Loved this second book of “The Medoran Chronicles”; it kept my interest all the way through and did not disappoint as some sequels can.

We pick up the story of Alex as she enters the Akarnae academy for her second year of learning – this time with parents in tow. In “Raelia” Alex trains harder than ever before – she has done “remedial training” over the summer break with her combat skills teacher and can now handle a sword with ease. A demonstration during the first class back is enough to cement her position in the class and the respect of her fellow students made the training worthwhile. Alex and her friends meet up again with arch-enemy Aven, visit the mysterious land of Meya and meet royalty. There are tough choices for Alex to make but with the help of her close friends, classmates and teachers she is as prepared as possible to face any adversity.

“Raelia” introduces new characters with special abilities, while also further developing favourites from the first book. Alex herself finds enhanced skills emerging whilst in Meya – which will help in any further encounters with Aven and his cohorts. I really enjoyed how this story developed the relationships between central characters so well – I’m loving the tension between Alex and Kaiden, she trusts him but can’t tell him all her secrets. I loved how the elven theme meshed with magic and technology – elements of Lord of the Rings and Narnia with Harry Potter – and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next instalment.

Kerryn, QBD Northland