The Vatic Confluence, Book II in the Ardent Halo series by Edie Jame, is a remarkable achievement in world building. I haven’t read the first book in the series yet, so I was a little lost as far as the different countries and societies involved and what was at stake, but I was able to figure it out through the great writing that seems to be the hallmark of Edie James. There is a lot to figure out as this world is very complex, as are the desires of the rulers. I can’t think of any book that I've read in recent years that involves such an original creation. But it is laid out beautifully with maps, dialogue, and action. I was not familiar with this world when I began reading the book, but I grew to love it and understand it, page by beautiful page.

The Vatic Confluence is epic fantasy at its best. I would have to say the strongest attraction for me was the world building. The writing was accurate and descriptive, but the maps were magnificent. The whole world is laid out in the best-drawn maps that I have ever seen in a work of fiction. The characters live in a medieval society and as such are more passionate about the goals they have and the blood they share. Dreyah and Kennason are as complex as any characters in such classics as The Lord of the Rings or any of the Terry Brooks epic fantasies. I fell in love with these characters and I fell in love with this book.

The Vatic Confluence by Edie James is the second book in The Ardent Halo series, a gripping epic fantasy with well-developed characters. It’s a story that features magic, the struggle for power, shifts in time, and a people standing up against a powerful enemy. While Kennason wants to give the king all her support for the war that looms ahead, she is not in the good graces of the queen. The coming of Dreyah to the City of Thrones with claims of kinship with them changes the game plan. Will joining Norem’s cause allow Kennason and Dreyah to save the future and to protect what they value most?

The writing is wonderful and there is something magical about it. Edie James creates a powerful, imaginary setting and a conflict that moves the plot in amazing ways. From the very beginning of the story, I was gripped by the depth of character, especially the handling of Kennason. The scenes are succinctly captured and in a way that allows readers to follow the different perspectives and to understand the role each character plays in the story and in the conflict. One of the early scenes is when Kennason becomes Noval’s vassal. One sees magic and the unique gift that comes out when she fixates on a mug of water on the table in front of her and, from her sheer will, steam rises. I was intrigued and wanted to see what she becomes in the story. Her development, as well as that of other characters, is impeccably written. The Vatic Confluence features colorful characters and a narration that is done in a strong and clear voice. A great achievement in the epic fantasy genre.

The Vatic Confluence is the second book in the epic fantasy series The Ardent Halo by Edie James, a wonderful story set in an imaginary universe that is well imagined and beautifully painted. The white storm is headed for Cambria and war is imminent. But Kennason can’t prepare the king for the ineluctable events about to happen because of the queen’s hatred of her. She is about to find out a dreadful truth with the arrival of Dreyah at the City of Thrones and she knows the only way to protect her bloodline is to join Norem. It is not long before the Brotherhood of the Black Flame strikes. Dreyah has a quest of her own, but will she get what she came for and can she and Kennason win Norem’s trust? War is about to change the course of life as an invincible army moves towards the gate. Who can restore life to what it once was?

Edie James has crafted an epic fantasy that is filled with action and memorable characters. The reader is plunged into a world of magic, featuring characters like Dior, Aydris, Dreyah, Kennason and a lot more. The characters are elaborately developed and I enjoyed how the author uses the relationships between the characters to deepen the conflict. The story is beautifully told and I enjoyed the insights that are woven into the fabric of the tale. The author offers occasional reflections on some universally experienced realities like love, fear, loss, and solitude, with insightful statements that leave readers pondering on life such as this one: “Alone is a relative term. Alone is solitude amongst a congregation. Alone was an empty vessel upon a shelf.” The Vatic Confluence is a well-plotted and skillfully written novel set in a world that is evocative of adventure and magic. Utterly enticing and hugely entertaining.

The Vatic Confluence is a work of complex and dramatic fantasy fiction penned by author Edie James, and it forms the second book of The Ardent Halo series. Following on from the events of The Steel Road, we return to a world split into two, where the shield protecting our characters from the Old World is in jeopardy. The reborn Dreyah has an agenda to fulfill, power-housing her way across the realm to reclaim her child and find those responsible for her fate. Meanwhile the beleaguered Kennason endures more strife at the hands of those warring around her. When the two meet, their higher purpose crystallizes and the two heroes set forth to protect those they love.

Author Edie James has created a powerful and compelling fantasy realm with her world building skills, which engulf the reader in a sea of armies, politics, magic, family ties and age-old prophecies that enhance the realism of the piece on every page. Kennason and Dreyah both make compelling figures in this dual female lead construction, showcasing different strengths and vulnerabilities as well as giving us glimpses into different, exciting parts of the realm by way of their position and individual adventures. When they come together, the plot really takes off with some well constructed twists and turns, plenty of action and dramatic surprises that really tug at the heartstrings. Overall, The Vatic Confluence is a page-turning fantasy epic with deep commitment to its own workings, and a perfect continuation of a compelling series.