Alexa is still by King's Damian side, still his guard even though both their hearts yearn for more. They might have won a battle, gaining control of Antion, but the war is far from being over. Unknown enemies are attacking the King and the border villages, but where should they strike when they don't know the real nature of their enemies?
Ignite is a great sequel to Defy, and even though I enjoyed the first book slightly more (there is something magical about meeting new characters and discovering a new world isn't there?) Ignite didn't bite the dust. There is no 'second book curse' here, what-so-ever. The reality Alexa, Damian and Rylan face is completely different, but no less engaging.
I really enjoyed the interaction between the three main characters now that their reality changed so much. Damian and Alexa wanting each other, but Alexa not wanting to get involved, convinced that she isn't fit for him. Her struggle was heart-breaking and the pain she visibly caused to Damian must have been hard for her to witness. There isn't much of a love triangle anymore because Rylan is content to let Alexa grief her love for Damian, but he is hoping she'll come around, and it's sad to see. He really is like a dejected puppy. The romance takes an unexpected turn though at about 60% of the book, and I won't tell you what, mind you, but I was happily surprised!
The political aspect of the plot kept me glued to the page, more than the romantic story arc, surprisingly. I really liked the mystery surrounding the attacks, and even though the real culprit was obvious, the way to prove it was the challenging part. Their motivations are also quite hazy, even now that I have finished the book, and I can't wait to learn more about this powerful and cryptic enemy. The two enemy envoys were powerful foes and I'm impatient to discover the repercussion of their actions in the third installment.
The last third of the book left me restless. I was on the edge of my seat, engrossed by the action, and wondering how the heroes would pull through.
I'm sure readers who loved Defy won't be disappointed and if you haven't started this series yet, I urge you to do so. It's a great high fantasy novel, filled with action, love and betrayals. Its epic battles will keep you up late into the night and it'll be worth it!
Ignite is a great sequel to Defy, and even though I enjoyed the first book slightly more (there is something magical about meeting new characters and discovering a new world isn't there?) Ignite didn't bite the dust. There is no 'second book curse' here, what-so-ever. The reality Alexa, Damian and Rylan face is completely different, but no less engaging.
I really enjoyed the interaction between the three main characters now that their reality changed so much. Damian and Alexa wanting each other, but Alexa not wanting to get involved, convinced that she isn't fit for him. Her struggle was heart-breaking and the pain she visibly caused to Damian must have been hard for her to witness. There isn't much of a love triangle anymore because Rylan is content to let Alexa grief her love for Damian, but he is hoping she'll come around, and it's sad to see. He really is like a dejected puppy. The romance takes an unexpected turn though at about 60% of the book, and I won't tell you what, mind you, but I was happily surprised!
The political aspect of the plot kept me glued to the page, more than the romantic story arc, surprisingly. I really liked the mystery surrounding the attacks, and even though the real culprit was obvious, the way to prove it was the challenging part. Their motivations are also quite hazy, even now that I have finished the book, and I can't wait to learn more about this powerful and cryptic enemy. The two enemy envoys were powerful foes and I'm impatient to discover the repercussion of their actions in the third installment.
The last third of the book left me restless. I was on the edge of my seat, engrossed by the action, and wondering how the heroes would pull through.
I'm sure readers who loved Defy won't be disappointed and if you haven't started this series yet, I urge you to do so. It's a great high fantasy novel, filled with action, love and betrayals. Its epic battles will keep you up late into the night and it'll be worth it!
