Four misfit friends and 50,000 bees against the might of the Citadel. 2020 Royal Dragonfly Award Winner. Author Shout Top Pick.Exiled in the Forest, Mielitta, Queen of the Warrior Bees, could be happy but for her responsibilities to the very people who think her a freak and a traitor. Her hopes for change in the Perfect society of the Citadel rest on one man.Trapped in a society he loathes and … man.
Trapped in a society he loathes and fears, Mage Smith Kermon’s mission becomes a test of survival. Can he remain loyal to Mielitta in the double life he leads as her spy in the Citadel? He is quickly embroiled in deceit and subterfuge, forcing him into actions that make him doubt himself and everything he values.
Nobody can be trusted. Least of all the Mages bound to Mielitta’s treaty by blood oath. When the dead don’t stay dead, a broken oath could be Mielitta’s doom.
Block Nature out and she’ll force a way in.
2020 FINALIST in the Kindle Book Awards
Book 2 in an award-winning trilogy.
‘Jean Gill’s Natural Forces series offer a rich, strange, and alluring adventure that buzzes with intrigue and nature.’ The Booklife Prize 2020
‘An epic fight for nature,’ Deb McEwan, the Afterlife series
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Arrows Tipped with Honey (Natural Forces Book 2)
By Jean Gill
5 out of 5 stars
The story Arrows Tipped with Honey (Natural Forces Book 2) by Jean Gill is a wonderful tale to read. It pulls you in from the start and doesn’t let you go until the final page. It is a story in which the author does an amazing job of building a world that is both interesting and intriguing. I loved reading about the characters of Mielitta, Queen of the Warrior Bees, and Mage Smith Kemon. Mage Smith Kemon is leading a double life both in remaining loyal to Mielitta and as a spy at the Citadel. He has a lot of doubts and inner conflicts. He is always facing danger and the possibility of discovery. Mielitta has her gifted friends and beloved bees. There also other characters that are part of the council at the Citadel who are devious and are looking out for themselves and their way of life. This is a story that includes magic and discovery. Don’t miss out on an amazing story that is entertaining and kept me turning pages to find out what happens next. It is a story that I would recommend reading.
The narrator did a great job on recording this. Some of the voices that she used-you couldn’t tell it was her.
The book itself was a great story about a Mage woman who worked with bees for the honey. The people of the citadel had to fight to keep their community alive.
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Arrows Tipped with Honey
Author: Jean Gill
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 22
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 22 readers:
20 would read another book by this author.
22 thought the cover was good or excellent.
22 felt it was easy to follow.
21 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
21 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
21 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I mostly liked the world the author created. Also, I thought the story was simple to follow and the writing style was not overly complicated. It’s sort of political in parts with magic too. And bees! I would read book 1 first as it helps to understand everything.” Girl, aged 14
“Mielitta’s character is the best in the story. But I liked all of them. I thought the author developed them a lot from the first book.” Boy, aged 15
“Amazing characters, intriguing magical world. The Citadel reminded me of the Capitol in THG. Cool story and perfect for teenagers who like interesting characters.” Girl, aged 16
“I liked all the suspense and excitement of this novel. It’s a longer book than I’m used to reading, but it kept me interested all the way to the end. I will read the next book if I can find it. I thought the cover was amazing and made me want to read it.” Girl reader, aged 13
To Sum It Up:
‘A gripping YA plot packed full of compelling characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Mielitta’s journey continues in the Forest with her friends, Jannlou and Drianne, while Kermon must return to the Citadel to ensure the children remember their experience in the Forest and the taste of honey. Another masterful bit of storytelling with adventures on every page. The amount of detail is stunning and enthralling. Imaginative scenes and characters to immerse oneself in and savour the journey. I loved this story.
Mielitta is now the Queen of the Warrior bees after the battle for the Forest and she and her bees are settling to their new life with two of her friends as the other settles back into life in the Citadel, meanwhile the Council are reporting what happened to the rest of those living within it, while also spinning it in the light of their victory and that those they paint as traitors are still alive, as well as the noble sacrifice of their Chief Mage, what they don’t say is how he died. Mage-Smith Kermon is adjusting to life back within the Citadel and he is missing it and his friends greatly, but he spends his first few days back creating the system he needs to connect with them again and while he is completing this task, he learns about the old transition test from childhood to adulthood as he does this.
When Mage-Smith Kermon successfully contacts Mielitta, he is feeling a barrage of emotions and finds it hard to concentrate on the words being said, even though there isn’t much to report this first time, so when a messenger announces that his presence has been requested at a meeting, they cut off the call and he agrees to contact them again when he has more news. Life in the forest continues as they learn the ways of the Forest and its inhabitants, they decide what tasks they need to complete first with guidance from the bees and go out to forage and hunt before finding somewhere they will feel safe as a home base, that is until Mielitta is summoned by her bees to help the hive, but when she arrives, she realises that it is her that needs the helps and so she experiences life as a worker bee to help her to recover from the battle. As the Council meet to replenish their numbers and choose those to replace the ones they lost, they have to adhere to the blood made in the Forest with Mielitta, even though they don’t necessarily agree with it, so they elect people who they feel will fit with the demands, yet still bend to their will, as well as how to commemorate the Chief Mage’s father with an award for going into the walls and helping Perfection to continue with what they find. After that has all been decided, the Chief Mage announces that Mage-Smith Kermon will devise the new transition test and that to do this, he will be going into the walls and at the same time, be the first recipient of the newly created award.
As their lives continue and they all adjust to their new roles, Mage-Smith Kermon enters the wall, but as well as finding the information needed for the new test, he also discovers the more malevolent side to them and when he returns to complete his reports, both for the Council and for Mielitta, something has changed, even though he cannot put his finger on what it is. Will Mage-Smith Kermon be able to continue his double life and still keep his sanity and loyalty intact, or will the web of lies, subterfuge and this mysterious malevolence destroy everything that he, Mielitta and the rest of their group have worked for? This is another journey of secrets, discovery and balance, which propels you along as the revelations come in thick and fast.
Arrows Tipped with Honey by Jean Gill is a wonderful book. I love when a story is told from the point of view of multiple characters. Jean Gill is able to use the multiple points of view in a way that doesn’t have the story repeating, nor slows it down. The evolution of each character on their journey is intriguing, well-written, and flows naturally within the story. I look forward to reading the third book in the Natural Forces series.
5 Star
Arrows Tipped with Honey (Natural Forces Book 2) by Jean Gill
Arrows Tipped with Honey is the second book in the Natural Forces series by Jean Gill. First off I was absolutely fascinated with the cover . This story is very intriguing and one that once you start you won’t want to put it down till you finish. Mielitta ,Queen of the Warrior Bees is . faced with breaking the barrier between Forest and Citadel.
Mage is leading a double life while trying to stay loyal to Mielitta and being a spy for Citadel. He has a lot on inner conflicts and doubts but also danger and the possibility of being discovered. These two kept me intrigued and turning the pages I had to know what was going to happen next. Find out what happens next with these two in the must read. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Arrows Tipped with Honey (Natural Forces Book 2) by Jean Gill was a great fantasy read. This is the second book in the series, I did jump into the second book without reading the first and was able to follow along. I loved the plot and the story as it developed. The story was super descriptive and it really helped me dive into the world head first. I have so many questions on what happens next that I cannot wait for the next book.
While I could follow the story line as I began reading Arrows Tipped with Honey, I had so many questions about Mielitta’s character and what caused the current status at the beginning of the book. As a result, I quickly grabbed the first book (Queen of the Warrior Bees) in this series and dived into this world. I am glad I did. I found the character and “universe” development from the first book to provide a deeper appreciation and understanding of what was transpiring in Arrows Tipped with Honey. Throughout Arrows Tipped with Honey, the author did a superb job at developing the characters further and making them so complex that you feel you are right there with them in the midst of the action. While many questions you had from the first book are answered in this book, Arrows Tipped with Honey gives you many more questions and leaves you begging for another book to follow. You must grab Queen of the Warrior Bees (Book 1) and Arrows Tipped with Honey (Book 2) today (with a cup of coffee) and plan to not leave your reading spot for a long while.
Arrows Tipped with Honey (Natural Forces Book 2) by Jean Gill. I recommend reading these in order as this one continues from the first. I was definitely pleasantly surprised by my love for this story because this isn’t my normal reading but this author really has a gem of a story here. It’s got a little bit of everything I’d like in a story and it’s very original and unique. This story had a way of coming alive right before my eyes be even the smallest details are so well written you picture everything happening as you read. The characters pulled me in completely and I was definitely a bit say when I reached the end. It’s a well written story that’s paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. I can’t wait to see what else this author has to offer because if it’s as good as these I know I’m in for a good story. Four big stars and highly recommended!
I must start with the fact this is a continuation of a previously started series, The Natural Forces books from Jean Gill. I think it helps a lot to read the first book as it is the next chapter in Mielitta’s life but it is possible to enjoy the book on its own probably. I love how Jean Gill writes, it is somewhat poetic and the flow is one that transports you to a whole new world with an endless amount of possibilities for magic and adventure. I often feel as If I am on an escapade and far away when I read Gill’s works. This book did the same and flowed perfectly. I loved reading about where Mielitta goes and her adventures in the Forest once she breaks through. Love becomes a factor that Mielitta must work her way through the complicated feelings that come from that. I loved the way things never felt forced or over explained, something that I tend to struggle with when reading the dystopian novels. I cannot wait to see what we will get next from the talented Jean Gill!
This is the second book in the Natural Forces collection. I read book 1 as well, and my opinion is you need to read them in order, they are not standalones. Arrows tipped starts right where we left off from book 1. I love this series and Jean Gill as an author. This book is different in the way she wrote the first as it focuses on more than just Mielitta. Kermon is front and center this time around, and Jean did an amazing job with his character. Part of the synopsis says “Trapped in a society he loathes and fears, Mage Smith Kermon’s mission becomes a test of survival. Can he remain loyal to Mielitta in the double life he leads as her spy in the Citadel? He is quickly embroiled in deceit and subterfuge, forcing him into actions that make him doubt himself and everything he values.” Worded perfectly and a wonderful read.
Arrows Tipped with Honey is the exciting second book in Jean Gill’s Natural Forces series. It is a fantasy series, with a heroine who has a magical connection with bees and is seeking to overcome a corrupt city that shuns all connections with the natural world.
Following the climactic battle of the previous book, the Citadel believe they are victorious. Sure, the Queen of the Warrior Bees has made some demands of them when they forged their peace treaty, but they have their children back and are able to return to life as normal. But the Queen, Mielitta, is playing a long game. With a spy inside the city, and a generation of children who have seen the forest and tasted the honey, Mielitta hopes she can change things for the better.
Already in the first book, this was a really well developed fantasy world. The rules of the Citadel are clear, and the secrets it hides intriguing. There is a contrast between the strictly ordered Citadel and the wild forest which can seem cliché, but contributes to the power of the story. There is a depth to the characters, particularly coming into the second book as they adapt to their new roles and relationships.
For me, this is a five star book. It’s a great fantasy series for young adults who are concerned about the environment. Readers should start with the first book, Queen of the Warrior Bees, as the story in the second book follows on from the events of the previous book.
Arrows Tipped with Honey (Natural Forces Book 2)
by Jean Gill
This book took me on an intriguing adventure. This is the second book in this series and it is my suggestion that these books be read in order for better understanding and enjoyment. I was pulled into this story from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. There is suspense, danger, and wonderful characters in this wonderfully told story. The author did an exceptional job making me feel like I’m going along for the adventure because it was written with vivid detail and the emotions were jumping off the pages. I was left with the questions that I’m hoping will be answered in the next book. I cannot wait to read the next one. I recommend reading this book.
Arrows Tipped With Honey is the second book in the Natural Forces series. I was captured by the title and blurb and didn’t realize that this was part of a series at first. You will definitely want to read the first book before you read this one!
This story has a solid blend of fantasy, action, intrigue, danger, and romance. It also has a bit of a dystopian feel to it with the nature vs. civilization components. I enjoyed the unique characters and the amazing world that the author built for them.
Arrows Tipped With Honey was not a “quick” read for me. It has a lot of layers so you will want to take your time with it. You definitely don’t want to pass up a chance to read this series!
I was unsure how I would take this book however Jean brought me into this amazing world of bees. With a mixture of different blendend topics of nature, political intrigue and magic, Arrows Tipped with Honey is a thrilling read. Mielitta and her friends have to adjust to their wild surroundings with help from the bees. This is a story that includes magic, self discovery discovery and nature.
Arrows Tipped with Honey (Natural Forces Book 2) by Jean Gill is an original YA fantasy story that is well written and wonderfully vivid. There are many layers to this adventure and the characters are well developed. Jean’s world building is exciting and helps pull you along as we are faced with lots of action and danger, magic and politics, intrigue and drama. Sometimes the suspense would have me holding my breath as I waited to find out how the characters would get through a situation. This book should not be read without reading the first book as there are so much needed details to help make the story.
Arrows Tipped with Honey (Book 2) by Jean Gill is the next book in the series that carries on from Queen of the Warrior Bees (Book 1) and we are met by the familiar character Mielitta and now follow her on the next part of her journey to try and link the Forest with her world in the Citadel.
Gill’s writing and character building is nothing short of genius and we are met with twists and turns in all of her characters while we read this book. No one is who we once thought they were and things happen which you cannot help but be shocked and awed by. All the characters go through their own character arcs – whether these be good or bad I will leave you to discover – and it’s so interesting to read and watch these develop.
The show of world building in this second book is just as brilliant as the first book, Gill does not let us, as readers, down and continues on with her fabulous writing. The plot gets better and better and the description of the Forest, the Citadel and all the other bits in the book is written just so well that you cannot help but fall more and more in love with this book.
I cannot wait to see what other mayhem, mischief and magic Jean Gill brings to her next book and if you are an avid reader of action, magic and a little bit of chaos – this series of books are definitely the ones to read as they will give you hours of entertainment!
Gill is extremely gifted and has created a universe that YA fantasy dystopian readers will find thoroughly enjoyable. This second book in the series continues a tale I found incredibly spellbinding and lives up to its predecessor. Literally everything about this book is gold and I can not recommend it highly enough. Fantasy lovers – this is a must read!
This is book 2 in the Natural Forces Series.
In this story the war between the Citadel and the Forest is over. People have lost their lives and 3 people have been exiled to live in the Forest.
Mielitta is queen of the warrior bees and has a calling to help protect her bees from danger. Along with her friends Drianne and Jannlou they all have to come to terms with what has happened and learn to adapt to their new life.
One of their friends Kermon is set back to live in the Citadel and report back to make sure the new leader adheres to the blood oath he took. However, his plans dont seem to be working out as he is taken over by a angry spirit who refuses to let the new way of life happen.
Can Kermon overcome this evil spirit and and help bring the Citadel to a better life and can the group in the forest learn to live with their pasts and their new responsibilies.
I really enjoyed this book and i can’t wait for the next one.