Tempering Earth

Gathering Water, Book 2

By: Regan Claire

Narrated by: Jennifer Swanepoel

After discovering her true identity and coming to terms with an unimaginable heritage, Della Doe Deare finally thinks she has things figured out. She is learning the ropes of both her human and non-human responsibilities; ones which will soon include leading an army and may one day mean ruling a people. As the sole person able to control all five elements, she will have the power to protect everyone that she loves - and destroy anything that threatens them. But first, she has to survive the Elfennol training.

When an enemy with a reputation for torture sets his murderous sights on Della, she must submerge herself further into the Elfennol world, explore the other half of her inheritance, and move toward a destiny too large for mortal shoulders.

But not everything is as it appears; not all Clades are her enemies, and the Elfennol aren’t as pure as they let on. When Della finds friendship - and protection - in the form of a troubled boy born on the wrong side of an endless war, she discovers that this new world operates only in shades of gray and the only difference between good and evil is which side you’re fighting for.

This is the second book in the Gathering Water trilogy, and should not be heard out of order.

©2014 Regan Oakley (P)2018 Regan Oakley

That ending though!

I got hooked on this series with book one and could not wait for the second book. It totally delivered!

Della is a wonderful character, flaws and all. In this book, Della is growing into her own and discovering more about her past and her powers. I really love the relationship between Della and her cousin Cash. I didn't care much for the romantic relationship choice but it did lend itself to one heck of an ending!

The narrator was knock-your-socks-off good!! I loved everything about her portrayals. Whether you like the subject matter or not, the narration keeps you in the book.

The ending was a bit of a shocker but it sets up nicely for the last book in the series.

A Great Follow Up

This is book 2 in the Gathering Water series, and I really recommend reading book 1 first. Della, once an orphan in the foster system, has discovered her extended family and an elemental heritage she never knew existed. As she navigates the new world of the Elfennol and learns more about her family's past, she feels more lost than ever. Only a new friend can help ground her, bring her comfort, and maybe save the lives of those she loves most.

It's hard to write a review without spoiling the first book, but I'll try! I loved book one in this series, and this was a great follow up. Della's strength makes her a powerful lead, and her vulnerability makes her immensely likable. She never feels sorry for herself, she's just trying to fit in to her new role and she tackles it head on. This was a clean read I'd recommend to young teens on up. I feel like we're building up to a great finale!

The narration was really good, with different voices for each character. She was really easy to listen to. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Good Story

I got this ARC via audiobook boom and this is my voluntary review. I did not get the opportunity to listen to book 1 in this series but that did not take away from the story for book 2. This book had several plot twist thst took me down a path of discovery that was truly delightful. I didn't think I would enjoy the book but I did. It is well developed and points you toward the next book without leaving you hanging. The narrator really added to the story.

jumping in to the sequel

Sometimes i get interested in a book and notice it’s a sequel, sometimes i’m okay with it and just read it out of sequence i know it’s blasphemy but sometimes heck it, it’s your time. I definitely enjoyed this book and while i could have enjoyed it more if i read the first one, reading the sequel made me excited to go back and read the first one.

Great Read

Tempering Earth was another great read by Regan Claire. This is book two in The Gathering Water Trilogy. Della Doe Deare has come to terms with her heritage and her new life. She is starting to learn all of her human and non-human responsibilities. Della is the only person that can control all five elements. Della finds help during an endless war in the form of a troubled boy. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. I enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read the rest of The Gathering Water Trilogy.