OMG!!!!!! Amazing sequel to this series. I literally was left speechless at the conclusion of this book. It's taken me two days to recover in order to even write a decent review! I would like to give props to the author. Ms. Wilder you are amazing! Not only have you reeled me in, but I'm so invested in this story that I will see it to its end. The characters, the plot, the twists and turns, and the beautiful world of Traterra have led me on an emotional roller coaster this week. I've laughed out loud, I've cried, I've yelled, and I was so shocked by the ending that I literally threw my kindle down in a fit of frustration.

The following is quick summary of end of book 1, so if you haven't read it yet, skip this first paragraph!

Spoiler

We last saw Beckit heartbroken. Her erone had resigned and said he was leaving on a mission to find Crimson. Basically Aaron felt as though he could no longer do his job appropriately because of his feelings for Beckit. So in short he leaves her!! HOW DARE HE?!?!

Book 2 picks up a few weeks after the events of Book 1.
"Is he dead?" This simple question from Beckit stopped my heart and it did not restart till several pages later. A race through the castle, an ominous prisoner who is yelling Beckit's name and a close call with death occur just in the first chapter! We are introduced to a few new characters and creatures as well.

First off Kale........oh how I loathe thee! Kale is Beckit's new erone and boy does he have a stick up his bottom! Tensions rise between the two of them especially with Aaron back in the picture and wanting to be Beckit's erone once more. But not all is what it seems with Broccoli, oops I mean Kale (I had a Tameka slip :) )

We also get a chance to meet the Elves at The Alter......just the name gave me the creeps. The imagery from this particular landscape is amazing. Wilder paints a picture with her words and I had no trouble imagining this awful place.

Boa and Rillage Gaen are back in this book along with Crimson supporters. But who is Crimson? What is he trying to do (beside take over the second seat)? The author has set up a wonderful series and I see many plots coming just from our villains.

All our old favorites are back: Tameka, Royce, Ran, Frost, and Linnie. Along with a few new faves for me: Xoe (Aaron's squire), Denzin and Dozen, and the fatherly knight Atlas. And then of course the muddled romance of Beckit and Aaron. I think this quote from the book sums it up best:

"I am your erone."
"Yes."
"I am your knight."
"Yes."
"I am yours."
"Yes--no, wait, no."

Oh! and the ending...........ARGH!!!!! It is a cliff hanger and I screamed for real when I read it. I will not ruin it by saying what happens but I will say WHY?!?!?!?!

Usually sequels don't live up to their predecessors. This one does! Plenty of action, plot twists, and romance kept the story alive for me. The characters are well developed, the dialogue is humorous if not ironic at times, and the imagery is outstanding! I believe I have a new favorite series/author and I personally can NOT wait for book 3!

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.