Secrets of Zephyria is the second entry in The Boven Naturals series. CM Rehfus-Wilsek creates a complex narrative filled with rich lore, emotional conflicts, and intriguing characters. The plot centers around the Cinquain Henten—five young Maji tasked with locating the shadow Ankhs within the Void, a mystical realm that holds the keys to their world’s destiny. The main characters include Paige Connatis, who has absorbed the ancient Tome of Obscurities. This grants her immense power but also places her on a precarious path of self-discovery and ethical dilemmas. Her internal struggle is heightened by the conflicting emotions she must handle with her peers, particularly the unpredictable, enigmatic Andre Prodetor. In contrast, Avril Irroro struggles with jealousy and resentment toward Paige. Will Paige, Ethan, Avril, Ceyonne, and Evan master their magic and triumph over the challenges ahead in the treacherous Void?

This well-plotted narrative explores themes of magic, adventure, teamwork, ambition, and self-discovery. CM Rehfus-Wilsek introduces readers to characters that are well-fleshed out and likable. While conflicts and misunderstandings fuel the dynamics between the Cinquain Henten, the author intelligently develops the characters to rely on each other. Other characters like Chief Supreme Grant T’amery, who wants the Ankhs for himself, are equally well-developed. The worldbuilding in The Boven Naturals is superb, and readers will be absorbed in a stunningly imagined and wonderfully executed world of magic that brims with conflict. This is a tale of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of wielding power responsibly. As the characters venture deeper into their destinies, the narrative poses critical questions about sacrifice, the cost of ambition, and the wisdom of treading carefully in a world where alliances shift quickly. It is a page-turner.

The Boven Naturals: Secrets of Zephyria by CM Rehfus-Wilsek continues the tale of Paige, Ethan, Avril, Ceyonne, and Evan, otherwise known as the Cinquain Henten, who embark on a perilous journey to retrieve the Ankh of Zephyria, a powerful artifact with the ability to control air magic. As they face dangers in the Void, Paige's mysterious runes unlock ancient secrets, weaving her destiny into the fabric of Zephyria's history. With shifting alliances and the looming threat of betrayal, the heroes must rely on each other to protect their world's future. Rehfus-Wilsek creates a complex, magical world filled with rich lore and detailed mythology is truly impressive, making Zephyria feel vividly real with meticulous attention to detail and a flair for atmospheric, dramatic moments.

The author's skillful handling of character growth, especially Paige's journey, adds huge depth to the high-stakes adventure, appealing to young adult readers with dialogue that sounds authentically youthful but also has the distinct feel of the fantasy genre. I was engaged by the multi-layered narrative, which skillfully blends action, suspense, and heartfelt moments into a well-paced plot where every new obstacle challenges our heroes and teaches them a lot about themselves. CM Rehfus-Wilsek's talent for crafting intense, imaginative landscapes and throwing us into these thrilling encounters in such a cinematic way ensures a gripping, immersive fantasy from start to finish. Overall, The Boven Naturals: Secrets of Zephyria is a captivating and emotionally resonant addition to the genre, and I cannot wait to see what more this vibrant and innovative author brings us in the future.

The Boven Naturals is the second book in the Secrets of Zephyria series by CM Rehfus-Wilsek. This epic tale continues as Paige, Ethan, Avril, Ceyonne, and Evan—collectively known as the Cinquain Henten—embark on their most dangerous quest yet. Tasked with unlocking a rift to the enigmatic Void, they must retrieve the Ankh of Zephyria, a powerful artifact tied to air magic that could alter the fabric of their world. But danger lurks in every corner, and the sinister Chief Supreme Grant T’amery threatens to seize the Ankhs for his insidious plans. As secrets unravel and alliances shift, the heroes must deal with betrayal and harness the latent magic within themselves before it’s too late. Paige Connatis stands apart as a young heroine struggling to master her newly acquired powers and dealing with the responsibility of the prophecy while navigating complex relationships with her peers. Following the tumultuous events of the first book, Paige must now step into the role of a teacher—a challenge that forces her to confront her insecurities and the shadow of her mother’s legacy.

The central conflict in The Boven Naturals revolves around Paige managing her considerable power from the Tome of Obscurities amidst rising tensions within her team. The group faces internal strife as jealousy surfaces, particularly from Avril Irroro, challenging their unity and complicating their quest for the Shadow Ankhs. Each character is well-sculpted, and it is interesting to watch them evolve through struggles for ambition and loyalty. The characters face challenges on every front, and the author is detailed in writing about their struggles, capturing human emotions and infusing humanity into the narrative. The plot has unexpected moments of tension, and several subplots help build suspense. I enjoyed the excellent writing, the drama punctuating the narrative, and the dialogues that feel natural. CM Rehfus-Wilsek's epic fantasy tale is hugely imaginative, carefully plotted, and brilliantly composed.

Secrets of Zephyria by CM Rehfus-Wilsek is the second book in the epic fantasy series, The Boven Naturals. In book one, Legend of the Shadow Ankhs, Paige, Ethan, Avril, Ceyonne, and Evan discover an ancient prophecy linking them to the Shadow Ankhs, powerful artifacts in a looming war. Led by the inscrutable AlliMaji, they, now called the Cinquain Henten, must protect the Ankhs from NullMaji. As secrets unfold, they face trials that reveal a greater enemy. In this installment, the Cinquain Henten must brave the Void to retrieve the Ankh of Zephyria which can control air magic and alter the world’s balance. For Paige, this journey reveals deeper connections to her past and a powerful Codex. They are supported by allies but threatened by Chief Supreme Grant T’amery’s ambitions, and a foe from within. “The Cinquain Henten stood on the precipice of a new chapter, the path to the Void awaited them, and soon they would have the Ankh of Zephyria.”

Secrets of Zephyria by CM Rehfus-Wilsek takes high fantasy to the level it deserves through meticulous lore and incredible character development. One of the author's greatest skills in the series is the ability to bring together unique historical and cultural elements, grounding the fantasy in believable conflicts, like the Fifth Elf War, and animosities among different species, which Avril calls a “speciesist.” The low-key rivalry between Avril and Paige, Paige's imposter syndrome, and some mild romantic inclinations make the characters all very relatable. I absolutely love the settings, such as the forest Newel and his father visit at night, New Orleans’ French Quarter, and the city of Hydropolis, all of which balance the familiar with the otherworldly. Overall, this is a solid second novel in the series that bucks the stereotypes of middle books, and I look forward to seeing where it goes next.