Scan barcode
szeththeassassin's review
4.0
The Forbidden Realms is a solid sequel in what is promising to be an epic series. It picks up right where book one ended and it does a lot of things extremely well. I especially connected with Neer, the returning star from book one, and the emotions that she is having to deal with throughout the novel. It felt genuine and real in a way that many readers could connect back with her and what she is feeling. It also introduces a new POV character that will have a big part through the novel and series from what I can tell.
The strength of the novel to me was the world in this one. It was an improvement and the uniqueness of everything was really fun. There is always something new to discover with this series and it is on full display throughout the novel. The sky city was something that was done well and was a lot of fun to me. The characters are solid but unfortunately I wasn't able to connect with them like I did in book one I think more because of the pacing of the novel than anything else. It is full tilt, sprinting the entire way. Every chapter has an incredible heart pounding action scene. This leaves very little time for the characters to reflect or have some of that bonding time like they did in the first book.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with book 2. It does have the feel of building up the series and the epicness that will continually be revealed to us as we go. It is a series that I can see myself picking up again and again just because of how fun it is. The author has created something truly unique and fans of video games and epic book series will love as it continues to unfold.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review as a tour put on by Escapist Books.
The strength of the novel to me was the world in this one. It was an improvement and the uniqueness of everything was really fun. There is always something new to discover with this series and it is on full display throughout the novel. The sky city was something that was done well and was a lot of fun to me. The characters are solid but unfortunately I wasn't able to connect with them like I did in book one I think more because of the pacing of the novel than anything else. It is full tilt, sprinting the entire way. Every chapter has an incredible heart pounding action scene. This leaves very little time for the characters to reflect or have some of that bonding time like they did in the first book.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with book 2. It does have the feel of building up the series and the epicness that will continually be revealed to us as we go. It is a series that I can see myself picking up again and again just because of how fun it is. The author has created something truly unique and fans of video games and epic book series will love as it continues to unfold.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review as a tour put on by Escapist Books.
wraskai's review against another edition
4.25
The Forbidden Realms is in all ways a massive improvement over Curse of the Fallen. While I enjoyed the first book, I felt there were some pacing issues and some side characters were less developed than I would have liked. Luckily these issues were no longer present in this sequel. The book picks up immediately after the ending of the first. We get introduced to a bunch of new characters and the story moves in interesting directions.
Of the new characters I immediately fell in love with Aélla. Her caring nature was such a good balance for the group, and her presence was much needed. Thallon and Y’ven were also really well done, and all had more of a unique presence than most of the characters in book 1. There were some pretty neat reveals throughout the book.
The ending was extremely tense and I had many moments were I feared for my favorite characters. Newell really puts them through the ringer. I am super excited to continue with this series!
jlreadstoperpetuity's review
4.0
Forbidden Realms, the highly anticipated sequel to Curse of the Fallen, takes readers on another thrilling journey into a grimdark fantasy world.
thatbookisonfiyah's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A classic fantasy-type quest story with a returning MC, some new characters and new POVs. This book was a little slower-paced in parts than the first book in the series, but a highly enjoyable read with excellent character development, a fascinating world, and interesting magics. The main character is someone you root for, but who often falters and makes poor decisions due to her dark and tragic past.
graff_fuller's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I enjoyed the story, but there were times where I zoned out. I then had to reread the sections...for I wanted to care for Nerena (Neer). AND, at times I did, but then at other times...she did seem to be cursed...and a demon child (& I could care less). I hate saying that, but it's true.
The other characters that were around her:
1) Reiman...her adopted father...seemed to love her and want to protect her, but he's got secrets...for sure.
2) Aélla...I like her, but she seems to be aligned with Neer, but ONLY when it suits for her. Not sure if she's a "ride or die" friend.
3) Thallon...I trust him, but not sure.
4) Y've...does seem to be her friend through thick or thin, but not like Loryk was, but still.
There are some truly bad people out to kill Neer, but there complication for me...is why the humans treat her SO poorly. Yes, she's a magic user and hangs around with the Evae, but still. Goodness.
Will be picking up The Banished in March...I believe.
The other characters that were around her:
1) Reiman...her adopted father...seemed to love her and want to protect her, but he's got secrets...for sure.
2) Aélla...I like her, but she seems to be aligned with Neer, but ONLY when it suits for her. Not sure if she's a "ride or die" friend.
3) Thallon...I trust him, but not sure.
4) Y've...does seem to be her friend through thick or thin, but not like Loryk was, but still.
There are some truly bad people out to kill Neer, but there complication for me...is why the humans treat her SO poorly. Yes, she's a magic user and hangs around with the Evae, but still. Goodness.
Will be picking up The Banished in March...I believe.
booksbybindu's review
4.0
‘The Forbidden Realms’ is just what you want from a sequel - packed full of action, emotion and adventure! The world has progressed from the ‘Curse of the Fallen’ from the forest and caves to the heat and dust of the desert. I would advise that you read ‘Curse of the Fallen’ before reading this book as you will not be given a-lot of background about what happens in the first one and it's imperative for you to know it before reading this one. In fact the author has just released an extended version of the first book! So there is never a better time to delve into this great series.
Nerana is a sorceress, an exile from her country as the ruling Order of Saro has declared her a Child of Skye, a demon. After being attacked she teleports and finds herself in the waste desert lands of Aragoth. Humans and evae are banned, life is relentless under the sun and the heat is blistering. But she is no longer alone as there is another sorceress thrown into the mix. Aella is a powerful evaesh sorceress and is travelling in the area on a pilgrimage of sacrifice and strength. She wants to enter the Realms of Elements and Neer decides to join her and learn about her magic!
I completely loved coming back to this world, as I fell for Neer in the last book. This one has a slightly slower opening but from about 20-25% in the action ramps up and doesn't stop till the final pages and ends in a huge reveal! I loved the influx of new characters, especially Dru and Y’ven. I hope we find out a little bit more about them and how they came to know one another etc. It was endearing to see how they all came together as a group and really meshed to form a tight knit force to be reckoned with. I did get Thallon and Thorne mixed up to begin with which confused me mightly but then I was reading it with a migraine!
The pacing of this book was brilliant after the introductionary section and the action just kept coming at the reader at a ferocious pace! But it has left me intrigued and desperate for more, thankfully there is a novella to dive straight into which looks at what has been happening the Avelloch during this period!
Honestly can't wait for the third book!
Nerana is a sorceress, an exile from her country as the ruling Order of Saro has declared her a Child of Skye, a demon. After being attacked she teleports and finds herself in the waste desert lands of Aragoth. Humans and evae are banned, life is relentless under the sun and the heat is blistering. But she is no longer alone as there is another sorceress thrown into the mix. Aella is a powerful evaesh sorceress and is travelling in the area on a pilgrimage of sacrifice and strength. She wants to enter the Realms of Elements and Neer decides to join her and learn about her magic!
I completely loved coming back to this world, as I fell for Neer in the last book. This one has a slightly slower opening but from about 20-25% in the action ramps up and doesn't stop till the final pages and ends in a huge reveal! I loved the influx of new characters, especially Dru and Y’ven. I hope we find out a little bit more about them and how they came to know one another etc. It was endearing to see how they all came together as a group and really meshed to form a tight knit force to be reckoned with. I did get Thallon and Thorne mixed up to begin with which confused me mightly but then I was reading it with a migraine!
The pacing of this book was brilliant after the introductionary section and the action just kept coming at the reader at a ferocious pace! But it has left me intrigued and desperate for more, thankfully there is a novella to dive straight into which looks at what has been happening the Avelloch during this period!
Honestly can't wait for the third book!
hedgehognerd's review
4.0
High stakes action, action and more action. The chaos of battle is so well described. The determination of these characters, wow, despite everything they continue on. I think grief is dealt with very well and liked that element woven into the story. The magic is cool, the fantasy elements unique and there’s new characters to get to know. Loved it.
chaptersofvicki's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this second book in The Fallen Light series. In this book we are once again following Nerana, who was the main character in the first book. There are also quite a lot of new characters introduced.
I really liked Aélla and Thallon who were both new characters in this book. I really like the way the author describes the world, I found myself totally immersed in the story.
There is action throughout and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next. My heart was in my mouth a few times!
Can I also just say how stunning the cover is 😍 I love it!
Thank you to Love Book Tours for having me on the tour and thank you to the author for my gifted copy.
kmartbooks's review
3.25
The second installment in H.C. Newell's Fallen Light series delves deeper. We find Nerana navigating the treacherous wastelands of Aragoth after the heartbreaking events of the last book. The introduction of Aélla, a powerful sorceress, adds layers to the story as she embarks on a pilgrimage fraught with challenges. There are many more complexities of power dynamics between different factions in this novel, notably the vaxros who have a long history of conflict with the evaesh.
There's a noticeable improvement in writing, complexity, and depth of world-building in the second installment. There is a more intricate and engaging plot and elements that enrich the world-building. However, some aspects, like dialogue and certain narrative transitions, still have moments of clunkiness. The pacing occasionally jumps abruptly, creating a sense of disconnection between events. Despite these minor issues, it's evident that the author's storytelling has evolved, and the promise of improvement bodes well for the series.
The Forbidden Realms sets the stage for a broader, more complex narrative. The potential for further growth in both storytelling and character development is apparent, making this a series worth following.
There's a noticeable improvement in writing, complexity, and depth of world-building in the second installment. There is a more intricate and engaging plot and elements that enrich the world-building. However, some aspects, like dialogue and certain narrative transitions, still have moments of clunkiness. The pacing occasionally jumps abruptly, creating a sense of disconnection between events. Despite these minor issues, it's evident that the author's storytelling has evolved, and the promise of improvement bodes well for the series.
The Forbidden Realms sets the stage for a broader, more complex narrative. The potential for further growth in both storytelling and character development is apparent, making this a series worth following.
laura_wska's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75