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The Relic Trilogy #2
Riven
Kaylan's life as she knew it is over. Again.
Hunted by the guards of Edriast and their ruthless captain, Kaylan is forced to flee into a world she’s never seen, armed with a power she never wanted. With her brother Elias by her side, she escapes to the distant city of Stynos, where rumour has it a possible ally is waiting… An ally who might help Kaylan control the violent magic that’s become her burden to bear.
But Kaylan can’t hide forever – not from the forces that surround her, or from the darkness inside herself. Rebel leader Bellamy seeks her help to destroy a regime; Captain Thorn pursues her with a vengeance; and as her power grows, her inner demons begin to seep through the cracks…
Kaylan may be strong, but is she strong enough to resist the Relic?
Riven is the engrossing second instalment in Bronwyn Eley’s dark YA fantasy series, The Relic Trilogy.
Hunted by the guards of Edriast and their ruthless captain, Kaylan is forced to flee into a world she’s never seen, armed with a power she never wanted. With her brother Elias by her side, she escapes to the distant city of Stynos, where rumour has it a possible ally is waiting… An ally who might help Kaylan control the violent magic that’s become her burden to bear.
But Kaylan can’t hide forever – not from the forces that surround her, or from the darkness inside herself. Rebel leader Bellamy seeks her help to destroy a regime; Captain Thorn pursues her with a vengeance; and as her power grows, her inner demons begin to seep through the cracks…
Kaylan may be strong, but is she strong enough to resist the Relic?
Riven is the engrossing second instalment in Bronwyn Eley’s dark YA fantasy series, The Relic Trilogy.
- GenresFantasy
492 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2020
94 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Bronwyn Eley
7 books89 followersI'm a fantasy author of YA and Romantasy books, born in Australia but currently living in Edinburgh, Scotland.
My debut series THE RELIC TRILOGY is a YA series published by Talem Press, perfect for anyone who loves dark fantasy, strong heroines and dark magic.
My upcoming book THE RULE is coming in March 2025 from Pantera Press, the first in a duology. This romantasy series is 'Nevernight' meets Miss Congeniality, perfect for lovers of dramatic magic, assassins and atmospheric settings.
My debut series THE RELIC TRILOGY is a YA series published by Talem Press, perfect for anyone who loves dark fantasy, strong heroines and dark magic.
My upcoming book THE RULE is coming in March 2025 from Pantera Press, the first in a duology. This romantasy series is 'Nevernight' meets Miss Congeniality, perfect for lovers of dramatic magic, assassins and atmospheric settings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 10, 2020
Bronwyn Eley’s second book in The Relic Trilogy has raised the stakes on fabulous writing. RIVEN is dark, raw and there is no sugar-coating in this young adult fantasy, just amazing magnetism and incredible jagged twists. RIVEN takes us back into Kaylan’s life, a life that had been less than perfect, but it was hers, until she must become the Shadow, the fist for a powerful and ruthless lord who possesses a Relic of immense power.
Now forced to hide after a daring move, Kaylan struggles with the violent feelings and actions she is capable of. With her brother by her side she seeks out a possible ally, but will she survive the warriors on her tail and the rebel who wants her aid? The darkness within grows as the Relic fights to overpower her free will.
Strong characters, a heroine with grit and an incredible world melds together into a non-stop, high octane fantasy that will have readers mesmerized from start to finish. Bronwyn Eley holds nothing back, not the danger, the intrigue, the machinations or the fear that Kaylan must keep at bay.
If you’re looking for a powerful story, no words wasted and a world in need of taming, RIVEN picks up where RELIC leaves off and barrels on, full steam to the promise of book three.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Talem Press! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Trilogy: The Relic Trilogy - Book 2
Expected Publication Date: August 13, 2020
Publisher: Talem Press
Genre: Fantasy
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Now forced to hide after a daring move, Kaylan struggles with the violent feelings and actions she is capable of. With her brother by her side she seeks out a possible ally, but will she survive the warriors on her tail and the rebel who wants her aid? The darkness within grows as the Relic fights to overpower her free will.
Strong characters, a heroine with grit and an incredible world melds together into a non-stop, high octane fantasy that will have readers mesmerized from start to finish. Bronwyn Eley holds nothing back, not the danger, the intrigue, the machinations or the fear that Kaylan must keep at bay.
If you’re looking for a powerful story, no words wasted and a world in need of taming, RIVEN picks up where RELIC leaves off and barrels on, full steam to the promise of book three.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Talem Press! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Trilogy: The Relic Trilogy - Book 2
Expected Publication Date: August 13, 2020
Publisher: Talem Press
Genre: Fantasy
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 8, 2020
I want to thank Talem Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, this sequel is fantastic, I had a lot of fun reading it, and although I didn't remember so much from the first book when I started reading this one, it was easy to get into the plot again, since it's absolutely exquisite and dark, and super addictive. I mentioned this in my Relic review, but I need to repeat again, the quality of the writing style is absolutely brilliant, and it just gets better and better & last but not least I think the atmosphere this book has is super engaging and perfect. I enjoyed it a lot!
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can find more reviews & other fun content on my blog A Book. A Thought.
In this sequel we see Kaylan face a destiny that certainly didn't expect for her, escaping from powerful people who want to hunt her, she must go in search of allies to help her control the weight of a dangerous power that she has never wanted. Now the Rebel leader needs her help to overthrow an entire regime, and as Captain Thorn pursues her with a vengeance, Kaylan must find out if she can be strong enough to control the Relic's power or it will control her instead.
What I like most about these books in general, besides the fact that the plot is super interesting and easy to follow, is the dark and heartbreaking tone behind it. It seems to me that giving a fantasy story such a dark and gloomy tone is a very interesting thing and it plays with the dark sides of each character, especially Kaylan who must now carry a great weight on her shoulders, and also without knowing if she'll survive this power that can control her mind and change everything she is. I also love how the author focuses on the personalities of the characters, I don't think they have a very intense depth, though, but you do have a perception of their intentions just by reading the dialogues, which shows a great job with the plot and with the intention of the story construction. In short, it really captivates me how the book is built and that in addition to having interesting and entertaining plot twists and also solid fantasy aspects, it focuses more on the "psychological" of the characters, mental health, and the duality of the mind under intense and challenging situations and conditions.
Maybe I made it sound complex and heavy, right? And I really don't think that's the case, I think the first book cost me much more than to read that this one, perhaps due to the amount of information and that it seemed kind of slow, but it's not boring at all, and in this book the paced improves a lot, and I think this is because I'm more familiar with what's happening. I like sequels like this one because although in some way they work as a bridge, it doesn't mean it doesn't have its own impact, on the contrary, I feel that it has given us a lot of new information and we meet super intriguing and easy to love characters (Rourke, for example), also it's simply a pleasure to read such a dark atmosphere in fantasy, it's one of my favorite things in the genre.
I don't usually enjoy action scenes, but in this book they weren't bad, I think the author knew how to use them in the necessary moments and if you usually enjoy good action scenes, you'll surely like them much more than I did.
I adore Kaylan as the main character, I think she's so strong and must prove over and over again how much she can really resist and she's in a constant fight against her internal demons, her doubts and all this carrying a power that could easily destroy her inside. Seeing her fight against each obstacle and always taking the others into account, I love it, she's a great hero for this story, but also shows us a very dark and cruel side, which impacts a lot while you read it and gives a new meaning to this story, to the whole sequel & to what will be the last book.
The first book isn't very strong in terms of world-building, but I liked that in this one much more, I think that attention was paid to details and a more extensive panorama was given. I already said that I LOVE the author's style, but I repeat it, it's easy to read and has a lot of talent to tell a story and keep you on the edge of your seat excited to know what will happen next, that's wonderful, also I think it shows growth in writing style and complexity without becoming heavy or difficult to read. Finally, I liked the twists, they're clean, well thought out and well-executed, I really have nothing bad to say about them.
I would love to be able to share a LOT more of this plot and delve into it, but it's a sequel and that would be a spoiler, so I'll just say that, guys, if you want to read a fantasy full of dark magic, rebels, good dialogue, a great writing style, a great main character, and a VERY dark tone, you really like this trilogy, I recommend it, I think it deserves a lot more knowledge and also I would really love to know what you think about the story, more people need to read it's a lot of fun, a little suffering, but worth it . I'm excited to know what will happen in the final book, and I feel very honored to be able to read this sequel before its release date, it's a blessing because I love to share with you these types of stories, so rich, but at the same time sharing the work of a great author who deserves more recognition. Go head and support Relic, it's amazing!
August 22, 2020
An action-packed follow-up to Eley's oh-so-addictive debut. Riven continues Kaylan's intriguing (often heartbreaking) story and introduces a new cast of unruly but loveable characters. Full of twists and turns and facing inner demons, RIVEN is the emotionally-charged, fast-paced sequel readers are craving.
April 28, 2021
Riven was the perfect sequel to Relic, it added much more depth and new layers to the story as well as new characters which quickly became some of my favorites of the series. This is a sequel so my review has spoilers if you haven't read book 1 yet!
The book starts off right where Relic left off, with Kaylan on the run after an audacious move which changed the flow of power in the story. With dangerous and ruthless Captain Thorn on her tail, she travels to Stynos after being reunited with her brother. I felt like Relic was more fast paced and action-packed then its predecessor, the author keeps us readers on the edge of our seats as we follow Kaylan in her desperation to find herself free of the relic.
One of my favorite elements of this trilogy is it's dark atmosphere. We get much more depth of the relics power and its hold on its master on this sequel, as we witness Kaylan fight for control against the succumbing darkness of the relic. Kaylan doesn't know if the things occurring to her are in her head or if it's the relics doing, could it possibly be alive? The ending gave us a dark foreshadowing of the upcoming final book of the trilogy!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy for review!
The book starts off right where Relic left off, with Kaylan on the run after an audacious move which changed the flow of power in the story. With dangerous and ruthless Captain Thorn on her tail, she travels to Stynos after being reunited with her brother. I felt like Relic was more fast paced and action-packed then its predecessor, the author keeps us readers on the edge of our seats as we follow Kaylan in her desperation to find herself free of the relic.
One of my favorite elements of this trilogy is it's dark atmosphere. We get much more depth of the relics power and its hold on its master on this sequel, as we witness Kaylan fight for control against the succumbing darkness of the relic. Kaylan doesn't know if the things occurring to her are in her head or if it's the relics doing, could it possibly be alive? The ending gave us a dark foreshadowing of the upcoming final book of the trilogy!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy for review!
August 6, 2020
- action!! so much of it!
- I love action!
- so dark mhh
- character development! nice!
- such conflicts within the characters
- old, beloved characters
- new, also beloved characters
- tender moments
- a puppy!! :)
- rebels! fights! war!
- so good!
TW: manipulation, death, blood, vomit, sedation, addiction, loss of loved one, violence
- I love action!
- so dark mhh
- character development! nice!
- such conflicts within the characters
- old, beloved characters
- new, also beloved characters
- tender moments
- a puppy!! :)
- rebels! fights! war!
- so good!
TW: manipulation, death, blood, vomit, sedation, addiction, loss of loved one, violence
September 21, 2020
*Note: This is book 2 in a series that should be read in order. There may be spoilers for the first book in the series.
If you are new to the series, you can check out my review of book one here*
Riven is the second book in the young adult dark fantasy series, called The Relic Trilogy by Bronwyn Eley. Relic is a fast paced, action packed sequel. I think I enjoyed this book even more than the first book, Relic. Because I read it right after finishing Relic, I already had a really good idea of the world and the characters, so I was able to just jump right in and enjoy the crazy ride that Riven takes us on! But as I mentioned in my review of Relic, Bronwyn Eley does a fantastic job setting up the world, so I think it would be really easy to get back into the swing of things even if you had a break between reading book one and book two.
Riven takes place after the events of the first book in the series-Relic. As a refresher, our main character Kaylan was named the new Shadow (or guard) of Lord Rennard. But the Lord has a relic , that grants him power, but in exchange the relic slowly poisons/infects everything surrounding it. I won't get into spoilers from the first book, but something big happens at the end of the first book that sends Kaylan on the run, which is where the events of Riven pick up. Kaylan herself has really grown a lot as a character, which I always love to see a reader. I loved watching her think though each of her actions and even battle with herself over some of the events in the book. It was really fascinating and she is such a wonderful heroine. She is strong, but not perfect, which makes her more relatable in my opinion. The magic in this series is strong and fierce, and in some ways really unpredictable. I found it fascinating to watch Kaylan war with herself about what was happening. (to her and around her) Magic plays such a big role, and watching magic corrupt or change characters in this book was an added element that I was so interested to learn more about. Magic in this book isn't always a physical thing that you can see. There is also a mental element to the magic and seeing how that was affecting the characters psychologically was fascinating! I couldn't wait to see how all of that was going to play out, and I can't wait to see more in the next book.
As I mentioned in my first review, this is a dark fantasy and as the world and actions are ramping up, so does the darkness. I love that Bronwyn does not shy away from things that might upset the reader. She goes for it, which made Riven a really thrilling read for me. I couldn't guess what was going to happen next and I absolutely loved that! I cannot wait to see how this trilogy is going to end! I think the Relic Trilogy is perfect for fans of dark young adult fantasies that don't pull any punches. I loved this book even more than the first! Bring on book three!
See more of my reviews at Book Briefs. Love bookish pictures? Let's be friends on Bookstagram
If you are new to the series, you can check out my review of book one here*
Riven is the second book in the young adult dark fantasy series, called The Relic Trilogy by Bronwyn Eley. Relic is a fast paced, action packed sequel. I think I enjoyed this book even more than the first book, Relic. Because I read it right after finishing Relic, I already had a really good idea of the world and the characters, so I was able to just jump right in and enjoy the crazy ride that Riven takes us on! But as I mentioned in my review of Relic, Bronwyn Eley does a fantastic job setting up the world, so I think it would be really easy to get back into the swing of things even if you had a break between reading book one and book two.
Riven takes place after the events of the first book in the series-Relic. As a refresher, our main character Kaylan was named the new Shadow (or guard) of Lord Rennard. But the Lord has a relic , that grants him power, but in exchange the relic slowly poisons/infects everything surrounding it. I won't get into spoilers from the first book, but something big happens at the end of the first book that sends Kaylan on the run, which is where the events of Riven pick up. Kaylan herself has really grown a lot as a character, which I always love to see a reader. I loved watching her think though each of her actions and even battle with herself over some of the events in the book. It was really fascinating and she is such a wonderful heroine. She is strong, but not perfect, which makes her more relatable in my opinion. The magic in this series is strong and fierce, and in some ways really unpredictable. I found it fascinating to watch Kaylan war with herself about what was happening. (to her and around her) Magic plays such a big role, and watching magic corrupt or change characters in this book was an added element that I was so interested to learn more about. Magic in this book isn't always a physical thing that you can see. There is also a mental element to the magic and seeing how that was affecting the characters psychologically was fascinating! I couldn't wait to see how all of that was going to play out, and I can't wait to see more in the next book.
As I mentioned in my first review, this is a dark fantasy and as the world and actions are ramping up, so does the darkness. I love that Bronwyn does not shy away from things that might upset the reader. She goes for it, which made Riven a really thrilling read for me. I couldn't guess what was going to happen next and I absolutely loved that! I cannot wait to see how this trilogy is going to end! I think the Relic Trilogy is perfect for fans of dark young adult fantasies that don't pull any punches. I loved this book even more than the first! Bring on book three!
See more of my reviews at Book Briefs. Love bookish pictures? Let's be friends on Bookstagram
September 8, 2020
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
My Thoughts
Stop here if you have not read RELIC and wish to keep your reading experience spoiler free! You can head over to my review of book one here or check out my interview with Bronwyn to learn more about what inspires her (plus Markus' beverage of choice) here.
First, How Great is That Title?
Riven literally means to split or tear apart violently. We learn a little more about a specific connection to the story but my goodness it absolutely set the vibe for this entire twisty dark fantasy story. RIVEN starts immediately after the events of RELIC with Kaylan on the run, Captain Thorn on the hunt after tearing her life apart and Bellamy trying to lead a revolution. To say it's tense is an understatement...
Out of the Shadows...
In RELIC, Kaylan is ripped from life as she knows it to become Lord Rennard's Shadow which promised only pain and death before she was ready. By the time we reach RIVEN, she has escaped her fate but now is in possession of the source of her pain: Lord Rennard's Relic. Reading Kaylan's internal war between her growing addition to the relic's power, desire to be rid of it, and self-loathing over the choices she made to survive was exhausting, heart-wrenching and brilliant. There were times I was so fed up with her self-hatred and martyrdom (totally a trait that frustrates me in general) that I wanted to shake her and scream GET IT THE F*CK TOGETHER. Then I was quickly reminded how much of Kaylan's experience cannot be fully trusted. Was that her her true belief/feeling or the relic adding fuel to the fire and influencing her? This added a whole new level to the carefully crafted tension that had me at the edge of my seat. Talk about fantastic character development.
... and onto a Journey
One of my favorite parts of RIVEN was getting out of Edriast for a peek at the rest of the world. I loved the contrast between Edriast and Stynos and how each city's culture mirrored the Lord that ruled it. You only need to turn on the US news for five minutes to see how strongly a leader (or "leader" in our case) can influence the norms of a society at any given time. I also appreciate that the story lives and breathes in the morally grey. Frequently, when a story includes a rebellion there is a very clear line between right and wrong that often doesn't exist in reality. This rebellion is muddy and chalked full of questionable choices leaving the reader able to connect with the arguments of both sides while having no clue what is going to happen next.
Finally, along with new places we also meet new characters in RIVEN who were so easy to love. Rourke in particular, was a great addition and it was a joy to see the bond he developed with Kaylan. Never fear, my favorites from RELIC also join the adventure and I am anxious to explore the rest of the world and see what our crew gets up to in book three!
Overall
Overall, I loved this addition to The Relic Trilogy! It was a fast-paced, high stakes adventure with 'keep you up way past your bedtime' tension, lovable characters, battles, and razor sharp twists. It was fantastic!
If you loved RELIC, you will absolutely love RIVEN. And if you haven't started this series, what are you waiting for?
Recommended for fans of: stories with journeys, brewing rebellions, found families, internal demons, dark themes and plenty of action
Get your copy of RIVEN, August 13th and let me know your thoughts!
August 12, 2020
**Book Review** A huge thank you to @talempress for the copy of Riven by Bronwyn Eley ( @letters_from_neverland ). This is book 2 in the Relic series and comes out really soon on 13th August! 🎉🎉 If you love a good fantasy novel with a strong female lead, then be sure to check this series out! (Also beware some spoilers for book 1 in the review)
Synopsis: Hunted by the guards of Edriast and their ruthless captain, Kaylan is forced to flee into a world she’s never seen, armed with a power she never wanted. With her brother Elias by her side, she escapes to the distant city of Stynos, where rumour has it a possible ally is waiting… An ally who might help Kaylan control the violent magic that’s become her burden to bear.
⚔️
But Kaylan can’t hide forever – not from the forces that surround her, or from the darkness inside herself. Rebel leader Bellamy seeks her help to destroy a regime; Captain Thorn pursues her with a vengeance; and as her power grows, her inner demons begin to seep through the cracks…
I really enjoyed the expansion of the world in Riven and the new characters that were introduced. The start was a bit slow but as soon as Kaylan reached Stynos, I was absolutely hooked. My favourite part of fantasy novels lately has been the slow reveal of the magic/mystery and it was fascinating learning about the secrets and origins of the Relic with Kaylan 👀. Also loved Lord Edun and Rourke!
Excited to see where this series goes next and can’t wait for book 3! Also added a new word to my vocabulary, Riven which means: to split with force or violence (super cool!)
4/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- K 📖
#riven #relic #relictrilogy #rivenbook #bronwyneley #talempress #jkbookish #bookish #bookstagram #aussiebookgroup #ausbookishfeatures #notjustaprettybook #instadaily #bookstagramfeature #bookstagrammer #bookobsessed #readingtime #instalove #aussiereaders #bookrecommendations #bookaholic #ausyabloggers
Synopsis: Hunted by the guards of Edriast and their ruthless captain, Kaylan is forced to flee into a world she’s never seen, armed with a power she never wanted. With her brother Elias by her side, she escapes to the distant city of Stynos, where rumour has it a possible ally is waiting… An ally who might help Kaylan control the violent magic that’s become her burden to bear.
⚔️
But Kaylan can’t hide forever – not from the forces that surround her, or from the darkness inside herself. Rebel leader Bellamy seeks her help to destroy a regime; Captain Thorn pursues her with a vengeance; and as her power grows, her inner demons begin to seep through the cracks…
I really enjoyed the expansion of the world in Riven and the new characters that were introduced. The start was a bit slow but as soon as Kaylan reached Stynos, I was absolutely hooked. My favourite part of fantasy novels lately has been the slow reveal of the magic/mystery and it was fascinating learning about the secrets and origins of the Relic with Kaylan 👀. Also loved Lord Edun and Rourke!
Excited to see where this series goes next and can’t wait for book 3! Also added a new word to my vocabulary, Riven which means: to split with force or violence (super cool!)
4/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- K 📖
#riven #relic #relictrilogy #rivenbook #bronwyneley #talempress #jkbookish #bookish #bookstagram #aussiebookgroup #ausbookishfeatures #notjustaprettybook #instadaily #bookstagramfeature #bookstagrammer #bookobsessed #readingtime #instalove #aussiereaders #bookrecommendations #bookaholic #ausyabloggers
October 31, 2020
Thanks Talem Press for a review copy.
It's always hard to talk about sequels without getting spoilery! In Riven we continue to follow heroine Kaylan as she deals with the consequences of her actions in the first book and sets out on a journey to learn more about the mysterious and powerful Relics.
I enjoyed Relic and I think Riven is even better. There is something more controlled about the writing and the way the story unfolds in this one.
The world building continues to be strong in this sequel, and I loved learning more about the Relics.
There are some fantastic characters in Riven, a mix of familiar faces and new favourites. Something about the way Eley writes her characters, perhaps the fact that no one is really all good or all bad, had me wondering all the way through about which of her companions Kaylan could really trust, and who was going to turn out to be against her.
I really think fans of Relic are going to be happy with this one, and if you’re a lover of YA fantasy but haven’t picked up the series yet I’d recommend checking it out!
It's always hard to talk about sequels without getting spoilery! In Riven we continue to follow heroine Kaylan as she deals with the consequences of her actions in the first book and sets out on a journey to learn more about the mysterious and powerful Relics.
I enjoyed Relic and I think Riven is even better. There is something more controlled about the writing and the way the story unfolds in this one.
The world building continues to be strong in this sequel, and I loved learning more about the Relics.
There are some fantastic characters in Riven, a mix of familiar faces and new favourites. Something about the way Eley writes her characters, perhaps the fact that no one is really all good or all bad, had me wondering all the way through about which of her companions Kaylan could really trust, and who was going to turn out to be against her.
I really think fans of Relic are going to be happy with this one, and if you’re a lover of YA fantasy but haven’t picked up the series yet I’d recommend checking it out!
August 2, 2020
Thank you so much to Talem Press for sending me a copy of Riven, in exchange for an honest review!
***Riven is book 2 in the series, so my review will contain spoilers for book 1, Relic!***
Riven takes off directly where Relic ended. Kaylan is in possession of the Relic and on the run, desperate to find her brother. When she hears a rumour that one of the lords has mastered a way to resist his relic, she is determined to learn the secret, to rid herself of the addiction to its power, and be able to lock the relic away forever. Embarking on a dangerous journey across the lands to the lord’s kingdom, with her brother and his mentor, Kaylan is unsure who she can trust, with Captain Thorn seeking her execution, Bellamy still trying to lead a revolution, and her own mind starting to succumb to the lure of the relic’s pull.
I absolutely loved Relic and Riven was just as brilliant! This is an incredible series and I don’t know why there’s not more hype surrounding it. With incredible writing, plot twists that had me on the edge of my seat, brilliant characters and intense action, the Relic trilogy contains everything I want in a book. The author does a brilliant job of describing the power of addiction and Kalyan’s desperation seeps through the pages in the most soul destroying way. Faced with impossible decisions, Kaylan is never sure if her actions will have dire consequences and there were some truly heartbreaking moments.
I loved the new characters we met in this book, especially the Lord Kaylan allies with, and I appreciated so many of my favourite characters from the last book joining us for the journey!
If you’re already a fan of Relic, I can assure you Riven will also steal your heart. If you haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend picking up Relic as soon as you can!
***Riven is book 2 in the series, so my review will contain spoilers for book 1, Relic!***
Riven takes off directly where Relic ended. Kaylan is in possession of the Relic and on the run, desperate to find her brother. When she hears a rumour that one of the lords has mastered a way to resist his relic, she is determined to learn the secret, to rid herself of the addiction to its power, and be able to lock the relic away forever. Embarking on a dangerous journey across the lands to the lord’s kingdom, with her brother and his mentor, Kaylan is unsure who she can trust, with Captain Thorn seeking her execution, Bellamy still trying to lead a revolution, and her own mind starting to succumb to the lure of the relic’s pull.
I absolutely loved Relic and Riven was just as brilliant! This is an incredible series and I don’t know why there’s not more hype surrounding it. With incredible writing, plot twists that had me on the edge of my seat, brilliant characters and intense action, the Relic trilogy contains everything I want in a book. The author does a brilliant job of describing the power of addiction and Kalyan’s desperation seeps through the pages in the most soul destroying way. Faced with impossible decisions, Kaylan is never sure if her actions will have dire consequences and there were some truly heartbreaking moments.
I loved the new characters we met in this book, especially the Lord Kaylan allies with, and I appreciated so many of my favourite characters from the last book joining us for the journey!
If you’re already a fan of Relic, I can assure you Riven will also steal your heart. If you haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend picking up Relic as soon as you can!
August 19, 2020
LOVED it! It was a non-stop thrilling and dark journey and I couldn't get enough! One of those books that you can't stop reading but you really don't want it to end! Adored the new characters, especially Rourke! Bring on Book 3!
August 13, 2020
This high paced, dark adventure, picks up where Relic left off. Kaylan, alone and hunted, desperately searches for a way to overcome the seduction of the Relic.
August 12, 2020
Riven starts off where Relic left off, with Kaylan on the run and looking for her brother and the leader of the rebellion Bellamy.
When Kaylan learns of the plan Bellamy has planned, she doesn't like it much, but she also wants to protect her brother, but he refuses to leave Bellamy’s side.
When Kaylan hears a rumor that one of the lords has mastered a way to resist his relic, she is determined to learn the secret to rid herself of the pull to its power, and be able to seal the relic away forever.
Riven was an intense read, with Kaylan learning and fighting the pull of the relic she is now in possession of, she is also driven to protect her brother while on the run from Captain Thorne.
Seeing the world outside of Edriast and their way of life and customs compared to Stynos showed a glimpse of how each Lord ruled, and how the people were treated
Lord Rourke was added to the story, he has somehow mastered the pull from the relic that is in his possession. The bond between the two was a breath of fresh air in all the stress that Kaylan has been dealing with.
One of the most interesting things I found with Kaylan were her actions all her own or were some of her actions persuaded by the relic and the ghost of Lord Rennard. While watching her inner turmoil and her growing addiction to the power and her
I found this to be a good fast paced, high stakes adventure read, and I am looking forward to where Kaylan goes in the third book.
When Kaylan learns of the plan Bellamy has planned, she doesn't like it much, but she also wants to protect her brother, but he refuses to leave Bellamy’s side.
When Kaylan hears a rumor that one of the lords has mastered a way to resist his relic, she is determined to learn the secret to rid herself of the pull to its power, and be able to seal the relic away forever.
Riven was an intense read, with Kaylan learning and fighting the pull of the relic she is now in possession of, she is also driven to protect her brother while on the run from Captain Thorne.
Seeing the world outside of Edriast and their way of life and customs compared to Stynos showed a glimpse of how each Lord ruled, and how the people were treated
Lord Rourke was added to the story, he has somehow mastered the pull from the relic that is in his possession. The bond between the two was a breath of fresh air in all the stress that Kaylan has been dealing with.
One of the most interesting things I found with Kaylan were her actions all her own or were some of her actions persuaded by the relic and the ghost of Lord Rennard. While watching her inner turmoil and her growing addiction to the power and her
I found this to be a good fast paced, high stakes adventure read, and I am looking forward to where Kaylan goes in the third book.
August 13, 2020
Riven is the second installment in the Relic trilogy and it picks up right where The Relic left off. Kaylan has heard rumors of how to control the Relic and she seeks out those who can help her to do so. She makes a few new friends along the way while trying to keep the tenuous relationship with her brother, Elias, in tact. The action in this book is a much faster pace compared to the first book, and the characters' developments are coming along quite nicely. In my own humble opinion, however, I'm finding Kaylan not as likable in this book. I'm not sure if her character is still immature, resolute, naive, or simply an incidental martyr, but either way her thought processes in this book are a bit irksome to me compared to the last. Still, it adds to the story and makes sense.
Just like the first installment, Riven will grab you from page one and keep you sucked in. The story flows, the twists and turns keep you engaged, and the battle scenes are action packed!
Thank you Talem Press for an advanced free copy for a fair and honest review.
Just like the first installment, Riven will grab you from page one and keep you sucked in. The story flows, the twists and turns keep you engaged, and the battle scenes are action packed!
Thank you Talem Press for an advanced free copy for a fair and honest review.
August 13, 2020
Loved It!
Riven continues the saga, and picks up where Relic left off. I couldn't put the book down. Bronwyn Eley is now one of my favorite authors in the fantasy genre.
Riven continues the saga, and picks up where Relic left off. I couldn't put the book down. Bronwyn Eley is now one of my favorite authors in the fantasy genre.
August 31, 2020
Bronwyn better hurry up and finish book 3, she can't leave me hanging like that! And there had better be more Rourke in book 3...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2021
Relic for me was an original and emotionally gripping adventure. Kaylan lived in a kingdom divided into groups led by rulers who are in possession of magical relics. These relics protect the wearer’s bloodline. Unfortunately, the magic is poisonous to anyone else in the wearer’s vicinity. The magic acts like a sentient form of radiation. The ruling family decided to ease the burden for the other household staff. There would be a drawing to choose one person who will become the ruler’s shadow. A personal servant who takes the brunt of everyday contact. Once that servant succumbs to the effects of the relic, which is a long painful death often involving insanity a new peasant is chosen.
Kaylan is living a simple life as a blacksmith’s apprentice when she is chosen to become the next shadow.
There was a lot that I loved about this book. It was a real page-turner and kept me engaged from start to finish. It even had me close to tears once or twice. That is rare for me.
There were some holes for me though. Kaylan starts to learn about a group of rebels who are trying to overthrow Lord Rennard by killing off his entire family. Only then can the relic be claimed by a new ruler. What I didn’t understand was if the relic protects his entire bloodline how can the people in his family be killed off with such little resistance?
There were other questions I had too where things didn’t quite make sense but because I don’t want to give spoilers I can’t get into them here. Feel free to contact me if you want more details. They weren’t big enough to make me enjoy the story less.
I also must give some love to Markus. Oh Markus, Master Of The Hunt, how I love you! I was hoping somehow that he and Kaylan would find a way to run away together. But things are not that easily resolved in this book. There is quite a dramatic ending that will leave you thirsty for book 2.
There was a lot of gray in this book. Meaning no one was all good or all bad. Lord Rennard was a beast but you even learn some of his backstory so you come to understand that he wasn’t always evil. All of the characters seem to have this give and take. My lovely Markus was everything that was good and kind but even he had his weaknesses. There were times I wished I could learn a little more about some people’s intentions or thoughts but that would have made the book ginormous. I have my fingers crossed that we’ll see more of the people we can care about in the following series.
Kaylan is living a simple life as a blacksmith’s apprentice when she is chosen to become the next shadow.
There was a lot that I loved about this book. It was a real page-turner and kept me engaged from start to finish. It even had me close to tears once or twice. That is rare for me.
There were some holes for me though. Kaylan starts to learn about a group of rebels who are trying to overthrow Lord Rennard by killing off his entire family. Only then can the relic be claimed by a new ruler. What I didn’t understand was if the relic protects his entire bloodline how can the people in his family be killed off with such little resistance?
There were other questions I had too where things didn’t quite make sense but because I don’t want to give spoilers I can’t get into them here. Feel free to contact me if you want more details. They weren’t big enough to make me enjoy the story less.
I also must give some love to Markus. Oh Markus, Master Of The Hunt, how I love you! I was hoping somehow that he and Kaylan would find a way to run away together. But things are not that easily resolved in this book. There is quite a dramatic ending that will leave you thirsty for book 2.
There was a lot of gray in this book. Meaning no one was all good or all bad. Lord Rennard was a beast but you even learn some of his backstory so you come to understand that he wasn’t always evil. All of the characters seem to have this give and take. My lovely Markus was everything that was good and kind but even he had his weaknesses. There were times I wished I could learn a little more about some people’s intentions or thoughts but that would have made the book ginormous. I have my fingers crossed that we’ll see more of the people we can care about in the following series.
December 5, 2020
Riven is the second book in Bronwyn Eley's YA series. The story starts right where we left off. It’s a well written follow-up. Starting right where it left off in Relic, Kaylan is on the run, heading towards perceived safety and Elias. Kaylan and her friends have heard rumours of how to control the Relic and she seeks out someone who can help her. She makes new friends along the way while trying to repair her relationship with Elias. The action in this book is a much faster pace compared to the first book, and the characters' developments are all realistic and well-paced.
In my opinion, Kaylan is not as likeable in this book. Kaylan is a flawed character; she struggles throughout the book trying to resist the temptation of the Relic. Making us wonder if the inner turmoil her own anxiety and fears, or is it the work of the Relic? I found I didn’t enjoy Kaylan’s character as much this time around, but I think it helps to show her conflict with the choices she makes. The question of who she is with such power at her fingertips is very interesting and Eley really dives into the aspect of addiction to the power the Relic offers. You can feel Kaylan’s desperation to keep her loved ones safe. Her own grasp on who she is and what she stands for is lost in the grasp of the Relic's power. This loss of self in this novel compared to who she was in the first novel is why I think the character was less likeable.
I loved the addition of new characters; they add a light heartedness to the dark points of this story. There’s plenty of action, adding to the growing knowledge of the history and the Relics to keep you engaged. I look forward to reading the ending to this trilogy and read how Kaylan's story ends.
In my opinion, Kaylan is not as likeable in this book. Kaylan is a flawed character; she struggles throughout the book trying to resist the temptation of the Relic. Making us wonder if the inner turmoil her own anxiety and fears, or is it the work of the Relic? I found I didn’t enjoy Kaylan’s character as much this time around, but I think it helps to show her conflict with the choices she makes. The question of who she is with such power at her fingertips is very interesting and Eley really dives into the aspect of addiction to the power the Relic offers. You can feel Kaylan’s desperation to keep her loved ones safe. Her own grasp on who she is and what she stands for is lost in the grasp of the Relic's power. This loss of self in this novel compared to who she was in the first novel is why I think the character was less likeable.
I loved the addition of new characters; they add a light heartedness to the dark points of this story. There’s plenty of action, adding to the growing knowledge of the history and the Relics to keep you engaged. I look forward to reading the ending to this trilogy and read how Kaylan's story ends.
May 10, 2021
𝟒 ★
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄 = Dark YA Fantasy
𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇 = 494 pages
𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 = Dark Themes, Death
𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒
Being hunted by the guards of Edriast and their ruthless captain, Kaylan is forced to flee into a world she’s never seen, armed with a power she never wanted, consequently making the life she knew to be over. Again. She seeks out an ally who could help control the violent magic that has become her burden to bear but she soon realises that she can’t hide forever. As her power grows her inner demons begin to rise. Kaylan may be strong, but is she strong enough to resist the Relic?
**𝖳𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗄 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗍𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗀𝗂𝖿𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖺𝗇 𝖠𝖱𝖢 𝖼𝗈𝗉𝗒 𝗂𝗇 𝖾𝗑𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖺𝗇 𝗁𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗋𝖾𝗏𝗂𝖾𝗐.**
𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
This was an engrossing second instalment within this dark YA Fantasy trilogy which I enjoyed.
The writing style from this author is incredible and very suspenseful making it hard to put this book down.
The storyline was action packed, emotionally charged and gripping. I loved how it delved deeper into the exploration of this complex world which caused an adventurous ride to occur for both myself as the reader and these characters. There were twists and turns as well as unexpected revelations.
The characters have become more connected and likeable from the previous instalment yet went through more development while some fantastic new characters were introduced. I loved reading the different relationship dynamics between them all which was flawlessly executed.
The romance has grown even more and I adore every moment shared between Kalyan and Marcus.
Overall, a solid sequel novel which held betrayal, action, inner demons and romance. I’m now very much anticipating reading the conclusion to this fantasy trilogy soon!
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄 = Dark YA Fantasy
𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇 = 494 pages
𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 = Dark Themes, Death
𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒
Being hunted by the guards of Edriast and their ruthless captain, Kaylan is forced to flee into a world she’s never seen, armed with a power she never wanted, consequently making the life she knew to be over. Again. She seeks out an ally who could help control the violent magic that has become her burden to bear but she soon realises that she can’t hide forever. As her power grows her inner demons begin to rise. Kaylan may be strong, but is she strong enough to resist the Relic?
**𝖳𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗄 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗍𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗀𝗂𝖿𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖺𝗇 𝖠𝖱𝖢 𝖼𝗈𝗉𝗒 𝗂𝗇 𝖾𝗑𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖺𝗇 𝗁𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗋𝖾𝗏𝗂𝖾𝗐.**
𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
This was an engrossing second instalment within this dark YA Fantasy trilogy which I enjoyed.
The writing style from this author is incredible and very suspenseful making it hard to put this book down.
The storyline was action packed, emotionally charged and gripping. I loved how it delved deeper into the exploration of this complex world which caused an adventurous ride to occur for both myself as the reader and these characters. There were twists and turns as well as unexpected revelations.
The characters have become more connected and likeable from the previous instalment yet went through more development while some fantastic new characters were introduced. I loved reading the different relationship dynamics between them all which was flawlessly executed.
The romance has grown even more and I adore every moment shared between Kalyan and Marcus.
Overall, a solid sequel novel which held betrayal, action, inner demons and romance. I’m now very much anticipating reading the conclusion to this fantasy trilogy soon!
November 28, 2022
This is the second time of late I've come back to a series (and from the same publisher) several years later and really enjoyed it.
RIVEN (and RELIC) are great examples of YA fantasy that truly feel like they deserve the "dark fantasy" label - it is not an aesthetic here (in fact, that "dark fantasy" aesthetic is nowhere to be found.) The world has a grim premise of these relics killing those around the wielder and how that is used to maintain power at the expense of life. Kaylan loses a lot of people she loves, and spends RIVEN grappling with that alongside the high likelihood that possessing a relic after being around it as a non-possessor is affecting her mentally.
Because of who Kaylan spends more time with in the book, there's a focus on new relationships and also ones that were in the background of the previous (like her brother Elias) and I really liked that. It let those lesser characters be built up, and also those are the far more complex relationships than the well-explored ones of the second book.
RIVEN also sees Kaylan brush up against the rebellion much more, and have to make choices about how to deal with them or the lords the rebellion opposes. I liked that this book had a decision not often seen as it helped this book feel different to a lot of other books with anti-establishment rebellions.
This book also takes Kaylan to a different city (via a few places) and I do like it when you see more of a world. What helped here too was that the lord of the new city really helped show that there's a lot more grey in the world in terms of power and relics, after the pretty "it's bad" view of the first book.
RIVEN (and RELIC) are great examples of YA fantasy that truly feel like they deserve the "dark fantasy" label - it is not an aesthetic here (in fact, that "dark fantasy" aesthetic is nowhere to be found.) The world has a grim premise of these relics killing those around the wielder and how that is used to maintain power at the expense of life. Kaylan loses a lot of people she loves, and spends RIVEN grappling with that alongside the high likelihood that possessing a relic after being around it as a non-possessor is affecting her mentally.
Because of who Kaylan spends more time with in the book, there's a focus on new relationships and also ones that were in the background of the previous (like her brother Elias) and I really liked that. It let those lesser characters be built up, and also those are the far more complex relationships than the well-explored ones of the second book.
RIVEN also sees Kaylan brush up against the rebellion much more, and have to make choices about how to deal with them or the lords the rebellion opposes. I liked that this book had a decision not often seen as it helped this book feel different to a lot of other books with anti-establishment rebellions.
This book also takes Kaylan to a different city (via a few places) and I do like it when you see more of a world. What helped here too was that the lord of the new city really helped show that there's a lot more grey in the world in terms of power and relics, after the pretty "it's bad" view of the first book.
February 20, 2021
I really enjoyed the different settings as we travelled with the characters and didn't venture off too far from Edun! I kind of like that Elias and Walker's relationship isn't labeled, so keen to see where that goes!
Also, oh my goodness. Plot twist, WHO KILLED JESPER?!?! I am so ready for the 3rd book to get this answer and to see how this sea travel with Rourke goes, SO HAPPY HE'S BACK IN THE STORY😍
I was quite annoyed with Kaylan's lack of character development, she just seemed to consistently make the wrong decisions and was never learning from them.
Also, oh my goodness. Plot twist, WHO KILLED JESPER?!?! I am so ready for the 3rd book to get this answer and to see how this sea travel with Rourke goes, SO HAPPY HE'S BACK IN THE STORY😍
I was quite annoyed with Kaylan's lack of character development, she just seemed to consistently make the wrong decisions and was never learning from them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2021
This book picked up right where Relic left off. It was well-written and action packed, even more so than the first one. I found the protagonist less likeable in this book though and the way she thought or acted on certain things was frustrating to me. Her character development in the first book was excellent though, so I'm hoping the next book will be more like the first. Overall, a solid read with no clear good or bad side and a promise of more adventure to come.
April 14, 2021
WOW
.
Normally I find the second of any series to be my least favourite, that definitely is NOT the case with this trilogy.
.
Riven is just as mysterious and captivating as Relic. My heart wasn't fully healed before it was shattered again (I LOVE when a book can make me feel what the characters are feeling) and I was still left wondering what was going to happen or what certain things meant.
.
I freaking ADORE the world that Bronwyn Eley has created!
.
Normally I find the second of any series to be my least favourite, that definitely is NOT the case with this trilogy.
.
Riven is just as mysterious and captivating as Relic. My heart wasn't fully healed before it was shattered again (I LOVE when a book can make me feel what the characters are feeling) and I was still left wondering what was going to happen or what certain things meant.
.
I freaking ADORE the world that Bronwyn Eley has created!
November 7, 2020
I enjoyed this sequel, but it didn't have the same impact on me as book 1. I don't know if that's because I put it down half way through for over 2 months (due to injury, not the book) or if it was the slower pacing. There was a lot of sitting and learning in this one, although I'm still super excited to see where book 3 takes Kaylan and her family.
July 10, 2021
Kaylan is reunited with her brother, but things are more complicated than she could have anticipated. Marcus and Shae join her on her quest, but Kaylan still needs to learn how to accept help and accept the fact she is valued and deserving of love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2023
I enjoyed the first book way more then this one. Relic felt more put together. The author seems to change focus after the death of Rennard, making the second book feel like a pity party for Reyna. Honestly, I may not even read the third book in the series.
May 10, 2021
It was good. Just very slow. DNF 80%
December 27, 2024
Very captivating to read the main character’s internal struggle with the relic and then personal feelings of self doubt. A lot to take in from different angles and I really enjoyed it!
November 11, 2023
The "heroine" is whiner, a narcissist and is too weak to do anything
SPOILER ALERT!!!
People really need to understand that it's not what happens to them that defines them, it is how they deal with it. Kaylan chooses not to deal with anything. WTF? In real life it's hard enough to see people do that but I have all the patience and empathy in the world for them.
In FANTASY books I expect people to be extraordinary and actually be able to deal.
I loved the 1st book, I loved the premise. I liked the plot line. I wasn't absolutely 100% in love with the main character, Kaylan. She thinks of herself as a victim and considers herself the center of the universe because she also believes that her actions are what actually cause other people to do things and, if or when they are hurt by their own choices, she immediately assumes it's because of her and she starts to suffer more.
Could she be anymore of a narcissist? (PS I am qualified to make that diagnosis and I am qualified to say all this. It's because I deal with it day in and day out that when I read a book to escape, I don't expect to have to spend hours with a character who is too stuck in her own drama to be a fantasy character!)
Not once does she look at the reality of the fact that she was being tortured and would eventually be killed by a man who was insane. Then, when she went to save her friend who was being physically abused by the same man, and he tried to kill Kaylan for interfering, she had EVERY RIGHT To defend herself. In order to defend herself, she needed to kill him.
Instead, she's absolutely sure that she's a bad person and a murderer. Maybe for a minute and 1⁄2 she should have considered that but within the 1st couple of days, she had to know that unless she wanted to die, she made the only choice she had. Does she realize that? Not even halfway through the second book.
Even worse however, she whines all the time and refuses to take accountability for herself, refuses to understand that what happened, happened.
Worse, she never actually gets anything done. It is only because of the people around her that she is moved toward her goal. She never actually chooses to do anything. She chooses to not make a choice - because, apparently, she's too conflicted about whether or not she's a murderer.
She is given so many opportunities to take responsibility and do what she has to do to get rid of the relic, to take back her own life, and to help the rest of humanity et cetera et cetera. BUT Not only does she not take those opportunities, she continues to whine about what's going on and continues to believe that when anything happens to anyone around her it was directly do her choices. GET OVER IT!
I don't read books to deal with real life. I read books about strong women who take charge of their life and take a accountability for their actions and save the world with other people who get to make their own choices.
I'm sorry, can you get off your ass and do something, like maybe train with the men who are trying to help??
She is the MOST RIDICULOUS character I have read about in over 30 years. And, neither by thought, belief, opinion, action or words could she ever be called a heroine.
I never stop reading a book. I have read books that I absolutely wanted to stop reading because they're boring or whatever reason, but I pride myself on finishing them.
I couldn't finish this book. She pisses me off so much that I wanted to kill her myself. I feel like if she died, the plot would actually be able to advance and maybe we would have a hero or a heroine who are worthy of the title.
My concern is that this is a YA book which means younger people are reading it. I hope they don't think that she represents a real heroine and/or someone they should try to emulate.
SPOILER ALERT!!!
People really need to understand that it's not what happens to them that defines them, it is how they deal with it. Kaylan chooses not to deal with anything. WTF? In real life it's hard enough to see people do that but I have all the patience and empathy in the world for them.
In FANTASY books I expect people to be extraordinary and actually be able to deal.
I loved the 1st book, I loved the premise. I liked the plot line. I wasn't absolutely 100% in love with the main character, Kaylan. She thinks of herself as a victim and considers herself the center of the universe because she also believes that her actions are what actually cause other people to do things and, if or when they are hurt by their own choices, she immediately assumes it's because of her and she starts to suffer more.
Could she be anymore of a narcissist? (PS I am qualified to make that diagnosis and I am qualified to say all this. It's because I deal with it day in and day out that when I read a book to escape, I don't expect to have to spend hours with a character who is too stuck in her own drama to be a fantasy character!)
Not once does she look at the reality of the fact that she was being tortured and would eventually be killed by a man who was insane. Then, when she went to save her friend who was being physically abused by the same man, and he tried to kill Kaylan for interfering, she had EVERY RIGHT To defend herself. In order to defend herself, she needed to kill him.
Instead, she's absolutely sure that she's a bad person and a murderer. Maybe for a minute and 1⁄2 she should have considered that but within the 1st couple of days, she had to know that unless she wanted to die, she made the only choice she had. Does she realize that? Not even halfway through the second book.
Even worse however, she whines all the time and refuses to take accountability for herself, refuses to understand that what happened, happened.
Worse, she never actually gets anything done. It is only because of the people around her that she is moved toward her goal. She never actually chooses to do anything. She chooses to not make a choice - because, apparently, she's too conflicted about whether or not she's a murderer.
She is given so many opportunities to take responsibility and do what she has to do to get rid of the relic, to take back her own life, and to help the rest of humanity et cetera et cetera. BUT Not only does she not take those opportunities, she continues to whine about what's going on and continues to believe that when anything happens to anyone around her it was directly do her choices. GET OVER IT!
I don't read books to deal with real life. I read books about strong women who take charge of their life and take a accountability for their actions and save the world with other people who get to make their own choices.
I'm sorry, can you get off your ass and do something, like maybe train with the men who are trying to help??
She is the MOST RIDICULOUS character I have read about in over 30 years. And, neither by thought, belief, opinion, action or words could she ever be called a heroine.
I never stop reading a book. I have read books that I absolutely wanted to stop reading because they're boring or whatever reason, but I pride myself on finishing them.
I couldn't finish this book. She pisses me off so much that I wanted to kill her myself. I feel like if she died, the plot would actually be able to advance and maybe we would have a hero or a heroine who are worthy of the title.
My concern is that this is a YA book which means younger people are reading it. I hope they don't think that she represents a real heroine and/or someone they should try to emulate.
August 17, 2020
Riven is the second book in Bronwyn Eley's YA series. The story starts where we left off in the first book, Relic. It’s a fantastic follow-up, and the story starts where we left off in Relic. Kaylan is on the run, hopefully heading towards safety and her brother. We learn more about her, the rebellion and the other Lords.
Kaylan is such a flawed character; she struggles throughout the book trying to see if she can resist the temptation of the Relic. Is the inner turmoil her own anxiety and fears, or is it the work of the Relic? I found I didn’t enjoy Kaylan’s character as much this time around, but I think it helps to show her conflict with the choices she makes. Eley really dives into the aspect of addiction to the power the Relic offers, and you can feel Kaylan’s desperation to keep her loved ones safe.
I loved the addition of new characters; they add a bit of a light hearted note to the story. There’s plenty of action to keep you turning those pages, and we get to delve a little deeper into the history of the country and the Relics. The plot twists will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you haven’t started this series, you should do yourself a favour and start it as soon as possible.
Kaylan is such a flawed character; she struggles throughout the book trying to see if she can resist the temptation of the Relic. Is the inner turmoil her own anxiety and fears, or is it the work of the Relic? I found I didn’t enjoy Kaylan’s character as much this time around, but I think it helps to show her conflict with the choices she makes. Eley really dives into the aspect of addiction to the power the Relic offers, and you can feel Kaylan’s desperation to keep her loved ones safe.
I loved the addition of new characters; they add a bit of a light hearted note to the story. There’s plenty of action to keep you turning those pages, and we get to delve a little deeper into the history of the country and the Relics. The plot twists will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you haven’t started this series, you should do yourself a favour and start it as soon as possible.
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