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Of Fire and Lies #2
The Crown's Shadow
She wants power. He wants revenge.
Both will do whatever it takes to get what they desire.
Sailing away on that ship should have put Kallie’s problems behind her, yet somehow they have followed her across the seven kingdoms. To get what she wants, Kallie must lie, manipulate, and betray those closest to her all while pretending that she is in love with a king she does not know.
However, there’s one problem: she can’t get him out of her mind.
— - —
Despite everything, Graeson hasn’t given up. Holding onto a single strand of hope, he will travel to the end of Vaneria to break whatever hold Domitius has on Kalisandre. Even if it means breaking a few ties … or necks.
Both will do whatever it takes to get what they desire.
Sailing away on that ship should have put Kallie’s problems behind her, yet somehow they have followed her across the seven kingdoms. To get what she wants, Kallie must lie, manipulate, and betray those closest to her all while pretending that she is in love with a king she does not know.
However, there’s one problem: she can’t get him out of her mind.
— - —
Despite everything, Graeson hasn’t given up. Holding onto a single strand of hope, he will travel to the end of Vaneria to break whatever hold Domitius has on Kalisandre. Even if it means breaking a few ties … or necks.
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About the author
Neena Laskowski
9 books143 followersNeena Laskowski lives in Michigan with her husband and dog, Penny. She earned her master’s in Secondary Education and bachelor’s degree in English and Classical Languages and Literature from the University of Michigan. She is passionate about the written word and sharing stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 13, 2023
I absolutely DE-VOURED this entire book - after that cliffhanger from book 1, I NEEDED to know what happened next.
Twists? Check. Slow burn? Check. Morally grey main character? Check. Lots of tension? Check.
One of my favorite part of this book is the pacing. The pacing of the plot line unfolding, the twists, the pacing of the relationships (hello, slow burn continuing!).
Neena also does an INCREDIBLE job of balancing a main character who is morally grey, has a chance of redemption, but also is being manipulated by those around her.
Usually when a FMC is being stubborn, it’s just a poorly written plot device to add some drama/slow down the plot more. But in this book, you feel ALL of the emotions of the main character, the stubbornness is warranted and an important piece of the plot, and it just makes you cheer on the FMC even more.
Also, the development of supporting characters is SO interesting and really feeds directly into the main characters’ storyline in a way that really keeps you engaged and even more invested in the main characters!
Basically, now I’m just waiting for book three (very impatiently lol).
Twists? Check. Slow burn? Check. Morally grey main character? Check. Lots of tension? Check.
One of my favorite part of this book is the pacing. The pacing of the plot line unfolding, the twists, the pacing of the relationships (hello, slow burn continuing!).
Neena also does an INCREDIBLE job of balancing a main character who is morally grey, has a chance of redemption, but also is being manipulated by those around her.
Usually when a FMC is being stubborn, it’s just a poorly written plot device to add some drama/slow down the plot more. But in this book, you feel ALL of the emotions of the main character, the stubbornness is warranted and an important piece of the plot, and it just makes you cheer on the FMC even more.
Also, the development of supporting characters is SO interesting and really feeds directly into the main characters’ storyline in a way that really keeps you engaged and even more invested in the main characters!
Basically, now I’m just waiting for book three (very impatiently lol).
March 31, 2024
Five f*cking stars through and through. Neena is extremely talented at weaving a story that makes you question EVERYTHING you think you know as you're reading.
The characters are complex, flawed, and nuanced. You hate them and you love them all at once. You want to scream yet applaud them at the same time. Fynn, my beloved Fynn, still somehow managed to hold my heart each time he made an appearance.
I find that the supporting and side characters not only help push the plot forward, but have their own personalities that make you latch on to them. Laurince being one even though he only had a few lines, I hope to see more of him.
Rian was something else and the will they won't they will Kallie was incredibly well done. I'm screaming at my kindle as miss Neena is queen of cliff-hangers.
Here are my favorite quotes because she's also queen of banger quotes 🤣:
"Time would lessen the pain. It would allow Dani to forget some of the heartache. But it was the forgetting, Graeson had learned, that hurt the worst. The moment when you couldn’t remember their voice anymore or when you couldn’t remember the exact shade of their irises or the lilt in their laughter."
"Inflated or not, myths stood on some foundation of truth."
"“Death is hard.” “Yet living is even harder,” Ellie said solemnly."
"Because Kalisandre didn’t need a dagger to stab him in the heart. All she needed was one word. “Stop.”"
The characters are complex, flawed, and nuanced. You hate them and you love them all at once. You want to scream yet applaud them at the same time. Fynn, my beloved Fynn, still somehow managed to hold my heart each time he made an appearance.
I find that the supporting and side characters not only help push the plot forward, but have their own personalities that make you latch on to them. Laurince being one even though he only had a few lines, I hope to see more of him.
Rian was something else and the will they won't they will Kallie was incredibly well done. I'm screaming at my kindle as miss Neena is queen of cliff-hangers.
Here are my favorite quotes because she's also queen of banger quotes 🤣:
"Time would lessen the pain. It would allow Dani to forget some of the heartache. But it was the forgetting, Graeson had learned, that hurt the worst. The moment when you couldn’t remember their voice anymore or when you couldn’t remember the exact shade of their irises or the lilt in their laughter."
"Inflated or not, myths stood on some foundation of truth."
"“Death is hard.” “Yet living is even harder,” Ellie said solemnly."
"Because Kalisandre didn’t need a dagger to stab him in the heart. All she needed was one word. “Stop.”"
December 12, 2023
I was SO excited to receive an ARC (and who wouldn’t after that last ending, am I right?).
While I found the first 1/4 of the book a little lacking and slow - the rest of the book made up for it. I think because the first book had such a huge ending and cliffhanger - I expected that high to continue immediately here in the sequel and that’s what I was a little disappointed about at the beginning.
I loved the character build. We get to know our beloved characters even more as well as some new faces.
Political and romantic intrigue continue throughout with our loved slow burn we can’t get enough of.
This book did not disappoint (well - it will frustrate you - shouldn’t be a surprise from the gut punch we received in the first book. What else would we expect from the second book except more of the same?!).
I enjoyed learning more about Graeson too. And Kal. We see a huge character development in both of them.
I’ll just sit here stewing until the next book comes out, ugh!
While I found the first 1/4 of the book a little lacking and slow - the rest of the book made up for it. I think because the first book had such a huge ending and cliffhanger - I expected that high to continue immediately here in the sequel and that’s what I was a little disappointed about at the beginning.
I loved the character build. We get to know our beloved characters even more as well as some new faces.
Political and romantic intrigue continue throughout with our loved slow burn we can’t get enough of.
This book did not disappoint (well - it will frustrate you - shouldn’t be a surprise from the gut punch we received in the first book. What else would we expect from the second book except more of the same?!).
I enjoyed learning more about Graeson too. And Kal. We see a huge character development in both of them.
I’ll just sit here stewing until the next book comes out, ugh!
December 5, 2024
Could not put this book down 😭 the way the author ended chapters was brilliant imo, it constantly made me think critically about what happened or what was about to happen, so obvi finished it so fast. Can’t wait to read the next book!
January 25, 2024
No, no, no! I need more! You have such great cliffhangers but I hate them, but I also love them! I need the next book immediately please and thank you! Loved this book as much as the first!
I wanted to scream at Kallie at different points in this book for the decisions she’s making! Woman was infuriating but also heart breaking because you see what Domitous is doing to her and that she’s so much more than what shes settling as.
You can feel the revenge and the anger that graeson and the gang have for the bull king. How badly they seek to make things right for Kallie, Fynn and their kingdom.
That’s all on top of the radiating tension that’s between Gray and Kallie, the waiting on bated breath to see if things will go any further or in reality if Kallie will let herself get closer.
Graeson and the gang embark to try and rescue Kallie once again, but can she be saved from herself, from her father, from the prince? How much is she willing to sacrifice for power, for a crown? While the puzzle pieces come together we learn who the real manipulator is.
I wanted to scream at Kallie at different points in this book for the decisions she’s making! Woman was infuriating but also heart breaking because you see what Domitous is doing to her and that she’s so much more than what shes settling as.
You can feel the revenge and the anger that graeson and the gang have for the bull king. How badly they seek to make things right for Kallie, Fynn and their kingdom.
That’s all on top of the radiating tension that’s between Gray and Kallie, the waiting on bated breath to see if things will go any further or in reality if Kallie will let herself get closer.
Graeson and the gang embark to try and rescue Kallie once again, but can she be saved from herself, from her father, from the prince? How much is she willing to sacrifice for power, for a crown? While the puzzle pieces come together we learn who the real manipulator is.
November 13, 2023
Wow! The Crown's Shadow was such an amazing read! As someone who is a relatively new fantasy reader, I was so excited to read this 2nd book, and the author did not disappoint!
As with her debut novel, the author's ability to build tension and emotional depth between characters was mind blowing. The plot unravels with a wonderful mix of intrigue and unexpected surprises that left me guessing even after the final page.
I am so looking forward to the next in this series!
As with her debut novel, the author's ability to build tension and emotional depth between characters was mind blowing. The plot unravels with a wonderful mix of intrigue and unexpected surprises that left me guessing even after the final page.
I am so looking forward to the next in this series!
January 4, 2024
WHEW. This sequel made up for what I found lacking in the first one by a long shot - I'm glad I stuck with it even though I wasn't sure I wanted to after the first book. While the first 1/4 was still a little lacking, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it once I got into it.
It's not very often that a book can take me fully off-guard and have twists and turns I never could've guessed, but this one did it.
It's not very often that a book can take me fully off-guard and have twists and turns I never could've guessed, but this one did it.
January 15, 2024
Rating: 3.5!!!
Content: grief, guilt, violence
I have mixed feelings. I enjoyed this, I was entertained, I was into it, however didn't love where the story went. I liked the honesty of Kallie, but found myself irritated with her consistent determination. I WANTED HER TO WAKE UP. and I HATED the god and graeson part. this may be a spoiler but I just wanted graeson to be him and not dealing with rage from a god inside him. It felt weird to me and turned me away from the story.
ALSO I felt like this ended almost in the same spot the first one did. not really but I felt this book was drawn out and at moments drier.
Hate Sebastian with all of me and am waiting for gray to kill him slowly lol.
BUT I like the premise of the story, if the romance continues, which it must, it will be incredible. I think I would read book three, but hope that Kallie isn't so stubborn and gray gets the god out of him haha.
Content: grief, guilt, violence
I have mixed feelings. I enjoyed this, I was entertained, I was into it, however didn't love where the story went. I liked the honesty of Kallie, but found myself irritated with her consistent determination. I WANTED HER TO WAKE UP. and I HATED the god and graeson part. this may be a spoiler but I just wanted graeson to be him and not dealing with rage from a god inside him. It felt weird to me and turned me away from the story.
ALSO I felt like this ended almost in the same spot the first one did. not really but I felt this book was drawn out and at moments drier.
Hate Sebastian with all of me and am waiting for gray to kill him slowly lol.
BUT I like the premise of the story, if the romance continues, which it must, it will be incredible. I think I would read book three, but hope that Kallie isn't so stubborn and gray gets the god out of him haha.
December 11, 2023
Neena is back at it with such an amazing read!
The Crown's Shadow is book 2 in her Of Fire and Lies series and is a must read for all fantasy lovers.
It has all my favorites:
1. Slow burn
2. Morally grey characters
3. Plot twist
4. Found family
And is most definitely a 5 star epic read!
We come back in book two after leaving off on a major cliffhanger in book 1.
Kallie has landed in Frenzia, the home of her future husband King Rian. She is one step closer to getting the crown and finally pleasing her father. All she has to do now is make the King fall in love with her and win his trust. There's just one problem, she can't seem to get Graeson out of her mind. Not only are the nightmares of what happened back in Pontia plaguing her but so does he. Not to mention there may be others hard at work within the castle who will do what it takes to either put a stop to the wedding or make sure she falls in line as the good little Queen. All Kallie has ever wanted was power to be herself and to please her father, but can she accomplish both?
Graeson is devastated as Kallie has been ripped apart from him yet again. Not only did he lose her but everyone on Pontia is mourning the loss of Fynn. As they all struggle with their new reality Graeson can't just let Kallie go. He needs to go after her, not only for himself but for Kallie. He has a strange feeling that she is not entirely in control of herself and is hell bent on once again rescuing her. When he does reach her will he be able to convince her she belong with him?
What I truly love about Neena's writing is that she was able to create such a strong main female character. At times when a MFC is written and is stubborn or does something "wrong" we tend to villainize her and make it seem as if she is difficult. In this case she holds just as much power as any man. We can feel all of her emotions through the writing and want to cheer for her to come out on top at the end.
Speaking of endings... Neena our Queen of EPIC CLIFFHANGERS!
She will always leave you wanting more!
The timing, the plot, the character developments are all phenomenal.
The Crown's Shadow is book 2 in her Of Fire and Lies series and is a must read for all fantasy lovers.
It has all my favorites:
1. Slow burn
2. Morally grey characters
3. Plot twist
4. Found family
And is most definitely a 5 star epic read!
We come back in book two after leaving off on a major cliffhanger in book 1.
Kallie has landed in Frenzia, the home of her future husband King Rian. She is one step closer to getting the crown and finally pleasing her father. All she has to do now is make the King fall in love with her and win his trust. There's just one problem, she can't seem to get Graeson out of her mind. Not only are the nightmares of what happened back in Pontia plaguing her but so does he. Not to mention there may be others hard at work within the castle who will do what it takes to either put a stop to the wedding or make sure she falls in line as the good little Queen. All Kallie has ever wanted was power to be herself and to please her father, but can she accomplish both?
Graeson is devastated as Kallie has been ripped apart from him yet again. Not only did he lose her but everyone on Pontia is mourning the loss of Fynn. As they all struggle with their new reality Graeson can't just let Kallie go. He needs to go after her, not only for himself but for Kallie. He has a strange feeling that she is not entirely in control of herself and is hell bent on once again rescuing her. When he does reach her will he be able to convince her she belong with him?
What I truly love about Neena's writing is that she was able to create such a strong main female character. At times when a MFC is written and is stubborn or does something "wrong" we tend to villainize her and make it seem as if she is difficult. In this case she holds just as much power as any man. We can feel all of her emotions through the writing and want to cheer for her to come out on top at the end.
Speaking of endings... Neena our Queen of EPIC CLIFFHANGERS!
She will always leave you wanting more!
The timing, the plot, the character developments are all phenomenal.
November 25, 2023
Spoiler-free - a 4.5⭐️ read!
Wowza! Neena has done it again. It’s incredibly difficult to have a successful debut fantasy series, but Neena has done it! Kallie’s story continues on in this sequel and I will say, I think she is the first successful TRULY MORALLY GREY FMC I have read. I’ve read other popular fantasy series where the FMCs have done questionable things but it’s always been for the benefit of those they love. Kallie acts questionably for herself. There were multiple scenes where I wanted to shake Kallie by the shoulders, and others where I just wanted to wrap her up in a bear hug. This dichotomy made Kallie extremely relatable and her character continues to develop beautifully.
The Crown’s Shadow picks up right where TKW ends (amidst the heartbreaking cliffhanger). It follows Kallie on her journey back to her betrothed, with her father peering over her shoulder. We get a look at Kallie’s inner turmoil following her time with her literal found family and how they are once again her enemy. We also get Graeson’s POV, who grows more and more concerned that Kallie doesn’t have free rein of her own mind - regardless of her own powers of manipulation.
Everyone has their own rating system for the books they read. I rate books on how enjoyable the stories were and how addicted I was to reading them. I gave TCS 4.5⭐️ because I FLEW through it. I NEEDED to know what was going to happen next and the book kept me engaged. Neena also does fantastic with character development which kept me hooked. And don’t even talk to me about cliffhanger #2😩. Can’t wait for book three!🫶🏻
I was gifted this ARC in exchange for an honest review🤍.
Wowza! Neena has done it again. It’s incredibly difficult to have a successful debut fantasy series, but Neena has done it! Kallie’s story continues on in this sequel and I will say, I think she is the first successful TRULY MORALLY GREY FMC I have read. I’ve read other popular fantasy series where the FMCs have done questionable things but it’s always been for the benefit of those they love. Kallie acts questionably for herself. There were multiple scenes where I wanted to shake Kallie by the shoulders, and others where I just wanted to wrap her up in a bear hug. This dichotomy made Kallie extremely relatable and her character continues to develop beautifully.
The Crown’s Shadow picks up right where TKW ends (amidst the heartbreaking cliffhanger). It follows Kallie on her journey back to her betrothed, with her father peering over her shoulder. We get a look at Kallie’s inner turmoil following her time with her literal found family and how they are once again her enemy. We also get Graeson’s POV, who grows more and more concerned that Kallie doesn’t have free rein of her own mind - regardless of her own powers of manipulation.
Everyone has their own rating system for the books they read. I rate books on how enjoyable the stories were and how addicted I was to reading them. I gave TCS 4.5⭐️ because I FLEW through it. I NEEDED to know what was going to happen next and the book kept me engaged. Neena also does fantastic with character development which kept me hooked. And don’t even talk to me about cliffhanger #2😩. Can’t wait for book three!🫶🏻
I was gifted this ARC in exchange for an honest review🤍.
December 16, 2023
Jesus that was a struggle to get through. Why do we need countless paragraphs of inner dialogue? I was literally skipping Graeson’s chapters because they were so boring. And why would the King want to trade Kallie for Gray - he is literally useless if the king wants to manipulate him, he literally says that he can’t be manipulated, so what’s he going to use him for?
She was such a strong FMC but kept being pushed over but her mother in law to be, as well as her damn fiancé, girl stand up for yourself.
This had a lot of potential and it fell flat, disappointed.
Will I be reading the 3rd book? Yes just to where it goes.
Am I still absolutely furious that Fynn is dead? Yes, what was the reason for killing him off? GIVE ME A REASON.
She was such a strong FMC but kept being pushed over but her mother in law to be, as well as her damn fiancé, girl stand up for yourself.
This had a lot of potential and it fell flat, disappointed.
Will I be reading the 3rd book? Yes just to where it goes.
Am I still absolutely furious that Fynn is dead? Yes, what was the reason for killing him off? GIVE ME A REASON.
December 17, 2024
4.5⭐️/5⭐️
“You are deserving of love.” His eyes bounced between hers. “Whether it is mine or someone else’s. But by the gods and the sea, if you let me, I will do whatever it takes to prove to you that you are worthy of love.”
I devoured his book. Again ends in cliffhanger of course but leaves you needing more!!! I need more Graeson! Jumping soon into book 3. It is not a completed series. 4th book will release sometime in 2025.
“You are deserving of love.” His eyes bounced between hers. “Whether it is mine or someone else’s. But by the gods and the sea, if you let me, I will do whatever it takes to prove to you that you are worthy of love.”
I devoured his book. Again ends in cliffhanger of course but leaves you needing more!!! I need more Graeson! Jumping soon into book 3. It is not a completed series. 4th book will release sometime in 2025.
September 16, 2024
I loved this book as much as the first! I love seeing a morally gray FMC. The plot kept me intrigued the whole time. Rooting soooo badly for Kallie and Graeson. I also think this is a unique fantasy setting which I appreciated. To me, it was different and not similar to other fantasy books I have read. Patiently waiting for book three.
December 4, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
This book was just as good as the first one! This is a mostly spoiler free review, but major spoilers for the first book.
I really liked how we got both Kallie's and Graeson's POV throughout the book which helped to keep it interesting. On Kallie's end we see how King Domitius continues to have a hold over her even as she works her way to becoming queen of Frenzia as she uses her ability to lie and manipulate others to her will, even including her future husband King Rian. On the flipside, we see how Graeson is handling the fact that Kallie betrayed her newly found family and friends and played a role in the destruction of Pontia. He's determined to free her from Domitius' grasp and bring her home, even if that means starting a war.
The story started off a little slow, but it definitely picked up once Kallie and Graeson each determined their own "mission", and even more so once the two come face-to-face once again.
Neena did a great job at tackling grief throughout the book with Flynn's death. The characters all handled it differently, and it was especially heartbreaking reading about how Dani was affected but also determined to get revenge for him. Even Kallie had her own grief and felt guilty for the role she played in her brother's death. She also was grieving the fact that she betrayed her found family and struggled throughout the book determining whether the power of being queen was worth it all. You can also see her wavering support in King Domitius, but tries to compartmentalize everything. Her thoughts were very well-written even though I was shaking my head at the decisions Kallie was making half the time, but it fits her morally grey character.
I also really liked learning more about Graeson and his abilities through his POV. While nothing was outright revealed, one thing really surprised me and there were a couple assumptions that could be made... that's all I'll say.
Also the ending??? Nenna kills me with these cliffhangers! I'll be impatiently waiting for the next book. Thank you so much Neena for an ARC!
This book was just as good as the first one! This is a mostly spoiler free review, but major spoilers for the first book.
I really liked how we got both Kallie's and Graeson's POV throughout the book which helped to keep it interesting. On Kallie's end we see how King Domitius continues to have a hold over her even as she works her way to becoming queen of Frenzia as she uses her ability to lie and manipulate others to her will, even including her future husband King Rian. On the flipside, we see how Graeson is handling the fact that Kallie betrayed her newly found family and friends and played a role in the destruction of Pontia. He's determined to free her from Domitius' grasp and bring her home, even if that means starting a war.
The story started off a little slow, but it definitely picked up once Kallie and Graeson each determined their own "mission", and even more so once the two come face-to-face once again.
Neena did a great job at tackling grief throughout the book with Flynn's death. The characters all handled it differently, and it was especially heartbreaking reading about how Dani was affected but also determined to get revenge for him. Even Kallie had her own grief and felt guilty for the role she played in her brother's death. She also was grieving the fact that she betrayed her found family and struggled throughout the book determining whether the power of being queen was worth it all. You can also see her wavering support in King Domitius, but tries to compartmentalize everything. Her thoughts were very well-written even though I was shaking my head at the decisions Kallie was making half the time, but it fits her morally grey character.
I also really liked learning more about Graeson and his abilities through his POV. While nothing was outright revealed, one thing really surprised me and there were a couple assumptions that could be made... that's all I'll say.
Also the ending??? Nenna kills me with these cliffhangers! I'll be impatiently waiting for the next book. Thank you so much Neena for an ARC!
January 19, 2024
Rating 5/5
No spice! (but don't get sad, the future is looking bright :D)
Oh, man. How on earth do I begin to unravel this?
First things first, let me tell you, this book is an absolute 5 out of 5, and I am completely hooked.
Creating a book series where readers genuinely connect with the characters and get swept up in the unfolding story can be a challenge. With fantastic storytelling, you ride a rollercoaster of emotions. The initial book left me questioning the main character, thinking there was more to her story. When she turned out to be the main villain, it caught me off guard. I really disliked her, but I held out hope for more context. And let me tell you, this book exceeded all expectations.
The way the story unfolded was precisely what I needed. I'm itching for book 3 right now; the suspense is killing me. I'm totally invested. The only thing I wished for more of was the romance, but I understand that this book had to lay the groundwork for future events. It felt like a necessary sacrifice—delving into the main character's thought process, exploring the magic system, world-building, and adding depth to the characters. And boy, did it deliver.
Sure, there were moments when the book felt a bit too long, with some things repeated excessively. Yet, I get it; it's all part of building the story, and for a great story, that's essential.
Can we talk about Graeson? Oh my gosh, I'm head over heels for him! What a fantastic character. And our main character, I can't wait to see how she deals with everything. I hope they BOTH unleash rage and chaos—I'm all in for it!
If you've endured my rambling so far, just trust me, read the story with an open mind. It has depth, and you have to be willing to get lost in it. While there might not be a ton of romance or spice in this one, it sets the stage perfectly for those elements to bloom in the upcoming books. I'm beyond obsessed!
No spice! (but don't get sad, the future is looking bright :D)
Oh, man. How on earth do I begin to unravel this?
First things first, let me tell you, this book is an absolute 5 out of 5, and I am completely hooked.
Creating a book series where readers genuinely connect with the characters and get swept up in the unfolding story can be a challenge. With fantastic storytelling, you ride a rollercoaster of emotions. The initial book left me questioning the main character, thinking there was more to her story. When she turned out to be the main villain, it caught me off guard. I really disliked her, but I held out hope for more context. And let me tell you, this book exceeded all expectations.
The way the story unfolded was precisely what I needed. I'm itching for book 3 right now; the suspense is killing me. I'm totally invested. The only thing I wished for more of was the romance, but I understand that this book had to lay the groundwork for future events. It felt like a necessary sacrifice—delving into the main character's thought process, exploring the magic system, world-building, and adding depth to the characters. And boy, did it deliver.
Sure, there were moments when the book felt a bit too long, with some things repeated excessively. Yet, I get it; it's all part of building the story, and for a great story, that's essential.
Can we talk about Graeson? Oh my gosh, I'm head over heels for him! What a fantastic character. And our main character, I can't wait to see how she deals with everything. I hope they BOTH unleash rage and chaos—I'm all in for it!
If you've endured my rambling so far, just trust me, read the story with an open mind. It has depth, and you have to be willing to get lost in it. While there might not be a ton of romance or spice in this one, it sets the stage perfectly for those elements to bloom in the upcoming books. I'm beyond obsessed!
July 14, 2025
Kallie, or Princesses Kalizandre is the sole heir to the throne Artendol. She is also blessed with a gift. In fact, just by touching someone, she can make this person do her bidding. This gift is essential in her path to reach her goal that is to rule.
Her father is set on reuniting the various nations on the Continent and, of course, ruling all but he has promised his daughter that if she helps him achieve his goal, she will be permitted to rule one of the countries without his interference. A gala has been organized to that effect where any ruler or in line to be ruler, will be permitted to submit his candidacy for Kallie's hand in marriage.
After the brutal and cowardly murder of her brother Finn at the hands of that coward Sebastian, while they attacked her mother's realm setting everything a fire, Kallie and Myra are taken back to Frenzia where she is to be wed to king Rian.
Grayson, Dani and her other brother set forth on a long journey to the announced nuptials where they were invited, in order to retrieve Kallie and bring her back home. Another goal is to kill the king of
Artendol and end his reign of terror receipt and cruelty once and for all.
A revelation, at the very end, 497 pages later, will serve to fill in the blanks that have been left without any reasonable explanation throughout the first and this book.
In my honest opinion, the book is too long and the story appears to turn around in circles at times. It is a great story, but to any fantasy avid reader, the great revelation at the end was predictable. Remember what the king, her supposed father told her. He has eyes and ears everywhere.
A great story with too much information that delays, in my opinion, the plot For that reason, I rate this book with 3 Stars.
Her father is set on reuniting the various nations on the Continent and, of course, ruling all but he has promised his daughter that if she helps him achieve his goal, she will be permitted to rule one of the countries without his interference. A gala has been organized to that effect where any ruler or in line to be ruler, will be permitted to submit his candidacy for Kallie's hand in marriage.
After the brutal and cowardly murder of her brother Finn at the hands of that coward Sebastian, while they attacked her mother's realm setting everything a fire, Kallie and Myra are taken back to Frenzia where she is to be wed to king Rian.
Grayson, Dani and her other brother set forth on a long journey to the announced nuptials where they were invited, in order to retrieve Kallie and bring her back home. Another goal is to kill the king of
Artendol and end his reign of terror receipt and cruelty once and for all.
A revelation, at the very end, 497 pages later, will serve to fill in the blanks that have been left without any reasonable explanation throughout the first and this book.
In my honest opinion, the book is too long and the story appears to turn around in circles at times. It is a great story, but to any fantasy avid reader, the great revelation at the end was predictable. Remember what the king, her supposed father told her. He has eyes and ears everywhere.
A great story with too much information that delays, in my opinion, the plot For that reason, I rate this book with 3 Stars.
November 27, 2023
4.5/5 stars 1/5 spice
Kallie craves power above blood, family and love. It doesn’t matter who she steps on in her pursuit of power or does it? Kallie struggles to process the consequences and regrets of her actions while facing the promises she made to marry the Frenzian King. She attempts to create a relationship with her betrothed while continuing to do the bidding of her father. Kallie uses her gift and falls into line with her father’s plan but who’s really doing the manipulations? Kallie is trying to live up to the expectations of her father to earn his respect and love. And god is that not the most relatable thing.
On the other hand Graeson works through grief and the ever aching bond tying him to the girl at the epicenter of all of the problems. He can’t let her go and the beast within won’t allow it
This story picked off immediately where the last left off whisking you back into this fantasy land and into the company of this morally gray cast. I love Neena’s style of writing, she truly tugs at your heart making you feel the emotions of the characters as they navigate the treacherous emotional landscape. The betrayal…. my god!! Hurt so deeply and is written in the most. devastating manner. This book is utterly spectacular and Neena did even better with book 2. Now I literally will count the days until I can have book 3 in my hands
Kallie craves power above blood, family and love. It doesn’t matter who she steps on in her pursuit of power or does it? Kallie struggles to process the consequences and regrets of her actions while facing the promises she made to marry the Frenzian King. She attempts to create a relationship with her betrothed while continuing to do the bidding of her father. Kallie uses her gift and falls into line with her father’s plan but who’s really doing the manipulations? Kallie is trying to live up to the expectations of her father to earn his respect and love. And god is that not the most relatable thing.
On the other hand Graeson works through grief and the ever aching bond tying him to the girl at the epicenter of all of the problems. He can’t let her go and the beast within won’t allow it
This story picked off immediately where the last left off whisking you back into this fantasy land and into the company of this morally gray cast. I love Neena’s style of writing, she truly tugs at your heart making you feel the emotions of the characters as they navigate the treacherous emotional landscape. The betrayal…. my god!! Hurt so deeply and is written in the most. devastating manner. This book is utterly spectacular and Neena did even better with book 2. Now I literally will count the days until I can have book 3 in my hands
December 12, 2023
omg neena is the queen of cliffhangers and I hate/ love that about her
this is the second book in the of fire and lies book series so please skip this review if you haven’t read the first book
this book starts off right where the first one ends; kallie is taken by her father and betrays her blood family leaving one of them dead. her father, herself and the crew then travel to marry off kallie for political gain (mainly to benefit her father as of right now but I guess we will see in the future). I can’t say too much about the book without too many spoilers so its up to you to read it now 🫣
I cannot get over how attached I get to these characters and how badly I wish one of them wasn’t actually deceased. I cannot wait to see kallie and graeson’s relationship grow (or not grow, I don’t know at this point with neena)
this book checks everything that I love about fantasy books:
•dual pov
•mythical creatures
•enemies to lovers
•magical powers
neena does an amazing job with her endings of books and I cannot wait for the third book to come out
this is the second book in the of fire and lies book series so please skip this review if you haven’t read the first book
this book starts off right where the first one ends; kallie is taken by her father and betrays her blood family leaving one of them dead. her father, herself and the crew then travel to marry off kallie for political gain (mainly to benefit her father as of right now but I guess we will see in the future). I can’t say too much about the book without too many spoilers so its up to you to read it now 🫣
I cannot get over how attached I get to these characters and how badly I wish one of them wasn’t actually deceased. I cannot wait to see kallie and graeson’s relationship grow (or not grow, I don’t know at this point with neena)
this book checks everything that I love about fantasy books:
•dual pov
•mythical creatures
•enemies to lovers
•magical powers
neena does an amazing job with her endings of books and I cannot wait for the third book to come out
December 18, 2023
Not another cliff hanger!! So many amazing twists and turns during this book and I truly did not know how it was going to end. Neena does a great job making the reader feel things for all the characters, which makes every betrayal or death hard to cope with. This book does a great job of tackling very complex emotions and making them easier to relate to/understand. We see a very realistic portrayal of all the characters dealing with Fynn's death, which is sometimes overshadowed in the high-action fantasy books. I'm very excited to see how the story unfolds in book #3 because I need to know WHY Myra continued to betray Kallie. I need to know what Domitius is holding over her because I refuse to believe she's that evil. I also have to know what Fynn said to Kallie during her dream state. So many questions and theories!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2023
(Screams internally)
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. Life got in the way so I wasn’t able to read like I wanted to so I put it on the back burner.
But oh my! Dom is the epitome of evil incarnate! Like what is his motive, what is the reason? Like the person I least expected was the one pulling the strings. Prolonged pupperting makes you wonder what Kallie actually thinks, if thoughts haven’t been her own. It was like slow at first but the build up was worth it. I wanted to slap Rian, because there is no way you’re that oblivious and blind. I loved Kallie more, like i feel like she’s stepping into her own but it’s a little slow for me. Like pay attention, read the room! 😂
Overall I enjoyed it I just wanted more of Dom 😅
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. Life got in the way so I wasn’t able to read like I wanted to so I put it on the back burner.
But oh my! Dom is the epitome of evil incarnate! Like what is his motive, what is the reason? Like the person I least expected was the one pulling the strings. Prolonged pupperting makes you wonder what Kallie actually thinks, if thoughts haven’t been her own. It was like slow at first but the build up was worth it. I wanted to slap Rian, because there is no way you’re that oblivious and blind. I loved Kallie more, like i feel like she’s stepping into her own but it’s a little slow for me. Like pay attention, read the room! 😂
Overall I enjoyed it I just wanted more of Dom 😅
December 27, 2023
Neena did it again!! This is the book that i NEEDED after the plot twist/betrayal situation at the end of the King’s Weapon. The author did an excellent job of expanding upon exactly what went down in the last book - including everything that may have gone over your head (foreshadowing and even more secrets and lies).
Kallie is such a badass main character, and I admire how she continues to fight for herself even though the cards are stacked against her. I can’t wait to see where her character development goes in book 3.
And that cliffhanger at the end?? I need book 3 NOW!! What is going to happen to Kallie?? How is Graeson (🤤) going to deal with this being inside his head?? Is Dani… ok??
Consider me president of the Of Fire and Lies fan club because I am HERE FOR IT.
Kallie is such a badass main character, and I admire how she continues to fight for herself even though the cards are stacked against her. I can’t wait to see where her character development goes in book 3.
And that cliffhanger at the end?? I need book 3 NOW!! What is going to happen to Kallie?? How is Graeson (🤤) going to deal with this being inside his head?? Is Dani… ok??
Consider me president of the Of Fire and Lies fan club because I am HERE FOR IT.
January 9, 2024
WOW! Just wow!
I loved book 1, and book 2 was everything I didn’t know I needed and more. This was EVERYTHING.
The revelations! The plotting! The scheming! The absolutely brilliant writing! The way I am frantically trying to gather clues and put the puzzle pieces together before the big revelations that absolutely blow my freaking mind!!!
Perfection!
Neena’s writing just captures me and I am right along side the characters, heart pounding, living and loving every piece of the plot as it unfolds.
I cannot wait for the next book to be released, the cliffhanger endings are KILLING me!
These characters and this world is going to be living in my head constantly until I can get my hands on book 3.
I loved book 1, and book 2 was everything I didn’t know I needed and more. This was EVERYTHING.
The revelations! The plotting! The scheming! The absolutely brilliant writing! The way I am frantically trying to gather clues and put the puzzle pieces together before the big revelations that absolutely blow my freaking mind!!!
Perfection!
Neena’s writing just captures me and I am right along side the characters, heart pounding, living and loving every piece of the plot as it unfolds.
I cannot wait for the next book to be released, the cliffhanger endings are KILLING me!
These characters and this world is going to be living in my head constantly until I can get my hands on book 3.
December 16, 2023
This is exactly what I needed after the first book. I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC and was SO BLESSED BY NEENA. Having the last book end on a cliffhanger and feeling like my heart was being ripped out, this book RECOVERED ME.
Kal, Graeson, Dani, Terin, and all the additional characters made this story feel like family. I genuinely just loved this plot line with forgotten family and fated love. . ANWAYS I LOVED the entire plot of this series, but heartbreaking at the same time. AND another cliff hanger?? MESSED UP but -- INCREDIBLY AND IMPATIENTLY waiting for the next one **cries***.
Kal, Graeson, Dani, Terin, and all the additional characters made this story feel like family. I genuinely just loved this plot line with forgotten family and fated love. . ANWAYS I LOVED the entire plot of this series, but heartbreaking at the same time. AND another cliff hanger?? MESSED UP but -- INCREDIBLY AND IMPATIENTLY waiting for the next one **cries***.
November 19, 2023
Just like everyone else, I have been waiting for this second book to find out what was going to happen after the shocking turn of events in the first book. I was not disappointed…until the cliffhanger at the end. Neena must like to torture us! lol!
I enjoyed learning more about all the characters and meeting new ones, too. I am left contemplating what will happen next with them, as well as that which was introduced in the forest (won’t spoil it).
Now I will be waiting (likely impatiently) for the next book. Don’t make us wait too long!
I enjoyed learning more about all the characters and meeting new ones, too. I am left contemplating what will happen next with them, as well as that which was introduced in the forest (won’t spoil it).
Now I will be waiting (likely impatiently) for the next book. Don’t make us wait too long!
December 3, 2023
The beginning of the book was a little slow to start but then all of the action just took off. Finally getting to see Graesons god personality and what he can do and how much he cares for Kallie was amazing. All of the twists and turns make me so excited for book 3! There’s definitely a lot to come with this story and I am all in for what happens next. The FMC being the darker character is a great twist and Kallie keeps you excited to know what is next. The story took me a minute to get into but so worth it!!
November 30, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟.🌟
After the ending of book 1, I NEEDED to know what happened. This book did not disappoint!
I loved the pacing, character development, and the twists.
One of my favorite aspects of book 2 is getting to see how complicated the characters truly are.
The yearning, slow burn romance, mixed with the political intrigue of this magical realm, give this series the edge that I crave in a fantasy series.
Not so patiently waiting for the rest of this series!
After the ending of book 1, I NEEDED to know what happened. This book did not disappoint!
I loved the pacing, character development, and the twists.
One of my favorite aspects of book 2 is getting to see how complicated the characters truly are.
The yearning, slow burn romance, mixed with the political intrigue of this magical realm, give this series the edge that I crave in a fantasy series.
Not so patiently waiting for the rest of this series!
March 17, 2024
3.5 stars
THE CLIFFHANGER?!? WHAT?!
There were a couple things that I saw coming if I'm being honest. I had an inclining that a few things that transpired were to be....maybe I'm a seer???
Anyway, I will say I thought the book was a little long. There were some things that I didn't think were needed or they were explained too much. But it was a good YA book regardless.
I need the third book though
THE CLIFFHANGER?!? WHAT?!
There were a couple things that I saw coming if I'm being honest. I had an inclining that a few things that transpired were to be....maybe I'm a seer???
Anyway, I will say I thought the book was a little long. There were some things that I didn't think were needed or they were explained too much. But it was a good YA book regardless.
I need the third book though
September 8, 2024
I devoured this book after the cliffhanger at the end of the last one!! I absolutely loved it! It has twists, slow burn, betrayals, and some of the best-developed characters I’ve read in a while. Those. Twists. Though. The ending had me enraptured and I felt all of the emotions. I definitely did not expect that to be the ending of the book. I neeeeed the next one like now!
Definitely read this series! Why aren’t you reading it yet??
Definitely read this series! Why aren’t you reading it yet??
December 4, 2023
Neena has done it again. Another book that has humor, sass, and so much more. I don’t want to give anything away but you need to read this if you’ve read the previous book. I love everything this book has to offer. I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my review. My review is honest and genuine. I’m excited to see what Neena does next!
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