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The Broken Kingdoms #2
Un Royaume de Glace et de Cendres
Élise est une jeune femme rebelle. Nièce du roi, elle adore braver les interdits et se faufiler en secret dans les tripots et s'entraîner au maniement des armes. Une conduite que son oncle royal désapprouve totalement. Et pour la « protéger », il la confie à Légion Grey, un garde du corps. Il est arrogant, brutal, terriblement séduisant et il jette le trouble dans le coeur d'Élise. Mais autour d'eux, le royaume sombre dans le chaos. Une guerre entre les humains et les Faés se profile et les ennemis sont partout : un légendaire Spectre sanglant, un Prince de la Nuit dont on redoute le retour, et les Faés qui veulent reprendre la Couronne dont ils ont été dépossédés. Lorsqu'un coup d'état éclate, Élise est contrainte de s'enfuir avec Légion. La jeune femme va devoir choisir son camp. Va-t-elle soutenir son peuple qui a volé le Trône ? Ou bien l'homme qu'elle aime, mais dont les secrets pourraient la détruire ?
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2021
6993 people are currently reading
29279 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Andrews
69 books7,120 followersWriting is a beautiful thing.
I consider myself blessed I'm able to do this for a living. I live for fantasy books as a reader and author. I adore books like An Ember in the Ashes, The Night Angel Trilogy, Harry Potter, The Great Library series...I could go on.
Before I write I have four young humans I keep alive and love them to the stars and back again. I live in Utah with my sexy husband, the kiddos, two paranoid dogs, and a sinister cat. Between finishing a second degree, running a business, and eating too much chocolate, I love writing early in the morning when no one is awake. If you can't tell, I basically function on caffeine.
I consider myself blessed I'm able to do this for a living. I live for fantasy books as a reader and author. I adore books like An Ember in the Ashes, The Night Angel Trilogy, Harry Potter, The Great Library series...I could go on.
Before I write I have four young humans I keep alive and love them to the stars and back again. I live in Utah with my sexy husband, the kiddos, two paranoid dogs, and a sinister cat. Between finishing a second degree, running a business, and eating too much chocolate, I love writing early in the morning when no one is awake. If you can't tell, I basically function on caffeine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,985 reviews
December 7, 2022
the reason i picked up this sequel is because i was still interested in the concept of the overall story and plot enough to give it a try, even if i didnt like the authors writing in the first book.
but i have changed my mind. this installment didnt give me the engagement i needed in order to continue the series. the plot is drawn out, nothing really happens, the romance is lacklustre, and the writing is STILL so weird and hasnt gone through any editing.
i just think booktok has become so saturated with individuals trying to promote their own books that i can no longer rely on it to find new reading material. because it seems like the quality of stories has decreased and anything gets published these days if a video has enough views. :/
↠ 2 stars
but i have changed my mind. this installment didnt give me the engagement i needed in order to continue the series. the plot is drawn out, nothing really happens, the romance is lacklustre, and the writing is STILL so weird and hasnt gone through any editing.
i just think booktok has become so saturated with individuals trying to promote their own books that i can no longer rely on it to find new reading material. because it seems like the quality of stories has decreased and anything gets published these days if a video has enough views. :/
↠ 2 stars
February 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars!
This book was AMAZING!!! 🤯🔥 I did give it 4 stars instead of 5, but honestly… that’s completely on me because I read The Ever series first 😭 Like, the plot twist was still a plot twist, but maybe it didn’t hit me as hard as it would’ve otherwise? I hope that makes sense… 😅
That said—this book had EVERYTHING. Battles ⚔️, scheming 🖤, love 💕, and just a tiny sprinkle of spice 🌶️ (chef’s kiss). I absolutely devoured it. You could NOT physically remove me from my Kindle. Not happening. ❌📱
And can we talk about Elise?!?! I am SO sorry I ever doubted you, my queen 👑 I didn’t see much of her in The Ever series, so I couldn’t really form an opinion—and honestly, I’m SO glad about that because now I’m really getting to know her. She’s fierce, strong, loyal to her core, and just an incredible character. I am OBSESSED with how she never gave up on Valen, even when he had no hope left for the future. That kind of loyalty??? 😭🖤
Now… Daddy Valen. I mean—there’s no hiding it anymore 😌 These books are about HIM, and you all know how obsessed I am. He sparked something in me, and I was NOT wrong—he totally deserved his nickname. Daddy Valen forever 🫠🔥
EXCUSE ME??? SIR??? 🧎♀️🖤
And my baby Tor… Torsten… my heart is BROKEN 💔 I did NOT expect you to survive that, Tor 😭 I honestly don’t see how we move forward from here—but I do know how I will move forward: straight into the next book 📖➡️ because I am officially OBSESSED.
__________________________________
pre-read
Let’s GO, I need ANSWERS right now!!!
This book was AMAZING!!! 🤯🔥 I did give it 4 stars instead of 5, but honestly… that’s completely on me because I read The Ever series first 😭 Like, the plot twist was still a plot twist, but maybe it didn’t hit me as hard as it would’ve otherwise? I hope that makes sense… 😅
That said—this book had EVERYTHING. Battles ⚔️, scheming 🖤, love 💕, and just a tiny sprinkle of spice 🌶️ (chef’s kiss). I absolutely devoured it. You could NOT physically remove me from my Kindle. Not happening. ❌📱
And can we talk about Elise?!?! I am SO sorry I ever doubted you, my queen 👑 I didn’t see much of her in The Ever series, so I couldn’t really form an opinion—and honestly, I’m SO glad about that because now I’m really getting to know her. She’s fierce, strong, loyal to her core, and just an incredible character. I am OBSESSED with how she never gave up on Valen, even when he had no hope left for the future. That kind of loyalty??? 😭🖤
Now… Daddy Valen. I mean—there’s no hiding it anymore 😌 These books are about HIM, and you all know how obsessed I am. He sparked something in me, and I was NOT wrong—he totally deserved his nickname. Daddy Valen forever 🫠🔥
“My name is Valen Ferus, the Night Prince of Etta! And you, false king, you are in my seat.”
EXCUSE ME??? SIR??? 🧎♀️🖤
And my baby Tor… Torsten… my heart is BROKEN 💔 I did NOT expect you to survive that, Tor 😭 I honestly don’t see how we move forward from here—but I do know how I will move forward: straight into the next book 📖➡️ because I am officially OBSESSED.
__________________________________
pre-read
Let’s GO, I need ANSWERS right now!!!
March 9, 2025
✅ Better plot
✅ More action and politics
✅ Faes and magic
✅ 2 POVs
✅ Engaging ending and shocking revelation
✅ Found family
✅(🆗) Romance and some smut (mild)
✅🆗 Lack of history / Explanation of their beliefs
✅🆗 Some parts of the plot were too easy/convenient
🆗 I am still looking for the Viking vibe
3.5 stars
This book picks up shortly after the end of the first book. Valen wants revenge for his family’s death but does not want to take up his place as the rightful king of the Ettans, and Elise is a fugitive willing to fight for both the Ettans and Timorans. Siv and Elise end up working for the Agitators and their “king,” Ari, but they need to prove their worth and trustworthiness first, meaning they end up in dangerous situations. It changes, though, when Ari decides that he wants to ally with the Blood Wraith because he knows that there is a connection between Elise and the Wraith, and suddenly, Elise holds more importance to him.
Valen and Elise went their separate ways at the end of the first book, and they only get reunited about one quarter through this book. Having chapters from both points of view, though, helped us understand everything that was happening, and it made me even more excited for them to get reunited. I do not mind the main characters being apart, as long as it is not for too long otherwise, I get frustrated and annoyed. One thing that I noticed after a while, though, is that Elise and Valen’s inner voices or internal monologues felt similar. Sometimes, I would forget whose chapter I was reading and would have to go back and check because their voice and thoughts felt the same (not always, though, but it did happen a few times).
I am happy to see that Elise kept her backbone. Once Ari decides he wants to ally with the Blood Wraith, he tries to use Elise to control him, and Elise finds herself once again used as a pawn, but this time, she does not remain quiet, and she lets Ari know clearly what she thinks of his manipulations.
While the plot is more engaging in this sequel, some parts felt very convenient. The fact that the Blood Wraith and his trusted friend were able to infiltrate a highly secured prison is one thing since they are Night Folks with strong magic, but the fact that Ari’s group was also able to do it when they only had a few hours to plan (at most) makes no sense. It felt way too easy for them all to enter the prison and wander where they wanted to go. Even going out of the prison after they were done felt too easy. Sure, there was a distraction, but this prison has a reputation of being secure and nearly impenetrable, and it didn’t live up to it.
Ari is a new character introduced at the end of the first book. He proclaimed himself as the new King of the Night Folks and seems to be set up as a potential second love interest, too. Not in the sense that Elise develops feelings for him, too, and she is stuck between Ari and Valen, but in the sense that she comes to trust Ari and realizes that he wants to help his people and that an alliance between them might be what he needs to succeed. Still, Elise does not want to marry for politics, and I also don’t get why she trusts Ari. He used her and was willing to let her get killed at first, and now he has decided that she is interesting and has value, so he wants to make her his consort.
This tentative of adding a second love interest of adding drama to the romance fell flat for me. If Ari was more likable from the start, or if we’d had more time to see him interact decently with Elise, maybe I would buy it and the romantic complications it might bring, but as it is, I didn’t care for him. I couldn’t wait for Valen to reveal his true identity and get rid of Ari and his arrogance. There is a wannabe playful side to Ari, but it fell flat because he also felt conceited at times and too arrogant to be a true good leader... That is, until Valen finally reveals his true identity, and suddenly, Ari is all nice and repentant, and he becomes a nice character that I could really like. I just find it sad that it took so long for him to be likable. I do think there would have been a way for him to be arrogant but still likable (you know, someone like Nikolai from the Grishaverse).
Valen and Elise are made for each other, obviously, but their game of push and pull got annoying after a while. Nothing really happens between them for the first half of the book because Valen wants to keep Elise away to protect her, and Elise does not want to get attached when she knows Valen will leave eventually, yet they can’t resist each other and kiss passionately, only to go back to kind of ignoring each other. There was potential for good angst here, but the way it was developed did not deliver on the angst, it only made me roll my eyes at their tentative to avoid each other and weird miscommunication.
The found family trope is still there, and we saw more of Halvar and Tor in this sequel. They were as present as in the first book, but there were more interactions between Elise and them, and we can see how they are starting to like her and how protective of them she has become. I am eager to see them grow even closer and stronger together in the next book.
Despite the few elements of the plot that I liked less, the pace was good, and it was easy to read “just one more chapter.” There is more action and politics in this book, and maybe the fact that I disliked Ari and couldn’t wait for Valen to put him back in his place helped, too, because I kept on reading, waiting for this moment to finally happen. The ending is also very engaging, with a hint of Jarl and the imposter King and Queen (you know, just to remind us how easy to hate they are) and a shocking revelation that I did see coming, but that was still a good twist.
I am still looking for the Viking vibe I was promised with this series. There are a few terms dropped here and there that refer to Scandinavian or Norse mythology, but that’s it. Nothing is elaborated, and we still don’t know much about their belief system, even though Gods are mentioned a few times or about their relationship with the neighboring kingdoms.
This is a minor detail, but a few sentences here and there sound weird. I don’t know if it’s a “me” problem because English is not my first language or if it is because there is a need for another round of editing. I am also still not sure about the meaning of the title, seeing as ice and ash had nothing to do with the plot or the fury used by either group.
Overall, I enjoyed this book more than the first one. The characters are better fleshed out, and the plot is also more interesting. There is more action and politics and fewer meaningless and mundane conversations about finding a suitable husband for Elise. I will read the third book for sure, especially since it’s the “ending” of Elise and Valen’s series, but I am still not sure if I will continue after that for six more books. I guess it will depend on how much I enjoy the third book.
1.Curse of Shadows and Thorns ⭐⭐⭐
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✅ More action and politics
✅ Faes and magic
✅ 2 POVs
✅ Engaging ending and shocking revelation
✅ Found family
✅(🆗) Romance and some smut (mild)
✅🆗 Lack of history / Explanation of their beliefs
✅🆗 Some parts of the plot were too easy/convenient
🆗 I am still looking for the Viking vibe
3.5 stars
This book picks up shortly after the end of the first book. Valen wants revenge for his family’s death but does not want to take up his place as the rightful king of the Ettans, and Elise is a fugitive willing to fight for both the Ettans and Timorans. Siv and Elise end up working for the Agitators and their “king,” Ari, but they need to prove their worth and trustworthiness first, meaning they end up in dangerous situations. It changes, though, when Ari decides that he wants to ally with the Blood Wraith because he knows that there is a connection between Elise and the Wraith, and suddenly, Elise holds more importance to him.
Valen and Elise went their separate ways at the end of the first book, and they only get reunited about one quarter through this book. Having chapters from both points of view, though, helped us understand everything that was happening, and it made me even more excited for them to get reunited. I do not mind the main characters being apart, as long as it is not for too long otherwise, I get frustrated and annoyed. One thing that I noticed after a while, though, is that Elise and Valen’s inner voices or internal monologues felt similar. Sometimes, I would forget whose chapter I was reading and would have to go back and check because their voice and thoughts felt the same (not always, though, but it did happen a few times).
“I grow so weary of pretentious kings thinking they have a say in my life. Consider me no longer your burden to bear. My fate is mine.”
I am happy to see that Elise kept her backbone. Once Ari decides he wants to ally with the Blood Wraith, he tries to use Elise to control him, and Elise finds herself once again used as a pawn, but this time, she does not remain quiet, and she lets Ari know clearly what she thinks of his manipulations.
While the plot is more engaging in this sequel, some parts felt very convenient. The fact that the Blood Wraith and his trusted friend were able to infiltrate a highly secured prison is one thing since they are Night Folks with strong magic, but the fact that Ari’s group was also able to do it when they only had a few hours to plan (at most) makes no sense. It felt way too easy for them all to enter the prison and wander where they wanted to go. Even going out of the prison after they were done felt too easy. Sure, there was a distraction, but this prison has a reputation of being secure and nearly impenetrable, and it didn’t live up to it.
“Ari, I would challenge you on nearly everything. I’d drive you mad. It is not my nature to remain silent.”
Ari is a new character introduced at the end of the first book. He proclaimed himself as the new King of the Night Folks and seems to be set up as a potential second love interest, too. Not in the sense that Elise develops feelings for him, too, and she is stuck between Ari and Valen, but in the sense that she comes to trust Ari and realizes that he wants to help his people and that an alliance between them might be what he needs to succeed. Still, Elise does not want to marry for politics, and I also don’t get why she trusts Ari. He used her and was willing to let her get killed at first, and now he has decided that she is interesting and has value, so he wants to make her his consort.
This tentative of adding a second love interest of adding drama to the romance fell flat for me. If Ari was more likable from the start, or if we’d had more time to see him interact decently with Elise, maybe I would buy it and the romantic complications it might bring, but as it is, I didn’t care for him. I couldn’t wait for Valen to reveal his true identity and get rid of Ari and his arrogance. There is a wannabe playful side to Ari, but it fell flat because he also felt conceited at times and too arrogant to be a true good leader... That is, until Valen finally reveals his true identity, and suddenly, Ari is all nice and repentant, and he becomes a nice character that I could really like. I just find it sad that it took so long for him to be likable. I do think there would have been a way for him to be arrogant but still likable (you know, someone like Nikolai from the Grishaverse).
I would not keep wounding my heart for a man who would not take it for his own.
Valen and Elise are made for each other, obviously, but their game of push and pull got annoying after a while. Nothing really happens between them for the first half of the book because Valen wants to keep Elise away to protect her, and Elise does not want to get attached when she knows Valen will leave eventually, yet they can’t resist each other and kiss passionately, only to go back to kind of ignoring each other. There was potential for good angst here, but the way it was developed did not deliver on the angst, it only made me roll my eyes at their tentative to avoid each other and weird miscommunication.
Halvar talked too much, loved too thoroughly, and was loyal to the end.
The found family trope is still there, and we saw more of Halvar and Tor in this sequel. They were as present as in the first book, but there were more interactions between Elise and them, and we can see how they are starting to like her and how protective of them she has become. I am eager to see them grow even closer and stronger together in the next book.
Despite the few elements of the plot that I liked less, the pace was good, and it was easy to read “just one more chapter.” There is more action and politics in this book, and maybe the fact that I disliked Ari and couldn’t wait for Valen to put him back in his place helped, too, because I kept on reading, waiting for this moment to finally happen. The ending is also very engaging, with a hint of Jarl and the imposter King and Queen (you know, just to remind us how easy to hate they are) and a shocking revelation that I did see coming, but that was still a good twist.
I am still looking for the Viking vibe I was promised with this series. There are a few terms dropped here and there that refer to Scandinavian or Norse mythology, but that’s it. Nothing is elaborated, and we still don’t know much about their belief system, even though Gods are mentioned a few times or about their relationship with the neighboring kingdoms.
This is a minor detail, but a few sentences here and there sound weird. I don’t know if it’s a “me” problem because English is not my first language or if it is because there is a need for another round of editing. I am also still not sure about the meaning of the title, seeing as ice and ash had nothing to do with the plot or the fury used by either group.
Overall, I enjoyed this book more than the first one. The characters are better fleshed out, and the plot is also more interesting. There is more action and politics and fewer meaningless and mundane conversations about finding a suitable husband for Elise. I will read the third book for sure, especially since it’s the “ending” of Elise and Valen’s series, but I am still not sure if I will continue after that for six more books. I guess it will depend on how much I enjoy the third book.
1.Curse of Shadows and Thorns ⭐⭐⭐
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February 11, 2026
Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, clearly I have a thing for heartbreak…
I’m starting to realise that Andrews is quite formulaic. She scatters breadcrumbs for us follow like Hansel and Gretel, lulling us into a false sense of safety, only to march us straight to the witch’s hut in the final fifth of the book - where we’re promptly laid on the chopping block and emotionally butchered. I didn’t consent to this 😭
Now that I see the method in the madness, at least I’ll be braced for what’s coming next.
The two stages of reading Court of Ice and Ash
Stage 1 :
This lacks passion. Where is the hunger? The ache? The ferocity? Where is the man who burned through the pages of The Ever Queen. Where is the want? The yearning? I was waiting for a love that feels like a battle and a vow all at once. I’m waxing poetic right now, but I can’t believe my Valen is a runner. He runs from love, from passion, from his birthright and his responsibility. He’s a bloody runner. Did I fall in love with potential? Was I bookfished?
Girl, at least you’ve got his mother. I've got nothing.
Stage 2 :
I have to admit that this may also be a me problem. I think what we’re witnessing is Valen’s becoming, his slow shaping into the man he will eventually be. That might work beautifully for a reader encountering this world for the first time, or for someone not yet acquainted with the depth of passion Andrews is capable of. For me, though, having already tasted that fire, when it comes to Andrews’s books…
But thank heavens because somewhere along the way Valen eventually wakes the hell up:
These lines and the fact that he chooses Elise in the end made up for a lot of my frustration… but we’re still a long way from done.
Elise, on the other hand, is unwavering in her love throughout the book. She’s resolute, loyal, and quietly powerful. It’s beautiful to watch because although she yearns for Valen, she never loses herself to that longing.
I know that Valen tried to protect her by staying away from her but now he has a lot to make up for in the next book.
On less critical matters - aka the “real” plot 🤭: After Elise and Valen are separated in book 1, she ends up with a group of Ettans and Nightfolk who have rallied behind a new king, Ari. Ari has decided to wage war against the false king who sits on the throne in the Court of Ravenspire, and he needs Valen’s help.
Other things you need to know:
👫 Elise and Valen reunite at the 30% mark
⚔️ This is supposed to be part Viking, part fae tale… but I guess the Viking booked a holiday and left the fae to handle everything.
🌋 I thought the title meant something but it feels like “court,” “ash,” “shadows,” and “ice” are just essential ingredients thrown together for a fantasy book title nowadays.
Spice is a 🌶️🌶️ out of 5
3.5 stars and 2 books down, 7 to go!
I’m starting to realise that Andrews is quite formulaic. She scatters breadcrumbs for us follow like Hansel and Gretel, lulling us into a false sense of safety, only to march us straight to the witch’s hut in the final fifth of the book - where we’re promptly laid on the chopping block and emotionally butchered. I didn’t consent to this 😭
Now that I see the method in the madness, at least I’ll be braced for what’s coming next.
The two stages of reading Court of Ice and Ash
Stage 1 :
This lacks passion. Where is the hunger? The ache? The ferocity? Where is the man who burned through the pages of The Ever Queen. Where is the want? The yearning? I was waiting for a love that feels like a battle and a vow all at once. I’m waxing poetic right now, but I can’t believe my Valen is a runner. He runs from love, from passion, from his birthright and his responsibility. He’s a bloody runner. Did I fall in love with potential? Was I bookfished?
❝ Inside, I dimmed all the light but for one candle, slipped into a thin chemise, and opened Lilianna’s journal. The only way I found nearness with the Night Prince lately was through the memories of his mother.❞
Girl, at least you’ve got his mother. I've got nothing.
Stage 2 :
I have to admit that this may also be a me problem. I think what we’re witnessing is Valen’s becoming, his slow shaping into the man he will eventually be. That might work beautifully for a reader encountering this world for the first time, or for someone not yet acquainted with the depth of passion Andrews is capable of. For me, though, having already tasted that fire, when it comes to Andrews’s books…
But thank heavens because somewhere along the way Valen eventually wakes the hell up:
❝ You command me.” He smiled against my mouth. “All of me. Irritating, since I am a prince. ❞
❝ Never doubt for whom my heart beats. ❞
These lines and the fact that he chooses Elise in the end made up for a lot of my frustration… but we’re still a long way from done.
Elise, on the other hand, is unwavering in her love throughout the book. She’s resolute, loyal, and quietly powerful. It’s beautiful to watch because although she yearns for Valen, she never loses herself to that longing.
❝ I have only known him to be loyal. Gentle. The most attentive man I’ve met. You wish to shame me for being his lover, but I could never bear shame for such a thing. Anything I ask, he would give it unconditionally. ❞
I know that Valen tried to protect her by staying away from her but now he has a lot to make up for in the next book.
On less critical matters - aka the “real” plot 🤭: After Elise and Valen are separated in book 1, she ends up with a group of Ettans and Nightfolk who have rallied behind a new king, Ari. Ari has decided to wage war against the false king who sits on the throne in the Court of Ravenspire, and he needs Valen’s help.
Other things you need to know:
👫 Elise and Valen reunite at the 30% mark
⚔️ This is supposed to be part Viking, part fae tale… but I guess the Viking booked a holiday and left the fae to handle everything.
🌋 I thought the title meant something but it feels like “court,” “ash,” “shadows,” and “ice” are just essential ingredients thrown together for a fantasy book title nowadays.
Spice is a 🌶️🌶️ out of 5
3.5 stars and 2 books down, 7 to go!
March 6, 2023
As interesting and compelling as this story is it's severely lacking the in the romance department. Considering I'm under the impression that this is being marketed as a romantasy (romance fantasy) I'm having to squint really hard to find it in there. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing but again I was under the impression this was a romantasy so I'm expecting it and it just isn't there.
All the Blood And Ash comparisons are definitely out the window by this point. I'm still very much enjoying the characters and the story. The twists that are creeping up are fantastic but I'm losing the wind in my sails for moving forward with this series.
All the Blood And Ash comparisons are definitely out the window by this point. I'm still very much enjoying the characters and the story. The twists that are creeping up are fantastic but I'm losing the wind in my sails for moving forward with this series.
January 19, 2026
A step in the right direction for this series.
This is still a fairly average romantasy series, but I enjoyed this one a little more than the first. The action was ramped up, the development seemed better now that it had an entire book to pull from, and the ending was really good with a twist that I should have seen coming considering I already read Ever King/Queen, but I totally forgot 😅
I know a little bit about the other stories in this series, and I think the storylines and the couples are only going to go up from here, so I'm excited to keep going ❤️
This is still a fairly average romantasy series, but I enjoyed this one a little more than the first. The action was ramped up, the development seemed better now that it had an entire book to pull from, and the ending was really good with a twist that I should have seen coming considering I already read Ever King/Queen, but I totally forgot 😅
I know a little bit about the other stories in this series, and I think the storylines and the couples are only going to go up from here, so I'm excited to keep going ❤️
December 22, 2022
3.5 Ettan Stars ⭐️
I am not sure what the title means to the story as neither court really used Ice or Ash…but overall from a storyline perspective this sequel was better than the first book, but I’m a little underwhelmed and feel this is more a 3.5 than a solid 4 that book 1 was.
Slight spoilers from Curse of Shadows and Thorns
This book starts off almost exactly where book 1 ended. Valen (god I hate his real name, Legion Grey is just soooo much better) does not want to be the King the land has chosen and instead has his heart set on his quest for vengeance and revenge against the Timoran’s. Since Valen basically chose his revenge over Elise, they went there separate paths which leads to Elise and Siv needing to prove their trustworthiness to the Agitators. Through a stupid heist Halvar is captured and taken to the Fury Quarries. Meanwhile Ari, the head of the Agitators, a Fae who has proclaimed himself the rightful King, has use for the “Blood Wraith” (not knowing Legion Grey is also the Blood Wraith AND the Night Prince) and knows that Elise would be the key to persuade him to join the Agitators. So in order to get the Blood Wraith on their side the Agitator’s attempt to rescue Halvar and the fates of our two lovers are entwined again as Valen also has plans to rescue Halvar on the same night…
This book introduces a split POV for both Valen and Elise and while it does help give a little more character development for the two, I often found myself confused by whose internal monologue I was reading. Often the voice of the characters blended together a little two easily or weren’t as distinctly different that I had to think hard or reread sections to remember if this was from Valen or Elise’s POV.
What makes this book a little meh is a few things.
1. The romance is lacklustre. Nothing happens between the characters for almost 50% of the book because they are both constantly wishy washy about what they want and feel and try to stay away. But one touch and then they kiss to go back to avoiding each other like the plague. It felt like they spent too long fighting what they felt for each other and then like a light bulb it just switched back on - in almost instalovie vibes that was a bit unbelievable. 🤢
2. The pace of the plot is strange, it goes from a really good pace that I was lapping up, to being incredibly slow and moving nowhere to again speeding through the end.
3. The plot remains too predictable even for my taste of reading the same tropes over and over, that it almost feels childish how predictable the “twist” was.
4. The plot also really doesn’t go anywhere, it’s almost like most of this could have just been added to book 1 (to make it longer than it was) and made this a duology, instead of have us suffer through a book with “middle book syndrome.”
5. Elise’s character feels flat and emotionless. Whist I understand that Valen betrayed her and broke her heart, she deals with this by feeling nothing. It ends up making her a very uninteresting character that I didn’t want to read her POV because it was constantly the same pity party in her head about how Valen didn’t chose her and how she couldn’t understand why he didn’t want to be King and how she had the emotions of a potato.
6. The soft attempt of a Love Triangle was almost there and as much as I don’t really like Love Triangles it would have added a little more angst to an already drawn out plot that might have given it that little extra thing it needed to not feel boring.
7. Valen’s Name… have I mentioned already how I don’t like the new one?
Overall slightly disappointed in this book, I still devoured it in a day so it’s a really easy read and I didn’t have as many frustrations in the writing as I had with book 1, so the editing seems a little more polished. I am going to give the last book a try but if it’s underwhelming as well I don’t think I’d continue with the story.
I am not sure what the title means to the story as neither court really used Ice or Ash…but overall from a storyline perspective this sequel was better than the first book, but I’m a little underwhelmed and feel this is more a 3.5 than a solid 4 that book 1 was.
Slight spoilers from Curse of Shadows and Thorns
This book starts off almost exactly where book 1 ended. Valen (god I hate his real name, Legion Grey is just soooo much better) does not want to be the King the land has chosen and instead has his heart set on his quest for vengeance and revenge against the Timoran’s. Since Valen basically chose his revenge over Elise, they went there separate paths which leads to Elise and Siv needing to prove their trustworthiness to the Agitators. Through a stupid heist Halvar is captured and taken to the Fury Quarries. Meanwhile Ari, the head of the Agitators, a Fae who has proclaimed himself the rightful King, has use for the “Blood Wraith” (not knowing Legion Grey is also the Blood Wraith AND the Night Prince) and knows that Elise would be the key to persuade him to join the Agitators. So in order to get the Blood Wraith on their side the Agitator’s attempt to rescue Halvar and the fates of our two lovers are entwined again as Valen also has plans to rescue Halvar on the same night…
This book introduces a split POV for both Valen and Elise and while it does help give a little more character development for the two, I often found myself confused by whose internal monologue I was reading. Often the voice of the characters blended together a little two easily or weren’t as distinctly different that I had to think hard or reread sections to remember if this was from Valen or Elise’s POV.
What makes this book a little meh is a few things.
1. The romance is lacklustre. Nothing happens between the characters for almost 50% of the book because they are both constantly wishy washy about what they want and feel and try to stay away. But one touch and then they kiss to go back to avoiding each other like the plague. It felt like they spent too long fighting what they felt for each other and then like a light bulb it just switched back on - in almost instalovie vibes that was a bit unbelievable. 🤢
2. The pace of the plot is strange, it goes from a really good pace that I was lapping up, to being incredibly slow and moving nowhere to again speeding through the end.
3. The plot remains too predictable even for my taste of reading the same tropes over and over, that it almost feels childish how predictable the “twist” was.
4. The plot also really doesn’t go anywhere, it’s almost like most of this could have just been added to book 1 (to make it longer than it was) and made this a duology, instead of have us suffer through a book with “middle book syndrome.”
5. Elise’s character feels flat and emotionless. Whist I understand that Valen betrayed her and broke her heart, she deals with this by feeling nothing. It ends up making her a very uninteresting character that I didn’t want to read her POV because it was constantly the same pity party in her head about how Valen didn’t chose her and how she couldn’t understand why he didn’t want to be King and how she had the emotions of a potato.
6. The soft attempt of a Love Triangle was almost there and as much as I don’t really like Love Triangles it would have added a little more angst to an already drawn out plot that might have given it that little extra thing it needed to not feel boring.
7. Valen’s Name… have I mentioned already how I don’t like the new one?
Overall slightly disappointed in this book, I still devoured it in a day so it’s a really easy read and I didn’t have as many frustrations in the writing as I had with book 1, so the editing seems a little more polished. I am going to give the last book a try but if it’s underwhelming as well I don’t think I’d continue with the story.
March 24, 2022
4 Stars
Still good. I wish I would have gotten a bit more longing from the hero though since he's always the one pushing away, but thankfully he made up for it a bit later on. Finally theyre together though😌
Still good. I wish I would have gotten a bit more longing from the hero though since he's always the one pushing away, but thankfully he made up for it a bit later on. Finally theyre together though😌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
Estoy molesta. Creo que se coloca en el ránking de peores libros del año. Lo único bueno ahora mismo que le saco es la idea del argumento y que es como una telenovela de domingo. Sabes que es mala y aún así te quedas. No le pongo 1 estrella porque me da apuro.
• ¿Los protagonistas? Dos besugos y en vez de comportarse como adultos, sobre todo el personaje masculino: se comportan como niños pequeños donde la comunicación es inviable.
• Todas las preguntas que me hice del primer libro son agua pasada porque no se les da ni siquiera trasfondo por lo que hay lagunas de información.
• El intento de plagio indirecto ya en el primero me hizo gracia, pero en este segundo no. No les importa ni poner un titulo que no se asemeje a los libros a los que se intenta plagiar.
No sé si seguiré leyendo. Como he dicho son como telenovelas y cuando me pillan con las defensas bajas me rindo.
• ¿Los protagonistas? Dos besugos y en vez de comportarse como adultos, sobre todo el personaje masculino: se comportan como niños pequeños donde la comunicación es inviable.
• Todas las preguntas que me hice del primer libro son agua pasada porque no se les da ni siquiera trasfondo por lo que hay lagunas de información.
• El intento de plagio indirecto ya en el primero me hizo gracia, pero en este segundo no. No les importa ni poner un titulo que no se asemeje a los libros a los que se intenta plagiar.
No sé si seguiré leyendo. Como he dicho son como telenovelas y cuando me pillan con las defensas bajas me rindo.
July 19, 2025
Full review to come: YES !!!! Slow burn + Yearning + some burn things down = fun times. Valen is just such the burn the world down for revenge kinda guy I adore. Not even upset he chose revenge over Elise. Cause our girl Elise is like fine I go do my own thing thanks. Then they get thrown back together and the fun just doesn’t stop. I could probably highlight like a ridiculous amount of amazing things Valen says that are just super swoon worthy. Love the found family and continued community that’s built along with more world building. Can’t wait to see where we get taken next !!!!
August 24, 2024
4,5 Sterne
Wow, das hat mir sogar noch besser gefallen als der erste Band!
Ich hatte nach dem Ende des ersten Buches ein wenig Bammel, in welche Richtung sich die Geschichte hier in diesem Buch weiterentwickelt. Meine Sorge war allerdings unbegründet, denn ich fand es richtig gut gelöst und empfand die Storyline als recht einzigartig. Etwas wirklich vergleichbares habe ich noch nicht gelesen.
Das Worldbuilding wurde hier noch weiter ausgebaut, ebenso wie das Magiesystem und ich habe beides geliebt! Auch unsere Charaktere lernt man hier noch besser kennen und sie entwickeln sich weiter, indem sie versuchen in ihre neuen Rollen hineinzuwachsen. Dabei mochte ich vor allem wie vielschichtig sowohl Elise als auch Legion dargestellt werden. Auch die Charaktere, die in diesem Teil neu hinzukamen, fand ich super, was ich anfangs nicht vermutet hätte.
Das Erzähltempo war wieder ziemlich rasant, ich empfand keine Seite als langweilig. Die Story wird abwechselnd aus Elise und Legions Perspektive erzählt und ich liebe es bei Fantasy mehrere POVs zu verfolgen! Vor allem das letzte Drittel hielt nochmal einiges an Spannung, Plottwists und Enthüllungen bereit. Und trotz allem kamen auch der Spice und die Gefühle nicht zu kurz, haben aber auch nicht den eigentlichen Plot überlagert.
Von mir bisher eine klare Empfehlung für die Reihe, ich mache direkt mit Band 3 weiter!
Wow, das hat mir sogar noch besser gefallen als der erste Band!
Ich hatte nach dem Ende des ersten Buches ein wenig Bammel, in welche Richtung sich die Geschichte hier in diesem Buch weiterentwickelt. Meine Sorge war allerdings unbegründet, denn ich fand es richtig gut gelöst und empfand die Storyline als recht einzigartig. Etwas wirklich vergleichbares habe ich noch nicht gelesen.
Das Worldbuilding wurde hier noch weiter ausgebaut, ebenso wie das Magiesystem und ich habe beides geliebt! Auch unsere Charaktere lernt man hier noch besser kennen und sie entwickeln sich weiter, indem sie versuchen in ihre neuen Rollen hineinzuwachsen. Dabei mochte ich vor allem wie vielschichtig sowohl Elise als auch Legion dargestellt werden. Auch die Charaktere, die in diesem Teil neu hinzukamen, fand ich super, was ich anfangs nicht vermutet hätte.
Das Erzähltempo war wieder ziemlich rasant, ich empfand keine Seite als langweilig. Die Story wird abwechselnd aus Elise und Legions Perspektive erzählt und ich liebe es bei Fantasy mehrere POVs zu verfolgen! Vor allem das letzte Drittel hielt nochmal einiges an Spannung, Plottwists und Enthüllungen bereit. Und trotz allem kamen auch der Spice und die Gefühle nicht zu kurz, haben aber auch nicht den eigentlichen Plot überlagert.
Von mir bisher eine klare Empfehlung für die Reihe, ich mache direkt mit Band 3 weiter!
March 17, 2024
“I wish to be anywhere you are, Elise Lysander. I have lost everyone. I watched them be used against me, watched them be tortured. But the thought of losing you is worse than any agony I’ve felt in the past. And I hate myself for it.”
Elise Lysander stole my heart when it was still cursed. I never took it back.
This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites!!
*spoilers for book 1*
The next book ended withLegion Valen going away from Elise along with his guild, Halvar and Tor in order to get revenge on the king for destroying his family. Which I got so annoyed at but already got my anger out in the first review.
And so they start doing everything they can to interfere and ruin the king.
They claimed vengeance, but all three of the Ferus court had too big of hearts. They’d never succeed in their plans. They cared too much.
Elise and Siv went to seek the Agitators for refuge and to join their cause. Since Valen told Elise he doesn’t want the crown, she needs to find other ways to return the kingdom to what it was.
I would do all I could to get the Night Prince to see he could be more. He could rise as the man Etta needed, but I would not keep wounding my heart for a man who would not take it for his own.
Obviously, at first, the leader are suspicious of her, and Elise needs to prove her loyalty, and so they're being tested.
Once joined their group, Ari, the leader of the agitators and the one who was declared king, finds out Elise knew The Blood Wraith and decide he'll be a great asset to them and start looking for him.
Elise and Valen meet again when the Agitators went to rescue someone important to The Blood Wraith, and while they helped him and his guild, the three end up with their magic shackled by Ari's order, until they'll tell them what their power is and if they will join them. And while technically they could leave, Ari use Elise to make them stay.
“I did not want this. He . . . he jumped in front of me.”
“He always will,” Tor snarled. “You will either be his rise or his downfall. And neither of you sees it.”
Affection and love led to leverage enemies could use. It led to pain. Elise was my agony.
So they end up working together, Mattis is also back to help and they find new allies, new refugees to save, and new ways to plot the end of the king and put Ari on the throne.
Elise keeps helping people, show compassion, and be strong. She still try to make Valen want the throne, but he's a guy, and he's stubborn.
“I cannot understand the horrors that haunt you, Valen Ferus. I wish you would burden them on me sometimes; ease your own. But you should know, I have never, nor will I ever stop believing you are more than vengeance. You are the power to heal this place.”
Eventually she give up and decide Ari will make a good king. Since she pretty much get along with everyone, Ari is not the exception, and they get close and start trusting each other.
Valen try to put some distance between them. He tries to convince himself they can't be together, that it'll be bad for her. Yet he stays to assure her safety, even when she tell him he can go. He still wants her, but deny it.
Madness took hold of my tongue, and I admitted the truth before I could stop it. “I have missed you.”
Never did I anticipate such an infuriating, foolhardy, beautiful creature to take command of my every decision. I tried to keep a fair distance, tried to keep aloof, and I still cracked at the slightest thought of harm befalling her.
She did not have fury, but she might as well have. Elise Lysander cast a spell over me. One I could not break.
I had memories of turns gone by, and I did not recollect meeting any woman, even in Old Etta’s gentry, who stirred me, challenged me, shackled me like Elise Lysander.
Too many loved ones had been ripped from my life, and I could not stomach losing another.
“You command me.” He smiled against my mouth. “All of me. Irritating, since I am a prince.”
To his guild of shade have joined a few members, who also know he's a king. The found family here is building so well. We have much more funny moments and more characters. Yes, I have a soft spot for Halvar, but I really love them all.
"Truth told, I plan to say I told you so at least a hundred times once you—”
“I wish the curse had muted him,” Tor interrupted.
“What is the best way to bring about the downfall of a kingdom, Halvar?” I asked in a low voice. He folded his arms over his chest, studying the caravan.
“Light it on fire, rob it blind, cut off the head of the king? I do love your riddles, My Prince, but do tell me. I can wait no longer.”
“Do you ever wish he were here instead of—”
“No,” Tor interrupted. “I do not waste time with wishing.” With that, Tor cupped the back of my head, eyes locked with mine. “I am nothing but cruel, broken pieces of what I was because Sol is gone. There is an eternal hole in my chest, but you are my brother, and not once have I wished anyone else stood at my side.”
"The threat is wholly unoriginal.”
“It is,” Halvar murmured. “You ought to use Tor, or Stieg against him this time. Not me, for we’ve been cramped in here too long and I think by now he would gladly give me over to you.”
“I would.”
“Hells, I would’ve yesterday,” Casper said. “Do your mind and mouth ever stop?”
Halvar laughed and hit Casper in the shoulder, hard enough he nearly toppled out of his chair.
“Now, tell me, what areas do you guard at all times?”
“Head, heart, and manhood!” Ellis shouted.
Valen shot a glare at Halvar who barked a laugh. With a sigh, Valen placed the practice sword over the boy’s middle. “Close, but you protect your innards. Don’t listen to fools, boy.”
“Fools!” Halvar said, wiping his eyes. “Would you want to take a stab there?”
There's more action, more danger and more secrets. Elise's sister is searching for her and want her back in the castle, and apparently the king has a new mystery weapon.
Again, some things I already guessed, but it was so fun seeing the story unfold, and the characters grow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ahhhhh I KNEW IT
Rtc again because I MUST continue
BTW.. it has his pov😏
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BEGGING on my knees it has his pov😭😭🙏
Elise Lysander stole my heart when it was still cursed. I never took it back.
This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites!!
*spoilers for book 1*
The next book ended with
And so they start doing everything they can to interfere and ruin the king.
They claimed vengeance, but all three of the Ferus court had too big of hearts. They’d never succeed in their plans. They cared too much.
Elise and Siv went to seek the Agitators for refuge and to join their cause. Since Valen told Elise he doesn’t want the crown, she needs to find other ways to return the kingdom to what it was.
I would do all I could to get the Night Prince to see he could be more. He could rise as the man Etta needed, but I would not keep wounding my heart for a man who would not take it for his own.
Obviously, at first, the leader are suspicious of her, and Elise needs to prove her loyalty, and so they're being tested.
Once joined their group, Ari, the leader of the agitators and the one who was declared king, finds out Elise knew The Blood Wraith and decide he'll be a great asset to them and start looking for him.
Elise and Valen meet again when the Agitators went to rescue someone important to The Blood Wraith, and while they helped him and his guild, the three end up with their magic shackled by Ari's order, until they'll tell them what their power is and if they will join them. And while technically they could leave, Ari use Elise to make them stay.
“I did not want this. He . . . he jumped in front of me.”
“He always will,” Tor snarled. “You will either be his rise or his downfall. And neither of you sees it.”
Affection and love led to leverage enemies could use. It led to pain. Elise was my agony.
So they end up working together, Mattis is also back to help and they find new allies, new refugees to save, and new ways to plot the end of the king and put Ari on the throne.
Elise keeps helping people, show compassion, and be strong. She still try to make Valen want the throne, but he's a guy, and he's stubborn.
“I cannot understand the horrors that haunt you, Valen Ferus. I wish you would burden them on me sometimes; ease your own. But you should know, I have never, nor will I ever stop believing you are more than vengeance. You are the power to heal this place.”
Eventually she give up and decide Ari will make a good king. Since she pretty much get along with everyone, Ari is not the exception, and they get close and start trusting each other.
Valen try to put some distance between them. He tries to convince himself they can't be together, that it'll be bad for her. Yet he stays to assure her safety, even when she tell him he can go. He still wants her, but deny it.
Madness took hold of my tongue, and I admitted the truth before I could stop it. “I have missed you.”
Never did I anticipate such an infuriating, foolhardy, beautiful creature to take command of my every decision. I tried to keep a fair distance, tried to keep aloof, and I still cracked at the slightest thought of harm befalling her.
She did not have fury, but she might as well have. Elise Lysander cast a spell over me. One I could not break.
I had memories of turns gone by, and I did not recollect meeting any woman, even in Old Etta’s gentry, who stirred me, challenged me, shackled me like Elise Lysander.
Too many loved ones had been ripped from my life, and I could not stomach losing another.
“You command me.” He smiled against my mouth. “All of me. Irritating, since I am a prince.”
To his guild of shade have joined a few members, who also know he's a king. The found family here is building so well. We have much more funny moments and more characters. Yes, I have a soft spot for Halvar, but I really love them all.
"Truth told, I plan to say I told you so at least a hundred times once you—”
“I wish the curse had muted him,” Tor interrupted.
“What is the best way to bring about the downfall of a kingdom, Halvar?” I asked in a low voice. He folded his arms over his chest, studying the caravan.
“Light it on fire, rob it blind, cut off the head of the king? I do love your riddles, My Prince, but do tell me. I can wait no longer.”
“Do you ever wish he were here instead of—”
“No,” Tor interrupted. “I do not waste time with wishing.” With that, Tor cupped the back of my head, eyes locked with mine. “I am nothing but cruel, broken pieces of what I was because Sol is gone. There is an eternal hole in my chest, but you are my brother, and not once have I wished anyone else stood at my side.”
"The threat is wholly unoriginal.”
“It is,” Halvar murmured. “You ought to use Tor, or Stieg against him this time. Not me, for we’ve been cramped in here too long and I think by now he would gladly give me over to you.”
“I would.”
“Hells, I would’ve yesterday,” Casper said. “Do your mind and mouth ever stop?”
Halvar laughed and hit Casper in the shoulder, hard enough he nearly toppled out of his chair.
“Now, tell me, what areas do you guard at all times?”
“Head, heart, and manhood!” Ellis shouted.
Valen shot a glare at Halvar who barked a laugh. With a sigh, Valen placed the practice sword over the boy’s middle. “Close, but you protect your innards. Don’t listen to fools, boy.”
“Fools!” Halvar said, wiping his eyes. “Would you want to take a stab there?”
There's more action, more danger and more secrets. Elise's sister is searching for her and want her back in the castle, and apparently the king has a new mystery weapon.
Again, some things I already guessed, but it was so fun seeing the story unfold, and the characters grow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ahhhhh I KNEW IT
Rtc again because I MUST continue
BTW.. it has his pov😏
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BEGGING on my knees it has his pov😭😭🙏
March 25, 2024
3.5 stars. The writing was definitely better in this book. The pacing started off good then slowed in the middle. The last part of the book was good. I just don’t see how I am going to keep interest with this series beyond 3 books. It doesn’t hold my interest enough. I will most likely read the third book, but might try a different genre between reads to see if that helps.
November 12, 2024
I don’t think I’m coming up for air between these books.
This was such a good read!!!!!!!!!!! Book 2 is always an indicator for me about how a series will go, will things drop off, will they alter character personalities, will it become ridiculous. So good. So goooood. Cannot wait for book 3.
This was such a good read!!!!!!!!!!! Book 2 is always an indicator for me about how a series will go, will things drop off, will they alter character personalities, will it become ridiculous. So good. So goooood. Cannot wait for book 3.
October 12, 2023
dnf‘d at 35% solely for the following lines:
„I hated her.
I hated her so much I thought I might love her“.
I‘m not in the business of listening to men who hate women. I also DESPISE the godawful fucking trope of fictional men who can’t decide whether they want to kiss or kill their love interests. Dark Romance doesn’t mean misogyny to me.
Also: my dude you already fell in love with her in the previous book. Now you suddenly hate her because of an entirely made up misunderstand just to continue to keep them both apart from each other - absolutely not.
Out there there are men who genuinely hate women so much they harm them on a daily basis, mentally and also physically. Miss me with this shit in ROMANCE (!) books which are supposed to be my safe haven from men.
„I hated her.
I hated her so much I thought I might love her“.
I‘m not in the business of listening to men who hate women. I also DESPISE the godawful fucking trope of fictional men who can’t decide whether they want to kiss or kill their love interests. Dark Romance doesn’t mean misogyny to me.
Also: my dude you already fell in love with her in the previous book. Now you suddenly hate her because of an entirely made up misunderstand just to continue to keep them both apart from each other - absolutely not.
Out there there are men who genuinely hate women so much they harm them on a daily basis, mentally and also physically. Miss me with this shit in ROMANCE (!) books which are supposed to be my safe haven from men.
August 9, 2024
Reseña completa: https://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/20...
Elise rompió la salvaje maldición que sufría su amante, pero no imaginó que fuera en realidad un príncipe feérico perdido... ni que él fuera a abandonarla a continuación para perseguir vengarse por el asesinato de su familia. Así, ella decide unirse a la rebelión contra su hermana, e intentar olvidarlo. Sin embargo, el destino volverá a reunirlos, y deberán decidir de qué lado están en la lucha por la corona; incapaces de resistirse a la pasión, y en esa lucha por el trono, se enfrentarán a peligros como una extraña plaga mágica, traiciones, y secretos inesperados.
Buf, he vuelto a devorar el libro, de la misma forma que me pasó con la novela anterior: tiene una forma de narrar, y una trama tan llena de giros, drama, salseo y secretos a la que es imposible resistirse. Asimismo, el ritmo es la mar de ágil, tanto que antes de darte cuenta ya lo has devorado y necesitas más.
Elise rompió la salvaje maldición que sufría su amante, pero no imaginó que fuera en realidad un príncipe feérico perdido... ni que él fuera a abandonarla a continuación para perseguir vengarse por el asesinato de su familia. Así, ella decide unirse a la rebelión contra su hermana, e intentar olvidarlo. Sin embargo, el destino volverá a reunirlos, y deberán decidir de qué lado están en la lucha por la corona; incapaces de resistirse a la pasión, y en esa lucha por el trono, se enfrentarán a peligros como una extraña plaga mágica, traiciones, y secretos inesperados.
Buf, he vuelto a devorar el libro, de la misma forma que me pasó con la novela anterior: tiene una forma de narrar, y una trama tan llena de giros, drama, salseo y secretos a la que es imposible resistirse. Asimismo, el ritmo es la mar de ágil, tanto que antes de darte cuenta ya lo has devorado y necesitas más.
January 1, 2025
I ADORE this sequel as much as I loved Curse of Shadows and Thorns!! This time around we get a dual POV and I loved how it's done here. This way we get a little bit into what's going on in Valen and Elise's minds and why they're acting the way they are. This way I didn't feel angry or annoyed at either one for making dumb decisions. I got to see the why behind their decision making. They're both trying to deal with all the craziness that is the end of book 1! I loved how authentic both their points of views felt while dealing with everything. Superb writing! Ohh and the steam level went up a little in this book and it was fabulous and so well done!!!
Characters are fleshed out well! I wanted to hit Mattis over the head a few times. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed Ari. I thought I was going to hate him but I enjoyed his clever mind and witty banter. Halvar is one of my absolute favorite characters!! He's just so funny and endearing! The world building and battle scenes are epic! I saw it, I felt it, I loved it all! I definitely got more Vikings vibes out of this book than the first and I'm here for it! I felt the pacing was really well done in this book and I couldn't put it down! Another book I read all in 1 sitting!!
I love how each book is set. There's a great ending that feels complete but leaves you wanting more - like a small cliffhanger so you're dying for the next book but not done in a way that made me throw the book at the wall! I'm once again impatiently awaiting the next book! This is quickly becoming one of my new fav series!! Thank you LJ for this wonderful series!! I need to go read your back list now!!!
Characters are fleshed out well! I wanted to hit Mattis over the head a few times. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed Ari. I thought I was going to hate him but I enjoyed his clever mind and witty banter. Halvar is one of my absolute favorite characters!! He's just so funny and endearing! The world building and battle scenes are epic! I saw it, I felt it, I loved it all! I definitely got more Vikings vibes out of this book than the first and I'm here for it! I felt the pacing was really well done in this book and I couldn't put it down! Another book I read all in 1 sitting!!
I love how each book is set. There's a great ending that feels complete but leaves you wanting more - like a small cliffhanger so you're dying for the next book but not done in a way that made me throw the book at the wall! I'm once again impatiently awaiting the next book! This is quickly becoming one of my new fav series!! Thank you LJ for this wonderful series!! I need to go read your back list now!!!
July 18, 2024
๋࣭ ⭑“𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯.”
- Elise being a baddie as per usual. 😎
4.5/5⭐
This sequel was just as good as the first book. Even better in many ways. The fight scenes were phenomenal and made me want to rewatch Vikings for the 207th time. The slow burn between Elise and Legion was EVERYTHING, I LOVE a good, real slow burn romance, and this was it. The spice? There was spice guys! Did anybody know it got spicy? Because I did not and I was shocked and clutching my pearls. 😂
Elise grew so much more in this book, I hate everything she keeps having to go through, but she is handling it all with such grace, and a tad bit of anger. (To be expected honestly.) Legion made me want to slap him a few times, which made me begrudgingly like him even more. Jk, I am in love with this man. 😂🥵
The story was a tad bit slow at parts, but once it picked up, I did not want to put it down. I am obsessed with LJ Andrews writing and I am so excited to see where the rest of this series goes.
“𝘔𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘶𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘵𝘵𝘢! 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘵.”
-I am unwell by how obsessed I am with this man. 😅
Happy reading babes. 🫶
- Elise being a baddie as per usual. 😎
4.5/5⭐
This sequel was just as good as the first book. Even better in many ways. The fight scenes were phenomenal and made me want to rewatch Vikings for the 207th time. The slow burn between Elise and Legion was EVERYTHING, I LOVE a good, real slow burn romance, and this was it. The spice? There was spice guys! Did anybody know it got spicy? Because I did not and I was shocked and clutching my pearls. 😂
Elise grew so much more in this book, I hate everything she keeps having to go through, but she is handling it all with such grace, and a tad bit of anger. (To be expected honestly.) Legion made me want to slap him a few times, which made me begrudgingly like him even more. Jk, I am in love with this man. 😂🥵
The story was a tad bit slow at parts, but once it picked up, I did not want to put it down. I am obsessed with LJ Andrews writing and I am so excited to see where the rest of this series goes.
“𝘔𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘶𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘵𝘵𝘢! 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘵.”
-I am unwell by how obsessed I am with this man. 😅
Happy reading babes. 🫶
March 8, 2024
I've really been loving this series and I finished this book in a day. I'm two-thirds of the way through Elise and Valen's story before we start the next couple's story. I like how things are grouped in 3 romances between 9 books. I hope they also have a main running plot through all nine books as well to tie everything together.
There are a couple of fun points. I laughed out loud a few times and twice the ending of a chapter gave me the good kinds of shivers. That damn Jarl really needs to die though. I really hope the author makes it epic when we finally get that far.
There are a couple of fun points. I laughed out loud a few times and twice the ending of a chapter gave me the good kinds of shivers. That damn Jarl really needs to die though. I really hope the author makes it epic when we finally get that far.
June 9, 2022
For some reason…
I wanted to love this book and there were definitely memorable parts… but for some reason the action scenes felt jumbled and the lands layout jumbled? I don’t know. It almost read like playing a board game. Not finishing the series.
I wanted to love this book and there were definitely memorable parts… but for some reason the action scenes felt jumbled and the lands layout jumbled? I don’t know. It almost read like playing a board game. Not finishing the series.
May 25, 2023
The author said each book gets spicier. She lied. But it was ok overall because the angst was delicious.
February 12, 2023
Absolute filler. The important parts of this book could be summed up in three sentences or less, and there was virtually no character growth to justify 300+ pages of stagnancy.
Read
July 15, 2025DNF due to usage of the word “exotic” when describing a brown woman.
September 23, 2024
This was quite a bit better than the first. Clear three act structure, well placed conflicts (for the most part), and badass FMC + MMC. It does slow down in the middle, but they’re not particularly long books so the slog doesn’t feel like it lasts forever.
Valen may even be cooler than Erik. 😮💨 It’s not perfect, but it’s really enjoyable.
Valen may even be cooler than Erik. 😮💨 It’s not perfect, but it’s really enjoyable.
July 29, 2024
OMGGGGG lo devoré; acción, giros, y salseo!
January 2, 2024
A great continuation of the first story. Less predictable and definitely looking forward to see where it goes now we seem past the worst of the angst.
February 14, 2025
3.5/5.0
I LOVE the overall story of this series! The writing is tight and hard to put down and the characters are so real they almost jump off the page. The only exception, and the downside, in this story is Valen (MMC)! He literally spent 80% of the book being an absolute twattle (that’s a twat who acts like a little, whiney baby. Yeah… but it fits.). The old “We can’t be together, I must push you away to protect you.” trope is alive and well in this one, folks!
But aside from that one huge-for-me problem, the book is AWESOME! So if one can keep the red-hot annoyance dialed down (I couldn’t) it is well worth the read.
I LOVE the overall story of this series! The writing is tight and hard to put down and the characters are so real they almost jump off the page. The only exception, and the downside, in this story is Valen (MMC)! He literally spent 80% of the book being an absolute twattle (that’s a twat who acts like a little, whiney baby. Yeah… but it fits.). The old “We can’t be together, I must push you away to protect you.” trope is alive and well in this one, folks!
But aside from that one huge-for-me problem, the book is AWESOME! So if one can keep the red-hot annoyance dialed down (I couldn’t) it is well worth the read.
September 10, 2025
This series has me a in chokehold and I am enjoying every second of it! This book series so far has everything, a plot, twists and turns, a convincing love story and a goal that actually holds a major and true purpose. I’m just utterly addicted and I can’t wait to continue on with the rest of the books in this series.
June 20, 2024
Loved the plot, pace and characterisation but feels like it’s missing a “wow” factor.
August 24, 2025
It's getting better already. World building is still kinda weak but it's starting to give me the good feels. I'm expecting this series to keep improving with each book.
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