Aerisia: Gateway to the Underworld

The Sunset Lands Beyond Series, Book 2

By: Sarah Ashwood

Narrated by: Ruthie Bowles

Discovering she is another world’s prophesied heroine was not something Hannah Winters could have ever predicted. However, having accepted the mantle of Aerisia’s Artan, Hannah must now move beyond the pain of the past and conquer her magic in order to save this land.

Will the pitfalls awaiting her—suspicion, rumors, lies, betrayal, murder, warfare—halt her quest? Who is Hannah’s ally, and who only appears to be? Will shocking revelations about her heritage push her away, or convince her that she’s walking the right path? With the dark powers growing bolder every day, Hannah’s pursuit of answers leads her to the Underworld, a place where even immortals dare not tread, on a journey from which she may not return.

©2018 Sarah Ashwood (P)2023 Sarah Ashwood

A magical journey

This book is so much better than the first! I really enjoyed watching Hannah grow into her role as Aerisia’s prophesied heroine, and the romance between her and Ilgard adds a lovely layer to the story. The plot keeps you guessing with betrayal, lies, and shocking revelations about her heritage, it definitely keeps things interesting.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a good job bringing the characters and story to life. My only small critique is that parts of the pacing felt a bit slow at times, but overall, it was an engaging read with a rich world and plenty of intrigue. I can’t wait to see where Hannah’s journey goes next!

INTRIGUING FANTASY ADVENTURE STORY. LOVED IT

INTRIGUING FANTASY ADVENTURE STORY. LOVED IT

STORY WAS GOOD AND EASY TO FOLLOW.

ACCEPTABLE FOR PRE-TEENS AND UP.

NARRATOR WAS GOOD AND EASY TO FOLLOW.

Newfound destiny in the world of Aerisia!

Sarah Ashwood's "Aerisia: Gateway to the Underworld" takes readers on a thrilling journey as Hannah Winters grapples with her newfound destiny in the enchanting world of Aerisia. Ruthie Bowles narrates with captivating flair, bringing Ashwood's vivid prose to life with skillful precision. As Hannah faces formidable challenges and uncovers shocking truths about her lineage, readers will be irresistibly drawn into this magical realm, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn along the way.

Magic and becoming a heroine

This is the second story in the series, and for the most part can be read as standalone. As far as the plot and background, I didn't feel lost at all, however, there's a very slowburn romance between Hannah and Ilgard that develops a little throughout the book.

Personally, I didn't get her attraction to, or love for, him. Maybe if I had seen their relationship progress through the first book it would have been different. As it stood in this story, it was a lot of him telling her he knew best, not to worry her pretty little head about the things he didn't think she needed to know. She came to terms with that, but I am still indignant on her behalf. :)

From the title, I expected the story to take place at least in partly in the Underworld, but it doesn't. 

Despite those things, I enjoyed getting to know Hannah and watching her learn how to use her magic in order to grow into the hero the people need. She came across as intelligent, resiliant, and adaptable to her circumstances, and it was realistic to me that she missed her home.

There is good world building, and several secrets are revealed.

Ruthie Bowles did a nice job with the story. She portrayed all the characters with different voices so I always knew who was speaking, and her tone conveyed their emotions well.

So good!

This series continues where it left off in book 1, and it’s just getting better and better! We find out more about Hannah and where she actually descends from, plus why and how she ended up in Aerisia to begin with. Another cliffhanger though so I cannot wait to get into book three and continue the story!