Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
C.L. Schneider has done it again!! So much detail put in without it being distracting or boring. Every detail matters. I thoroughly enjoyed this next leg in Jarryd and Ian’s journey across the lands. So much more growth as characters and relationships and it all ties into the original series. Absolutely loved it!
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book two of this series. It was amazing. These two have been through a lot. Ian and Jared are headed to Maldarehm, the pirate haven. Since the isles Jarryd likes to keep his link closed and Ian open all the time. There is something strange about where they are. Ian is cautious about the place and Jarryd is a little weary but is more excited to discover where they are. Can the boys go back to the way they were before? Ready to book three.
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great adventure with Ian Troy and Jarryd Kane. This trip takes them into a world where two Shinrees are worshiped as God’s and known as “The Twins”. Ian and Jarryd soon learn that things are not always as they seem. The character development was great in this book. I really felt like I got to know the personalities of the two better than the first in thos series. The writing just keeps getting better. This is book two, but you get to knkw the characters so well, you could read as a stand alone book, but you won’t want to. Another great fantasy book.
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Schneider does it again with this hauntingly dark fantasy novel. I could not put this down; I was so excited to reconnect with Ian and Jarryd to see where their adventures would take them next. The ever-troublesome duo gets into yet another frightening experience when Jarryd sits to play what he thinks is an ordinary gambling house. He sure gets a rude awakening when he and Ian are both drawn into yet another sticky situation fighting for life and death once again. This story is so action-packed, you will be drawn in and cannot help getting invested in each of the character’s trials as they fight to win the game. What will the consequences be, for sure it’s a lot more than money that they are gambling for. The settings are so ingeniously portrayed that you will become a part of this great adventure as you battle right alongside our two main characters.
@Brandy Rymer
09/2023
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider. This is not my favorite genre but I have quickly begun to love this author. This book was so fast paced and felt like I was really there. I would recommend picking up book 1 before this one to better understand the characters and story. This is the continuing journey of Ian and Jarryd and they are needing supplies. They both have different ideas about which port to enter. When they decide on Maldarehm Ian is not sold on and has very strong feelings of unease about it. Jarryd is not concerned in the least so he gets to gambling like he has no cares in the world. Ian on the other hand is searching for clues and while on this journey finds people he didn’t know existed and decides he needs to learn from them only to find them done with Ian and sending him off on his way. Will Ian find the clues he’s looking for and will Jarryd get them all in trouble with his gambling. Read this fast paced read to find out!
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
C. L. Schneider has delivered another amazing book in the second installment of the Spellbound Journeys series, Fortune’s Favorite. While I think it can be read as a standalone, reading it following Book 1 allows for a stronger connection with the characters and their journey. Ian Troy and Jarryd Kane return as the main characters and are just as realistic and flawed as ever. The connection between these two very contrasting individuals is heartfelt and enviable. They embark on separate journeys once docked in Maldarehm, but the ultimate test finds them joined once again. There are so many layers in this story, along with some mind-bending twists that I found it hard to stop reading. I wanted to find out what would happen next. As with all of the books I’ve read by C. L. Schneider, the vivid descriptions and imaginative writing made me feel as if I was right in the midst of the action. I am anxiously awaiting more by this author!
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another great story of Ian and Jarryd full of twists and turns. This one kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next as Ian and Jarryd port in Maldarehm. Maldarehm is a port city that is full of people, colors, and so much to see. Jarryd is in awe of the city but Ian is wary and can feel that something is wrong so he decides to take the long way into town. Krillos told Jarryd and Ian about the gambling house named Providence, the riches, the pirates, and his good fortune. They both get drawn into the games and the unknown magic that is happening. There is a lot of action, betrayal, fighting, a lot of memories, and so much more. I like some of the new characters added into this story like Abi, the pirate captain who befriends Jarryd and Bergen, the guard who seems to help Jarryd when he is able. The history and magic of the Shinree is so interesting and I love learning more with every book.
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book two in the series. I didn’t read book one but this book does well as a stand alone novel. Fortune’s Favorite is filled with action, mystery, magic, and adventure. Each chapter is from the point of view of Ian or Jarryd and helps move the story page after page!
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author is one of just a few where all I have to do is see the name on the book and I know I have to read it. This book absolutely delivered with every page turned! I was hooked from the start and held captive by fabulous writing that made you truly see everything the author was writing about. I highly recommend reading in order to enhance your experience. I don’t want to give too much away concerning the storyline, you really need to discover it for yourself, but I will say Ian and Jarryd are back and if you love a bit of adventure and magic with some danger thrown in then this is the book, no series for you! I promise you will be as hooked as I am. I can’t wait for more!
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this a lot more than “Wandering Isles,” the first in this series of Soulbound Journeys. It is lengthier, but felt more put together and the plot meshed from start to end. It continues the saga of Ian and Jarryd. This book is basically two books in one, with alternating (ish) chapters until their stories intertwine at the end. The consistencies of the two main characters are appreciated, and allows the reader to discover their growth (or lack of). This book also has a return of previous captain (including Krillos, one of my favorites).
My favorite part of the book was the adjectives and vivid descriptions of the settings, I felt like I could be in the gambling hall with Jarryd or the forest/ancient ruins with Ian. Add in some ancient serpents with multiple heads, it was a great read!
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Russell is bullied at school, doesn’t have the best home life, and on top of it all, he has to take his grandpa to the park to ride the carousel every afternoon. He makes up his mind that this is the last time to take his grandpa when an amazing adventure begins. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to sharing it with my granddaughter.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
View all my reviews
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot say enough amazing things about C.L. Schneider! Fortune’s Favorite is the second book in the Soulbound Journeys. I also recommend reading The Crown of Stones Trilogy first. I absolutely loved this adventure of Ian Troy and Jarryd Kane. It picks up after the events of The Wandering Isles with both of them continuing the Shinree’s ancient journey. At first glance, Maldarehm is a prosperous city without war or struggles. Though Ian has an uneasy feeling about the island and its inhabitants. Ian searches for clues on the island’s past while Jarryd gets wrapped up in gambling where the stakes increase drastically. The growth that Ian and Jarryd go through in Fortune’s Favorite makes the impact of the story much more chilling. The layering in this story and the bond between Ian and Jarryd make it impossible to put the book down. I cannot wait to pick up the next book by C.L. Schneider!
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series. You can pick up the story and keep up without reading the first book, but I’d highly recommend the first one so you can get a deeper connection to the characters.
Fortune’s Favorite is an amazing story. The characters are brilliantly written with many layers. There’s mystery, suspense, action, and danger. And the worldbuilding is fantastic.
Definitely a page turner!
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book of C.L Schneider that I love her stories. She takes you to places that keep you attached to the scene and the character. Every part of the book talks about the place and how that character feels. Well in my point of view. And the covers are amazing as well so many details that leave you speechless.
Now in this book, we are at the place of Maldarehm which might seem beautiful but there is many traps or secrets that I was not aware of them at first. Since the first book Ian escaped the Wandering Isles, he wanted to go ashore.
See what I did not know is that there is another character Kane who ran into Ian and both got surprised at this Maldarehm. Where there were magic and rituals that caused to be risks in their lives.
This book is amazing because in each chapter there were different plots and scenes that kept me going.
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book had me on the edge of my seat for a majority of it. A good writer’s tip I’ve heard is “Make the leader learn something new every paragraph.” This author is a PRO at it feeling like there’s something new at almost every single sentence. The book flows so well, and the plot is amazing. I’m definitely going to be reading the rest of their books. From other reviews and researching I’ve done on the author and their books, I do believe the reading order is to start with Cursed Stones, and then move on to this series. Another great book, and a recommendation I’ll be passing on to my friends and family!
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider- 5 out of 5 stars
C.L. Schneider deserves a round of applause. This book was a great second addition in the series. Mystery and magic, risk and sacrifice, you will be on the edge of your seat the whole time. I recommend reading the first book in the series so that you get a better background on the characters. I don’t want to risk ruining this action-packed adventure for anyone, just know it is worth it.
Review by @elishajohnson
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys book 2)
By: C.L. Schneider
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
What secrets lie in Maldarehm? Once again C. L. Schneider gifts us with such a beautiful and vivid world where I could practically smell the seawater and hear the bustling commotion of the port! First off I fell in love with the cover. It caught my eye the minute I saw it, then seeing it was a C.L. Schneider had me sold! Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journey’s book 2) has an almost seamless transition from book 1 The Wandering Isles picking up three weeks later. Schneider creates such palpable tension between Ian and Jarryd, that really helps you feel the gravity of what they have already faced together. Fortune’s Favorite is exciting, clever, and has an intriguing mystery that will keep you flipping page’s desperate to find out what happens next! I highly suggest starting with book one The Wandering Isles to be able to truly enjoy the depth and gripping nature of C.L. Schneiders Soulbound Journeys! Her realm is nothing less than transcendent and it is so easy to believe every word she writes! I cannot wait for Schneiders next book in this captivating adventure series!
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a dark ride into a magical realm and beautifully written. I enjoyed it more than the first in the series because I felt I knew the main characters a little better than the first book and the adventure was even better. Twisty and suspenseful, I read this one cover to cover. I really love this author and am going to go back and read some of her previous work. Highly recommend!
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fortune’s Favorite is the second book in the Soulbound Journeys series, which follows on from the Crown of Stones trilogy. It expands the world of the Crown of Stones as Ian Troy travels encountering new places and learning more about the world and himself. I’d recommend at least reading The Wandering Isles first, that’s a good entry point.
In Fortune’s Favorite Troy encounters evidence of the Shinree, his people. He’s lured in by a desire to learn more about this branch of history, isolated from the world he was born into. The readers, too, are drawn in by our curiosity.
While The Wandering Isles developed the relationship between Kane and Troy, Fortune’s Favorite pushes them apart. Mundane quarrels and increased distance are followed by division and fighting.
This is another five star read. I loved the Crown of Stones trilogy and these new Soulbound Journeys books are expanding the story and the world in wonderful and fascinating ways! I’d recommend this to fans of epic fantasy.
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have enjoyed MANY books by this author, and this one is no different. It’s the second installment of the Soulbound Journeys series, and I just can’t get enough! The author paints such vivid imagery in their stories that I am immediately captivated and transported to another realm. Get ready for a dramatic and fast-paced adventure through an exciting world! You will be twisting and turning your brain while you try to figure out what is going to happen next. To say that I cannot wait for the next book is an incredible understatement. I highly recommend picking up this series and the previous as they tie into this as well!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Time has passed on the seas for Ian Troy and Jarryd Kane after a harrowing experience on their first port of call, it has been a leisurely break just being able to sail and hunt on truly deserted islands and they finally feel rested again, however, Jarryd has heard tales of their next port, a harbour city called Maldarehm where everything is colourful and alive, at least on the surface anyhow, but Ian can feel the stares of the inhabitants of this bustling city and he hasn’t even left the boat yet, Jarryd meanwhile is talking about what he has heard of the place and is more than ready to go exploring. Ian decides to go the long way round and give his horse a break from being on the sea and go along the lesser used path and encourages Jarryd to go and see the sights of the city, but warns him to be careful and not to let his guard down.
As usual, things don’t quite go to plan when Ian ends up somewhere he shouldn’t and meet people who he can’t believe exist, or their attitudes to life, but at least they are his kind, however, they are not what they seem and Ian gets frustrated and annoyed with them, but they seem intent on him and why he is there, but when they grow tired of him, they send him on his way. While all this is happening, Jarryd has made his way to the centrepiece of this town, the local tavern and gambling den which has been recommended to him, however, not all is as it seems and when Jarryd is persuaded to join in the games, he instantly regrets his decision, especially when he realises the stakes.
As Jarryd and Ian follow their individual paths and discover exactly what lies at the heart of Maldarehm and those living there, they end up at the same destination with the same intentions, but will they be able to win when the odds stacked against them are so high, or will they lose everything and surrender the things which are most dear to them again? This is another rip roaring whirlwind of a ride where there are more twists and turns than a maze and more magic and mayhem throughout, which will suck you in and keep you hooked until the end.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The adventures, or I should say Misadventures of Jarryd and Ian continue in this captivating story about fortune and misfortune. There are some seriously self-righteous Shinree that are wreaking havoc on so many lives. They think they are invincible, but they have bitten off more than they can chew when they lured Jarryd in to play their game. They don’t really understand the bond those two have. This one is quite a bit different from the other stories and kept me on the edge of my seat as I worried about Jarryd and Ian’s bond and how it could survive this threat. This was my favorite of the series and I can’t wait to read the next one.
reviewed by @daree222
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Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! This is unlike anything else I’ve ever read. I enjoyed the Crown of Stones series and am thrilled that it’s continued on here. The imagination and thought that had to go into this must have been painstaking. Like the Hunger Games with magic but harder and more unpredictable. I enjoyed the conflict of two friends, joined in ways we can’t imagine, who still struggle to get through the every-day life. New freedoms bring new complications while regret follows them everywhere. The setting is intriguing and I love the combination of modern progressiveness while ancient still lingers, even if it isn’t seen. I am glad there is at least one more coming and look forward to seeing where the story goes from here!
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What another amazing book to this series and from this author. It filled with so much action, mystery, magic, wonderful story and adventure and characters that you will love and cheer for the whole why thou. When I picked this book up, I was pulled straight back into this series, and this story, right from page one. I couldn’t put this book down. I had to read it till the end. It just reached out and sucked me in from the beginning. The writing and description in this book was so detailed that it makes you feel like you were riding along with Ian and Jarryd and their adventure. This book was exciting to read. This author really knows how to produce a creative and captivating series, I don’t think I’ve missed one of there books yet. I will add you should start this series from the first book thou, it starts right off from where the first one ends.
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fortune’s Favorite is the second book in the Southbound Journeys series. I highly recommend reading the first book in the series before grabbing this one. Ian Troy and Jarryd Kane’s story continues after escaping the Wandering Isles. They must resupply their ship and differ in opinions on the port they enter. Will the port be a safe zone to resupply or something else entirely?
I always grab books when I see this author writes them. Her storytelling and characters always bring the book to life, making it hard to put down. Ian and Jarryd are exciting characters, and I like their contrast. This book did not disappoint, and I look forward to the next story this author brings to life.
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I swear I love this series so much! It’s a thrill reading about Ian’s adventures and relationships. Getting to be apart of his growth and life lessons is so special. This particular installment was terrific. Both Ian and Jarryd needing some healing and to thrive on their own in order to strengthen their bond together. They were both harboring feelings of pain, regret, and guilt. They knew how each other felt, but they didn’t really talk about it. The trials they faced in Providence proved to be the recipe they needed to face their demons. I cannot wait to see what’s next for these two, and Kya too!
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider
Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) is a wonderfully written Dark Fantasy that I loved reading. I was as usual pulled in from beginning and there was no putting it down until I finished. I’m a huge fan of this author and her style of writing along with amazing characters make for a epic story. Ian and Jarrod have been at sea for a while now and it seems they may have found the perfect port to dock and restock supplies for their stores. Something doesn’t feel quite right to Ian but Jarrod can’t hardly wait to get to shore. What will happen when things take a dangerous turn? I highly recommend reading this book to find out. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Creative storytelling
The second book in Soulbound Journey Series, Fortune’s Favorite is an engaging tale. Ian and Jarryd have escaped only to find themselves adrift. What follows is a compelling adventure, told with brilliant imagery and layers of intrigue. I am totally hooked and eagerly await book 3. Definitely read book 1 first. Highly recommend.
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mysterious dark intrigue. Once more, the talented C.L. Schneider’s ever-expanding world knows no bounds. Ian Troy and Jarryd Kane escaped the Wandering Isles only weeks ago and have arrived at the pirate haven, Maldarehm.
Ian is perfectly happy on the open sea, especially after the nightmare-inducing world that was the Wandering Isles. Unfortunately, they need to resupply their stores and must port. Jarryd is excited to finally see Maldarehm, the pirate haven that he has heard about. After hearing the story of the twins Ian prefers the longer road to also allow Kya some fresh air and exercise, while Jarryd wants to take the ferry not worried about being judged by the twins. The land is otherworldly, the snow-white sandy beach, the lush dense jungle, and the steep cliffs towering overhead. Since the wandering isles, things have been different, Jarryd prefers to keep his side of the link closed more often. Ian enjoying the memories now, prefers to keep it open now. The land may seem ideal and picturesque but there is darkness, and strange vibrations that come off the land making Ian tense and hesitant. The port full of comradery but the unabashed looks of some of the locals, they are not afraid of him but are afraid for him. Mystery unsettles him at the meaning of the looks but Jarryd’s enthusiasm and desire to see the city make him set aside the feelings but not for long.
Will Ian and Jarryd find a way back to the friendship they had before? How can Jarryd fix “everything”? What is responsible for the deep feelings Ian has felt since arriving? The author’s detail is in the next universe. While the world is well established not only in book one of this series but the previous original trilogy, she continues to build upon it. Not just with simple details but each place becoming its own world within the realm. More so the characters never stop evolving, morphing as their experiences become deep reminders of what they overcome. A brief pause to awe once more at the stunning cover, as it has become my favorite cover so far this year. While I continue to let my heartrate slow down, I will impatiently be waiting for book three in this soulbound journey that never eases up on the mystery and intrigue as you race through the pages to see what happens next.
Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As soon as I saw another book by this author, I picked it up and started reading immediately. As the second book in the series, I would highly suggest reading the previous book first. I was pulled straight back into this series, and this story, right from the first page. It was the kind of book I struggled to put down once I had picked it up.
This book is exciting to read. It is well written, engaging and had some brilliant characters. This author really knows how to produce a creative and captivating books. I would highly recommend all of their work and this series at the top.
