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Selah #2
Of Plains and Fire
An ancient map in a land of fire. Only the chosen ones can find it.
Across the mountains and the plains, Mirandar is a land of fire. Its legendaries are the flamestrong, warriors whose flesh cannot be burned.
Trapped in the dungeons of Alethia’s castle, Selah must find her way to this new land, but she can’t do it alone. If she’s to find the Qinnowr’s map and its keys, she and William must pursue it together.
The powerful Mirandan emperor and his Heir are not the only ones in her way. Selah must navigate past her oldest enemy. His influence reaches far through the empire of Mirandar.
Will Selah and William find the map? Or does her enemy already have it?
Across the mountains and the plains, Mirandar is a land of fire. Its legendaries are the flamestrong, warriors whose flesh cannot be burned.
Trapped in the dungeons of Alethia’s castle, Selah must find her way to this new land, but she can’t do it alone. If she’s to find the Qinnowr’s map and its keys, she and William must pursue it together.
The powerful Mirandan emperor and his Heir are not the only ones in her way. Selah must navigate past her oldest enemy. His influence reaches far through the empire of Mirandar.
Will Selah and William find the map? Or does her enemy already have it?
- GenresFantasy
ebook
Published September 6, 2022
21 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Ella Walker Henderson
24 books69 followersElla Walker Henderson is the author of character driven epic fantasy, full of adventure and a dash of romance. Some of her favorite tropes are enemies to friends to lovers, the heroine's journey, and the chosen duo's quest. She writes about women who must fight for what they love, whether on a battlefield or among friends. As she's always a fan of a good plot twist, you may not know which characters to trust.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 7, 2022
Ella Walker Henderson is a fantasy lover’s dream!
In her sequel to “Of Wind and Lightning,” Walker Henderson graces us with her latest “masterpiece,” “Of Plains and Fire”
Walker Henderson spares no time emerging her readers right back where she left them in book 1. Selah is a legendary warrior, whose fighting abilities are just, if not better than any mans. However most have an issue with Selah, and she must hide herself. Selah is Sulyanese and that is a huge issue in the scheme of things.
As William and Selah are thrust back into their journey for the Qinnowr’s map and its Keys, they may eventually have to admit their feelings for one another. Selah may have to actually learn what it is like to be a lady and still try to find the traitor amongst them. Thus, still being the Sulyanese warrior and remaining true to herself.
Walker Henderson’s word building is intelligently crafted, as always. Her writing style is impressive, it is clear, decisive without any unnecessary flourishes. Free from extra verbiage filter that takes up space, hence there is no word dumping. Just astonishing story telling that you would expect from this author.
The eloquent, picturesque, dreamlike world is illuminatingly captured.
Walker Henderson’s expressive, descriptive, detail, makes you feel as if you are actually with the character. For example, “when Selah was in the dungeon and the rat was crawling on her leg. YUCK!!)
Walker Henderson “HAS ARRIVED!!”
And from her Selah Series, she is here to “STAY”
CONGRATULATIONS!
ELLA WALKER HENDERSON HAS DONE IT AGAIN
KUDOS TO YOU!
EXEMPLARY!
Thank you, Ella Walker Henderson/ for a copy of this eARC for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition!
In her sequel to “Of Wind and Lightning,” Walker Henderson graces us with her latest “masterpiece,” “Of Plains and Fire”
Walker Henderson spares no time emerging her readers right back where she left them in book 1. Selah is a legendary warrior, whose fighting abilities are just, if not better than any mans. However most have an issue with Selah, and she must hide herself. Selah is Sulyanese and that is a huge issue in the scheme of things.
As William and Selah are thrust back into their journey for the Qinnowr’s map and its Keys, they may eventually have to admit their feelings for one another. Selah may have to actually learn what it is like to be a lady and still try to find the traitor amongst them. Thus, still being the Sulyanese warrior and remaining true to herself.
Walker Henderson’s word building is intelligently crafted, as always. Her writing style is impressive, it is clear, decisive without any unnecessary flourishes. Free from extra verbiage filter that takes up space, hence there is no word dumping. Just astonishing story telling that you would expect from this author.
The eloquent, picturesque, dreamlike world is illuminatingly captured.
Walker Henderson’s expressive, descriptive, detail, makes you feel as if you are actually with the character. For example, “when Selah was in the dungeon and the rat was crawling on her leg. YUCK!!)
Walker Henderson “HAS ARRIVED!!”
And from her Selah Series, she is here to “STAY”
CONGRATULATIONS!
ELLA WALKER HENDERSON HAS DONE IT AGAIN
KUDOS TO YOU!
EXEMPLARY!
Thank you, Ella Walker Henderson/ for a copy of this eARC for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition!
October 16, 2022
Of Plains and Fire is the second book in the Selah series by Ella Walker Henderson. It continues the story of Selah and picks up immediately where book one ended.
At the End of Book one, Selah found herself chucked in a Alethian gaol cell along with Sir Gavin, and Of Plains and Fire starts immediately with Selah in the prison cell. Don't worry though, she doesn't spend much time at his majesty's pleasure and gets let loose. However, there are caveats. She can't travel freely around the castle without one of the eleven being with her, and neither can she go near the practice fields, even though she is one of the most proficient sword arms in the country of Alethia at that point.
William meanwhile, in a misguided attempt to diminish the harm caused by his involvement with Selah in the discriminatory society of Alethia where women are nothing but pretty baubles made of glass, has decided that the best thing he can do is to keep his distance.
With the whispers of court alienating bot Selah and William, this gives us chance to see Selah grow a lot more. We get to see a more feminine side to her as she forms a relationship with the crown Princess, whilst William is off replacing the members of the Eleven that was lost in the first book.
The story is effectively split into two parts. The first set in court in Alethia, and the second in Mirandor as Selah & William attempt to a) rescue the King's brother from the evil clutches of wife and b) find out about the Qinnowr and c) repair their relationship.
In the first part of Selah's story, Of Wind and Lightning, the story is primarily plot focussed as Selah and William escape for their pursuers to get to Alethia. However, in this book the focus shifts more to focus on character, especially the first half of the story. We get to see a lot more development in this book, both in the characters and in the world as the setting moves from Alethia to Mirandor. We learn more about the Legendaries and also who is moving the players about the board, although not entirely their motivations.
Now, I quite liked this installment of Selah's story and was quite impressed with Ella Walker Henderson's contemporary storytelling within the fantasy setting. Now, let me explain what I mean. In essence, if we took the fantasy setting away, the story could actually be interjected into any setting and it would work well. For instance, if we put this story in a modern high school it could work equally as well. I liked this aspect of the story as it gives the epic fantasy premise a modern edge and gives the story a sense of originality.
Now, as you know I am not a romance junkie by any stretch of the imagination and Ella Walker Henderson adds some understated romantic elements that work well without destroying the credibility of character and story development.
I'll be interested to see how this series develops.
At the End of Book one, Selah found herself chucked in a Alethian gaol cell along with Sir Gavin, and Of Plains and Fire starts immediately with Selah in the prison cell. Don't worry though, she doesn't spend much time at his majesty's pleasure and gets let loose. However, there are caveats. She can't travel freely around the castle without one of the eleven being with her, and neither can she go near the practice fields, even though she is one of the most proficient sword arms in the country of Alethia at that point.
William meanwhile, in a misguided attempt to diminish the harm caused by his involvement with Selah in the discriminatory society of Alethia where women are nothing but pretty baubles made of glass, has decided that the best thing he can do is to keep his distance.
With the whispers of court alienating bot Selah and William, this gives us chance to see Selah grow a lot more. We get to see a more feminine side to her as she forms a relationship with the crown Princess, whilst William is off replacing the members of the Eleven that was lost in the first book.
The story is effectively split into two parts. The first set in court in Alethia, and the second in Mirandor as Selah & William attempt to a) rescue the King's brother from the evil clutches of wife and b) find out about the Qinnowr and c) repair their relationship.
In the first part of Selah's story, Of Wind and Lightning, the story is primarily plot focussed as Selah and William escape for their pursuers to get to Alethia. However, in this book the focus shifts more to focus on character, especially the first half of the story. We get to see a lot more development in this book, both in the characters and in the world as the setting moves from Alethia to Mirandor. We learn more about the Legendaries and also who is moving the players about the board, although not entirely their motivations.
Now, I quite liked this installment of Selah's story and was quite impressed with Ella Walker Henderson's contemporary storytelling within the fantasy setting. Now, let me explain what I mean. In essence, if we took the fantasy setting away, the story could actually be interjected into any setting and it would work well. For instance, if we put this story in a modern high school it could work equally as well. I liked this aspect of the story as it gives the epic fantasy premise a modern edge and gives the story a sense of originality.
Now, as you know I am not a romance junkie by any stretch of the imagination and Ella Walker Henderson adds some understated romantic elements that work well without destroying the credibility of character and story development.
I'll be interested to see how this series develops.
September 22, 2022
Whew! I just finished reading Book Two. I read far into the night because the story is so gripping and the writing drives me to turn the page. Then the chapters roll by.
I am left with a feeling I can hardly describe. I am uplifted. Selah and William and one other who shall go unnamed act in ways that are generous, encouraging, restrained, selfless, and noble. I feel that I have been lifted to a higher plain of existence because they show me the way.
The plot is very complicated. There are twists and betrayals and unknown friends popping up all over the place. Henderson handles each thread of the story with expertise. Nothing is dropped, nothing appears too soon or too late. The reader has all they need at each stage to understand what is happening.
Even those who we might think are enemies have potential to grow. We understand why the bad ones are doing what they do. We can cheer them on toward possibly doing a good thing for a change!
This story will remain with me for the rest of my life. I hope I can read it again and again because I'm sure there are gifts to be gleaned that I missed the first time round!
Now we wait for book three!
I am left with a feeling I can hardly describe. I am uplifted. Selah and William and one other who shall go unnamed act in ways that are generous, encouraging, restrained, selfless, and noble. I feel that I have been lifted to a higher plain of existence because they show me the way.
The plot is very complicated. There are twists and betrayals and unknown friends popping up all over the place. Henderson handles each thread of the story with expertise. Nothing is dropped, nothing appears too soon or too late. The reader has all they need at each stage to understand what is happening.
Even those who we might think are enemies have potential to grow. We understand why the bad ones are doing what they do. We can cheer them on toward possibly doing a good thing for a change!
This story will remain with me for the rest of my life. I hope I can read it again and again because I'm sure there are gifts to be gleaned that I missed the first time round!
Now we wait for book three!
September 13, 2022
Of Plains and Fire is an absolutely stunning sequel to what was a fairly awesome debut. It's rare in my experience that second books surpass the original, particularly when the original is of such a high standard to begin with, but I can't deny that's what has happened here.
Selah and William are still determined to locate the Qinnowr’s map and keys, and their quest to do so will take them all the way to Mirandar. But there are issues closer to hand that need to be resolved first. Selah is the outsider in Alethia and gaining the trust of the King and the nobles is not going to be an easy task. William's own status has taken a beating due to his support for Selah, meaning he has to prove his loyalty once more to the King. And the King is obsessed by the fact that his brother has been 'kidnapped' by the Mirandarian's, refusing to open his eyes to the fact that his brother was all an all too willing participant.
This is a perfect blend of political intrigue, action, espionage and unexpected twists and turns. The need for Selah to fit in at court is just as important as the need to tread lightly through Mirandar, avoiding capture and yet making some unlikely allies in the process. It's beautifully paced, with completely three dimensional and utterly real characters. And in addition to characters we knew from the first novel, there is a sprinkling of new and interesting characters to add depth and balance.
The world building also only continues to grow and it is both diverse and vibrant throughout. Whilst we got a brief glance at Selah's homeland and the Sulyanese culture last time, we get a far closer look at Mirandar here and it allows the world to come to life around you. It gives an insight into otherwise deeply unlikeable characters, as you can see how the culture they are from has shaped their views and perspectives of the world.
All in all, an absolutely stunning sequel. I'm just disappointed that the next book isn't out yet!
Selah and William are still determined to locate the Qinnowr’s map and keys, and their quest to do so will take them all the way to Mirandar. But there are issues closer to hand that need to be resolved first. Selah is the outsider in Alethia and gaining the trust of the King and the nobles is not going to be an easy task. William's own status has taken a beating due to his support for Selah, meaning he has to prove his loyalty once more to the King. And the King is obsessed by the fact that his brother has been 'kidnapped' by the Mirandarian's, refusing to open his eyes to the fact that his brother was all an all too willing participant.
This is a perfect blend of political intrigue, action, espionage and unexpected twists and turns. The need for Selah to fit in at court is just as important as the need to tread lightly through Mirandar, avoiding capture and yet making some unlikely allies in the process. It's beautifully paced, with completely three dimensional and utterly real characters. And in addition to characters we knew from the first novel, there is a sprinkling of new and interesting characters to add depth and balance.
The world building also only continues to grow and it is both diverse and vibrant throughout. Whilst we got a brief glance at Selah's homeland and the Sulyanese culture last time, we get a far closer look at Mirandar here and it allows the world to come to life around you. It gives an insight into otherwise deeply unlikeable characters, as you can see how the culture they are from has shaped their views and perspectives of the world.
All in all, an absolutely stunning sequel. I'm just disappointed that the next book isn't out yet!
July 22, 2023
We pick up right where we left off at the end of book 1. I don’t want to go into details too much cause spoilers so I shall be vague but helpful, promise. Selah is released from one prison to another in the form of house arrest. She chafes at the fact these events even happened and that William is placing distance between them after they agreed to be partners. But she doesn’t help herself in that matter since she is unused to working with people, both have lessons to learn in this. After another failed attempt by the king to rescue his brother, William is tasked to get him and is able to bring Selah with. While there, their differences in how to approach the situation and on teamwork cause division in more ways than one. New allies are made, discoveries are made, and secrets are uncovered. I still enjoy the fact the tone from the first book is still there. These are adults that are trying to accomplish a goal. Yes, there are hints of romance at times but it doesn’t take over the plot. I loved the plot twists and discoveries that are made in this book and I am absolutely ready to dive into book 3. I am so glad I found this series.
September 6, 2022
This book is very well written. Once again, I was given an ARC of the second book in the series and it is as good as the first. The twists, the political intrigue, and the diverse characters suck you into the world Ella Walker Henderson has masterfully created. And I personally loved how relatable one of the antagonists was as a woman living in the times we currently do. Jessamine became the person she is from years of being considered less than due to her gender. She is constantly striving so hard to win the approval of her society and potentially find worth in the eyes of her father that she turned into the power hungry, scheming woman we see throughout the series. She is also a great stark contrast to Selah, who, despite having to deal with similar degrading misogyny at times as well as racism, refuses to allow herself to doubt her own value and worth or become someone she is not. Definitely recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2022
Of Plains and Fire picks up where Of Wind and Lightning left off. Selah is able to leave the dungeon to be put under house arrest where she makes a new friend. It was very good for her to have an actual female friend to let her be more than just a warrior. She and William end up heading to Mirandar to find the map to the Qinnowr. But they face danger and treachery as there is still a traitor in their midst.
This story is full of some good twists and turns, and just like book 1, I didn’t want to put it down! I liked seeing the feminine side of Selah and I also enjoyed seeing her relationship with William grow further. This is mostly a fantasy adventure story, but the hint of romance added is just the perfect thing to balance out the story! I love the writing style which makes the story easy to read and flows beautifully. I really liked seeing the Mirandan empire and learning more about the world!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story is full of some good twists and turns, and just like book 1, I didn’t want to put it down! I liked seeing the feminine side of Selah and I also enjoyed seeing her relationship with William grow further. This is mostly a fantasy adventure story, but the hint of romance added is just the perfect thing to balance out the story! I love the writing style which makes the story easy to read and flows beautifully. I really liked seeing the Mirandan empire and learning more about the world!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 5, 2022
This picks up right where ‘Of Wind and Lightning’ ends. Selah is moved from the dungeon to house arrest, where a common woman is teaching her how to increase her power by acting like a noblewoman. Well, the commoner is trying to teach her, for which she is to be commended. At least she received a better reception than the poor seamstress sent to take measurements for a ball gown!
It's actually refreshing when Selah is finally around someone with whom she can be a woman – in a positive way. Not as an assassin or a warrior, but rather a female enjoying the company of other females. As she would be wise to pick up on some of their mannerisms on handling the men in power.
We’ll see how well she adjusts in the next book.
It's actually refreshing when Selah is finally around someone with whom she can be a woman – in a positive way. Not as an assassin or a warrior, but rather a female enjoying the company of other females. As she would be wise to pick up on some of their mannerisms on handling the men in power.
We’ll see how well she adjusts in the next book.
May 5, 2023
Amazing. Full of intrigue, compromise, betrayal, and new alliances, this second book of the series keeps you engaged and enthralled all the way through. This was done extremely well, and it deserves all the recognition it can get. I'm amazed at the intricacies and twists, as well as the number characters that each have depth of their own. This series has impressed me so far with its cultural descriptions and customs. And through it all, there's a simplicity that keeps the plot moving and it's a pleasure to read. I cannot wait to continue the series.
Content
No swearing, less intense violence/bloodshed than the first, a little bit more of a hint of romance but this is a pretty slow burn.
Content
No swearing, less intense violence/bloodshed than the first, a little bit more of a hint of romance but this is a pretty slow burn.
September 9, 2022
I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to receive an ARC to be able to continue the journey with these characters.
Selah and William struggle to continue their quest, as well they struggle with their own connection. There are plenty of twists and turns through out, that keep you on your toes, and not everything is what it seems.
Selah and William are now within the Mirandan empire so are Selah’s betrayers, along with a traitor in their mix, their quest seems to be getting more complicated and dangerous.
I enjoyed seeing Selah forming some relationships with other women, and even an unlikely friendship. This book shows a different side to both Selah and William, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Even though I have been exhausted from moving, once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down! A must read for those who love an epic quest.
Selah and William struggle to continue their quest, as well they struggle with their own connection. There are plenty of twists and turns through out, that keep you on your toes, and not everything is what it seems.
Selah and William are now within the Mirandan empire so are Selah’s betrayers, along with a traitor in their mix, their quest seems to be getting more complicated and dangerous.
I enjoyed seeing Selah forming some relationships with other women, and even an unlikely friendship. This book shows a different side to both Selah and William, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Even though I have been exhausted from moving, once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down! A must read for those who love an epic quest.
November 28, 2022
I love this series. The characters are awesome. Selah had a lot of hurdles in this one to overcome. She has offered nothing but help & friendship to William. His king still saw her as a threat and did not treat her well. However Selah gained approval of the Queen after teaching her self defense tactics. Sasha also became her lady's maid and her friend. As Selah and William gained more knowledge of the items needed to get the relic, they had to be very careful because some of the villians are setting plans in motion to stop them. There were a lot of twists and turns in this one that I didn’t see coming A great series. Can't wait for book 3.
June 20, 2025
good
After reading this book, I realized that before reading any other series by this author, this series needs to be first. This series gives the background of a lot of the characters that are in the other series of this author. I really like William and Selah in this book. They’re definitely learning how to work together to become what they need to be to find what they are seeking. Unfortunately, for Selah, she has found herself in a dungeon, and almost finds herself in another one. Fortunately, her and William end up getting away. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
After reading this book, I realized that before reading any other series by this author, this series needs to be first. This series gives the background of a lot of the characters that are in the other series of this author. I really like William and Selah in this book. They’re definitely learning how to work together to become what they need to be to find what they are seeking. Unfortunately, for Selah, she has found herself in a dungeon, and almost finds herself in another one. Fortunately, her and William end up getting away. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
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July 7, 2024The plot is well-thought and the writing is good but I can’t rate it. What bothered me throughout the whole book was its repetitiveness - the structure was very similar to the first book. The push and pull between main characters was exactly the same as in the “Of lighting…” and to be honest a bit frustrating. What’s more William lost his appeal 🤷♀️. In this volume he’s so… flat. Julian was much more interesting than our main male protagonist. With a heavy heart I decided to not to continue with this series. I’m a bit disappointed cause the first book was so promising… 🙁
September 6, 2022
A clean classic adventure with a touch of romance. I love the imagery of the detailed descriptions and stayed up late into the night to finish it. An excellent continuation of the adventure, highly recommended and can’t wait to read more.
September 26, 2023
4 stars. Good continuation. Only drawback is the plot's reliance on the "friends keeping secrets from one another causing drama" trope. Fortunately, while a bit irritating at times, it didn't ruin the story and I'll read the next in the series.
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April 1, 2024I may come back to this but I’m sitting it down for now.
Content: clean, no swearing, no spice, no overly descriptive violence
Content: clean, no swearing, no spice, no overly descriptive violence
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews