The only critique I have is that I wanted more of Bear.

“We’re all born with Shadow inside us… We can succumb to its power, or we can overcome it and use it… It’s a choice we must all make…” It has been 3 years since I read the first book, so it did take a little bit to get into it (and to remember everything), but it definitely picked up in the second half. I rated the first book 5 stars when I read it, and I would have given this five stars if I was still 15 and haven't read my large array of YA since then. However ( ;) ) , I do think that this sequel is better, as it had the set up from the first book. I adore this world and Alex's cast of friends <3 Can't wait to continue

(1st Book: Akarnae) This book has everything I was looking for in a sequel. It doesn’t focus on any major side plots, keeps you in the dark ever so slightly, allows you get to know the characters more and more, develops small romances while still not making them a major factor in the book, I was hooked ever since the first book.

At first I was a bit underwhelmed with this, but then we got to the (view spoiler)[SAS field trip (hide spoiler)] part and I was completely hooked. That part and what followed was so good and fast-paced, I loved it.

I've really enjoyed this series so far. I do own the 3rd book, but just haven't gotten around to reading it yet, but I hope it holds up!

Better than the first one! And that climax...oh my!

This book was Awesome! This is the type of book that makes you annoyed at being interrupted. I devoured this in one day. Alex is a strong character. She is easily likable and I loved everything Kaiden. Medora is mesmerizing and I love getting to know the characters and their powers.

** spoiler alert ** book review ✨ [a lot of spoilers] ~ Raelia by Lynette Noni Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ~ Far out, that was a great read! Honestly loved this book [even more than book 1]☺️ I loved how Alex got to explore and venture out away from the Akarnae Academy and into the Medoran world. Again the characters were heartwarming and just the best kind of people! The banter and the situations that Alex and her friends got themselves into honesty made me laugh out loud so much. We even got a bunch of new characters who were just as interesting and likeable. Aww my heart, Kaiden is everything you want in a book boyfriend [sigh 🙇‍♀️] - give me more Kaiden please! Meya sounds sooo magical [now another place I’ve added to my long list of book places I would love to visit]. Also it’s really interesting to read how the Meyarin blood is giving Alex some super abilities! [just to make Alex more special 🙈]. Oh My God! That SAS weekend was so epic! The challenges that Alex and her friends faced were heart stopping and I couldn’t put the book down. That ending absolutely broke my heart 💔 I hate it when your best friend gets brainwashed and bonded to a villain 🤦‍♀️ #savejordansparker