Elixir Saved

by Katie L. Carroll

Three lives saved by the Elixir; three lives bound by it.

The Elixir entwines the lives of those it touches. Once upon a time, Kylene, Zelenka, and Devon tasted it and escaped death. None were left without scars. Now, a shocking message from the Ice Queen—one of Mother Nature’s higher beings—sends each survivor on a quest. Kylene travels to the frozen depths of Blanchardwood, Zelenka heads back to the wilds of Faway Forest, and Devon journeys to a reclusive mountain temple. The three paths converge in a war against an ancient and tricky foe. And even the Elixir cannot save everyone. The fate of the world balances on the edge of a sword, and the outcome depends on whether the survivors will sacrifice their second chances.

Escape back into the world of the Great Peninsula in this much-anticipated sequel to the award-winning ELIXIR BOUND. Perfect for fans of the Thrones of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.

Genres: Fantasy

392 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2020

About the author

Katie Carroll began writing after her 16-year-old sister unexpectedly passed away. Writing was a way for Katie to help her sister live on in the pages of a story. It also made her realize that she wanted to pursue writing as a career. In addition to penning novels for teens and kids, she edits novels, plays soccer, and collects signed copies of books.

Reviews

[C.M. Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed going back to the Great Peninsula. It's been a while since I read Elixir Bound, and even though I don't remember everything that happened, I was still able to enjoy Elixir Saved without feeling I was missing something. Carroll does a wonderful job of weaving in important elements from the first book to keep the reader focused on what is happening in the second. If you enjoy magic and quests, then the Elixir Chronicles are for you! As a side note (and spoiler), one of the characters has an abortion which makes this book an excellent conversation starter for discussing abortion with your teen.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been two years since Katora became the guardian of the secret and powerful Elixir and she and her companions returned from their quest through the Faway Forest. In that time, relationships have grown and shifted, but Mother Nature remains a constant and enigmatic force. When a bolt of lightning destroys Katora's sister Kylene's stage in the middle of a performance, a powerful message is transmitted that begins a second quest of even greater importance. Dark magic powers have begun to take hold on the Great Peninsula, and it is up to Katora, Kylene, and their family and friends to brave the danger and restore balance to their world.

While the first book centers around Katora and her experience, this second installment features three characters—Kylene, Zelenka, and Devon—whose voices propel the narrative of this story. Each perspective gives readers a unique understanding of the overall arc, and the initially disparate viewpoints ultimately intertwine by the novel’s end. Themes of love and sacrifice are found throughout the story, which is made up of strong characters who challenge stereotypical gender roles and societal expectations. Readers will connect with each participant of this epic quest because of their familiar and imperfect qualities.

This story is markedly longer than the first book and provides ample time for significant character development. Relationships are the core of this adventure that is held together by a journey to unite against the forces of evil. Engaging writing and good pacing keep readers involved in the story amidst the introduction of fantasy creatures within a magical setting. As the plot evolves, readers become clearer about each character’s role in the overall narrative and they better understand the importance of those characters in the story’s outcome.

At the beginning of the book, readers will find a map that orients them to the Great Peninsula and the locations mentioned throughout the story. After referencing this visual a handful of times, it is much easier for readers to imagine where the characters in this tale are in space as they travel. Like the first book, this story has a satisfying and cathartic ending while providing the opportunity for a third installment. Readers who enjoyed Elixir Bound will relish the ability to dive even deeper into the land of the Great Peninsula through this epic adventure.

I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.

[Sarah Elyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Elixir Saved” is the stunning sequel to “Elixir Bound,” in which we were introduced to the world of the Great Peninsula, the Kase family, and the dennicks Palafair and Zelenka. This book is told from three point of views: Kylene Kase, Katora’s quiet younger sister, who has always felt out of place in the world; Zelenka the tili dennick, now married to Palafair; and Devon Kase, the almost primeyear who longs to prove himself as more than a youngeryear. When Katora Kase, guardian of the Elixir, receives a message signaling that Fyren, their world’s old foe who hasn’t been seen in centuries, might be back, Katora, Kylene, their brother Bhar, and Katora’s boyfriend Hirsten set out on a journey to plead for help from Odeletta, the Ice Queen, a higher being who earned her nickname from Fyren’s betrayal long ago. Meanwhile, Zelenka and Palafair journey to Faway Forest to reunite with Zelenka’s long lost tili dennick clan, and plead for them to help in the upcoming war. Devon Kase has been coddled all his life, and on the cusp of manhood, he wants to be seen as more than a little boy. He believes he has seen a sign, and heads up a mountain where priestesses dwell in order to look for a sign. Their three paths do converge as the war looms closer.

This book was amazing! It was just as good as the first one. I loved the plot, how the three point of views were separate yet connected at the same time, and the creation of the dragonfly creatures called sciathilte. I look forward to seeing more of this author in the future.

* i received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

[Kai Strand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a much anticipated book for me. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Elixir Bound, and I couldn’t wait to get back into the world Mrs. Carroll created. Plus, knowing this second book in the series was more personal for Katie, so I suspected it would resonate even more. I wasn’t disappointed.

There were multiple points of view in this book, which Katie handled well. Not only did she successfully avoid the head hopping feeling that can drive me nuts when an author doesn’t do multiple pov well, but she did a great job of driving each storyline to the same conclusion while keeping the reader wondering how it might all tie together.

The characters were well developed – a true strength of Katie’s – and the settings were so well written, they were tangible.

By taking her time with this story, Katie L. Carroll created a lush story that young adult readers will devour. I recommend Elixir Saved for fans of fantasy as well as though who enjoy character driven stories.

[Katie Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know in my review of ELIXIR BOUND, I said I'd maybe put dragons in the next one. Spoiler: there are no dragons. But there are mythical giant dragonfly creatures called the sciathilte. And three point-of-view characters, lots of gallivanting across the Great Peninsula, magic fueled by the elements, a matriarchal world with body autonomy. Happy reading!