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brandypainter's review against another edition
5.0
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
You know I like a series and the work an author produces when I'm willing to order the books from the UK because they are just not available in the US. In fact, when it comes to R.J. Anderson's Faery books I pre-order them. The wait for Nomad seemed eternal because I have been waiting for it ever since the day I finished reading Swift (my thoughts). It was worth every minute of the wait.
As Ivy's story continues, she is still the fierce stubborn girl, but her experiences have changed her too. She is slightly more cautious and has learned to be far more careful in trusting people. Her spirit and conviction remain strong, and though she suffers staggering set backs in her plans to save her people, she never gives up. She gathers around her people who are willing to help even if some of that help is not given for free. While figuring it out how to rescue the rest of the piskeys and save her others close to her in danger, Ivy is also struggling with her relationship with Martin. Can he be trusted? Should she care as much about him as she does? And why is she suddenly having dreams about spriggans of the yesteryear? Martin's character takes an even more central role in this story as the secrets of his past are revealed. His character grows a lot as he begins to look for the keys to his past, attempt to trust Ivy and not betray her trust in turn, and face up to the mistakes of his past. I loved what Anderson did with his character, how she grew him, showed his vulnerability and weaknesses, and gave him the opportunity for redemption.
There are two threads of story in this novel. One is the story of the piskeys and the poison taking over their home. Ivy risks much to save her people, most of whom don't even know they need to be saved. The accepting nature of the piskeys and the way they trust everything their leader tells them, even when evidence is mounting against it is just as frustrating for the reader as it is for Ivy. (This is a talent of Anderson's and the one that makes her a favorite of mine. She really draws you into her characters lives and makes you feel what they are feeling.) As Ivy struggles to secure allies and work against her Aunt things get dangerous and people begin to be hurt. Betony is a perfect picture of how power run amok is one of the most dangerous forces there is. The other story being told here comes through dreams and visions Ivy is having of spriggans in the past due to her special connection with Martin. The bloody history of the faerys, piskeys, and spriggans is shown through these visions and we get a glimpse into how they came to be as separate as they are. These visions are important for more than just their insight into the past too. (Loved this part.) Throughout all of this there is also the developing relationship between Ivy and Martin, which was, if I'm being completely honest, my favorite part of the book. Through their dialogue and interactions, Anderson brought in the essential humor that kept the story being all serous. (Accidental marriage proposals are always entertaining.) More importantly though their relationship makes both of them face unpleasant truths about themselves and highlights the sort of people they are, how far they are willing to go to help those who matter to them.
I'm sad that this may be the last of the faery books. As far as I know, it is. I could read dozens of these books and never grow tired of being in this world Anderson created and learning about the people who inhabit it.
You know I like a series and the work an author produces when I'm willing to order the books from the UK because they are just not available in the US. In fact, when it comes to R.J. Anderson's Faery books I pre-order them. The wait for Nomad seemed eternal because I have been waiting for it ever since the day I finished reading Swift (my thoughts). It was worth every minute of the wait.
As Ivy's story continues, she is still the fierce stubborn girl, but her experiences have changed her too. She is slightly more cautious and has learned to be far more careful in trusting people. Her spirit and conviction remain strong, and though she suffers staggering set backs in her plans to save her people, she never gives up. She gathers around her people who are willing to help even if some of that help is not given for free. While figuring it out how to rescue the rest of the piskeys and save her others close to her in danger, Ivy is also struggling with her relationship with Martin. Can he be trusted? Should she care as much about him as she does? And why is she suddenly having dreams about spriggans of the yesteryear? Martin's character takes an even more central role in this story as the secrets of his past are revealed. His character grows a lot as he begins to look for the keys to his past, attempt to trust Ivy and not betray her trust in turn, and face up to the mistakes of his past. I loved what Anderson did with his character, how she grew him, showed his vulnerability and weaknesses, and gave him the opportunity for redemption.
There are two threads of story in this novel. One is the story of the piskeys and the poison taking over their home. Ivy risks much to save her people, most of whom don't even know they need to be saved. The accepting nature of the piskeys and the way they trust everything their leader tells them, even when evidence is mounting against it is just as frustrating for the reader as it is for Ivy. (This is a talent of Anderson's and the one that makes her a favorite of mine. She really draws you into her characters lives and makes you feel what they are feeling.) As Ivy struggles to secure allies and work against her Aunt things get dangerous and people begin to be hurt. Betony is a perfect picture of how power run amok is one of the most dangerous forces there is. The other story being told here comes through dreams and visions Ivy is having of spriggans in the past due to her special connection with Martin. The bloody history of the faerys, piskeys, and spriggans is shown through these visions and we get a glimpse into how they came to be as separate as they are. These visions are important for more than just their insight into the past too. (Loved this part.) Throughout all of this there is also the developing relationship between Ivy and Martin, which was, if I'm being completely honest, my favorite part of the book. Through their dialogue and interactions, Anderson brought in the essential humor that kept the story being all serous. (Accidental marriage proposals are always entertaining.) More importantly though their relationship makes both of them face unpleasant truths about themselves and highlights the sort of people they are, how far they are willing to go to help those who matter to them.
I'm sad that this may be the last of the faery books. As far as I know, it is. I could read dozens of these books and never grow tired of being in this world Anderson created and learning about the people who inhabit it.
clairetrellahill's review
5.0
What can I say except AAAAHHHHHHHHHHH
I LOVED the fascinating and original details—the sprig fan wives stay invisible and hold their husbands’ treasure! The enmity between the Knockers and Spriggans!!! And Martin and Ivy return and the emotion is SO GOOD!!!! And can I just say thank GOD that book three is finally out in the world and we can all read the resolution to this amazing trilogy. I am going to consume it immediately.
I LOVED the fascinating and original details—the sprig fan wives stay invisible and hold their husbands’ treasure! The enmity between the Knockers and Spriggans!!! And Martin and Ivy return and the emotion is SO GOOD!!!! And can I just say thank GOD that book three is finally out in the world and we can all read the resolution to this amazing trilogy. I am going to consume it immediately.
travelerswife4life's review
5.0
Yall…I have no idea where to begin describing the epicness that is this book. Nomad is the second book in R. J. Andersons The Flight and Flame trilogy, and I was totally not prepared for the next level that R. J. Anderson took this book to. I mean I LOVED Swift the first book in the series, but this one….
The adventures that Ivy and Martin go on are riveting in their intensity and made me stay up way too late to finish the book. I love the way all the characters interact together; R. J. Anderson has created such good relationships between her characters that they feel natural and inclusive. I loved how Ivy stepped up in this book and became a leader for her people. I also really love Martin’s antics and layered characteristics that keep me wondering.
Readers of all ages will love this epic fantasy filled with great characters, an original storyline, and an adventure of a lifetime. I HIGHLY recommend Nomad and I CANNOT wait for Torch to release! 5 out of 5 stars!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
The adventures that Ivy and Martin go on are riveting in their intensity and made me stay up way too late to finish the book. I love the way all the characters interact together; R. J. Anderson has created such good relationships between her characters that they feel natural and inclusive. I loved how Ivy stepped up in this book and became a leader for her people. I also really love Martin’s antics and layered characteristics that keep me wondering.
Readers of all ages will love this epic fantasy filled with great characters, an original storyline, and an adventure of a lifetime. I HIGHLY recommend Nomad and I CANNOT wait for Torch to release! 5 out of 5 stars!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
modern_miss_granger's review
4.0
Another great second book from RJ Anderson. I can’t wait for Torch.
books_n_blossoms's review against another edition
4.0
Yes, this is a YA series, but I'm seriously enjoying it!
I have loved the journey of the young half-piskey, Ivy and her half-spriggan friend, Martin, try to save her people from the Joan of the Wad who refuses to listen to reason. As they go about trying to save the piskeys in the Delve as well as her own family, they come up against some bit battles.
It's easy to forget that little Ivy is so young taking on a whole group of people who are blindly following their leader. And with Martin, we know what his spriggan race is like, but we also want to trust that he's better than that. Thankfully he shows time and time again that Ivy (and the rest of us) that we can trust him!
This is a story that will definitely teach perseverance through trials and doing the right thing isn't always the easy choice.
*I received this ebook as a gift from the publisher. This is my opinion.
I have loved the journey of the young half-piskey, Ivy and her half-spriggan friend, Martin, try to save her people from the Joan of the Wad who refuses to listen to reason. As they go about trying to save the piskeys in the Delve as well as her own family, they come up against some bit battles.
It's easy to forget that little Ivy is so young taking on a whole group of people who are blindly following their leader. And with Martin, we know what his spriggan race is like, but we also want to trust that he's better than that. Thankfully he shows time and time again that Ivy (and the rest of us) that we can trust him!
This is a story that will definitely teach perseverance through trials and doing the right thing isn't always the easy choice.
*I received this ebook as a gift from the publisher. This is my opinion.
longtimereader's review
5.0
Super excited for this second book in this series. It picks up where Swift left off and doesn't stop! Edge of your seat, page-turning, that's this book. Ivy is amazing, simply fantastic; she's dauntless and wise beyond her years. The age-old literature, in this case, Shakespeare were just lovely to read and I wasn't let down at any point during this book. With a perfect balance of faith and fantasy, I didn't want this book to end. This is just such an amazing series. I'm saving up, I need them all!
Many thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is my own, left of my own free will.
Many thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is my own, left of my own free will.
thebookielife's review
5.0
I love the Flight and Flame Trilogy and think that this book is my favourite out of all the Faery Rebels book. I think it is very well written, intriguing, and pulls you into the story. I love how RJ Anderson includes the characters we already know, and we get to see two separate worlds come together. I really recommend this book, and the rest of the Faery Rebels, as they're all very good.
tarial's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliant. Simple as that. I massively enjoyed reading it, and the characters were amazing as always!
wilde_book_garden's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
I FORGOT HOW GOOD THAT ENDING WAS
CW: Grief, sexism (challenged)
I FORGOT HOW GOOD THAT ENDING WAS
CW: Grief, sexism (challenged)
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