Redemption

Book Two of Eliza & The Paladin

Young Adult - Fantasy - General
374 Pages
Reviewed on 04/01/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Redemption is a work of fiction in the fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres, and is the second book in the Eliza & The Paladin series. The work is intended for the young adult reading audience and contains some scenes of violence and torture. Penned by author Lisa Gayle, the story sees those trying to live life on Covenant facing new challenges. Eliza, after marrying her love, anticipates a future free from the Creetans' threat. However, two imminent dangers emerge: natural disasters and the persistent pursuit by Seraut, threatening to unravel the colonists and Dragon Elders. Eliza, under Ero's orders, journeys to the southern shore, seeking sanctuary and the support of the Aquarey, an exiled aquatic Dragon clan. The Aquarey, however, proves resistant, putting Eliza in further jeopardy. Just as circumstances worsen, an unexpected ally arrives, altering the trajectory of life on Covenant.

Author Lisa Gayle has crafted a high-octane second work in this powerful series that weaves together a tale of resilience, romance, and unexpected alliances against a gorgeously dramatic fantasy backdrop. The narrative's pacing and the vividly depicted challenges keep the reader engaged from cover to cover, and I enjoyed the natural cinematic flow of the scenes without any unnecessary extra moments. This precision of storytelling also extends to depicting the characters' growth and the continually evolving world of Covenant, which develops the series and gets readers even more invested in the fate of this new world they’re encountering. The unexpected twists and turns create an edge-of-your-seat experience, leaving readers eager to explore the next chapter of Eliza's emotional and dangerous journey. Overall, I would highly recommend Redemption to YA fantasy fans everywhere, and I can’t wait to see where the series takes us next.

Pikasho Deka

Redemption is the second installment of the Eliza & The Paladin series by Lisa Gayle. After successfully helping fend off the attack of the Creetans, Eliza is ready to tie the knot with Jayson. However, soon after the wedding, a powerful volcanic eruption forces the humans, dragons, and the kaando to evacuate the area and seek shelter elsewhere. And now, Eliza's mother, Sara Alexander, has been kidnapped by the ruthless warmongering Baalyaac, Seraut, who is hunting the winged woman, Eliza. Needing allies, Ero, the Dragon Paladin, sends Eliza on a quest to the southern shore to meet the leader of the ancient Aquarey dragons, Fausine. But the old reclusive dragon is deeply suspicious of outsiders. Meanwhile, a former prisoner inadvertently brings a Creetan military force to Covenant. Will Eliza and her friends be able to defeat Seraut, and at what cost?

Redemption is a tale of epic proportions for readers who love action-packed fantasy sagas featuring thrilling battle sequences, dragons, giant wolves, magic, lore, and much more. Author Lisa Gayle has created a magnificent fantasy world, with history and meticulous attention to detail in the setting that makes it feel lived-in. The cast of characters is quite large, but Gayle gives each character their own agency and an absorbing story arc that makes you get attached to them. The plotting is intricate and full of surprises. Although Eliza is the main protagonist, the secondary characters also feel well-developed and have crucial roles within the narrative. I especially enjoyed Fausine's, Talos', and Fena's story arcs. All in all, this is a brilliant fantasy series for young adults. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will gladly recommend it.

Emma Megan

Redemption by Lisa Gayle is the second book in the Eliza & The Paladin trilogy. Seraut is determined to torture his prisoner until he tells him where the 'winged woman,' Eliza, is. Seraut wants to capture the winged woman because he believes she controls the dragons and Kaando and will help him capture them for his gain. Shortly after, Seraut forces Danook's daughter to find Eliza, and if not, he will kill Danook's family one by one. After being resurrected, Eliza looks like a normal human. Yet even though she was separated from Ero, she still developed dragon traits. Eliza and the other humans have lived peacefully with dragons, phoenixes, and Kaando on Covenant. But now everyone is in danger. They face two threats. A natural disaster is about to occur that can destroy everything and everyone, including Seraut's arrival, who mostly wants only Eliza but will kill everyone who dares to stand in his way.

Redemption by Lisa Gayle is a remarkable, action-packed young adult fantasy novel. It's a rich and enticing story with well-written characters. I really enjoyed learning more about Fena, about Talos and his father's sad fate, and Dran's father, Vazov. But I especially loved reading about Fausine, the leader of the Aquarey (an exiled aquatic Dragon clan), and how the body of Talos's father was retrieved. I recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy, dragons, or other mythical creatures, and stories filled with depth, mystery, well-crafted action scenes, and suspense. Readers will feel connected to the main characters' struggles, resilience, and growth.

Rabia Tanveer

Redemption is the second book in the Eliza & The Paladin series by Lisa Gayle. The life of Covenant was thriving, and Eliza was looking forward to her wedding to Jayson; starting a new life was all she wanted. However, nothing could have prepared Eliza for what happened next. Seraut was still at large and looking for the “winged woman” who controlled the Kaando as well as the dragons, while a natural disaster almost destroyed everything the colonists had built. To make things worse, Ero ordered Eliza to leave everything behind and seek refuge at the Aquarey. The exiled dragon clan didn’t want anything to do with Seraut, which put Eliza at even more risk. What could Eliza do? Where would she be safe? Or was that the end of the road for her?

Oh boy, how did I miss this series? Lisa Gayle created a larger-than-life story where the characters are believable, and the world-building is phenomenal. Redemption was very entertaining. Considering that I had not read the previous novel in the series, I had zero issues with forming a connection with Eliza and rooting for her. I loved the first chapter and her introduction. There was action, suspense, a little bit of mystery, and plenty of character development to keep me busy. I took my time with this novel because I didn’t want to miss anything. I was immersed and interested until the very end. I hated Seraut, but at the same time, I was intrigued by him. The imagery of the Aquarey was literally out of this world. It was vivid, sharp, and so detailed that I felt like I was right next to Eliza as she tried to find refuge with them. I will definitely read the first novel in the series and keep an eye on the third novel whenever it comes out.

Paul Zietsman

A grand fantasy tale of excitement and adventure, Redemption by Lisa Gayle is the second book in the Eliza & The Paladin trilogy about colonization, heroism, and dragons. Eliza, who is both human and dragon, fears the worst when two dangers simultaneously threaten her and her fellow humans and dragons' way of life. The area of the planet Covenant that they occupy is home to volcanoes that are prone to erupt, and the evil weapons dealer Seraut wishes to use Eliza's influence over the Kandoo, which are massive canine creatures, and the dragons to sell these beings as weapons. Eliza's leadership and strength are put to the ultimate test when she is chosen to seek out the mysterious leader of the exiled clan, the Aquarey, in Covenant's quest to overthrow the evil power of Seraut.
 
A proper page-turner, Redemption is a very good blend of authentic dialogue, riveting action, and an immersive depiction of scenery. Lisa Gayle's eloquent and smooth writing adds to the readability of the novel, making it even more of a page-turner. The characters are realistic, and their interactions with each other are credible and intriguing. I especially enjoyed the character Fena, a female from the planet Creetan, who finds herself amid the unfolding drama. Her adaptation to humans and other beings on Covenant is a treat to observe, as it is not only surprising and exciting but also true to life. A riveting clash of good against evil, Redemption is a moving fantasy thriller that shocks and surprises at every conceivable turn.