Better Than Book One! Children of Fallen Gods By Carissa Broadbent || Book Review

It took me about two and half days to get through book two of the War of Lost Hearts trilogy. I had earlier raved about the first book—Daughter Of No Worlds and gave it a four stars rating. But this second book is even better! (I had to use an exclamation mark to drive home my point).

This series delves into the world of a young slave, Tisaanah, who wants nothing more than freedom in its true sense. For her and her people. In the first book, she tries to buy her freedom from her slavemaster and almost died. She saves herself, escapes to join the Orders in Ara city so she could return with an army to save other slaves.

Such pursuit did not come free. There is a price—she becomes enslaved again to the leadership of the Orders. A sentient magic being is placed within her to empower and aid her in fighting for the Orders. They win the war and now it's time to return for her fellow slaves.

Things take a different turn in the second book, Children of Fallen Gods, as Tisaanah is thrown into a new war that affects not only Ara but her fellow slaves as well. She is torn between saving her people and everyone else while battling the corrupt leaders of the Orders. To succeed however, she must save herself first from being taken over by the sentient dark magic within her. Max stands by her side and their love is clear for all to see until they are shaken to the core by a horrible betrayal.

A new character and POV, Aefe, is introduced in this book who seems unrelated to Tisaanah and Max's story. She's an elf from royal bloodline whose magic works differently but she's cast out because of it. When elves start dying in genocidal attacks, she must rise to save her people. What connects Aefe, Tisaanah and Max? Are they willing to sacrifice their beliefs and love for victory? Can they save their worlds?

Genres: High Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Romance,
Publication: March 2021
Pages: 636

My Review And Rating

I did say at the beginning of this review that this second book is better. From the first chapter, we are immediately thrown into the action and stakes involved. The author went further to expand the worldbuiding and magic system with the new POV in this book. It was like I couldn't get enough as I turned each page.

The plot thickens in this book and it's fast paced. At first, the new character and perspective don't seem related to the main plot. But as it's unfolds, it becomes clear it's the cornerstone of this series. That is the story that sets the everything in motion and the main reason why the Orders are at war.

I commented on the author's style of writing in my former review and her style did not change in this book. This story is told in a way that set me on an emotional rollercoaster from the beginning to the end. Every character in this story seem to believe they are doing the right thing for the “good of their people” but their decisions act as catalysts that cause the wars.

The character development is so good. Tisaanah is much more mature and confident in this book. She no longer sees herself as a slave but a saviour-leader and lets her heart lead in decision making. She's courageous and strong while being effortlessly feminine. Max no longer wants to hide from the world. He digs deeper to understand himself and his powers.

I understand the elf character, Aefe, better and almost cry for her. No one deserves her fate and I hope this author will do her justice in the third book. Fingers crossed!

The author's worldbuilding remain immersive but multifaceted. New magic systems are introduced like the elves and the way she blends them into Tisaanah and Max's world is simply fascinating. The war and magic scenes are action packed and gripping.

Rating this book, I will give it 5 stars! I find it more interesting and compelling than the first book. The stakes are higher and the story is deeper with the inclusion of the elves. The plot twists put me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to start the third book.

All images above are from my E-library

Header images compiled in Canva.

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