Review: Absolutely Fantastic!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 31, 2013
I say this with all sincerity in my heart. This book deserves nothing less than a five star rating. The story, a continuation of The Ryn, is delightfully rich in ways that I cannot begin to express. Where do I even begin?I love that the romance between Julien and Ryn Naia wasn't presented as a fairytale all through, even though he was a knight and she was a princess (ideal characters for any ideal fairytale story). Their relationship experienced ups and downs but they worked through it all. Each had to deal with their pride and other non-virtues at some point, and it was a delight to watch them grow together throughout the story. Julien even saw Ryn Naia at her worst looks but it only helped their love to bloom stronger. It was beautiful.This story has so much truth. Serena dealt with quite a number of relevant issues that we experience in everyday life. It is full of the promise of hope, love, bliss and the beautiful gifts of life that come from the efforts of faith. Each of these themes shines through the pages of this book without seeming overwhelming. I loved how this story made it clear the reality of battles that we face as Christians. Dependence on God was something she showed that no one can do without if we will have victory.Though it pained me for the characters, the story is interlaced with moments of sorrow that the characters had to deal with. They experienced losses that could never be recovered but in the end came out on top. It was all presented from a very realistic point of view.Each character's personality was developed enough to enjoy but some more than others. One of my favorites but Erielle. She always put a smile on my face as much as she did on Ryn Naia's. I had hoped to see so much more of Drinius and Gladiel but I didn't. Surprising, it didn't hurt the beauty of the story one little bit. And I enjoyed getting to know King Jarryn first hand as a character.The end was magnificent. Couldn't have been a grander finish. It leaves one with the hope of another book in the series (which I'm guessing will have a lot to do with Erielle and Cazen, and some interesting others as well), but at the same time leaves you fully satisfied, and I do not say that lightly. Serena is indeed a very gifted writer.This book was really good. I enjoyed the story immensely. It falls in the category of Book #2s that turn out far better than the Book #1, which is a rare find. I discovered I appreciated Book #1 so much more because of Book #2. Goes to show the brilliant skill of Serena. The Ryn, Book #1, may have introduced us to the country girl turned princess, but The Remedy exposed the toughness of the journey ahead of her and how faith and team work were put to good use to accomplish victory. Apart from having so much truth, this story is as inspiring as it is entertaining. My favorite line was by Julien: "It is the calling of love to forgive." I am soooo looking forward to the next book in the series!