(Warning: this book is a sequel to Aurelia and may contain some spoilers on the first book.)
The murderous plot is over. The villain is exposed. In most cases, the words “Happily Ever After” are expected to come. But not for Aurelia.
While she is no longer in immediate danger, the feeling of fear is still there. She is living in constant danger, on the run from her family with the only man she can trust, Robert. Nightmares and visions of what happened a few months ago still haunt her. Her family tried to kill her. She is no longer the crown princess. Everything she loved and cared for is gone, leaving a numb feeling. The only thing she has is Robert.
But soon a new issue arises. The land she travels is wild and unruly, much like Robert’s stallion, Horizon. Soon Aurelia gets a glimpse of life outside the palace, and it hits her hard and fast. You can be sure to expect plenty of action in this book.
And even though Aurelia may not be living at the palace, her duty rests of her heart, keeping her from unlocking her true feelings for Robert.
For Robert, the trip isn’t a picnic, either. Plagued with the memory of killing his cousin in order to protect Aurelia, he can’t shake the guilty feeling. Aurelia is numb to the world, and scaring him. He has to protect her, not only as his duty to her but as his duty to his heart.
Together they travel through uncharted territory, struggling to survive the natives and the threats of assassins. Assassins who will finish the job this time.
Exile is a fast-paced, thrilling novel that is just as demanding and addicting as the first. Aurelia and Robert spring off the page with life. Their emotions are so fresh and raw, truly electrifying to read. Literally. There were multiple times where I literally got chills. This book is a great read for anyone and everyone, from romance lovers to the greatest action adorers.
Honestly, I hadn’t planned on reading this book. After I finished Aurelia, I thought it was finished, just with a very bittersweet ending. I actually put the book on my shelf and forgot all about the possibility of a sequel.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I was in a bookstore (naturally), looking for a new book to read. My eyes scanned the bookshelves before they stumbled upon a beautiful cover. I was actually drawn to it because the girl on the cover looked familiar. Too familiar. I turned to the back, and of course, it was the sequel to Aurelia. Of course I got it, and devoured the novel in a few hours. I couldn’t put it down until I finished the last page. This book is addicting. It’s food for the soul. As much as I loved the first book, this one has to be my favorite.
In most stories, the author never talks about the aftermath. How does the hero feel after killing the villain? What about the penetrating numbness of remembering that last fight? In this novel, Anne Osterlund focuses on Aurelia’s emotional sense. She brings back the action and the romance, but what captures my attention the most is the heart and emotion. It’s very messy and blunt. It amazes me how real these characters and their feelings are.
I would recommend this book to anyone, though I would suggest reading the Aurelia first, another great novel. You don’t have to read it before Exile, but things might make more sense.
Just try reading this book. I dare you to try to put it down while reading. I doubt anyone could.
