I loved this book so much! I can’t really compare it to the Harry Potter series like everyone else seems to be doing - they seem quite different to me - but I can say that I actually prefer this series to HP. That is a huge compliment coming from me, as I’m a huge fan of Harry Potter. It actually reminded me the the Eragon series a lot more. In this series there are bonded dragons, bending others to ones will, mental battles, elves and other concepts that come up during the Medoran chronicles (although there is magic in Eragon, which is a key difference)

I’m pleased to say that after the amazing first book, the others just get even better, especially towards the end. I was devastated when the series ended, and I’ve actually found that some of the great books I’ve read in the past are now boring in contrast. The plot is so intriguing and convoluted, but you always understand what’s happening in the end. I literally couldn’t put the books down, and stayed up late at night with my eyes glued to the pages (for almost a week- when I finally finished the series, and even then I couldn’t stop thinking about it). I’m so amazed that I hadn’t heard about this series before, I only discovered it when I stumbled across it at the library.

You couldn’t help admiring Alex as she suffered and yet somehow managed to get through everything. Her friends where also amazing, not just sidekicks, but fully developed characters. A lot of people mentioned that they were glad that the book didn’t focus on romance and I definitely agree. It was fast paced and much more interesting than your average romance novel, but the romance that was introduced later on it the series was also welcome. This was because it was not a main detail, and you’d had the time to get to know the characters so well, that you felt kind of happy for them. I would definitely not want to be in the characters places, but this was because all of them went through a lot, which made for a really good read.

I won’t reveal who dies later on in the series in case it’s a spoiler for anyone, but I just wanted to mention that I cried during his death, but I still think it was a good thing to add. While in HP I was kind of angry at J.k Rowling for killing off so many characters, this characters death added a little more reality to the book, and helped the reader connect with Alex. His relationship with Alex is kind of beautiful and really sweet, and that made me even sadder, but it adds something extra to her suffering and just increased my respect for her.

This series was exactly what I was looking for, and while it might not be the sort of thing everyone would enjoy, it is my favourite book series so far. ( )

Even better than the first! ( )

I for one am very glad that I didn't start reading this in the afternoon or at night. Or I would have stayed awake to finish this story.

Raelia was well worth the wait. Ok I might have whimpered that it didn't come ok fast enough. ( )

In which the book better is better than its predecessor...

In which it leaves behind the Harry Potter fanfiction-esque vube behind (see review of book 1)....

In which Raelia finds a foothold in telling a story...

In which it still retains some lightheartedness in moments amidst the seriousness gaining momentum...

In which I am of two minds about Alex gaining certain abilities (Mary Sue crossed my mind once)...

In which the - Oops. Spoiler.

In which I ask when Draekora will be published...

Full review to come. ( )