Book Review: A Fire Endless (Elements of Cadence #2) by Rebecca Ross

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 512 pages
Author: Rebecca Ross
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Release Date: December 6th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

East and West. Humans and Spirits. Breccans and Tamerlaines. The Isle of Cadence has always held itself and its residents in a tenuous balance. But now Bane, the spirit of the North Wind, has pushed everyone and everything in his path off-kilter in a bid to claim dominion over all.

In the West, Adaira struggles to adjust to the more brutal, bitter ways of life among the Breccans. Striving to find her place in the clan, she swiftly realizes that it just might be the last role she desires to hold. And while magic blooms effortlessly for the Breccans in the west, the spirits continue to suffer beneath Bane’s harsh power, felt in every gust of wind.

In the East, Jack is adrift without Adaira until he sings to the ember-weak fire spirits, acquiring a dangerous mission he never expected. One that is destined to lead him westward. Likewise, Torin and Sidra are consumed by a new mystery as sickness spreads first amongst the crops, and then to the people of the Tamerlaine clan. While Sidra desperately searches for a cure, Torin dares to strike a bargain with the spirits–a precarious folly anytime, but especially now as the days grow darker.

With the island falling further out of balance, humans and spirits alike will need to join together to face Bane, and Jack’s gift with the harp will be called upon once more. Yet no one can challenge the North Wind without paying a terrible price, and the sacrifice required this time may be more than Jack, Adaira, Torin, and Sidra can bear to pay.

WONDERFUL CONCLUSION.

I know, I know. You see that four star there and wonder WHY. I’ll give you why.

One of my biggest frustrations with any book that has a heavy romance plot is the separation of love interests for an extended period of time. I felt that with this being a duology, I didn’t like waiting around until 40% for one couple to be back on the same page. Pacing wise, it caused a, nothing is happening, slow down.

BUT OTHERWISE. I thought this was lyrically beautiful. I’m especially grateful I went ahead and waited for the audiobook because I love the Scottish narration. It adds a whole new layer and really transports me into this story.

I do love both of these couples. That second half had my heart wrapped in a vice. Pulling at every emotion. I loooved the quiet moments they both got and the strength they gave each other to keep rising. I adored this whole cast. Every character held value and the progression for everyone was great to watch.

The ending will leave you turning pages faster than you can read. It felt classic to Ross’s nature (as I’ve read all of her other books) and I love how she does it each time.

Overall audience notes: