Book Review--The King's Scrolls by Jaye L. Knight

Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.

Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.

When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph?

Through My Window

Jaye L. Knight's second book in The Illyon Chronicles begins with a crisp, intriguing pace, picking up shortly where the first book left off. So as a warning to any new reader, go back and read Resistance before The King's Scrolls.

No doubt Jaye's greatest strength is knowing her characters. Nearly each character she writes, even some of the villains, possess some quality that makes you feel as if you like you know them in real life. This story focuses mostly on the Altair family, especially Kyrin. As such, Kyrin blooms into an even more admirable yet relatable heroine, and her heart is truly one to aspire to. Fans of Jace, do not worry, he is a prominent character, learning his true strengths. Kaden continues to amuse, all brother characters must. We also receive some new favorites, my most adored among them being the irrepressible Talas.

But as characters are Jaye's greatest strength, they're also probably her greatest weakness. While she keeps admirable focus and balance of the main characters, so many of the minor characters, even those much beloved, are lost in the bustle. But while this might be a sad thing for readers hoping to see more of fellows like Trev and Trask, it doesn't cheapen the excellence of the book.

The world of Illyon expands in this book as well, introducing one of its most exotic races, the cretes. I was expecting a bit more otherness to their people then what was given, but that was my own notion. Despite not being what I'd expected, they were quite interesting and cool, as were their dragons!

This story is more emotional than the first since we deal with terrible loss, even more insecurities, betrayal, and intense family conflict.

I can't say I've encountered anything this author's written for younger fantasy fans to be warned away from. There is violence, yes, but it's mild in description. And the romances are all so very sweet and chaste. 

Jaye has built a strong setting, characters, plot, and fanbase, and there is little doubt that it will only grow stronger. I eagerly look forward to the next book, especially since I hear it will focus more on Jace.