War once again looms across the realm.  And once again, a desperate Ælven Council is relying on the newly handfasted lovers – Eliani and Turisan – as well as their rare gift of mindspeech across distances.  Eliani speeds towards Fireshore to discover why they have not answered the Council's call to war, and Turisan prepares for battle in Glenhallow.  Both are prepared to do their duty to save the kingdom.  But no measure of readiness will ever prepare them for a life without the other.  And unfortunately, the mortal risks posed to both while on their treacherous paths are all too real.  
 
The BLOOD OF THE KINDRED series reigns supreme as one of the freshest, most original, and suspenseful recreations of elven and vampiric fiction.  HEART OF THE EXILED, the second installment of the series, proudly fills its predecessors' rather large footsteps.  And I can say this unequivocally because I was compelled to seek out the first book, THE BETRAYAL, and was more than pleased at the stunning quality of writing.  
 
A stand-alone novel in its own right, HEART OF THE EXILED introduced me to a world that I absolutely could not get enough of.  The point of views from Eliani and Turisan not only lures the reader into a world on the brink of chaos, but their emotional synchronicity amplifies the whole story's fluidity, setting the stage for a wildly dramatic ride into the Ælven world.  That Eliani and Turisan are only recently handfasted and immediately thrust into a poignant separation is nicely offset by their understanding and acceptance of why they can't be together.  That they can communicate across vast distances, emotionally comforting one another and simultaneously torturing each other with the reminder that they are leagues apart, wreaks havoc on the reader's psyche.  And likewise, the emotional investment is only heightened by the supporting cast of characters; although, as far as I'm concerned, every character is primary to the story, for they all lend an air of credibility to the action, punch the story forward, and tweak the readers' heartstrings as if on command.  
 
What I loved most about Ms. Nagle's world is that unlike most elven literature, the Ælven are far from perfect.  They make mistakes, are forced to make decisions based on deficient information, and have to accept the consequences of their actions with no one to blame but themselves when things go awry.  They even second-guess themselves.  And for immortal beings, can you imagine how unbearably heavy the tiniest regret can become through the ages?  I loved the parity of the Ælven world, where male and female fight alongside one another – equals in every way.  I loved the blasé attitude toward those who partook of the more fleshly delights.  But I was especially drawn to the passionate intensity between couples who openly committed themselves to one another.  On the more dynamic side, I found myself holding my breath during the battle scenes; the unfolding action was that consuming.
 
Ms. Nagle has a great talent for writing, as evident in the effortless flow of her prose.  While I was reading, I was all too cognizant that I was forcing myself to slow down, to better savor every perfectly chosen, heart-rending word.  What an amazing feeling for a reader who absolutely loves what they are reading.
 
Without question, readers will be delighted in this treasure trove of fast-moving action, riveting intrigue, and surprisingly tender romance.  HEART OF THE EXILED is an enthusiastic 5 Blue Ribbons!

By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Chris Click here to Buy this Book Now!   Romance Junkies Content Editor: Dorine Romance Junkies Publishing Editor: Chrissy   Top of Page