Monday, September 5, 2016

The King's Scrolls (Ilyon Chronicles)


Title: The King's Scrolls

Series: Ilyon Chronicles (Book #2)


Year: 2015 

Author: Jaye L. Knight

Summary: Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.

Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.


When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph? (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Kyrin
~ Jace
~ Kaden

Review: Everything we knew and loved about Resistance, book one of the epic Ilyon Chronicles, just got bigger, and better, and deeper, and more amazing. After finishing the first book, I wasn't sure if Jaye could hold the rest of the series up to that awesome standard. But she did. I was completely blown away, and this book basically hit my favorites list... pretty much right after I opened the book and started reading.

And now I need Samara's Peril and the rest of the series. Like... as soon as possible. You're not going to want to wait to read these books. 

Again, I'm really not sure how to pen this review just because this book was THAT AMAZING. The story was full of twists and heart-wrenching moments that make you fall in love with the whole thing more and more after every page. Once you start reading this book, you're not going to want to stop, so make sure you're stocked up with a good cup of coffee and something to snack on. This book is thick, and fantasy, and marvelous, and amazing. 

Kyrin and Jace and Kaden and everyone else are back for a new adventure, but the stakes are now twice as high. We're introduced more to the race of Cretes and learn of a national secret that has the power to tear apart families and countries -- which it does. The King's Scrolls, the word of the one true God, still exist, and everyone, bad and good, wants to find them. 

One thing I loved about this book was the dragons. *ducks head* Yes, I'm a huge fan of dragons, and I love whenever they appear in books -- appearing in my favorite books is just like the cherry on top of the sundae. Kaden interacting with the dragons was so much fun to read about. 

Kyrin and the others we're already endeared to undergo quite a bit of character development as their stories continue. Jace, in particular, changes as he steps further along the road of understanding he's not a soul-less creature that no one cares about. Usually, I'm not a fan of the brooding/moody/dark hero, but Jace is a rare exception. Jaye gives a really unique perspective on him, and you can't help but like him and root for him all the way. I'm eager to see how his story will continue in the series.

Kyrin's family!! Tons more about them in this book, and I loved getting to see more of her mother and younger brothers, as well as really getting to know some of her older brothers. AND HER FATHER! Strong family books always get me... and this book got me. Oh, did it get me. *looks at those who've already read this book* You know exactly what I mean.

Also, I really loved the Cretes. Timothy is an awesome new character, and although I was a little skeptical about following him at first, he soon grew to quite the favorite character. I am greatly mortified that I ever doubted him. Leetra, too, was such a complex character -- way more to her than met the eye -- and she's going to be a fun one to follow for the rest of the series.

There's so much more I'd love to say about this book, but I'm really trying hard to contain myself. That's probably why it's so hard to write reviews about books I love -- just want to rant and rave and talk about everything I loved, but SPOILERS! Ah, the life of a reader. *shrugs shoulders* Basically, I'll leave you with this: this book will sneak right into your heart when you're not paying attention, get you right in the feels, and then leave you dying of a hunger to have more. And when I say "feels" I mean it. Plot twists and emotional pain like you've never known. But, boy howdy, is it worth it!

Advisory: Fantasy action/fighting/injury/torture, but nothing overly graphic. Also, some romantic references. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars