Hello
happy readers. I am working my way back
up to being caught up in reading and real life.
I’m still a bit behind but I’m getting much closer and wanted to dive
back in. Though for the current time I
think I will adjust my posting schedule leaving off Friday posts until I’m
caught back up. If you’re wondering
still in the chaos of trying to purchase said house but it’s out of my hands
for the moment. So back into the real
reason we do this, books!
Today
I wanted to discuss Concealed, the second book in the Beholder series by
Christina Bauer. I reviewed the first
book Cursed here. She is also the author of another series I adore Angelbound,
but now her books have a new home at Monster House Books. I’m excited for the new Angelbound book as
well but right now I want to discuss my thoughts on Concealed. I was lucky enough to get an ARC from the
publisher/author. You know the drill:
sequel = spoilers from book one.
Rating: 5 Totem Rings
Elea,
Grand Mistress Necromancer, and her Caster ally Rowan banished the Tsar in the
last book but the Vicomte was able to escape and take many of her necromancer
sisters with him. Now Elea is on a quest
to find her sisters and put an end to this evil man, who may be even more
vicious and dangerous than the Tsar.
It’s a rescue mission that could turn deadly easily and while she may
have Rowan’s help that may cause its own set of dangers as they are
opposites. Plus it’s always dangerous to
have your heart on the line.
First
I read this in one sitting. I flew
through it and couldn’t put it down.
It’s so easy to fall back into the story and into the magic of it
all. Things are not looking good. Elea is confident in her strength but not so
much in her feelings, after being trained to never show emotion and to stem all
her feelings, a lesson he was never good with, after becoming close to Rowan in
the last book it’s hard to block him out.
Especially when he keeps popping up to offer his help. On her own Elea is a force to be reckoned with
and I adore her dedication to finding her sisters no matter the cost. It’s not just about saving her people, her
race, but also finding her friend and little Ada which only warms you up to her
that much more! She isn’t cold and
heartless, she actually has a much bigger heart than most.
Rowan. Okay so I was totally in love with him in the
first book. I adore him in this as well,
minus the secrets for his people, while I understand but don’t like. He is the same sexy and sweet Castor we got
to know in the first book. He wants to
protect Elea and tries to convince her to go home but he also respects that she
isn’t the type to sit on the side lines and instead offers her whatever help he
can. He treats her as an equal which is
a huge positive! Plus the interaction
between them is electric!
We
also get to know a couple new characters, Amelia and Philippe. I enjoyed getting to know these different
characters as they brought a sense of levity to some rather darker type of
mood. This is especially true of Philippe. He was rather charming in his own way, such a
scandalous flirt in a very outrageous and fun way only some can pull off. Amelia on the other hand brings a different level
to the story with her upbringing and with her skill in mechanics. She isn’t just about magic but machines and
the way the two types can combine is rather inventive.
The
story really keeps you going and guessing from page one until the end. I have lots of questions and some serious
need to hear more after some revelations that we uncovered. Seriously I am so not okay with certain
things they made my eyes get all watery and I need them fixed ASAP! Plus there is a whole new kind of magic
happening that is just aching to be explored further and I can’t wait to see
how it plays into the next story. I
already have the next book three Cherished on pre-order! So I highly recommend getting caught up in
this story that is fast paced and filled to the brim with all the good things
you want in a story from interesting and unique characters and plot to magic
battles, romance, and world building including a masked ball! Yes I love masked balls!
Until
next time…
Rating: 5 Stars