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**

Devil's Grasp

Title: The Devil's Grasp by Chris Pisano and Brian Koscienski
Media: Print; Paperback
Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Long ago an evil wizard enchanted 5 gemstone, granting them different powers to call forth and control various demons.  This wizard is defeated during battle and the gems hidden across the earth so no one can use their powers again.  Presently the kingdom of Albathia is in danger of war from Tsinel.  The king sends his oldest son on a quest to find these gems in order to use their powers to defeat the invading army.  As the prince hunts for the gems so is a group of thieves, a band of wizards and an unlikely group consisting of a troll, hobgoblin, orc and a satyr.  Each group have no inclination of the turmoil
and hardships they will face while on this quest.

This is the third book that I have read by these two and I have to say it is one of my favorites.  There is a lot of action, surprise and even a little bit of romance.  The authors created characters readers get attached and want to see more of.  It starts off with a bard telling two of the groups about the stones and selling them maps to the stone and thus the adventure begins.  One of my favorite parts involved a cave of mirrors that if touched one gets sucked into the mirror, it is a creepy image but an amazing way to describe a trap for the stone.  These two do a phenomenal job at weaving their tale together.  There are some characters I wanted more of such the dragon and rabbit who guarded the Spirit Stone, such an unlikely pair, but make for a little bit of comic relief in their parts they are in.   There are some questions left unanswered, but those could be answered in another book possibly?

Something I thought was a nice touch was the wizards didn't have limitless power.  In some other fantasy novels wizards and magic users seem to have unending power, where-as in this novel they needed added elements to complete their spells.  If they didn't have those ingredients then the spell could not be cast.  This is just one element of the novel that sets it apart from other fantasy novels.  It also had a Dragonlance Saga feel to it, I am not sure why.  There is a lot that happens in this novel, a lot that should happen in this novel.

When the story ends one cannot help but wonder, "is this truly the end?"

Recommendation:  This needs to be added to any fantasy lover's shelf.  It is a great novel with fantastic writing.  I cannot wait for more from this team.