What do you think?
Rate this book
Mantle of the World Ruler
An ancient curse broken, a new prophecy foretold, and a grimoire of dark Druidic magic.
After a year of unimaginable violence, magic, and an all-consuming love that has followed her through countless incarnations, Julia Harrison has not only come into her own as a magic Bearer—far surpassing those women in her bloodline who came before her—but is about to start down a path that can end in only one of two with her fulfilling her prophesized role as Sovereign, chalice of the World Ruler; or with the death of everyone and
everything she holds dear at the hands of Cassius Longinus, The Child of Rome, in his brutal and inexorable quest to finally achieve true immortality.
Mantle of the World Ruler—Book Two of the Lost Well Trilogy—begins directly after the events of its predecessor, and with it, author Kate Gateley draws the reader right back into the romantic, magical, and often terrifying world of Bearers and Wielders, Knaves and Wraiths, and Domhnall O’Brien, cursed by choice to follow his love through one life after another until they can save each other at last.
After a year of unimaginable violence, magic, and an all-consuming love that has followed her through countless incarnations, Julia Harrison has not only come into her own as a magic Bearer—far surpassing those women in her bloodline who came before her—but is about to start down a path that can end in only one of two with her fulfilling her prophesized role as Sovereign, chalice of the World Ruler; or with the death of everyone and
everything she holds dear at the hands of Cassius Longinus, The Child of Rome, in his brutal and inexorable quest to finally achieve true immortality.
Mantle of the World Ruler—Book Two of the Lost Well Trilogy—begins directly after the events of its predecessor, and with it, author Kate Gateley draws the reader right back into the romantic, magical, and often terrifying world of Bearers and Wielders, Knaves and Wraiths, and Domhnall O’Brien, cursed by choice to follow his love through one life after another until they can save each other at last.
648 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2023
4 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 23, 2023
Let me hook you on this book with this line:
He is cursed by choice to follow his love through one life after another as she is hunted relentlessly by a rather intriguing villain. 😮💨
I’m telling you this series has it all! It had me feeling ALL the emotions as the story takes you through lush world building, epic battles, heartache and in depth character development. The romance is one for the ages and if you are like me, I love a good romantic fantasy but alongside a thrilling and action packed plot.
Pick this up if you like:
-an epic love story w/ a timeless romance
-unique magic system (+ weapons lore!)
-found family
-the intriguing villain
-witches
-prophecies
-multiple pov
-badass fmc coming into her power
-through lifetimes, he chooses her every time
He is cursed by choice to follow his love through one life after another as she is hunted relentlessly by a rather intriguing villain. 😮💨
I’m telling you this series has it all! It had me feeling ALL the emotions as the story takes you through lush world building, epic battles, heartache and in depth character development. The romance is one for the ages and if you are like me, I love a good romantic fantasy but alongside a thrilling and action packed plot.
Pick this up if you like:
-an epic love story w/ a timeless romance
-unique magic system (+ weapons lore!)
-found family
-the intriguing villain
-witches
-prophecies
-multiple pov
-badass fmc coming into her power
-through lifetimes, he chooses her every time
February 28, 2023
MUST READ! This book is the most magical form of relatable escapism. A perfect second instalment in an exciting trilogy. The story carries on in perfect rhythm from book 1, with the excitement and adventure picking up rapidly, you won't want to put it down. I loved the changing view points in the book as the characters set off on their tasks, and some shocking character evolution was very intriguing! I can't wait for book 3 so I can continue this adventure!
September 21, 2023
I really love the cover photo of this book. It is so pretty and gorgeous. I wanted this book for its stunning cover photo but I am glad that I read it.
This story is full of twists and turns and I really enjoyed the magical aspects of this book. The author has written it so well that I was glued to the book until I finished reading it. It has been an unputdownable experience for me. The character development of Julia Harrison was also really interesting reading. It was a rollercoaster ride full of action and adventure to a magical world. The author has done a fantastic job of creating such a beautiful world with her vivid imagination.
Overall I totally enjoyed reading this book. I will definitely recommend this book to you if you are a fan of fantasy and magical realism. Grab your copy today and you will definitely not regret it. You are going to love it.
This story is full of twists and turns and I really enjoyed the magical aspects of this book. The author has written it so well that I was glued to the book until I finished reading it. It has been an unputdownable experience for me. The character development of Julia Harrison was also really interesting reading. It was a rollercoaster ride full of action and adventure to a magical world. The author has done a fantastic job of creating such a beautiful world with her vivid imagination.
Overall I totally enjoyed reading this book. I will definitely recommend this book to you if you are a fan of fantasy and magical realism. Grab your copy today and you will definitely not regret it. You are going to love it.
May 22, 2025
The writing in this book is definitely an improvement from the first in the series!
However, I did still feel like this was longer than it needed to be, and I did find myself skimming at times. That being said, I was glad that Julia and Dom got more time to reconnect and just be with each other. I also enjoyed getting more of the additional POVs, especially Cassius. It was a bit jarring to go from 1st person with Julia to 3rd person with the others, but I appreciated that more than having no warning the POV was changing.
My main issue was how everyone treated Ronan. I found it hard to believe that everyone, especially Dom, would ignore the warning signs and just complain about Ronan instead of seeing that their dear friend was clearly going through something and needed their support. I'm very interested to see how this plays out.
However, I did still feel like this was longer than it needed to be, and I did find myself skimming at times. That being said, I was glad that Julia and Dom got more time to reconnect and just be with each other. I also enjoyed getting more of the additional POVs, especially Cassius. It was a bit jarring to go from 1st person with Julia to 3rd person with the others, but I appreciated that more than having no warning the POV was changing.
My main issue was how everyone treated Ronan. I found it hard to believe that everyone, especially Dom, would ignore the warning signs and just complain about Ronan instead of seeing that their dear friend was clearly going through something and needed their support. I'm very interested to see how this plays out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2023
I absolutely flew through this book. After book one, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one, and now I’m dying for book three. Gateley has built an incredible world of magic, with unforgettable characters, and a storyline that will have you turning pages until late in the night. The story itself moves along smoothly and quickly, and it’s very hard to set it down and deal with mundane, everyday life. Julia and Domhnall have officially captured my heart, and I don’t know if I can hate Cassius any more than I currently do. I swear, he’s the model of a perfect villain. If you’re looking for a fantasy series that seamlessly merges the magical with the mundane, has unforgettable characters, and a plot that won’t let you down, then grab book one and buckle up for an incredible ride.
March 4, 2023
This book was an incredible sequel to TOTS.
Seeing Julia and Dom grow as individuals and as partners was beautiful. It was another fully immersive experience for me. I felt the full range of emotions as they traversed through the world and faced countless challenges. Kate wrote eloquently of community and deep, lasting friendships and overcoming hardship together. There was no lack of thrill, intimacy, adventure and of course, MAGIC. A satisfying follow up that picked up right where TOTS left off. Can’t wait for book # 3!
Seeing Julia and Dom grow as individuals and as partners was beautiful. It was another fully immersive experience for me. I felt the full range of emotions as they traversed through the world and faced countless challenges. Kate wrote eloquently of community and deep, lasting friendships and overcoming hardship together. There was no lack of thrill, intimacy, adventure and of course, MAGIC. A satisfying follow up that picked up right where TOTS left off. Can’t wait for book # 3!
August 26, 2024
4.5 stars
I love when a sequel is better than the first! I'll be brief as I don't want to spoil anything but this is a fantastic follow up. Julia really grows and comes into her own. There is new magic to be had, interesting new groups and characters, prophesies, battles and Dom just being lovely. I loved how we travelled from Canada, to the west coast of the US, to Norway and then Ireland, meeting new characters and challenges and learning more about Dom and Julia, both future and past. Such a wonderful series and I can't wait to read the third instalment!
I love when a sequel is better than the first! I'll be brief as I don't want to spoil anything but this is a fantastic follow up. Julia really grows and comes into her own. There is new magic to be had, interesting new groups and characters, prophesies, battles and Dom just being lovely. I loved how we travelled from Canada, to the west coast of the US, to Norway and then Ireland, meeting new characters and challenges and learning more about Dom and Julia, both future and past. Such a wonderful series and I can't wait to read the third instalment!
September 19, 2023
This book picked up right were the first one left off. You have to read this first one to understand this one. I loved how Julia and Dom’s relationship grew and matured in this book. Dom finally starts to come to grips with his role and even though there is a new prophecy both he and Julie rise to challenge. The twist was not one I saw coming and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. I’m off to nurse my book hangover.
February 24, 2023
The second book of The Lost Wells Trilogy was exciting from start to finish. I loved seeing the main character come into her own power while also learning more about the magical world that Kate Gately has created. The character development of both leads was fantastic to see unfold.
I am looking forward to the third book when it comes out!
I am looking forward to the third book when it comes out!
March 11, 2023
Gorgeous story, beautifully told. Just the right mix of rich detail, suspenseful action, and steam. Romance + Contemporary Fantasy is right up my alley. Cannot wait for the final installment.
May 29, 2024
I loved this book more than the first one! From the romance to the action was amazing and kept you hanging on for more. Can’t wait to read the 3rd book!
December 21, 2023
Mantle of the World Ruler is the second installment in Kate Gateley’s well crafted The Lost Wells Trilogy. Excellent writing, fascinating character development of both heroes and villains, relatable friendships, romance, adventure, and both ancient and modern magic combine to create a thoroughly satisfying read. Check out her website and IG for beautifully filmed book trailers and Spotify playlists. I love being able to take a deep dive into the world Gateley has created. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews