Onyx Cage Vol. 2 by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison

Title: Onyx Cage Vol. 2

Author: Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Lochlann Feuds # 2

Paperback, 802 Pages 

Publication: January 17, 2025

Source: Personal Library
Buy|AMAZON|

I should have been happy when she left.

My clan avoided a war. I avoided the constant liability that was her presence in my life. And she avoided bloodshed at my father’s hands.

It should have been a clean break. But then I find out she’s about to marry my enemy—and I don’t even think before I head for Lochlann to stop her.

She can pretend all she wants. Pretend she’s free of me. Pretend she’s starting over.

But one way or another, I own her. And I intend to make sure she remembers that.

MY THOUGHTS

The Lochlann Feuds is one of my favorite series. I finished Onyx Cage, Volume 1 toward the end of last year and loved it, no surprise there and I’ve finally gotten around to Onyx Cage, Volume 2. This volume is told from Evander’s POV and covers the events of Crimson Kingdom and Obsidian Throne. What I enjoy most about Onyx Cage is getting to revisit favorite scenes from Evander’s perspective, as well as seeing where he was and what he was thinking during moments when he wasn’t present in the original books. What I’ve come to realize, though, is that he’s always thinking about Rowan. Period.

For the most part, I did enjoy Onyx Cage, Volume 2, but it felt far too long. It was significantly longer than Volume 1, almost double in length and, in my opinion, unnecessarily so. Many scenes felt like filler and dragged on without adding much to the story. As I mentioned earlier, Evander is constantly thinking about Rowan, which makes sense, but after 400 pages it started to feel repetitive and redundant. I found myself losing interest halfway through and struggling to finish. This wasn’t because I already knew how the story ended, I re-read books all the time but because some parts of the story simply work better when left in Rowan’s POV.

Despite all of that, I’m still grateful the authors gave us the option to experience the series from Evander’s perspective. I don’t regret reading it, and it’s possible my opinion will change on a future re-read. I may have simply read it too close together and too soon. Overall, it was a decent read.

Onyx Cage Vol. 1 By Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison

Title: Onyx Cage Vol. 1

Author: Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Lochlann Feuds # 5

Paperback, 419 Pages 

Publication: September 20, 2024

Source: Personal Library
Buy|AMAZON|

I had spent a lifetime perfecting the art of planning ahead, accounting for every known variable and a few that were mere speculation. It was necessary, to live the life I had, to do the things I had done and come out on the other side.

So by the time I arrived at the storms-forsaken Summit, I had spent every day of the years prior carefully, meticulously assessing each situation and weighing the best potential outcome, knowing that my clansmen lived and died on my ability to do it well.

In spite of that, I don’t believe there was anything in this world or the next that could have prepared me for her.

*Onyx Volume I will cover the first two books of the Lochlann Feuds series from Evander’s perspective. It is strongly encouraged for readers to wait until *after* Lochlann Feuds to read this companion novel.

MY THOUGHTS

I discovered the Lochlann Feud series earlier this year, and it quickly became one of my all-time favorites. When the authors announced they were working on a companion novel from Evander's point of view, I was ecstatic! Initially, I thought we’d only get Evander’s perspective for the first book, but the authors went above and beyond, delivering his viewpoint for the entire four-book series. Onyx Cage Vol. 1 covers Evander’s experience through the first two books in the series, Scarlett Princess and Tarnished Crown.

Though it had been a few months since I last read the series, I was instantly pulled back into its world, feeling as if no time had passed. Seeing the story through Evander’s eyes added incredible depth, especially with his reactions to pivotal moments, like the first time he saw Rowan. In Tarnished Crown, Evander was absent for a significant part of the story while visiting villages, and it was fascinating to finally see what he was doing behind the scenes. I’ve loved the companion novel so far (with part 2 set to release at the end of November 2024).

However, experiencing Rowan through Evander’s perspective was a bit jarring. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Rowan, but in Onyx Cage, her immaturity and impulsiveness really stand out. She often came across as vexing and childish, especially compared to the other characters. The authors did give us a heads-up about this, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected.

All in all, Onyx Cage Vol. 1 is an amazing addition to the Lochlann Feud series. I’m so grateful the authors chose to write this companion novel—it added a whole new layer to the story, giving me that “first-time” reading experience all over again. If you haven’t started the Lochlann Feud series, what are you waiting for? It’s one of the best Romantasy series out there, with the perfect blend of romance, adventure, and banter. I loved every moment of it and highly recommend checking out Scarlett Princess to get started!