Helpful Score: 4
Ril and Leon are two of the most intriguing and memorable characters I've read about in a fantasy, much less in a romance novel. (I still don't understand why this series is found in the romance section as it would probably be better off in the sci-fi/fantasy section!) Leon was pretty cool in the prior novel but in this one he's like a freakin' Jedi--with mind tricks, blending into a strange land, and making friends out of enemies. It sounds hokey but I tell you it isn't as nothing stretches into the realm of disbelief. His relationship with Ril is explored in greater depth than before, and we find the two of them have evolved into something akin to a father/son relationship, but with greater intimacy. It's really hard to explain without reading the novel but it is a very beautiful relationship. Ril, who has never been a typical sylph, really suffers in this story but in the end he gets Lizzy, his Queen, and a powerful and loving ally in Leon. I'm very curious as to whether his unusual sylph abilities will have repercussions in later novels in the series. And if I had one complaint about this novel it's that I would have wanted it to be longer and explored the reactions of Sylph Valley when our heroes arrive home. But I am strangely pleased that the author didn't take any easy way outs, which is all too easy when magic is involved. Instead, no one miraculously heals or becomes all powerful and our heroes are much more heroic for having the battle scars to prove their mettle.
Definitely recommend this book if for no other reason than it has some of the best interpersonal relationships I've seen in any category of novel. The characterization is dynamite and will stay with you long after you close the book on its final pages. I read it in one sitting because the story kept propelling me to want to know more. Everything was so raw and vivid, it was like watching a powerful epic unfold in the IMAX of my imagination.
Definitely recommend this book if for no other reason than it has some of the best interpersonal relationships I've seen in any category of novel. The characterization is dynamite and will stay with you long after you close the book on its final pages. I read it in one sitting because the story kept propelling me to want to know more. Everything was so raw and vivid, it was like watching a powerful epic unfold in the IMAX of my imagination.
Michelle R. (mreneerouser) -
Helpful Score: 3
Not often can I fall in love with a second in a series book and like it more than the first in the series but that is what happened here (and the 1st book was a 5 star, that makes this technically a 6 star?). The book was so good, I missed dinner with the family, read it straight through the night. The book has everything and I can't wait for book #3. I highly recommend reading book #1 (The Battle Sylph) before reading this book and then prepare to spend every minute totally swept up in the story.
Slavers arrive at the port city of Para Dubh where they kidnap teenager Lizzy Petrule; deserted at the dock by her suitor Justin. Chained she is taken across the Great Sea to the Meridal Empire. Worried about his missing daughter, Lizzy's father Leon and Justin who feels guilty begin a search and soon learns the fate of the lass; a sex slave to please the hundreds of enslaved battle sylphs.
Justin, Leon and his shape-sifting battle sylph Ril begin a rescue attempt. First they must enter a city where danger is everywhere. Once inside the citadel, the duo must find a way to the harem where Lizzy is just one more throwaway female to "feed" the hunger of the raging battle sylphs.
This is an action-packed romantic fantasy as the heroic trio struggles to surmount magical and mundane attacks to mute their rescue efforts. Fast-paced from the moment Lizzy is abducted, L.J. McDonald paints an intriguing corrupt empire that readers will compare with the Sylph Valley. With the return of support players from the first tale The Battle Sylph, fans will relish the saga of The Shattered Sylph.
Justin, Leon and his shape-sifting battle sylph Ril begin a rescue attempt. First they must enter a city where danger is everywhere. Once inside the citadel, the duo must find a way to the harem where Lizzy is just one more throwaway female to "feed" the hunger of the raging battle sylphs.
This is an action-packed romantic fantasy as the heroic trio struggles to surmount magical and mundane attacks to mute their rescue efforts. Fast-paced from the moment Lizzy is abducted, L.J. McDonald paints an intriguing corrupt empire that readers will compare with the Sylph Valley. With the return of support players from the first tale The Battle Sylph, fans will relish the saga of The Shattered Sylph.
Excellent second story. The author continued relating an intriguing fantasy with well-developed characters. This book fulfills my preference ...a novel that tell an adventurous fantasy story. So if you are looking for a book full of sexual acts ... this is not for you. It has romance but the romance enriches the story ... sex is not the dominant theme.
Not interesting enough for me to even finish the book. As much as I wanted to read the series, the storyline just didn't flow smoothly for me nor did the characters do much to keep my attention. Halfway through I just decided to forget it and go to a different book. Not worth the money in my opinion.
I liked this series.
