Guardian

On the Wind, Book 2

By: Sam Burns, W.M. Fawkes

Narrated by: Kirt Graves, Michael Ferraiuolo

Only months ago, Hector was on his deathbed. Now, he's fled his home, abandoning everything he's ever known to protect his family.

But in Nemeda, Paris and Helena don't need their older brother to provide for them. Unmoored, Hector struggles to find his purpose until a conniving Nemedan chief questions their legitimacy in the clans. The three refugee siblings must each serve a year on the wall, fighting in the unending war with Nemeda's southern enemies. But Paris and Helena have carved a place for themselves in their new home; Hector alone is unanchored. To keep his family safe, he determines to serve all three years himself.

The chance to get close to the formidable silver-haired chief of the Crane Clan—a man who looked at Hector at his weakest and saw value still—is only a faraway dream.

Killian has led the Nemedan war effort for twenty years. Duty and fairness surpass every other concern, but with Hector of Urial stationed in his lands, he finds himself bending rules that have kept Nemeda secure for generations. While Hector tests his boundaries, he also makes Killian question his assumption that love has no place in war or in his life.

Killian will move armies to see Hector safe, but with a war looming and the threat of an illness that might steal Hector's life as easily as any enemy blade, they're on a collision course with fate that will change the whole land.

©2024 FlickerFox Books (P)2025 Podium Audio

A strong second book in this series

There is a richness of ideas in this book. It carries on from the first book, this time featuring Hector, the eldest brother of Paris. Hector must adapt to finding a new life, a new purpose. He finds it with Killian, the Crane warrior that has kept all of the clans sage against the endless battles with the men of the South. At times a romance, at times a meditation upon personal identity, and the power in, and the necessary courage of seeking love, and peace, in a time of seemingly endless war.

Not as good as book one, but still enjoyable.

Killian's self-sacrificing nature was both admirable and incredibly frustrating. Thankfully, Hector was exactly the partner he needed, someone willing to challenge him instead of simply accepting his noble martyr routine. Their relationship continued to be the heart of the story.

I wasn't as invested in the supporting cast this time around. The characters at the Wall felt less developed, Helena became much harder to like, and Paris and Brett's attitudes surprised me considering everything Killian had done for them.

Even so, I enjoyed the story overall and I'm excited to see where Orestes's journey leads next. I'm still skeptical that Prince Tybalt can be redeemed, but I'm interested enough to find out.

As for the narration, Kirt Graves once again stole the show as Hector. Michael Ferraiuolo also delivered a solid performance as Killian, and together they brought plenty of emotion to the characters.

Great continuation

When I learned of Killian and Hector in the first book, Sanctuary, I was not sure how I would feel about the second book. That said, the character development by the authors as well as the narrators, was so well done, I couldn't help but relate and fall for the characters. Hector's determination and Killian's dedication certainly makes them a formidable team. This was a great continuation in the series.

World build is very unique.

I love the world and story building. Characters are unique and have personality. I’d have given this a 5star except the ending seamed a little rushed for me. I would have loved to see it fleshed out a little more. Over all a good read/listen

Great story and narration

I really enjoyed this continuation by focusing on Killian and Hector. I really appreciate their story and seeing Hector finally finding his place after recovering from such a hard ordeal in the first book! Thank you for such an enjoyable read!