Title: Morosa: Book Two of the Viridian Chronicles
Author: A.E Outerbridge
Publisher: Tellwell Talent
ISBN: 978-1-77370-742-6
Pages: 352
Genre: Fantasy
Reviewed by: Thomas Macolino
Pacific Book Review
Sometimes it is just nice to sit back and relax with a fun fantasy novel. Morosa: Book Two of the Viridian Chronicles by A.E Outerbridge is just that type of a fast-paced novel which combines all you could hope for from the fantasy genre: action, romance, mystery, magic, schools, horseback riding, and vampires.
In the second novel of the Viridian Chronicles, Elle O’Sullivan continues her education in magic and martial skills at the University of Caillagh, in Morosa. As she prepares to compete for the Zenithal Cup, Elle is eager to develop her supernatural physical abilities, whose origins are still shrouded in mystery. But her studies are plagued by scheming vampires, strange visions of the past, and competitors from other schools, some of whom are hiding magical powers of their own.
Outerbridge has crafted an enjoyable world in the Viridian Isles. It is a place that dances along a tightrope of easy definitions. Its geography and culture resemble that of the British Isles, but its political structure – altered by the machinations of vampires and the counter-efforts of wizard-kings – is something unique. Likewise, Ellie and her companions are a mixture of magical students such as you might find in Lev Grossman’s The Magicians, and the witty heroes you might find in the Marvel Universe. There was a lightness and camaraderie in among them which I feel has been lacking in recent fantasy, and spending time with them was like stepping outside and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face.
That being said, the dialogue in this novel can sometimes run a little too quippy. Just as too many cooks are supposed to spoil the proverbial broth, too many jesters can ruin a joke. When all of the characters feel as if they’re competing to be the comedic relief, the effect can sometimes be a little overwhelming. In this, Morosa suffers from the exact same affliction as the Marvel movies, where the dialogue is often commandeered as a vehicle for jokes and exposition rather than natural character expression and development. However, this is entirely a matter of taste. What one person might find “too quippy” another reader might feel to nonstop hilarity.
Overall, Morosa: Book Two of The Viridian Chronicles is a strong sequel. It develops the relationships and mysteries from the first novel while adding new layers of depth and plot. If you grew up enjoying stories of magic schools and strong female protagonists, then you will definitely enjoy all of The Viridian Chronicles.
