The Opal Embers

Vagabond Legacy, Book 2

By: William Hastings

Narrated by: Vic Mignogna

AGAINST A MADMAN'S VENGEANCE . . . TWO VAGABONDS WILL NOT BE ENOUGH.

Leo and Nea are settling into their life as vagabonds, but after a botched raid on the Opal Mines, their faith in one another is wearing thin. In penance, they agree to shepherd a mysterious relic on behalf of the church. But when Leoʼs powers nearly cost Nea her life, the distance between them increases even more.

Leoʼs fear of his strange abilities grows, exacerbated by his dark history with the church. While Nea, angry and frustrated at her own weakness, is confronted with her own warped understanding of herself, forcing her to question whether sheʼs helping Leo or hurting him. Unbeknownst to them, the relic theyʼve been entrusted with is sacred to a lost race of shapeshifters. Jaako, a young shapeshifter at war with himself, leaves home to pursue the vagabonds and recover the artifact. But can he reconcile with his animal half long enough to complete his mission?

And as Jaako pursues Leo and Nea, the events of The Crimson Spark are having dire consequences for another. Tragedy rocks the house of young delver Xerrigan, she is left all alone, her mind fractured. Xerrigan sets out on her own journey to find the whereabouts of her master, an enigmatic and powerful teacher who disappeared into the ranks of the now disbanded Black Briars. Still reeling from the trauma, Xerrigan will risk everything to find the only family she has left, even her sanity.

Caught in a web of conspiracy and revenge, the four children must work together to survive. Will Leo and Nea be able to open their hearts to these new companions without losing each other? And will Jaako and Xerrigan be able to trust the vagabonds, and themselves, long enough to save everything?

The Opal Embers continues the acclaimed coming-of-age dark fantasy saga. An epic and emotional story filled with familiar faces as well as new unforgettable characters. A story about innocence lost and faith rediscovered. A story about how even the most broken souls can be whole together.

©2022 William Hastings (P)2023 TGR Press

Even better than than The Spark!

Oh. My. Goodness. This is NOT just an audiobook. It's an audio DRAMA! I'm a HUGE fan of Old Time Radio shows, and that's exactly what this was like....but BETTER! In my last review of The Crimson Spark, I said it was like someone had blindfolded me, and taken me into a movie theatre and made me LISTEN to the movie. That's exactly what this was like, but WAAAY more intense! I could see everything happening in my head, (even the more violent parts! EWWW! LOL!) Vic Mignogna's performance was out of this world! I still marvel that so many voices could come out of one human being. Even the background characters! To quote Nea, it was "Bloody Brilliant!" If you loved The Crimson Spark, you HAVE to get this audio drama! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll gasp, and even yell at your computer! William Hastings outdid himself! This was absolute PERFECTION!!

A great sequel

A very well-written sequel to an amazing book! I loved the continuation of Leo and Nea's journey together, and love how they found new people along the way. The audio's narrator does an absolutely fantastic job and truly brings each character to life! I can't wait to see what happens next!

Incredible story told by a fantastic narrator!

I am only half way through this audiobook, but I read the book itself (loved it!) and couldn't wait to tell you all how wonderful the audiobook is! I recently listened to it on a long drive for six straight hours! The writer is truly gifted (be sure to read/listen to The Crimson Spark, which is the first book in the Vagabond Legacy series) and there is one incredible description, awe-inspiring character or exciting event after another. The characters all come to life and I have images of them in my head already! Hastings makes this happen with his writing and then Vic Mignogna seals it with his amazing talent at creating unique voices for each character. There are a lot of characters, too, so this is a challenge that Mignogna meets with a great deal of skill and creativity.

In addition, this young adult series (the third is called The Cerulean Flare) tackles all sorts of modern and relevant themes with grace and humor, making it perfect for teenagers and adults today.

A great pick up

I liked the first book it was a great pick up and return to later when you have time book. I felt so invested in the outcome and growth of each character in this second volume. Vic's narration brought me into the story with Leo and the gang. I want the next volume!