Let's talk about side characters first. I simply loved the ones introduced in SP so much more than FF. I mean, Haidee had her moments, but dang, Esenna is DEFINITELY the friend you want at your back when things start...no AVALANCHE down hill. She is by far my favorite character thus far.
Instead of cranky rachety queens, we get an old medicine man, Goddesses, MERMAIDS, oh and did I mention a fire-breathing dragon? Yea, it rocked.
Minus half a star for the fact that I really just couldn't fall in step with Vala being who she was. I knew her as a scarred guard who never really had a life...and now she's expected to be someone totally different and I can't get a grasp on her personality. Because of that, I also can't get a grasp on what makes her and Xavyn's romance tick.
Minus the other half star for foreshadowing that was just shoved down our throats a little too much. Xavyn-betrayl-tree-gods-unwilling. I got it the first time- and second, actually- thanks.
Overall a strong sequel that sets up well for book 3 where I hope Vala's old and new worlds collide, forcing the amalgamation of characters together in a fresh mythological setting.
The second installment of Fallen Flame was just as much of a wirlwind as book 1. In Fallen flame we met Vala, an emotionally and physically abused guard with a serious case of Stockholm Syndrome. We learn about her growing bond with Haidee and her tumultuous feelings for the prince and Xavyn.
WELL THROW ALL THAT AWAY BECAUSE SCATTERED PLUME IS NOT THAT. While the ending of FF provides pivotal information in regards to the plot of SP, the rest is water under the bridge, so to speak.
In SP, we join Vala and Xavyn crossimg the divide and find that the crossing has brought Magic back to the land and people in giant waves. Time is suddenly and precariously short as Vala and Xavyn rush to find her feather and stop a war along with the end of the world.
Let's talk about side characters first. I simply loved the ones introduced in SP so much more than FF. I mean, Haidee had her moments, but dang, Esenna is DEFINITELY the friend you want at your back when things start...no AVALANCHE down hill. She is by far my favorite character thus far.
Instead of cranky rachety queens, we get an old medicine man, Goddesses, MERMAIDS, oh and did I mention a fire-breathing dragon? Yea, it rocked.
Minus half a star for the fact that I really just couldn't fall in step with Vala being who she was. I knew her as a scarred guard who never really had a life...and now she's expected to be someone totally different and I can't get a grasp on her personality. Because of that, I also can't get a grasp on what makes her and Xavyn's romance tick.
Minus the other half star for foreshadowing that was just shoved down our throats a little too much. Xavyn-betrayl-tree-gods-unwilling. I got it the first time- and second, actually- thanks.
Overall a strong sequel that sets up well for book 3 where I hope Vala's old and new worlds collide, forcing the amalgamation of characters together in a fresh mythological setting.
October 5, 2018
Once again I am blown away by a sequel that's not even really a sequel - yes, it's the second book in the series technically, but it reads so much like a standalone! This is an incredible universe that JM Miller has created - so many aspects and little details that many people wouldn't even think of. Her setting descriptions are ON POINT in this story, I was instantly able to imagine what this world might look like, then I got a glimpse of her world map for this story, and it matched what I imagined perfectly. I got the chance to beta read this one, and enjoyed getting to see this story literally come to life. If you are a Sarah J Maas fan... give this series a shot. You will love it!
Xavyn and Vala set out on a new journey at the end of Fallen Flame, book one in this series. You don't necessarily have to read that one first, but I would recommend it - mostly just so you understand Vala herself and the history about where she came from and her purpose there. This journey started I think as a way for Vala to finally come to terms with understanding herself, and Xavyn is determined to be by her side to help her.
I love the kinship that connected them so quickly in Fallen Flame, he's protective of her in a way that makes me smile everytime I see him do it. It shows a little of his vulnerability when what he shows everyone else is how tough he is. This new journey is a rocky one, many ups and down, and questions to answer along the way - but it's a journey of discovery, and the exploration of a world Vala has never seen before. They meet new and strange creatures, and discover even more about them selves as well. Also, can I just say DRAGON. I'll just leave that right there, not gonna say anymore. You just need to go grab these two books and read them. RIGHT NOW. Enjoy, you won't be sorry.
Xavyn and Vala set out on a new journey at the end of Fallen Flame, book one in this series. You don't necessarily have to read that one first, but I would recommend it - mostly just so you understand Vala herself and the history about where she came from and her purpose there. This journey started I think as a way for Vala to finally come to terms with understanding herself, and Xavyn is determined to be by her side to help her.
I love the kinship that connected them so quickly in Fallen Flame, he's protective of her in a way that makes me smile everytime I see him do it. It shows a little of his vulnerability when what he shows everyone else is how tough he is. This new journey is a rocky one, many ups and down, and questions to answer along the way - but it's a journey of discovery, and the exploration of a world Vala has never seen before. They meet new and strange creatures, and discover even more about them selves as well. Also, can I just say DRAGON. I'll just leave that right there, not gonna say anymore. You just need to go grab these two books and read them. RIGHT NOW. Enjoy, you won't be sorry.
September 29, 2018
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book was awesome. It was full of surprises and I couldn’t wait to read what was going to happen next.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book was awesome. It was full of surprises and I couldn’t wait to read what was going to happen next.
September 23, 2018
I didn't have time to reread Fallen Flame before jumping into Scattered Plume, but it all came back to me, as I was gradually reading. It's so different from FF, much more complex and quite the twists and turns I didn't see coming.
The story picks up where it was left off in book one - Vala and Xavyn are off on their own journey. Xavyn is taking Vala to the magical world - so to say - away from the human world. There, she meets all kinds of creatures and learns new things. Both about magic and about her traveling companion - not all of them good. She also learns things about herself - and her past life.
Whom can Vala trust? Can she keep on trusting Xavyn, even with all the warning signals she's been getting and things she's been hearing or is she on her own?
I really like that Xavyn is kinda to-die-for, while Vala is even more badass than she was - and there is one last book, I can't wait to see what else will happen!
While I did enjoy this book, how much Vala evolved as a character, the reason my review has a 4 stars rating is because I personally didn't feel the process of them falling in love happening. It just did. Maybe it's just me. There were some swoon-worthy moments - I wish I could post the quote but I don't want to spoil it for anyone, so there is that.
Maybe if I'll reread them both, it'll feel different. But this was a good one and it continued feeding my love of YA fantasy. I voluntarily agreed to read an early copy of this book.
The story picks up where it was left off in book one - Vala and Xavyn are off on their own journey. Xavyn is taking Vala to the magical world - so to say - away from the human world. There, she meets all kinds of creatures and learns new things. Both about magic and about her traveling companion - not all of them good. She also learns things about herself - and her past life.
Whom can Vala trust? Can she keep on trusting Xavyn, even with all the warning signals she's been getting and things she's been hearing or is she on her own?
I really like that Xavyn is kinda to-die-for, while Vala is even more badass than she was - and there is one last book, I can't wait to see what else will happen!
While I did enjoy this book, how much Vala evolved as a character, the reason my review has a 4 stars rating is because I personally didn't feel the process of them falling in love happening. It just did. Maybe it's just me. There were some swoon-worthy moments - I wish I could post the quote but I don't want to spoil it for anyone, so there is that.
Maybe if I'll reread them both, it'll feel different. But this was a good one and it continued feeding my love of YA fantasy. I voluntarily agreed to read an early copy of this book.
September 27, 2018
First off let's talk about this cover? Let's see a show of hands who needs this in their physical collection!
Secondly, I could not put this down! Which I had no doubt about after reading Fallen Flame. Which I had the same reaction too. From the very beginning I was hooked. Vala is such a great character and then you add Xavyn to the mix. I've enjoyed seeing the growth in her, especially from the last book to this one!
This is a fresh new story and that is hard to come by at this point in time.
Secondly, I could not put this down! Which I had no doubt about after reading Fallen Flame. Which I had the same reaction too. From the very beginning I was hooked. Vala is such a great character and then you add Xavyn to the mix. I've enjoyed seeing the growth in her, especially from the last book to this one!
This is a fresh new story and that is hard to come by at this point in time.
July 19, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I fell even more in love with Vala, Xavyn and Esenna. This was so much better than the first and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
September 27, 2018
I was provided an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this. I loved the previous book Fallen Flame. This is no different, though I could have used a reread of Fallen Flame prior to reading this. It has been quite a while and while I remember the basics, I had forgotten a lot of the details. I quickly caught up, and found myself back on track with Vala and Xavyn as they try to unravel the mystery that is Vala’s existence.
I really like the mythology aspect of this story, though I would have liked to know a bit more about the magic system. I’m hoping that as magic returns to the land we get to know more about it. At this point the magic seems to be specific to the type of being. There were lots of different types of characters, we have several different types of fae, mer, goddesses, humans, and I’m probably forgetting some. I really enjoyed Miller’s creativity with the characters. I also liked the character development we get in the book. We meet lots of new characters in Scattered Plume, and they all have a part to play. I adore Esenna, she is a wonderful addition to the cast and a great side character.
The story follows Vala and Xavyn as they leave the island Vala has called home to find a lost feather. The feather will hopefully restore Vala’s lost memories, restore magic in the lands, and prevent an impending war. As they cross from the human lands into the land where magic once dwelled, Vala begins to remember her past and her lost feathers begins to call to her. Vala soon learns that she lost 3 feathers and she must find all 3 to undo the things she did in her past. On their journey they meet some new friends who help them on their way, and some who are looking to take the feather for themselves.
The first half of the book moves at a slower pace as Vala and Xavyn try to figure out what the best plan of action is. Vala is still fairly disoriented from what she learned at the end of the first book and from crossing the divide to the mainland. They aren’t sure where to start looking for the feather and spend some time meeting people, figuring out their impact on the world, travelling, and working out who to trust and who not to trust. Once they start going after the feathers things pick up and the pace picks up significantly. There is a ton of action and some pretty awesome battle scenes. I’m always onboard with any fight scene with a dragon. The ending leaves you wanting more in a good and needing to know how this story ends. If you like fantasy I recommend this series.
I really enjoyed this. I loved the previous book Fallen Flame. This is no different, though I could have used a reread of Fallen Flame prior to reading this. It has been quite a while and while I remember the basics, I had forgotten a lot of the details. I quickly caught up, and found myself back on track with Vala and Xavyn as they try to unravel the mystery that is Vala’s existence.
I really like the mythology aspect of this story, though I would have liked to know a bit more about the magic system. I’m hoping that as magic returns to the land we get to know more about it. At this point the magic seems to be specific to the type of being. There were lots of different types of characters, we have several different types of fae, mer, goddesses, humans, and I’m probably forgetting some. I really enjoyed Miller’s creativity with the characters. I also liked the character development we get in the book. We meet lots of new characters in Scattered Plume, and they all have a part to play. I adore Esenna, she is a wonderful addition to the cast and a great side character.
The story follows Vala and Xavyn as they leave the island Vala has called home to find a lost feather. The feather will hopefully restore Vala’s lost memories, restore magic in the lands, and prevent an impending war. As they cross from the human lands into the land where magic once dwelled, Vala begins to remember her past and her lost feathers begins to call to her. Vala soon learns that she lost 3 feathers and she must find all 3 to undo the things she did in her past. On their journey they meet some new friends who help them on their way, and some who are looking to take the feather for themselves.
The first half of the book moves at a slower pace as Vala and Xavyn try to figure out what the best plan of action is. Vala is still fairly disoriented from what she learned at the end of the first book and from crossing the divide to the mainland. They aren’t sure where to start looking for the feather and spend some time meeting people, figuring out their impact on the world, travelling, and working out who to trust and who not to trust. Once they start going after the feathers things pick up and the pace picks up significantly. There is a ton of action and some pretty awesome battle scenes. I’m always onboard with any fight scene with a dragon. The ending leaves you wanting more in a good and needing to know how this story ends. If you like fantasy I recommend this series.
September 27, 2018
I received an ARC of this book and it doesn't influence my opinion on it in any way.
Scattered Plume is a book I've been waiting for for a LONG time!!! J.M. Miller certainly kept me waiting for this one and it did not disappoint.
Fallen Flame was one of my favorite Indie Young Adult Fantasy books when it came out and Vala a very intriguing fresh character.
Her story continues with Scattered Plume with new surprising twists, ingenuous turns and impeccable storytelling.
Her journey with Xavyn yields so many revelations and crazy stuff.
Their pairing is really remarkable and it took a while but I was eventually sold on it.
Apart from the hijinks happening, the relationship between these characters is one of the reasons I adore this series, I really love how they come together and complete each other.
This is one book where I quite enjoyed the romance along with the fantasy beats.
This book tests Vala further, pushes her to the brink and I love how she comes to be her own.
The action is amazing, the writing top notch and not to talk about that beautiful cover.
The ending is tender, coming after so many edge of your seat action and I really loved how it all came together.
Lovers of this series will love Scattered Plume and I can so happily recommend it.
P.S: Xavyn is so my new book boyfriend.
December 9, 2020
Wow, I just love these books! The second book takes off right after Xavyn and Vala leave Garlin. And we travel with them past The Divide. When they pass it, it causes a change to occur and everyone is literally effected by it, especially with magic returning. Some change is good, and some really not so much. Vala also begins to change, as well as Xavyn, both becoming stronger, in a sense. We travel with them to locate Vala’s feathers so that she can gain all her power back and restore balance and order with magic and the two worlds.
First off, I just love books that integrate different mythical creatures, and tastefully too, not just haphazardly adding them into the book just because, but actually integrating them into the story and becoming part of the story.
So, when Xavyn and Vala first pass The Divide, we meet the Mer who have been suffering ever since magic was taken away, but begin to feel the effects of the change Vala caused upon her crossing, along with other Fae(woodland and sky Fae), dragons, witches, and probably other mythical creatures. I loved seeing these other creatures, especially since so many books tend to stick to the same ones, but these books had different Fae, and dragons(which I never get enough of 😁).
I loved having Enessa introduced into the story because Vala needed a girlfriend. After having to leave Haidee, her sister, it was nice to see her have a friend who she could talk to(and enjoy female time, as Xavyn says 😁), and who didn’t run away from her, despite the tension in the group with the animosity between Enessa’s people and Xavyn’s people.
I enjoyed watching Vala grow from someone who basically kept her head down and did what others told her to do, and blossomed into this stronger more independent woman. I love the relationship between her and Xavyn. He never tried to bring her down, or control her, tell her what to do. They worked together, like truly together, to get answers for her and find her feathers, and they are just so darn cute together!
There was some predictability in this book, however, it did not deter me from my love for the story and the characters. I don’t mind predictability in books, especially since sometimes I need a break from major plot twists and I need to read a book that is consistent through and through and characters are not all over the place.
I absolutely love this story, and the characters even more. I’m waiting for my copy of the third book, and once I receive it, I will dive into it and probably finish it in a day 😁
First off, I just love books that integrate different mythical creatures, and tastefully too, not just haphazardly adding them into the book just because, but actually integrating them into the story and becoming part of the story.
So, when Xavyn and Vala first pass The Divide, we meet the Mer who have been suffering ever since magic was taken away, but begin to feel the effects of the change Vala caused upon her crossing, along with other Fae(woodland and sky Fae), dragons, witches, and probably other mythical creatures. I loved seeing these other creatures, especially since so many books tend to stick to the same ones, but these books had different Fae, and dragons(which I never get enough of 😁).
I loved having Enessa introduced into the story because Vala needed a girlfriend. After having to leave Haidee, her sister, it was nice to see her have a friend who she could talk to(and enjoy female time, as Xavyn says 😁), and who didn’t run away from her, despite the tension in the group with the animosity between Enessa’s people and Xavyn’s people.
I enjoyed watching Vala grow from someone who basically kept her head down and did what others told her to do, and blossomed into this stronger more independent woman. I love the relationship between her and Xavyn. He never tried to bring her down, or control her, tell her what to do. They worked together, like truly together, to get answers for her and find her feathers, and they are just so darn cute together!
There was some predictability in this book, however, it did not deter me from my love for the story and the characters. I don’t mind predictability in books, especially since sometimes I need a break from major plot twists and I need to read a book that is consistent through and through and characters are not all over the place.
I absolutely love this story, and the characters even more. I’m waiting for my copy of the third book, and once I receive it, I will dive into it and probably finish it in a day 😁
September 21, 2018
Oh my, oh no, what the heck, *sniff, sniff*, all various reactions that were commonly heard by my family as I read this story. I knew after Fallen Flame, this was going to be an outstanding series, and I was definitely right about that! I don’t do spoilers so I’m just going to say; when FF ended I was a bit shocked to discover Vala was a reincarnation of Alesrah. She does not magically become Alesrah as she was before, Vala struggles through having no goddess memories and a new land where she isn’t the “circus freak”. I love how Vala changes over the course of this book. I can’t wait to see how much more she changes in the next. The new world is built well. I think there is great potential for so many stories in this world. I know I’d read them all!
September 29, 2018
Loved it! What an epic fantasy, I loved both books in the Fallen Flame series and can't wait for #3. If you love epic fantasy then this series is for you. So exciting, fresh and awesome. Great characters with lots of heart and enthusiasm. Love, love, love Vala and also Esenna. A great ending and a well written adventure.
I give Scattered Plume 5 stars for its epic adventure.
I would recommend this book to Fantasy Fans.
I give Scattered Plume 5 stars for its epic adventure.
I would recommend this book to Fantasy Fans.
January 10, 2019
It was soooooo good. It was one thousand times better than the first book. It is extremely wonderful world building. I loved how she incorporated each race especially the mer. Also, the love story is completely heartfelt and compelling. I can't wait to see what the next one has in store. People who love throne of glass will love it.
June 25, 2021
It becomes very apparent that there is more to this MC than we think and I have mixed feelings about her companions. Enter the villain, with world domination as the goal…who would have thunk? Not as simple as it sounds. With the changing world around them, so are the people changing, and it’s not just their views of good and bad. The imagery is on point on these pages! And just when you think you know who they are after and who to run from…enter more players.
March 24, 2022
4.5 Stars.
I haven’t read a good fantasy In a while but this series just keeps getting better. I was so excited to get back into this world with Vala and Xavyn. They cross the Divide and suddenly Vala realizes her return has some unexpected consequences, both good and bad. I was happy to join Vala on the explanation of her true home and meet so many new characters. Of course there were some great twists along the way. I’m anxiously awaiting book three.
I haven’t read a good fantasy In a while but this series just keeps getting better. I was so excited to get back into this world with Vala and Xavyn. They cross the Divide and suddenly Vala realizes her return has some unexpected consequences, both good and bad. I was happy to join Vala on the explanation of her true home and meet so many new characters. Of course there were some great twists along the way. I’m anxiously awaiting book three.
October 2, 2021
Wow... what a sequel!!!
Scattered Plume starts off right after the events in Fallen Flame. This story is sooooo intense!! I caught myself stopping doing what I should have been doing while listening to this audio book and paying all of my attention on it!
Vala's saga continues in this book along with Xavyn. They've made it past the divide but something happened when she crossed. Some of the now defunct magic users are able to access some of their powers... like the mermen who'd lost their ability to live underwater and their tails are now able to breathe underwater. She meets a young woman, Enessa who is a Volare, who goes in their journey to Xavyns mistress.
Along the way, Vala sees the past, present and future thru the roots of a ficus tree and realizes that she is indeed the long dead Goddess, who took away the magic so long ago. Now she has to go find her 3 Feathers to become whole again and bring back magic. But nothing is ever as easy as it sounds... the discover foes that are working against them, find a pet dragon (love Vex!!) and have some of her future visions start to come true!! Gaaahhhh I felt so bad for Vala and Xavyn!!!
But good always conquers evil.... well done of it at least!!! The battle that takes place at the end was just WOW!! Amazing!! I wholeheartedly loved this audio book and loved that Vala and Xavyn were able to take their relationship to the next step as well as declare their love for each other... sniff I'm such a sap at these kinds of books. The narrator did such a fabulous job, I was so engrossed (as mentioned earlier) that I didn't even want to stop listening to sleep!
Well done!!! 🙌 this book/audiobook definitely deserves ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!!!
I just started the third audio book and can't wait to leave a review for that!!
I recieved an ALC for my honest review.
Scattered Plume starts off right after the events in Fallen Flame. This story is sooooo intense!! I caught myself stopping doing what I should have been doing while listening to this audio book and paying all of my attention on it!
Vala's saga continues in this book along with Xavyn. They've made it past the divide but something happened when she crossed. Some of the now defunct magic users are able to access some of their powers... like the mermen who'd lost their ability to live underwater and their tails are now able to breathe underwater. She meets a young woman, Enessa who is a Volare, who goes in their journey to Xavyns mistress.
Along the way, Vala sees the past, present and future thru the roots of a ficus tree and realizes that she is indeed the long dead Goddess, who took away the magic so long ago. Now she has to go find her 3 Feathers to become whole again and bring back magic. But nothing is ever as easy as it sounds... the discover foes that are working against them, find a pet dragon (love Vex!!) and have some of her future visions start to come true!! Gaaahhhh I felt so bad for Vala and Xavyn!!!
But good always conquers evil.... well done of it at least!!! The battle that takes place at the end was just WOW!! Amazing!! I wholeheartedly loved this audio book and loved that Vala and Xavyn were able to take their relationship to the next step as well as declare their love for each other... sniff I'm such a sap at these kinds of books. The narrator did such a fabulous job, I was so engrossed (as mentioned earlier) that I didn't even want to stop listening to sleep!
Well done!!! 🙌 this book/audiobook definitely deserves ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!!!
I just started the third audio book and can't wait to leave a review for that!!
I recieved an ALC for my honest review.
August 17, 2024
Honestly I enjoyed this even more than Fallen Flame. There's much more adventure, world expanding, & brand new characters. As with book 1, the first few chapters were slow to get into, but by more than the halfway point I did not want to stop reading. I did though find I often had to flip back & forth between this book & Fallen Flame because so many references were made in the first book that, as I said in my previous review, we didn't know were plot-relevant at the time. I think that's because book 1 struggled to establish backstory in terms of character origins & the in-universe mythology, but again as we're seeing this from Vala's perspective & we're taking in new info when she is, I'm willing to offer some grace here.
This book was a lot meatier than book 1, chock full of plot twists that although fairly predictable were fun to see play out. I also enjoyed having the new characters on board & seeing how they interact with Vala as she continues to learn more about herself & where she came from.
This book was a lot meatier than book 1, chock full of plot twists that although fairly predictable were fun to see play out. I also enjoyed having the new characters on board & seeing how they interact with Vala as she continues to learn more about herself & where she came from.
December 9, 2018
I gave it 2.5
I really enjoyed FALLEN FLAME, but SCATTERED PLUME didn't do much for me.
I found quite a bit of things to be confusing. I'm not sure if it was because I didn't remember everything that happened in FALLEN FLAME or if there just wasn't enough explaining. I'm leaning towards not enough explaining between info dumps and new character introductions.
I wasn't that into the romance of SCATTERED PLUME. I didn't feel their connection or really care if they ended up together or not. I just wasn't feeling it.
I'm on the fence about if I want to continue the series at this point. I probably won't unless something in the blurb really jumps out at me.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed FALLEN FLAME, but SCATTERED PLUME didn't do much for me.
I found quite a bit of things to be confusing. I'm not sure if it was because I didn't remember everything that happened in FALLEN FLAME or if there just wasn't enough explaining. I'm leaning towards not enough explaining between info dumps and new character introductions.
I wasn't that into the romance of SCATTERED PLUME. I didn't feel their connection or really care if they ended up together or not. I just wasn't feeling it.
I'm on the fence about if I want to continue the series at this point. I probably won't unless something in the blurb really jumps out at me.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2024
As we leave Garlin with Vala and Xavyn we wonder what is to come.. and I was not prepared. We meet so many more fantasy characters, and beautiful kingdoms. Again, we wonder who is to be trusted.. how much do we trust them? What other secrets are being kept? A lot more truths that need to be unraveled and discovered as well. Vala begins to get more information on who she is (or was) as she continues her character development. Again there's the right amount of action and even more sprinkles of romance. Enough of everything in combination, I have to know how this series ends. Once more, pairing it with the amazing narration skills of Amelia Hugh made it even better as she brought so much life to the story.
January 16, 2024
This was the second book in the trilogy. After the first book moved at a good pace and setup a story line, sadly this second one just threw us into a new world with very little explanation of how it worked and everything moved at an unnaturally fast pace. Almost too fast to understand what was happening. Writing was still ok, but character development was lacking. It was almost like the author tried to fit a 900 page book into 300 pages. Not a terrible book, but could have been so much better.
February 1, 2024
More excitement in this second installment of the Fallen Flame Series. AND, a good set up for the third novel. I don't like to give away too much in reviews so future readers can enjoy the novels, but will say it's great that our protagonist is finally discovering who she really is. Let me just say that I enjoyed it thoroughly and am anxious to see how this trilogy ends. Fantasy lovers should definitely give this series a try.
January 15, 2019
I really liked the first book in this series. This book (#2) was a disappointment. I thought the characters were not well developed and there was not enough action and uniqueness to keep my attention.
September 15, 2021
I loved FALLEN FLAME, but I loved SCATTERED PLUME even more! Valla has agency, there’s a lot going on, the mystery begins to be solved, and there are dragons. The fight scene is fantastic and I love the groupings of beings working together for the greater good.
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