Member Reviews
Yay! I finished this duology! I’m so happy I read these books and totally satisfied with the ending.
First and foremost, the characters are just everything. In this book they have a lot to do and some of it requires them to be a little bit more isolated and work on their own. That leads to each character, Sidra, Torin, Jack and Adaira, to be tested and challenged but even though they are separated, they also use each other’s strength to carry on. Some wonderful and heartbreaking moments in this book.
World-building is super exciting as we learn more about the West. The two clans are so different and nothing like life and death situations to bring everyone together. I think Adaira was the perfect person to start bringing both clans towards peace because of her situation. Everyone has their part to play, it isn’t easy but one step at a time.
Overall, this book was really as wonderful as the first. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a spin-off series or something else. I think there is a lot to explore in the isle of Cadence still.
Rebecca Ross is definitely turning into one of my favorite authors. I love her writing and her books. I have a couple more to read and Divine Rivals as well but this duology was my favorites of this year!
*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Thank you to Harper Voyager and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book to read and review. I loved this duology. I loved the first book, but the second book blew me out of the water. The revelations and how things came to be in the present were done so well. The relationships were so beautiful and I thought the development and role each character played in this installment was so fitting and so important. It was so great to see both Adaira and Jack as well as Torin and Sidra grow and evolve. The use of the spirits in addition to music as the magic system was so thought out and done exceptionally. I loved everything about this book and there were definitely some parts where I was on the edge of my seat. This was a wonderful fantasy mixed with wonderful friendships and romance and I can't wait to read more of Rebecca Ross's work.
There’s just something about this series that I can’t help but love. The four main characters are so real in their wants and problems that I became so attached to them. The world itself is the epitome of a fairytale. The Scottish folklore and magic is so immersive and visual I can see the isle and all the parts of the story.
This was such a solid duology. I think two was the perfect amount of books for this story to come to a close. The pacing is so good that i was never bored or uninterested in any of the povs. I really liked what the final conflict ended up being and was a little scared at first but the ending was just what I wanted.
I hope that they all can have nice relaxed lives now and just be happy together.
These will always be books I recommend when someone is looking for a fantasy recommendation. Cannot wait to read what Rebecca Ross writes next!
A Fire Endless was a joy to read, just as good as the first book in the series (A River Enchanted). I'm a big fan of a duology; often trilogies are too spread out and the second book lags. But this pair of books has perfect pacing, enough space to develop a meaningful story, and a satisfying resolution. It's the best kind of fantasy novel, where the world building adds interest and depth, but the stars of the book are the plot and characters. I loved getting to know Sidra, Torin, Adaira, and Jack, and rooted for them through their huge challenges and heartbreaking obstacles.
I recommend this to anyone who loves a really good book, and especially if you enjoy fantasy, even a little. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
#AFireEndless #NetGalley Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel. I encourage you to check this one out!
Absolutely stunning conclusion. While I didn't think there needed to be a sequel, this book did not disappoint. I might even say it could be better than A River Enchanted. Thank you netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A fell in love with A River Enchanted earlier this year. It's a tone shift from my usual reading, and Rebecca Ross's writing is so lyrical and lovely, that I welcome the shift at any opportunity.
A Fire Endless was a very great end to this story. I am so happy that I was able to get an advanced copy of this story and enjoyed the way the story unfolded. It was so lovely to be a part of. The soft vibes of this book were EVERYTHING.
One of my favorite tropes is when spirits/gods are characters in the story, and this fulfilled my need of that. The character development of Torin, I was absolutely living for. Adira and Jack are seriously couple goals. Sidara and Faye are such lovely characters. And Espeth the nan, she needs to be protected at all costs.
I feel like this book is the equivalent to reading by a fireplace, under a blank, with some shortbread and tea. I also recommentd reading it in that scenario.
A Fire Endless is a mystical, lyrical conclusion to this wonderful fantasy duology! I've come to love these characters with my whole heart. Their journeys have been heartwarming, and they've really grown through both of these books.
The world/setting in these books is phenomenal and one that I will remember for a long time. It really makes me feel like I'm living on a Scottish island with them, full of magic and wonder and danger. I loved exploring more of the magic and spirits in this sequel.
One thing to know about this duology is that it's slow, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. It takes its time with the world, characters, and the political plot. It took some time and patience for me to immerse myself in the story, but it was worth it. This duology reads like a fairytale and completely transports you to its world. I will definitely be recommending this in the future!
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 3.5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4
Thank you, Avon & Harper Voyager, for the review copy!
Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, death, poisoning, 2 brief open door scenes
This was the perfect conclusion to an amazing duology! Rebecca Ross is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine, with her captivating storytelling full of magical world building and beautiful prose. All the characters are so well written, but Sidra and Torin are two of my favorites! I love the sweet romances in this book as well. The conclusion was so well done and satisfying! I cannot wait to read more books from this author!
No review until HC meets the demands of Harper Collins Union.
No review until HC meets the demands of Harper Collins Union.
No review until HC meets the demands of Harper Collins Union.
No review until HC meets the demands of Harper Collins Union.
A Fire Endless was a beautiful end to this duology. I have these books to thank for making Rebecca Ross my favorite author discovered in 2022.
The mythology we learned in A River Enchanted was expounded upon and the stakes were raised. It was so exciting to see how our two main couples handled the conflict.
The reunion between Adaira and Jack was so beautiful I was moved to tears, but Sidra and Torin’s journey has been my favorite. I love these characters like old, dear friends, and I’m sad to be finished with their tales. If Rebecca Ross ever wants to write in this universe again, I’d be more than ready.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC!
Do you ever just hold a book to your chest when you are done reading? Because you're not ready to let go? This was that book.
Rebecca Ross' writing style is just so inviting and warm. It is beautiful and slowly draws you in, and doesn't let go. I loved this duology so much. I just honestly don't even know where to start this review.
The story was beautiful, complex, hopeful, and fulfilling. And everyone should pick these up!
Two warring clans, struggling to come together to save their islands. King Bane, determined to destroy everything.
Can the clans earn each other trust in time to save themselves? Can Jack and Adaira make it out unscathed? Guess you'll have to go find out!
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book!
Lush and enchanting, A Fire Endless is a wonderful conclusion to the Elements of Cadence duology.
The prose was beautiful and compulsively readable. Even though it's been several months since I read A River Enchanted, I immediately fell into the story and didn't want to put it down. I absolutely love the setting of Cadence, the way the environment and its relationship with its inhabitants is depicted is so lovely and magical. Ross' depiction of the fae and their elemental nature is one of my favorite takes on them it just led to such a cozy atmosphere. This book is truly the perfect read to curl up by a fire on a gloomy day with.
The characters were also just as beautifully written in this installment as they were in the first. I loved Jack and Adaira but I also LOVED Torin and Sidra. I really enjoyed these couples facing their problems together and the vulnerability they found with one another in this series. I love that Ross not only decided to follow a newly developing romance but also chose to portray a well established marriage that's faced its ups and downs. It's not a typical love story depicted in fiction, but it was so refreshing to see. I was so attached to these characters and I was constantly rooting for them to find their happiness.
I do feel like the music itself took less of the spotlight in this installment, as there were several other plotlines it had to juggle with, but I still thought those parts were lovely. The way Jack interacts with music and the parallels he draws from music to life experiences was moving.
I feel like I keep reaching for the word "lovely" to describe this book, but it truly embodies just that! This series was my first experience with Rebecca Ross, and now I can't wait to go and read her backlist. I highly recommend!
Thank you for the ARC Netgalley!
After reading A River Enchanted last month, I was curious where this story was going to go. Ross created a world that was so mysterious and dangerous, characters who were layered and complex. This follow up is no different. Ross has a way of writing that is full of intrigue and sucks you into her magical world. I’d recommend this book for anyone who enjoys mystery, tension, magic and beautiful world building.
“A Fire Endless” moves at a faster clip than the first half of this duology, “A River Enchanted”, but it both gains and loses some things in the transition between the two books.
What “A Fire Endless” lacks that “A River Enchanted” was filled with was ample lyrical prose, bringing the world of Cadence to life around you with brilliant world-building and character development. There was a certain prosaic and even bucolic feel to “A River Enchanted” that “A Fire Endless” simply doesn’t have time for, nor does the book carry the same tenor that would allow for that, and it caused me to long for that pastoral feel the first book had, but I knew this book had other matters to concern itself with.
What “A Fire Endless” gained that was lacking in “A River Enchanted”, beyond the expected deep look into the lands of the West, is a deep dive into the character development of both Sidra and Torin, as well as a long and serious look into the cultural and spiritual history of the isle of Cadence as a whole. Most surprising was the truly revelatory character development arc of Torin, which not only leads to some of the most evocative imagery in the book but also some of the most poignant scenes.
As is usual for the second half of a duology, the action and plot do move a bit faster, much like when you have reached the crest of a trail and need to start the way back down to the bottom. You always end up moving just a bit quicker. That doesn’t make this book any less satisfying. The two books, when read back to back, make quite the cozy, fantastical, satisfying read… even if it means reading almost 1,000 words in the process. I don’t feel any of it is time wasted. Rebecca Ross is one of the best fantasy writers working today.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for granting me access to this title in exchange for a fair and honest review.
File Under: Coming of Age/Fairy Tale & Folklore/Fantasy Romance/Steamy Romance
Loved this continuation of the characters and world Ross built in A River Enchanted.
The world-building in Cadence has a gorgeous Scottish feeling atmosphere. Rolling hills, misty woods and a touch of magic.
This story picks back up with Adaira and Jack separated by the clan line. I loved the inclusion of Breccan culture in this book. As the story unfolds, we gain a full understanding of what pushed the clans apart. I thought it all came together so seamlessly.
And as much as I like Adaira & Jack so much...I'm all about Torin & Sidra! Love their character development! Such great romance. (Sigh.)
A Fire Endless was one of my most looked forward to sequels of the year and it did not dissapoint me, it even exceeded my expectations. Rebecca Ross has absolutely done it again with her amazing storytelling and wordbuilding in the beautiful world of Cadence. Between the East and West, the continued conflict not a moment of this story is boring nor drawn on too much.
We still have the same characters as in the last book with the addition of some newer ones that we learn more about and the character development especially for Adaira finding her place within her newfound family and Jack having to be without her. And oh my god Sidra and Torrin ( I love them so much ). We also got to learn more about the spirits and their world and it was written so beautifuly.
Overall I'm super satisifed with the way this story ended. I would't have it any other way
Thank you to Netgally and Harper Voyager for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Welcome back to the lush, whimsical world of Cadence, where folklore and magic reign. As usual, Rebecca Ross didn't disappoint. She crafted an enchanting, beautiful story full of heart. At its core, this duology is about love and embracing yourself for everything you are and embracing your loved ones for all their flaws. This story is about honor and learning to overcome pride and tradition in order to create a better future.
This book blew me away. I wasn’t sure what to expect after the end of A River Enchanted. There was so much we didn’t know about the West. Let me tell you, Rebecca Ross chose the perfect direction for this story. Each character went on their own journey and grew tremendously before coming back together at the end. I loved learning about the different spirits of the Isle. It was fun comparing the spirits from the West to the ones in the East. I could read about the Isle of Cadence forever, honestly.
If you’re a fan of whimsical, cozy fantasy stories with romance, then this duology is perfect for you. This world and these characters will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
“A River Enchanted” was one of my sleeper hits from this year (there’s a great audiobook) and I was SO EXCITED for this sequel. Guys… it’s even better than the first one. This is one of my favorite romances, ever. The story between Adaira and Jack is at the center, but my heart was completely stolen by Torin and Sidra. Because Torin is the Cassian/Emmett/general-with-a-big-heart grumpy man. The way that he and Sidra evolve independently and with each other had me screaming, crying, and highlighting entire pages.
The mythology and fantasy elements in this duology is SO. DAMN. GOOD. It has incredible Celtic bases and has fairies and elemental spirits as the core of its magical world. I love seeing more representations of Celtic mythology, especially the river, wind, and fire spirits. It’s incredibly well done, in almost a magical realism style, and we even get some glimpses of faerie.
THE PLOT! I was gasping, shaking, screaming. There are some really good twists and almost some Game of Thrones style of castle politics and plotting (even some one-on-one, gladiator style combat). What does this book not have!? I’m seriously just in awe of how utterly captivated I was from start to finish.
Lyrical, elegant, and modern fantasy - you love to see it. I felt like this book really wrapped the Elements of Cadence duology up nicely without feeling like it was a trilogy smashed into a duology. It's impeccably paced without that typical 500+ page drag and really lets us sink into the world. We get to see more of the spirits, the Breccans, and just EVERYONE. I feel like in the last book, we didn't have as great of an understanding of the characters so they couldn't really get into the deep dark stuff, but man.... here it is amazing. Also there's some steam for y'all who like a fantasy romance, and a glorious ending that made me squeal. Fabulous job, Rebecca Ross.
*Thank you to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*