Tears of War

Dragon’s Call, Book #2

By A.D. Trosper

ISBN # 0615883249

Author’s Website:http://adtrosper.wordpress.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro

*Possible spoilers*

Synopsis:

“Old things come again and new things surface.”

Faced with a looming war, the riders have no choice but to leave the safety of Galdrilene and reach out to the nations for help. But the Shadow Riders are doing the same and not all nations are opposed to their rule.

New discoveries are made, old wounds are reopened and betrayal hides among welcoming smiles.

As one nation begins to unravel it’s clear that some choices, even those made with the best of intentions, can have devastating consequences.

Review:

After reading Embers at Galdrilene, I was left very satisfied with the story; It was refreshing and creatively written, my favorite dragon themed book of the year, and by the time I reached the ending I was anxious to know what new adventures Tears of War would bring to the Dragon’s Calling trilogy. Once more, author A.D. Trosper did not fail to deliver her fans with another amazing story enriched with magic and colorful dragons.

At the end of Embers at Galdrilene, riders Maleena and Taela were safely rescued from the Shadow Riders in the Kormai after going through a dangerous battle that left casualties on both sides. This time around in Tears of War, we are introduced to new characters, more dragons, and are taken inside intricate cities that serve as new battle fields for the riders.

This book’s main focus is a full introduction of lands previously mentioned, allies and enemies of the world outside of Galdrilene. The riders head off in groups to try to convince the people that not all of the dragons and magic are evil. There are new surprises for Silver Rider Maleena and her bondmate Mckale as they encounter the Ke’han, creatures used to create the deadly Kojen. Blue Rider Kellinar finds himself with more than he can handle, while his protégé Loki is struggling with the title of The Youngest Rider in the History of Galdrilene. Meanwhile at the Kormai, Sadira is conjuring evil plans of her own in revenge against her, now mage, sister Kalina, having the Shadow Riders burn down everything on their way.

I must say that I really enjoyed reading this book, and I especially loved the details of the book cover! If you look closely, you can see several of the colored dragons. Characters that appeared in the first book but had little screen time, now had time to be developed thoroughly, like Kovan, one of the Shadow Riders, from whom we learn of his tragically childhood. As he became a more prominent character, he definitely turned into one of my favorites, but I’ll have to wait to read what author A.D. Trosper has planned out for him in the next book.

On the other side we have new Guardians and mages that we eventually get used to, as the story progresses; but a happy ending was never mentioned and later in the story is where the title is emphasised and we get to know the meaning behind Tears of War. One new Yellow Rider is Anevay a mage raised in Galdrilene that hears the call of her dragon at the beginning of the book and becomes a great ally to the already established, Guardians. She transforms into a very interesting character that adds herself into my favorites along with Serena, of whom I still have great expectations from and I hope the author has something good for her, too.

There were a few plot twist that I did not see coming; yet, if they were necessary for the story to go on, then it was a good choice from the author. The book has a great, smoky battle scene towards the end that keeps you reading to find out how it will end and who won’t end well; we are able to know more of the characters’ background; and the ending events leave the reader curious enough to wonder what will happen in the final book, Ashes and Spirits.

I definitely recommend this book to those who love fantasy, magic and dragons. The first book was amazing, I’m sure just like the author wanted her story to be, and Tears of War is a good sequel, too. I will have to read the next one as soon it comes out to find out about the new addition to the family of Guardians 😉 and how the Shadow Riders will end.