Of Blood and Bone

I've got to hand it to Nora Roberts - she's a hell of a storyteller, and she isn't afraid to go in a new direction after 200+ books. Considering this is the second book of a trilogy, there's a lot of growth, some action, and in Fallon she has created a compelling Chosen One who speaks grand prophecies even as she grumbles about having to use an outhouse. Plus how many Chosen Ones still have their parents at their backs to train up their armies and amplify their magic spells? I'm almost sorry that Roberts added the inevitable love interest towards the end of the book, but on the other hand I'm curious to see how their relationship will play out as the trilogy moves towards its conclusion. I'm also wondering which characters that I have grown fond of will be sacrificed along the way (Nora is no George RR Martin but I have a feeling not everyone on the right side will get out of this alive).