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Shield & Sorrow #2
Scars & Secrets
Saving the kingdom was only the beginning …
Kings Archer and Silas successfully thwarted the plot to take over Arnsveld and Bellacosta. Now they’re struggling to maintain their tenuous relationship amidst dissenting soldiers, scheming nobles, and the trial of the century.
Valerian’s job is to neutralize the mage behind the plot without getting tangled in his sinister web. When Penn finds himself at the mercy of traitors, Valerian abandons everything to help him. Love and magic prove to be a deadly combination.
Kings Archer and Silas successfully thwarted the plot to take over Arnsveld and Bellacosta. Now they’re struggling to maintain their tenuous relationship amidst dissenting soldiers, scheming nobles, and the trial of the century.
Valerian’s job is to neutralize the mage behind the plot without getting tangled in his sinister web. When Penn finds himself at the mercy of traitors, Valerian abandons everything to help him. Love and magic prove to be a deadly combination.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2023
30 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
J.E. Ridge
9 books56 followersJ.E. Ridge is a pen name for Jennifer Ridge to distinguish between Adult and Young Adult fiction. She has her Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing from Western Michigan University, and her Master's in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. She wrote her first novel at twelve years old, which--along with several other projects--will probably never again see the light of day. Many of her earliest projects focused on LGBT+ couples and lately she's been revisiting her favorite tropes with a queer spin.
Source: Amazon.com
Source: Amazon.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 27, 2024
I highly recommend that you do not read this series until it is complete, because this one also ends on a serious cliffhanger and it may well be another 2 years before we get the next instalment, and I am pissed off about it.
I remember enjoying the first book in this series, and I was keen for the sequel because it ended abruptly. But there are 2 years between the publication of the books and look, I know I don't have the greatest memory, but 2 years is too long for anyone to remember the level of detail required to read this book and actually enjoy it. I should have maybe tried to reread book 1, but who has time to read a 300+ page book when your Kindle is overflowing? So I started this book in the hope that I had enough context to keep me afloat. Spoiler: I did not. There are just too many characters and too many plot points and very, very specific events that you need to know about from book 1. I was blind, I felt completely lost. This book took me forever to finish.
Petition to make all authors provide a recap or a cast of characters or something in their sequels, especially where it's just a continuation of the previous book, because girl, no one can retain this level of detail. This book felt endless. It has short chapters, which usually makes a book go quickly, but here they just made the reading experience choppy, with rapid perspective shifts that didn't feel entirely necessary.
The actual plot carries on directly from book 1, and we have 2 couples trying to navigate this new alliance between the kingdoms and try and eliminate all the threats from before. This book focused a little more on Penn and Valerian than the kings. And I'm not even going to get into how little respect I had for Silas as a king, honestly, he was pretty pathetic for much of this book.
This wasn't a badly written book, like the meat of the book, the world-building, the magic, the characters - all of that was actually interesting, these are things I want to read about. But my overall reading experience was so bad! I couldn't wait to not be reading this any more. I should have DNFed, but I actually do want to know how this ends. Unfortunately for me, me and my bad memory are just going to have to wait.
I remember enjoying the first book in this series, and I was keen for the sequel because it ended abruptly. But there are 2 years between the publication of the books and look, I know I don't have the greatest memory, but 2 years is too long for anyone to remember the level of detail required to read this book and actually enjoy it. I should have maybe tried to reread book 1, but who has time to read a 300+ page book when your Kindle is overflowing? So I started this book in the hope that I had enough context to keep me afloat. Spoiler: I did not. There are just too many characters and too many plot points and very, very specific events that you need to know about from book 1. I was blind, I felt completely lost. This book took me forever to finish.
Petition to make all authors provide a recap or a cast of characters or something in their sequels, especially where it's just a continuation of the previous book, because girl, no one can retain this level of detail. This book felt endless. It has short chapters, which usually makes a book go quickly, but here they just made the reading experience choppy, with rapid perspective shifts that didn't feel entirely necessary.
The actual plot carries on directly from book 1, and we have 2 couples trying to navigate this new alliance between the kingdoms and try and eliminate all the threats from before. This book focused a little more on Penn and Valerian than the kings. And I'm not even going to get into how little respect I had for Silas as a king, honestly, he was pretty pathetic for much of this book.
This wasn't a badly written book, like the meat of the book, the world-building, the magic, the characters - all of that was actually interesting, these are things I want to read about. But my overall reading experience was so bad! I couldn't wait to not be reading this any more. I should have DNFed, but I actually do want to know how this ends. Unfortunately for me, me and my bad memory are just going to have to wait.
October 5, 2024
Nooo
Will Silas ever get his happy ending? Why did Valerian do that? Who is Em's father? When will the next book be published because I have to many unanswered questions.
Will Silas ever get his happy ending? Why did Valerian do that? Who is Em's father? When will the next book be published because I have to many unanswered questions.
June 25, 2023
Scars and Secrets is the perfect sequel to Shield and Sorrow. Not only does it have even more queer romance, political intrigue, and action, but it also takes a step back and reveals that this saga is more than just two kings in love. It’s about betrayal with roots that dig deep into the past, and how the kingdom as a whole is now exposed to the harsh truths of their former leaders. It’s about the people loyal to the crown and the tough decisions they have to make. It’s about what one would do for love, even at the risk of their own health and sanity. It’s about the dangers of magic and how the end is really just the beginning.
What I love most about Ridge as an author is her logical approach to storytelling. Everything is real even when it’s fantasy. She doesn’t play into the insta-hero trope, where a two-day training montage overpowers the MC with strength, confidence, and the ability to mow through life’s problems with ease. There is nothing easy about reclaiming a broken kingdom, especially when the king in charge has no formal training since he was an invalid expected to die young. There is nothing easy about navigating what is essentially the dual MC’s first real romantic relationship. There are ups and downs, good choices and bad, and by the Gods, there are consequences. Silas does not take the easy way out with any decision, even when it frustrates his subjects and closest peers. Didn’t handle the war criminals in a timely and justifiably violent manner? Buckle up, buttercup, cuz you will not like what happens.
The second thing I love most about Ridge as an author is how much she understands each and every one of her characters. They are all unique, vibrant, and genuine. They are all unfailingly human. Their developmental arcs are their own brand of slow burn, where Silas matures into an adept yet humble sovereign, Archer becomes more comfortable with his softer side, and Valerian descends into unavoidable mania.
Ah, Valerian and Penn. Two minor characters from S&S1 who come into their own and really steal the show. Their relationship is incredibly flawed (and maybe a little toxic, as much as I adore them both) even as it smolders with such intense heat. Where Silas and Archer set the stage in the first book, Valerian and Penn show the reader that there is so much more to the story—more than anyone could ever anticipate. Everyone is caught in a web of magic and danger; touch one thread and the vibrations ripple until everything is absolute chaos.
All in all, Ridge successfully approaches this sequel with an equal measure of fantasy magic and the reality of navigating a new start amongst the rubble of the past. Bravo!
What I love most about Ridge as an author is her logical approach to storytelling. Everything is real even when it’s fantasy. She doesn’t play into the insta-hero trope, where a two-day training montage overpowers the MC with strength, confidence, and the ability to mow through life’s problems with ease. There is nothing easy about reclaiming a broken kingdom, especially when the king in charge has no formal training since he was an invalid expected to die young. There is nothing easy about navigating what is essentially the dual MC’s first real romantic relationship. There are ups and downs, good choices and bad, and by the Gods, there are consequences. Silas does not take the easy way out with any decision, even when it frustrates his subjects and closest peers. Didn’t handle the war criminals in a timely and justifiably violent manner? Buckle up, buttercup, cuz you will not like what happens.
The second thing I love most about Ridge as an author is how much she understands each and every one of her characters. They are all unique, vibrant, and genuine. They are all unfailingly human. Their developmental arcs are their own brand of slow burn, where Silas matures into an adept yet humble sovereign, Archer becomes more comfortable with his softer side, and Valerian descends into unavoidable mania.
Ah, Valerian and Penn. Two minor characters from S&S1 who come into their own and really steal the show. Their relationship is incredibly flawed (and maybe a little toxic, as much as I adore them both) even as it smolders with such intense heat. Where Silas and Archer set the stage in the first book, Valerian and Penn show the reader that there is so much more to the story—more than anyone could ever anticipate. Everyone is caught in a web of magic and danger; touch one thread and the vibrations ripple until everything is absolute chaos.
All in all, Ridge successfully approaches this sequel with an equal measure of fantasy magic and the reality of navigating a new start amongst the rubble of the past. Bravo!
September 16, 2025
the GASP I let out at the end of this book.... I have never been so flabbergasted and shocked by a book in my life. towards the end I had a feeling that there would be more to come. I thought this was just going to be a duet. but with pages running out I quickly realized that there would be much more to come, with at-least one more book to wrap the things up.
I loved the multiple POV’s and the fact that there are now TWO couples fighting for each other. Valerian and Penn were such a lovely addition to this story. Archer and Silas already make ya swoony but the harshness of Valerian and Penn’s relationship is so much more… real? you can’t help but be fond of all four mmc’s. and the growing number of other characters all hold a special place in this story. it’s so intricate. there’s so much history, and world building, and the MAGIC SYSTEM in this book. And the way magic and mages operate is so absolutely fascinating.
I’ve never encountered magic like I have in this book (a slight exaggerating but still true). it feels so “old-school” and sort of nostalgic in a way, not because it has kings and horses and tunic’s and the like, but because the magic happening deals in curses, potions, glamours, and more. I LOVED IT. magic has gotten away in fantasy books from the classic elements of magic and it was nice to make a return to the basics?? but Ridge makes it all their own.
I can’t wait for the third installment. I’ve already stalked J.E. Ridge’s page for more updates. I don’t want to spoil anything at all for anyone wanting to read this series. but I will say, no book has had me let out a gay gasp in ages like this one did. I have read hundreds of books and none have left me so shocked. bravO!
I loved the multiple POV’s and the fact that there are now TWO couples fighting for each other. Valerian and Penn were such a lovely addition to this story. Archer and Silas already make ya swoony but the harshness of Valerian and Penn’s relationship is so much more… real? you can’t help but be fond of all four mmc’s. and the growing number of other characters all hold a special place in this story. it’s so intricate. there’s so much history, and world building, and the MAGIC SYSTEM in this book. And the way magic and mages operate is so absolutely fascinating.
I’ve never encountered magic like I have in this book (a slight exaggerating but still true). it feels so “old-school” and sort of nostalgic in a way, not because it has kings and horses and tunic’s and the like, but because the magic happening deals in curses, potions, glamours, and more. I LOVED IT. magic has gotten away in fantasy books from the classic elements of magic and it was nice to make a return to the basics?? but Ridge makes it all their own.
I can’t wait for the third installment. I’ve already stalked J.E. Ridge’s page for more updates. I don’t want to spoil anything at all for anyone wanting to read this series. but I will say, no book has had me let out a gay gasp in ages like this one did. I have read hundreds of books and none have left me so shocked. bravO!
January 23, 2025
Reading this was enjoyable but also filled with dread 99% of the time i was reading it because wtf why did this whole book’s plot feel like some bad ominous shit would happen outta no where?? reading this was like reading a nightmare unfolding in front of me where i just felt terrified outta my mind for everyone in this book.
anyway im so annoyed that this ends on a cliffhanger, like… give me a heads uppp? that this is a secOnd book in a seriEs, not a duolOgy??
anyway im so annoyed that this ends on a cliffhanger, like… give me a heads uppp? that this is a secOnd book in a seriEs, not a duolOgy??
June 21, 2023
A stunning sequel!
This book was just as fast paced, thrilling, and full of twists as the first. I loved seeing more of Penn and Valerian’s development, and Archer and Silas’s dynamic continues to be my favorite thing ever. This plot gets darker and twistier, and I love the progression of the series. And that cliffhanger??? I’m dying for book three!
This book was just as fast paced, thrilling, and full of twists as the first. I loved seeing more of Penn and Valerian’s development, and Archer and Silas’s dynamic continues to be my favorite thing ever. This plot gets darker and twistier, and I love the progression of the series. And that cliffhanger??? I’m dying for book three!
April 22, 2024
Waaaah, next book now please
I'm loving this series, and I'm desperate for the next book.
It's got villains you can really loathe, sweet romance and magic. What more could you want.
I'm loving this series, and I'm desperate for the next book.
It's got villains you can really loathe, sweet romance and magic. What more could you want.
June 2, 2023
This was a fantastic follow up to Shield & Sorrow. Book 2 picked up right where book 1 left off. It was full of political intrigue, magic, and romance. I really enjoyed this book.
June 27, 2023
TW Needles
Valerian and Penn are the stars of this book. While the Kings from book 1 are happily together now, things are just getting started for these two. I love a good pine!
Valerian and Penn are the stars of this book. While the Kings from book 1 are happily together now, things are just getting started for these two. I love a good pine!
September 4, 2023
I need to the third book nowww! This ended in a cliff hanger, oh my gosh. I quite enjoyed this book a lot, I'm so curious about the next installment and what will happen!
February 4, 2024
This was a slight improvement from the first book - the plot progressed better, the action more consistent, the MCs (four of them) continued to grow on me. Not so happy about the cliff-hanger ending but that looking to be an expected feature of the series. 3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews