Blood of Adoria

Guardians of Legend #2

by J.S. Chancellor

Garren, once the High Lord of the Laionai, now fights alongside Adorian leader Michael as they return to Eidolon in the hopes of saving the human Sara from a life of slavery, and the Ereubinian boy Micah from a sure execution. Back in Adoria, the mysteries surrounding the connection between Ariana and Garren deepen as her powers grow. As that strength is forged, a past will be unveiled that calls into question everything she has come to believe since the discovery of her lineage. A rescue is underway. A war is brewing. Hope and despair rest in equal measure on the horizon. Who will prove stronger-those who embody light or those who enlist the darkness?

Genres: Fantasy, Adult

300 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2011

Reviews

[Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms)]

This is the second book in a series and I loved it. I do have to qualify a few things. I started it when it came out and was totally lost so had to go back and re-read Son of Ereubus. I was so glad I did. I not only enjoyed it again but understood it far more than I did the first time. These books, for me, were not easy to follow and without the glossary I would probably not have ever been able to keep up. So why did I like them so well? I am not sure how the author did it, but she created characters that I could not get enough of. Although this is the story of Garren and Ariana, there are others woven into their story who are fascinating and also in many cases mysterious. Bronach who is obviously not what he seemed at first, is revealed that he is from the realm of the Gods and part of the pre-ordained plan that is unfolding. Koen, Ariana's dog who throughout the first book had me thinking he was more than he appeared to be....well he is. Michael, Ariana's brother who is the leader of the Adorians, (the winged protectors of the human realm)is one of my favorite characters in the story. I still am unsure of what the motives really are of the Gods, Azrian and Ciara both, but I know they are to be greatly feared. And how does Sara, the human captive of the Ereubians whose soul had been stolen, play into the story? There is a dangerous rescue by the Adorians and Garren, and she is the first human whose soul has been restored. But what are the implications of that?

As this story progresses this author lets the reader find out the manipulation that is happening by various immortals just bit by bit. Garren and Ariana are fated to love and have been together "before". They are not entirely who they appear to be now in mortal form. Sound confusing? It is. I loved it. Ariana is a wonderful female character, one of the best. Garren who was so evil in the beginning now is totally accepted by the Adorians who believe so strongly in forgiveness. I find Garren a wonderful hero in this story, but there are hints that I will have to wait until the next book to see played out. You can just feel the love between Garren and Ariana although the love story is not graphic and explicit. If you like reading a fantasy world with touches of a higher power lurking behind the scenes this is a really good read. I am ready for book#3 but will re-read both of these before I read it. I am almost tempted to sit down and read this one again now.

[Katy]

“Blood of Adoria” picks up right after “Son of Ereubus” leaves off. Michael, Duncan and Garren are returning to Eidolon to rescue Sara and Micah – only some surprises await them. Meanwhile, Ariana continues to have troubling nightmares and experiences as her power continues to grow and come to fruition. She also discovers some new information about herself that threatens to send her reeling and increase her feelings of bitterness and abandonment. Also we get to spend some more time with Azrian in this book, and learn more about his thoughts and the reasoning behind what he is doing. It was pretty interesting to get more background on the immortals and their standings among all the events taking place between Middengard and Adoria.

Like the first book in the Guardians of Legend series, “Blood of Adoria” is a fabulously created world filled with amazingly detailed descriptions and highly developed people with unique personalities. There were some instances showing that Chancellor has a fine grasp of pacing to create some truly humourous scenes; of course, there is plenty of drama, thrills and chills, and even some romance.

Again this book ends on a cliffhanger, preparing us for the year-long wait for the final book in the trilogy, “Eternal Requiem,” due in November 2012. In the meantime, if you are eager for some more writing by this very talented author, her book “Icarus” is due fall of 2011, so keep an eye open for that one as well. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good fantasy adventure featuring good vs. evil and an epic scale.

[Samantha]

Blood of Adoria by J.S. Chancellor I must first that I am completely excited that I was finally able to read it. The Guardians of Legend books are not in my normal reading range however, I still love them and this second book has only deepened my interest in the coming story. Without gushing too much the writing and story is so smooth and intriguing that it draws the reader in. The plot is constantly evolving and unfolding in a quiet unassuming manner that it happens organically for the reader. This second installment continued the story while answering questions brought up in the first novel while building to a new exciting level for the next book. The ending was great though the world within the book is sitting at a precipice waiting. Having said this, for those readers that just deplore cliffhangers, don’t worry there is none of that in the ending just a natural ending for the second book.

[Cas Peace]

In Blood of Adoria, the natures of Garren, Ariana and Michael are further revealed. So too is the true connection between Garren and Ariana. Warring races in Middengard are mirrored by warring immortals in their own realm, and it is by no means a foregone conclusion who will win. In this sequel, I found that some of the confusing issues present in Son of Ereubus were clarified and so was able to connect on a deeper level with the main characters. Duncan and Sara, especially, begin to feel like fully rounded people, while the mysteries surrounding Ariana and Garren intensify. All in all, a satisfying and fulfilling read, with the promise of further revelations - plus a monumental battle - to come.

[Melankalia]

I've had a really hard time trying to decide how to rate this book. The writing was good, and the storyline was of a type that I usually really like. There is just something about the story that never engaged me, or made me care about the characters. I might've liked it more if I had read the previous book, as this is definitely not one where you can easily jump in in the middle of the story. One thing that did annoy me was the abundance of super short chapters, but mostly, the book just left me feeling very "meh".

[Casey Anderson]

A great continuation of the series. I can't wait to read the last book. It'd been so long since I read the first it took me a bit to remember all the details, but I caught up. It's such a multi-layered story. So many things going on to so many different people. But it all compliments each other and comes together. My heart breaks for Michael and Duncan, I feel they have much sadness ahead for them. I'm very curious to see the progression of Tadraem's story. And more about Ciara. Mostly, I can't wait to read more from this writer.

[Ili Anuar]

Too bad this book just didn't do it for me considering that Son of Ereubus is one of my favourite fantasy books. There's just so much telling with no showing, no action whatsoever. It feels like the story is dedicated to a back-story, which I normally had no problem with but it feels overdone in this book. I waited and waited for something to happen to the point I was forcing myself to continue reading and relieved when it was finally over.

[Yongshitest Yongshitest]

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