War and Wind

By: Alex Lidell

Narrated by: Kaitlin Bellamy

Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's Summary

A cowardly captain. An incompetent crew. A mission she can't fail. 

Nile and her small band of loyal midshipmen saved the ship, and Captain Rima might just kill them for it... one young officer at a time. No one and nothing on the Aurora is safe anymore, least of all Nile's explosive secrets or her connection with Domenic, which vibrates between them like a cutlass speared into the deck.  

When the shifting tide of war suddenly turns Aurora's backwater outpost into a vital battleground, Nile faces an impossible choice between duty and freedom. In a cascade of violence, gunpowder, and lies, Nile will soon discover who has her back and who wants to stab a dagger in it. To save the ones she loves, Nile may have to sacrifice everything.  

War and Wind is the exciting sequel to Air and Ash, a seafaring adventure of duty, love, magic, and a princess's quest to protect her kingdom on her own terms. Recommended for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Tamora Pierce, and David Weber.

©2017 Alex Lidell (P)2018 Alex Lidell

Amazing Narration!!!

I listened to the first book of this series, rather than reading it. The narration was amazing and brought the story to life. I couldn't wait for the audio book of the second to continue the story, so I bought the second one on kindle. I only got a few pages in before I realized that I wasn't as hooked without the narration. Don't get me wrong. The story was REALLY good and well written, but the beginning was a little slow (even Harry Potter was slow in the beginning, and I'm a HUGE Potterhead). I don't think the switch in media helped much either. So it sat forgotten for a bit.

And THEN! I remembered the book and saw that the audio book was out and I picked it up again. Kaitlin Bellamy is an amazing narrator that brings the story to life and hooks you from the first word! I'm glad that Alex Lidell found her, because I truly do love the story Alex has to tell and hearing it through Kaitlin's voice is unforgettable. She brings each character to life, all with different accents and mannerisms. She is absolutely one of the best narrators I've ever listened to and hope that she does even more with her talent.

Secrets are catching up with Nile and the war

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

The book starts a few short hours after Air and Ash ends. It's a continuation in the time line. We do get drops of what has recently happened on the ship and who is where and what they've done, but it's brief and quick to get back into the flow of the story. This is book two of the series, and you really should start with book one.

I'm thrilled Kaitlin returned to the series as the voice of our characters. She has become Nile, in voice, for me. Kaitlin continues with the personalities and voices of all the characters we got to know in the first book. The story is brought to life by Kaitlin with emotions and pacing that fits each action or event of the story. Once again, the story flows smoothly and voiced with feeling.

The beginning is bringing us back into the world, raising our awareness of all that is happening around Nile. It grows the worry that she'll be found out, or punished or worse, and spark the flame between Nile and Dominic.

There are many worried we feel for Nile as she went on this venture. We know them and still worry as things start to surface and seen by others. There are new worries that slowly grow here, and potential worries that could go either bad or good for Nile.

We have a new POV that's added into the story through out. Captain Ral Quinn. The story starts with his POV and picks up with him off and on through the book. I like this addition as he sheds some light on a few things, and opens up some possibilities for the gifted along with worry for Nile. A worry Nile doesn't even know about, but also something that could help her in more ways than one.

There is a war between nations in this book. Something we are not front and center at seeing. But it's important as it motivates the movements of all in the world. And, eventually, it becomes something Nile is drawn into and becomes more active in.

We more new characters here. Ones that I quickly came to love. Would I have loved them as much had we met them before all the events in the first book... I don't know. But I love them now. They will become important in Nile's life and how she'll live her life.

We have our characters we know... Dominic, Captain Rima, and many others. I still love Dominic and those that Nile has come close to on the ship. I still hate Captain Rima. lol. That is all credit to the author. She has written a bad person in a wonderful way to have me hate him so. And, there is a character that my thoughts shift some on. You'll know who it is as you get back into the world.

I'm sorry if I sound vague in my descriptions, but this book follows close to book one and I don't want to give any spoilers or details to the story. If you enjoyed book one, keep on sailing through as you'll enjoy this one as well.

I will be watching for the third book in audio too!

Excellent

I enjoys this book even more than the first in the series. The first section of the book was hard for me to get to, just because things felt so bleak for the characters, but the rest of the book, and the ending were worth the hardship! I loved the new characters introduced, and the friendships Nile formed with them. Definitely my favorite book of the year, and high on my list of personal favorites. Kaitlin Bellamy continues to be the best narrator I've heard.

Excellent continuation of Air and Ash!

War and Wind, Tides, Book 2 by Alex Lidell is the next book in the Tides series after Air and Ash. War and Wind is a great continuation from the first book and essentially pick up right where Air and Ash leaves off. I would definitely recommend listening to Air and Ash first before listening to this book, as you'll have a much more complete story by doing so. War and Wind doesn't really go over everything that happened in the first book to catch the reader up in the beginning (for which I'm grateful for). The story this time around goes even more in depth and the nasty characters are even nastier. A lot of things are changing on the ship that Nile is on and her secrets are getting out. I don't want to give anything away, but I definitely recommend listening to this one if you enjoyed the first one! Again, this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so be prepared to wait for the next book in the series for some things to be resolved.

Once again, Kaitilin Bellamy did an excellent job giving a voice to the various characters and bringing them to life. I think that both her male and female voices are well done and she narrates with the perfect amount of emotion, which makes it very easy to get into the story and just enjoy listening. I'd be more than happy to listen to future narrations by Ms. Bellamy. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher for an honest review.

Did you find this review helpful? If so, would you please take a moment and select the 'helpful' button below? Thanks so much!

Enjoyed the first and the sequel was just as great

Loved the sequel to this swashbuckling tale! The strength of the lead female character is great! IF there's a sequel coming, I will gladly anticipate it!

Arc received by author. Review was voluntary.

Great sequel to book 1

I loved this book as much as book 1. Nile and Domenic had even more challenges ahead of them, and their enemies were more dangerous and evil than they had expected. Unfortunately for Nile her royal duties finally caught up with her, and she found out, that there was more to her fiance than net the eye. I loved the creative way she helped the Prince and his real love (no spoilers). Many turns and twists, great characters and plot kept me reading for most of a night, until I finished it.

The narration was great, depicting different personalities very well. I'd love to listen to more of Mts. Bellamy audiobooks.

I'm looking forward to more adventure and romance, which are ahead of Nile and Domenic.

Beautifully performed swashbuckling YA adventure!

Alex Lidell's books are insta-reads for me (as soon as she releases them, I need to get my hands on them!) I read book 1 of the Tides series via Kindle, and listening to book 2 (War and Wind) via audiobook was a real treat!

Narration: This performance was exceptional. This book was beautifully performed by narrator Kaitlin Bellamy. War and Wind was truly brought to life.

Story: This was an amazing follow up to book 1 with higher stakes, more adventure, and romance. Niall is such a great and realistic main character

Iyou are looking for a well narrated YA fantasy sailing adventure with a little bit of romance done right, you definitely need to try these books!

A good sequel in the Tides Series

This was a good book. The first one felt like it had more action and adventure. I don't know if I'll come back again to listen to this one again, but it is a vital part of the story. The narration again is wonderful Basically Nile is very much the angsty teen in this book, you have been warned. The character development is moving along and the mid book climax is one for the books! Like many other reviewers I think we could have ended it here and been happy as readers- but I'm excited to see where the author takes book 3 and what new challenges Nile and the crew will face. A good book overall, a good listen, and I'll be back for book #3. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Wwaaa a cliffy.

Wwaaa a cliffy.
Oh my goodness I can't wait for the next part. This is a wonderfully creative series.
This narrator is my favorite narrator right up there with Barbara Rosenblatt who's my all-time favorite.
Bookshelves/tags:
adventure, cliffhanger, fantasy, favorites, flogging, paranormal, read, recorded, romance, saga, series, suspense, tragic, young-adult.
Reasons I enjoyed this audio book:
A bit of a Tear-jerker, Wonderful characters, Page-turner, Great world building, Unpredictable, Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Action-packed, Twisted, Haunting.
This Audio book was given to me at my request from the publisher, author or narrator and I provided this unbiased voluntary review.

Another Incredible Story!!!!!

Ah! I love this author and I hate this author!!!!!! There is so much temptation for me here! I found these books as audible listens and once I start a series on Audible it's very difficult for me to switch to regular books mid series. This book was so good and I'm loving this series so much I am sorely tempted to read the next since it's not on Audible yet! Argh!!!! This book is just as amazing as the first in the series. I couldn't stop listening! Action, intrigue, learning to love oneself, and a dash of romance all add up to make this book unforgettable. While I received a free copy of this book in hopes I would review it, I am purchasing it to support an amazing author and an amazing story - just like I did the first one. You should too. You will NOT be sorry!!!!!

A great audiobook of an interesting story

This second story of the series follows Princess Nile as she's desperately trying to protect her friends, contain and control her magic, and conceal her true identity. I'm not going to give away spoilers, but I will say I find her relationship with Dominic frustrating at times - I just want to bang their heads together! - and I so admire the things she does with Tam and Aaron. I really enjoyed the outcome of this book, and wouldn't mind reading more about these characters in the future.
The audiobook version of the story was an excellent production and brought the story to life. I really enjoyed listening to it, and would definitely recommend it as an excellent way to enjoy the story.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions