Series Review: The Rhodi Saga by Megan Linski

THE RHODI SAGA

                                               

by 

Megan Linski

Today Connie's Bookmark is a stop on the official Rhodi's Saga blog tour. This groundbreaking new series was just released at the beginning of September. They are all now available to purchase in both print and ebook. I've already had the pleasure of reading them in advance. Here are my thoughts on each book.

 

 

BOOK ONE

Synopsis:

Flight. Hyperspeed. Clairvoyance.

These are some of the powers gifted to the Rhodi, an ancient sect of assassins who defend Crescentia, a dystopian world with a dying hope.

Dyliana Fairsson is one of them. After losing her parents to a suspicious accident, she and her twin brother, Devin, join the Rhodi to avoid starvation. Under the direction of her master, Dylan struggles to learn the strength of her magic …as well as hide the growing scars on her wrists. Can Dylan become the warrior, the hero, she’s destined to be? Or is she fated to fall from the light into the darkness?

The first installment in the epic fantasy series by bestselling author Megan Linski, Rhodi’s Light is an action-packed thrill ride that will leave readers begging for more.

Review:

 

I was really anticipating this series because Megan Linski has earned herself a spot on my favorite authors list ever since her Arabian fantasy "Kingdom From Ashes". This new series doesn't seem to be much like that at all in terms of tone, setting, and era. The overall "feel" of the setting and characters, with their dormant magic and dark pasts, reminds me of a modern Final Fantasy universe. (think FF13-2 or 3) I definitely felt nostalgic all throughout reading it and I'm DYING to play FF now!

But anyway, the first installment in the Rhodi's Saga has good qualities, as well as a few things I hope improve with the next book. For example, Linski puts us in a very unique, yet somehow familiar world, with out the reader getting to explore much of it. And I don't mean like they didn't go anywhere. It's just that I would have liked to have known more about culture a little about the people in the background, not just the handful of characters we get to interact with. The Rhodi are another thing. Their history is very intriguing, but they're so secretive, no one knows who they are. So I didn't really understand why they mattered to the Hunter's Guild so much. Or why they continued even after their numbers nearly died out.

But speaking of characters, Linski doesn't fail to make great ones. The main characters, Dylan and Devin, who are twins, felt very realistic since they were close, but not presented as carbon copies of each others mind, body, and spirit, like so much of media would have us believe. The two definitely had different personalities and that was very refreshing. Dylan has a darkness in her. One she's trying to overcome. I think that's something we all can appreciate. But don't worry, there's no shortage of comic relief with the teens and their quirky friends. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with Taladin's soft heart and the other characters all got my attention, too. The villains didn't really get fleshed out until the end and even though they were the main problem, I felt their influence was lacking throughout the story. But at the end of book one, it's clear what the villain's motives are.

Overall this book just felt like the introduction to something bigger. There are still questions to be answered. Still places that need to be filled in on my mental map. There are definitely still things the Rhodi need to do and I'm tagging along for the ride.

4 Stars

* * * * 

BOOK TWO

 

 

 Synopsis:

 

 Forced into hiding.
Desperate to find their masters.

In the past few months since the attack on their home, twin assassins Dylan and Devin have grown restless. With the Rhodi facing extinction, they search for their masters Talidin and Tavana, only to discover they’ve gone missing. With nowhere to turn, the twins seek help from a pair of mysterious spies, only to find the trail gone cold, marked by hints of torture and destruction.

Dylan and Devin piece together the events that led to the disappearance of their fellow Rhodi. As their enemies close in for the kill, Dylan discovers that some things are impossible for a Rhodi…but not for a tigress.

The stakes and romance are heightened in this epic dystopian sequel to Rhodi’s Light. Bestselling author Megan Linski brings readers a young adult fantasy with magic, mystery, and an epic adventure that races quickly to a breathless conclusion.

Review:

 

I was much more enchanted with "Rhodi Rising" than I was the first book. The story was set at a much quicker pace and the action came out of nowhere! One minute, they would be just hanging out, doing what teenagers do, and the next something would attack and there would be Crafts and shapeshifting all over the place!

We get to explore a new country, as well as learn more about the original one. I especially enjoyed the Celtic theme of Dunedinne and the characters that were introduced there. They were a fresh, comic relief, as well as devices of strong character development for our girl Dylan. A bit of romance is what "Rhodi's Light" lacked and "Rising" makes up for it.

The ending came with a twist I wasn't expecting, which is always much appreciated. The book sets everything up for the (what I hear is) epic conclusion, but stands on it's own with page turning plot and lots of action and adventure.  

5 Stars

* * * *

BOOK THREE

 

Synopsis

Cities burn.
Governments fall.
Lives are lost in a desperate war...one the Rhodi are losing.

The world has been devastated by the tyranny of the Red Huntress. To save Crescentia, Dylan and Devin attempt to decipher the mystery of the ancient letter their ancestors left behind, the only hope of salvation for their kind. Dylan continues to fight foes both on the battlefield and within her own mind, all while wrestling with the confused feelings she has for Enfys, the alluring spy who has become devoted to her cause.

In the epic conclusion to the thrilling Rhodi Saga, one brave warrior will stand in the way of corruption, to take place before her destiny…or her death.

Rhodi’s Lullaby is the third installment in the suspenseful young adult dystopian series fans and critics are calling an original masterpiece in the epic fantasy genre.

Review:

 

It's really hard for me to write a review on the third book in the series since it's almost impossible for me to not hand out spoilers, so in case you haven't read this book yet, I would skip this review.

When I'd started this series I had originally said that it reminded me of a modern final fantasy game. Not so much any more, since the setting is more fleshed out in the third book and we have a better sense of the of the environment. That said, the world is holding onto it's own now and feels much more original.

The third installment in the story opens with the cast preparing for a wedding, which is nice, since the story has been a bit dark so far. But it's clear with the impending war and tensions in the crowded house rising that things are about to get a bit chaotic. Especially when an antagonist quickly decides to change sides. Not everyone is agreeable to the change.

My favorite part about this book was actually more of a side story. Devin and Nellie's tragic love story carried me through the pages and was more emotional for me than anything in this book chuck full of feels. I appreciated how almost every single character went through their own struggles and journey, (probably why the darn thing was so long) but I happened to enjoy Devin and Nellie's the most.

The ending was satisfying, giving the readers a very unexpected twist and fulfilling conclusion. I felt like it wrapped up the other two books nicely. 

All of that said, it did take me quite a long time to get through this one. Granted, like 90% of the planet's population, I'm super busy and have little time for books. But when I really gravitate towards a story, there's no stopping me on finishing it. I've had that happen with several other of Megan Linksi's books. Just not this series so much. It was a bit slow, and I just didn't connect with many of the characters like in her previous books. By the third book, I figured out that it was the voice, which is so important to me. Her voice doesn't flow in third person the way it does in first person or passive.

None of that is enough for me to give up on one of my favorite authors though. She has a vampire/werewolf series coming out next year, which normally isn't my thing, but there is an added element of an Anastasia retelling which I just can't resist. I hear it's first person too, so my hopes are high. 

4 stars

* * * *

 

Hidden Series Review

Book One

Synopsis

  “The Chameleon is on the loose.” Despite the whispers that sprung up, the Speaker continued, “He’s stealing our masks and assuming the identities of the victims. It is our duty to warn you—do not trust the masks alone.”

In Venesia, your mask is your life. It is your face, your rank, and your identity. Without a mask, you are nothing.

Which makes the Chameleon the most dangerous criminal in the land.

When the Chameleon attacks the talented mask maker Evie, he not only strips away Evie’s mask, destroys her home, and kills her father, but he also brands her face with his own criminal mark that would incriminate her for his wrongdoings should it be discovered. Her only choice is to go into hiding—at the royal palace. But as she creates a new identity —and plans to exact revenge— Evie soon learns that masks hide more than just faces ...Unmask the secrets that Venesia holds in this unique and romantic spin on the classic tale of Cinderella. 

Review

This is one of those books that I just wanted to fall into. Such a beautiful world and fun concept! I didn't really catch the Cinderella theme until the closer to the end, but that was fine. There was enough going on and intrigue that I didn't really care. If allowed, I would give this 4.5 stars because it was soooo close to perfect. (for me)One solution seemed too easy and I think I figured out the twists before the reader was supposed to. But I'm not sure on one because the secret becomes pretty obvious as the book goes on. Perhaps my reader revelation was intentional, and the real suspense comes from the MC's reaction. But I should shut up now...

Gorgeous world, delightful voice, chemistry and bond between characters, frills and masquerades, everything I like in my YA fiction. :) I hope I get the next book for Christmas!

4 stars

* * * *

Book Two

 

 

Synopsis:

Angry at his failure to exact vengeance on the prince, mask maker Joch flees Venesia to find his lost love. When a red-cloaked assassin promises answers, he has little choice but to trust her-though he may be walking into a trap. Unravel the deception in this dazzling story of second chances that will keep you guessing to the last page.

Review:

What is Lost was surprisingly my favorite in the series. When I read the synopsis I wasn't too thrilled about reading an entire book about the antagonist of book one. But the author did a great job with What is Hidden, so I figured she knew what she was doing. Turns out, she's great at writing male POV. I was captivated from the first chapter. This book is full of page turning chases, intrigue, and daggers at the throat moments.

While Joch wasn't someone I added to my list of book boyfriends, he was a very complex character. He had a few more flaws than saving graces, but the author illustrated each aspect in a "This is who Joch is. He is not perfect. Take it as it is" kind of attitude and I really respected it. I loved following him along on his road to redemption and his interactions with the other characters were brilliant. Kit his perfect companion. I loved their bitter banter and the slow kinship that developed between them.

Unlike What is Hidden, I never saw the plot twists coming. I was completely shocked by the ending. So much so, that I just sat the book down for a second and laid there with my mouth open staring at the ceiling. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that kind of an ending in a book.

What is Hidden is great, but What is Lost is what makes the series worth the read. 

5 stars

* * * * *

Book Three

Synopsis

Princess Bianca returns to her court to find it poisoned from the inside out. Faced with mysterious sicknesses, power disputes, and whispers of impending death, Bianca turns to an unlikely ally—a former assassin—to find the antidote that will save her kingdom. But Bianca quickly realizes that she might not even be able to save her own life in this Snow White story.

Review

Upon seeing the cover for The Fairest Poison, I was confused as to whether or not it was a continuation in the Hidden Series, especially since it didn't follow the "What is" title theme. It definitely is, following Princess Bianca that was briefly mention in book one and introduced in book two. If you read my interview with Lauren Skidmore, you will find out that the publisher was intending to market The Fairest Poison as a standalone, therefore making the title and cover different from the rest of the series. Fun fact: The original title for book three was What is Found.

I went into this book with high hopes because I really enjoyed the first two. I'll admit, I was a little let down. On paper, The Fairest Poison had great stuff I love to see in books: castles and courts, royals, romance, scandals, and danger. But for me, it just didn't all come together like I expected it too. Maybe because Evie wasn't in it nearly as much as I had hoped. Bianca was nice enough but I just never felt a connection to her like I did in book two. There wasn't as much story driven action as the previous books and it felt a little slow moving. Perhaps that's partly because due to the title, I knew she was going to get poisoned eventually, also as this is a snow white theme. But there were few twists and less surprises than the first two.

It was a still a fun, quick read. I imagine that if I had read this in the days before I was married with a child, I could have finished the whole thing in one rainy afternoon. The ending was sweet and satisfying and I felt like I had said a proper goodbye to the characters. I think if I had just read The Fairest Poison as a stand alone I would have liked it a lot better, having not compared it to the first two. But that's not my recommendation at all. The characters and the history of this world are too rich to just skip to the ending. If you haven't already, definitely pick up What is Hidden.

3.5 stars

* * * *