Dragon Oracle

The Dragonspawn Trilogy, Book 2

By: Ava Richardson

Narrated by: Kim Churchill

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

The Rebellion has several battle victories under its belt, but although Desiree Black is credited for the war’s turn, she still has one goal - freeing her parents from the Spirit King’s grip. The problem is that the magic clouding her parents’ allegiance is all-powerful, and no record exists of a successful attempt to break the Mind Trap.

That knowledge won’t temper Dez’s determination, but it does fuel her frustration with the Rebellion’s path and leadership.

To adjust her attitude, Dez is removed from the battlefield to act as an attaché to the commander in chief - if she refuses, she’ll face ejection from the Rebellion for her reckless attitude. But learning to be a leader and gaining wisdom aren’t simple things, even when Dez manages to find the Dragon Oracle, who possesses a direct link to the Goddess and may hold the key to setting her parents free.

But their arrival portends oncoming doom. And as the Rebellion reels from unexpected losses within their ranks, the lies that once haunted Dez return with a vengeance. Now, in order to save the Rebellion and rescue her family, Dez must use newfound powers to enter the dimension housing the knowledge of the dead.

There, she’ll face the Spirit King.

Alone.

©2020 Relay Publishing (P)2022 Relay Publishing

Help From the Oracle ?

It is very important to Desiree Black (“Dez”) that she must free her parents from the Spirit King’s mind trap. Going to the Dragon Oracle, the Spirit King ends up killing the Oracle as well as stealing a dangerous artifact. As the Oracle dies, however, she transfers her powers to Dez to give her a better chance of defeating the Spirit King. But Dez doesn’t know how to use those new powers, and she will have to face the Spirit King alone this time. Can she defeat him? Fast-paced with strong characters willing to die for their cause, the reader eagerly will follow the twists and turns. But knowing where they are taking us is anyone’s guess this time.

The narrator for the audiobook version is Kim Churchill. She does a great job with the voices to personalize the story and make it easy for the listener to get an accurate idea of what each character is like. It helps to set the mood and is a pleasant way to “read” and enjoy the book.

Growth

Love how Dez's story is coming together. She has such support system to help her find her way through her strength and abilities. And finds not all is as it seems.

And Kim has grown into the characters so much from the first book.

*I received this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Excellent 2nd Installment of the Trilogy

Excellent 2nd Installment of the Trilogy

I am so enjoying this Dragonspawn trilogy! In this second book of the series, our heroine truly comes into full possession of her already impressive magical powers and even gains more. She also faces challenges and has triumphs in battle, rising from captain to commander rank and becoming the rebellion leader’s chosen one to replace her, though it is certainly not an easy road, nor is it guaranteed. Dez has a rival who becomes a bit more, but in a completely understandable and believable way. The thought magic of this world is intriguing, and I enjoyed watching Dez test the boundaries of her magic and its possibilities. I also enjoyed watching the supportive yet complex sibling relationship she has with her adoptive brothers. I especially enjoyed seeing Pieter in this book. I happened to listen to The Last of the Dragon Riders series first, which is this author's series featuring Pieter and his own battle using emotion-driven magic against the forces of evil in their world. I thought some of this came a little too easy for Dez, despite the difficulties she faced. She's still a very young woman, rather inexperienced with the greater world and specifically with military strategy, and flying by the seat of her pants—literally at times!—as she tries to figure out her magic. But this book is so well written that I can forgive a few shortcuts, and I actually enjoyed her mental gymnastics as she figured it all out. I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store next for Dez, her brothers, and the rebellion.