Select

The Oathtaker Series - Volume 2

Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 06/04/2015
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Multi-award winning author Patricia Reding leads a double life. By day, she practices law. By night, she reads, reviews a wide variety of works, and writes fantasy. She lives on an island on the Mississippi with her husband and youngest daughter (her son and oldest daughter having already flown the nest), and Flynn Rider (an English Cream Golden Retriever). From there she seeks to create a world in which she can be in two places at once. She started writing The Oathtaker Series as a challenge, and re-discovered along the way, the joy of storytelling.

Oathtaker: The Oathtaker Series, Volume One, won a GOLD medal in the Literary Classics International Book Award Contest, also won an Honorary award in the Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contest, and was designated a Finalist in the Beverly Hills International Book Award Contest. In addition, WindDancer Films chose Oathtaker for further review.

Select: The Oathtaker Series, Book Two, won a SILVER medal in the Literary Classics International Book Award Contest, and was awarded a Finalist Award in the Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contest.

Both Oathtaker and Select have earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval and the Readers' Favorite 5-star seal.

Ephemeral and Fleeting: The Oathtaker Series, Volume Two, has earned the Readers' Favorite 5-star seal.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite

Twenty years have passed since Mara took on the responsibility of Oathtaker to the twins, Reigna and Eden, who are expected to usher in a new age for Oosa. Select, Volume 2 of The Oathtaker Series, by Patricia Reding, follows Mara, Dixon, the twins, and all the others who have sworn to protect them as they combat the evil that grows in Chiran, a neighboring empire. Unfortunately, Mara suffers a severe injury that leaves her with no memory of her position as guardian to the twins or even of her marriage to Dixon. While Dixon removes her from the compound to keep her memory loss a secret, the twins exert their independence, fighting Lucy every step of the way. Lucy founded the compound for the sole purpose of keeping safe, the girls and other members of the Select, along with their Oathtakers. Now she must carefully weigh the options for the twins' safety as well as their development into the leaders who are spoken of in ancient prophecy. With Emperor Zarek of Chiran making bolder incursions into Oosa, will the twins come into their powers in time to save their homeland and will Mara’s memory return so that she can fulfill her oath?

Select includes an excellent summary of Volume One, Oathtaker, which provides all the information you need to refresh your memory, or even to get you into the story of Mara, Dixon and the twins in Select, Volume 2 of The Oathtaker Series, by Patricia Reding. With a need for urgency, the plot develops quickly as all the elements of the world of Oosa are set in motion to protect against the spread of evil. The characters are well developed and quite realistic with plenty of emotional ups and downs, doubts and dilemmas. A fine balance is depicted between the need for self sufficiency and the benefits of team work, and the concept of power, good and bad, is an important issue. This is an excellent story that is part of an epic fantasy well worth reading. Another winner! I love it and can't wait for more!

Kayti Nika Raet

In Select, the second book in The Oathtaker series by Patricia Reding, Mara, an Oathtaker to the ranking twin members of the Select, suffers a head injury, leaving her with no memory of her charges. As Dixon tries to help her regain her memories, her charges, Reigna and Eden, twin daughters of an ancient prophecy, decide to go on a coming of age journey seeking to determine their callings. But evil forces set out to destroy the twins and the prophecy as they journey across The Tearless where they will face three challenges. Meanwhile, their allies disperse in response to the growing threat from an oppressive empire intent on destroying their homeland.

Reding has done it again. Though Select, the second book in The Oathtaker trilogy, is set 20 years after the first, it loses none of the intrigue. Even though Lilith is gone, the threat to the twins' lives still remains, and Regina and Eden realize that they need to become independent leaders if they ever wish to have a chance of fulfilling their destinies. In a book filled with descriptive, colorful writing and helmed by good moral characters, Reding shines in her world-building and her interesting and dynamic characters. While I enjoyed Select almost as much as Oathtaker, there were times when I felt the action and intrigue got slowed down a little by backstory and, while I still loved Mara, I had trouble connecting with her charges, Reigna and Eden, especially in the beginning of the story. Despite it all, Select by Patricia Reding is a great sequel and I'm looking forward to more by this author.

Cheryl E. Rodriguez

Select is the second book in Patricia Reding’s Oathtaker fantasy series. After Lilith's rampage, the Oathtakers of the twins, under Lucy's leadership, have taken refuge in a compound. Mara and Dixon have taken the girls under their protection and have given them a home. Right before their eyes, almost imperceptibly, the girls have blossomed into young women. Reigna and Eden have become weary of the watchful eyes upon them. When Carlie disappears, the camp increases its patrols and tightens security. While searching for Carlie, Dixon and Mara fall prey to an attack. During the skirmish, Mara falls and suffers a blow to the head. When she awakens, her memory is gone. Heartbroken that his wife doesn’t recognize him, Dixon begins the trek to take Mara back to her childhood home, hoping that she will recover her memories along the way. After their departure, a meeting is called to discuss recent events. Will the Oathtakers be able to protect the Select from the invasion of the evil Chiranians? Marshall and Jerrett leave to spy out Chiran. Basha and Therese depart for the palace. Meanwhile, the twins, Reigna and Eden, plan to sprout their wings and fly. All depart and go their separate ways. The fate of the twins will determine if they will be together again.

Patricia Reding’s Select is a quest to find what you are made of. It is not just a journey of one, but the pursuit of many. In its pages, the characters grow and develop. While being compelled by the common goal of protecting the Select, each one is challenged by a personal mission. Reding’s character development is brilliant. Mara’s amnesia, although frustrating, was a stroke of genius. It allowed for the depth of her character to be revealed. Furthermore, it was the catalyst for the other characters to expand and mature. The setting of the story expands as well. As a reader, you travel into unforeseen places of the imagination as Reding plunges you into the realm of her fantasy world. The magic of fantasy shines forth from the power of crystals, mysterious unique giftings, enchanted weaponry, and the diabolical nature of evil, thus creating a sly and subtle fantastical tale of good versus evil.

The discovery of ancient prophecy and the revealing of the “flits” were important tidbits of things yet to come in the series. The action is constant. Each pairing of characters travels, faces danger, and battles for their lives and personal self worth. Select hits the target for the young adult fantasy genre. In the conclusion, Patricia Reding ties up loose ends, yet by doing so unravels even more. The story ends with a cliffhanger, leaving you in awe of what will happen next to the Oathtakers and the Select.

K.C. Finn

Select is a teen fantasy novel by author Patricia Reding and the second book in The Oathtaker Series. As book one’s Oathtaker, Mara, is sworn to protect her twin charges of Reigna and Eden, she is struck down with memory loss. Suddenly without guidance, the twins seek out an adventure of their own and some kind of reality to match the stories they have heard about their past and their proposed future. Journeying across The Tearless will not be easy, and a terrifying fate awaits if they do not have courage. As Mara slowly begins to remember fragments of her duty and her beloved, the twins face three sublime challenges which will push them to their limits.

Not having read book one, I found the summary superbly useful at the back of this volume. I was able to jump right in with the adventure and immerse myself in the phenomenally detailed world that Patricia Reding has created. I found all of the characters deep and well-developed, though Reigna was my particular favourite throughout the adventures. The twins are presented in a very astute way with differences and similarities cleverly balanced. The adventure itself is an epic roller coaster which spans across hundreds of pages, and by its end I did not want to leave the world I was in. Fans of epic fantasy are sure to delve into Select and fall in love with Reding’s engaging and descriptive prose. Overall, I’d highly recommend this novel to serious readers of the fantasy genre.

Tracy A. Fischer

In a great new read for young adults, Select: The Oathtaker Series - Volume 2 by author Patricia Reding, readers will continue the story of Mara, the Oathtaker, and her charges, Reigna and Eden. After Mara is seriously injured, Reigna and Eden feel the need to test themselves in the hopes of finding their true callings. Mara cannot remember who she is, and Dixon needs to take her home in the hopes that she will heal and remember their great love. The twins must fight the evil that surrounds them on their own, as well as face the three challenges that might just prove what they've always been told. Are the twins all that they are supposed to be? Will Mara heal and come back to those who love her? You need to read Select to find out!

I so, so enjoyed Select: The Oathtaker Series - Volume 2. Author Patricia Reding has done an absolutely breathtaking job in creating a world that is both fantastic and somehow realistic, not an easy feat at all. Patricia Reding's character development skills are simply second to none. Her readers will be able to connect with, relate to, and care about these characters, and will think about them long after the last page has been read. I am so glad that this book is one of a series because I can't wait to read more from this world and about these characters. Any reader who loves a great work of fantasy, young adult or not, would enjoy this book. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to reading more from the excellent author, Patricia Reding, as soon as possible!

Amber M

Select is a masterful continuation of a truly breathtaking and inspiring journey into a magnificent world that blends mystery and magic with undeniable truth and unfailing love. This new story has allowed me to delve deeper into the lives of each precious and unforgettable character in order to develop a greater appreciation and respect for this impassioned and beautiful storyline. It has been such a huge pleasure to revisit not only the amazing characters but also the brilliance of their deeply detailed and thoroughly stunning world. This is an epic adventure that you will not want to miss out on!

Reigna and Eden have heard all of their lives that they are very special people. They have been tirelessly training in numerous areas of life and everyone around them has sworn their life to them for their safety above all. They understand these words, but they don’t truly appreciate their deeper meaning since they have lived such a sheltered life. They know enough about their history, but none of it is first hand and so it doesn’t feel necessarily real to them. When an undeniable pull comes upon them to leave the only home they have ever known to venture into the world in order to seek and earn their rightful place, they are understandably torn in two. When unforeseen circumstances prove to be a catalyst in pushing them toward their mysterious destiny, will they follow their heart and move forward into the unknown, or will they cower in fear and hide only to be confronted with a greater horror?

Without a doubt, I have come to fall in love with the wonderful characters that I have come to discover along this extraordinary journey. This part of the journey gave me greater insight to my favorite characters while allowing me to appreciate those that I only just met the first time around. Each represents a part of a whole that if not fulfilled would leave them all extremely vulnerable. No person is less important than another for we all have our own unique and precious gifts. To see just how well this story mirrors real life is actually very frightening at times. We should take the invaluable truths from these pages and learn to open our eyes and our mind and our heart to what the Good One would tell us, show us, and teach us along our own life journey. What a truly spectacular life we would have and what an incredible impact we would have to His plan!

Patricia Reding has proven without a doubt that she has been gifted an absolutely extraordinary talent that she has lovingly and passionately nurtured. Her words will instantly transport you to a world beyond your imagination that will challenge your senses, your mind, and above all your heart. There is so much more going on than a mere journey being unfolded before your eyes. There are truths both hidden and obvious that show themselves to you in the hopes that you will take them and live them every day of your life. This is a story that needs to be declared from the rooftops and the highest mountains. Truth that is shared becomes a blessing to both the giver and the receiver. Let us not fear to share that which our Good One asks us to share with those around us.

Deanna

Patricia Reding has done it again. She has written an epic tale that will leave you satisfied and imploring her for more at the same time. Without a doubt, she is an extraordinarily gifted author. “Select” is an ingenious continuation of a truly inspiring and epic journey into an elaborate world that blends magic and mystery. You experience unconditional dedication to and for the twins as well as an unfailing love. Her words instantly take you to another world. Reding develops individual characters so well you feel like you have known them from the beginning and each individual character is important to the story line as a whole. I loved learning more intricate details about characters from the first book, “Oathtaker,” and meeting the new characters. This is by far my new favorite book. At least until part three is released.

Raymond VinZant

I read the first in the series and I was hooked. When the first one was ended, my mind jumped to the possibilities for a second book. What happens to the twins? What happens in the world? What happens to Mara? I'm so captivated by the story and the world, I wanna know more. The select did not disappoint, it provided answers to my question and then posed some more to be answered in the next book. It delved into the lives of the girls, their thoughts and their strengths. Then it made me want to know where are we going from here. The writing style, as in the first book is incredibly detailed and colorful. You feel like you are in the world. I can feel the wind on my face, see the color of the sky and the environment around me. I can hear the sounds, sense the fear and enjoy the emotions of the characters. It's like you stepped into the movie and became one of the characters, no detail is left out. I won't spoil it, by telling you what happens, it's something you have to experience for yourself. It will keep you on the edge and you will root for Mara and the twins.
Great Story Trish, waiting with baited breath for the next one.

Barb

Once again I was taken on a exciting journey with 2 young ladies, who had grown up a bit from the first book. It's not like you have to read the first book to enjoy this one, but I had read Oathtaker and swiftly moved on to Select. The twin like most kids got tired of being under the watchful eye of everyone. So they took off with out telling anyone to see what life had in store for them. The story had many twists and turns along the way, with added characters who all were in search of the twins. I normally do not ready fantasy books, always figured it was be like reading a fairytale . This however is nothing like a fairytale. Don't let the genre fool you. I am looking forward to reading more of what this author puts out. She has a great imagination and ways to put it in print for all to clearly see it in your mind.

K.C. Finn

Select is a teen fantasy novel by author Patricia Reding and the second book in The Oathtaker Series. As book one’s Oathtaker, Mara, is sworn to protect her twin charges of Reigna and Eden, she is struck down with memory loss. Suddenly without guidance, the twins seek out an adventure of their own and some kind of reality to match the stories they have heard about their past and their proposed future. Journeying across The Tearless will not be easy, and a terrifying fate awaits if they do not have courage. As Mara slowly begins to remember fragments of her duty and her beloved, the twins face three sublime challenges which will push them to their limits.

Not having read book one, I found the summary superbly useful at the back of this volume. I was able to jump right in with the adventure and immerse myself in the phenomenally detailed world that Patricia Reding has created. I found all of the characters deep and well-developed, though Reigna was my particular favourite throughout the adventures. The twins are presented in a very astute way with differences and similarities cleverly balanced. The adventure itself is an epic roller coaster which spans across hundreds of pages, and by its end I did not want to leave the world I was in. Fans of epic fantasy are sure to delve into Select and fall in love with Reding’s engaging and descriptive prose. Overall, I’d highly recommend this novel to serious readers of the fantasy genre.

Cheryl E. Rodriguez

Select is the second book in Patricia Reding’s Oathtaker fantasy series. After Lilith's rampage, the Oathtakers of the twins, under Lucy's leadership, have taken refuge in a compound. Mara and Dixon have taken the girls under their protection and have given them a home. Right before their eyes, almost imperceptibly, the girls have blossomed into young women. Reigna and Eden have become weary of the watchful eyes upon them. When Carlie disappears, the camp increases its patrols and tightens security. While searching for Carlie, Dixon and Mara fall prey to an attack. During the skirmish, Mara falls and suffers a blow to the head. When she awakens, her memory is gone. Heartbroken that his wife doesn’t recognize him, Dixon begins the trek to take Mara back to her childhood home, hoping that she will recover her memories along the way. After their departure, a meeting is called to discuss recent events. Will the Oathtakers be able to protect the Select from the invasion of the evil Chiranians? Marshall and Jerrett leave to spy out Chiran. Basha and Therese depart for the palace. Meanwhile, the twins, Reigna and Eden, plan to sprout their wings and fly. All depart and go their separate ways. The fate of the twins will determine if they will be together again.

Patricia Reding’s Select is a quest to find what you are made of. It is not just a journey of one, but the pursuit of many. In its pages, the characters grow and develop. While being compelled by the common goal of protecting the Select, each one is challenged by a personal mission. Reding’s character development is brilliant. Mara’s amnesia, although frustrating, was a stroke of genius. It allowed for the depth of her character to be revealed. Furthermore, it was the catalyst for the other characters to expand and mature. The setting of the story expands as well. As a reader, you travel into unforeseen places of the imagination as Reding plunges you into the realm of her fantasy world. The magic of fantasy shines forth from the power of crystals, mysterious unique giftings, enchanted weaponry, and the diabolical nature of evil, thus creating a sly and subtle fantastical tale of good versus evil.

The discovery of ancient prophecy and the revealing of the “flits” were important tidbits of things yet to come in the series. The action is constant. Each pairing of characters travels, faces danger, and battles for their lives and personal self worth. Select hits the target for the young adult fantasy genre. In the conclusion, Patricia Reding ties up loose ends, yet by doing so unravels even more. The story ends with a cliffhanger, leaving you in awe of what will happen next to the Oathtakers and the Select.

Tracy A. Fischer

In a great new read for young adults, Select: The Oathtaker Series - Volume 2 by author Patricia Reding, readers will continue the story of Mara, the Oathtaker, and her charges, Reigna and Eden. After Mara is seriously injured, Reigna and Eden feel the need to test themselves in the hopes of finding their true callings. Mara cannot remember who she is, and Dixon needs to take her home in the hopes that she will heal and remember their great love. The twins must fight the evil that surrounds them on their own, as well as face the three challenges that might just prove what they've always been told. Are the twins all that they are supposed to be? Will Mara heal and come back to those who love her? You need to read Select to find out!

I so, so enjoyed Select: The Oathtaker Series - Volume 2. Author Patricia Reding has done an absolutely breathtaking job in creating a world that is both fantastic and somehow realistic, not an easy feat at all. Patricia Reding's character development skills are simply second to none. Her readers will be able to connect with, relate to, and care about these characters, and will think about them long after the last page has been read. I am so glad that this book is one of a series because I can't wait to read more from this world and about these characters. Any reader who loves a great work of fantasy, young adult or not, would enjoy this book. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to reading more from the excellent author, Patricia Reding, as soon as possible!

Judy Adams

This is the number one book and series to read for the year! The Oathtaker was amazing and The Select was not a disappointment. The many characters keep the story alive with anticipation of what actions and decisions they will make next to either destroy the Twins or protect them. The author has created a world that feels real to the reader. The underlying theme of love and faith adds dimension to the story as evil is battled daily. I have recommended and shared this book with others and everyone rates it 5 star.

Sharon Poland

I couldn't wait to read the sequel to The Oathtaker, and Select did not disappoint! Both books grab you and pull you into a world that you don't want to leave. Author Patricia Reding has created characters with traits, strengths and weaknesses, who are real; they make mistakes - or what you may think are mistakes; and the way they react to circumstances and events - they can't help but become a part of your life. Select is beautifully written, creative, engaging, and, although easy to read, contains a depth of development within the history and meaning of the world and characters that is surprising, pleasing, and intellectually challenging. I would highly recommend both of the books in this series. Now I can't wait for the next one!

Tammy H.

After reading the first book in the fantasy series Oathtaker by Patricia Reding I could not wait for her second book and also wondered how she could possible hold my interest in the second book, considering I could not put down book one. Well, somehow book two was just as big of a page turner for me. The characters came to life and I found myself wanting more after reading about each character. Patricia has the gift of making the reader feel the emotions of each character, I found myself unable to put the book down because I NEEDED to know what was going to happen next.
Keep up the writing! I cannot wait for book three.

Cheryl E. Rodriguez

Select is the second book in Patricia Reding’s Oathtaker fantasy series. After Lilith's rampage, the Oathtakers of the twins, under Lucy's leadership, have taken refuge in a compound. Mara and Dixon have taken the girls under their protection and have given them a home. Right before their eyes, almost imperceptibly, the girls have blossomed into young women. Reigna and Eden have become weary of the watchful eyes upon them. When Carlie disappears, the camp increases its patrols and tightens security. While searching for Carlie, Dixon and Mara fall prey to an attack. During the skirmish, Mara falls and suffers a blow to the head. When she awakens, her memory is gone. Heartbroken that his wife doesn’t recognize him, Dixon begins the trek to take Mara back to her childhood home, hoping that she will recover her memories along the way. After their departure, a meeting is called to discuss recent events. Will the Oathtakers be able to protect the Select from the invasion of the evil Chiranians? Marshall and Jerrett leave to spy out Chiran. Basha and Therese depart for the palace. Meanwhile, the twins, Reigna and Eden, plan to sprout their wings and fly. All depart and go their separate ways. The fate of the twins will determine if they will be together again.

Patricia Reding’s Select is a quest to find what you are made of. It is not just a journey of one, but the pursuit of many. In its pages, the characters grow and develop. While being compelled by the common goal of protecting the Select, each one is challenged by a personal mission. Reding’s character development is brilliant. Mara’s amnesia, although frustrating, was a stroke of genius. It allowed for the depth of her character to be revealed. Furthermore, it was the catalyst for the other characters to expand and mature. The setting of the story expands as well. As a reader, you travel into unforeseen places of the imagination as Reding plunges you into the realm of her fantasy world. The magic of fantasy shines forth from the power of crystals, mysterious unique giftings, enchanted weaponry, and the diabolical nature of evil, thus creating a sly and subtle fantastical tale of good versus evil.

The discovery of ancient prophecy and the revealing of the “flits” were important tidbits of things yet to come in the series. The action is constant. Each pairing of characters travels, faces danger, and battles for their lives and personal self worth. Select hits the target for the young adult fantasy genre. In the conclusion, Patricia Reding ties up loose ends, yet by doing so unravels even more. The story ends with a cliffhanger, leaving you in awe of what will happen next to the Oathtakers and the Select.

K.C. Finn

Select is a teen fantasy novel by author Patricia Reding and the second book in The Oathtaker Series. As book one’s Oathtaker, Mara, is sworn to protect her twin charges of Reigna and Eden, she is struck down with memory loss. Suddenly without guidance, the twins seek out an adventure of their own and some kind of reality to match the stories they have heard about their past and their proposed future. Journeying across The Tearless will not be easy, and a terrifying fate awaits if they do not have courage. As Mara slowly begins to remember fragments of her duty and her beloved, the twins face three sublime challenges which will push them to their limits.

Not having read book one, I found the summary superbly useful at the back of this volume. I was able to jump right in with the adventure and immerse myself in the phenomenally detailed world that Patricia Reding has created. I found all of the characters deep and well-developed, though Reigna was my particular favourite throughout the adventures. The twins are presented in a very astute way with differences and similarities cleverly balanced. The adventure itself is an epic roller coaster which spans across hundreds of pages, and by its end I did not want to leave the world I was in. Fans of epic fantasy are sure to delve into Select and fall in love with Reding’s engaging and descriptive prose. Overall, I’d highly recommend this novel to serious readers of the fantasy genre.

Tracy A. Fischer

In a great new read for young adults, Select: The Oathtaker Series - Volume 2 by author Patricia Reding, readers will continue the story of Mara, the Oathtaker, and her charges, Reigna and Eden. After Mara is seriously injured, Reigna and Eden feel the need to test themselves in the hopes of finding their true callings. Mara cannot remember who she is, and Dixon needs to take her home in the hopes that she will heal and remember their great love. The twins must fight the evil that surrounds them on their own, as well as face the three challenges that might just prove what they've always been told. Are the twins all that they are supposed to be? Will Mara heal and come back to those who love her? You need to read Select to find out!

I so, so enjoyed Select: The Oathtaker Series - Volume 2. Author Patricia Reding has done an absolutely breathtaking job in creating a world that is both fantastic and somehow realistic, not an easy feat at all. Patricia Reding's character development skills are simply second to none. Her readers will be able to connect with, relate to, and care about these characters, and will think about them long after the last page has been read. I am so glad that this book is one of a series because I can't wait to read more from this world and about these characters. Any reader who loves a great work of fantasy, young adult or not, would enjoy this book. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to reading more from the excellent author, Patricia Reding, as soon as possible!