M. L. Lacy

I would like to thank author ML Lacey for the opportunity to read this story. Although I received the ebook for free, that in no way impacts my review.

WARNING: If you haven't read the first three books in this series do not read any further, as this review inherently contains spoilers for the first three books.

As Esmeralda’s fleet of dragons grows stronger and deadlier, Madalyn devises a lethal plan that strikes at the very heart of not only Bree and her clan, but of the Halsing clan as well.

Bree’s powers continue to develop-but her physical strength is beginning to deteriorate, which puts her on a collision course in her battle against Esmeralda.

The untimely death of her sixth, causes Bree’s men to act quickly to ensure Bree’s circle is complete and the prophecy remains true.

As the threat to the realm becomes dire, the Elders break their silence and try to aid the last Chosen One on her Path. But will they be in time? Will it be enough to defeat Esmeralda? And will Bree even allow their interference?

Friendship. Loyalty, and faith are tested to the brink in the fourth book of the Chrysalis Series – Fire & Rain.

Picking up almost exactly where book three left off, Aubrey is still struggling to reconcile her human part with her magical part, though her struggle has finally lessened considerably. A fact which I, for one, am grateful, as I was getting tired of the repeating personal dilemmas and crises over essentially the same things. Aubrey is finally growing into the Chosen One and taking hold of her power.

That's not to say that she still doesn't have the occasional relapse, but no where near as often as in the other books. This book was particularly fun because of all the new things happening, in Aubrey's life, her clan, the Castle, and even with her arch-nemesis, Esmerelda.

As with the other books there are gains and losses in this installation of the tale, yet this time it seems that the gains outweigh the losses. And just when you think things are heading toward the ultimate resolution in cones a new, and very unexpected, twist. And what a twist it is. But the great thing was that Aubrey was up to the challenge and handled much more of the resolution herself. It has been such a blessing to have a vastly more mature Aubrey in this book, as I was getting tired of the fragile (and sometimes whiny) Aubrey of old.

True to course, this book ended with some potentially explosive news being shared. And it looks to be promising, given that it was seemingly dismissed out of hand by all Aubrey's protectors in her clan. So much so that I fully expect to see that come back and bite them in the 'hindsight is 20/20' ass! As much as I've enjoyed this series, I find myself hoping that Aubrey finally crosses in the next book, as I feel as though that particular piece has been drawn out as long as it could be, and any longer could be detrimental to the story. But then, who knows, maybe something mind blowing will happen that allows the transition to be put off yet again and it will all work perfectly. Either way, I know that I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series as soon as it is released!… (meer)

The second book in the series contains more adventures for Bree. And clearly both Bree and her creator, M.L Lacy, have grown and learned much about their respective crafts and abilities.

Bree now knows of the humans and Magicals, the two co-existing groups on Earth. And she has learned of her destiny as the potential savior of Earth - by righting the wrongs that have happened over hundreds and hundreds of years. She struggles daily to reconcile her human side and her newly awaken Magical side. Unlike other Magicals, Bree was not allowed to learn of the existence of Magicals as a child. The prophecy stated she could not be told until her 25th human year, as she would need a strong connection to human emotions in order to safely and fairly oversee the changes that need to be made to save both groups. They have splintered far apart, largely due to a power-crazed Magical named Esmerelda. over time this evil woman has changed laws for the Magicals as she moves toward to annihilation of the humans, not seeming to grasp that both groups must co-exist or both will die.

Bree has to adjust to the way of life of her new family, or "clan," which goes against her life-long dreams and beliefs. And she also must learn all there is to know about the Magicals, and their history. And then there is the small matter of learning to control her rapidly growing abilities and powers - things that she shouldn't have until after she she undergoes her transformation - assuming she survives to transform and survives the transformation process.

The rthym of the story has smoothed out, and the core characters have gained much more depth and complexity. The only wish I had was that the story moved faster, spending less time on Bree's emotional and inner turmoil. But that could happen in the next book of the series, so I'll stick with it and find out where this ride is going.… (meer)

Tribulations is the stunning sequel of The Awakening. Tribulations continues on from where The Awakening left off, with Bree still learning the true extent of her powers, as jealousy divides her clan, she has to stay one step ahead of her nemesis, Esmeralda.
Tribulations is a amazing book, in what is shaping up to be marvellous saga. The plot continues to flow effortlessly, with many twists and turns, leaving the readers unable to put the book down.
M.L. Lacy continues to write interesting and realistic characters that are far from one dimensional, as even characters that aren’t always portrayed as being good guys, such as Tina, are shown as having depth. The characters were very realistic, as for example, Bree doesn’t immediately accept the Magical way, which is completely opposite from how she was brought up. It would have been unrealistic for her to immediately be okay with the way their relationships work, since she grew up like a human.
The best scenes in this novel would be any of the scenes where Bree stands up for what she believes in and doesn’t let anyone push her around. Bree really starts to find her place in her clan in this book; hopefully she will continue to be strong and independent in the next novel.
In conclusion, fans of The Awakening will love Tribulations as M.L. Lacy continues to deliver novels with fascinating plot lines and realistic characters. Anyone who hasn’t read The Awakening and Tribulations should, as it is shaping up to be one of the best sagas of recent years.… (meer)