Nomad, the second book of RJ Anderson's The Flight and Flame Trilogy, was just as captivating and magical as it's prequel, if not more so! If you enjoyed the Swift, Nomad will definitely not disappoint! Ivy and Martin's relationship continues to develop and new characters are introduced as well, some of whom will be familiar to those of you who've read Anderson's No Ordinary Fairy Tale series.

I've never read much Christian fantasy before this if you ignore the part about me being a huge Tolkien nerd, but Anderson's writings have made me quite eager to dig into this genre. I love how she tackles important contemporary topics that sometimes people are reluctant to think about in such a loving and beautiful manner! Nomad is truly a great read. Loved every moment of it! ( )

When I read Swift in 2013, this hadn’t been published yet. I wrote: “Ultimately I was left feeling unsatisfied because I wanted more of Ivy's story and more of her relationships with certain characters, especially her family.”

Well, here is more. And I really should have reread Swift first, because reading this was like picking up a story halfway through -- I definitely remember bits of Anderson’s earlier faerie trilogy but it seems I have no memory of Swift that could be jogged! And beginning halfway through is just not the way to properly appreciate a book. ( )

As I began reading this book, I quickly found myself caught up in Ivy and Martin’s stories. Full of fairies, pikseys, shape shifters, and more, this book takes a lot of twists and turns.

With missing parents, adventure, and danger, this Christian Young Adult novel includes second chances, forgiveness, and more. I have to say after reading this book, I want to read the next one in the series. The characters and plot make this story come alive, so check it out for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

I remember reading the first book in this series and thinking that it reminded me of something. As I finished this book, it suddenly came to me. Now I know the book is fantasy but it so resembles an anime type story. There is one in particular that my son had me hooked on. This series however is much better than that show because beneath the surface of the story lies lessons of faith. The author allows us to soar away with Ivy as she gets ready for her new mission.

Ivy is a bit stronger and more assured of herself. I kept hoping she wouldn’t let her guard down and allow herself to become used by an enemy that is very crafty. I really liked that Ivy could shift into another form. Oh how the imagination in this story is so entertaining. I’m thrilled that Martin is back with us . I adore him and think he has become someone to be reckon with. His ability to heal others is quite intriguing and makes me wonder if it zaps his strength when he uses his power. My mind just goes crazy reading this book because it has so many intricate parts that help readers keep their attention glued to the story.

I’m amazed that an author can deliver a story that stretches the imagination yet gives a story that teaches valuable lessons. There is a passage in the story that made me stop and really think. “And if you are comfortable in one form, it’s not easy to adjust to another.” Do we sometimes feel so content where we are at, that we don’t want to step out of our comfort zone? Does sin make us feel so comfy, that we don’t want to fight off the enemy? That one little section in the story really impacted me. I now understood why Ivy was so determined to fight.

I loved this book even more than the first maybe because I witnessed the maturity of the characters and the way they are able to forgive. The author does an amazing job of showing us what it is like to face our fears and allow ourselves to overcome them. I’m not there with my fears yet, but each day I become a little more determined like Ivy did in the story.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

“All my life I’ve been a nomad, or a fugitive, or both. It’s time to stop hiding, and face up to what I’ve done.” He took her hands in his. “You taught me that.”

An imaginative, outstanding sequel to “Swift”, R.J. Anderson’s The Flight and Flame Trilogy continues with “Nomad.” Because it picks up where book one leaves off, this series does need to be read in order for maximum enjoyment. This story, too, is very well suited for both adults and young adults, containing enough adventure and societal relations for an older audience while also harkening to the angst of those just entering adulthood. While its predecessor did not involve a romantic thread, “Nomad” does, and while I will be the first to admit that I am not much of a romance fan, I have to commend Anderson for carrying it out so well in this story. She crafts it into the heart of the tale without it becoming the main focus or a distraction, which takes finesse.

The few issues that I had with “Swift” were resolved with “Nomad”, and in fact make sense in retrospect. Most of the characters in the first book were unattractively self-centered, albeit not necessarily maliciously so, and as a result sympathizing with them felt like a bit of a chore and I felt little to no connection with any of them. However, this is the beauty of trilogies: not only observing but walking alongside the characters as they grow and transform—in this case, sometimes literally! “All this time, Ivy had been obsessed with what she wanted. But she hadn’t gained the wings she longed for until she stopped fretting about how much they meant to her, and started thinking about what they could mean to someone else.”

The characters are my favorite part of this series; the fantasy element adds to their already high level of unpredictability, and I love being surprised throughout the narrative. New connections come to light, with their own set of consequences, as Ivy makes it her mission to somehow save the Delve from the deadly hazard that the current Joan, her aunt Betony, dismisses. Despite her status as an exile, Ivy determines to save her people or die trying. Strange dreams about the piskeys and spriggans of yore puzzle her as she works to create a plan and learns more about herself in the process. With themes such as sacrificial love, forgiveness, and mercy, the Christian aspect of this series is subtle but recognizable. And mercifully, there is not a cliffhanger at the end of this story—enough to leave readers anticipating the rest of the journey, but no lack of resolution to the plot of this segment.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )