A Fire Endless (Elements of Cadence #2) by Rebecca Ross

Summary (from the publisher): In the stunning conclusion to the Elements of Cadence duology, A Fire Endless finds the delicate balance between the human and faerie realm threatened by Bane, the spirit of the North Wind, whose defeat can only come through fire, song, and heart-rending sacrifice.

East and West. Humans and Spirits. Breccans and Tamerlaines. The Isle of Cadence has always held itself and its residents in a tenuous balance. But now Bane, the spirit of the North Wind, has pushed everyone and everything in his path off-kilter in a bid to claim dominion over all.

In the West, Adaira struggles to adjust to the more brutal, bitter ways of life among the Breccans. Striving to find her place in the clan, she swiftly realizes that it just might be the last role she desires to hold. And while magic blooms effortlessly for the Breccans in the west, the spirits continue to suffer beneath Bane’s harsh power, felt in every gust of wind.

In the East, Jack is adrift without Adaira until he sings to the ember-weak fire spirits, acquiring a dangerous mission he never expected. One that is destined to lead him westward. Likewise, Torin and Sidra are consumed by a new mystery as sickness spreads first amongst the crops, and then to the people of the Tamerlaine clan. While Sidra desperately searches for a cure, Torin dares to strike a bargain with the spirits—a precarious folly anytime, but especially now as the days grow darker.

With the island falling further out of balance, humans and spirits alike will need to join together to face Bane, and Jack’s gift with the harp will be called upon once more. Yet no one can challenge the North Wind without paying a terrible price, and the sacrifice required this time may be more than Jack, Adaira, Torin, and Sidra can bear to pay.

Review: This was a beautiful conclusion to this duology. This follows the two couples, the handfasted Adaira and Jack and the married Torin and Sidra on the Isle of Cadence. Now, it's not only a matter of East versus West, and how to unite the two side of the island. There is also a dangerous blight affecting both the crops and people, with no known cure. Both humans and spirits from both sides of the island will be forced to come together to save the island. 

There is so much I love about this novel. The writing is lovely and ethereal. I like the characters and the yearning and love they have for one another and their home. Despite the tension and worries of the characters, this feels like a cozy read. I loved the Scottish inspired setting of the island and the simple lifestyle of many of the characters. The author does a wonderful job of incorporating beautiful love stories and tasteful love scenes that are passionate without being explicit and I think somehow bridges the gap between readers who prefer both open- and closed-door stories. 

And yet despite not having any particular complaints, this felt like a slow read to me in many ways. The plot moves at a steady but slow pace. The characters are also separated for much of the book and rarely appear in scenes together. While this was necessary for the plot, I would have loved more time with them together as the love stories of the two couples are major subplots of the book. But all in all a lovely book with a unique setting, magic system, and plot that really stands out among the fantasy books I have read. 

Stars: 4

Related Titles: 

• A River Enchanted (Elements of Cadence #1) by Rebecca Ross
  
• Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment #1) by Rebecca Ross
  
• Ruthless Vows (Letters of Enchantment #2) by Rebecca Ross