Fireblood

June 15, 2017
Ruby embarks on a quest to learn how to stop the murderous Minax, risking her life and her love.In the wake of the destruction of the throne of Fors, Arcus has become king and Ruby remains in the castle, unsure of their future. Save a few friends, the Frostblood court greets her with disdain; she's a filthy enemy--a Fireblood. She and Brother Thistle pass the time combing the library for clues about stopping the Minax while it roams free, possessing unwitting victims. At a royal ball, pale-skinned Ruby is shocked to meet another Fireblood. She learns the ginger-haired, olive-skinned stranger has come to offer her passage to the homeland of the Firebloods that she's never seen--Sudesia. Not only will she be trained by Fireblood masters, she'll hunt for the book that holds the key to destroying the Minax. Arcus urges her not to trust the stranger, and her departure creates a rift between them. Ruby reckons with more than she bargained for along her quest--uncovering secrets of her past and fighting their implications to become who she chooses to be. Brimming with new adventures, Ruby's story shimmers and expands as she grapples with forces pushing her to obey. A new romantic interest sizzles and evil forces conspire, making for a thrilling romp through an engrossing world. A sucker punch of escalating evil, sizzling romance, and a spitfire coming into her own. (Fantasy. 13-adult)

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August 1, 2017

Gr 7 Up-This follow-up to Frostblood picks up shortly after Ruby Otrera, the last remaining Fireblood in Tempesia, defeated the mad Frost King by burning his throne. Ruby is now living in the castle and trying to fit in as a lady of the court. Arcus, now King Arkanus, and Brother Thistle are still some of her only allies. Unfortunately, the Minax that had once possessed King Rasmus is now terrorizing the kingdom of Tempesia. When a mysterious stranger appears at a Frost Court ball, Ruby decides to accompany him to Sudesia. Arcus is against her plan, but Ruby knows that the world will never be safe unless the Minax is destroyed. Ruby and the stranger make the journey south to the land of the Firebloods in hopes of becoming Fireblood Masters and earning the trust of the Fireblood Queen. Once there, Ruby will seek the knowledge needed to destroy the Minax, as well as uncover the mysteries of her own past. Despite the use of some well-known tropes (a brief love triangle), this is a satisfying sequel. The plot is well paced and engaging, and the characters, both old and new, are exactly what readers will expect. VERDICT A solid second installment book. Fans of the series will not be disappointed.-Ariel Birdoff, New York Public Library

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