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Cora's visit with the elves proves to be more than she bargained for. She learns her parentage, but it's the last thing she ever expected to hear. She came to the elves for help to defeat King Lux, to free the dragons still trapped in captivity, but she discovers a timeless place, where outside matters mean nothing. There's little chance to convince them of anything, especially when her human heritage has permanently marked her as an outsider.

Rush returns to Bridge to begin their plans, but there's also a fear in the back of his mind.

Is she safe?

Flare shares the same concern. Will they hurt Pretty?

Elven magic separates their borders, but perhaps the connection between Rush and Cora is enough to keep the channel open between them, to exchange thoughts and feelings, until she departs the forest and reunites with him once more.

Forces are moving in the world, and they have to move quickly before King Lux finds them both — and destroys them.

654 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 8, 2021

About the author

E.L. Todd

235 books2,653 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author, E. L. Todd is one of the most prolific authors of her genre, having published over a hundred novels. With over one million copies sold, she writes romance stories ranging from contemporary romance, new adult romance, and fantasy romance. She's best known for her Forever and Always Series as well as her Timeless Series.

She loves coffee, ice cream, and anything with sugar.


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5 stars
1,401 (61%)
4 stars
631 (27%)
3 stars
207 (9%)
2 stars
32 (1%)
1 star
13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,199 reviews334 followers
March 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this.
You need to read series in order. The series continues the story of the 2 main characters from book 1. Each book is adding to their plan to defeat the main enemy from book 1.
Introduction of new characters.
We are told about the heroine's family roots, some of them.

For the safety gang.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
The Hero visits an Inn, he and the heroine are not together yet and they are travelling in opposite directions so she is not with him. He is offered a woman from the brothel, he says no.
Later a previous ONS makes an offer of a repeat, he refuses, I think she may reappear at a later date, just my theory.

The Hero and heroine want to be together properly but circumstances seem to make a future difficult so they agree to part as friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Maria.
759 reviews26 followers
July 21, 2022
3,5⭐ - it was good

I liked book 1 more... I'm losing my interest at this point, might not continue the series.... 😶
But it was still a good book!
19 reviews3 followers
July 6, 2021
This book came out literally today and I read it immediately, which should tell you how good it is. Honestly, it's rare to find an actually good sequel, and I'm glad this book is. The world-building and character development is really solid and interesting. Much better than the plethora of dragon fantasy out there - anyone who's interested in that specific genre would enjoy this series after "Eragon."

So what was good about this book?

1. The world-building. I looked forward to the scenes with the elves so much because I loved the culture of their realm - yes, I've seen similar things done with elves before, but that doesn't detract from this book's well-written world.

2. Humanizing all species. I really liked how each species was treated as different and complex but with equal validity - again, most books about dragons involve that idea in some way, but it was well-executed.

3. The themes. I don't think I've ever come across a reformed villain like Rush. He's the stereotypical villain from every other fantasy story, after the story ends and he's left with himself and his actions. I love how complex that is. As a reader, I don't even know how to quite reconcile it. Rush tortured and killed so many people and dragons yet, he knows how bad it was and plans to die in the pursuit of redemption. That's complicated and I've never seen another character written that way.

Some things I would change ...

1. I like Cora, but I don't feel there's specifically that much that separates her from all of the other strong, good-hearted female heroines. Which is fine - there's nothing wrong with her, she's just not as original or complex as Rush, for example.

2. It isn't the most original book in existence. Dragons being enslaved by an evil king has been done before, but that's okay. It's original enough and certainly well-written enough to be worth reading. I came in to this book with that expectation from the first one, and that's why I gave this book 5 stars.

That being said, those issues really aren't that big of a deal. I obviously could never write anything as good as this and I really admire and appreciate E.L. Todd for writing as well as this. Also, it's lovely to have an author who moves up deadlines! As a reader, waiting literally years between releases is its own form of torture. Basically, I highly recommend this book! Continue this series, it gets even better. :)
Profile Image for The Book Villain Reviews.
73 reviews81 followers
February 20, 2024
By the time I return, you’ll be this powerful warrior, so the timing will be perfect.
If you saw me practice, you wouldn’t say that…
If you saw yourself the way I see you, I would.



✨ Overall Rating: 4/5
🔥 Spice Rating: 1/5
📈 Plot: 4/5
🗺️ World Building: 4/5
👤 Characters: 4/5
⚖️ Interpersonal Relationships: 3/5


Themes:
🖤 High Fantasy
🖤 Adventure
🖤 Dragons
🖤 Very Slow Burn Romance
🖤 Young Adult/New Adult
Profile Image for Veda Roberts.
5 reviews
May 27, 2024
I really loved this book! The first one was a bit hard to get into for me, but I was thoroughly entertained throughout this entire second book! The three central settings of the elven forest fortress of Eden star, the swashbuckling adventure on the high seas, and the majestic dragon island were such fun places to explore! And then it ended on such a precipice! Can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store!
7 reviews
August 3, 2021
Very well done!

I normally find sequels lacking, but not this time. I have already ordered the next one. Keep up the good work.😉
3 reviews
July 19, 2021
It held my interest throughout.

If partial stars were allowed I would've rated the book 4.5. 5 is saved for those very, very few books that make me want to be part of that world so bad I can taste it, and that I will remember as though it was part of my life. This story held my interest throughout though, and had no slow parts that were painful to read. Good pacing, the book was enjoyable and I identified with the characters.
I am of the opinion that in this ever so complex and mysterious, infinite multiverse, all stories are real and take place somewhere and somewhen, where the laws of physics may be a bit different than here at home. Everything is possible, everything happens; our human dreams and imagination are doorways to these other places, some of which, to a limited extent, we can make true here. A good writer is somewhen who is better than average at opening these doorways of the imagination, so that others can see and experience the writer has been, and can allow us to become acquainted with a group of people and their experience of life, elsewhere and elsewhen. The author has done a good job opening this particular doorway, and I encourage her to keep at it. I look forward to the next book and will prepay.
To the author: thanks for the experiece. I enjoyed the ride.
PS I have an idea who the witch may be.

July 26, 2021
Feelings

This series is fantastic. It is a rollercoaster ride of intrigue and feelings….one minute your in love, another minute you are fighting for your life and those you care for, another minute you are enmeshed in the trials of others prejudices and court intrigue, then you are fighting for those that can’t fight for themselves with all your heart….just so many feelings….and yet, the best is yet to come…will they be successful, will they reunite in passion or depart as only friends, will they be tru to themselves….what will happen…….
July 29, 2021
Excellent!

I have been a fantasy reader for many years. Specifically Dragon stories. It sucked me in right away and never let go. Not too dark. I love the way it's written and can hardly wait for the next one (already ordered). I will definitely try others by E.L.Todd while I wait. Thank you.
49 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2021
Great story, wonderful characters

I have now read the first two in this series and can’t wait for Fuse, the third book to come out.
130 reviews
July 30, 2021
Ashe

This book was a great 2nd part of the story. Very good continuation of Cora's story. I can't wait for the final book.
Profile Image for Atene.
58 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2021
Loved it!

Just finished Book 2...have to wait for 3. .per purchased it..because I can not wait to see what happens.
Great story...this one brought some tears to my eyes. Because you love the characters....loved it!
11 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2021
I couldn't stop turning the pages!

This is such a great sequel to Fuse! I especially loved the relationship Rush has with Fuse...laughing my head off at times! I definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Sharon.
83 reviews
July 25, 2021
Amazing!

I have completely fallen in love with these characters. It's been a long time since a book has had me this enthralled! I actually caught myself holding my breath at points in the story. All I can say is it you're even remotely thinking about buying this book.....do it now! Oh....but read Fuse first. Believe it or not it's just as good. I will be waiting very impatiently for the next book. I preordered it after reading fuse.
6 reviews
Read
July 28, 2021
Ashe book review

Each book gets better then the one before.
I couldn't put it down. I hated interruptions like: cooking, cleaning, sleeping, people wanting to talk to me. Can't wait for the next book! Keep up the Good work!!!!
4 reviews
July 24, 2021
Ashe

I was very excited when my pre-ordered book arrived. I very much enjoyed the first book and couldn't wait for the second. It' an action packed story with very personable characters. You can' t help but join in their adventures! I love all things dragon and can' t for Fury to arrive.
I mentioned what I was reading to my friends who will probably also get these books.
Thank you for a great read. Can't wait for the next one.
July 25, 2021
A truly great series!

One of the best series I have ever read. You can't help but feel everything the characters feel. I love the way the author writes, with detail yet not over doing it. I like the fact that the love scenes are not fill with so much detail. It makes the story that much better. Can't wait for the next book.
July 26, 2021
Great book part deux

I got the second book because I enjoyed the first one so much. When you get so attached to book's characters that you shed tears when things go wrong, you know it's a great book. This one fits the bill. Can't wait for the third. I've already preordered it.
Profile Image for Jane Martel.
4 reviews
July 26, 2021
Excellent Read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Can't wait for the next book which I pre ordered
I loved Ashe especially when he agreed to help Cora. Can't wait to see how they try to get the elves to help.
Profile Image for David.
4 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2021
Riveting

Absolutely mesmerizing story telling. I could not put either book down, and finished them both in 4 short days. I love stories about dragons, and E.L. Todd has written a masterpiece to rival Eragon and Naomi Novik's "His Majesty's Dragon". If you enjoy solid storytelling in the Fantasy genre, then you would be doing yourself a disservice by not reading this series. I can hardly wait until October to see how Cora's story ends, and I know I will be upset that the series is over.
6 reviews
July 23, 2021
Great read

I became thoroughly engrossed in your story. Skipping lunch and dinner to find out how the tale would end. As expected i will have to wait until the final book is released
To find

out how it all comes together. I have feeling more will develop from the relationship with the witch. Looking forward to book 3😊😊😊
18 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2021
Very interesting story

The mix of POVs makes this story captivating. The bad guys (King Lux and cronies) are despicable, and not so bad guys (Pirate Hurricane and crew) are interesting enough for their own book . The good guys (Cora, Rush and General Callum) are seriously messed up. Any story with dragons and elves is my kinda story. When I started reading the only thing that tripped my pace was the modern slang mixed into an old fantasy World. When Cora was surprised and exclaimed "Jesus" it was a shock. Having her say "shit" all the time was more reasonable, as that's my usual word when things don't go well.😁
July 11, 2021
bruh. you can't do this to my otp, please don't let it be true: "They were meant to be together…but also break apart. Not everything was meant to last. Sometimes they were supposed to be moments—and then memories."

I definitely get a special snowflake vibe from her. She makes everyone she meets fall in love with her, whether romantically or in a platonic comrade/fatherly/guardian vibe. It is always because she has some sort of special power, a special ring, or something just super *special* that does the trick. I personally don't find her talking skills/negotiation abilities to be a main highlight. She is pretty standard in how she attempts to make alliances, which is: "help us for the greater good. Don't let evil King Lux kill everyone you love." So, there is nothing special in her public speaking abilities that sways everyone to work with her.

It is purely her special magic skills, which to me feels like a bit of a deus ex machina/ cop out/ avoids really developing her charisma, eloquence, or witty dialogue as a speaker/leader.

This prevents me from really connecting with her, because it doesn't feel like she has much of a personality apart from being very selfless. Which is wonderful, but I need a bit more to truly feel like she's a person and not just a one dimensional "i wanna save the world" kinda girl who is hot and has great special magic powers.
9 reviews
July 21, 2021
It's hard having to wait for the next one!

Todd's writing style helps you get inside the chartacter's mind and feel like you are on this adventure with them; that they are real people with real emotions. It is intense and yet the banter keeps it from becoming dark and angsty. Hervstiry shows that people can and do change, and we do them a disfavor by keeping them in their original box. We all deserve second and third chances.
2 reviews
July 11, 2021
A good read

I normally don't buy my books, I'll be honest and say I read from my kindle using the once a month fee and resist the urge to get into a "what is this fee for, now? " battle... ok enough about me! Honestly the first book grabbed me in the review and I requested the sample. Getting into the sample only drew me into the lives of the people of this world more! I had to see where Cora and Rush got to! I did tag the 2nd book for me to remember and now can't wait for October! My favorite parts? Well, I don't want to spoil it, so I will just say that although I do appreciate romance with the next woman, I love how it's done in a none pushy way here. Not going so far as to "cheapen" the love and friendship at it's base. One more thing, I have writers in my family and have read fiction for over 30 years and can usually guess where, how, why, and the end of the story way before I ever finish a book. Which is why I honestly don't usually buy just any, I know I would only read them once....with this series I have some guesses, but am constantly kept wondering about others. Which to me? Is the marks of a great fiction writer! Keep up the Great Work!
Profile Image for Arthur .
104 reviews
July 16, 2021
A MILLION & ONE STARS

OMG. U R amazing. I can’t remember reading a series so heartbreaking & so full of adventure all in one. Yes I ended up back in N.O. So many times remembering an old love, now departed. It made me relive moments I wish I could relive, could change & could forget. Life goes on. Please for once let this one have a happy ending. Mine didn’t.
I’m sick of seeing a movie or reading a book knowing the end will Suck!
You young lady are amazing & will go far & even further. Your books are awesome & I can’t wait to read FURY. Oh. I to lived in The City. 16 years!
Profile Image for Paulina Deschamps.
31 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2021
Spoilers!

I like the story a lot. I like the characters.
I really wish Rush gets his redemption. I want the other characters to know that he was born in evil, they would've done the same thing if they were born in the same situation.
I like so much when Cora tells him , that he needed to be born so the dragons can get their freedom. I am so mad at her for letting him go.
I am worried about Ashe , because he will get in her mind telling her how Rush is not right for her.
but I hope E.L.Todd gives us the happy ending.
I already order the next book. Waiting for it!!!!
237 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2021
Amazing job

Hardly know what to say. It was delicious and heart breaking at the same time. I felt I was flying with the Dragons and falling in love with them. Can not wait for next book and of course have pre-ordered. Death to the evil King and his minions.
7 reviews
July 13, 2021
Great read

Great world building. I love all the details to every experience the main character is going through. Like how things sound, look, and feel. She really paints the scene well. Great characters.

-Spoilers
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I feel so bad for the captive dragons! When Rush told the story about how they escaped. It’s so sad that they were so broken! Free them! I really hate Lux. Also, I’m super curious about Cora’s lineage. Who is her mother? Why does she have so much power that resembles a dragon? The witch who gave her the dragon tears; is she part of the dragon allies they are looking for?

I’m excited to read what happens next !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews

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