Path of the Spirit Runner is the second book in author L.H. Leonard's Rootstock Saga and as a sequel it does not disappoint. This is a great fantasy series, and I'm surprised everyone isn't talking about it. It really has it all, fantastic world-building, well crafted characters, an intriguing plot, and an interesting magic system. Do yourself a favor and grab the first book in this series (if you haven't already) and start your journey now.

I started this book and realized that though excellently written and just the type of book a true fantasy reader would devour I, perhaps, am no longer a lover of this genre. I believe the series will do well and wouldn't mind posting something like this as a "review" but did not finish. I still have over a month to look at this book again and if my time allows might read more as it is a good story...just not my cup of tea at this time in my life. Thank you for the opportunity of reading this author's work.

Unfortunately my copy of this book expired before I was able to read it, so I won't be able to give feedback on it.

I liked the characters more in this book that the sequel, and the world/building continuing to be my favorite part. Looking forward to book 3.

this was a really unique read, the characters were great and I really enjoyed getting to know them. The world was interesting and I had a good time reading this, and I look forward to more from the author and this universe.

This book I find very well written, since the first page you can dive deep into the storyline. I also liked the cover very well. It is nice designed in the color and in the design itself. The writing style is very good and very pleasant and fluently to read. The book has been very clearly structured and the plot is traceable and very interesting. The characters  look very authentic and traceable to me. The author succeeds in writing very detailing about the scenery, characters, surroundings and emotions. This story is fascinating and consistent at the same time and keeps the tension until the end.

The saga continues as the characters we met in the first Rootstock book grow to reach an age where they must choose their actions carefully. As these three follow their chosen paths, they draw closer to the destiny of their worlds. One will heal those broken by one who would see the world cleansed of those not like him and one will risk all to build a life for his tribe of followers that may be too late. Again, this series is an epic world building saga but finds that world drawing closer to the time of destruction and renewal that has been their destiny for generations. This just keeps getting better and better....

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Apart from the synopsis ( which sums up the book pretty well), I'd like to mention that, in my opinion, this book focuses more on character developments than the previous one. New characters are introduced; layers are added to existing ones. I'm a sucker for these but I'd categorise this into neutral territory.

Following my usual template, I'll list off stuff I liked and disliked

-Dislikes

- SPOILER ALERT- I didn't really enjoy Tobias's storyline. It was very intriguing, I was invested in what happens next. But nothing happens? Like nothing major. I didn't feel any conflict.I was hoping something would happen for the Mico to distrust him and Tobias will have to win back the trust. (Since it is established, that Tobias and the Mico are in favourable terms). So his arc was bland. SPOILER ENDS

- The Climax. Which I'd pinpoint to Isobel's trial. I found it quite underwhelming. I was expecting the tables to turn (with in the trial); for Deighton to find some hidden evidence (it could've been a great plot twist). It was just too easy and straightforward, in my opinion. But the political aspects of it was great.

- The "resolution" was too prolonged. The setup for the next book isn't done as well and as subtley as it was in the previous book.

- I feel like Lamochatee wasn't much significant right until the end. I don't know what I feel about that. The focus was still in Innis.

Liked-

- *sighs* Again, the Characters. I love them, not inherently but the dynamic between them. I loved -
- Friendship between Tobias and Murdoch.
- Dara and Madelyn.
- OBVIOUSLY, Seth and Isobel
- Anne and Franz.
-Btw, I ship Cade and Edgar. If this ship drowns, so will the star rating in the nest books.

- The World building. I found the Este Culture fascinating. Especially the different views on Nenes/Nunyaehi by Este/Aurel/Surdisi. I would love more Surdisi POVs (in Innis) to get more depth into the culture. (Which the ones that are present, Don't provide)

- The flow of the book. It amazes me. How does Leonard pull it off? The jump from 1 POV to the other has minimal friction while the Character voice remains distinct. How?

To conclude. I can't help but compare this book to the previous one. I expected a lot more from this one. It's not a bad book in itself, but it pales in comparison. So it's a 3.5 stars from me.

This was okay. It was not kind blowing or world changing. Very young voice, a good YA fantasy novel. However I am not anxiously waiting for book 3

I liked the previous instalment and i liked this one.
It's engrossing and entertaining, the world building interesting and i liked the character development.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Path of the Spirit Runner was a great second book to the Rookstock Saga. We follow three characters who are all different and have different stories. We have the Isobel the healer, John Deighton, the prophet, and Tobias Buchanan. Isobel the healer is accepted by the Hawks to help them but she must hide the truth of her healing power which is that she is an empath. We have John Deighton, the prophet who is imprisoning mind gifted Aurels, and lastly, we have Tobias who is fighting to build New Rhynn for his clan. This story was so captivating and enthralling from it's descriptive imagery to the characters. I can't wait to see what is in store for the next book!