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The Iron Crystal #2
To Bind a Dark Heart
“Run, Gwen. Run as far and as hard as you can. Because when I catch you… You will belong to me.”
When she shattered the Iron Crystal and returned magic to Avalon, Gwen also shattered Mordred’s heart. Torn between her passion for Mordred and his rage at her betrayal, she fled into the wilds.
Gwen’s choice has transformed Avalon, and the island teems with magical wonders freed from the crystal. But Gwen also released the vicious and chaotic elementals . Desperate for revenge against Mordred, some of them see Gwen as an ally, others as a hostage.
Now, the Prince in Iron hunts Gwen relentlessly, though at night he visits her in dreams, unable to break the desire that binds them . She is his weakness. If his enemies captured her, he knows that he would make any deal, break any vow to return her to his side.
As the elementals prepare for battle, Gwen will face an impossible choice . Can she stand by as Avalon’s magic is destroyed once again? Or will she fight to overthrow the man she loves?
Building from slow-burn to steam, the Iron Crystal series is packed with alluring villains, dark magic and heart-stopping twists. If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Laura Thalassa and Carissa Broadbent, To Bind a Dark Heart will have you reading late into the night.
When she shattered the Iron Crystal and returned magic to Avalon, Gwen also shattered Mordred’s heart. Torn between her passion for Mordred and his rage at her betrayal, she fled into the wilds.
Gwen’s choice has transformed Avalon, and the island teems with magical wonders freed from the crystal. But Gwen also released the vicious and chaotic elementals . Desperate for revenge against Mordred, some of them see Gwen as an ally, others as a hostage.
Now, the Prince in Iron hunts Gwen relentlessly, though at night he visits her in dreams, unable to break the desire that binds them . She is his weakness. If his enemies captured her, he knows that he would make any deal, break any vow to return her to his side.
As the elementals prepare for battle, Gwen will face an impossible choice . Can she stand by as Avalon’s magic is destroyed once again? Or will she fight to overthrow the man she loves?
Building from slow-burn to steam, the Iron Crystal series is packed with alluring villains, dark magic and heart-stopping twists. If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Laura Thalassa and Carissa Broadbent, To Bind a Dark Heart will have you reading late into the night.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2023
283 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Ann Kingsley
67 books2,470 followersKathryn has always been a storyteller. Years of scriptwriting for performances on stage and for tourism in Boston led her to writing romantically dark, fantastical tales, which was an obsession of hers that began once seeing The Phantom of the Opera at a young age.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
November 4, 2023
To Bind a Dark Heart is an Arthurian romantasy set in the world of Avalon, full of plot, world-building, and a love burning between a morally grey prince and a naive young woman struggling to choose between what she believes is right and the man she loves. This is book two in the Iron Crystal series and picks up right after the cliffhanger in book one. Following the destruction of the iron crystal, a war between the elementals and Mordred is brewing. With Gwendolyn unsure of who to trust, she goes on the run from Mordred in order to decide what she wants to do now that the world is as it should be. However, along her journey, she discovers her situation may not be as black and white as she previously thought. As the truth comes out and secrets are revealed, she is quick to realize just how stuck in the middle of a bad situation she is.
I have to say I enjoyed To Bind a Dark Heart more than the first book for a few different reasons. First off, the multi POV was very refreshing. I loved switching between multiple characters and getting a feel of what they were thinking in the midst of all that was happening in the world of Avalon. The added POVs of characters outside of Gwen and Mordred were a very nice touch and kept in well with the pacing of the plot. I also loved that Gwen and Mordred were apart for most of the book, I think it was necessary to see them when they were separate and their own entities. It was a nice change from the previous book where they were together the whole time. Now, I will say I was expecting more character development on Gwen's part, I was hoping she would have grown from her betrayal of Mordred at the end of the previous book and being forced out on her own into a world full of dangerous magic. However, I struggled to see her strengths throughout the book, I found her very wishy washy and would have loved for her to take back some control in her life. This ends on a cliffhanger even bigger than book one, I absolutely can't wait to get back to the world of Avalon and see where Gwen and Mordred will stand now that all the secrets are out in the open!
~Many thanks to NetGalley and Kathryn Ann Kingsley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
I have to say I enjoyed To Bind a Dark Heart more than the first book for a few different reasons. First off, the multi POV was very refreshing. I loved switching between multiple characters and getting a feel of what they were thinking in the midst of all that was happening in the world of Avalon. The added POVs of characters outside of Gwen and Mordred were a very nice touch and kept in well with the pacing of the plot. I also loved that Gwen and Mordred were apart for most of the book, I think it was necessary to see them when they were separate and their own entities. It was a nice change from the previous book where they were together the whole time. Now, I will say I was expecting more character development on Gwen's part, I was hoping she would have grown from her betrayal of Mordred at the end of the previous book and being forced out on her own into a world full of dangerous magic. However, I struggled to see her strengths throughout the book, I found her very wishy washy and would have loved for her to take back some control in her life. This ends on a cliffhanger even bigger than book one, I absolutely can't wait to get back to the world of Avalon and see where Gwen and Mordred will stand now that all the secrets are out in the open!
~Many thanks to NetGalley and Kathryn Ann Kingsley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
November 7, 2023
4.25 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After the explosive ending in To Charm a Dark Prince, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequel. I had to know what was in store for Mordred and Gwendolyn. To Bind a Dark Heart delivered an exciting tale that kept the reader glued to the pages from start to finish. Unfortunately it ended leaving the reader with more questions and looking forward to the answers in book three.
To Bind a Dark Heart return readers to Avalon. It picks up immediately from where To Charm a Dark Prince ended. The destruction of the prison which held the Elementals captive paved the way for war between them and Mordred. Gwendolyn uncertain of her position with Mordred, especially given her betrayal ran from the castle. While on her journey of trying to figure out her next move, she came to the realization things are not as it seems. She is caught in the middle of the entire debacle and to make matters worse she learns she's connected to a demon.
Gwendolyn continues to be a naive heroine who makes questionable decisions. The fact she's so easily manipulated doesn't help. One would have thought that after seeing the effect of her betrayal, she would learn, but that was not the case. Also, her actions at the end reeked of stupidity, which of course had disastrous consequences. It's no wonder the demon chose her to fulfil his mission. I do hope by some miracle she matures in the next book.
Mordred remains my favourite. Everyone views him as a tyrant, but I beg to disagree. He genuinely wants what's best for Avalon. He just needs to find the best solution that will bring about the peace he so desires.
Discovering the true identity of the cat responsible for Gwendolyn's unexpected journey to Avalon made for some interesting reading. Now he did not have good intentions which was blatantly obvious from the start, but Gwendolyn with her naive self failed to see this. It was interesting learning how he ended up in Avalon to begin with and the reasons he despised its citizens.
The story had some heartbreaking moments, one of which had to do with the loss of a certain character. I am still not sure how I feel about the loss. On one hand, it could be viewed as well deserved and on another one may say that just like Mordred they too wanted the best for Avalon.
The battle scenes added another layer to the story. It brought a measure of suspense to the story, which had this reader turning the pages, eager to know the outcome.
Despite my issues with Gwendolyn, I enjoyed my return visit to Avalon. Overall, To Bind a Dark Heart was an interesting read and one which would appeal to fans of fantasy.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After the explosive ending in To Charm a Dark Prince, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequel. I had to know what was in store for Mordred and Gwendolyn. To Bind a Dark Heart delivered an exciting tale that kept the reader glued to the pages from start to finish. Unfortunately it ended leaving the reader with more questions and looking forward to the answers in book three.
To Bind a Dark Heart return readers to Avalon. It picks up immediately from where To Charm a Dark Prince ended. The destruction of the prison which held the Elementals captive paved the way for war between them and Mordred. Gwendolyn uncertain of her position with Mordred, especially given her betrayal ran from the castle. While on her journey of trying to figure out her next move, she came to the realization things are not as it seems. She is caught in the middle of the entire debacle and to make matters worse she learns she's connected to a demon.
Gwendolyn continues to be a naive heroine who makes questionable decisions. The fact she's so easily manipulated doesn't help. One would have thought that after seeing the effect of her betrayal, she would learn, but that was not the case. Also, her actions at the end reeked of stupidity, which of course had disastrous consequences. It's no wonder the demon chose her to fulfil his mission. I do hope by some miracle she matures in the next book.
Mordred remains my favourite. Everyone views him as a tyrant, but I beg to disagree. He genuinely wants what's best for Avalon. He just needs to find the best solution that will bring about the peace he so desires.
Discovering the true identity of the cat responsible for Gwendolyn's unexpected journey to Avalon made for some interesting reading. Now he did not have good intentions which was blatantly obvious from the start, but Gwendolyn with her naive self failed to see this. It was interesting learning how he ended up in Avalon to begin with and the reasons he despised its citizens.
The story had some heartbreaking moments, one of which had to do with the loss of a certain character. I am still not sure how I feel about the loss. On one hand, it could be viewed as well deserved and on another one may say that just like Mordred they too wanted the best for Avalon.
The battle scenes added another layer to the story. It brought a measure of suspense to the story, which had this reader turning the pages, eager to know the outcome.
Despite my issues with Gwendolyn, I enjoyed my return visit to Avalon. Overall, To Bind a Dark Heart was an interesting read and one which would appeal to fans of fantasy.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
October 27, 2023
As a devoted fan of Kathryn Ann Kingsley's work, I couldn't have been more excited to dive into "To Bind a Dark Heart," the second book in The Iron Crystal series. Having adored the intricate villains she has masterfully crafted in the past, my expectations were high. Unfortunately, this particular installment in her latest fantasy series left me with a sense of disappointment.
The story picks up seamlessly from where the first book left off, and we find Gwen navigating a treacherous path after her betrayal of Mordred. The premise held promise, but I found Gwen's character development deeply lacking. For someone with immense elemental powers, she remained frustratingly weak, serving as a pushover to practically every other character in the story. Her lack of agency, common sense, and survival instinct was, frankly, disheartening.
What frustrated me even more was the stilted and ineffective communication between Gwen and Mordred, two central characters who seemed incapable of having an adult conversation. This added unnecessary complexity to the plot, and not in a good way. The ending, too, was a significant letdown, leaving me unsatisfied and pondering my commitment to the series.
Regrettably, I'm uncertain whether I will continue with The Iron Crystal series. Despite my disappointment, I remain a staunch admirer of Kathryn's and I'll eagerly await her next work in the hope of a more satisfying experience.
Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The story picks up seamlessly from where the first book left off, and we find Gwen navigating a treacherous path after her betrayal of Mordred. The premise held promise, but I found Gwen's character development deeply lacking. For someone with immense elemental powers, she remained frustratingly weak, serving as a pushover to practically every other character in the story. Her lack of agency, common sense, and survival instinct was, frankly, disheartening.
What frustrated me even more was the stilted and ineffective communication between Gwen and Mordred, two central characters who seemed incapable of having an adult conversation. This added unnecessary complexity to the plot, and not in a good way. The ending, too, was a significant letdown, leaving me unsatisfied and pondering my commitment to the series.
Regrettably, I'm uncertain whether I will continue with The Iron Crystal series. Despite my disappointment, I remain a staunch admirer of Kathryn's and I'll eagerly await her next work in the hope of a more satisfying experience.
Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
November 29, 2023
I will admit that I absolutely loved the first and it is my favorite between the two books. This one was full of more of their world, journey, history. I found it to be a bit slower than the first book but I still enjoyed it. I absolutely love the characters that are Gwen and Mordred.
April 2, 2024
Another 3.5 star read! I'm enjoying this WAY more than I expected to. I love the wizard and Mordred continues to be a really interesting MMC. Even Gwen is growing on me! I'm so glad I have the third one on deck. But it looks like Book 4 doesn't come out until June! 😩
October 12, 2023
It took me a bit longer to get into this book than the first one. But once Gwen and Mordred reunite I was 100% in. We are introduced to a bunch of new characters in this book and they are fun. I hope we get more of them in book 3. And yes, I will be reading book 3 for sure when it comes out.
November 17, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
2.00 🌶️
We pick up right where we left off in book 1 - Gwen is on the run and Mordred has a case of the sads. Honestly I would be sad, too, if my new elemental girlfriend betrayed me. 🫤
Like in book 1, I feel like we’re still getting into our journey so this review is hard to write because the story is being told in pieces.
Miscommunication trope is abound - Gwen and Mordred both love each other but she betrayed him and he’s trying his best. Lol I’m a Mordred apologist. But seriously, can these two sit down and just be honest with each other (I’m looking super hard at you, Gwen)!?!
This book had a unique way of bringing the two characters together on page when they are physically apart in Avalon. I appreciated the way Kathryn utilized that device so Gwen and Mordred could interact. If I had to go the majority of the book where the MCs were not interacting I would cry and/or be deeply frustrated (…. annoyed, I would have been annoyed).
I wonder how many books this series is, because I feel like at the end of the series I will be able to give an honest complete assessment. But until then, I like Gwen, love Mordred, and pupper Eod & Maewenn (think Disney Beauty & the Beast Mrs. Potts, dear!) are perfection side characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky books for the ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
2.00 🌶️
We pick up right where we left off in book 1 - Gwen is on the run and Mordred has a case of the sads. Honestly I would be sad, too, if my new elemental girlfriend betrayed me. 🫤
Like in book 1, I feel like we’re still getting into our journey so this review is hard to write because the story is being told in pieces.
Miscommunication trope is abound - Gwen and Mordred both love each other but she betrayed him and he’s trying his best. Lol I’m a Mordred apologist. But seriously, can these two sit down and just be honest with each other (I’m looking super hard at you, Gwen)!?!
This book had a unique way of bringing the two characters together on page when they are physically apart in Avalon. I appreciated the way Kathryn utilized that device so Gwen and Mordred could interact. If I had to go the majority of the book where the MCs were not interacting I would cry and/or be deeply frustrated (…. annoyed, I would have been annoyed).
I wonder how many books this series is, because I feel like at the end of the series I will be able to give an honest complete assessment. But until then, I like Gwen, love Mordred, and pupper Eod & Maewenn (think Disney Beauty & the Beast Mrs. Potts, dear!) are perfection side characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky books for the ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
October 23, 2023
“𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐆𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐧. 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞.”
To Bind A Dark Heart is book 2 of the Iron Crystal Series and picks up in the aftermath of Gwen’s betrayal of Mordred. I absolutely adored getting to know more of Grinn’s backstory and all the many new characters that were introduced. Gwen and Mordred’s romance took a bit of a back seat in this book, and the pacing seemed a bit off in some, but overall I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait to see where the story goes from here! 3.75⭐️
𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕋𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥:
🗡️Arthurian legend
🔥Slow burn
🗡️Hidden secrets
🔥Enemies to lovers
🗡️Multi POV
🔥Romantasy
“𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞.“
“𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐍𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐫. 𝐍𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.“
To Bind A Dark Heart is book 2 of the Iron Crystal Series and picks up in the aftermath of Gwen’s betrayal of Mordred. I absolutely adored getting to know more of Grinn’s backstory and all the many new characters that were introduced. Gwen and Mordred’s romance took a bit of a back seat in this book, and the pacing seemed a bit off in some, but overall I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait to see where the story goes from here! 3.75⭐️
𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕋𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥:
🗡️Arthurian legend
🔥Slow burn
🗡️Hidden secrets
🔥Enemies to lovers
🗡️Multi POV
🔥Romantasy
“𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞.“
“𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐍𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐫. 𝐍𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.“
September 18, 2023
I love this series so much. I am so glad we got to learn Grinns back story and I hope he can do some good in the next book. I am really excited to see what's to come.
November 5, 2023
Furious that it wasn’t just a duology, where is my conclusion?!
November 5, 2023
“𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐆𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐧. 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬�� 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞.”
A quick thank you to the NetGalley, the publisher, and Kathryn Kingsley for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
We return to the world of Avalon in the aftermath of Gwen's shocking betrayal. Mordred is surprisingly understanding of Gwen's actions, but he still vows to imprison her forever should he catch her.
The premise had a lot of potential. Both Gwen and Mordred had the opportunity to go on separate journeys to reflect on their actions, but those opportunities seemed wasted. Gwen spent the entire book missing Mordred and allowing everyone else to tell her what to do. Mordred spent the entire book missing Gwen and trying to tell everyone he was going to allow them a second chance. I also felt that a lot of issues between our two MC's could be resolved with a simple conversation, which neither wished to have.
I would've liked to see more of the elementals preparing for their war against Mordred, and just a touch more communication and burning between Mordred and Gwen. I will likely continue the series as we're left on quite a cliffhanger, but I am not necessarily in a rush to do so. It was enjoyable, but just needed a bit more to keep me hooked.
A quick thank you to the NetGalley, the publisher, and Kathryn Kingsley for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
We return to the world of Avalon in the aftermath of Gwen's shocking betrayal. Mordred is surprisingly understanding of Gwen's actions, but he still vows to imprison her forever should he catch her.
The premise had a lot of potential. Both Gwen and Mordred had the opportunity to go on separate journeys to reflect on their actions, but those opportunities seemed wasted. Gwen spent the entire book missing Mordred and allowing everyone else to tell her what to do. Mordred spent the entire book missing Gwen and trying to tell everyone he was going to allow them a second chance. I also felt that a lot of issues between our two MC's could be resolved with a simple conversation, which neither wished to have.
I would've liked to see more of the elementals preparing for their war against Mordred, and just a touch more communication and burning between Mordred and Gwen. I will likely continue the series as we're left on quite a cliffhanger, but I am not necessarily in a rush to do so. It was enjoyable, but just needed a bit more to keep me hooked.
December 10, 2023
This book fascinates me. While it was entertaining it is probably one of the most poorly written books I’ve ever read. The plot made no sense. Character actions made no sense. Nothing about how this story unfolded made sense. The dialogue was funny at times but also cringe. This is a mullet of a book. Everything I liked about it is also everything I hated about it
June 11, 2024
I am finally getting a chance to catch up with this series!!! I loved book 1 and I just haven't had a chance to catch up with the brooding Mordred or Gwen.
Gwen! Oh, I do love Gwen, whenever she is about she cracks me up from her witty sarcasm to her swearing to her internal dilemmas, she makes me smile. She is your typical teenage girl...well if she had been thrown in Avalon and can create fire!
When we start the book, we jump straight into the action from the last book, hardly, if any, time has passed. Gwen is in hiding and and trying to understand what the heck had happened when she has a companion. A companion we didn't see coming!
I love the wizard, Merlin or not, he was brilliant! How one person can be so cheerful during time of war I will never know! I loved the description of the new Avalon, as we journey through with Gwen. Everything has colour again, but is that a wise thing?
I loved meeting the Gossamer Lady, who also has a pretty kick-ass name, but it did break me, the love that she and Galahad have. On separate sides, but not wanting to be. Not able to be with each other and yearning for each other. Mordred!!!!!!!
And Tim, Tim the tin, I want him to be complete. *sigh*
I got involved straight away and the audiobook's narrator is perfect. I can't wait for the next one. I can already feel the pull!
A fab addition to the series, and a rather sad, intense way to leave us!!
Gwen! Oh, I do love Gwen, whenever she is about she cracks me up from her witty sarcasm to her swearing to her internal dilemmas, she makes me smile. She is your typical teenage girl...well if she had been thrown in Avalon and can create fire!
When we start the book, we jump straight into the action from the last book, hardly, if any, time has passed. Gwen is in hiding and and trying to understand what the heck had happened when she has a companion. A companion we didn't see coming!
I love the wizard, Merlin or not, he was brilliant! How one person can be so cheerful during time of war I will never know! I loved the description of the new Avalon, as we journey through with Gwen. Everything has colour again, but is that a wise thing?
I loved meeting the Gossamer Lady, who also has a pretty kick-ass name, but it did break me, the love that she and Galahad have. On separate sides, but not wanting to be. Not able to be with each other and yearning for each other. Mordred!!!!!!!
And Tim, Tim the tin, I want him to be complete. *sigh*
I got involved straight away and the audiobook's narrator is perfect. I can't wait for the next one. I can already feel the pull!
A fab addition to the series, and a rather sad, intense way to leave us!!
November 3, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the privilege of allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Expected publication November 3, 2023.
Book 2 picks up right from To Charm a Dark Prince, Book 1, where Gwen betrays Mordred. She shatters the crystal and all the elementals are free. War in on the way.
The background story of the Ash King, Grinn is amazing and really kicks of the book off right. The relationship with Mordred and Gwen is passionate and intense and really pulls the reader into the story. We continue the struggle with our morally grey characters and how they much clean up the complete mess that Gwen started... I love the world building that occurs after the crystal is destroyed and how Avalon truly shines.
Again, this book is left with me wanting the next book immediately! I thought I was predicting the ending but was surprised. Kathryn Ann Kingsley has a wonderful way to writing a story that leaves the readers wanting more!
- King Arthur Retelling
- Morally Grey
- Slow burn
- Hidden secrets
- Enemies to lovers
- Multi POV
- Romantasy
Book 2 picks up right from To Charm a Dark Prince, Book 1, where Gwen betrays Mordred. She shatters the crystal and all the elementals are free. War in on the way.
The background story of the Ash King, Grinn is amazing and really kicks of the book off right. The relationship with Mordred and Gwen is passionate and intense and really pulls the reader into the story. We continue the struggle with our morally grey characters and how they much clean up the complete mess that Gwen started... I love the world building that occurs after the crystal is destroyed and how Avalon truly shines.
Again, this book is left with me wanting the next book immediately! I thought I was predicting the ending but was surprised. Kathryn Ann Kingsley has a wonderful way to writing a story that leaves the readers wanting more!
- King Arthur Retelling
- Morally Grey
- Slow burn
- Hidden secrets
- Enemies to lovers
- Multi POV
- Romantasy
November 17, 2023
I love love love this series!! This was so good and everything I wanted. I thought this was a duet but this one leaves off with a to be continued and there is still a lot to be wrapped up after this, book 2, in the series. KAK has a great sense of balancing the tone of this book with angst/sadness/violence juxtaposed against sexy/funny/lighthearted chapters so you feel ALL the feels! I love the complicated drama and I am rooting for Mordred and Gwen like I haven’t rooted for a book couple in a long, long time. I will have to explore more of this author’s work while I sit on the edge of my seat waiting for the third book to come out!
February 10, 2024
I read this book through Kindle Unlimited, which is a subscription-based service for reading books online. The book is the second in a series that is set in Arthurian times, following the adventures of characters Gwen and Mordred. The story starts slowly, building up the plot and the characters, but then it quickly becomes more intense and exciting. The author does a great job of creating a vivid world with interesting and complex characters, making it easy to get lost in the story. The book ends with a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager to find out what happens next."
March 27, 2024
Again, satisfactory guilty pleasure read. It passes. I probably wouldn't read it again, but it was interesting. A lot of the characters have flimsy motivations, but the dog and the wizard were extremely amusing characters. I would read a book about them. How the wizard experienced the world also reminded me of a schizophrenic, which was interesting to experience.
July 28, 2024
He wouldn’t sacrifice the world for her, so that lost the book a star. The other star is because the guy is dangerously close to being abusive instead of morally gray or a Villain. He probably already crossed the line but I enjoyed the banter a little too much to complain.
March 3, 2024
No surprise, miss kathrynn did it again crying and screaming I need the next book
July 30, 2024
4.75 stars rounded up!
I loved this book even more than the first. Every time I think I know where this story is going, I'm proven wrong. I'm obsessed and devouring this series.
I loved this book even more than the first. Every time I think I know where this story is going, I'm proven wrong. I'm obsessed and devouring this series.
November 6, 2023
Love love love the cover on this one! Mordred and Gwen’s quest carries on in part two. The story fleshes out and we get Grinn’s back story along with more elementals than you can shake a stick at!
What did I like? You can really feel the relationship between Gwen and Mordred in this one. Such a tumultuous relationship and I really felt like it sucks you in.
Would I recommend or buy? I’d buy for the pretty covers alone. They are simply gorgeous! This series is written by one of my favorite authors and if you’re a fan you’ll love it too!
I received a complimentary copy to read and this is my honest opinion! Five stars!
What did I like? You can really feel the relationship between Gwen and Mordred in this one. Such a tumultuous relationship and I really felt like it sucks you in.
Would I recommend or buy? I’d buy for the pretty covers alone. They are simply gorgeous! This series is written by one of my favorite authors and if you’re a fan you’ll love it too!
I received a complimentary copy to read and this is my honest opinion! Five stars!
July 5, 2024
This book I think we get to see more of the FL personality which I really enjoy. She kinda dumb sometimes but I still love her cause I can definitely respect her motivations. I'm a little confused by the magic system of the world but it seems like that may be the point.
Still so interested in seeing how everything shakes out.
Still so interested in seeing how everything shakes out.
February 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶
In true fashion, Kathryn Ann Kingsley has slayed us with her second book in this series!
This story continues on from when Gwen betrayed Mordred. Both of them are fighting their inner rage at how much they lust for each other, which is the most delicious slow burn!! Mordred both loves and hates Gwen, and we all love a brooding daddy.
This series is the definition of a torturous slow burn fantasy romance. The ending killed me.
The demon cat, Merlin, is hilarious and only gets my cynical in this book.
This was my second ARC in this series, and I will be reading every book Kathryn allows me to.
In true fashion, Kathryn Ann Kingsley has slayed us with her second book in this series!
This story continues on from when Gwen betrayed Mordred. Both of them are fighting their inner rage at how much they lust for each other, which is the most delicious slow burn!! Mordred both loves and hates Gwen, and we all love a brooding daddy.
This series is the definition of a torturous slow burn fantasy romance. The ending killed me.
The demon cat, Merlin, is hilarious and only gets my cynical in this book.
This was my second ARC in this series, and I will be reading every book Kathryn allows me to.
November 6, 2023
Gwen is on the run, hiding from Mordred’s wrath after she shattered the Iron Crystal and freed the elementals. Light and color and beauty have returned to Avalon, but so have elemental egos and tempers. Gwen is in the company of a nasty demon who wants to be rid of her and doesn’t much care if she dies in the process, and everyone she meets either fears her, wants to kill her, or thinks they can use her for their own ends. And if Mordred learns exactly what her connection is to Grinn, the demon Ash King, she fears her life will be forfeit – that whatever Mordred might feel for her won’t be enough for him to let her live.
In this story, we see more than just Gwen and Mordred’s points of view. That added a new layer to things. For instance, Grinn. You don’t really expect a whole lot from him, as he’s a demon. But he did make me chuckle a couple of times when he grudgingly accepted some form of help or comfort from Gwen. We also see the thought processes of Lancelot, now freed from Mordred’s control, and the other Knights who are still bound to the Iron Prince. And the wizard who apparently had his head full of so many things about what was and what is that he couldn’t remember a thing about himself was at times both maddening and almost whimsical.
One of the most heartbreaking parts of the story for me was the introduction of the Gossamer Lady, Galahad’s true love. The Gossamer Lady, an elemental, is now released from the Crystal. But Galahad is just as bound to Mordred as ever he was. They can see each other, and they can spend time together in small amounts, but they are by no means free to be together. Add in the fact that Lancelot is raising an army of elementals with the intent of ending Mordred’s reign permanently, and it’s possible that Galahad, his true love, or the both of them won’t survive until the end of the book. How do you read that without being emotionally wrecked?!
I said in my review of To Charm a Dark Prince that Gwen was a bit of a vanilla heroine. And so she remains here. I mean, I can’t fathom being in her shoes – far from home, away from everything familiar, now aware that the grumpy old cat in the barn is really a demon, and facing danger at every turn. That’s vomit-inducing, and maybe I’d just go with the flow, too. But she doesn’t seem to grow much here. She lets others dictate what she does and when for the most part, whether she likes it or not. She seldom takes a stand for herself.
When Gwen and Mordred are reunited (because you know they will be), sparks fly in short order. As with the first book, there’s a bit of on-page spice. Not my usual jam, but not so much of it that it makes me not want to keep reading the story.
And once battle actually ensued, then I had a hard time putting the book down! The story once again ended with a cliffhanger that leaves you anxious to get your hands on the next in the series, because how will they get out of this?! I’m ready to read the third in the series and see what happens next.
Thanks to Second Sky and Netgalley for an advance reader copy. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
In this story, we see more than just Gwen and Mordred’s points of view. That added a new layer to things. For instance, Grinn. You don’t really expect a whole lot from him, as he’s a demon. But he did make me chuckle a couple of times when he grudgingly accepted some form of help or comfort from Gwen. We also see the thought processes of Lancelot, now freed from Mordred’s control, and the other Knights who are still bound to the Iron Prince. And the wizard who apparently had his head full of so many things about what was and what is that he couldn’t remember a thing about himself was at times both maddening and almost whimsical.
One of the most heartbreaking parts of the story for me was the introduction of the Gossamer Lady, Galahad’s true love. The Gossamer Lady, an elemental, is now released from the Crystal. But Galahad is just as bound to Mordred as ever he was. They can see each other, and they can spend time together in small amounts, but they are by no means free to be together. Add in the fact that Lancelot is raising an army of elementals with the intent of ending Mordred’s reign permanently, and it’s possible that Galahad, his true love, or the both of them won’t survive until the end of the book. How do you read that without being emotionally wrecked?!
I said in my review of To Charm a Dark Prince that Gwen was a bit of a vanilla heroine. And so she remains here. I mean, I can’t fathom being in her shoes – far from home, away from everything familiar, now aware that the grumpy old cat in the barn is really a demon, and facing danger at every turn. That’s vomit-inducing, and maybe I’d just go with the flow, too. But she doesn’t seem to grow much here. She lets others dictate what she does and when for the most part, whether she likes it or not. She seldom takes a stand for herself.
When Gwen and Mordred are reunited (because you know they will be), sparks fly in short order. As with the first book, there’s a bit of on-page spice. Not my usual jam, but not so much of it that it makes me not want to keep reading the story.
And once battle actually ensued, then I had a hard time putting the book down! The story once again ended with a cliffhanger that leaves you anxious to get your hands on the next in the series, because how will they get out of this?! I’m ready to read the third in the series and see what happens next.
Thanks to Second Sky and Netgalley for an advance reader copy. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
October 28, 2023
To Bind a Dark Heart is book 2 of The Iron Crystal series, following To Charm a Dark Prince. With the crystal now shattered and the elementals all free, war is inevitably coming. Mordred cast Gwen out for her betrayal, and she now is left to find her way. The demon cat who brought her here quickly finding her. Only, it turns out he may be an evil worse than she could have guessed, and every urge has her wanting to return to Mordred. When they come across others who are set against Mordred, she winds up stuck between the forces of Avalon. Loving a man she doesn’t agree with, stuck with another she hates, and fallen in with those who would try to kill the man she loves.
Gwen is stuck in an impossible position. She has no idea what she wants. She wants Mordred, but also doesn’t agree with his plans. She thinks he’ll lock her up or kill her over forgiving her. She wants to no longer be stuck connected to the demon, but doing so will see her lose her new powers. She’s in limbo essentially. My frustration with her character is partially this indecision, and partially that she’s quite passive in events here. She kind of drifts along with everyone else, even when she doesn’t like their plans. There are times she steps forward and does something, but they’re much less often.
Mordred can be equally frustrating, in that he refuses to bend an inch. He is determined to save Avalon from itself, but doesn’t see how it destroys Avalon in the process. I can see how he thinks what he does. The elementals are dangerous and often hurt others. But still…What is the point, if people lack free will? If the realm is leeched of all color and life and beauty? He also wants to get Gwen back, regretting having sent her away. But he intends to keep her a prisoner. Wanting a romantic relationship with your prisoner is, of course, a complete mess. But these two are frankly a chaotic mess regardless!
For all my frustrations with them, I still really like their characters! The frustration comes from that. They’re well done and have layers to them that make me get frustrated when I see them standing in their own way. They could have a good life together, if only they could put aside some things. If only war wasn’t coming. But it is. Lancelot, now free of the crystal, won’t rest until Mordred is destroyed. The elementals are all out now, and he has plenty of people to go try to rally against Mordred. There’s not a ton of action here, it definitely focuses more on the relationships, but it hit it where it was important. Certain showdowns are inevitable and they’re given their due.
But the story is far from over after this installment. I’m looking forward to where it goes from here. The ending surprised me. I didn’t see how certain things would turn out. But it leaves it open for a lot of possibilities. Gwen’s circumstances are changed, and Mordred is now singularly focused on one thing. I hope there’s a way forward for these two!
I received an eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Gwen is stuck in an impossible position. She has no idea what she wants. She wants Mordred, but also doesn’t agree with his plans. She thinks he’ll lock her up or kill her over forgiving her. She wants to no longer be stuck connected to the demon, but doing so will see her lose her new powers. She’s in limbo essentially. My frustration with her character is partially this indecision, and partially that she’s quite passive in events here. She kind of drifts along with everyone else, even when she doesn’t like their plans. There are times she steps forward and does something, but they’re much less often.
Mordred can be equally frustrating, in that he refuses to bend an inch. He is determined to save Avalon from itself, but doesn’t see how it destroys Avalon in the process. I can see how he thinks what he does. The elementals are dangerous and often hurt others. But still…What is the point, if people lack free will? If the realm is leeched of all color and life and beauty? He also wants to get Gwen back, regretting having sent her away. But he intends to keep her a prisoner. Wanting a romantic relationship with your prisoner is, of course, a complete mess. But these two are frankly a chaotic mess regardless!
For all my frustrations with them, I still really like their characters! The frustration comes from that. They’re well done and have layers to them that make me get frustrated when I see them standing in their own way. They could have a good life together, if only they could put aside some things. If only war wasn’t coming. But it is. Lancelot, now free of the crystal, won’t rest until Mordred is destroyed. The elementals are all out now, and he has plenty of people to go try to rally against Mordred. There’s not a ton of action here, it definitely focuses more on the relationships, but it hit it where it was important. Certain showdowns are inevitable and they’re given their due.
But the story is far from over after this installment. I’m looking forward to where it goes from here. The ending surprised me. I didn’t see how certain things would turn out. But it leaves it open for a lot of possibilities. Gwen’s circumstances are changed, and Mordred is now singularly focused on one thing. I hope there’s a way forward for these two!
I received an eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
October 25, 2023
Gwen and Mordred's Journey: Love, Growth, and Elemental Intrigue
First of all, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Netgalley, to the publisher, Second Sky and the author, Kathryn Ann Kingsley, for generously providing me with a free advanced reader copy. This review is entirely voluntarily, and I want to emphasize that it truly reflects my genuine emotions and thoughts about the story.
Star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice rating 🌶️🌶️
As I got lost in the pages of “To Bind A Dark Heart'', the second thrilling adventure in the Iron Crystal series, I couldn't help but revel in the fact that I got to experience it before its official release. Gwendolyn and Mordred's journey in the enchanting world of Avalon kept me utterly captivated.
While Gwen occasionally displayed signs of immaturity and naivety, I must admit that she truly grew on me throughout this book. Watching her character evolve was not only a substantial transformation but also an immensely enjoyable experience. The same can be said for Mordred, who undergoes significant growth and adeptly portrays the complexities of a morally gray character.
However, the romantic tension between Mordred and Gwen, while promising, seemed to be waiting for that extra spark to ignite. I found myself eagerly yearning for a deeper connection to their love story, hoping that future installments will explore this with the intensity it deserves. Nevertheless, I remain captivated by the idea of them as a couple.
One aspect that truly elevated the story was the introduction of a plethora of new elemental characters. These fresh additions breathed life into Avalon, enriching the narrative with vibrant colors and details. They added a layer of depth and complexity that left me thoroughly impressed.
I'm seriously counting down the days for the next book in the series. I can't wait to see what's in store for Mordred and Gwen. And I've got my fingers crossed for the chance to snag an advanced reader copy. This series has woven its magic, leaving me eager to discover what lies ahead.
First of all, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Netgalley, to the publisher, Second Sky and the author, Kathryn Ann Kingsley, for generously providing me with a free advanced reader copy. This review is entirely voluntarily, and I want to emphasize that it truly reflects my genuine emotions and thoughts about the story.
Star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice rating 🌶️🌶️
As I got lost in the pages of “To Bind A Dark Heart'', the second thrilling adventure in the Iron Crystal series, I couldn't help but revel in the fact that I got to experience it before its official release. Gwendolyn and Mordred's journey in the enchanting world of Avalon kept me utterly captivated.
While Gwen occasionally displayed signs of immaturity and naivety, I must admit that she truly grew on me throughout this book. Watching her character evolve was not only a substantial transformation but also an immensely enjoyable experience. The same can be said for Mordred, who undergoes significant growth and adeptly portrays the complexities of a morally gray character.
However, the romantic tension between Mordred and Gwen, while promising, seemed to be waiting for that extra spark to ignite. I found myself eagerly yearning for a deeper connection to their love story, hoping that future installments will explore this with the intensity it deserves. Nevertheless, I remain captivated by the idea of them as a couple.
One aspect that truly elevated the story was the introduction of a plethora of new elemental characters. These fresh additions breathed life into Avalon, enriching the narrative with vibrant colors and details. They added a layer of depth and complexity that left me thoroughly impressed.
I'm seriously counting down the days for the next book in the series. I can't wait to see what's in store for Mordred and Gwen. And I've got my fingers crossed for the chance to snag an advanced reader copy. This series has woven its magic, leaving me eager to discover what lies ahead.
November 16, 2023
This one begins literally where the first book ended, with Gwen having been blown away in the shockwave and picking herself back up. It's not long until not Merlin finds her, only now he is in his human form. Though no less of a jerk. Gwen finds out how he bound the two of them together and the side effects that come with that bond. Which are bad enough to force her to keep following him to the one wizard he believes might be able to separate them. And when they get to their destination, the wizard is not what Gwen was expecting. Worse, he can't do anything to help them. But he does have an idea of what might have enough power to separate them. And getting it definitely won't be easy.
While Gwen is off on her trip, Lancelot is going around trying to gather as many allies as he can get. I didn't like him in the last book, and I certainly still don't like him here. Something about his character just rubs me the wrong way. So I was frustrated at how easy it seemed for him to get as many elementals on his side as he did. Especially one that turned Mordred away flat.
During the time that they were apart, Mordred knew that war would be coming to his doorstep so he has been preparing and planning. But because he has finally realized what it is that he feels for Gwen, he has also made a new talisman that allows him to enter her dreams and seemingly control them when they're together. Which was fun. Of course Gwen doesn't realize that they are more than dreams so she lets herself enjoy her time with Mordred even if it's not real. These two also talk about many things and that's what leads up to Mordred finally being able to track Gwen down and eventually taking her back. As his prisoner of course.
I was definitely happy that these two were back together by around half the book. But I was also so very frustrated with Gwen keeping her one big secret. By this point we have found out who not Merlin really is and his whole back story. And in knowing this, Gwen can't be sure that Mordred loves her enough not to use her to destroy his enemy. In the end, it doesn't really matter. War is upon them and Gwen is just so goddamn gullible that she throws Mordred's wishes and her own safety to the wind and rushes to the battlefield.
I will say that the battle was short, but entertaining. Mordred definitely had some great tricks up his sleeve that Lancelot never saw coming. And it's when Gwen makes her sudden appearance and everything happens with her that Mordred puts all of the pieces together and realizes what her secret was and what it means for her now. With the battle pretty much over at this point, Mordred has only one last traitor to deal with. And he can't let even Gwen stop him this time.
For some reason I really thought this was going to wrap up their story, but I am so glad that there's more to come. I can't wait to see what happens next with Gwen and what Mordred does next after winning this round.
While Gwen is off on her trip, Lancelot is going around trying to gather as many allies as he can get. I didn't like him in the last book, and I certainly still don't like him here. Something about his character just rubs me the wrong way. So I was frustrated at how easy it seemed for him to get as many elementals on his side as he did. Especially one that turned Mordred away flat.
During the time that they were apart, Mordred knew that war would be coming to his doorstep so he has been preparing and planning. But because he has finally realized what it is that he feels for Gwen, he has also made a new talisman that allows him to enter her dreams and seemingly control them when they're together. Which was fun. Of course Gwen doesn't realize that they are more than dreams so she lets herself enjoy her time with Mordred even if it's not real. These two also talk about many things and that's what leads up to Mordred finally being able to track Gwen down and eventually taking her back. As his prisoner of course.
I was definitely happy that these two were back together by around half the book. But I was also so very frustrated with Gwen keeping her one big secret. By this point we have found out who not Merlin really is and his whole back story. And in knowing this, Gwen can't be sure that Mordred loves her enough not to use her to destroy his enemy. In the end, it doesn't really matter. War is upon them and Gwen is just so goddamn gullible that she throws Mordred's wishes and her own safety to the wind and rushes to the battlefield.
I will say that the battle was short, but entertaining. Mordred definitely had some great tricks up his sleeve that Lancelot never saw coming. And it's when Gwen makes her sudden appearance and everything happens with her that Mordred puts all of the pieces together and realizes what her secret was and what it means for her now. With the battle pretty much over at this point, Mordred has only one last traitor to deal with. And he can't let even Gwen stop him this time.
For some reason I really thought this was going to wrap up their story, but I am so glad that there's more to come. I can't wait to see what happens next with Gwen and what Mordred does next after winning this round.
October 29, 2023
Gwen thought that smashing the crystal which contained the trapped Elementals would be the end of her problems but they just multiplied exponentially! Now her former captor, lover, friend Mordred has cast her out after her betrayal and she is on her own. But not for long - now she is in tow with her former cat now revealed to be something a bit more...devilish, Lancelot - Mordred's former friend and ally, and a rag tag bunch of adventurers. Can she somehow settle the enmity between Mordred and his former prisoners or has she just escalated and furthered the war between them?
Gwen really is stuck between a rock and hard place. One hand her former lover may now want her head on a stick for betrayal. On the other hand she has some fancy new powers that whilst she didn't want them may come in handy. She fears helping both sides in this war and in the end kind of ends up being kind of passive in this book. She still gets herself into trouble but she tends to have stuff done to her, than be the one causing the trouble.
It was nice to see more of Avalon and its inhabitants. There are some genuine marvels to be found there that's for sure. New allies and enemies. New frustrations and problems to be solved. It was nice to see that some of my favourite characters from book 1 again (Maewenn, Eod) and discover some new wacky characters like Doc.
Mordred can be equally pig-headed. He wants things back the way they were, whilst saying that maybe he'll try things differently this time. He hates Gwen's betrayal but still wants her to safe. They are all kinds of complicated!
Expect some showdowns, a surprise or two and a little cliffhanger!
Gwen really is stuck between a rock and hard place. One hand her former lover may now want her head on a stick for betrayal. On the other hand she has some fancy new powers that whilst she didn't want them may come in handy. She fears helping both sides in this war and in the end kind of ends up being kind of passive in this book. She still gets herself into trouble but she tends to have stuff done to her, than be the one causing the trouble.
It was nice to see more of Avalon and its inhabitants. There are some genuine marvels to be found there that's for sure. New allies and enemies. New frustrations and problems to be solved. It was nice to see that some of my favourite characters from book 1 again (Maewenn, Eod) and discover some new wacky characters like Doc.
Mordred can be equally pig-headed. He wants things back the way they were, whilst saying that maybe he'll try things differently this time. He hates Gwen's betrayal but still wants her to safe. They are all kinds of complicated!
Expect some showdowns, a surprise or two and a little cliffhanger!
October 27, 2023
Can the next book in this series come out now? Please?
In all seriousness, I loved this book so much. It was a great continuation of the story laid out in To Charm A Dark Prince, with a fun cast of characters (including an adorable doggo companion), great banter, and so much pining. The spice was good and the romance was adorable, but our protagonists still have a lot of angst to work through.
The events of the last book mean that this Avalon is completely different than the Avalon introduced in the first book, and it was fun to see how the new role of magic has changed things for Gwen and her companions, especially her relationship with Mordred. I still don't know how those crazy kids are going to work things out, but I can't wait to see it.
It wouldn't be a Kathryn Ann Kingsley novel if I didn't end up having some sympathy for the villain, and there was a lot of interesting character development on that front. It'll be interesting to see what she does with it. But, more than anything, I'm hoping that future installments in the series will bring us more Gwen-and-Mordred action, some more time with a certain chaotic wizard who probably isn't Merlin, and (fingers crossed) happy endings for at least some of the knights of the Round Table.
I would recommend this book (and, of course, the first in the series) to anyone who loves a morally gray hero, portal romance, or Arthurian legend.
In all seriousness, I loved this book so much. It was a great continuation of the story laid out in To Charm A Dark Prince, with a fun cast of characters (including an adorable doggo companion), great banter, and so much pining. The spice was good and the romance was adorable, but our protagonists still have a lot of angst to work through.
The events of the last book mean that this Avalon is completely different than the Avalon introduced in the first book, and it was fun to see how the new role of magic has changed things for Gwen and her companions, especially her relationship with Mordred. I still don't know how those crazy kids are going to work things out, but I can't wait to see it.
It wouldn't be a Kathryn Ann Kingsley novel if I didn't end up having some sympathy for the villain, and there was a lot of interesting character development on that front. It'll be interesting to see what she does with it. But, more than anything, I'm hoping that future installments in the series will bring us more Gwen-and-Mordred action, some more time with a certain chaotic wizard who probably isn't Merlin, and (fingers crossed) happy endings for at least some of the knights of the Round Table.
I would recommend this book (and, of course, the first in the series) to anyone who loves a morally gray hero, portal romance, or Arthurian legend.
October 29, 2023
Following on from the first book, we continue on our adventure in Avalon with Gwen and Mordred, along with Lancelot and some new faces.
'He was Mordred, the Prince in Iron. And the Iron Crystal would reign again. Run, Gwendolyn Wright, run as far and as hard as you can'.
After Gwen's betrayal of Mordred in the first book, we venture across Avalon where Lancelot and other elementals seek to raise an army against Mordred. But Gwen's heart still calls for him.
Caught in the middle, where another betrayal of Mordred might force his hand to kill her, Gwen has to decide what side she will stand - with the elementals who have been held captive in the Iron Crystal for hundreds of years, or with Mordred, who has her heart.
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
A great second book in the series, featuring a lot of angst between Gwen and Mordred, adventures to find elementals who will rise up, and Gwen's pain of a 'cat'.
I sped through this in one sitting, I was very much looking forward to Gwen and Mordred reuniting again - you can see how tender Mordred's feelings are toward Gwen, and Gwen stuck in the middle of being with the man she loves, or betraying him for a second time.
'A way forward as your prisoner?' 'Yes. But the chains that will bind you are nothing compared to those that bind me to you'.
I can't wait for the third book in the series to see how this will all play out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for this copy. This review is voluntary.
'He was Mordred, the Prince in Iron. And the Iron Crystal would reign again. Run, Gwendolyn Wright, run as far and as hard as you can'.
After Gwen's betrayal of Mordred in the first book, we venture across Avalon where Lancelot and other elementals seek to raise an army against Mordred. But Gwen's heart still calls for him.
Caught in the middle, where another betrayal of Mordred might force his hand to kill her, Gwen has to decide what side she will stand - with the elementals who have been held captive in the Iron Crystal for hundreds of years, or with Mordred, who has her heart.
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
A great second book in the series, featuring a lot of angst between Gwen and Mordred, adventures to find elementals who will rise up, and Gwen's pain of a 'cat'.
I sped through this in one sitting, I was very much looking forward to Gwen and Mordred reuniting again - you can see how tender Mordred's feelings are toward Gwen, and Gwen stuck in the middle of being with the man she loves, or betraying him for a second time.
'A way forward as your prisoner?' 'Yes. But the chains that will bind you are nothing compared to those that bind me to you'.
I can't wait for the third book in the series to see how this will all play out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for this copy. This review is voluntary.
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