Review: Of Warriors and Sages by Jenn Lees

I received an advanced review copy of this book for free via Reedsy Discovery. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.

Series: Arlan’s Pledge #2
Published: September 2024
Pages: 320

Synopsis

A dragon egg to obtain and a Quest to win.
A portal to master and a love to retrieve.
A lineage to discover and a high kingship to secure.

Arlan returned to Dál Gaedhle through the portal two years ago. Rhiannon waits for him take her to her true home.

Rhiannon has mastered horse riding, martial art, and can now speak Gaelic. She’s ready.

With the high king slain by a fire-breathing dragon, Arlan must Quest for the high kingship to save his land from Lord Ciarán’s greedy desires.

The Quest’s task – a dragon egg – is the most difficult since the Dragon Wars, as the beasts are now legend. A greater quest dogs Arlan… proving Rhiannon’s lineage. Without her nobility, their relationship is impossible. Rhiannon’s mission: get to Dál Gaedhle, be a warrior, discover her place in that world.

Frustrated by his master’s unfulfilled promises, Ciarán plans his final, great battle. His mage, Bram, grows in skill and power.

Rhiannon’s major challenge is to keep her true feelings for Arlan in check.

If Arlan cannot beat Ciarán, Dál Gaedhle will suffer the same fate as Dál Gallain. Any thought of liberty and love be a mere fleeting wish.

THE HEART-QUEST MUST WIN

My Thoughts…

This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery.

Picking up shortly after the events of the previous book, Of Warriors and Sages takes readers back to Dál Gaedhle where Arlan and his faithful companions must face a perilous quest in order for him to win the high kingship and save his land from Lord Ciarán’s nefarious plans. Meanwhile, in modern-day Scotland, Rhiannon has been waiting for two years for Arlan’s return so she may finally join him in his world – her true home. But with her past still shrouded in mystery, will she even be allowed to be with Arlan? Or can their love surpass all obstacles?

In this second instalment in the series, the author displays tremendous skills in building on the previous book while avoiding the dreaded second-book crisis to deliver an even richer tale. As more time is spent in Dál Gaedhle, the world building takes centre stage, fully displaying the richness of this setting inspired by medieval Scotland. The different peoples, customs and history are presented without descending into pure exposition, but rather are seamlessly woven into the narrative.

The secondary characters, particularly members of Arlan’s war band, are also much more present, allowing readers a chance to get to know them better and fleshing out the different relationships. The introduction of some new characters – especially Lady Leynarve and former assassin Vygeas – alongside others whom readers had already met offered new group dynamics as well as some truly fascinating subplots. Arlan and Rhiannon remain the focal points and, although their romance has to contend with a host of other pressing matters, the challenges they face (both individually and jointly) allow them to grow and adapt. The narration through multiple perspectives works truly well to allow a glimpse into different characters’ thoughts, feelings and fears, forging a bond between them and readers. Action abounds in this book and, between battles, crimes, and a quest, there is never a dull moment.

Of Warriors and Sages is a fast-paced novel brimming with excitement and magic that will leave readers guessing right up to the end and aching for the next instalment. Perfect for anyone who ever wished Outlander had dragons.