Clara's Return by Suzanna Linton

I have waited rather impatiently for this novel to come out!  Clara's Return is the sequel to Suzanna Linton smash novel Clara.  It tells the story of a young woman who discovers she is a Seer, and uses her talents to help Emmerich gain the throne, she then losses her sight and begins a journey to discover who she truely is.  Clara's Return picks up with Clara on her journey with Captain Jarrett.  Things in Bertrand are beginning to take a turn for the worst as a man riding a Giant threatens the well-being of the city.  A young page boy shows signs of having the Sight, but without anyone to help him learn his gift, he finds it overwhelming.  Bruin and others discover there is more to the aeriels (I might be spelling this wrong but I don't have a copy of the book with me as I write, so I apologize)  than being mere creatures of Marduk.  Will Clara, Emmerick, and the others be able to stop this mysterious wizard before all is lost?

When this book came in the mail, I think I literally let out a squeal of joy, and living in a big city I am sure those around me thought I belonged in a psych ward.  That is how excited to got for this book.  I cannot begin to say how much I love Suzanna's writing, she is incredibly talented and quickly became a favorite author of mine.  Her writing style is simplistic to the point of not having a large amount of fluff and unnecessary things.  She tells the story as it happens and doesn't digress from things to tell a completely unrelated story.  It may seem simplistic, but it is completely complex at the same time.  Her characters are so complex and they continue to get deeper as the story progresses.  Each person grows stronger in their self worth/self discovery.

Clara's Return expands on Clara's story and makes it more compelling.  I have to say I enjoyed the aeriel elements, they are such cute creature with personalities and intelligence to match.  I look forward to see how she uses them in the story.  I couldn't get enough of Bran's story either.  He is such a sweet little boy who wants nothing more than to serve his King and make his mom proud.  The elements surrounding him creates a new twist to the story (nope not going to tell you because you need to read this book).  In the short time that we see Bran he grows on the reader's heart as it breaks for him.  There are so many elements that make this book fantastic, Clara meeting someone important to discovering her background; or rather two people, the strength one wizard has in his magic, new discoveries about the aeriels, and so much more.  There is a lot happening in this book, but it doesn't come across as being too much, nor does it feel like it is too heavy with information.

Suzanna draws on elements she created in the first book and expands on information we have already had.  She reference back to these elements in nightmare flashbacks or simple remembrance without taking away from the story at hand.  Some sequels rely heavy on the original story, but not this one.  It is a story of it's own, and could be read without reading Clara first, but it is helpful to do so.  Clara has become like a trusted friend that I will miss greatly until I meet her again.

I am not sure if Suzanna plans on writing more about Clara and her friends, but I really hope she does.  I long for more from this universe, well more for Suzanna period!  I give Clara's Return at 5 out of 5.  I think anyone who enjoys fantasy novels would enjoy Clara and Clara's Return.

** I am honored to say Suzanna provided a copy of her book in exchange for an honest, heartfelt review**