My personal belief is that the sequel books carry a huge burden to meet/cross the bar that has been set in the first book. I recently read the first book of this series ‘Born of Fire: Dawn of Legend’ and when I picked this second book, I had my expectations under control and doubts in a corner of my mind. With that, I surrendered myself to this book and leapt into the wondrous world of epic fantasy. As a sequel, it certainly surpassed the first book. 

Once again, I experienced a transcendent journey that took me to another world and provided me with that impressive experience I crave. This time, the story was set in Grand Heights where heroes have come to attend the Alpha trials ceremony where they are presented as the AmaRanthine heroes. At that instance, they realised they aren't prone to the pressure and expectations that come with being someone others look up to with hope. “With great power comes great responsibility” indeed becomes true for them. 

Among all other reasons, if I have to pin down just one aspect that I loved the most about this book then that would be its characterization. In the first book, I became familiar with all the characters but with this book, I would say, the author polished the characters and gave them some extra glimmer.

Our six Dragon Slayers "The AmaRanthines" have bonded even more strongly with each other and some developed more than a chemistry between them. I didn't expect LyCora to break her hard exterior, or AnaSaya for that matter, to have some dark side behind her jolly behaviour. There is one instance when we see the true potential of AnaSaya when she loses control over her power and the devastating damage that forms as an aftermath. 

We learn the origin of ShinGaru and the tragic reason behind the extinction of his face. I found that satirical because even in this fantasy world, the author shows the blind faith of the DraGons and how they believed that they had the right to everything that's been created by their 'deity' the Nova Queen.

While talking about DraGons, one of the highlighted parts I enjoyed the most was the emphasis on the characters of VorTak and PeroDay. The authors don't keep the antagonists on their side and use them only to spread destruction but a good amount of effort has been put on them to be hated and loved by the readers. 

VorTak and PeroDay's characters have been given more time and development to learn more about them and where they come from. VorTak is a coward, always used to be in the shadow of her now-dead dragon sister LamaRes. He doesn't have the hunger for power but is afraid of it and one reason why he doesn't wish PeroDay to die or be killed is so he can avoid the responsibility. PeroDay on the other hand is hungry for power and being the brother of Grand Marshal DayKar he expects to be one to take his place, merciless and brutal are the synonyms that go hand in hand for him. 

While the previous book mostly revolved around Rex and AmaRanthines, this second book explored the bond of BaRone, NyRo, VyKia, TarFor, and VayRonx who were given a significant part to play the story. Not just them but other new characters like ZarMor, KoSov, NyEssa, NeRissa, RoGan, SaRa, TorMarr and DayDrose have been introduced and the execution of their characters was as seamless as others. 

This book was fast-paced compared to the last and the primary focus was on the events of the Alpha trials. I felt it was a bit slow for a portion when our heroes entered the trials cavern which was again, compensated by the drastic twists and turns that followed after that. To avoid spoilers– some "certain revelations" of that "suspicious character" took me off guard. Yes, I had my doubts and even started making theories but the result was mind-boggling. Sometimes the ghosts of the past cannot remain dead and come haunting us at the times we least expect. 

The battle scenes were intense with high-octane action and the storytelling was as smooth as it comes. The wrath of the Rex was terrifying again and almost bone-chilling. Sometimes the way he acts or shows rage makes me wonder if he may turn into a danger that the world needs to fear. There's a dark sense around them when the beast takes over him. There's one quote from the book for him that can probably help me convey that feeling:

“The realm beyond even anger, where his mind was reduced to a singular force of will. Beyond reach, beyond hope. This was the monster that lurked within. The beast that stalked the shadows of his mind, the cypher in his head, driven by a thirst for blood that would never be quenched and what would drive his flame to consume all that it touched, leaving nothing but ash in its wake before ultimately claiming him as its final victim.”

Overall, it was a satisfying read with its compelling storyline and absorbing plot. For someone like me who finds comfort in reading crime/action thrillers, reading book series like 'Born of Fire' makes me believe that Fantasy fiction is something I can read and explore more if the authors have strong hold on storytelling and character development.