The Guardians of Valoria is the second instalment of the Morvantia Chronicles. The book picks up right where the first left off, so you’re immediately immersed back into the action and not made to wait, an aspect of further book instalments I prefer. In this story, Kane and the Fallen are continuing in their pursuit of Rowan and Finn, as they both desperately try to unlock Rowan’s full power and complete their mission in saving Valoria.
The beginning of the book also features a map, character cast and glossary of world building references. This is the first book I’ve read to contain all three of these and I believe they should be an addition to every fantasy book.
So much happens in this book, but it’s written and paced brilliantly that you’re not made to feel overwhelmed. Instead, as a reader, you are constantly intrigued, exhilarated and shocked by the abundance of how the story unfolds and all of the twists and turns it contains. I enjoyed how Rowan and Finn’s love and bond was written in a subtle and pleasant way whilst still keeping the characters individually and strengths at the forefront of the story.
Chapters dedicated to different characters allowed the story to move along and not stagnate. It also gives the reader an insight into the thoughts, feeling and motive of several characters that you would not get with a single character narrative.
The characters engage in believable dialogue, react realistically to trying situations and certain scenes left goosebumps on my skin from how powerful and inspiring they were.
Furthermore, I thoroughly enjoyed the events of the book taking place in areas all over England and Scotland. There is no room to feel boredom in this imaginative and exhilarating story that combines areas of the UK with otherworldly fantasy. The fantasy genre has exploded within recent years and yet Kirsty has written a unique and distinctive story. I award 5 stars.
