In Warriors of Wing and Flame, acclaimed author Sara B. Larson continues her enchanting YA fantasy duology with a timeless fairytale feel in an original voice. The doorway between the magical Visempirum and the human world has been reopened. Paladin are once more living in the citadel where Zuhra and Inara grew up completely isolated by the magical hedge that trapped them there. Amidst the … them there. Amidst the brewing conflict between the Paladin and humans looms the threat of Barloc, who has stolen Inara’s immense power and continues to elude the Paladin who are desperately searching for him.
In this sequel to Sisters of Shadow and Light, Inara and Zuhra must navigate the treacherous paths of self-discovery, their love for each other, and for the boys who have captured their hearts. Together, they search for the strength within themselves to bridge the divide between the two worlds they inhabit, even as war threatens to destroy everything–and everyone–they love.
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My Review: 4 Stars
Zuhra and Inara have a sisterly bond like no other and I love that. I have two sisters myself and love that intangible thread that ties us together, although theirs extends a little more than mine does through magic. Just a warning–this is the second book in the duology and MUST be read after the first.
I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first, due to the fact that there was more action and romance verses world building. I loved watching these sisters gain strength and confidence in the roles they were thrust into and it was satisfying to watch the people come together for a common cause. The points of view alternated between the sisters and there were times when it was murky trying to figure out who was speaking, but I loved getting the insights from both sides.
It’s no secret that I’m all about the romance and the sparkles of attractions that glimmered through the conflict and suspense were life. Larson did a good job of tying all these wonderful fantasy elements together–magic, friction, loyalty, and love.
Content: mild romance; mild violence/peril
After reading the first book in this duology, I was anxiously awaiting this book. The first book left off in a cliff hanger place so it felt like a rough place to end and a long time to wait. You really must read the first book before you read this book.
This book picks up pretty much where the last book leaves off. It has excellent pacing and plenty going on that kept me interested in the story and invested in the characters. I loved the mix of adventure, action, romance and magic. I also loved how all the characters came together to fight against Barloc. It was satisfying to watch both Zuhra and Inara grow into power and confidence while the people around them support and build them up.
The only little glitch I had was telling the sisters apart. Their voices became very similar in this book and because the author changes the character narrative with each chapter, I found I had to go back and remind myself who was talking. Not always, but a few times for sure.
This is a fun young adult fantasy duology and I really enjoyed it.
Content: peril, violence, death, kissing
– I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Oh, my heart! Warriors of Wing and Flame picks up where Sisters of Shadow and Light left off, and I loved every action-packed second of it! Barloc escaped, and Zuhra and Inara must work together with friends and family to defeat him before he destroys all that they hold dear.
Sara B. Larson creates a magical world with cool powers and fantastic magical beings. Her writing is beautiful and immersive, easily pulling the reader into a world with gryphons, magic portals, murderous monsters, and more. Larson’s skillful use of imagery and sensory language creates a rich and vivid world and fantastically developed characters. Her books are so easy to get lost in.
The story switches perspectives between Zuhra and Inara, which gives the reader a look at the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of each sister. It is fascinating to see these young women experience the world around them, especially considering how sheltered their lives have been. Both sisters grow from naive, frightened girls into assured and brave women.
The sisterly bond is at the forefront of the novel, and it is one of my favorite relationships in the duology. Zuhra and Inara have a beautiful relationship, and it is clear that they love each other very much. Zuhra and Inara love each other unconditionally, and this love is their main motivation throughout the story. They understand each other well, and they remain a wonderful support for each other. I like how the sisters bring out the best in each other, and that, even though they are very different, they are also quite similar. They are intelligent, loyal, adaptable, and fierce young women who value family and friendship and find pleasure in helping and developing relationships with others.
The book also explores several other relationships in the story, from a new, budding romance to the rekindling of a long-lost love to life-long friendships. I liked this aspect of the story, as it highlighted the impact that different types of love have on a person’s life. Zuhra and Inara’s confusing relationship with their parents, Raidyn’s friendships, and more are exceptionally written.
Of course, I always love the romance, and this story has many to root for. Inara, her parents, her grandparents, and others deal with the ups and downs of romance. I loved Zuhra’s budding romance with Raidyn. They have a deep bond, and it is lovely to see their relationship grow stronger. Take a look at this swoon-worthy scene.
Our first kiss had been desperation and heat and need, a crashing of wills and hearts; this kiss was softer, his lips moving tenderly on mine, a meeting of souls, a celebration of survival, a surrendering that was like falling and being caught all at once.
A beautifully written story with amazing world-building, fascinating characters, and strong messages about love, prejudice, and the bonds of family, Warriors of Wing and Flame is a poignant and powerful YA fantasy. Thanks so much to Netgalley and Tor Teen for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Well here I am back talking about the sisters Zuhra and Inara. As the previous book ended Inara cruelly had her Paladin powers quite literally ripped out of her by Barloc and this sequel catches up right after the events. The story is told equally by both sisters which gave great insight into their thoughts and feelings although I confess a couple of times I had to check which sisters point of view I was reading . Why ? I think that previously Zuhra had dominated as one, she was older but perhaps more crucially Inara spent a lot of time lost or rather trapped in her own mind and now she’s lucid and able to form opinions and make plans. The plan is simple find Barloc and prevent him killing the humans and more critically stop him unleashing death and destruction. Sadly like so many plans things don’t exactly work out .
Both sisters face challenges in this book whether because of feelings being confused or quite simply because they make the wrong choice yet the author seeks to make them characters we have sympathy with. There’s an odd triangle or maybe that should be quadrangle floating through as misunderstandings and confusion arise as to just who is interested romantically with whom. One relationship was easy to understand but I hate to say this but I did strongly feel as the events progressed that there was a strong LGBT vibe although it changed dramatically at the end. Did the author realise she was hinting at this or was it simply something she changed her mind about ? As I say it remained a sweet , clean YA read that focused on the magic of the Paladin race and the relationships that they formed. I am a little disappointed but nevertheless did enjoy this story.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair