Ragesong: Alliance (Book #4)

Ragesong Alliance (Book #4)

by

J.R. Simmons

Blurb (from goodreads.com):

"The Dread King's apprentice surrounds Klyle's final stronghold as he tries to unite the southern territories. With Brael's forces closing in on the exiled king, the need for an alliance with the Riders of Southern Reach grows stronger. Together with the peace-loving Treespeaker and the wildly beautiful Kishahk of the Stoneriders, Klyle must unite the remaining free territories and prepare for the inevitable invasion. 

Jake, Sam, and their companions discover an ancient warrior with a sure knowledge of the Trichord, their only hope to win the fight against Brael and his Elites. The journey takes them through savage lands with familiar foes as an old enemy stalks them. Will their quest for the legendary artifact end the war? Will they even survive the journey to find it? 

When Brael changes tactics and moves to end an alliance before it can even begin, the war comes to Klyle. Can he find a way to convince the Riders of the danger Brael poses before its too late?"
My Review:

Wow! The action continues in this new book of the Ragesong series. Jake and Sam meet a couple of new characters that will hopefully be able to help them in the fight against Brael. These two new characters are definitely unusual and unique! There's a bit of mystery surrounding them too; are they good or evil? Klyle continues his quest to rally the southern territories, and they may meet up with a few old friends as well. This book did not disappoint--except the cliffhanger ending!! Ahhhh!!! So hopefully there's a fifth book coming soon! I liked learning about the new characters, and I liked that they introduced a few new tricks that Sam and Jake didn't know about in regards to ragesong. It was fun watching Jake and Sam as they improved their skills and continued to learn about their companions, themselves, and each other. This book is definitely action-packed, full of mystery, young love (or young lovers' spats), and character development. I thought it was well written, as were the first three. The character development was done well, and it was easy to read and understand. If you enjoyed the first three in the series you will for sure want to read this one!!

There is no profanity (yay!) or "intimacy," besides maybe a brief kiss. There is some tension between our two young heroes, which is kind of annoying, but doesn't really amount to much. There may also be some jealousy. There is quite a bit of fighting and violence in this book, as well as in the previous books. They are in a war, so there is fighting, and some of it is graphic.

Rating: PG-13 (There isn't any profanity or "intimacy," but there is quite a bit of fighting, and violence, and some of it is quite graphic and descriptive.)

Recommendation: 13 years-old and up (YA approved!)

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Ragesong: Retribution (Book 3)

Ragesong: Retribution (Book 3) by J.R. Simmons

Blurb (from amazon.com):

"While the Dread King advances steadily through the land, a resistance movement led by the exiled king of Kardonin scrambles to turn the tide of war. King Klyle sends Jake, Sam, and their Changeling companions on a quest in an effort to combat Brael and his powerful Elites. Together they journey forth into a new kingdom, searching for information about an ancient artifact of unknown power that just might be the only thing able to stop Brael and his dark forces. Meanwhile, Klyle and two of his most loyal soldiers travel with the mysterious leader of a clan whose people were once his sworn enemies. Klyle faces obstacles and threats as he works to secure an alliance with the Bloodmox riders of Southern Reach, while Jake and Sam find troubles of their own among the rich and powerful Traders. Will they find the fabled treasure of Fermicia? Can Klyle overcome the ghosts of his past and join the riders to his cause? Each second counts as Brael draws nearer to his dark and twisted goal."

My Review:

I was so excited to read this book! I couldn't wait to learn more about Jake and Sam and their adventures! Will they finally defeat Brael? I hate that guy. Anyway, this book did not disappoint! Once again, I got sucked into the story and couldn't put it down. The story line didn't progress a whole lot, but enough that I need to get my hands on the next book. Pronto. One of my favorite parts was with Jake and Sam in Yolieseleth when they participated in the Shilaak Milikum. I loved the descriptions of the laaks and their designs, especially Chet's. I thought that whole part of the book was so fun, and it was great to see how Sam and Jake were able to grow as individuals, and how Jake was able to hone in on his Ragesong. In this book we were able to learn a lot more about Klyle and his past, and I thought it explained a lot; I learned so much about his relationship with Brael and why it turned out the way it did. I wasn't a huge fan of the place Klyle ended up in, and his situation, but hopefully the next book will make that situation a little better. The book is well written, and I like the writing style because it just sucks you right in. The descriptions of the cities and the different creatures are very well done. I have really enjoyed this series. This ending is quite abrupt, and it definitely leaves you hanging, so I'm hoping the next book comes out soon!! There isn't any profanity or "intimacy." There is some teenage flirting, but it's harmless and cute. There is, however, quite a bit of violence, and some of it is quite graphic. There is a lot of fighting and a few characters die. The violence is the only negative with this book, and it is the reason for the higher age rating. As a bonus, the cover art on this book is much better than the first book's. :)

Rating: PG-13 (There isn't any profanity or "intimacy," but there is quite a bit of violence, and some of it is graphic.)

Recommendation: 13 years-old and up  (YA approved!)

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.