Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge - Blood Divided by Kevin James Breaux

Continuing with my reading challenge for Speculative Fiction 2012, I chose Blood Divided...


Kevin James Breaux's sequel to Soul Born kicks off twenty years after the first story ends. There is enough back story to keep the 'uninitiated' in the loop, but it can also be read as a stand-alone, which is good since I really didn't want to be interrupted while reading by going back to the first one to refresh myself.

From the get-go, I was hooked (maybe because I'm already an 'initiated'), and had me up well past my bedtime to see 'what happens next' to the ensemble cast. It was good to see Tala (the Elf) again and the return of one of my favourites, Zian, the werewolf. Back too in one form or the other is Opal, the misguided mage. And then there is the new cast, primarily Opal and Tala's children by the same dude, Karn.  Each new character comes with unique personalities that jump out the page and drive the story forward.

I look forward to the next in the sequel, Dark Quest, which the author told me is due out 2013.

A Review: Zirconya - The Sage of Aluh'Nehn

Continuing with my Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge review for 2012, the second book I chose to read is Zirconya - The Sage of Aluh'Nehn by Diana Ilinca, the first in her Zirconya trilogy.

Form the very beginning, I was drawn into Diana's rich and colourful world of Zirconya, including being intrigued enough with her character's lives that I felt like a nosy intruder as I spied on what they did next.  There's a lot that going on too, spying.  You'll understand once you read this amazing novel.  And don't trust them pigeons!

Diana Ilinca's debut, young adult fantasy novel simply draws you into the lives three young elves. But before you know it, you're transported from the land of Zirconya, into modern day Earth. Diana knows her young adult audience well, as we follow the life of young Caelum/Chloe and her friends as they deal with the day to day happenings of being a teenager. Throw in some Elven magic, just to make things even more trickier, and you have a wonderful, engrossing, coming of age tale. It's about growing up, discovering your strengths, overcoming odds, dealing with your peers, and love. But before you know it, the tale has come to an end, leaving you eager to find out what happens next. Thankfully, Diana Ilinca is writing the sequel, which I am patiently waiting for its publication release.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  And just to whet your appetite with all things Zirconya, click on over to her website to find out more.  Be sure to read the free read Nahtaia: A Faery's Tale as well.

My next book in the reading challenge: Ambassadora by Heidi Ruby Miller