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/ From The Bookshelf

Book Review: Talia: On the Shore of the Sea (Servants of the Moon and Sun Book 2)

Rating:
☆☆☆☆☆ 4.5/5
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Title: Talia: On the Shore of the Sea (Servants of the Moon and Sun Book 2)

Author: Joel C. Flanagan-Grannemann

Publication Date: April 24, 2021

Genre: Fantasy, Action & Adventure

Cover:

I like that Flanagan-Grannemann has chosen a theme for this series that makes his books easily identifiable to his readers.

Premise

Talia, Heir to the Fairy Realm, has surrounded herself with her most trusted soldiers and companions as she faces exile. As the birth of her child draws near, her enemies from the human realm and even her own family, relentlessly search for her intent on the downfall of both her and her mother, the Queen of the Fairy Realm. After a brutal attack on Talia and her companions, she finds herself with nothing left to lose, and now she is willing to risk it all to strike back at those who have hurt her, including her former lover, the King of the Human Realm.

Why I chose this book:

Author Joel C. Flanagan-Grannemann requested this review. I previously reviewed Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm (Servants of the Moon and Sun Book 1). Flanagan-Grannemann is the first author to have two books from the same series reviewed on The Redhead Notes.

First Impression:

Since I read Book 1 in 2022, I was worried that I had forgotten details that would impact my reading of Book 2. However, Flanagan-Grannemann wrote an excellent prologue that not only recaps the critical details from Book 1 but also offers new character perspectives on the events. This serves as more than a summary for the reader; it is an actual prologue of substance that enhances the story.

What I loved:

One of the best parts of reading a series is watching characters develop and grow, and Flanagan-Grannemann does not disappoint. Talia enters the story as a more mature and decisive version of the fairy we met in Book 1. She appears at ease thinking strategically, giving orders, and making tough calls, which are all characteristics she will need as the future Queen. However, there is still a soft and compassionate side to her as she prepares to give birth to her child. As the story progresses, Talia experiences tragedy upon tragedy, ultimately plummeting her into a downward spiral in which a darker side of her personality emerges. What appears is a ruthless, unyielding, and unforgiving fairy intent on serving justice to those she feels have wronged her. Talia transforms from a fairy adored by many to one feared by all.

When I compared Book 1 to Book 2, I found a more mature and polished writing style. Flanagan-Grannemann’s inclusion of darker material likely provided an ideal backdrop to display this side of his writing. Chapter seven stands out as an exceptional display of his darker storytelling, filled with just the right amount of details and strong dialogue. I hope he continues this trend in Book 3, as I believe it will serve him well.

Additional Thoughts:

Flanagan-Grannemann intended this story to be a loose reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, which becomes apparent as the book progresses. Initially, I felt somewhat conflicted about this, as I believe the story could be strong enough to stand on its own without incorporating story elements from this well-known fairytale. However, including fan fiction elements offers yet another perspective of the original story. Noting this nod to Sleeping Beauty in the book summary would be helpful.

Quotable Quotes:

• Talia opened the door, and the two of them walked out into the morning sea air. Talia took a deep breath, and stepped onto the sand. The tide was out, and the waves broke gently, further out on the beach. Talia took a few more steps, and spread her wings to the sea air. “This is where I belong,” she confessed to Shatter. “I feel I’ve truly come home.”
• “Vengeance is a sword without a hilt,” Flora told her. “Until you understand why you must go, you should stay.” She got up, and went back to her bread.
• “You must do what a Queen must. Don’t let either of our enemies win. Strike at the Humans, and take charge of the Aunts. Send Air. Strike the Humans hard and fast. Reinforce the border. Show him we won’t allow this to happen. He stuck his hand in: chop it off. Then let him pull back and decide if he wants to risk the other one.” Talia clutched her belly as the child reacted to her emotions.
• Talia smiled, and wondered at the ability of the Goddess to lead us down the paths we need to tread.
• The Goddess gives us all a path to walk. Sometimes it is dark. We must bring our own light.”

Who might enjoy this book:

Talia: On the Shore of the Sea (Servants of the Moon and Sun Book 2) is ideal for readers who enjoy whimsical fantasy stories with a darker aspect.

Overall Impression:

Four and a half stars. Talia: On the Shore of the Sea (Servants of the Moon and Sun Book 2) is worth reading! I found myself wanting to pick it up, especially as the storyline became darker and more intense with Talia’s character progression. While the nod to Sleeping Beauty wasn’t necessarily my favorite aspect, I love where this series is going and am confident that Flanagan-Grannemann has even more surprises in store for his readers. After finishing Book 2, I must say that Flanagan-Grannemann may be the first author to have three books reviewed from one series on The Redhead Notes. I’m absolutely looking forward to reading Fairy Court in Exile: An Epic Fantasy Novel of Civil War (Servants of the Moon and Sun Book 3.).

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