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The Broken Lands #2
Mist's Edge
The pathfinder, Shea, has chosen to make a place for herself among her former captors, leaving behind her people and the life she once knew. However, not all welcome this outsider in their midst. Shea will find that surviving alone in the wilderness is child’s play next to navigating the politics that come with her new position. Especially when it becomes evident that there are those out for her blood. As a new danger looms on the horizon, Shea and her warlord will need all the allies they can find. Because something is stirring in the barren lands from which all beasts are born. Something old and not seen since the last cataclysm. Can Shea protect her people from this new threat or will it be the dangers from within her own inner circle that destroy her?
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2017
About the author
T.A. White
23 books3,328 followersWriting is my first love. Even before I could read or put coherent sentences down on paper, I would beg the older kids to team up with me for the purpose of crafting ghost stories to share with our friends. This first writing partnership came to a tragic end when my coauthor decided to quit a day later, and I threw my cookies at her head. Today, I stick with solo writing, telling the stories that would otherwise keep me up at night.
Most days (and nights) are spent feeding my tea addiction while defending the computer keyboard from my feline companion, Loki, who would like to try her paw at typing.
Most days (and nights) are spent feeding my tea addiction while defending the computer keyboard from my feline companion, Loki, who would like to try her paw at typing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
January 29, 2018
Don’t like Shea in this. Feels like a persona much different than the one from the first book is being forced upon the reader. Shea doesn’t want to be in a position of leadership over this group and that’s understandable given her personality and her loner type lifestyle but when it was mentioned that she had never liked leading groups out into the wilderness it kind of pissed me off because it was such a contradiction to the first Shea that I read about who loved the thrill of the unknown and the adventure and who got pretty testy when her orders weren’t followed. Suddenly she just wants to catalogue knowledge for future generations and she’s become so dull. In the beginning of this book she’s still yearning for that thrill yet when she takes a moment to talk to a friend about it, it’s like she’s advised just to settle and let everyone else handle things because is being a pathfinder really what she sees herself doing for the rest of her life? And she kind of accepts and agrees. It just felt so stifling but rather than this feeling becoming an issue it’s like she’s just changing her desires, the result of which is a dull character whom I barely recognize and one who I’m bored reading about. She’s also portrayed as kind of silly and whiny, her actions are regarded as cute yet annoying antics and at one point Fallon actually says, “What are we going to do with you”? Gag.
He’s still controlling in the sense that he knows what’s best for Shea and everyone else, but he’s also a coward who slinks away in the wee hours of the morning after an argument between himself and Shea regarding her role with these people. Not for a day or so but for six weeks while he’s off checking his outposts. Had Shea gone with him that might have been some interesting reading but no, instead we are treated with the oh so intriguing meeting regarding housing the new arrivals. Horse pastures or the dropping of human waste on their heads as they sleep? Riveting stuff. And he’s just so placating towards her now. I think I liked it better the way he was in the first book, at least things felt more real in that one. In this at least at the beginning, the problems don’t feel authentic and the times that Shea’s opinion is requested it doesn’t feel like they really need it or want it but more like they just want to make sure she feels included as a courtesy to her status as the ruler’s mate rather than actually needing her expertise. Like they’re just humoring her for maintenance purposes because a happy girlfriend makes for a happy warlord. I’m not sure it was meant to be this way but if her opinions were supposed to be important I just wasn’t sold.
The mist finally shows up and describing it as simply underwhelming doesn’t even come close to conveying the disappointment I felt. Mostly what you have is a thick white fog which obscures sight and causes disorientation and a weird time displacement. Sometimes people disappear into it and there’s voices. I have no idea what they say but Fallon and his men were lost in it for three weeks and Shea for one week while rescuing them. Honestly, Shea’s breakfast got a more in depth description than the mist did. (I’m not kidding either - said breakfast description takes place the following morning.)
When they all get back Fallon and his men are no worse for the wear but exhausted little Shea girl nods off at the table and has to be carried off to bed by big strong Fallon. But that’s ok because doesn’t it feel good to be cradled in those big arms and cherished like a fragile little dolly?
Lots of time wasted with repetition too. For example the village of Airibel was described at the start of the book and then again in almost exactly the same words when Shea gets ready to take Fallon on a tour. But it’s not said to him, it’s just described unnecessarily again at the start of the chapter. I already know they live in the trees. I already know the trees are huge. I already know there’s a network of branches creating pathways. It’s not even done in such a way as what they are experiencing as they arrive, it’s just a repeated info dump.
All of these complaints are trivial though when compared to what happens next. During a cheesy pool frolicking scene, Shea broaches the subject of her desires to continue to scout and use her pathfinder skills. Fallon shoots her down, convinces her that not only does she not truly enjoy it, but that she’s not good at it and that some of her reckless actions and insubordination would have gotten more important men whipped. But then later on in the book he and several of his men are laughing it up and telling fond stories of that same insubordination. And what about when she saved his sorry ass in the beginning of book one? It’s like everything I liked about Shea is being made light of. It feels like she’s being brainwashed into agreeing to fit into this little box he’s made for her, but without any real skill on his part. Like when an adult uses reverse psychology on a child. It was weirdly insulting in a way because those scouting missions and her escape artist ways are what enticed me to pick up book two. Shea asks him if being a scout or not being a scout should be her decision and not his. His reaction , “I’m the warlord and if I say you won’t be a scout, you won’t be a scout.”
And what happened to all the women warriors? Shea isn’t a warrior, she’s not even a good scout, she’s a bed warmer whose wants and opinions can be silenced by a nipple tweak and a nip on the neck. I found this insulting to women. Even the scene with the tree top village story teller managed to be insulting because of the comments that Fallon had made and mostly the fact that it was meant to be cute.
Here’s a dandy little bit. All those cheesy love scenes? Turns out every last one of them took place with her assigned guards in close enough proximity to hear everything. Oh man, Shea’s spitting fire at this one...yes! Leave him (please) leave him. And not only for the fact that they could hear them having sex, but also they got to hear him basically belittling her skills and crushing her scouting dreams.
On the way out of the trees there’s this: ‘Fallon was respectful of the older man, but not so much that it wasn’t clear who was in charge’ - I really hate Fallon. During this same scene, it’s hinted that any children conceived in the waters of that pool would be favored by the gods or something along those lines. Fallon looks ready to do cartwheels, Shea looks like she might be ill. Thank goodness for the herbal supplement she takes to prevent a pregnancy, but I’m pretty sure a miracle baby will come out of that tryst, conceived in front of the guards on the night that she was made to believe that her wants, needs, and skills were nonexistent . This is quickly followed by a scene in which a bunch of idiotic and apparently sex starved women all converge on one of the guards and actually grope him, while the men all have themselves a good chuckle. Shea too finds this completely humorous and suddenly her anger seems to be gone and now I’m mad that she’s not still mad.
After they get back to camp, after pissing her off about something new, there’s this: ‘Fallon’s lips only twitched, and he got a look on his face that said he thought her anger was adorable.’
This literally almost makes me sick. Why isn’t Shea escaping? How could she possibly be happy with this life?
At some point she finally gets her voice back and tells him she was this way when he met her, it’s who she is and she’s not going to change, etc.. I was briefly happy but overall it was too little too late.
Shea does get to scout again but literally has to wait until Fallon gives his permission which in my opinion just made her look stupid in front of another pathfinder. It was a strangely embarrassing and uncomfortable scene to read.
There was finally something happening during those scouting scenes but still not enough to make up the dull yet infuriating first half of the book.
I could go on and on but I guess I’ll just sum it up by saying that overall I pretty much hated this book.
He’s still controlling in the sense that he knows what’s best for Shea and everyone else, but he’s also a coward who slinks away in the wee hours of the morning after an argument between himself and Shea regarding her role with these people. Not for a day or so but for six weeks while he’s off checking his outposts. Had Shea gone with him that might have been some interesting reading but no, instead we are treated with the oh so intriguing meeting regarding housing the new arrivals. Horse pastures or the dropping of human waste on their heads as they sleep? Riveting stuff. And he’s just so placating towards her now. I think I liked it better the way he was in the first book, at least things felt more real in that one. In this at least at the beginning, the problems don’t feel authentic and the times that Shea’s opinion is requested it doesn’t feel like they really need it or want it but more like they just want to make sure she feels included as a courtesy to her status as the ruler’s mate rather than actually needing her expertise. Like they’re just humoring her for maintenance purposes because a happy girlfriend makes for a happy warlord. I’m not sure it was meant to be this way but if her opinions were supposed to be important I just wasn’t sold.
The mist finally shows up and describing it as simply underwhelming doesn’t even come close to conveying the disappointment I felt. Mostly what you have is a thick white fog which obscures sight and causes disorientation and a weird time displacement. Sometimes people disappear into it and there’s voices. I have no idea what they say but Fallon and his men were lost in it for three weeks and Shea for one week while rescuing them. Honestly, Shea’s breakfast got a more in depth description than the mist did. (I’m not kidding either - said breakfast description takes place the following morning.)
When they all get back Fallon and his men are no worse for the wear but exhausted little Shea girl nods off at the table and has to be carried off to bed by big strong Fallon. But that’s ok because doesn’t it feel good to be cradled in those big arms and cherished like a fragile little dolly?
Lots of time wasted with repetition too. For example the village of Airibel was described at the start of the book and then again in almost exactly the same words when Shea gets ready to take Fallon on a tour. But it’s not said to him, it’s just described unnecessarily again at the start of the chapter. I already know they live in the trees. I already know the trees are huge. I already know there’s a network of branches creating pathways. It’s not even done in such a way as what they are experiencing as they arrive, it’s just a repeated info dump.
All of these complaints are trivial though when compared to what happens next. During a cheesy pool frolicking scene, Shea broaches the subject of her desires to continue to scout and use her pathfinder skills. Fallon shoots her down, convinces her that not only does she not truly enjoy it, but that she’s not good at it and that some of her reckless actions and insubordination would have gotten more important men whipped. But then later on in the book he and several of his men are laughing it up and telling fond stories of that same insubordination. And what about when she saved his sorry ass in the beginning of book one? It’s like everything I liked about Shea is being made light of. It feels like she’s being brainwashed into agreeing to fit into this little box he’s made for her, but without any real skill on his part. Like when an adult uses reverse psychology on a child. It was weirdly insulting in a way because those scouting missions and her escape artist ways are what enticed me to pick up book two. Shea asks him if being a scout or not being a scout should be her decision and not his. His reaction , “I’m the warlord and if I say you won’t be a scout, you won’t be a scout.”
And what happened to all the women warriors? Shea isn’t a warrior, she’s not even a good scout, she’s a bed warmer whose wants and opinions can be silenced by a nipple tweak and a nip on the neck. I found this insulting to women. Even the scene with the tree top village story teller managed to be insulting because of the comments that Fallon had made and mostly the fact that it was meant to be cute.
Here’s a dandy little bit. All those cheesy love scenes? Turns out every last one of them took place with her assigned guards in close enough proximity to hear everything. Oh man, Shea’s spitting fire at this one...yes! Leave him (please) leave him. And not only for the fact that they could hear them having sex, but also they got to hear him basically belittling her skills and crushing her scouting dreams.
On the way out of the trees there’s this: ‘Fallon was respectful of the older man, but not so much that it wasn’t clear who was in charge’ - I really hate Fallon. During this same scene, it’s hinted that any children conceived in the waters of that pool would be favored by the gods or something along those lines. Fallon looks ready to do cartwheels, Shea looks like she might be ill. Thank goodness for the herbal supplement she takes to prevent a pregnancy, but I’m pretty sure a miracle baby will come out of that tryst, conceived in front of the guards on the night that she was made to believe that her wants, needs, and skills were nonexistent . This is quickly followed by a scene in which a bunch of idiotic and apparently sex starved women all converge on one of the guards and actually grope him, while the men all have themselves a good chuckle. Shea too finds this completely humorous and suddenly her anger seems to be gone and now I’m mad that she’s not still mad.
After they get back to camp, after pissing her off about something new, there’s this: ‘Fallon’s lips only twitched, and he got a look on his face that said he thought her anger was adorable.’
This literally almost makes me sick. Why isn’t Shea escaping? How could she possibly be happy with this life?
At some point she finally gets her voice back and tells him she was this way when he met her, it’s who she is and she’s not going to change, etc.. I was briefly happy but overall it was too little too late.
Shea does get to scout again but literally has to wait until Fallon gives his permission which in my opinion just made her look stupid in front of another pathfinder. It was a strangely embarrassing and uncomfortable scene to read.
There was finally something happening during those scouting scenes but still not enough to make up the dull yet infuriating first half of the book.
I could go on and on but I guess I’ll just sum it up by saying that overall I pretty much hated this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
✅ Expansion of world-building
✅ Action in the second half
✅️ Interesting ending
✅🆗 Romance
✅🆗 Characters
✅🆗 Pace
✅🆗 Repetitive plot in the first half
I did enjoy this book, but not as much as the first one. I feel that the pace was too slow for most of the book, and the plot felt pointless at times.
This book picks up a few weeks after the end of The Pathfinder’s Way. Shea decided to stay with Fallon, as his Telroi, and is now trying to get accustomed to her new life. She misses the days of scouting in the wilds and hates being forced to sit in endless, boring meetings. She feels that her skills are being wasted until strange things start to happen around them. Beasts that shouldn’t be anywhere near their encampment are targeting them, and the mist is close to reaching them too, even though it’s never been this far South before.
The mist is finally here, way more south than it should be. It is a thick white fog that creates a time disruption (days seem like hours, minutes seem like weeks) and if you are not linked to a Pathfinder or well-grounded to the Earth, you will vanish in the mist. Shea has the unique ability (even for a pathfinder) to be able to navigate in the mist, which allows her to rescue Fallon and his men when they get stuck in it, but even after that, people do not seem to take the mist seriously.
Other strange things are happening, creatures that should not venture south are attacking and we are led to believe that everything is linked to the trip Shea took into the badlands when she was fourteen years old. Somehow she did something that set things in motion, and now she has to go back before things get out of control (more than they are now).
Shea's character in Mist's Edge was boring compared to her character in Pathfinder's Way. In the first book, she is strong, and determined, and voices her opinions out loud. She leads people into the wilderness and is not afraid to stand up for herself, because she knows what she is doing. In this book, she is still the same, but tamer. She does not want to lead people (which is understandable since she is an introvert), but she also says that she just wants to collect data and explore the world. She hasn't changed that much overall, but she is missing some of her spunk and fire.
Fallon is still a controlling alpha male who always knows what is best for Shea and dictates what she can and cannot do... and then leaves while she is sleeping so he won't have to face her reactions... He annoyed me so much in this book! He controlled every aspect of Shea’s life, decreting that she would or would not do something and expecting everyone to fall in line with his command. Even more frustrating is the fact that when Shea confronted him and told him how annoyed and angry she was when he behaved this way, he didn’t take it seriously. He either laughed it off or used the “I’m the Warlord, so I decide” card… And Shea just went along with it. I can’t believe that the fierce character from the first book lets him dictate everything and accepts that he does not even listen to her and her concerns. It was very disappointing.
There is also a lot of repetition, Shea has lots of inner monologues and she longs for freedom to explore without guards, but at times she just seems whiny. I know it sucks, but she decided to remain with Fallon, knowing what this life would entail, and knowing how over-protective of her he was.
The last third of the book is better, it is more similar to the first book. There is more action, and more development and the ending sets the table for an interesting third book. Hopefully, the next book will be more interesting, and more similar to the first book. I grew tired of the daily life and arguments of Fallon and Shea in this one.
1. Pathfinder's Way ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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✅ Action in the second half
✅️ Interesting ending
✅🆗 Romance
✅🆗 Characters
✅🆗 Pace
✅🆗 Repetitive plot in the first half
I did enjoy this book, but not as much as the first one. I feel that the pace was too slow for most of the book, and the plot felt pointless at times.
This book picks up a few weeks after the end of The Pathfinder’s Way. Shea decided to stay with Fallon, as his Telroi, and is now trying to get accustomed to her new life. She misses the days of scouting in the wilds and hates being forced to sit in endless, boring meetings. She feels that her skills are being wasted until strange things start to happen around them. Beasts that shouldn’t be anywhere near their encampment are targeting them, and the mist is close to reaching them too, even though it’s never been this far South before.
The mist is finally here, way more south than it should be. It is a thick white fog that creates a time disruption (days seem like hours, minutes seem like weeks) and if you are not linked to a Pathfinder or well-grounded to the Earth, you will vanish in the mist. Shea has the unique ability (even for a pathfinder) to be able to navigate in the mist, which allows her to rescue Fallon and his men when they get stuck in it, but even after that, people do not seem to take the mist seriously.
Other strange things are happening, creatures that should not venture south are attacking and we are led to believe that everything is linked to the trip Shea took into the badlands when she was fourteen years old. Somehow she did something that set things in motion, and now she has to go back before things get out of control (more than they are now).
Shea's character in Mist's Edge was boring compared to her character in Pathfinder's Way. In the first book, she is strong, and determined, and voices her opinions out loud. She leads people into the wilderness and is not afraid to stand up for herself, because she knows what she is doing. In this book, she is still the same, but tamer. She does not want to lead people (which is understandable since she is an introvert), but she also says that she just wants to collect data and explore the world. She hasn't changed that much overall, but she is missing some of her spunk and fire.
Fallon is still a controlling alpha male who always knows what is best for Shea and dictates what she can and cannot do... and then leaves while she is sleeping so he won't have to face her reactions... He annoyed me so much in this book! He controlled every aspect of Shea’s life, decreting that she would or would not do something and expecting everyone to fall in line with his command. Even more frustrating is the fact that when Shea confronted him and told him how annoyed and angry she was when he behaved this way, he didn’t take it seriously. He either laughed it off or used the “I’m the Warlord, so I decide” card… And Shea just went along with it. I can’t believe that the fierce character from the first book lets him dictate everything and accepts that he does not even listen to her and her concerns. It was very disappointing.
There is also a lot of repetition, Shea has lots of inner monologues and she longs for freedom to explore without guards, but at times she just seems whiny. I know it sucks, but she decided to remain with Fallon, knowing what this life would entail, and knowing how over-protective of her he was.
The last third of the book is better, it is more similar to the first book. There is more action, and more development and the ending sets the table for an interesting third book. Hopefully, the next book will be more interesting, and more similar to the first book. I grew tired of the daily life and arguments of Fallon and Shea in this one.
1. Pathfinder's Way ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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April 3, 2019
This series keeps surprising me with how much I am drawn into this world. It's not a particularly fast paced story, or one with big plot twists, but it makes up for that with really well developed characters and world building. Shea feels like a real person trying to make her own way in a society that's not her own and in a romantic relationship that's definitely not easy. Fallon is a man who knows what he wants, and usually gets it, and is domineering in a way that makes you want to smack him upside the head. Their cultural differences also creates further complications. In the meantime, 'beasts' are attacking more and more, Fallon deals with rebellion in the clans, and Shea faces her new role and responsibilities. This sets up the next book in the series nicely, and I'm looking forward to it!
January 5, 2018
Mist's Edge is an epic fantasy about finding your way. Characters are called upon to find their way through the mist, through relationships, through leadership, and ultimately, through a harrowing and dangerous world. This epic journey is broken up by a steamy love story, full of the push and pull of a new relationship between two dominant characters, levity and humor, excellent secondary characters (and their interesting stories), and some of the most fantastical scene-setting I've read in a long, long while.
I am going to start with the scene setting, because White clearly pinched ideas from Avatar and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I was there, in those stories, in those fantastical movie settings, and then I was in MORE. The way in which White took the idea of Home Tree, and then turned it into this embellished setting in the treetops, complete with architectural purpose and grafted plant life to enhance the beauty of the setting, I was just...WOW. No words. I was buried in the majesty of the description and awed by the imagination that took me there.
Mist's Edge moves this epic fantasy forward with both the adventure and the heart. It solidifies the physical relationship between Shea and Fallon, while simultaneously deepening the emotional output. "Sometimes it scared him—the depth of feeling he had for this woman. He didn’t know what he would do if he ever lost her. If the world thought him a monster now, it had better pray that she outlived him." What becomes clear is that Shea is Fallon's strength and his weakness. In a wonderfully unexpected way, these same surety of feelings are not exploding out of Shea. She is wrapped up in finding her place in this new world, trying to discover what she is beyond an isolated scout. Fallon is the ultimate leader of men, and he sees these qualities in Shea, and they are revealed in wonderful bits and bites. He wars with his confidence in her and his fear for her reckless behavior. He says loving her is like loving the wind. And much about Shea's behavior is like the wind. She is growing into herself.
Wrapped around all of this epic self-discovery is a fantasy story and strong characters that had me rapidly turning the pages. I was never bored, always wondering what was coming next for a big cast that I've come to care about. White also manages to bury a mystery assassin within the story arc, and it makes everything that happens personal, poignant and powerful. Emotions are heightened when your loved ones are targets. Beyond that, more unfolds regarding the origins of the Pathfinders and Shea's background. There is a lot going on in this novel, so buckle yourself in for a fantastic ride.
Book source: Purchased
I am going to start with the scene setting, because White clearly pinched ideas from Avatar and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I was there, in those stories, in those fantastical movie settings, and then I was in MORE. The way in which White took the idea of Home Tree, and then turned it into this embellished setting in the treetops, complete with architectural purpose and grafted plant life to enhance the beauty of the setting, I was just...WOW. No words. I was buried in the majesty of the description and awed by the imagination that took me there.
Mist's Edge moves this epic fantasy forward with both the adventure and the heart. It solidifies the physical relationship between Shea and Fallon, while simultaneously deepening the emotional output. "Sometimes it scared him—the depth of feeling he had for this woman. He didn’t know what he would do if he ever lost her. If the world thought him a monster now, it had better pray that she outlived him." What becomes clear is that Shea is Fallon's strength and his weakness. In a wonderfully unexpected way, these same surety of feelings are not exploding out of Shea. She is wrapped up in finding her place in this new world, trying to discover what she is beyond an isolated scout. Fallon is the ultimate leader of men, and he sees these qualities in Shea, and they are revealed in wonderful bits and bites. He wars with his confidence in her and his fear for her reckless behavior. He says loving her is like loving the wind. And much about Shea's behavior is like the wind. She is growing into herself.
Wrapped around all of this epic self-discovery is a fantasy story and strong characters that had me rapidly turning the pages. I was never bored, always wondering what was coming next for a big cast that I've come to care about. White also manages to bury a mystery assassin within the story arc, and it makes everything that happens personal, poignant and powerful. Emotions are heightened when your loved ones are targets. Beyond that, more unfolds regarding the origins of the Pathfinders and Shea's background. There is a lot going on in this novel, so buckle yourself in for a fantastic ride.
Book source: Purchased
November 21, 2023
After the disappointment of Age of Deception I came back to Mist's Edge to see if there were parallels I had missed in AoD.
But alas there is no comparison, yes Mist is the middle book in a trilogy, but it has a very solid plot both in itself and in the overall arch of the series. You see the strife in both the romance and the Trateri world. When there's a betrayal you feel the pain. Its like comparing the Marianne to a creek. Both totally unfair and just.
The more I read Mist's Edge the more I like it.
Read a second time, I liked it even more :)
As I said before, an author with lots of potential. I'm following two of her three series (and read the first book of her UF one), and I'm really enjoying them. But the pathfinder series (Broken Lands) is the one I like more, maybe for the strong romantic elements.
But alas there is no comparison, yes Mist is the middle book in a trilogy, but it has a very solid plot both in itself and in the overall arch of the series. You see the strife in both the romance and the Trateri world. When there's a betrayal you feel the pain. Its like comparing the Marianne to a creek. Both totally unfair and just.
The more I read Mist's Edge the more I like it.
Read a second time, I liked it even more :)
As I said before, an author with lots of potential. I'm following two of her three series (and read the first book of her UF one), and I'm really enjoying them. But the pathfinder series (Broken Lands) is the one I like more, maybe for the strong romantic elements.
June 29, 2019
Wow! We get so much more of Fallon in this one and I loved every moment of it!
The relationship between Shea and Fallon is truly highlighted in this book. Even as they are struggling against unseen enemies that take the form or traitors or beast, we get to see how Fallon really feels about Shea. He’s such a perfect hero with all of his protective ways. The fact that she drives him absolutely crazy due to her own independence and ability to save herself makes me love him even more.
I loved watching this couple work through some of their issues. They may have been made for each other but things do not come easily for them.
“She was his greatest challenge, a wild and untamed wind that defied every attempt to master it. He looked forward to the attempt despite the knowledge of his likely failure.”
With both of them stubborn and reluctant to yield to the other, we see some real fireworks that don’t stem from the bedroom. Although, there is certainly no lack of sizzle from that department either. We actually have a lot more steam this time and the romance is so strong that I just wanted to crawl into the book and stay forever.
Fallon definitely stole this story for me as he is just absolutely perfect in every way.
“Sometime it scared him – the depth of feeling he had for this woman. He didn’t know what he would do if he ever lost her. If the world thought him a monster now, it had better pray that she outlived him.”
And yet, Shea is that strong kick butt heroine that many readers love. Her lack of communication can sometimes be a problem, but that’s actually a part of the story as is her growth into learning how to do so with not just Fallon but those around her.
The world building here is amazing, especially with the trees that house a village and a city underground. I could easily picture these places in my mind. This is a longer read but really, there is no where you could skim even if you wanted to.
This is written in a way that you’re never really sure which characters you can trust and yet you love them all. I found this one to be filled with just as much action as the previous book but this time I had Fallon’s point of view to sweeten the angst and drama of it all.
Thank you again to my book buddy, Mindy, for this awesome recommendation. I’m passing it on to anyone else who loves romantic fantasy with a hard core alpha hero.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
The relationship between Shea and Fallon is truly highlighted in this book. Even as they are struggling against unseen enemies that take the form or traitors or beast, we get to see how Fallon really feels about Shea. He’s such a perfect hero with all of his protective ways. The fact that she drives him absolutely crazy due to her own independence and ability to save herself makes me love him even more.
I loved watching this couple work through some of their issues. They may have been made for each other but things do not come easily for them.
“She was his greatest challenge, a wild and untamed wind that defied every attempt to master it. He looked forward to the attempt despite the knowledge of his likely failure.”
With both of them stubborn and reluctant to yield to the other, we see some real fireworks that don’t stem from the bedroom. Although, there is certainly no lack of sizzle from that department either. We actually have a lot more steam this time and the romance is so strong that I just wanted to crawl into the book and stay forever.
Fallon definitely stole this story for me as he is just absolutely perfect in every way.
“Sometime it scared him – the depth of feeling he had for this woman. He didn’t know what he would do if he ever lost her. If the world thought him a monster now, it had better pray that she outlived him.”
And yet, Shea is that strong kick butt heroine that many readers love. Her lack of communication can sometimes be a problem, but that’s actually a part of the story as is her growth into learning how to do so with not just Fallon but those around her.
The world building here is amazing, especially with the trees that house a village and a city underground. I could easily picture these places in my mind. This is a longer read but really, there is no where you could skim even if you wanted to.
This is written in a way that you’re never really sure which characters you can trust and yet you love them all. I found this one to be filled with just as much action as the previous book but this time I had Fallon’s point of view to sweeten the angst and drama of it all.
Thank you again to my book buddy, Mindy, for this awesome recommendation. I’m passing it on to anyone else who loves romantic fantasy with a hard core alpha hero.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
March 26, 2021
4 stars
I read the first book sometime in 2019, so now I'm questioning whether I have a perpetually sour mood any time I get into this series, or if this series is the reason for my perpetually sour moods. Cause it took me a damn while to get into it. But yet again, once I did I had a grand time.
Mist's edge had pretty much everything the first book did:
Adventure, romance, mystery, a smart & kickass heroine, a conquering warlord as the hero and stunning world building. The only thing not as great are the side characters, they all faded into the background and I could give less of a shit about anyone except Shea. I didn't even care about Fallon if we're being honest here.
What I'm trying to say is....I wanted more. I've said it before and I'll say it again, when reading an action packed series I want the wow factor to be upped with each book, I need the stakes higher and the climaxes more thrilling. And in this case it was left on the same level, which felt tame and not fully satisfactory.
I did like the plot, true. The book started out with Shea trying to grow accustomed to her new roles as Fallon's Telroi (something between wife & mistress the author said. Which is a shitty way of saying girlfriend) and failing. She misses the adventure of her former life and tries to avoid the play of politics at all costs. Then odd things start to happen that go against everything she knows. Things that might as well cause a second cataclysm, and so it begins...
Shea, Fallon and several other characters fight through obstacles of deadly mists and dangerous beasts, trying to uncover the mystery behind their sudden appearance. All the while having a threat of another close betrayal in their very camp, and Shea's past quickly catching up to her.
You can pretty much guess this book was full of thrilling scenes where Shea got to be the kickass queen she is. In my opinion, Mist's Edge is much more fast paced than the first book.
There is a lot more romance here and funnily enough, I CHOOSE NOW to not give a shit. They did have some cute ass moments here & there, I won't deny.
With that being said I was debating the rating for a while, I was thinking a 3.5 even though objectively it probably deserves more, but I was just feeling very unattached. But then what does the author do hmm?? SHE ADDS A DAMN CHILD TO THE PLOT, who also happens to be abused AND orphaned???
I swear to god, it's like Miss White knew that children are my weakness. If Shea & Fallon don't adopt little Mist (yah, that's her name, a lil sus if you ask me) I will have a fucking fit, I don't care.
Okay fine, to be fair I would've upped my rating either way because the second half of the book was much better.
The first half had one thing that just irritated the living shit out of me, and you can bet your ass it is the exact same thing I loved in the first book; Shea never insulting back the men that insult her. In my first review I was all doe-eyed and noble saying shit like "aww Shea just never stoops so low as the men who insult her🥺"
Okay 2019 Anna, stfu for a sec and let the grown ups talk
2 years have done me a solid and made me a vengeful bitch, whowanted no NEEDED Shea to beat the shit out of all of them. I needed her to shove their own words so far up their throats that they choke on them.
But did she do that? Barely. She just took it most of the time, not letting it get to her. There were occasions when she called them tf out but with not enough murderous intent as I would've liked😊
Speaking of dumbass men...
Someone explain to me how in the hell did the Trateri conquer so much land when they're lowkey stupid? Like the only people who had a shred of common sense are Shea and Fallon, and SHEA ISN'T EVEN A TRATERI. I have no idea how these people survived before her. I mean all these "men in power" have the stupidest fucking tactics for battles & conquering.
One of the clan leaders legit thinks that healers aren't as important in battle. Sir? How will you even win the next one if half your men are dying of wound infections? I'm really glad Shea (once again inwardly) pointed out that he is an idiot.
Who gave that man a promotion anyway? Ya'll need to be fired.
The rest of these very influential men always underestimated Shea, didn't listen to her until it was too late or just blatantly insulted her intelligence. Here's what their logic looked like:
"Ew everything you just said is superstitious bullshit, you stupid pathfinder who has infinitely more experience and knowledge than I do"
Please god, I never ask anything of you but please let Shea embrace her petty side and destroy them all in the next book. Amen.
I read the first book sometime in 2019, so now I'm questioning whether I have a perpetually sour mood any time I get into this series, or if this series is the reason for my perpetually sour moods. Cause it took me a damn while to get into it. But yet again, once I did I had a grand time.
Mist's edge had pretty much everything the first book did:
Adventure, romance, mystery, a smart & kickass heroine, a conquering warlord as the hero and stunning world building. The only thing not as great are the side characters, they all faded into the background and I could give less of a shit about anyone except Shea. I didn't even care about Fallon if we're being honest here.
What I'm trying to say is....I wanted more. I've said it before and I'll say it again, when reading an action packed series I want the wow factor to be upped with each book, I need the stakes higher and the climaxes more thrilling. And in this case it was left on the same level, which felt tame and not fully satisfactory.
I did like the plot, true. The book started out with Shea trying to grow accustomed to her new roles as Fallon's Telroi (something between wife & mistress the author said. Which is a shitty way of saying girlfriend) and failing. She misses the adventure of her former life and tries to avoid the play of politics at all costs. Then odd things start to happen that go against everything she knows. Things that might as well cause a second cataclysm, and so it begins...
Shea, Fallon and several other characters fight through obstacles of deadly mists and dangerous beasts, trying to uncover the mystery behind their sudden appearance. All the while having a threat of another close betrayal in their very camp, and Shea's past quickly catching up to her.
You can pretty much guess this book was full of thrilling scenes where Shea got to be the kickass queen she is. In my opinion, Mist's Edge is much more fast paced than the first book.
There is a lot more romance here and funnily enough, I CHOOSE NOW to not give a shit. They did have some cute ass moments here & there, I won't deny.
With that being said I was debating the rating for a while, I was thinking a 3.5 even though objectively it probably deserves more, but I was just feeling very unattached. But then what does the author do hmm?? SHE ADDS A DAMN CHILD TO THE PLOT, who also happens to be abused AND orphaned???
I swear to god, it's like Miss White knew that children are my weakness. If Shea & Fallon don't adopt little Mist (yah, that's her name, a lil sus if you ask me) I will have a fucking fit, I don't care.
Okay fine, to be fair I would've upped my rating either way because the second half of the book was much better.
The first half had one thing that just irritated the living shit out of me, and you can bet your ass it is the exact same thing I loved in the first book; Shea never insulting back the men that insult her. In my first review I was all doe-eyed and noble saying shit like "aww Shea just never stoops so low as the men who insult her🥺"
Okay 2019 Anna, stfu for a sec and let the grown ups talk
2 years have done me a solid and made me a vengeful bitch, who
But did she do that? Barely. She just took it most of the time, not letting it get to her. There were occasions when she called them tf out but with not enough murderous intent as I would've liked😊
Speaking of dumbass men...
Someone explain to me how in the hell did the Trateri conquer so much land when they're lowkey stupid? Like the only people who had a shred of common sense are Shea and Fallon, and SHEA ISN'T EVEN A TRATERI. I have no idea how these people survived before her. I mean all these "men in power" have the stupidest fucking tactics for battles & conquering.
One of the clan leaders legit thinks that healers aren't as important in battle. Sir? How will you even win the next one if half your men are dying of wound infections? I'm really glad Shea (once again inwardly) pointed out that he is an idiot.
Who gave that man a promotion anyway? Ya'll need to be fired.
The rest of these very influential men always underestimated Shea, didn't listen to her until it was too late or just blatantly insulted her intelligence. Here's what their logic looked like:
"Ew everything you just said is superstitious bullshit, you stupid pathfinder who has infinitely more experience and knowledge than I do"
Please god, I never ask anything of you but please let Shea embrace her petty side and destroy them all in the next book. Amen.
December 10, 2017
The first book in a series was rather good, the second - a complete let down. The heroine is insufferable, her inner monologues repetitive, churlish and annoying. In my opinion, instead of wasting her time on facial descriptions, the author should have concentrated on developing a plot line. As it is, the book doesn't deserve even a two star rating.
September 28, 2019
This has everything I loved in the first book and more. Now we get to see Fallon and Shae dealing with everything together as a couple. I absolutely adore how protective and possessive Fallon is of Shae. You really see how much he feels about her and would rather die than lose her.
I'm also loving how the some of the clans are realizing how special Shae is. Some are still stubborn, but the others are starting to realize how smart she is and have started to trust her.
There is just so many fascinating things happening in this series. This one ended on more of a cliffhanger than the first and I will be starting book three immediately. I'm pretty angry at her father and I'm very curious if Shae's people really are as cutthroat as they are being portrayed.
I'm also loving how the some of the clans are realizing how special Shae is. Some are still stubborn, but the others are starting to realize how smart she is and have started to trust her.
There is just so many fascinating things happening in this series. This one ended on more of a cliffhanger than the first and I will be starting book three immediately. I'm pretty angry at her father and I'm very curious if Shae's people really are as cutthroat as they are being portrayed.
October 10, 2019
4.5 stars.
This is so good!
Beside wanted to smack heroine’s head a few times for her stubbornness, I love this heroine.
She is the best for what she does and she knew it!
I love a confident woman, like Shea 😍.
Btw, she doesn’t have a magic, she is only a human.
❤️
This is so good!
Beside wanted to smack heroine’s head a few times for her stubbornness, I love this heroine.
She is the best for what she does and she knew it!
I love a confident woman, like Shea 😍.
Btw, she doesn’t have a magic, she is only a human.
❤️
July 3, 2019
This one wasn't as fun as the first one. Maybe it was because the romance development was sappy or maybe it was because I found the h's inner monologue really boring. I'm not sure what it was. All I know is that I'm not sold on reading the third one. It didn't help that the plot leading up to the end of this book made little sense to me.
Safety was good. Still needed another edit for grammatical errors and usage problems.
Safety was good. Still needed another edit for grammatical errors and usage problems.
December 24, 2017
Glad to have found this author. I will definitely check out more of her work.
October 23, 2020
Oy. The pain I felt while reading this book. It was just that bad. Sooo bad.
Let me start by giving the first book a little credit. The world building was great. Shea, although stubborn and standoffish, is a likable character. And the storyline wasn't half bad.
None of those attributes apply to this book. So the only things that this series previously had going for it go to hell in a hand basket in this novel. Let's start with the world building. Its still there, and it still has potential, but the author doesn't expound on it at all. You finish the first book wanting to learn more about this fascinating world, its one of the biggest saling points of the series. But the author does none of that. Instead we get a constant repeat, like a broken record, of information that we learned in the previous book. Nothing new. Nothing to freshen the story up. Just everything on repeat.
I'll tackle the storyline next; cause that should be quick and simple. Suffice it to say, there is little to no storyline in this book. Things don't really pick up until the 60% mark, which was too little too late for me. And even at that point. Nothing super interesting happens. Thank you for wasting my time.
But the true kicker, the thing that had me grinding me teeth every other page, was Shea. Oh God, Shea. She's practically a different person in this book. And her relationship with Fallon goes from flippant, poorly developed romance, to full on toxic in a heart beat. If the author had taken a different road and spent most of this book developing a legitimate connection between Shea and Fallon instead of rushing the romance at the end of the last book, then I probably wouldn have enjoyed this second installment more. Instead, Fallon is super pushy, super aggressive, and just plain shallow as a character. Shea constantly says one thing and does another. She wants a relationship with Fallon but not all the drama that comes with him being a war lord, which for most relationships would be a deal breaker I would think.
Instead you see her constantly straddling the fence of being his bedmate and his second in command of sorts. She steps into the role of his Telroi, but really half-asses it as much as she can. At some point I just became annoyed and developed a "shit or get off the pot" mentality. Either fully commit to this guy and tackle the fact that you're a traitor to your people, or leave because you can't deal. Its that simple. Witt had no issues doing it, and he didn't even have pussy to tempt him to the other side. I just became soooo tired of her wishy washy attitude. And Fallon just casually accepting this, AND her burning the maps showing how to enter the highlands, was too far fetched for me.
If things had taken a slower pace for one: Fallon to develop a personality, and two: Fallon and Shea to work out being on opposite ends of this "war" ( if you can even call it that), then I probably would have enjoyed this more.
All around, I was very disappointed in this book. Mostly because it had so much potential to be good. Instead, it was a proper tease, and left me wet and wanting. And there is nothing worse than that. 1 star.
Let me start by giving the first book a little credit. The world building was great. Shea, although stubborn and standoffish, is a likable character. And the storyline wasn't half bad.
None of those attributes apply to this book. So the only things that this series previously had going for it go to hell in a hand basket in this novel. Let's start with the world building. Its still there, and it still has potential, but the author doesn't expound on it at all. You finish the first book wanting to learn more about this fascinating world, its one of the biggest saling points of the series. But the author does none of that. Instead we get a constant repeat, like a broken record, of information that we learned in the previous book. Nothing new. Nothing to freshen the story up. Just everything on repeat.
I'll tackle the storyline next; cause that should be quick and simple. Suffice it to say, there is little to no storyline in this book. Things don't really pick up until the 60% mark, which was too little too late for me. And even at that point. Nothing super interesting happens. Thank you for wasting my time.
But the true kicker, the thing that had me grinding me teeth every other page, was Shea. Oh God, Shea. She's practically a different person in this book. And her relationship with Fallon goes from flippant, poorly developed romance, to full on toxic in a heart beat. If the author had taken a different road and spent most of this book developing a legitimate connection between Shea and Fallon instead of rushing the romance at the end of the last book, then I probably wouldn have enjoyed this second installment more. Instead, Fallon is super pushy, super aggressive, and just plain shallow as a character. Shea constantly says one thing and does another. She wants a relationship with Fallon but not all the drama that comes with him being a war lord, which for most relationships would be a deal breaker I would think.
Instead you see her constantly straddling the fence of being his bedmate and his second in command of sorts. She steps into the role of his Telroi, but really half-asses it as much as she can. At some point I just became annoyed and developed a "shit or get off the pot" mentality. Either fully commit to this guy and tackle the fact that you're a traitor to your people, or leave because you can't deal. Its that simple. Witt had no issues doing it, and he didn't even have pussy to tempt him to the other side. I just became soooo tired of her wishy washy attitude. And Fallon just casually accepting this, AND her burning the maps showing how to enter the highlands, was too far fetched for me.
If things had taken a slower pace for one: Fallon to develop a personality, and two: Fallon and Shea to work out being on opposite ends of this "war" ( if you can even call it that), then I probably would have enjoyed this more.
All around, I was very disappointed in this book. Mostly because it had so much potential to be good. Instead, it was a proper tease, and left me wet and wanting. And there is nothing worse than that. 1 star.
March 21, 2023
I actually liked this one a bit more than the first book.
I still think the romance isn't terribly convincing, but it's more so than in the first book.
The Pathfinders don't wait for Fallon to conquer the highlands... they send one of their own to Fallon first.
Gotta say I was really hoping Fallon would string him up by his toes, he's just that annoying a character. But no joy here.
I can pretty much guess where the next book is going so i'm not sure I want to finish the series. So far the only pathfinder I like is Shea.
I'm not sold that Fallon is less morally bankrupt than the Pathfinders. BUT he doesn't make me wish a cement mixer would run him over.
Soooo, more interesting lands, beasts and predictable politics. You always know who the traitor will be. You just don't know how they will be defeated. It was fun. But the ending was a truly annoying cliffhanger!
Safety is good. Nothin new there.
I still think the romance isn't terribly convincing, but it's more so than in the first book.
The Pathfinders don't wait for Fallon to conquer the highlands... they send one of their own to Fallon first.
Gotta say I was really hoping Fallon would string him up by his toes, he's just that annoying a character. But no joy here.
I can pretty much guess where the next book is going so i'm not sure I want to finish the series. So far the only pathfinder I like is Shea.
I'm not sold that Fallon is less morally bankrupt than the Pathfinders. BUT he doesn't make me wish a cement mixer would run him over.
Soooo, more interesting lands, beasts and predictable politics. You always know who the traitor will be. You just don't know how they will be defeated. It was fun. But the ending was a truly annoying cliffhanger!
Safety is good. Nothin new there.
November 29, 2017
Lost its steam
The fantastic adventures, awesome fight scenes, the gift of turning things around to backfire on Fallon were lost in this installment. The girl was insufferable, petty, self centered, irrational and idiotic - the couple was either fighting with each other or having sex. There was no tension and very little intensity besides erotic scenes and few battle scenes. Disappointed.
The fantastic adventures, awesome fight scenes, the gift of turning things around to backfire on Fallon were lost in this installment. The girl was insufferable, petty, self centered, irrational and idiotic - the couple was either fighting with each other or having sex. There was no tension and very little intensity besides erotic scenes and few battle scenes. Disappointed.
June 9, 2021
The ugly and dumber step-cousin of the first book .
I’m truly heartbroken. The first book had a lot going for it. This book just tanked all of that. The devolution of characters, plot and world build was so glaring, that I was almost shocked the same author wrote both books. How is that even possible?!
Character:
Shea:
She a shadow of herself with all the whining and contradictions. Shea was always complaining. Shea complained that she would never be Trateri no matter how hard she tried, then complained that she was not being included by the Trateri. However, when she was included, she bitched about how she didn’t want to be there, like at all, and made a game of shrugging all her Trateri duties, ditching her guards and tuning out those who gave her advice or were trying to help her.
Shea kept telling Fallon they were partners and every single time he tried to include her in the runnings of the war camp, she would first release an “internal sigh” (I swear, I was ready to bitch-slap her by the sixth internal sigh.) After said sigh, she would bitch in her head about how she had better things to do. Truth was she had nothing to do. Then, in line with the petulant child she was, she would then attend said meeting without paying attention to what was being said or who was who. All of which further incensed the clan leaders into not accepting her.
I cant even fault them. She did nothing to earn their trust and scoffed at all of them like she was somehow better than them. Shea acted as though it was the many clans and thousands of warriors who had a problem for not listening to her and taking her seriously when she issued orders without explanations.
The cycle of her victimhood went something like:
Fallon would assert that he was the Warlord and it was his Army, she would get hurt that the army was supposed to be theirs. Fallon would call her a leader, and she would counter saying she didn’t want to be one and did not intend to lead and that he was forcing her and making decisions for her without considering her best interest. All she wanted was to do was wonder in the wilderness. Every time Fallon tried to take the lead as warlord, she would scoff at his leadership saying he didn’t ask her first and punish him for it.
Fallon:
For all his shrewdness as warrior, kind of just got lost in all of Shea’s bullshit and became a little unstable. He did stupid crap like order his elite guards to restrain Shea, with physical force if necessary. Disgusting... but also, from book one we all knew he was a little unhinged in the way he was trying to capture and restrain Shea.
I think what baffles me most is that Shea in book one was so claustrophobic, she never would have let anyone restrain her. Book one Shea would not even have wasted time complaining. She would have quietly plotted her exit and taken it, all consequences be damned. That Shea didn't sit idly or wait for orders. But somehow, the Shea in this book not only sat around complaining, moping and whining, she also let herself be boxed in and restrained without escaping.
I will give Shea some credit for at least trying to talk about how suffocating Fallon was, but all she did was throw a tantrum. There was no resolution whatsoever to it. She let Fallon imprison her, and started taking orders from him about when to hunt. This is another phenomenon I truly do not understand. It was like the author was undoing every single part of Shea's character that I had come to love in the first book. The author left only a boring and repetitive shell in place.
World-build and Plot
The careful descriptions and world build in the first book drew me in long before Shea's adventures or character held my interest. The weird beasts, giant beetles whose soft spot is in the neck... what's not to love. The clans and the different terrains of the highland and lowland were so fascinating, that they were almost vivid in my imaginations.
This book barely even attempted that level of detailing. Most of what you get are trees, trunks, vines and forests. There were so many points in the book where the soul trees or the mist were described, in almost exactly the same wording. Pathfinders were also described at multiple points in the book with almost exactly the same wording every single time. It was so much repetition, that they may as well be called fillers.
The conversations and "insights" into Shea's thoughts were so so repetitive, petty and ludicrous. The cycle went something like: Shea being introduce, someone trying to undermine her, Shea making a piss-poor attempt to shut them down, and Shea being right that whatever random act of nature was after all dangerous after she saved them. (This was the basically 80% of the book, except say the 20% with the actual plot.)
Also fun fact: the actual plot in the summary didn't actually start till almost half-way into the book. And Shea stumbled through the plot with all the grace of a particularly dumb, petulant, self-absorbed, newbie pathfinder.
Safe to say, reading this was more akin to punishment than pleasure. How I didn't DNF this book is a mystery.
I’m truly heartbroken. The first book had a lot going for it. This book just tanked all of that. The devolution of characters, plot and world build was so glaring, that I was almost shocked the same author wrote both books. How is that even possible?!
Character:
Shea:
She a shadow of herself with all the whining and contradictions. Shea was always complaining. Shea complained that she would never be Trateri no matter how hard she tried, then complained that she was not being included by the Trateri. However, when she was included, she bitched about how she didn’t want to be there, like at all, and made a game of shrugging all her Trateri duties, ditching her guards and tuning out those who gave her advice or were trying to help her.
Shea kept telling Fallon they were partners and every single time he tried to include her in the runnings of the war camp, she would first release an “internal sigh” (I swear, I was ready to bitch-slap her by the sixth internal sigh.) After said sigh, she would bitch in her head about how she had better things to do. Truth was she had nothing to do. Then, in line with the petulant child she was, she would then attend said meeting without paying attention to what was being said or who was who. All of which further incensed the clan leaders into not accepting her.
I cant even fault them. She did nothing to earn their trust and scoffed at all of them like she was somehow better than them. Shea acted as though it was the many clans and thousands of warriors who had a problem for not listening to her and taking her seriously when she issued orders without explanations.
The cycle of her victimhood went something like:
Fallon would assert that he was the Warlord and it was his Army, she would get hurt that the army was supposed to be theirs. Fallon would call her a leader, and she would counter saying she didn’t want to be one and did not intend to lead and that he was forcing her and making decisions for her without considering her best interest. All she wanted was to do was wonder in the wilderness. Every time Fallon tried to take the lead as warlord, she would scoff at his leadership saying he didn’t ask her first and punish him for it.
Fallon:
For all his shrewdness as warrior, kind of just got lost in all of Shea’s bullshit and became a little unstable. He did stupid crap like order his elite guards to restrain Shea, with physical force if necessary. Disgusting... but also, from book one we all knew he was a little unhinged in the way he was trying to capture and restrain Shea.
I think what baffles me most is that Shea in book one was so claustrophobic, she never would have let anyone restrain her. Book one Shea would not even have wasted time complaining. She would have quietly plotted her exit and taken it, all consequences be damned. That Shea didn't sit idly or wait for orders. But somehow, the Shea in this book not only sat around complaining, moping and whining, she also let herself be boxed in and restrained without escaping.
I will give Shea some credit for at least trying to talk about how suffocating Fallon was, but all she did was throw a tantrum. There was no resolution whatsoever to it. She let Fallon imprison her, and started taking orders from him about when to hunt. This is another phenomenon I truly do not understand. It was like the author was undoing every single part of Shea's character that I had come to love in the first book. The author left only a boring and repetitive shell in place.
World-build and Plot
The careful descriptions and world build in the first book drew me in long before Shea's adventures or character held my interest. The weird beasts, giant beetles whose soft spot is in the neck... what's not to love. The clans and the different terrains of the highland and lowland were so fascinating, that they were almost vivid in my imaginations.
This book barely even attempted that level of detailing. Most of what you get are trees, trunks, vines and forests. There were so many points in the book where the soul trees or the mist were described, in almost exactly the same wording. Pathfinders were also described at multiple points in the book with almost exactly the same wording every single time. It was so much repetition, that they may as well be called fillers.
The conversations and "insights" into Shea's thoughts were so so repetitive, petty and ludicrous. The cycle went something like: Shea being introduce, someone trying to undermine her, Shea making a piss-poor attempt to shut them down, and Shea being right that whatever random act of nature was after all dangerous after she saved them. (This was the basically 80% of the book, except say the 20% with the actual plot.)
Also fun fact: the actual plot in the summary didn't actually start till almost half-way into the book. And Shea stumbled through the plot with all the grace of a particularly dumb, petulant, self-absorbed, newbie pathfinder.
Safe to say, reading this was more akin to punishment than pleasure. How I didn't DNF this book is a mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2022
For some reason I just... lost interest. The book wasn't bad. I didn't hate it. I just didn't want to keep reading.
The plot was interesting and engaging. The characters were also developing. It did move slow and seem to drag on at some parts, so that wasn't as fun. But it didn't drag so much that I couldn't pull through.
The characters seemed more... whiny and aggressive this time around. Especially Fallon. I don't know, he just didn't seem the same. Kinda gives me Tamlin vibes from ACOTAR.
There really isn't much to explain and I don't really have reasons that I, myself, understand.
Disclaimers:
There is sex and swearing. And violence, too. Fallon (and his possi) regularly threatened those who disagreed with them or who would not cooperate with them with violence and pain.
Like I mentioned before, Fallon is a bit much (very alpha male like). His relationship with Shea seems kind of toxic at certain points. They do try and work it out and listen to each other, but I can't say that I always enjoyed reading during their encounters. He did lock her in their home (she could have escaped but decided to stay) when things didn't go his way.
The plot was interesting and engaging. The characters were also developing. It did move slow and seem to drag on at some parts, so that wasn't as fun. But it didn't drag so much that I couldn't pull through.
The characters seemed more... whiny and aggressive this time around. Especially Fallon. I don't know, he just didn't seem the same. Kinda gives me Tamlin vibes from ACOTAR.
There really isn't much to explain and I don't really have reasons that I, myself, understand.
Disclaimers:
There is sex and swearing. And violence, too. Fallon (and his possi) regularly threatened those who disagreed with them or who would not cooperate with them with violence and pain.
Like I mentioned before, Fallon is a bit much (very alpha male like). His relationship with Shea seems kind of toxic at certain points. They do try and work it out and listen to each other, but I can't say that I always enjoyed reading during their encounters. He did lock her in their home (she could have escaped but decided to stay) when things didn't go his way.
June 10, 2021
Continues to be an addictive, nuanced and extremely well written story! Shea’s refusal to embrace the position she’s in and learn to grow and help those who look up to her is super frustrating, but then so is Fallon’s headstrong, domineering ways. Still, they both are written so true to form that one can’t fault a thing as we grind out teeth, cheer and love every minute of their growth and the journey to it!
December 29, 2023
Political intrigue bores me like nothing else and in this second book in "The Broken Lands" trilogy we got it in spades. Little to no action as well as Shea is focused on navigating the Trateri politics, establishing her role as Telroi to the Warlord and trying not to lose herself in the process. Enemies from the hostile environment as well as from within their camp, test constantly Shea's and Fallon's relationship and it will take a lot of faith and trust in each other to get them through these trials united. Also Shea's past is coming to haunt her and a calling from the Highlands will present a path that they are both eager and reluctant to take.
It took me a long while to finish the book but finally I'm ready to venture into the final installment of Shea's trilogy "Wayfarer's Keep"
It took me a long while to finish the book but finally I'm ready to venture into the final installment of Shea's trilogy "Wayfarer's Keep"
December 1, 2017
Bummer.
When will the third book be released?? *Sigh*
Again the second book as the first one needs some professional editing and it would have been a 5 star book for me. Some minor unnecessary repetitions and i would have loved to have more details on specific things that would have interested me.
When will the third book be released?? *Sigh*
Again the second book as the first one needs some professional editing and it would have been a 5 star book for me. Some minor unnecessary repetitions and i would have loved to have more details on specific things that would have interested me.
October 22, 2019
4-1/2 *'s
August 26, 2021
There are several things to know before reading this review, firstly I have been, in the literal sense of the word, pining for a book that could draw me in and hold my attention and keep me captivated, secondly for several reasons I won’t get into books have become scarce and it felt like a mini miracle when I got to read these books, and thirdly the Amazon Rain Forests were burning and on top of all the strife and pressure I was under, my heart just broke and I really needed a short respite, no matter how temporary.
So what I’m saying, in the interests of full disclosure is that, maybe these factors influenced my rating this book so highly. But it was serendipitous for me to get my hands on it. I spent three days which strangely also coincided with a mini national holiday, in an immersive state of being where I could deny all that was happening outside my bubble. But when I look back I realise that not all books can manage this. So even though I’m uncertain about my feelings for this story, and I’m judging the trilogy in its entirety, I must give credit where it’s due. Below please find my SPOILER filled review of all 3 BOOKS.
The first volume was the best. The pacing, the world building, character development, plot, everything was done just right. But even though all aspects and characters were at their best, i still could tell that I didn’t really like the heroine. For all her thirst for knowledge, her incredible skills, instincts, insight, resourcefulness, etc., she was just such a narrow minded, flat personality. There were no layers to her. Also,
So what I’m saying, in the interests of full disclosure is that, maybe these factors influenced my rating this book so highly. But it was serendipitous for me to get my hands on it. I spent three days which strangely also coincided with a mini national holiday, in an immersive state of being where I could deny all that was happening outside my bubble. But when I look back I realise that not all books can manage this. So even though I’m uncertain about my feelings for this story, and I’m judging the trilogy in its entirety, I must give credit where it’s due. Below please find my SPOILER filled review of all 3 BOOKS.
The first volume was the best. The pacing, the world building, character development, plot, everything was done just right. But even though all aspects and characters were at their best, i still could tell that I didn’t really like the heroine. For all her thirst for knowledge, her incredible skills, instincts, insight, resourcefulness, etc., she was just such a narrow minded, flat personality. There were no layers to her. Also,
December 24, 2017
‘Mists Edge’ is the second book in the broken lands series where we rejoin Shea and Fallon as they continue to conquer the realm. This book in my mind is definitely split into two. The novel almost became a DNF at the beginning where Shea is adjusting to camp life which I was getting pretty bored of, most of the issue stemmed from Shea pining for freedom to scout or even not have guards around, then getting into arguments with Fallon because her life was just so harsh. If I view this from a literary perspective I can perhaps suggest that TAWhite created that monotony so we understand Shea’a life is like, regardless it did not stop me become quite bored and fed up with Shea. In the first novel I was impressed by her gumption and logic, here she seemed a different character, a spoilt whinging one.
However, I would say the tournament that takes place marks the beginning of the second part of the book. Here the action picks up, with threats from assassins and beasts. We glimpse the old Shea, we learn about her past, what she did that got her demoted, but more than that we begin to see how the main story of the series will take shape. This will not be about Fallon conquering lands, it is suggested a much bigger threat has been awakened.
The relationships continue to be fleshed out. The main one of course between Shea and Fallon as the come to love each other and truly accept one another. Once again the beginning of the novel almost drove me insane how much they argued due to their stubbornness but the relationship improved as the novel went on. We also saw more of the guards assigned to Shea such as Trenton and Caden, which provided great secondary character development. I loved the addition of Mist, the orphaned mute, and I hope she plays a part in the next book as her time in this one seemed so brief but I loved how protective Shea was of her.
A good instalment in the series, just persevere with the beginning though I can assure you the action does pick up and the third novel is shaping up to have a great storyline.
However, I would say the tournament that takes place marks the beginning of the second part of the book. Here the action picks up, with threats from assassins and beasts. We glimpse the old Shea, we learn about her past, what she did that got her demoted, but more than that we begin to see how the main story of the series will take shape. This will not be about Fallon conquering lands, it is suggested a much bigger threat has been awakened.
The relationships continue to be fleshed out. The main one of course between Shea and Fallon as the come to love each other and truly accept one another. Once again the beginning of the novel almost drove me insane how much they argued due to their stubbornness but the relationship improved as the novel went on. We also saw more of the guards assigned to Shea such as Trenton and Caden, which provided great secondary character development. I loved the addition of Mist, the orphaned mute, and I hope she plays a part in the next book as her time in this one seemed so brief but I loved how protective Shea was of her.
A good instalment in the series, just persevere with the beginning though I can assure you the action does pick up and the third novel is shaping up to have a great storyline.
February 22, 2022
I loved the first book but this one not so much.
The banter is still there but I was frustrated with it.
It is agonisingly slow.
A huge issue is he's warlord so he gets his own way but it felt like they just kept circling the same issue over and over without having a full conversation to sort things out.
She feels hemmed in, for her safety, which he doesn't explain the extent of the danger, he feels she could accomplish more on a different way but again doesn't explain fully or give her options.
It feels like he's trying to change the person she is.
It makes it feel that the relationship doesn't have much basis other than sex.
It's so so slow, this is the danger of a trilogy, the second book drags.
I also felt the reader has terms from book 1 explained every few pages but I thought a glossary in the foreword would have worked better and helped the story flow better.
Most readers, I felt would have just needed a hint of a reminder as it's a trilogy so they've likely read book 1 and I felt a glossary would have given the reader the option to check a definition if they felt they needed it.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Cliffhanger ending, leads to next book, in sense of let's move on to accomplish this.
The banter is still there but I was frustrated with it.
It is agonisingly slow.
A huge issue is he's warlord so he gets his own way but it felt like they just kept circling the same issue over and over without having a full conversation to sort things out.
She feels hemmed in, for her safety, which he doesn't explain the extent of the danger, he feels she could accomplish more on a different way but again doesn't explain fully or give her options.
It feels like he's trying to change the person she is.
It makes it feel that the relationship doesn't have much basis other than sex.
It's so so slow, this is the danger of a trilogy, the second book drags.
I also felt the reader has terms from book 1 explained every few pages but I thought a glossary in the foreword would have worked better and helped the story flow better.
Most readers, I felt would have just needed a hint of a reminder as it's a trilogy so they've likely read book 1 and I felt a glossary would have given the reader the option to check a definition if they felt they needed it.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Cliffhanger ending, leads to next book, in sense of let's move on to accomplish this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
I'm to exhausted to write reviews for every book of this series. So this is a copy of my first review.
All the books of this series (5) get a four star rating. I didn't rated with five because at no point did I have the feeling that I need to binge this series like I did with my all time favorite fantasy series.
I loved this series. 5 books are about The Broken Lands, but there are two heroins. The first three books are about Shea and #4 & #5 about Eva. But the storyline continues through the books.
I liked both heroines and the plot was nice. I enjoyed the pace.
All the books of this series (5) get a four star rating. I didn't rated with five because at no point did I have the feeling that I need to binge this series like I did with my all time favorite fantasy series.
I loved this series. 5 books are about The Broken Lands, but there are two heroins. The first three books are about Shea and #4 & #5 about Eva. But the storyline continues through the books.
I liked both heroines and the plot was nice. I enjoyed the pace.
June 23, 2021
I actually enjoyed this book more the 2nd time around and am glad I decided to start over before getting the third book.
3.5*
There was more character development here for Shea, she's growing, making friends and enemies and her relationship with Fallon was a little more fleshed out.
Again we got some answers about their world and what's going on as well as a few mentions about outside the highlands/lowlands but not enough IMO. If this is a trilogy there will either be a massive info dump in the next book or we will be left hanging.
Still, enjoyed this for the most part and looking forward to the next book.......whenever that will be
3.5*
There was more character development here for Shea, she's growing, making friends and enemies and her relationship with Fallon was a little more fleshed out.
Again we got some answers about their world and what's going on as well as a few mentions about outside the highlands/lowlands but not enough IMO. If this is a trilogy there will either be a massive info dump in the next book or we will be left hanging.
Still, enjoyed this for the most part and looking forward to the next book.......whenever that will be
December 26, 2023
So good that I moved right onto the next one but came back to tell you I absolutely am in love with this series.
It carries on with the story of Fallon and Shea and you know we all want more after reading the first one. Carry on my fellow readers, you can't stop here. It gets so much better.
Cheers.
It carries on with the story of Fallon and Shea and you know we all want more after reading the first one. Carry on my fellow readers, you can't stop here. It gets so much better.
Cheers.
December 1, 2017
Pathfinder's Way was one of those surprise books I read last year. The story of Shea and her Warlord, Fallon was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed the world building and the mystery around how their world came to be, the hints of magic and the many dangers that live in their world. I also enjoyed the slow burn romance between them, though it really wasn't a slow burn for Fallon, it was basically love at first sight for him. When Pathfinder's Way ended I was upset, there was way more story to tell! This could not be the end of Shea and Fallon's story! They literally just hooked up! So, needless to say I was excited when T.A. White announced there would be a second book and even a third book.
Mist's Edge picks up a few months after Pathfinder's Way ends. Shea has become Fallon's Telroi, his mate, love, lady friend, bedmate, whatever you want to call it. She is an outsider to Fallon's people, they don't really trust her, they don't really trust what Fallon see's in her and she actually feels the same way. There is a lot of mistrust and suspicion going on from Shea, Fallon and the Trateri. This is not a way to start a long term relationship. Besides the constant mistrust there are other powers at work, powers that probably want to see the end of mankind and its something that Shea is most likely responsible for "awakening".
Now, there isn't a whole lot of backstory to what happened that caused the great cataclysm that is spoken about in both Pathfinder's Way and Mist's Edge. Something huge happened hundreds of years ago to split the world up in to the Lowlands, the Badlands, the Outlands and the Highlands. People are basically just surviving in all four parts of this world. I'm not sure if this world was our world before the cataclysm because there are hints that Shea's world was once populated and there were great cities that seem like they would be of our world. Maybe this is what is left after the Night King's army laid waste to Westeros and T.A. White just spoiled GoT for us.
Mist's Edge is a solid follow up to Pathfinder's Way. The story of Shea and Fallon continue, Fallon still wants to conquer the Highlands, Shea is still hesitant to allow him to do that, it was her home before Fallon stormed into her life after all. There is still lots of political intrigue with the Trateri, plenty of assassination attempts on both Shea and Fallon and lots more sex. Its a little long on the details and Shea can be a bit tiring at times. BUT! This sequel is setting up for what will be the end game in book three. Even though there is some repetitiveness and the push and pull between Shea and Fallon is a little drawn out, we as readers need to see and understand Shea's inner struggle with being loyal to Fallon and yet loyal to her homeland and the people she still loves there. By the end of Mist's Edge Shea finally chooses a side and I'm totally on Team Sheallon. Let's be honest Fallon is a total book boyfriend and maybe a book husband. So, with that I'm excited to read the conclusion of their story.
I really hope that in the third book T. A. White will go into deeper detail on how Shea's world became what it is. What caused the great cataclysm that basically destroyed the world? Was it the outcome of the Night King's campaign to bring Winter to Westros or was it caused by the twitter feud between Donald Trump and Kim Jung Un? I also want to know if Shea and Fallon make it as a couple and make it out of the Highlands alive. I'm rooting for those two crazy kids!
If you read Pathfinder's Way I think you will be happy with Mist's Edge. There are some editing errors but nothing that distracts from the story. I was happy with it and look forward to book three.
Mist's Edge picks up a few months after Pathfinder's Way ends. Shea has become Fallon's Telroi, his mate, love, lady friend, bedmate, whatever you want to call it. She is an outsider to Fallon's people, they don't really trust her, they don't really trust what Fallon see's in her and she actually feels the same way. There is a lot of mistrust and suspicion going on from Shea, Fallon and the Trateri. This is not a way to start a long term relationship. Besides the constant mistrust there are other powers at work, powers that probably want to see the end of mankind and its something that Shea is most likely responsible for "awakening".
Now, there isn't a whole lot of backstory to what happened that caused the great cataclysm that is spoken about in both Pathfinder's Way and Mist's Edge. Something huge happened hundreds of years ago to split the world up in to the Lowlands, the Badlands, the Outlands and the Highlands. People are basically just surviving in all four parts of this world. I'm not sure if this world was our world before the cataclysm because there are hints that Shea's world was once populated and there were great cities that seem like they would be of our world. Maybe this is what is left after the Night King's army laid waste to Westeros and T.A. White just spoiled GoT for us.
Mist's Edge is a solid follow up to Pathfinder's Way. The story of Shea and Fallon continue, Fallon still wants to conquer the Highlands, Shea is still hesitant to allow him to do that, it was her home before Fallon stormed into her life after all. There is still lots of political intrigue with the Trateri, plenty of assassination attempts on both Shea and Fallon and lots more sex. Its a little long on the details and Shea can be a bit tiring at times. BUT! This sequel is setting up for what will be the end game in book three. Even though there is some repetitiveness and the push and pull between Shea and Fallon is a little drawn out, we as readers need to see and understand Shea's inner struggle with being loyal to Fallon and yet loyal to her homeland and the people she still loves there. By the end of Mist's Edge Shea finally chooses a side and I'm totally on Team Sheallon. Let's be honest Fallon is a total book boyfriend and maybe a book husband. So, with that I'm excited to read the conclusion of their story.
I really hope that in the third book T. A. White will go into deeper detail on how Shea's world became what it is. What caused the great cataclysm that basically destroyed the world? Was it the outcome of the Night King's campaign to bring Winter to Westros or was it caused by the twitter feud between Donald Trump and Kim Jung Un? I also want to know if Shea and Fallon make it as a couple and make it out of the Highlands alive. I'm rooting for those two crazy kids!
If you read Pathfinder's Way I think you will be happy with Mist's Edge. There are some editing errors but nothing that distracts from the story. I was happy with it and look forward to book three.
December 24, 2018
Good plot, serious issues with the portrayal of women IMO
Despite a strong plot and good writing (only a few typos!), I find myself increasingly disappointed with this series. First, the romance moves too fast. I would have preferred it take a bit longer. What's more, there's almost no basis for it other than kidnapping attempts and forceful encounters. I am sure it's meant to be charming, but seriously no means no. Also, control is not love and his constant need to control and force her into things is annoying. Displaying it as acceptable is wrong and I think the author should seriously consider the message that sends. The idea he has a right to control her, that he knows what's best for her because he's the man is such a bad message to send. No one should think their relationship healthy.
Second, everything seems to be Shae's fault, even her perfectly legitimate feelings. Everyone blames her for something; it's constant. And instead of saying something or ignoring it, she stews and then takes it on the chin. Frankly, she needs to stand up for herself. The constant portrayal of her as a victim is tedious, especially silly when she should be able to call BS on most of what she is getting blamed for. Tied to this is how everyone around her has to comment on where she fails and how she should be fixed. Friends, her love interest, strangers - oh and almost all of those are men. I would hate for the poor little woman to have some confidence and decision-making skills, or, you know, self respect, that wasn't handed to her by a man. And isn't it nice that all those men are available to tell her how she should be?
don't get me wring, Shae has issues and failings. The problem is that no one else does; well, her love interest does throw temper tantrums and is an autocratic idiot most of the time, but we don't talk about that. Nope, it's all about Shae and how she should be fixed. Let's ignore everyone else's bad behavior, especially if they're male. Wouldn't want to ruin the Warlord's shine. Frankly, it's this last thing that really angers me, because it shows a double standard that is offensive. Oh, we get some platitudes about how he's softened after meeting her but she should just hold out and forgive him blah blah blah. Does this ring like an advisers spiel to anyone else? No, he hasn't beat her but the parallels should be obvious.
I leave book two feeling like Shae has compromised herself in ways I can't reconcile. Instead of getting stronger, she's walking around and being torn down and rebuilt into whatever he wants. It's like she's on a leash and instead of growing, she's fading into what works best for him. Classic passive female being lead by a male.
I don't know how people don't have issues with this.
I will read book three because I am invested, but would encourage the author to take a hard look and how females are portrayed in this series and future series. There is a lot left wanting here.
Despite a strong plot and good writing (only a few typos!), I find myself increasingly disappointed with this series. First, the romance moves too fast. I would have preferred it take a bit longer. What's more, there's almost no basis for it other than kidnapping attempts and forceful encounters. I am sure it's meant to be charming, but seriously no means no. Also, control is not love and his constant need to control and force her into things is annoying. Displaying it as acceptable is wrong and I think the author should seriously consider the message that sends. The idea he has a right to control her, that he knows what's best for her because he's the man is such a bad message to send. No one should think their relationship healthy.
Second, everything seems to be Shae's fault, even her perfectly legitimate feelings. Everyone blames her for something; it's constant. And instead of saying something or ignoring it, she stews and then takes it on the chin. Frankly, she needs to stand up for herself. The constant portrayal of her as a victim is tedious, especially silly when she should be able to call BS on most of what she is getting blamed for. Tied to this is how everyone around her has to comment on where she fails and how she should be fixed. Friends, her love interest, strangers - oh and almost all of those are men. I would hate for the poor little woman to have some confidence and decision-making skills, or, you know, self respect, that wasn't handed to her by a man. And isn't it nice that all those men are available to tell her how she should be?
don't get me wring, Shae has issues and failings. The problem is that no one else does; well, her love interest does throw temper tantrums and is an autocratic idiot most of the time, but we don't talk about that. Nope, it's all about Shae and how she should be fixed. Let's ignore everyone else's bad behavior, especially if they're male. Wouldn't want to ruin the Warlord's shine. Frankly, it's this last thing that really angers me, because it shows a double standard that is offensive. Oh, we get some platitudes about how he's softened after meeting her but she should just hold out and forgive him blah blah blah. Does this ring like an advisers spiel to anyone else? No, he hasn't beat her but the parallels should be obvious.
I leave book two feeling like Shae has compromised herself in ways I can't reconcile. Instead of getting stronger, she's walking around and being torn down and rebuilt into whatever he wants. It's like she's on a leash and instead of growing, she's fading into what works best for him. Classic passive female being lead by a male.
I don't know how people don't have issues with this.
I will read book three because I am invested, but would encourage the author to take a hard look and how females are portrayed in this series and future series. There is a lot left wanting here.
July 20, 2020
I was disappointed. I loved the worldbuilding and Shea's independence in the first book, but those weren't the focus this time. This book is called "Mist's Edge" but they didn't explore the mist past their first encounter with it at all! There were still some cool parts like the treetop city and the abandoned city in the caves, but I feel like the story was more character-focused this time, which is unfortunate because it made me realize how annoying Fallon's character is. I feel like this whole book was filler and just made me frustrated with the central relationship and characters.
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