‘Now the fighting’s over, you want to pick up where we left off? How? Everything’s changed.’
Linaria’s cities lie in ruin and her lands are scarred following Aciel’s war. The devastation worsens as dragons turn against the survivors in retribution for Aciel slaying their kin and stealing their power.
As the world attempts to recover from one global war and arm itself against another, Palom, hero and creator of the dragon-forged weapons that thwarted Aciel, flees across the Val Sharis wilds to rid himself of unwanted fame. Overwhelmed by guilt for failing to protect loved ones, his greatest threat is not just the weapons he created, but the new shadow growing over Linaria.
He is accompanied by a dragon hatched in his care – but with the god-like creatures turning against the world, will she be his salvation or destruction?
Discover new friends and rejoin old ones in World of Linaria – Book Two.
Palom is the second novel in an epic six-book saga, following a group of characters as war rages across their world. With pirates and soldiers, smiths and princes, Linaria is a vibrant land with a deeply unsettled past and an equally ominous future.
My Review
Palom continues on from where Moroda, the first book in the World of Linaria series left off. The title character, Palom, a tiger shape-shifter, is now a reluctant war hero – recognized wherever he goes and struggling with PTSD from the aftermath of the battle and loss of his friends. I really enjoy the shape-shifting aspect of the characters in this series – the Ittallan and Varkain have the ability to change into an animal form (snakes for the Varkain). This leads to some interesting fight scenarios such as who would win in a fight between a crocodile and a tiger?
Sapora the Varkain is now king, having slaughtered the old royalty in a ‘Red Wedding’ style event at a ball. He has moved into the palace with his half sister, Isa, and half brother Tacio. Isa is coming to see and despise his true nature in this book, but Tacio still supports him. Sapora has evil plans for the realm and now with more power at his fingertips is becoming a formidable villain.
Palom is beset by dark power which according to his beloved Lathri emanates from the sword he forged. She urges him to rid himself of the sword and refuses to marry him – leaving him broken-hearted while she busies herself organising a rebellion against Sapora. His humour improves with the addition of a baby dragon which he hatches in his fireplace! This was a cute addition to his storyline, which was otherwise fairly gloomy.
Amarah is travelling by airship with Kohl to his home realm of the Arillians, based in the clouds. I really enjoyed the world-building around the Arillian home world of Oren. Their ability to fly and wield storm magic is one of my favourite things in this series. The fact they have an army of ice golems standing guard at the entrance to their realm is also very cool. Amarah wants help to set free Moroda from the fate she consigned herself to in the previous book, sealed inside a huge crystal by a dragon. She has been told the golems might have the answer. Amarah is my favourite character in this series so far. Unfortunately she suffers more tragedy in this book, but doesn’t let it defeat her purpose.
Palom has a slower pace than Moroda as characters recover and move on with their lives. There is still action, but less than we saw in Moroda. We get to know the characters better in this book and there is a fair amount of scene setting for the next book, Amarah.
About the Author
Lauren is a fantasy author of character-driven stories and epic adventure.
Her DRAGON SPIRITS epic fantasy series explores the magic-drenched world of Tassar, where powerful spirits reign supreme.
Her WORLD OF LINARIA epic fantasy series is a light-hearted, fast-paced fantasy adventure with bucket-loads of magic, dragons, sky pirates, and airships.
She lives in a tiny village in the UK, has a degree in Psychology, and was a professional copywriter before going full-time as an author – swapping corporate copy for magic and dragons!
For signed paperbacks, visit www.llmacrae.com
Lauren’s Books
DRAGON SPIRITS
The Citrine Key (Book 0.5 – prequel) Read My Review
The Iron Crown (Book 1) Read My Review
The Shadow Gate (Book 2) ➜ Coming Soon
THE WORLD OF LINARIA
Rise of a Sky Pirate (Book 0.5 – prequel) Read My Review
Moroda (Book 1) Read My Review
Palom (Book 2)
Amarah (Book 3)
Isa (Book 4)
Kohl (Book 5) ➜ Coming soon
Morgen (Book 6) ➜ Coming soon
Sue's Musings 
Great review! I’m going to have to read this series!
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Hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think!
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Thank you, I’ll do that!
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I recently read Moroda, not sure if I will continue with the series though. The Sky pilot, Amarah was my favourite character.
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Yes I think I might read the next one at some point because Amarah was my favourite too.
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Wonderful review! This looks like a great series.
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