Devotion: Devotion Duology Book 2

by E.B. Bridenstine

Grief and Heartache Plagues the World of Leusandia As Bozek and Ranamayve go their separate ways, they each must hold onto the glimmer of hope that their Devotion will hold true. As they journey to join his ogre tribe, Bozek and his elf friend Garik, encounter hardships, unlike anything they have endured before. While Ranamayve attempts to convince the complacent elves to join forces with other Races against Emperor Charr’s tyranny, she struggles with her grief, and loneliness—hoping Bozek will soon return victorious. But at a growing sense of unease, Ranamayve leaves her homeland of Elavae to find Bozek and Garik, and defeat Emperor Charr once and for all. As the battle at Medgar looms closer, Bozek has to accept each part of himself for who he is and Ranamayve must fight for the Devotion they share.

310 pages, ebook

Published January 8, 2021

About the author

I hated reading when I was growing up. After graduating high school, I found out that it wasn't the reading I hated, it was being told what to read. Since then, I have jumped headfirst into the worlds of fantasy, historical fiction, and whatever else strikes my interest, disappearing within their pages only to emerge hungry for more. When I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I am determined to create a haven for those wanting to disappear into a magical realm, stretching my imagination, learning, and writing whenever my stories beg to be told.

Reviews

[S.E. Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I wasn't sure how much I was going to like this second book as I knew it wasn't going to be strictly the Ranamayve/Bozek show, but I should not have doubted the talent of Bridenstine as she creates such lovable characters. Even with the rollercoaster character arc for Connor, I was rooting for the bounty hunter--even when it seemed futile to trust in the man.

"You cannot judge someone because their way to survive is different from yours."

The first half of the book, when you follow Bozek and Garik(who is an absolute babe, btw), you meet interesting characters along the way, as well as get to see their friendship blossom.

“I am who I am, Garik. This isn’t some magical happy ending where the gruesome beast transforms into a handsome prince. I am an ogre, and I’ll stay an ogre. Somehow, I have to be happy with that.”

When the POV changes back to Ranamayve, you get to see a new, humorous friendship that will warm you heart and fill your soul. As well as the cultivating and renewing relationships with Ranamayve's sister and mother.

“Well, I should save you more often if that’s the thanks I get in return.”

When Ranamayve and Bozek finally reunite, it's so beautiful. ♥

“I almost regret teaching you Ogrent. Most of what my kin say should remain unsaid. Then again, watching you flay and threatening him like a proper ogress stirred my blood a bit.”

And yet so full of tension as their relationship isn't approved of from either of their families necessarily. It has some Romeo and Juliet vibes there, except the ending (spoiler?!) isn't depressing.
Well, if you look at the bigger picture--as they are at war against an evil emperor and casualties are suffered on all sides, that is pretty depressing, but I digress.

The second book is just as good as the first book, and I absolutely love all the new characters we get introduced to. Especially Opia. You can never go wrong with an animal companion.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book flowed as well as the first. I like how the character development continues in this one, adding depth to the characters. Some fun twists along the way and a nice explanation of the way magic works in this world. Want to read more about Leusandia and the people in it. Didn't want the story to end.

[Tristan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to young adults. It’s such a cute book. E. B. Bridenstine does such a good job at sucking you in. Her character’s are so interesting and you can’t help but want to know more about every one of them and by the end you’ll wish you had them as your friends. If you can listen to it on Audible do! You won’t regret it. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Yessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the characters. Loved the plot. Love this author.

[Aria Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing sequel! A must-read for fantasy lovers

I can't decide if I like this one more than the last! I love the romance between the main characters. The author has written it beautifully with plenty of romantic fluffy scenes between Bozek and Ranamayve. I loved how it's expressed from both of their viewpoints. The storyline and plot are also very engaging with plenty of action and twists! Great creativity, lots of great character development too, and a happy ending, which I love so much!! Kudos to the EB for her talent!! Hope to read more books from her soon.

[Jakendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got sucked into this book instantly. I worried that since they had to part ways Ranamayve would waver in her Devotion to Bozek, but she doesn't. They stay strong and in love the whole time. This book had me laughing, crying, happy, and at times very angry! I never wanted to put it down! I highly recommend it to all. It is such a tender story, and made me love each character. It also has some really good sweet lessons throughout it that helped me right when I needed them. This is a must have book.

[Aspen Stafford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel I miss judged this one compared to the first. I read it for a book club, but I was in a major reading slump.
Anyway. The adventure continues well from the first book, and we get to meet some new characters that I really like!
The reason I gave it fewer stars is because the story dragged in the middle for me. But honestly it was a great adventure and we get to see more of the world, which I love!

[E.B. Bridenstine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continue the adventure!

If you like...

⭐ Beauty and the Beast tropes
⭐ Witty banter
⭐ Powerhouse hero
⭐ Strong, independent FMC
⭐ Slow burn YA fantasy romance
⭐ Dual POV
⭐Twists

You will love this magical love story!