Welcome to my tour stop! Today I have the pleasure of sharing a Q&A with the
author! Check that out, as well as my review, and enter the tour giveaway below...
Warriors of Wing and Flame
(Sisters of Shadow and Light #2)
By Sara B. Larson
By Sara B. Larson
YA Fantasy
Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 368 Pages
October 27, 2020 by Tor Teen
Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 368 Pages
October 27, 2020 by Tor Teen
Summary
In Warriors of Wing and Flame, the spellbinding sequel to Sisters of Shadow and Light, acclaimed author Sara B. Larson continues her timeless tale of the bond between two sisters and the powerful magic that threatens to tear them apart forever.
The doorway between the magical world of the Paladin and the human world where sisters Zuhra and Inara grew up in isolation is open once more. But the joyous reunion with their Paladin father is shattered when a treacherous sorcerer attacks Inara, stealing her power for himself. Now nearly invincible and determined to rule over both Paladin and human alike, he will let nothing stand in his way.
Armed only with the power of love, courage, and sacrifice, two sisters must bridge the divide between worlds to confront the unspeakable evil that threatens to destroy everything―and everyone―they love.
Praise for SISTERS OF SHADOW AND LIGHT Series
“Packed with fascinating relationships, pulse-pounding romance, and
breathtaking adventure, this story held me captive to every page.” ―Kathryn
Purdie, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Burning Glass
"I was completely swept away with this fierce magical story of a broken
family, and sisters trying to survive a mysterious past. Romance, betrayal,
gryphons, forbidden doorways, and devoted sisters had me flipping the pages to
unravel the secrets of this dark world where no one is who they seem to be.
Larson has created a spellbinding world that has all the elements I love―magic,
mystery, romance, and sisterhood! I can't wait for more!" ―Mary E.
Pearson, New York Times bestselling author of The Kiss of
Deception
"What a stunning gem of a story. Fans of gorgeous, emotional,
action-packed fantasy are going to want to snap this up. I loved it so much, I
read it in one sitting!" ―C.J. Redwine, New York Times
bestselling author of the Ravenspire series
“Larson’s bold and imaginative tale of sisterhood, magic, and monsters is a
deft exploration of loneliness, family, and friendship inside a citadel hedged
by lies and blood.” ―A.G. Howard, #1 New York Times and
international bestselling author of The Splintered Series
“Sisters of Shadow and Light is a rare beauty that will grip your heart and
steal your breath away. I adored this book!" ―Jennifer A. Nielsen,
New York Times bestselling author of The Traitor's Game
“Fantasy readers will become absorbed in the world-building and strong
relationship between the sisters.” ―School Library Connection
“Fans of the author’s earlier work, as well as that of Kristin Cashore and
Rachel Hartman, will enjoy this story. Purchase for those who love fantasy
novels and Larson’s other books.” ―School Library Journal
Interview
A: Sisters of Shadow and Light, the first book, is the story of two sisters who are trapped behind a sentient hedge in an abandoned citadel with their emotionally damaged mother and a housekeeper who takes care of them—until the day the hedge lets a stranger through and their entire world is thrown into upheaval. It’s the story of the bond between sisters, and [Warriors of Wing and Flame] is the conclusion to Zuhra and Inara’s stories. Their world has been torn apart—literally and figuratively. They’ve almost had a complete role reversal and they both have to come to grips with the changes and challenges they’re both facing, all while trying to stop a madman with an inordinate amount of power from destroying both the Paladin and human worlds. All while navigating first loves and losses.
Q: What was different about writing book two versus book one and what surprised you?
Q: What was different about writing book two versus book one and what surprised you?
A: It’s hard to answer without getting too spoilery, but I will say this: I knew they were going to need to go through some anxiety from the events at the end of SOSAL, and I was planning on including it to a degree in the plot. But then I went through a very severe period of panic and anxiety that lasted for months before and during the drafting process of WOWAF and I realized the anxiety they experienced and dealt with needed to be much more present. It was hard to write about, but also strangely therapeutic. It was also fun to write these sisters as they kind of grew up and came into their own, realizing what love really is and of course I loved writing the kissing scenes!
Q: Why a duology versus a trilogy?
Q: Why a duology versus a trilogy?
A: This story just natural lent itself to two books. Some plots you know can’t be squished into two books, but others would be stretched too thin to extend into three. Knowing the difference makes a big difference in how well a series is executed.
Q: Which character do you most relate to and why?
Q: Which character do you most relate to and why?
A: I relate to Zuhra most because she is the older sister, the one who feels responsible for Inara and trying to make sure she is happy (or as happy as possible) and protected. I am the oldest of five girls, so I feel that responsibility very keenly, even now when we are all adults and married and even have families of our own.
Q: What advice would both Inara and Zuhra each give about navigating their world?
Q: What advice would both Inara and Zuhra each give about navigating their world?
A: Well, that would depend on if you mean their world before or after Halvor comes through the hedge and everything that happens after that! After their very sheltered, enclosed world is turned upside down and they are introduced to the real worlds outside the citadel, Zuhra would probably recommend getting to know some Paladin warriors who can teach you to protect yourself, keep you from being killed by rakasa, and take you flying on their gryphons. Inara would probably advise you to not rely on your power, because you never know when it might be taken away. That you have to find your strength from within and trust your heart, even when it’s frightening.
Q: When you’re not writing or reading, what do you enjoy doing?
Q: When you’re not writing or reading, what do you enjoy doing?
A: I love hiking and boating—getting outside into nature is one of my happiest places. I love to travel and explore new places. My favorite place on earth is Kauai because it is so stunningly gorgeous, has beautiful beaches (I love the ocean) and breathtaking mountains—so I can do all my favorite things in one place: hike, lay out and read by the beach, and get delicious food.
WARRIORS OF WING AND FLAME is the second book in this duology, picking right up from book one, SISTERS OF OF SHADOW AND LIGHT. It's about first love, family, and danger, but most about two sisters whose roles have shifted and who are finding their own place in the world. Recommended to YA fantasy readers and fans of the author.
This one started just a bit slow for me. The author needed to recap the first book and I was totally good with that because it reminded me where we were at in this series. The story takes a bit to get going though as the characters are regrouping and figuring out what to do next. They're healing and getting to know the newer characters on the scene as well as figuring out some of their family's dynamics as things have changed quite a bit. However, things start moving about a fourth to a third of the way through and keeps a steady pace of danger and romance to the very end, with plenty of action and some sweet moments between these characters, both platonically and romantically.
I still really loved these sisters from the first book. I also liked how things get mixed up a bit with some new Paladins and how the sisters have to figure out what and who they can trust. Both are still working through their emotions, their relationship with each other, and their own strengths. As they were so sheltered before, their hesitation when it came to romance felt quite genuine with all the awkwardness and vulnerabilities of new love. I actually liked how things progressed, although slightly quick for one of the sisters. Book two definitely has more romance than the first book and takes more of a forefront. I especially enjoyed the last quarter of the book. It flowed well, completely held my interest, had an intense climax, and ended perfectly sweet. It also made me laugh at the sisters' father's reaction at one point. It was a nice touch to an otherwise stressful situation.
My biggest complaint for this book was that I wanted it to be a bit more complex in how the characters opposed the enemy and in their actions and reactions. So Adelrick (the sisters' father) who was a Paladin general and had all this battle experience behind him, as well as his battalion members who also had fought and were trained soldiers, seemed to not act like I thought they would have with their skill set. They were a bit impulsive and easily manipulated and out planned. I just thought that element of the story was a lacking. The pacing was also a little slow for me in places and the romance was a bit strong. I also wanted a bit more depth to some of the other characters.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I enjoyed reading this and finding out what happened after the cliffhanger in the first book. I think some things needed a bit more development, but regardless I loved these characters and the amazing fantasy world this author created. If you're a romance junkie and love stories with strong familial relationships, then I'd definitely recommend this one!
Content: Some heavy making out and violence, but still on the clean side.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through JeanBookNerd Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
From the acclaimed author of DEFY, Sara B. Larson, SISTERS OF SHADOW AND LIGHT is a timeless and fantastical tale of sisterly love and powerful magic
"The night my sister was born, the stars died and were reborn in her eyes…"
Zuhra and Inara have grown up in the Citadel of the Paladins, an abandoned fortress where legendary, magical warriors once lived before disappearing from the world―including their Paladin father the night Inara was born.
On that same night, a massive, magical hedge grew and imprisoned them within the citadel. Inara inherited their father’s Paladin power; her eyes glow blue and she is able to make plants grow at unbelievable rates, but she has been trapped in her own mind because of a “roar” that drowns everything else out―leaving Zuhra virtually alone with their emotionally broken human mother.
For fifteen years they have lived, trapped in the citadel, with little contact from the outside world…until the day a stranger passes through the hedge, and everything changes.
My Review
WARRIORS OF WING AND FLAME is the second book in this duology, picking right up from book one, SISTERS OF OF SHADOW AND LIGHT. It's about first love, family, and danger, but most about two sisters whose roles have shifted and who are finding their own place in the world. Recommended to YA fantasy readers and fans of the author.
This one started just a bit slow for me. The author needed to recap the first book and I was totally good with that because it reminded me where we were at in this series. The story takes a bit to get going though as the characters are regrouping and figuring out what to do next. They're healing and getting to know the newer characters on the scene as well as figuring out some of their family's dynamics as things have changed quite a bit. However, things start moving about a fourth to a third of the way through and keeps a steady pace of danger and romance to the very end, with plenty of action and some sweet moments between these characters, both platonically and romantically.
I still really loved these sisters from the first book. I also liked how things get mixed up a bit with some new Paladins and how the sisters have to figure out what and who they can trust. Both are still working through their emotions, their relationship with each other, and their own strengths. As they were so sheltered before, their hesitation when it came to romance felt quite genuine with all the awkwardness and vulnerabilities of new love. I actually liked how things progressed, although slightly quick for one of the sisters. Book two definitely has more romance than the first book and takes more of a forefront. I especially enjoyed the last quarter of the book. It flowed well, completely held my interest, had an intense climax, and ended perfectly sweet. It also made me laugh at the sisters' father's reaction at one point. It was a nice touch to an otherwise stressful situation.
My biggest complaint for this book was that I wanted it to be a bit more complex in how the characters opposed the enemy and in their actions and reactions. So Adelrick (the sisters' father) who was a Paladin general and had all this battle experience behind him, as well as his battalion members who also had fought and were trained soldiers, seemed to not act like I thought they would have with their skill set. They were a bit impulsive and easily manipulated and out planned. I just thought that element of the story was a lacking. The pacing was also a little slow for me in places and the romance was a bit strong. I also wanted a bit more depth to some of the other characters.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I enjoyed reading this and finding out what happened after the cliffhanger in the first book. I think some things needed a bit more development, but regardless I loved these characters and the amazing fantasy world this author created. If you're a romance junkie and love stories with strong familial relationships, then I'd definitely recommend this one!
Content: Some heavy making out and violence, but still on the clean side.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through JeanBookNerd Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Other Books in the Series
Sisters of Shadow and Light
(Sisters of Shadow and Light #1)
By Sara B. Larson
By Sara B. Larson
YA Fantasy
Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 368 Pages
November 5th 2019 by Tor Teen
Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 368 Pages
November 5th 2019 by Tor Teen
Summary
From the acclaimed author of DEFY, Sara B. Larson, SISTERS OF SHADOW AND LIGHT is a timeless and fantastical tale of sisterly love and powerful magic
"The night my sister was born, the stars died and were reborn in her eyes…"
Zuhra and Inara have grown up in the Citadel of the Paladins, an abandoned fortress where legendary, magical warriors once lived before disappearing from the world―including their Paladin father the night Inara was born.
On that same night, a massive, magical hedge grew and imprisoned them within the citadel. Inara inherited their father’s Paladin power; her eyes glow blue and she is able to make plants grow at unbelievable rates, but she has been trapped in her own mind because of a “roar” that drowns everything else out―leaving Zuhra virtually alone with their emotionally broken human mother.
For fifteen years they have lived, trapped in the citadel, with little contact from the outside world…until the day a stranger passes through the hedge, and everything changes.
Read my review here.
- 5 Winners will receive a Copy of WARRIORS OF WING AND FLAME by Sara B. Larson
(Affiliate links included.)
About the Author
Sara B. Larson is the author of the acclaimed YA fantasy DEFY trilogy (DEFY, IGNITE, and ENDURE) and the DARK BREAKS THE DAWN duology (DARK BREAKS THE DAWN and BRIGHT BURNS THE NIGHT). She can’t remember a time when she didn’t write books—although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her husband, their four children, and their Maltese, Loki. She writes in brief snippets throughout the day and the quiet hours when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims she should have a degree in “the art of multitasking.” When she’s not mothering or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting for her sugar addiction.
PHOTO CONTENT FROM SARA B. LARSON
PHOTO CONTENT FROM SARA B. LARSON
Tour Schedule
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Tour-Wide Giveaway
- 5 Winners will receive a Copy of WARRIORS OF WING AND FLAME by Sara B. Larson
- Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter | Ends November 9, 2020
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