Book Review: Vera's Song by Natalie Erin

Creatures of the Lands 

Book #2

Description 

Five years have passed since the battle for the Verinian Forest. Kia, Keota, the wolves and Ionan have been living peacefully since, though things aren't as happy as they appear. Ionan longs for the shores of Nesting's Haven, the isle of Changers that he left long ago, and the eyes of his first love, Vera.

Things are turned upside down when Vera arrives, claiming to have left her abusive Accompany. Almost immediately after Kia's young son Kennu and his Changer Allie go missing. Allie and Kennu have been kidnapped by an evil mastermind hellbent on taking total control of the Lands and all that surrounds them. But there’s a twist this time, as the foe is one they not only know well, but fear, because his powers are beyond all imagining and his cunning is enough to outwit them all.

Our heroes are left with no choice...in order to bring back the children they love, one of them must be sacrificed. Kiatana and her friends will discover that their previous battles are nothing compared to the upcoming war, and what they’ve lost so far is in no way equal to the danger brewing on the horizon.

Review

 

I was really excited when I received an ARC from Gryfyn Publishing of Vera's Song! If you're not familiar with the Creatures of the Lands series, check out my review of the first book, Kiatana's Journey.

What I really love about this series is the quirky characters. And there are a TON of them; from fairies, to shape-shifting animals, to a whole array of mythical creatures. I wish these animals could come alive so I could keep them in my backyard. Vera is indeed my favorite, a sweet, mothering dragon, staying strong in the face of trials despite the chains that hold her.

As with Kiatana's Journey, the Changers are still a little confusing. They switch forms so much, it's hard to picture what they look like in a scene. I'll read along thinking Ionan is a dragon, then realize he's been a lion this whole time. The author will start off a scene mentioning Ionan is now a Pegasus, but I'm still picturing the lion. So just make sure you keep a close eye on those pesky Changers.

I was happy to find so much emotion with the characters, which was lacking a bit with the last book. Each main character has their own story, yet Erin brings them all together flawlessly. My heart poured out for each one of them, latching onto their fear, relief, betrayal, happiness, and heartache.

As far as writing style goes, Natalie Erin is not my favorite. Her story is rich with drama and excitement, but I feel there is something lacking in the delivery. Perhaps with so many characters in the party, she's busy setting up what everyone is doing in the scene to really throw the reader in it. Her voice has grown since the first book, so I have high hopes for the series. 

Overall, Vera's Song is a fantastic sequel. Things go from bad to worse, and you really doubt everything will work out for your furry friends. Creatures of the Lands really has everything that makes a great modern fairytale and is perfect for a reader with a hungry imagination.

Book 3 is titled Wyntier's Rise, but has no release date set at this time. If you haven't yet, get yourself a copy of Kiatana's Journey and catch up. 


   

4 Stars
****

 

 

BOOK TAKEOVER: Vera's Song

Hi! Remy Injay here, indie book reporter! Firstly, I'd like to thank Constance for letting me takeover her blog today for an interview! Today we're interviewing Ionan, a fire breathing, emerald green dragon who takes center stage in the second book in the Creatures of the Lands series, Vera's Song! Vera's Song comes out this Friday, June 10th. 

Thanks for being here today, Ionan. Can you tell us a little about the book?

It's different, this time around. In the first book my companions and I had to journey the realm in order to find a cure for a strange illness. Now my friend Kia's son has been kidnapped, and we must go beyond all reason in order to get him back.

This book is about your first love, Vera, correct?

Yes, that is what our sequel pertains to.

And? Details?

I'm not inclined to give any, at the moment. (Lets out a puff of smoke).

Darn! Okay, then tell us about your adventures. What can readers expect this time?

What else? Danger. Excitement. True love gone wrong for multiple couples, and a despicable creature out to destroy the Lands. Usual, I expect.

You sound rather grumpy today.

You cannot possibly imagine.

But this is your book!

Yes, it is my story, though not a particularly pleasant one all the way through. People died, you know. There's a fair bit of tragedy among the adventure. Not everyone gets their happy ending this time. Sacrifices had to be made for the greater good. The first book was lighter. Things are getting darker.

I see. And you're not inspired to tell us anything except for what's on the back?

I am a dragon. I do not meddle in the affairs of humans. 

Irritable reptile.

Did you expect anything different?

Okay, fine. In the first book, you participated in a great battle to save Kia's forest. Is this book going to be similar to last time?

Things involved more people in Book 1, but now all of our battles are on a much more personal scale. There's more to lose for all of us, if you can believe it. Our children are at stake, and the people who have them like to play mind games.  

Wait a second…if this is your story then why aren’t you on the cover?

Because dragons are expensive to make, you fool. I suppose none of you humans could catch me in all my scaled, green glory anyway.

Will you behave?

I do not know the meaning of the word.

You know we could call your rider, Keota, in here. He’ll put a stop to this.

…

That’s what I thought. Can you tell me a little about the book's antagonist, Wyntier? From your honest opinion?

I could tell you I want to rip him limb from limb until he goes out of this world screaming.

Ionan!

Well, you asked me to be honest. I am a fearsome creature, as you well know, and I don’t take well to people who try to destroy everything I hold dear. I don’t suppose anyone does, really. I’m certainly not going to sit down for tea and crumpets with him…that’s what you humans eat here, tea and crumpets? I’m sure that must be what the phrase is…

Fine, fine. What's the last thing you want to say to readers?

Expect the unexpected. Things aren't always what they appear in the Lands, and this time, enemies are lurking everywhere...even from within our circle of friends.

That's a wrap! Thanks again Ionan for showing up...

I really shouldn't have.

And make sure you grab a copy of Vera's Song, which can be found here at Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/Veras-Song-Creatures-Lands-Book-ebook/dp/B010EBVBAW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436368953&sr=8-1&keywords=vera%27s+song+natalie+erin

Busy Busy Busy!

 

You haven't heard from me in awhile, but it's not because I've fallen off the face of the earth. I've been working hard, promoting Onyx Moon and getting new ideas out as fast as they pop in my head. I've also been working with other newbie indie authors, helping them construct their upcoming books. One of the best things that's happened over this past year, is that I've been able to connect with so many other authors I look up to. I'd be lying if I said doing book reviews didn't distract me a bit from my writing, but it's been so worth it! And I hope you've found at least one good book through my advice. 

There hasn't been a review for about a month, but I just finished the ARC of Vera's Song, by Natalie Erin, the second book in the Creatures of the Lands series. The book is set to be released by Gryfyn Publishing on July 10th. I won't say too much before writing the review, but it is a fantastic sequel.

My main focus right now is on my new standalone book I plan to publish in the near future. In fact, I will be announcing it very shortly. This book was kind of a "woopsie baby" for me. I didn't plan on it happening, but it did, and I'm very excited to add this story to my collection of work. More details coming soon!

Yes - I am still working on Bloodstones. I promise, that is happening. Ora and the gang are always with me. Always have been. I couldn't ignore them if I tried. I am really looking forward to share the rest of their story. 

In the meantime, keep reading, and I'll keep writing. ;)