REVIEW: Noble Dead, Series 2 by Barb & JC Hendee

Years ago I discovered the Noble Dead series by Barb & J.C. Hendee.  Once I got into those, I devoured the six book, loving the mix of Lord of the Rings meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  While that adventure came to an end, In Shade and Shadow marks the beginning of a spin-off series with Wynn, the young sage from the previous books.  Having left Magiere and Leesil, she's returned home with text written by ancient vampires; however, these and her personal are whisked away by the elders and Wynn's tales are dismissed as nothing but delusional fantasies.

The texts are far from dismissed as the elders have been sending them out in secret to be copied.  However, a dark force begins to wreak havoc on Sagecraft with the desire to claim these scrolls for itself.  Wynn becomes convinces that the Nobel Dead are responsible for the killings and embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the truth while also finding a few unexpected allies along the way.

I loved this tale and can't wait to finish out the trilogy.  Wynn is a loveable character and her progression throughout the series is fascinating.  Chane is another complicated character since caring about Wynn is in conflict with his vampire nature.  I look forward to the development of this relationship and what might be in store.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Wynn's journey, along with Shade, Chane continues as she tries to learn more from the ancient texts discovered in a castle in the Farlands. She overhears one whispered dwarven word that suggested the "Stonewalkers" may be involved. So she journeys to the mountain stronghold of the dwarves in search of this unknown sect. During her question, Wynn discovers even more puzzles as well as learning that a deadly foe isn't as vanquished as they all wished to believe.

This second book was quite stellar. I rather liked the introduction of the dwarves and the expanded world building of their culture. Great character development and pacing to further arc in Wynn's quest to discover the locations of the ancient orbs.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The final book of this Noble Dead cycle. Wynn, Chane, Shade and one wayward stonewalker set out on yet another journey to another dwarven stronghold few have ever heard of to discover the hiding place of an ancient orb.

Whatever caused Bäalâle Seatt to fall to the enemy, Wynn knows that one mythical figure was somehow involved: the infamous Lord of Slaughter. The taxing journey holds the answers to more questions but proves to be treacherous as more enemies follow them on this quest.

This was a pretty adventurous tale with great villains and some pretty awe-inspiring revelations.  I loved the surprise visitors at the end which help readers get ready for the Series 3.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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