4 out of 4 stars
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Flash Point is the second book in Ronelle Antoinette’s Elemental Trials series. This book continues with the story of Jex and Enari and their life in Egalion.
After spending so much time apart over the past year, Jex and Enari are delighted to be together again. Not all is smooth sailing, however, as they come up against indescribable evil and betrayal.
Traveling to Rowan with Jex, her father, and his partner Vasi, Enari finds life very different in the city than what she is used to. Even though it gives her the chance to be close to Jex, her aunt, and cousins, she finds herself at the mercy of an evil being dwelling in the city.
Burdened with a secret, Enari is not sure of Jex’s reaction and keeps it from him until it’s almost too late. Will it tear their relationship apart or is their love strong enough to overcome all obstacles?
Beautifully written in third person, the author has a brilliant way with words and the story effortlessly flows off the page. It takes real talent to come up with, not only a fantasy land, but new cultures, languages, and rituals as well, while still keeping it believable. I often find myself lost in a myriad of complicated names and places in fantasy fiction, but it was never the case here.
The main characters of Jex and Enari are both three dimensional and realistic. Enari is strong-minded and resourceful but also shies away from too much attention. However, if someone who she cares about is threatened, she immediately comes to their defense, with little thought for her own safety. Jex is pulled in so many directions from the demands on his time that he is stretched to the limit. When tragedy strikes, it’s all the more believable that he copes the only way he knows how, with his stubborn, unreasonable streak coming through. The love which the two of them have for each other lights up the page and is a joy to read.
The secondary characters are portrayed realistically and with varied personalities. One which I thought was especially well written was that of Sarene. Enari’s cousin, she is a conniving, spiteful woman who is jealous of Enari and will stop at nothing to achieve the power which she believes she deserves.
I was wary about reading the second book in the series having not started with the first, especially as other readers recommended against it. However, I’m so glad that I did. Although there are references to the first book, and it would have helped my understanding of the characters and politics, I would have missed out on this jewel of a book. After some initial confusion at the start, I was able to follow the story easily. It ends on a cliff-hanger and it left me eager to read the next installment.
Professionally edited, I found no writing errors in the entire book. I rate it a well-deserved 4 out of 4 stars. It has love, heartbreak, murder and otherworldly evil. I laughed, I cried, and I was completely unable to put it down. This is definitely a book for fantasy fiction fans who like a bit of romance. While it would be best to start with the first in the series, this book is easily followed in its own right. I, personally, cannot wait for book three.
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Flash Point (Elemental Trials, Book 2)
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