The Guilds are not her only enemy. Ena has pledged herself to the Black Bloods’ cause, spending months saving children from the grips of the Sorcerers Guild. But freedom demands a steeper price.Following her heart has led Ena through danger and to a sanctuary she never dreamt existed. Surrounded by magic, a future free of blood and pain seem within her grasp. But hope and love have never been a … hope and love have never been a part of her story.
As danger haunts her home, a powerful force demands her aid in murder. Refusing will endanger everyone she cares for―taking an innocent life is more than her soul can bear.
When death comes for Ena, will she lose her heart or her life?
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Loved this second instalment of Ena of Ilbrea series by Megan O’Russell. I listened to the audio version narrated wonderfully by Alexandra Hunter who really brought these great characters to life.
Ena now lives in mountains with the black bloods. Liam is trying all he can to ignore her and not act on the feelings he clearly has, claiming it’s for her protection.
So Ena tries to forget the kiss and focuses all her attention on helping children with Magic escape the Guild. Like in the first book she is fearless and selfless and puts herself in danger to save the life’s of others.
There are more threats on the horizon than just the Guild. A potential traitor in the Black Bloods camp and a monstrous beast roaming the Forrest. Add in another clan of Black Bloods that are brutal and care only for themselves.
This is packed with action and even though Ena may not possess magic, her intelligence and bravery knows no bounds.
Be aware this ends with oh my gosh moment and I was so hoping it would happen so I think whilst it’s a cliffhanger it’s also a very exciting moment in journey.
I so need more of this awesome series now.
4.5 out of 5 exciting stars.
Have I mentioned how much I absolutely love Finn? So far he’s my favorite side character. I love his relationship with Ena. They’re basically best friends at this point and I am here for it!
Ena seems to have matured more this round as she seems to have made a place for herself among the Black Bloods. I found myself sharing her irritation and frustration with the kid gloves that the everyone seemed to use around her.
Liam is kind of irritating me with his dismissive attitude. So much angst. Communication goes a long way my guy. I mean, I love you but I don’t like you right now.
The mystery surrounding Emmet is still that. A mystery. He’s made a name for the himself but no one really knows why. So I’m very curious about that. I feel like he’s hiding something from Ena and I’m anxious to find out what/if it is.
This book seems to lag a little bit. But it definitely picks up the further you get into it. The smuggling of the sorci children kept me on edge with anticipation. I loved all the kids but I gotta admit that Evie and Dorran were close favorites. Evie is a smart and strong kid for her age but when you live at the mercy of the Guilds you have to be.
Overall, I loved the book. The world building in the series just keeps getting better. Although it didn’t have a ton of action, it made up for it with the banter between Ena and Finn. Looking forward to the next one!
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Again, I adore this series…I read several months ago and being able to relive Ena’s story through an audiobook has just been fantastic!
Alexandra Hunter does a fabulous job – I really love how she is consistent with how she is capturing Ena’s spirit.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
It’s a new chapter in Ena’s story as
she continues her quest.
Life, death, pain and terror are her
constant companions as are hope,
love and compassion.
Come along as her journey continues.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
Ina has grown up from the naive child who needed to be rescued into a competent woman who is now rescuing children from the greedy reach of the guilds. It hasn’t come without its share of heartache though. She’s found her place with the Black Bloods – but still isn’t completely accepted by all. Faced with yet another set of impossible choices, she strives to forge a new option.
This book again goes in a different direction from what I expected, adding more depth and nuace to this world and the relationships within in. The Guild isn’t the only enemy, and not all the dangers are outside the camp. The chemistry with Finn is fabulous, the relationship with Liam is complicated, and we get just a tiny peek more at Ina’s brother. Fast paced, strong addition to the series. This was a book I did not want to put down!
This is book 2 and while it tells the story of a complete chapter in Ina’s life, it builds on the prequel and book one and ends with a huge reveal and bit of a cliff hanger for book 3. This series is meant to be read in order.
Megan’s books are all superb and this one is no exception! I love to read her because the writing is top-notch and the stories are unforgettable! There is magic in her writing that enfolds you and wraps you up in a spell that is only lifted until the next book in the series comes out and then that old familiar feeling comes flooding back and it feels like you’re home again and the stories aren’t imaginable at all but that those characters are “ real” and you feel you are there experiencing and witnessing the story yourself as it unfolds!
I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend this book as well as all of her books to young adult and adults alike because if you like to feel like the stories you read are “real” then her books are for you too! They are the perfect escape from the political hatred America has been under for the past four years or so. Her villains are easy to dislike as you root for the hero’s to come out on top!
The thing with Megan’s books, however, is you need to start with the first book in a series so you don’t miss anything as the story develops because believe me you won’t WANT to miss anything!!
Kudos to you Megan for sharing your God-given talent with the world in writing these stories that your readers everywhere love!! We love the feelings we feel good and bad because that’s how life is and the struggles the characters have as well as us only serve to make us stronger!
Ena is still with the Black Bloods’ and going on rescue trips with Finn. She pledges herself to their cause and now there is no turning back. So many life-and-death situations going against the Sorcerers Guild. How many rescue missions can they attempt before death comes for them? OMG where does this author get her imagination from to be able to write books like this. Very, very highly recommended.