The Blight of Muirwood (Legends of Muirwood Book 2)

I originally downloaded the Muirwood trilogy because it was free for the Kindle. I'm so thankful that I did! This is one of the best series that I have read in a long time. I quickly devoured all three books and then immediately went back to the Wretched of Muirwood to read them all over again. I think fans of Harry Potter series or the Lord of the Rings trilogy would enjoy and appreciate the wold that Wheeler has created. The Blight of Muirwood has so many elements of great story-telling: a excellent cast of characters with a likable heroine and an evil villain, a story that moves quickly, yet is vividly painted, intrigue, romance, mystery, and action scenes that are well done. The elements of fantasy incorporated are, in my mind, neither too dull, nor too unbelievable. There are several reasons why I like this book so much. I love seeing the progress of the relationship between Lia and Colvin. At the first reading, I thought Colvin was a little too pompous, angry, and noble, but on reading the book a second time, I really understand his personality and appreciate how he and Lia interact. I also enjoyed Lia's transformation into the Abbey hunter and to see how she has grown in so many ways since the first installment.This is my favorite book of the series. I love the plot of the story itself, but the characters are so vivid, I feel like I know them. This is one of those books that, when I read it, it's like seeing a movie in my mind. The picture that Wheeler paints and the characters he has created just pop to life. There is a part of me that hopes this series will be made into a movie (yes, I think it's that good!), but the other part of me doesn't want to take the chance that the big screen would ruin the images of places, characters, and scenes that I've imagined.

Jeff Wheeler has made an impressive launch into the self publish world. So many authors aspire to the kind of readership he is now enjoying and I can't help but admire that. More importantly, he's a great writer. I hope to see much more of his work in the future and hope he gets the recognition he so richly deserves.Here's why:He's a great storyteller. Muirwood is a narrow scope story sticking primarily to a single point of view. As he matures, I hope to see breadth and depth in more of his characters as he develops a more complex storyline. Regardless, he is a first rate storyteller!He draws you into the character's emotions. Despite the foreshadowing, I still root for Lia at every turn. I know she will prevail, but I bite my nails in anticipation of her next move every time!He describes things like a girl (and I mean that as the highest possible compliment). There's a reason female authors garner such an amazing following and I believe a great deal of that can be attributed to their ability to describe settings, scenarios and emotions well. Jeff is every bit as good as a female author at this aspect of his writing.Every chapter, every book, leaves you wanting more...desperately! I purchase very few books in a rush, and especially not in the same night as I finish one. Jeff Wheeler has become an exception to that rule. I read all of the Muirwood books in 2 days. While I read in excess of 200 books a year, I seldom go from one to the next in a series without jumping genres or authors in between. I often read several books simultaneously and for Mr. Wheeler's books I set aside other books.What he's done and created is unique in a world filled with copycats. I appreciate the originality in the Muirwood series. While I see potential influences in his writing, I feel like the conceptual magic and style is something fresh and new. Can't wait to see this expanded as I have a feeling he has dozens of other ideas bouncing around in his head!These books deserve a five star rating, but I see a room for growth. When I put these next to others in the genre, I still have a few stand out all time favorites and there is a separation in the storytelling. The intangibles are intangible for a reason, but I feel like Mr. Wheeler is on the cusp of having those intangibles. I give out very few five star ratings for books, but I'm certain the next series I read will have a five star rating. Keep going Mr. Wheeler!

great read more interesting than the first book, got me hooked on chapter 17, a lot of things has happened.

This book is as wonderful and well written as the last. What a wonderful imagination Jeff Wheeler has. Great story telling!

Brilliant!

Wow, 2nd book in the series finished, can't wait to read the next chapter in this series. I have been totally overwhelmed with this story and thoroughly enjoyed reading it

Muy buen libro, enganchado desde el principio. Me lo imagino como un Señor de los Anillos en un ambiente distinto. Igual de apasionante.

Das Buch fesselt einen von der ersten Seite an. Bin absolut begeistert und hoffe das bald die Übersetzung des zweiten Buches kommt :)