The Sapphire Talisman
If you haven't yet read my review of The Emerald Talisman, let me fill you in really quickly. The last book kind of left me feeling a little bit let down. Not because of the writing, and definitely not because of the characters, but because one of the key components of the book felt unfinished. It was Julia's empathetic abilities that drew me to the series, and I had felt that they weren't fleshed out enough. My hope was that by diving into The Sapphire Talisman I'd find the answer to what I was missing before. How right I was!
This sequel blew my mind. The first chapter covered the basics of what happened in the last book, and essentially allows you to read this one even if you hadn't read the last. Although I wouldn't recommend it. How will you know the sheer epicness of this book if you miss the first half of the story? Sorry, I digress. Needles to say that everything I loved about the first book was still present, but (and I didn't know this was possible) the writing was even better and so were the characters. I was completely absorbed into Julia's world.
It's a bit difficult to review this book and not spoil something important for you, dear readers. There is so much going on that I am still reeling from just recently finishing the last page. I'll slake my hunger for spilling the details by simply telling you that the blinding love that Julia has for Nicholas is fantastic. Above all else, it was that deep love that she had for him that kept this book moving. Sure, at times she was irrational. However Julia's character was so well developed that I knew her irrationality only stemmed from the need she felt to be with Nicholas. There was no confusion here about how she could adore him so much. Trust me. He's an amazing guy.
I'll end here, for fear I give away some of the plot. I realize that this review is vague, but those of you eagerly awaiting this book's release will probably thank me. I hate spoilers, you hate spoilers, I keep them out of my reviews. It's easy for me to admit that I am fully on board with Julia, Nicholas and the rest of their motley crew. I cannot wait to see if Brenda Pandos has more in store for us!