Emerald City

Diamond City #2

by Astrid Cole

After nearly suffering defeat at the hands of her sister, Sage Arpine does all in her power to return to a normal life. Her fairy-tale dreams of marrying a prince and living at the palace don’t quite turn out, but she can’t complain now that she’s found true love, reunited with her nieces, and returned to her pizzeria in Diamond City. At least, that’s what she thinks.

With the Lolligo spying on humans and using women for reproduction experiments, Sage knows she isn’t safe no matter where she turns. As try as she might to ignore the calls to battle, she doesn’t have a choice when she realizes the new Diamond City Allseers are plotting to capture her, too. As the successful offspring of a Lolligo and human, Sage’s blood has the potential to turn others into enhanced warriors, and what growing city wouldn’t want an opportunity to empower their army? Sage’s hopes of running her pizzeria and marrying her fiancé are dashed when she’s betrayed—yet again—by the very city she united in the past. Forced to flee once more, Sage finds herself in the Outskirts, where she battles more than just Lolligo and their laser guns—she discovers Emerald City and their disturbing, dark secrets.

Sage is not the only hybrid out there. Like the Lolligo, Emerald City has been experimenting with genetics and they want all their test subjects back. If Sage wants any semblance of that fairy-tale dream she’s after, she has to confront the strongest army of enhanced beings she’s ever faced in her life. Stopping them would be so much easier if she didn’t have a family to protect.

Sage could run and hide forever…but it’s never been in her nature to do that. With people’s lives at stake, she’ll have to fight, even with the odds stacked heavily against her.

Really stacked. Diamond City and the Lolligo haven’t given up on her, either.

Sage should have stuck to pizza.

Genres: Fantasy, Dystopia, Adult, Romance, Science Fiction

506 pages, Paperback

Published February 12, 2024

About the author

Astrid Cole has a master’s in English Literature from Florida International University. Although she enjoys all subjects, she started writing fiction in high school and hasn’t stopped since. When she’s not plotting her next novel, she’s teaching students history and hitting the gym. A former bodybuilder, running and exercise are a part of her daily routine…and so are playing video games and watching horror movies. Diamond City is her first published novel.

Reviews

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 4 out of 5]

what the heck was that ending?!

rtc

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

We follow the events of book 1 and Sage is dealing with the aftermath of the betrayals and finding out she is an hybrid. There is much character development in this one, for both Sage and Damian and a lot of physical and mental suffering on her part, and even though I was not a fan of one particular trope, I really enjoyed my read.
This was more intricate than Diamond City and the world building is more developed.
I’m so excited to read book 3!

Thank you so much Astrid Cole for the ARC!!!

[Aisvarya (Semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ You're the only goddess whose altar I should worship✨

What to expect -
💚Dystopian sci-fi fantasy romance
💚Monsters and animal companions
💚Political intrigue
💚Betrayal & lies
💚Epidemic - manmade or natural?!
💚PTSD rep

The sequel picks up right where Diamond City left us but deals with problems on an even larger scale. Sage, our independent & strong FMC wants nothing more than to live a peaceful life with her loved ones but things don't always work as we want it to!!! She must protect her family from the outbreak of the epidemic, Red Fever while also managing to find more about her existence & her journey only gets harder from here!!!

Things take a complete turn in this installment where you're revealed that everything you've learned so far about the Squids & Sage's existence has been lies!!!🤯I really needed some time to process that as the truth was too much to take in, thereby making me see some people under new light. Also there was a lot of scheming & political maneuvering that happened behind the scenes which showed how greedy humans can always be, esp when they realise they have weapons that are far more powerful. Seriously why can't people just live in peace & communion rather than seeking to expand their territories😮‍💨😮‍💨

While I did like our characters in this, there were times when I found them annoying, esp when the characters took way too long to clear the misunderstanding between them, it was so much frustration to witness them go on & on about the same issue but not coming to terms with it or being ready to listen to the other party!!! Also I wish we got more povs than just Sage so that we could've seen things from both sides.

And I kinda got lost in the middle bcoz the plot became convoluted & so many new details were just thrown one after the other which had me confused throughout. And I think it might be a personal preference but I absolutely hated when our characters were too horny for each other & kept making d1ck & tits jokes, it just made me want to stop reading the book at some point.

Overall it was a good read but I just wish things weren't so convoluted towards the later half but I'm still super excited to read the third book cuz the ending of this was just crazy & I wanna know what happens next!!!

Huge thanks to the author for letting me be part of her Arc team. All opinions are my own!!

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wild ride ! I went in having the same expectations I had for the 1st book (which is just letting the story take me wherever it wants to) and wow what in the actual heck. Get ready for the story to pick up speed, and go where you sometimes think it's going, and sometimes not at all. Gasping and suddenly sitting upright will be part of your reading experience. The writing makes it very easy and natural to follow, and the sci-fi stuff gets pretty intense/gross. Also, Astrid, what was that ending, excuse you ?

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow honestly wow this book was intense from start to finish!
Loved every moment of reading it and every chapter makes you want to continue reading

The story was amazing really love this series so far I can’t wait to continue…
Astrid is just out to get all of the readers I’m sure of it! EMOTIONAL DAMAGE

Honestly not sure what to say on this without any spoilers! Other than it was a rollercoaster with many big dips 😂 stars Astrid!

Really looking forward to reading Ruby!

[Stress Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

📖 The plot is great. It takes you on all these interconnected journeys with twists and turns all along. 🎢 Cole skillfully weaves in topics like sexism, forgiveness, and acceptance.

✍️🏼 Cole is a skilled writer. Her writing flows well and is descriptive. I thought the dialogue was excellent. I particularly enjoyed the banter between Sage and Damian.

🗺 The bulk of the world building was in book 1, with this book expanding on that. We travel to new places and meet new people, types of people.

⏳️ Pacing is good. The action really takes off around 30% and then goes until 70% or so. But then it felt like it should've ended, but it didn't. I love the ending, but there was a chunk between the action ending and the actual end that I would've preferred it to be shorter. There's a lot of important info in that section, though.

It would've been a 5 ⭐️ for me if the pacing hadn't felt a bit off.

👥 Cole excels with character development. I love or love to hate them all, with which ones I love/love to hate flip flopping at times. 😆

There were a couple chapters in which Sage (FMC) was behaving incredibly selfishly. She was, to me, an unlikable character at that point. There ended up being reason(s) behind it, and thankfully her arc didn't have her staying that way for long. 😂 It was well done, to show how deeply certain external events compounded with internal events, plus trauma can impact a person.

I love that Cole gives us a diverse cast.

💞 The romance is beautiful and realistic. It encapsulates the realities of love, how people grow and change.

🌶 The spicy scenes are well done and well placed, as well as realistic.

I enjoyed Diamond City (book 1) a lot, but didn't love the series, yet. Emerald City changed that. I love this series now and cannot wait to read Ruby City!

📚 I can't think of any books right off, but if you like emotional dramas filled with twists and turns, this is for you. The sci-fi element is hardly noticeable in this book, if that's holding you back from trying this series. 😄

⚠️ CW/TW: Please see author's site for a comprehensive list, but includes: pregnancy, addiction, violence, talk of su!cide, and gore.

[Brooke Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ I am now fully invested & need book 3 asap! If book 1 wasnt for you, stick it out for book 2 because you will not be disappointed! I was able to connect so much more with the world building and characters in the second book, leaving me feeling like #3 is now much needed after the emotional ending. I loved the plot twists in this book even more and I am still not sure how we feel about the warlord??? After seeing the synopsis of how this story continues, I feel like we are still only getting started 🫡

[Alex S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up right where Diamond City left off, Sage has more battles ahead of her. And now she’s pregnant!! I am shocked but happy for her, I was waiting to see how that part would play out and Castor and Pollux seem like chubby little monkeys!! 🥹

But the whole thing is that Sage is a complete badass, she fights while pregnant, I can’t even imagine how much pain and fatigue she suffered.

Even after all that, I don’t know who to trust. Astrid does a good job making you waver between Louis and Damian, not as love interests for Sage but in their general intentions. I love Damian for Sage no matter what, he’s just so fabulous and attentive to her. I love his character, he’s so flamboyant but he really just loves who he loves. Perfect representation for pride honestly!

The whole thing with Agatha really pissed me off though, what a little bitch!! I’m glad she died, I hate that smug arrogance and she thinks she can just take what she wants. I thought Louis would be a better ally, so much for the sweet puppy dog boy from Diamond.

I don’t really know how to feel about the ending, so much happened and it feels so final. I’m looking forward to Ruby and seeing where Astrid takes the story next!

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice second book in the series! Emerald City was fascinating and we learned so much more about the characters.

The story was a nice continuation from the events in Diamond City. It was very well written and descriptive. The story flowed really well. There were no plot holes. Any unanswered questions where answered ongoing. Of course as it's a series there are some questions at the end. Which I don't doubt will be picked up in Ruby City.

The characters were all great again. Sage is still badass and she's such a strong FMC. I really like her. Damian is fabulous as always. He never fails to make me giggle a lot. I adore him. Louis. I don't know how to feel about him anymore. The rest of the cast of characters were excellent side characters.

The story was written in third person again. As always from Sage's point of view. This does work well.

If you've read Diamond City but not this one then please read it. If you've never read the series, please consider reading it. Starting with Diamond City of course!

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. After reading Diamond City, I knew I had to know what happens next and I’m so glad I continued this series. Emerald City was full of adventure, love, and pain. Just when things started to get better, something came to cause destruction and chaos. Yet at the same time, when things look like there’s absolutely no hope, something great happened.

I’ll admit, Emerald City made me question how I feel about a few characters that I previously liked. Maybe they will make a redemption in Ruby City, or I’ll end up hating them more? Emerald City was full of surprises and plot twists that I didn’t see coming and they definitely kept me hooked. I absolutely can’t wait to read Ruby City see what happens next.

[Brianna Hausladen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astrid Cole does it again! This story picks up right where Diamond City left off, which I fully appreciate. We get to see a softer side to the main FMC Sage, who gets more in tune with her emotions throughout the entirety of the book. Damian may not be as flamboyant as in Book 1 and takes on a few new roles(!) We see a more raw version of both of them, which adds more depth to the overall storyline.

The twists and turns will definitely keep you on your toes (don’t worry, no spoilers here!) As a reader, we see more of the districts and the differences between all of them, which makes the world building *chefs kiss. We see a few more characters in this book, and Astrid does an amazing job making you decipher and play sleuth on who to trust throughout the book.

Up next, Ruby City!

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5
EMERALD CITY!!! This book was awesome! An amazing follow up to Diamond City! I loved getting to continue following Sages story, and her relationship with Damien. I’m not a huge fan of (spoiler) tropes normally but this one just made so much sense and I absolutely loved reading it!!

The amount of times I said “wait WHAT” while reading this book was nuts! So super twisty and an amazing read!!

I also loved getting to know some of the side characters more throughout this book, as Sage was able to build deeper connections with some of them. Also FIDO — I LOVED FIDO!! (And her pups 😭)

I will say, the dynamic between Louis and Sage in this book was definitely interesting to follow along, which kinda just makes me even more mad at him going forward in the series.. 😬

A perfect sequel to a perfect first book, Sage and her family is perfect and I love this book series and everyone needs to go read it right now!!!

[Kaci Rehkemper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerald City is a wild ride! It takes us through the highs and lows with Sage as she experiences betrayal and depression like she never has before. She also discovers she is not alone - there is more of her kind. And someone has been hiding secrets. Try as she may to give up fighting, it will be near impossible when she's a wanted woman.

This book has great banter that balances out the seriousness. I also appreciate the diverse characters we either love or hate. Speaking of loving or hating the characters, my feelings definitely flip-flopped throughout this book. While Diamond City drew me in, Emerald City has me now hooked on this series. Diamond City is a lot of world building and Emerald City is straight to the action. I am eager to dive into Ruby City and see where it goes from here!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Diamond City series, and it picks right where the first one left off. I'll keep this short as it's impossible to say anything without revealing huge spoilers!!! Our FMC Sage still just wants an easy life, running her pizzeria with her nieces and fiancé, Damien, but of course, in this world, it's not that easy! This book was action-packed from the first chapter. There were even more twists and turns, some shocking secrets were revealed, and it ended on a hell of a cliffhanger that has me so excited to read the next one. I love these books because I have no idea what to expect. So far, all my predictions have been wrong.

Thank you Astrid Cole for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for my review

[Jbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off thank you to Astrid Cole for the opportunity to be a part of her ARC group for this series!

Emerald City is a great follow up to Diamond City. This book is action packed and always has something going on ( Please, do keep up!) However, You are then left with the panic that there aren't enough pages left to get the answers you need!


Never fear Ruby City is Near!

[Kinzz · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart came in my throat. It broke me and then made me whole. The world building was so much better and phenomenal! I was hooked! More than the first book, i was hooked to this one. And trust me - none of them disappointed. Instead, they just got better and better with the progressions, the world building, and the amazingly creative scenes and fights. Loved every bit.

[Stephanie O · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️

This second instalment of the Diamond City series was action packed, full of unexpected twists and ends on a major cliffhanger. Definitely a great continuation to the series.

The first half of the book took some time to get into for me and was perhaps a bit heavy on the miscommunication between our MCs. As well, some of my comments from book one did carry over in this first half - but at about the 60% mark it really ramped up!! This is when I really enjoyed the story pacing and the action was coming from every direction. I feel this also marked the point for me where I started to have more of a connection with the MCs. Their stories and personalities felt well established at this point, that I’m now invested in them. Also some of the secondary character storylines that I must know more about, namely Samson!

As for the story and all its unexpected twists, Cole really took me by surprise with most of these and kept me on the edge of my seat! Plus the cliff hanger ending, I am excited to know what comes next - I’m looking forward to diving into Ruby City!!

Thank you Astrid for the e-arc!

[HannahsHardcovers · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

I did not see myself getting as invested in this book as I did. Book 1 was so fun to read, but book 2 had me screaming at Astrid. (Sorry, love you, forgive me!). I got my hands on book 2 back in October, and I put it off knowing it wasn't going to be published until February (12th to be exact) 2024. I'm so glad I did because that cliffhanger has me ANGRY! I NEED book 3 ASAP.

Astrid wrote a phenomenal novel that has the *perfect* balance of action, suspense, romance, and even comedy. I have truly never read a sci-fi novel quite like what she developed. If you're considering reading, I truly don't see you regretting it. This is one of my top reads for 2023.

If you were unaware, book 2 continues to follow Sage and her band of misfits. Pizza continues to thrive, and the squids are sneaky as always. However, book 2 is filled with much more betrayal, loss, action, and tears. (Not necessarily the characters, I cried, a lot). I never saw the end coming, and as much as it was fitting, I truly believe Astrid is trying to torture us with this wait for book 3.

Cliffhangers are my least favorite thing in books because I am not someone who can read a series completely right away; I need a change in between. This cliffhanger was perfectly written and utilized, and I cannot see another way of ending this book.

Time Spent Reading: 8 Hours, 2 Minutes
Star Rating: 5/5 *literal perfection*
Spice Rating: 2.5/5

If you're looking for a series that is going to tear you apart, and slowly put you back together (only to tear you apart again), pick up a copy of Diamond City and Emerald City once it is released. It is truly a perfectly balanced Sci-fi novel with romance, comedy, action, and more!

Book 1: Diamond City
Book 2: Emerald City (Releases 02/12/2024)

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerald City by Astrid Cole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Five stars. For the action. For the tension. For the smolder. And for the pain I did not emotionally budget for.)

Let me be clear: I went into Emerald City thinking I was ready. I had snacks. I had a cozy blanket. I had the overconfidence of someone who thought, “This is just the sequel. Let’s vibe.” I was wrong. I was not ready. Because this book didn’t just raise the stakes — it tore out my heart, tossed it in the gutter of Clarity District, and walked away whistling.

Sage is sharper, wearier, and somehow even more compelling than before. She’s still haunted and armed and trying to keep herself from unraveling completely — but Emerald City forces her to confront every soft, bleeding part she’s tried to bury. And watching her navigate loyalty, identity, and grief while still throwing knives like she means it? Perfection.

And then there’s the romance. Slow-burn? Check. Tension that crackles like it’s going to catch fire? Check. Banter that could slice steel? Double check. But here’s the thing: this isn't just attraction — this is complicated, painful, inconvenient love between two people who shouldn’t work… but absolutely, devastatingly do. It builds in the shadows, steals across pages, and when it finally arrives, it’s both glorious and terrifying.

I was so onboard with their dynamic — the trust, the yearning, the way they watched each other like a question they didn’t know how to answer. It’s messy. It’s magnetic. And just when you think they’ve earned their happiness, Emerald City shatters your expectations.

Because that ending? That was not just a plot twist — it was a betrayal of my emotional stability. It was heartbreak disguised as closure. It was the kind of final act that made me stare at the ceiling wondering who gave Astrid Cole the right. And yet… it was exactly what the story needed. Real. Raw. Unflinching.

The city itself is still its own beast — dazzling and brutal, layered with crime, rebellion, and tech-magic politics. But in this book, it feels more personal, more claustrophobic, like it’s folding in on the characters as they try to claw out some version of hope. Every choice has consequence, and no one walks away clean.

The supporting cast? Flawed, fascinating, and just as unstable as the world around them. I adored the tangled web of shifting alliances, unlikely loyalties, and quiet betrayals. Everyone has blood on their hands and a secret in their pocket.

So here’s the verdict:

Emerald City is fierce, romantic, brutal, and bold. It's a love story set in a world that does not believe in softness — which is exactly why the softness hits so hard. The heartbreak at the end? It broke me. And I loved every second of it.

Astrid Cole, if you're reading this: I want to fight you… and also send flowers.

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There will always be war,” he said softly. “You have lived a long life, and you know that. It is up to you to decide if that is the sort of life you wish to continue living. I will support you in whatever you choose, and I will destroy anyone who attempts to bring you harm.”

“People are going to try to fuck you over, and you have to be ready to defend yourself.”

“I would never leave you,” Damian said to her. “I will be here for you as a lover or a friend. However you will have me, darling. I promise.”

This book was … wow. As I’m writing this review, I assure you I’m still processing what I have read and the emotions these author has put me through. We get back to the Diamond city series exactly where we left off. Sage and Damian are happy. But unfortunately, as all happy things, they do not last. The action, the battles, the twists and turns and the secrets finally revealed, left me absolutely speechless and I was so overwhelmed with feelings, that for at least half the book I didn’t know what to do with myself !!! The character arc both main characters goes through is insane, intense, painful and scary but it felt necessary to allow them to fully become who they were supposed to become. Still spicy, still romantic but oh so complicated. Damian’s behaviour got on my last nerve more than once but somehow he found a way to redeem himself and making me love him more. And Sage … still the badass great warrior she was at the beginning. But this time we can see her insecurities and doubts and fears, even more and I loved that. I still need time to get over what I read. And after that MASSIVE cliffhanger at the end … I need the next book like NOW !!!

“She missed his glittery black eyes and devious smile, always with sex in mind. It was obnoxious and inappropriate, but so very entertaining. He always made her laugh with his stupid remarks.”

“I don’t say this often, but . . . have a little bit of faith. Not in Squids,” he said quickly when Sage glared at him. “But in a higher, better power. One that’s good and cares for us.”
“Do you really believe that?” Sage said. The pups were tum- bling in the snow now.
“I do,” Damian said. “He brought me you, didn’t he?”

“I’ve got you, darling,” Damian said, holding her tightly. He always did.”

“You’re right, darling. Physical scars don’t mean anything, do they?”
“They don’t.” Sage applied the cream to his chest, too. “But sometimes the ones who give them to us do it out of spite. And so why not have the power to erase it as well?”
Sage avoided his eyes as she said that. She also held back a wave of tears.”

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have received an advanced copy of Emerald City from the author. I had the author reach out to me on Instagram asking me if the Diamond City series would be something I would be interested in reading and as soon as I read the blurb it was an immediate yes and I am so happy I did because this series continues to be so amazing! 🍕💎🫶

Emerald City is truly incredible and I loved this book even better than I loved the first one! ❤️ I didn’t think that would be possible since I loved Diamond City so much but I’m fully invested in this series and I’m so hooked that I managed to read this entire book in one sitting within the span of several hours because I couldn’t put it down. The world-building, twists and turns, and writing style are all masterclass level and I am so invested in all of the characters and love them all so much. Sage and Damian are everything and their chemistry and banter is *chef’s kiss* 🤭🔥 What’s even more crazy is the fact that this story put me on an even bigger emotional rollercoaster ride than the first book because the ending and epilogue had me ugly crying and screaming so hard! 😭🙀 If you love fantasy, science fiction, dystopia, romance, allies to lovers, multiple twists and turns, he falls first, secrets, betrayal, morally grey MMC who secretly is a teddy bear 🧸, a strong pizza loving FMC, and getting emotionally damaged over a story then this is a must-read! 🍕

[Path.Through.Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly must say that the writing skill of this author is night and day compared to Diamond City! The absolute GROWTH that this author has shown between books is aspirational, and I have to give nothing but praise to them for the improvement in their work!

Like with my review of Diamond City, I am not going to give a synopsis of the book since other reviewers do an amazing job of that.

One thing I will quickly preface is that I am not a spice reader. It's genuinely just not my cup of tea, so I won't be touching on those scenes.

Now, let's get into it!

Improved writing and story building

- Clear understanding of the universe and its history
- Engaging character development, which let's you connect with them on a human level
- Believable romance and relationship building
- Clear and engaging plot that kept you wanting to read what was next!
- Much closer attention to detail and plot weaving.

- One criticism is there were still some issues with descriptor consistency, which can pull you out of the story, so this may have require a second look by an editor.

If you choose to read this series and are having some trouble with Diamond City, I truly hope you hang in there because book 2 makes it so worth it!

Thank you, Astrid Cole, for the e-copy of Emerald City for my honest review.

[Miryam Drakon · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reuniting the city, Sage is finally returning to her normal life with her nieces and her fiancé. However, when the Red Fever breaks out, Sage suspects it might be a ploy by the new Allseers to gain control. Realizing that the Allseers want to capture her and use her cells to create more Enhanced, Sage makes a run for it. She discovers that she and her twin aren't the only ones of their kind—there are more hybrids like them in the neighboring Emerald City, products of ongoing experiments, and the city officials want them back. Now, surrounded by enemies on all fronts, Sage must fight for what's at stake if she hopes to reclaim any semblance of her normal life.

My God, the anxiety this book gave me!!! Why can't anyone just listen to Sage when her intuition is correct?! Even when going to the concert and when Damian was off to discuss the wedding. Also, I did not expect Damian not to be Enhanced! This was a roller coaster ride. Astrid did a great job in bringing out all the feels, loved all the blood and gore. I have mixed feelings about Louis and this book has given me trust issues. Astrid, you're evil!!! Please tell me Samson's not dead! Why would you end it like that?! I need Ruby City ASAP!!!

[Nupur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah!! The intense scenes, especially at the end, had me in tears. I felt it was awesome to put it in simple terms. Sage and Damian are just perfect for each other. The sass, the chemistry, and the dialogue exchange between them feel like one of the best duos I have ever read. The fights were brilliantly shown in the book, and the various characters' roles and involvement were to the point too.

Although in between it did get overwhelming for me, it being fantasy and the names and so many things going on at one time but then as I read along the chapters it became easier, the more I read the more it made sense. Love the idea and it is definitely one of the best book I read.

I would like to recommend this book to any one who loves Fantasy and Romance

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh.
This was an insane emotional roller coaster ride.
From start to finish. That cliffhanger! 😲😢
So thankful to have the arc for the next book, Ruby City, because that cliffy is intense! Not me tearing up reading the epilogue. 😭
But seriously the turmoil Sage goes through in this book is A LOT. I'll say she did have a happy moment in this book, but it quickly turned intense right after that happy moment.
The relationship between her and Damian is tested, EXTREMELY. And they go at each other, fighting, intensely.
I can't say much of what happens in this book without spoiling the first one, so I'll just say if you want tension, action, emotional, and complete heartbreak. This is the series for you.

Thank you Astrid for having me on your street team and the arc.

[Jessica Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Astrid... we need to have a strongly worded chat!!!

Emerald City picks up exactly where Diamond City finishes and oh my!

The rebellion is over, and Sage, Damien, and her neices are trying to adjust to life. But Sage isn't finding it easy. There's something wrong with her body, and she trusts no one with that information.

Emerald City takes you one hell of a journey as sage exposes secrets and conspiracy alongside finding new settlements and allies.

As Sage's world is turned upside down and inside out, she has no idea who she can trust...

Basically, if you enjoy well written high sci-fi fantasy stories that will skin you alive and then pour salt on your wounds; read this series.

[JoLN · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished "Emerald City," the second installment in the Diamond City series, and OMG!! I am absolutely captivated! Astrid this book had me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to see what would happen next.

I could feel the vibrant energy of the city, set against the lurking dangers that its inhabitants face. Sage's character development is very intense; her journey of self-discovery and resilience is beautifully portrayed, making her struggles feel deeply personal and relatable.

In short because I don’t know how not give any spoilers for this one, "Emerald City" is an amazing continuation of the series. I can't wait for book 3!!!

[Heidi H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astrid has done it again with book two in Sage and Damien's journey through love, loss, triumph and defeat. From start to end this story is a non-stop emotional rollercoaster with constant twists and turns we don't see coming.

Astrid's world building and character development continue to be top notch. The story she is weaving for us is truly magical to be part of.

If you love romance, fantasy, science fiction, and some spice, this series is for you. Start with Diamond City (Book 1) and watch for Ruby City (Book 3) this fall!

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)

[Leamay O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

ASTRID HAS DONE IS AGAIN.
During book two of the Diamond Series, I laughed, I cried I was shocked and appalled. I fell in and out of love with the characters. It was one heck of a rollercoaster of emotions, and I loved it. Never before have I been hooked on a series but I cannot wait for more of Sage, Damian and the Twins !! This book is a wonderful fantasy filled with romance and drama of a Hybrid Couple with all of the odds stacked against them. Not only are they trying to keep their boys safe but every other living being as well. They are hated by many. Loved by few and goodness, they still come out on top! Thank you Astrid for another beautifully written instalment.

[Darkbookghoul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerald City is the 2nd book in the Diamond City series by Astrid Cole, I loved the way Astrid developed the characters and evolved the world and storyline. I enjoyed this book even more than the first one, it was very fast paced and action packed.

I LOVE the relationship between Sage and Damian it was 🔥 so many twists and turns in this book sent me through a range of emotions. Fido was such a great character 💔

On the whole, I will be recommending this book to people that enjoy gripping fantasy books and that cliffhanger. I need the next book like NOW!