Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2014/01/eyrie-blog-tour-book-review-10-amazo...

Eyrie is book two in the Society of Feather series. This is a series that is far from your average YA read. Michaels has created such a unique series. Our main character, Iris, has made some huge discoveries that her father has kept from her. She has found out that she is a Stryx. This means she has two souls (half human/half bird). All Stryx have a special power or ability and it all depends on the bird. No shapeshifting is involved, however. You are more given the power more associated with the bird. Iris is part Owlet. Her power is finding the truth. She has the power to assist others in a dream state (or hurt them). I really loved Iris in this book. In the first book, she is obviously figuring out who she is since there was so much being kept from her. In this book, she is really taking on the role of a leader. She doesn't want to be one since she feels out of her league, but she knows things need to change. Iris discovers the Eyrie, the government of the Stryx people, are corrupt. It is time to stand up to them and make things right.

One of the best things about this book was the connection Iris has to her entourage. She is surrounded by people who care about her and help guide. I love that they respect her and her decisions even though she is just getting into the swing of things, they know to trust her. They are trying to come up with a way to infiltrate the Eyrie. They need to be careful because the one who is responsible for a loved one's death is still out there and is in the Eyrie.

Now I do have a couple of issues. I really loved where the story went. Iris is figuring out how strong she is and the government that is supposed to protect them may be doing more bad than good. But this book is definitely more character-driven. Eyrie really gives us a lot of backstory. I wish the book was longer so we can have both the backstory and the action. We don't get a lot of that and it could put certain parts at a standstill for some. I still enjoyed the book, but I would have liked a bit more confrontation between Iris and the villain.

I did love learning about a lot of the characters around Iris and what they mean to Iris' past. But here is the other issue. I wish some of the characters had a bit more personality. It could be hard to tell one from the other at times. They are still quite interesting, like I said, we learn so much about them which I liked. I do enjoy Falcon, Iris' soulmate. He is always there for her. Their romance is very light and sweet. I also loved Diana and Autumn. I am really interested in what the new kid, Nestor, could bring to the table. I do love the characters though. Again, the connection they have with Iris even when it may not be right (according to the Eyrie) is great.

Overall, this was a great sequel. We learn a lot about the characters and their roles in things. Iris thought her world was upside down before, but that ending says otherwise. I can't wait to see what will come of that, We get a huge cliffhanger that you won't believe and probably explains why there wasn't as much action as I would have liked. Michaels is gearing us up for book 3 and I am dying for it. This is a great read. Eyrie is a super unique and complex. You will not come across another YA read quite like this. I guarantee it. Definitely check this series out, but start from Owlet (book 1) though. ( )

Let me start off by saying, if you have not read the first book in this series, Owlet, then put this book down and go read it first. You really need to read the first book so that the second book makes sense. In the second book we pick up with Iris trying to figure out everything from the lies she had been told. She has to figure out how to right some wrongs. Those who are helping and guiding her on this journey are also a little wary because she has the power to make decisions for good or evil. I love the small romance that is carried through this book. It is simple, innocent and pure. This is one thing that will most definitely bring the teen in to read this book. I have enjoyed this series and look forward to the next installment. ( )