Review: The Lesser Kindred by Elizabeth Kerner

Song in the Silence by Elizabeth Kerner told the wonderful love story between a woman and a dragon. The story now continues in the second book The Lesser Kindred. Ms. Kerner does an excellent job in this sequel of keeping a reader's interest with lots of adventure, action and a little romance. She uses plot, character and theme combined into a seamless whole to create an entertaining second book.

Plot gives this book a strong hook to keep a reader interested in it. Lanen Kaelar is home with her new husband and adopted father, believing her life settled, but she still feels restless. Mercenaries are sent by the demon master Berys to capture her for his own use in a vile plan. This starts the book on its new adventure. Lanen and her dragon husband Varien leave to find out who is behind the attack. They are helped by friends from different places. Complications arise with a difficult pregnancy. In another subplot, the dragons are facing their own dilemma with the volcanic destruction of their island home. Furthermore, two powerful healers along with their bard friend find themselves entangled in the demon master's web too. These plot threads weave together an exciting story that keeps the reader's attention in the book.

Additionally, likable characters keep the plot interesting with people you care about a lot. Lanen is a strong woman with a longing to see the world. She has a deep love and loyalty for her family and friends. Tough when necessary, she grows throughout the story. Varien grows too. He must get used to his change from being a dragon to a frail human. His love for Lanen keeps him from losing his way in the world. Another wonderful character is Shikrar the dragon. He loves his family, people and friends fiercely. Other characters keep the book alive. Jamie is Lanen's adopted father, a dangerous mercenary that protects her. The secretive Rella is a tough, loyal friend. Add the healer Vilkas and Aral, Will the bard and the small dragon Salera to the mix and readers get a whole set of characters to follow through their problems.

The theme running throughout the book knits the plot and characters together. Love gives everyone the strength to overcome their various problems. Lanen's and Varien's love transcends the hatred between species. Will's fatherly love for the small dragon Salera helps her find her soul. Shikrar's love for his family and people drives him to save them. The author uses her theme to give hope in a world with a nasty demon master.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic