4.5 stars rounded down to 4

Thank you to @netgalley and @harpervoyagerus for access to this ARC. This book publishes on December 6th!

What an absolutely lovely sequel and wrap-up to the Elements of Cadence duology. I’m pleased to report that I enjoyed this one even more than A River Enchanted.

It had a lot more excitement from each character’s storyline. And the characters were fleshed out in this book, which made me love them even more than I did previously. Especially Jack and Adaira, who are the main characters, but I felt got outshined by Torrin and Sidra in book one. While I still loved Torrin and Sidra in this, Jack and Adaira’s story really leveled up. And their romance felt much stronger and believable.

Although this type of story isn’t really a “quick” read, I was captivated by the plot and each character’s POV. Especially the twist about the spirit realm king, Bane, which was one of my favorite parts.

If you loved A River Enchanted, get your hands on this sequel immediately. You won’t be disappointed!

So much happened in this book! I am amazed that the author fit everything in so neatly without feeling contrived. I found myself gravitating more towards Torbin and Sidra's story than Jack and Audra's this time. The full cast of characters are lively, even though a few side characters do seem one-dimensional. An excellent conclusion to one of my favorite books from 2021!

A Fire Endless is the sequel to the Elements of Cadence series by Rebecca Ross.  It pretty much picks up where A River Enchanted left off. 

I adore side characters Sidra and Torin, they have such a beautiful story arc. All of the characters are in a race against time that moves the plot along swiftly. We see a lot more of the spirit world and it felt so magical.  The Spirits had to be my favorite part of this book.  I also really liked learning more about how music is entwined with the world. I would have liked an ending reunion scene with some of the characters. Fighting arena tropes are not my favorite, it felt out of place for this book and also a little YA. Bane was such an excellent bad guy. I'm a little sad this series is over but all my questions are answered and the conclusion was satisfying.

Thank you to Harper Voyager, NetGalley and Rebecca Ross for the ARC of A Fire Endless. A Fire Endless is available on December 6th!

This book was incredible. I’m not much of a fantasy reader, but I was interested in this series. The first book was good, but wasn’t my favorite. It was a lot of world building, getting to know the characters and a hint of mystery. A Fire Endless was so much more. The character development in this story was great, especially Jack and Torin’s. We got to know Sidra and Adaira even more. There was a bit more romance in this one than the first book. I was absolutely hooked, and the last portion of the book made me feel so many emotions. A River Enchanted raised a lot of questions that were answered in A Fire Endless. This is such a great read and I highly recommend if you like fantasy!

A Fire Endless picks up where A River Enchanted left off. Can two clans, The Tamerlaines of the East and the Breccans of The West, put aside their differences and come together to save the Isle of Cadence? The odds aren’t in their favor, as King Bane of the Northern Wind is hell bent on destroying the isle as a power play. Jack was once able to play his music to speak to the spirits and solve the issues in the East, but his music has caught Bane’s attention and he seeks to punish Jack. His punishment will destroy everything and everyone else in the process.

#afireendless #netgalley #bookreview #bookrecommendation #fantasybook

Have you ever read a sequel that retroactively made you love its predecessor even more, to the point that you actually go back and change your original rating? I originally loved A River Enchanted but had a few issues with it. But upon reading A Fire Endless, all of those issues have evaporated. I think this might be the closest thing to a perfect duology I’ve ever consumed. The balance hear is exquisite, the writing became more and more lyrically beautiful as the story progressed, and there’s just something to be said for a tale of hope and healing; those are woefully infrequent, and I was thrilled to find such a story within the pages of the Elements of Cadence duology.

A Fire Endless picks up right where A River Enchanted left off. As this is the case and I don’t want to potentially spoil the first book, I’m not going to discuss any specifics of the plot. I will say instead that there was instant tension here on multiple fronts, as we pick up fro the climax of the first half of the story. I love how seamlessly Ross wove her story in these two books; they do truly feel like two halves of one longer story that couldn’t quite fit itself into one bound volume. Even considering the aforementioned tension, and the increasingly high stakes, there’s something wonderfully cozy and wholesome about the world Ross crafted within the isle of Cadence. It might be broken, but the potential it carries shines incredibly brightly.

The characters who grew on me so slowly in A River Enchanted had my whole heart in A Fire Endless. Jack and Adaira, Torin and Sidra, Mirin and Frae and others we are introduced to in this second installment, are all wonderful, imperfect characters who I loved rooting for. Our story fractured into various plot-lines here, but I was equally invested in all of them. I love when a story with shifting points of view can accomplish this level of readerly investment across the board, where there’s no temptation to skin through one point of view so the reader can get back to the perspective that interests them most.

Just like the characters have grown on me, so have their relationships. There are multiple relationships here, but the two that are most core to the story are that of Jack and Adaira, and that of Torin and Sidra. Both are beautifully handled, and the growth of both couples from the beginning of the first book through this one is breathtaking. Scenes between the couples are a little less fade-to-black than they were in A River Enchanted, but they’re still very tasteful and far from graphic. These are not spicy romances, but they’re beautifully heartfelt one. The bedroom scenes here are less about the mechanics and more about the emotions involved.

Speaking of romance, I feel like that word truly encapsulates the entirety of the duology. Not just in terms of the relationships themselves, but regarding the setting, and the magic, and the writing itself. The tone of the narrative is intensely romantic. Reading this made my heart hurt, but in the best way possible. Something about the loveliness of Ross’s craftsmanship and creativity made me yearn.

The focus of this entire story is one of healing. Whether that is the healing of an individual’s physical body, the healing of romantic or familial relationships, the healing of the earth or the healing of a nation, every quest embarked upon is done with healing as treasure to be attained. I love how we see this in such a variety of ways in both the physical realm and the spiritual realm. And I still love so much how one of the ways healing comes here is through music. That resonates with me so strongly. There were certain scenes toward the end that made my heart ache, but in such a cathartic way. Ross wrapped up the story beautifully; there’s nothing I would change.

A Fire Endless is an exquisitely lovely end to the Elements of Cadence duology. Ross’s writing is gorgeous, lyrically so, and I can’t wait to read more from her. If you’re looking for a lush, Celtic-inspired fantasy with elemental magic, heartfelt romance, an emphasis on music and a perfect balance struck between high stakes and a cozy setting, I can’t recommend this duology fervently enough. This is a story that I can’t wait to have on my physical shelves, so I can revisit it again and again. If I could actually visit, or even live in, any fantasy world, I think it just might be Cadence.

This book did not disappoint. Once I finished the first book, I was excited and nervous at the same time for the sequel - y'all know that sometimes that sequel just isn't the same. BUT, A Fire Endless gave me everything I wanted, plus some.

After book one, we were left with Adaira and Jack separated by clan lines. Going in, I was worried that I would be frustrated that they weren't on the same page together for the majority of the book, but honestly, it just flows with the story so well that it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. You get a lot more of Torin and Sidra in this book, and I was here for it. Their story is just as captivating to me as Adairas and Jacks.

Ross does an amazing job of capturing these four characters and how they are all interconnected; while at the same time, she allows us to follow their own personal (heartbreaking at times) journeys. Seriously, I went through so many emotions while reading this book, but oh so worth it. Ultimately, Ross weaves all of these stories into a hauntingly, beautiful conclusion that does the duology justice!

If you liked A River Enchanted, you are going to enjoy A Fire Endless. The characters, the poetic/lyrical narrative style, and the magical beauty of Cadence are just as breathtaking in this second book. This duology will definitely be a series I re-read over and over.

4.5 stars

A Fire Endless is a fantastic conclusion to A River Enchanted. It had everything that I hoped it would and more. We got to learn more about the spirits, their hierarchies and limitations. We also got to explore the west and people that live there. The brutal nature of the Breccans vs the softness of the Tamerlaines is well explained and show cased as Adaria adjusts to her life in the west. It was also amazing to see just how casual (and vicious) magic is used in the west vs the east due to the lack of costs. Jack does not get as much development here as he had a lot in A River Enchanted, but his story arc and exploration of family is just as well done.

Torin and Sidra! Ugh the way they just make me so emotionallll. I know they are not the main mains, but I absolutely love these two. Torin's character arc, in particular, has been my favorite. I love what Ross has done with his character and his love for Sidra.

However, that is not to say that Adaria and Jack were not absolute gold in A Fire Endless as well. I really felt the connection between these two, more so than I did in A River Enchanted.

I am so in love with Rebecca Ross' writing after experiencing the Elements of Cadence duology. I look forward to reading more works done by Ross. Thank you so much Netgalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Can two warring clans, the Tamerlaines of the East, and Breccan's of the West, come together to save the Isle of Cadence? Odds didn't look good, especially when King Bane is hell bent on destroying all as an ego power play.

In the second (and I believe final) installment to this series, Jack's music has helped Cadence in the past, but his abilities to speak to the spirits through that music has caught King Bane's attention, and he seeks to punish Jack. But his punishment may destroy everyone else in the process. This book explores how citizens on both sides fight against the blight King Bane created.

The biggest problem these two clans have is they don't trust one another. But several key Tamelaines take a risk crossing the clan line to get answers to stop the blight. At the center is Jack and his wife, Adaira. I loved this couple, who are quick to understand the forces against them and find ways to work around those forces.

The other couple that had a large role in stopping the blight is Sidra and Torin. I was surprised how both quickly put aside clan differences to help the greater good.

Overall, this duet was complex but at the same time, not hard to follow. It was also a fresh theme for me in the fantasy genre, which I can appreciate. The author did a good job of tying up loose ends from book one and delivering an ending that the people of Cadence deserved.

I enjoyed this one just as much as the first one. A great series/duology. I would definitely recommend!

Oh my heart. This book did a number to me for all the best reasons.

Short Synopsis: (spoilers from book one below.)
A Fire Endless is the much anticipated sequel to A River Enchanted. I’ve read A River Enchanted twice now and fully believe it’s one of the most beautiful books ever. And A Fire Endless is the perfect conclusion. This one takes place shortly after the events of book one. Adaira is in the west. Jack is heartbroken. Torin and Sidra are trying to figure out their new leadership rules. So much happens but I can’t say more without giving it away.

My Thoughts:
It was utterly beautiful. I was heartbroken. I was sick. I was smiling. I felt whole. I had the whole range of emotions reading this one and I just loved it so much. If you’re a fantasy reader (or even if you’re not), I strongly suggest picking up this duology. I have a new goal of reading Rebecca Ross’s backlist now.

Read if you:
🔥 Have Read A River Enchanted
🔥 Love a book about magic
🔥 Enjoy fantasy
🔥 Want a truly unique book
🔥 Want your heart torn out and mended back together

What a beautiful conclusion to the series! This is the ultimate cozy fall/winter duology and it just has such a magical atmosphere. While it does have sort of an overall slow feel, I flew through this one and was excited to keep reading. There were a lot of sweet moments as well as exciting ones - the culling scenes especially had me on the edge of my seat.

I didn’t love Adaira’s POV at first because the Breccans were pretty infuriating, but Rebecca developed the plot and characters so well. I will also say that although there were several POVs, she made the switch between them feel effortless and easy to follow.

While I like Jack and Adaira together, I think we all know that Torin and Sidra are the superior couple. Torin’s storyline was one of my favorites and I loved the interaction with the spirits. I also loved the family aspect, Jack and his family especially warmed my heart (although I would have loved to see it expanded more at the end). Overall another amazing book by Rebecca!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a great book, it picked up exactly where I wanted the story too and this cosy fantasy was so lovely. The prose was perfection and the story still felt epic. I love the magic system and basically it’s perfection!

“I love you, more than these humble words and this everlasting ink can say. I love you”

A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross is the wholesome sequel to A River Enchanted that continues almost right where the first book left off. Except, this time with new mysteries to unfold, and an even darker storm looming on the horizon. With Jack and Adaira - or should I say Cora - on opposite sides of the isle wall, both have to learn to live with their new realities: Jack without Adaira, and Adaira as part of her brutal new clan. All the while, sickness spreads across the East with no cure in sight.

My head is reeling! Though it took me a bit to get into this book, once I did I could not put it down! Once again Rebecca Ross has completely enchanted me with her writing and characters, each with their unique storylines than fit together like a perfect puzzle. I had so much fun reading this, trying to figure out the riddles and piece together the puzzle before the characters unraveled it before my eyes.

This is a beautiful ending to the Elements of Cadence duology!

Another triumph for Rebecca Ross. I savored this story every time I picked it up. Lyrical and powerful, this duology will remain in my top five favorite series of all time.

ALL ABOARD the HYPE TRAIN because the highly anticipated follow up to A River Enchanted is here and it delivers! It's everything I love in this genre and it feels like such a cozy, well loved friend. The setting and atmosphere were just as fabulous as book one and the characters were somehow even more dynamic. I am still shook at how heartbreaking yet heartwarming this book was all at once. Get those preorders in friends because you will not want to miss this stunning second book!

I picked up the first book in this duology a few weeks ago, since I've read Ross's previous YA duology way back when and enjoyed it. Ross is very good at atmospheric settings, lovely romances, and a sort of nostalgic, "cozy"-style fantasy. I read the first book in this duology pretty much entirely in one day and was annoyed at the cliff-hanger at the end, so thanks to NetGalley/Harper Voyager for not making me wait until December to find out how it ended, ha.

A Fire Endless picks up where A River Enchanted left off: Adaira is in the west, trying to come to terms with her identity as the lost daughter of the laird of a clan she's been raised to view as her enemy. Her husband, Jack, is trying to come to terms with being left behind, while Torin is adjusting to his new, unexpected role as laird in the east. The sequel continues the themes in the first book of demonizing others, being open-minded, learning from the past, forgiveness and justice, and seeking peace over violence--that last theme being more emphasized in this book as Adaira is confronted with the "rougher" practices of the Breccans.

This is one of those books that, to me, has just the right amount of tension where I fly through it but it's not stressful. The romance is very sweet. The world-building is not so expansive that I can't tell what's going on but still has enough depth to make it interesting. Is this a great work of literature? No, but if you just want something cozy and light, it's perfect. (Caveat: my idea of "light" is not most people's idea of light. So this might be...well, it's definitely not heavy, but might perhaps be medium to someone who reads fewer sad, heavy books than I do, lol.). I also really enjoyed the intersection of the "lore" of the fantasy world with the mortal characters: it does very much feel like a contemporary retelling of a weird Scottish folktale.

While the dialogue is much improved from Ross's YA duology, I do think it's still a little bit stilted and over formal (it's OK, Ross, you can use contractions, I promise it won't kill you!). The characters could also be a more developed, although I do think the sort of "flatness" some of them have actually lends to the folktale-style of the novel. The plot is somewhat predictable, but again, I don't think that's necessarily a flaw, just a part of the overall style. But those are my main critiques. Otherwise, this was a pleasant, quick read, and I'll probably continue keeping an eye on Ross's future work!

C.W.: blood, disease, pregnancy, mild to moderately graphic violence, mild to moderate sexual content, parent death, child death

A Fire Endless is the sequel to Rebecca Ross' A River Enchanted. This book follows Jack and Adaira as they navigate separation and a new crisis that is plaguing their island home.

When I first read A River Enchanted, I fell in love with Rebecca's writing, the characters, and this world she created. I rarely give the first book of a series 5 stars, but for that book I did. So I was so excited and had such high hopes when I received this ARC. I'm so happy to say that this lived up to my expectations and is one of my top series.

What I loved:

- The continued atmosphere. The author continues to do a great job at depicting this setting, atmosphere, and the nature that the story strives for.
- The characters. I loved Adaira, Jack, Torin and Sidra in the first book, so I was so ready to return to their world and spend more time with them. The characters remained consistent from the first book and went through even more growth. I think my favorite was Torin because this book seemed to challenge him quite a bit and further develop his relationship with Sidra.
- That fight scene with Jack. Oh man! The tension I was experiencing was so real!
- The overall plot. There were so many events and directions this book took that I loved.

What I would have adjusted:

- I wanted a scene at the end with Jack and with his mom/sister
- I would have liked to see the villains a little further developed

Overall I loved this book. It was a great conclusion to the duology and I will highly recommend it to all! It was a definite 5 stars for me!

I am a big mystery/thriller reader so when a fantasy title catches my eye, it's a good sign. I was first introduced to Rebecca Ross when her book A River Enchanted was selected as a February 2022 Book of the Month title and I loved it. I was excited to receive an ARC of the second book in this incredible duology, A Fire Endless. The author deftly crafts the island of Cadence and builds a world that is captivating, mysterious, and enchanting. The writing is beautiful, inviting the reader to cozy up under a blanket with this incredible tale. A Fire Endless wraps up all the storylines of the island of Cadence in a lovely and satisfying way. This is the perfect fall or winter read so definitely look for this one from your favorite bookseller on December 6, 2022. Thank you to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the ARC.

Like any good sequel this one is much faster paced than A River Enchanted because the world has already been built. We step right back into the story about a month after the end of A River Enchanted and if it's been a while it might take you a couple chapters to get back into the world and remember all the events of book 1 like I did, but once you do you can't put it down! There are some twists and turns I didn't see coming and I almost threw my kindle at the wall at one point towards the end, but Rebecca came to my rescue and saved my poor kindle from that cruel fate lol. Highly recommended if you read A River Enchanted and iff you haven't you should go read that one and then pick up this one next!

This book blew me away! I loved A Fire Endless just as much as A River Enchanted and after finishing this duology I'm booking my one ticket to Cadence!

This book sucked me in from the first page, There is so much I want to say about what I loved about this book, so much that I'm having trouble putting it into words without spoiling anything so... This book was the perfect ending to this duology and I"m sad there will be no more Cadence. But the good news is now that I have both books I can go and read them back to back and get sucked into their world all over again.