Review: NIGHTBORN (Thrones & Bones, #2) by Lou Anders

Publisher: Crown Books

Published: July 14, 2015

Genre: fantasy, middle grade

Source: Print Arc

Rating: 4 Stars

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1NYKtZ0

Blurb:
From the author of Frostborn comes Book 2 in the acclaimed Thrones and Bones fantasy-adventure trilogy for fans of Lloyd Alexander and Brandon Mull.
 
Karn Korlundsson is a gamer. Not a riddle solver. But in order to rescue his best friend, Thianna Frostborn, he will need to travel to the faraway city of Castlebriar (by wyvern), learn how to play a new board game called Charioteers (not a problem), decipher the Riddle of the Horn, and tangle with mysterious elves.
 
Meet Desstra. She’s in training to join the Underhand—the elite agents of the dark elves. When she crosses paths with Karn, she is not all that she appears to be.
 
Everyone is chasing after the horn of Osius, an ancient artifact with the power to change the world. The lengths to which Karn will go in the name of friendship will be sorely tested. Who knew that solving a riddle could be so deadly?

The novel includes instructions for playing the board game Charioteers. Visit ThronesandBones.com for additional games, maps, character profiles, and more!


Praise for Nightborn :

"Anders presents a captivating world." –Kirkus Reviews 

"[A]n adventure story with good pacing, well-drawn characters, and engaging action scenes." –Booklist

Praise for Frostborn: 
“Future fans of Tolkien and George R. R. Martin can happily cut their serial-fantasy teeth on this first book of an eventual series.” –Kirkus Reviews 

“A fun, fast-paced, and highly enjoyable tale.” –Garth Nix, bestselling author of the Abhorsen trilogy

“A powerful, fast-paced tale. . . . The setting is rich, the characters well-defined, and the danger ever-paramount.” –Publishers Weekly, Starred

“An excellent choice for readers new to the genre. The themes of staying true to oneself, teamwork, and individuality will resonate with readers.” –School Library Journal

“The most delightful fantasy I have read in ages. . . . Put me on the waiting list for book 2!” –Amy Plum, international bestselling author of the Die For Me series

Review:

Fun, fun, fun! Nightborn is the second book in the Thrones & Bones series. It's a highly enjoyable ride full of wild adventures and a fast-paced plot. We are introduced to characters new and old; how can we have a book without Thianna? She's awesome...and her story arc in this is well...she disappears after being sent on quest by Orm. Karn has already been given a mission to find the second horn that controls dragons. Of course, since Karn and Thianna are friends, he'd rather go in search of his friend. Makes total sense!

What kind of story would it be without some added drama to keep you at the edge of your seat? There's another who is searching for the horn as well. Whoever may it be, you ask? None other than a dark elf that goes by the name, Desstra. To make the drama even more nail biting, she has to befriend Karn in order to come out on top and finish the mission she was set out to do. Only one problem...she actually likes Karn and does consider him a friend. 

Overall, I adored these books and I hope that you (and family & friends) take a chance on the wonderful story. It would be a great way to bond with your children or of your just a plain old fantasy fan, I highly recommend. The book is full of imagination that will take you away from the world you're living in. And isn't that what everyone wants anyways? To be able to escape? Look no further! If you're just tuning in and haven't read the first book, please go get that one as well. You'll get to meet these beloved characters.  

*Thank you to Penquin Random House for providing me with a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Buy Link-

Amazon- http://amzn.to/1LWiWZc

Amazon UK- http://amzn.to/1LWj0Ij

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1LWjsWY

Blurb:

Meet Karn. He is destined to take over the family farm in Norrøngard. His only problem? He’d rather be playing the board game Thrones and Bones.

Enter Thianna. Half human, half frost giantess. She’s too tall to blend in with other humans but too short to be taken seriously as a giant.

When family intrigues force Karn and Thianna to flee into the wilderness, they have to keep their sense of humor and their wits about them. But survival can be challenging when you’re being chased by a 1,500-year-old dragon, Helltoppr the undead warrior and his undead minions, an evil uncle, wyverns, and an assortment of trolls and giants.

Buy Links:

Amazon- http://amzn.to/1LWjdeF

Amazon UK- http://amzn.to/1LWjka5

About the Author-

Lou Anders's research on Norse mythology while writing Frostborn turned into a love affair with Viking culture and a first visit to Norway. He hopes the series will appeal to boys and girls equally. Anders is the recipient of a Hugo Award for editing and a Chesley Award for art direction. He has published over 500 articles and stories on science fiction and fantasy television and literature. Frostborn, which Publishers Weekly described as “thoroughly enjoyable” (starred review), is his first middle grade novel. A prolific speaker, Anders regularly attends writing conventions around the country. He and his family reside in Birmingham, Alabama. You can visit Anders online at louanders.com and ThronesandBones.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter at @ThronesandBones.