Coven

A few month back I added "Coven" to my to read list on Goodreads because I seen Andi O'Connor was the editor and as some of you know I absolutely lover her work.  Then I went to a literary convention here in picture and met up with some author friends.  Imagine my surprise when I see Coven sitting on their table!  They had worked with Andi, and had a short story included in this anthology.  So this book is incredibly special to me for various reason, that aside and people know I will remain completely bias in this review. 

The majority of the stories I loved reading.  So many of them included everything that caught my attention and held me throughout.  Many made me want to find the author and read more of their work. It is a great anthology that introduces readers to fantastic authors like Shenoa Carroll-Bradd and Benjamin Sperduto. I love that it includes a little introduction to the authors before their stories that help readers get to know the author.

I absolutely loved "Across Silence and Darkness" where in order to have a magical gift one must sacrifice something. dr. derryl can turn dying people into animals. His world is shaken when a dying woman asks for him specifically, and quickly finds out how he knows her.  It was such a heartwarming story that I loved reading.

I am not one for anthologies, but   I am happy I bought the book to help support my friends and favorite authors, because I found numerous new authors to completely love.  I give the anthology a 4 out of 5 rating and look forward to looking up some of the other author included in the book.

The Awakening By Andi O'Connor

Awakening by Andi O'Connor is the second novel in the Dragonath series.  It picks up where the previous novel leaves off as the fellowship enter into war with their enemies, and possibly themselves.

Darrak and his companions face more challenges in their fight against those who wish use Halla magic to destroy not only Dragonath, but also Earth.  An ancient enemy from the past has been resurrected from the death without a passing thought to the consequences.  Mionee faces a consequences of her decision to join forces with Niemel as well as the things she has set in motion.  The companions are joined with new allies in the wolf who helped them in the past as well as a dragon who could help turn the tide of the war.  The fellowship faces challenges they never imagined facing such as betrayal, and treason.  Darrak slowly learns what it means to accept his destiny as the heir to the throne, but can he handle the responsibility that comes a long with it?  Will the kingdom be able to fight of the enemy advances with little resources they have?  Will dragons come to the aid of the heir or will the remain hidden?

Andi has done it again!  In her second novel, she continues with the action, suspense and twists she creates in the first novel.  The themes of betrayal, trust and relationship continue to be important in Awakening as they were in The Lost Heir.  In this novel the betrayl seemed to hit harder than in the previous novel, probably because as the characters didn't expect the betrayal, neither does the reader.  It was something that takes readers completely off guard.  I gasped when I read certain parts of the book, and may have audibly uttered "NO."  Andi O'Connor has the talent to bring her characters to life and create a world that feels beyond realistic.

I was happy to see the characters continue to grow stronger, but also continue to recognize their faults and short-comings.  It is refreshing to see characters display faults and learning how to turn those faults into strengths within a group such as this.  Darrak is one of the characters I think who grew the most in this novel.  He comes to accept his role and the heir, but struggles with the responsibility.  At this point we see him learning to lean on someone other than himself for strength and guidance.  While relationships with one another whether romantic or not are an important part of the story, it was nice to see the story did not rely soley on that aspect of the plot.  It was simply a supporting element to develop the characters in a different way.

Something I would have liked to seen more use out of though was the dragon as well as the wolf.  I expected more from Wistera.  The aid of dragons appear to be a important element to the story, but we didn't have too much of a background for them other than the short history lesson Andrillian gives us in the beginning, maybe we will see more dragon action in another installment.  While the story is largely about Darrak and him taking his rightful place, this installment was also largely about Mionee.  We see the torment and horrors she endures from her husband and soon Niemel.  We see her become even more remorseful and regretful of her previous greed.  There is still the question of what caused her desire for power?

As with Lost Heir it was difficult to put this novel down in order to sleep or actual be productive.  The world Andi creates in Dragonath is so easy to get lost in.  I don't say this often about books...but I would love to see this made into a movie, I would love to see her characters come to life.  She has the talent to contend with some of the fantasy "best-sellers."   Without a doubt I give this novel a 5 out of 5.  Andi has swiftly become one of my favorite authors, and believe me that is not an easy task!  If you haven't read my review of Lost Heir, do so and then read both novels.

The Lost Heir by Andi O'Connor

"There is good and evil everywhere in this world...Just as there is good and evil in each of us.  They are always in a constant battle for supremacy.  Each decision we make can sway the balance in either direction...The decisions we make affect many, and it is easy to allow our greed to take control."  ~ Andrillrian

The Lost Heir is a fantasy novel the follows the journey of Darrak Hunter as he struggles for his survival and finding a way to save Earth and the realm of Dragonath.  It also follows those who desire to bring destruction to both worlds.  It is a whirlwind of a story taking readers of a journey across realms with magic.

Darrak Hunter is a studious college student, spending much of his time studying hard to accomplish his goals.  Suddenly his dreams become plagued with visions of a distant realm, one with purple clouds and purple sun.  Upon waking he discovers Earth has taken on these eerie characteristics.  Then a mysterious violet-eyed man appears in his room proclaiming he is needed in the world of Dragonath and whisks him away.  Darrak is faced with magic being a reality and himself having these powerful abilities.  Darrak is teamed with a prince, sword-smith, and a beautiful sorceress to overcome plots of betrayal, destruction, and stand against an enemy wielding powerful dark magic.

I don't have the words to begin describing how amazing this book was.  Andi O'Connor does a stupendous job with her work.  From the very beginning until the book ends the reader is a citizen of Dragonath traveling with Darrak and the others.  She takes fantasy elements and makes them her own.  She magic within her world but general sorcerers need to use a kraylock, a gem which houses their meno (magic) and something they are bound to, in order to cast a spell.  But there are legends within the story of those who don't need the kraylock nor do they need to speak the spell out loud, those are Chosens.  On top of that there is the dark magic of Halla, Dreamseeing and Dreamweaving along with healing, a type of necromancy called Vantelaith, where the caster calls upon the souls of the dead in order to help the caster to perform various acts such as healing or defensive tactics.  I am sure there are more within this realm that we have yet to see.

As the companions struggle to overcome the plots of betrayal, they all learn that things cannot be accomplished on ones own but through teamwork and cooperation.  As they group in their own strength, they also grow in strength together.  The group learn of each others strengths and weakness and how to utilize both in the mist of battle.  This novel hinges greatly on teamwork and realizing we cannot do everything on our own, sometimes we all need some help.  All the characters are phenomenal and complex. Each one deals with a hardship in one form or another, including Mionee, who is the antagonist of the story.  This story show true companionship, friendship, and what it really means to support one another.

Andi's descriptions are vivid and life like, even the purple non-moving clouds and sky.  The garden Darrak decided to go to when he first Travels to Dragonath seems beautiful like a place I would sit and read in.  The story flows beautifully together, not once did I think it was taking forever to get to the climax or think there wasn't enough descriptions.  Everything was simply perfect.

I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre.  Andi goes above and beyond what fantasy is.  She takes all the elements and creates something new with them.  Something that is her own.  Because of the unique aspect of her novel and the beauty in which she weaves her words, I give The Lost Heir a 5 out of 5.  This novel is exactly what it means to create a tale that drags readers in.  I anticipate reading her next novel: The Awakening.

If you haven't read the author interview with Andi O'Connor check it out.  We get a glimpse at what makes her novels so compelling.

** I had the honor of receiving this novel from the author for an honest review **