Ratings
Content Warnings: Death, Violence, Gore, Blood, Abuse, Sexual Assault, Self-Harm
Introduction
Amma becomes stronger and taps into her dark side while Damien becomes softer and gives accepts his goodness.
Summoned to the Wilds picks up right after the first book. After the reveal of Damien’s true end goal in book 1, Amma’s inter turmoil with her feelings towards Damien presides. The same can be said for Damien as well. Does he continue on his path to follow his destiny or does he just go home?
And honestly, we still don’t fully know the answer by the end.
Pros
- The dedication page
- Character growth
- World building
- Plot twists
- Picks up right after the first book
Cons
- No map
- Interrupted romance 😤
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
Plot
When I initially started this series, I actually didn’t know it was a trilogy. So to watch the story evolve from book 1 to book 2 in terms of ambitions and end goals, along with more information on E’nloc is thrilling.
This book mainly revolves around character development and the relationship between Amma and Damien (although they’re still fighting their emotions!). And I’m okay with that because I know it’ll count in the final book.
To which I have predictions:
- Amma will be killed and the talisman retrieved, though Damien will use the resurrection spell. Or Damien will be killed because he’s E’nloc’s host and Amma will use the spell.
- Zagadoth and Birzuma will be released only to fight away E’nloc.
- Damien or Xander will become the host for E’nloc.
Xander is still a wild card. But I’m confident the story will end somewhere along the lines above.
Characters
Amma
Amma fights back hard in this book. While Damien becomes softer, she becomes stronger and tougher. She gains her own powers and a confidence in herself that rivals her character in Throne in the Dark.
It’s thrilling to see her kick ass, use weapons, and kill her abuser all the while still being a generally happy and good character.
Damien
Watching Damien struggle internally with his emotions towards Amma and his initial goals/duties is wonderfully portrayed. We see him turn from this cruel, evil being to someone who is thoughtful and is able to create relationships, though their rudimentary at the moment.
Anytime a grumpy character is enlightened/changed by the sunshine character my heart just melts. It’s one of my favorite tropes and Damien fills the role well.
Side Characters
Xander
I knew this son of a bitch would come back. And I have such mixed feelings about him. On one hand I’m hoping he’ll side with Damien in some odd, evil way, but at the same time he would make a wonderful antagonist. Especially showing the contrast from where Damien started to where he is/going.
Writing
Truly, there’s not much difference in terms of writing between Throne in the Dark and this one. The humor is spot on, the romance is brilliant, and the world-building is so magically.
We actually get to see more of the world in Summoned to the Wilds. From the witch forest to the fae realms, it’s all intriguing to see how the realms operate, their ideologies, and beliefs. This book really shows that there’s more to the world than just angels, demons, and humans.
I hope to see more of these creatures in the up coming book as well. I’m curious to see how the land further operates.
Final Thoughts
Much like most second installments in a trilogy, Summoned to the Wilds provides pivotal and essential information that sets up the final book. However, the slow burn is sooooo slow. Which, I just found that A.K. Caggiano describes it as a “slow burn at a glacial pace,” and boy that’s the damn truth.
Regardless, this was a ride and I can’t wait to read the third book!
What did you think of the book? Did you like it or could you have done without it? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Facebook Page | Goodreads TBR | Spicy Rating Scale | A.K. Caggiano’s Website
Red's Bookish Boones 