Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Deception of Merderick by Tyler and Jordan Svec is the second volume in the epic fantasy Drake Thomas series and follows the events after Rise of Grimdor. In this bold new adventure, Drake Thomas and his companions find themselves outmatched in a battle against a powerful sorcerer. When their friend Gwen is captured, they retreat into the wilderness of Ariamore under Aiden's guidance to train for the looming war. The reappearance of the enigmatic shopkeeper Isabel, along with ancient relics and secrets, adds new layers of hope and peril. As the Heir of Lathon waits for the right moment to emerge, Drake and his friends are forced to confront their greatest challenges yet.

Author team Tyler and Jordan Svec have once again crafted a suspenseful tale packed with adventure, and the more I read in this exciting series, the more I want to explore it. Their rich world-building transforms the new vistas in Ariamore into a character in its own right, filled with mystical elements and ancient secrets that loom over Drake and his friends with an eerie presence, ready to strike and change the action just when least expected. The pacing is masterful, building tension steadily as the characters prepare for their inevitable confrontations and personal challenges that put them through the emotional wringer. Their talent for character development shines particularly brightly in this installment, as Drake's and Aiden's growth through their training feels both natural and earned, and the descriptions were so visceral that I could feel the strain and toll it took on them. What I found most captivating was how they created such important moments of discovery, both plot-wise and emotionally for the characters, that gave me goosebumps as the larger implications became clear. Overall, Deception of Merderick is a thrilling fantasy novel that proves the Svecs are at the top of their game. I recommend it to fans of brilliantly penned fantasy series.