Raven Flight by Juliet Marillier

GoodReads Summary: Neryn has finally found the rebel group at Shadowfell, and now her task is to seek out the elusive Guardians, vital to her training as a Caller. These four powerful beings have been increasingly at odds with human kind, and Neryn must prove her worth to them. She desperately needs their help to use her gift without compromising herself or the cause of overthrowing the evil King Keldec.

Neryn must journey with the tough and steadfast Tali, who looks on Neryn's love for the double agent Flint as a needless vulnerability. And perhaps it is. What Flint learns from the king will change the battlefield entirely—but in whose favor, no one knows.

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Publication date: 09/07/13

Raven Flight follows Neryn and Tali as they venture across Alban to seek out the elusive Guardians that are essential in Neryn's training as a Caller. The unlikely duo are opposites, but both are admirable in their own right. Neryn has a sort of quiet strength about her, she never complains or whines when things get tough. Tali on the other hand is tough and outspoken. They are the epitome of strong female characters, and the blossoming friendship between the pair is beautiful.

However, having said all that I have to admit that I didn't really enjoy Raven Flight as much as I had hoped to. It was a slow-paced sequel, and I often found myself skimming over the descriptions. I didn't mind that the pacing of the first book was slow, but usually from a sequel I expect action. 

Flint and Neryn both have separate duties that weigh heavily on them, and so conflict arises in their relationship. The two tread very different paths - as the Kings most trusted Enforcer Flint has to do what he can to avoid arousing suspicion and prove that he's loyal. Neryn on the other hand must travel across Alban to seek out the Guardians, while at the same time avoid being captured by the Enforcers. Being together is dangerous as they can be used against each other, and this of course cannot happen as they both play an important role in freeing Alban from the grips of the King. Although they are apart for most of the book, Flint and Neryn do share some sweet moments when they briefly meet.

It was towards the end where things really started  to picked up, and I became truly engaged. The last quarter of the book really packed a punch, and I hope that this sudden appearance of heart stopping revelations and excitement carries over to book 3.

Despite not loving Raven Flight as much as Shadowfell I will still be picking up the final book in the trilogy when it's released. 

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