Sadie Larcen and her family are slowly recovering from their life-altering trek to the Tethered World. That is until their aunt arrives clutching a mysterious letter and sporting a black eye. The letter that Aunt Jules shares with the family writhes with sinister implications. A new and menacing enemy has slunk from the shadows and is conspiring to seize the most powerful piece of weaponry in the … the land: The Flaming Sword of Cherubythe. The sword must—at all costs—be kept from the enemies who lust for its power.
The threat extends to Sadie’s autistic brother Brock. As High King in training, he now resides in the Tethered World, within close proximity to the sword. It’s apparent that drastic measures will be required by all in order to protect what’s most important. Can Sadie once again confront her disabling fear, stare evil in the face, and walk away whole—let alone alive? How can one teenage girl and her family save a sword with the potential to start a world war? Will lines be crossed even as Sadie’s faith is tested? Sadie knows it’s going to take a lot more than strength, grit, and courage to survive.
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I enjoyed The Tethered World quite a bit so I jumped at the chance to read the ARC of The Flaming Sword. And I managed to inhale it in two sittings, too. 😉 The story picks up almost immediately after the last one ended and while there is some recapping to refresh readers memories, it has a good balance for those who need it and those who don’t. This time we get two point-of-views and I especially enjoyed learning more about Sadie’s brother Brady. It’s always fun watching a character grow and mature and he’s a very likable character. You may remember I thought the first book leaned a little more toward MG than YA – well, I didn’t have that feeling with this one. It is just a touch more serious, a touch more mature. The romance is still mild but highly enjoyable.
Oh – I don’t remember noticing in The Tethered World (because it’s stated simply and not emphasized) but there’s a lot of ethnic diversity among the gnomes and Nephilim – it’s a nice element that makes the world-building fuller and I expect many readers appreciate. If there was one thing that slightly bothered me, it was at times I felt like the travels were repetitive – mainly because Sadie and Brady’s separate adventures covered the same ground, just at different times. We also learn some Larcen family history and, while the story wraps up neatly, there are several questions raised that I am hoping will be answered in the finale due out in 2017. I can’t wait!
(I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy by the author. I was not required to write a positive review.)
Heather FitzGerald has done it again with the second installment of the Tethered World series (only better). She adds more detail to a world that was already fun to explore in the first book. It’s a great, seamless blend of Biblical and classic fantasy characters interacting in a delightful (and sometimes a little scary) universe that draws you into the action (and there is plenty of that). I look forward to reading the third installment in this fantasy for the whole family.
This is a tear-jerker. So beautifully written and never a dull moment.
A fast paced story full of vivid descriptions and details that leave the reader on the edge of the seat. Sadie and her family are wondering what has happened to their aunt. What is the letter all about? The reader is kept wanting to know more as the story evolves. Can Sadie save her family? Read this story and discover the answer. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest, personal opinion.
An exciting, nail-biting, and satisfying sequel to The Tethered World. All of the characters I grew to love are back, facing new developments in the secret world below ours. Main character Sadie must return to the Tethered World with her mom and siblings to rescue her father. Meanwhile, the flaming sword of Cherubythe, which gives light to all the land, is in danger of being stolen by their enemies.
In this second installment, Sadie has to come to terms with her role in the “family occupation,” even though she doesn’t like it and tries to avoid it all costs. The first adventure taught her to look past her own selfish desires and self-pity and to trust in God’s control over every situation. But then she got to go home and, hopefully, return to “normalcy.” Unfortunately for her, “normal” isn’t really an option. This time around, she faces all sorts of temptations and danger; what’s worse, she has to face the majority of it alone, after being separated from her family. Without their strength and support to guide her like last time, Sadie’s faith is really put to the test and she must find the strength and courage to overcome her situation if she’s to be reunited with her loved ones. By the end, her amount of growth–even since the first book–will surprise and encourage you. She transforms from a fearful, reluctant, resentful teen into a strong, courageous young woman who not only accepts what needs to be done, but chooses to run towards the danger and put herself at risk for the sake of her family.
This book is action-packed and will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time! It’s filled with lovable characters, a unique world setting and wonderful character development. There are moments of laughter, tears, victory, struggle, terror, faith, courage and even betrayal. The best part is this book is clean, fun, family-friendly fantasy! Highly recommended!!
Heather FitzGerald writes such good adventure fantasy! You will be truly captured and brought into The Tethered world when you read this series.
Like the first book, this was filled with great action, great plot, and the same beloved characters. Including Xander, one of my personal favourites. 😉
I really do think that this series tops that of Lord of the Rings, and is right there beside The Chronicles of Narnia. They have a very similar feel to them, and they’re easy to follow, while still being utterly captivating.
I touched on this in my review of the first book, but for me, magic is something I generally stay away from. But there are no spells or really even use of magic, it’s more like ‘this is their world’ and it’s fantasy.
The faith aspect was good, and I loved this quote in particular:
“M’dear, if it wasn’t for the bad things…good things like meetin’ each other never would’ve happened. The good Lord has a way of turnin’ all the bad stuff on its head and redeeming it in some way.” – Joanie from chapter 11 page 78/79
And how true is that? God really does redeem us and every bad thing.
I know I mentioned this but “The Flaming Sword” really was FULL of action. Indeed, it was an action-packed book, and so very hard to put down without wondering what was going to happen next! Be ready for a great ride!
No wonder this is an award winning book! This was such a great read and follow up to The Tethered World. I love the characters continued growth. Sadie still struggles with reconciling her top side life with that below in the Tethered World and I love how the author handles this angst. I look forward to reading The Genesis Tree and seeing what happens with the Larcen Family as they live out their purpose.