A Shattered Kingdom of Steel

Of Metals and Curses #2

by Renna Ashley

When love comes before duty, only ruin will follow...

He’s my mate, or my murderer. That is, if I don’t kill him first.

The former Captain of the High King’s Guard, Lymseia Wynterliff has never been one for politics. But when the High King tasks her with a diplomatic mission forcing her to return home to Illnamoor—the capital of the Steel Court—she begrudgingly accepts. The High King needs someone he can trust, and Lymseia’s the only one for the job.

But all it takes is one ambush to ruin everything. With the blood of her men on her hands, Lymseia has no choice but to go along with her kidnapper’s demands. Only, her enemy isn’t at all who she expects. Her kidnapper, and the one to blame for the ambush, is the one and only heir-apparent to the Silver Court: Asheros Larmanne. Her fated.

Mysterious and cunning, Asheros stands in the way of her duty. He has an agenda of his own, and that sly grin of his only further conceals his intentions. When hostilities rise between the five Courts, threatening to reforge centuries-old alliances, it becomes all too clear that someone is orchestrating the turmoil that’s spreading like wildfire. Maybe, with Asheros’s help, Lymseia can uncover the orchestrator’s identity, and end this before it’s too late.

But if Lymseia’s trust in her captor is misaligned, her kingdom will shatter around her.

A Shattered Kingdom of Steel is the second book in the Of Metals and Curses series, featuring rivals-to-lovers romance, fated mates, forced proximity, and plot twists you’ll never see coming, perfect for readers that enjoy fantasy romance. Each book in the series features one couple, a HEA, and an overarching plot that builds with each installment. Any cliffhangers pertain to the continuing plot, and not the couple's love story. While each book can be read on its own, for the best experience, it is recommended that the series be read in order.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Enemies To Lovers

Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2024

About the author

Renna Ashley is a headstrong New Englander who’d rather be at home, wrapped in a fuzzy blanket, while reading a good book. She loves anything chocolate and has a soft spot for swoon-worthy love interests and women with swords.

If you would jump into a fantasy world the first chance you got, then head over to Renna’s website for updates on new releases, freebies, and more!

When she’s not out swooning or swashbuckling, you can find her on:

Instagram: @rennaashleyauthor

Facebook: @rennaashleyauthor

Twitter: @rennaashauthor

TikTok: @rennashleyauthor

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩.”

This book was exactly what I needed to get me out of my reading slump! If you enjoy romantasy with a strong and feisty fmc, a fae shadow daddy, and witty banter, then look no further.

𝘈 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘖𝘧 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘭 essentially picks up where book one left off. We get to see more of Cyrssa & Viridian’s story unfold; however, this book focuses on two other main characters: Lymseia & Asheros.

Lymseia is captain of the King’s guard. This was such a refreshing change from a predominantly male role in most fantasy books. She’s captured by Asheros, a Fae Lord, and her fated mate. But are they destined to love each other or kill each other?

This series is perfect for those just getting into this genre because the world building is easy to follow and the magic isn’t overly complex. This is the second book in the 𝘖𝘧 𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴 series. While this can be read as a standalone, the characters and overarching plot are interconnected so I highly recommend reading 𝘈 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘖𝘧 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘻𝘦 first. I’m excited to see where the next book takes us!

▪️ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴛᴀꜱʏ
▪️ᴇɴᴇᴍɪᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ
▪️ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
▪️ꜰᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴍᴀᴛᴇꜱ
▪️ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ

Thank you so much Renna for allowing me to read this arc 🫶🏻

[Paige (wingsandsmut) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Shattered Kingdom of Steel is the second book in the Of Curses and Metals series, but can be read as interconnected standalones. I read this without having read the first book and I will be going back to the first because I love the world this is set in!

This book follows Lymseia after she has been captured by Asheros - and immediately they realized they have been blessed either to be mates or kill one another. Time will only tell what becomes of this ‘blessing’.

I absolutely got lost in this book, needing to know what would happen next and cannot wait for the next book to follow the cliffhanger for the overall plot that we are left with. I love how sassy Lymseia is and I absolutely love that he calls her Bladesinger! And the spicy scenes did not disappoint!!

This gets 4.25⭐️ from me!

🖤Forced proximity
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤One horse
🖤Shadow daddy
🖤Fated mates
🖤Found family

This is set to release on September 6th. Thank you so much to Renna Ashley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

[Sapphire Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He watches me as if I'm a unique jewel, or a breathtaking mountain view." - Lymseia

A Shattered Kingdom of Steel by Renna Ashley is the second installment of the Of Metals and Curses series. We have our badass FMC, Lymseia, she is everything I want to be and more. She is feisty, sarcastic, and hiding a traumatic childhood. We have Asheros, our swoon-worthy MMC, he isn't the usual dark, brooding type (which let's face it, is normally my cup of tea), he isn't the morally grey love interest that we all know is bad for us, he is sweet, noble, kind and his actions are for the greater good; until they aren't and his love for Lymseia means forsaking those he's sworn to protect.

This book is a perfect combination of adventure, sass, sarcastic quips, and true love. Renna Ashley manages to weave a story that truly makes you feel as though you are on the road with the characters, that you are experiencing what they are experiencing, feeling their emotions. This book, for me, is comparable to the brilliant storytelling of Fairytale by Stephen King. The attention to detail in the world-building of the different courts is incredible, I truly felt like I was there witnessing the events unfold. I read the first book in this series (A Broken Throne of Bronze) and I thought it was pretty good. This book, however, surpasses it. Renna Ashley's writing has become more eloquent and polished.

Renna Ashley not only makes you care about the two main characters and become invested in their love story but also in the side characters; I want to know more about Kheldryn, who is she, what does she want out of life, where is she going to go? I especially want to know what happens with Orim and Arella. Please tell me that they get together!

If you like romantasy books that take you along for the ride and characters that make you fall in love with them, this book is for you.

Thank you Renna for the ARC copy of this book! I absolutely adored it.

[Aoife O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just yes. Yes to this entire book.

The banter?

The chemistry?

The adorable found family?

The badass, feisty FMC with the beautiful character arc?

The flirty Shadow Daddy love interest with a vulnerable side?

Lymseia and Asheros are EVERYTHING.

✨

The story begins with Lymseia, former Captain of the Guard, on a diplomatic mission for her newly crowned High King. When she's ambushed and taken prisoner, her captor turns out to be someone known to her - though his intentions are not.

Along with his mysterious inner circle, Asheros, a gorgeous and enigmatic nobleman, needs Lymseia for some seemingly nefarious agenda. But what neither of them expects is to become marked by the Goddess of Fate. Bound together, Lymseia and Asheros will either be mated... or become one another's doom.

When the fate of the country comes into play, can they master their own fate, or will their tentative trust in one another shatter along with their kingdom?

✨

This is book 2 in the Of Metals and Curses series and I've been dying to get my hands on it since the moment Lymseia appeared in book 1. She's a wonderful character and her story with Asheros is an absolute joy to read.

This is technically a standalone but I would recommend reading A Broken Throne of Bronze first - it's a fun read, and I think seeing the world and the larger story unfold from book to book is an unmissable experience!

Thank you so much to Renna for the ARC of this beautiful book. ASKOS is wonderful, and I'm so excited to continue this series 🖤🖤🖤🖤

[Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Renna Ashley for the opportunity to read this ARC 💙

THIS BOOK! THIS COUPLE!! I loved this sequal to A Broken Throne of Bronze and dare I say I loved Lymseia and Asheros more than Cryssa and Viridian???? 👀🤭 I mean the teasing and the banter I LOVED THEM SO MUCH! Lymseia is a badass member of the Guard, highly trained and fearless. Theelia blesses her and Asheros and she refuses to accept it because Asheros kidnaps her in an attempt to convince her to help him. Asheros was so cheeky and I oh gosh their teasind had me giggling 🥰 also, he's a shadow daddy???? And his nickname for her, Bladesinger, was just perfect! I love a good nickname. Together, along wirh Asheros' crew, they discover a plan that would wreak havoc in the kingdom and together they team up to put a stop to it while simultaneously learning that they are both more similar than they think as they navigate which way Theelia's blessing will go 😏 Again, I love the element of the different houses and courts, it gives GOT vibes. The ending makes me want book 3 already because I need to know what happens next!!!

If you're looking for a swoony fantasy romance full of court politics, banter, found family vibes, and plenty of adventure, GO READ THIS (but read book one first)

[Meg V Reads ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Tell me what you want. Tell me how to worship you, my goddess" ❤️✨

I had the pleasure of ARC reading this recently and was so lucky to have been selected. This series has been so fun so far and I look forward to the rest of the series. Renna successfully combined many popular romantasy tropes with fresh new ideas and concepts and created a really interesting and lovely story.
Lymseia and Asheros are feisty and have so much built up tension (both sexual and otherwise) upon their introductions to each other. When they find out they are fated, either in love or in death, both of them seem hesitant toward each other.
This story definitely takes you on a wild adventure. The world building is set up so nicely you feel immersed in it so easily. I am invested in this storyline now and I HAVE to know what else is to come.

[CovetedBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩, 𝙢𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙙𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙮, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚?”
•
•
I absolutely adored this book. A FMC that is a captain of the Kings guard? Hell yeah sign me UP. Lymseia is a certified badass, which is my favorite when it comes to FMCs. She’s tough and strategic in everything that she does, mainly because that’s how she was raised — to always be on guard, and to assume you’re being plotted against. Her character growth throughout this book was so enjoyable and heartwarming.

Asheros, the MMC, is an absolute dream. He’s shadow daddy of course, but also a cinnamon roll when it comes to Lymseia and I adored it. I love it when MMCs are tough on exterior but turn into a teddy bear for their love interest.

Their witty, snarky and flirty banter between each other was amusing and definitely had me laughing out loud and giggling a few times, not going to lie. And I loved how this romantasy book had a thrilling and mysterious plot, it was such a nice twist.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The great part about it is that all the books in the series will be inter-connected standalone. So you can read one by itself, but it’s definitely advised to read the prior one. Thank you @rennaashleyauthor for the eARC! A Shattered Kingdom of Steel releases September 6th.

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨A Shattered Kingdom of Steel✨

This was exactly what I needed and I’m so thankful I got to be an arc reader for Renna!

ASKOS is the second in a series of interconnected stand-alones with an overarching plot so is best read in order but can be done independently. It is set in a unique world of fae where each Court supports a Metal that gives them their magic.

We come into the story slightly overlapping book one and quickly bringing us up to speed. We get to follow the first person POV of Lymseia, the High King’s captain, as she is asked to become their diplomat regarding his new laws for fae-human equality. But as soon as she embarks on this journey that she tried to avoid, her caravan is ambushed and she’s kidnapped by a Fae Lord.

From enemies to reluctant allis, Lymseia and Asheros make their way towards the Steel Court in search of the previous High King’s murderer who seems to be stirring up a war with not only the other Court’s but also the gods.

ASKOS is a fun and endearing Romantasy full of witty and flirty banter, fated mates, a ridiculously tasty cave scene, a cinnamon roll shadow daddy, and a strong and feisty FMC. Its light mood, mystery, and encouragement to find self-worth was such a delight to read and I enjoyed every moment.

Some other tropes you may find in ASKOS are found family, captor x captive, enemies to reluctant allis to lovers, one horse, shadow daddy, one tent, “good girl”, forced proximity, spice 2/5, he falls first and harder, a HEA, and an ending that leads to the next in the interconnected series.

I loved book one with Viridian and Cryssa, but I have to say…. I think Asheros stole the show and my heart.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ The concept of this was 🤌✨ Our FMC is captain of the guard and she gets kidnapped when her mating bond snaps into place with… her kidnapper and they’re either going to kill each other or accept the bond. 🤭

🗡️ World building was easy to follow even jumping into book two where I didn’t know anything that went on in the first book.

🖤 Shadow Daddy MMC typical mating bond growling and protectiveness of his mate that we love to see!

[Dakota Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great second installment in the Of Metals and Curses series! It took one page for me to be in love with Lymseia. I highlighted so much throughout, which I almost never highlight anything!

The slow burn, the banter, the deepening plot with all the subtle hints that will make sense in the next books…all of it was done so well. I loved how we got to see a good amount of Cryssa and Viridian, and how their continued story in the background was woven so well into the main MCs in ASKOS.

I thought everything was well written, explained wonderfully, and—even though I’ll be salty about the ending for a while—the last chapter did so well to set up the next installment.

Really wonderful read, just like ABTOB, and I am so excited to see where the author takes us next. I’m also especially excited for the next MCs, I was really hoping a certain heir-apparent would get his own book!

[Rizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I got the message to ARC read for this book, I snapped up the chance! Here is what I thought about this amazing story, given freely and without coercion.

A Shattered Kingdom of Steel is book two in the Of Metals and Curses series and follows the journey of our headstrong and wickedly capable captain of the riyal guard, Lymseia. She has been tasked with helping aid her King and new Queen in bringing their people together. On her trip to her home kingdom, however, she's attacked and thus starts the true adventure within the pages of this book.

Now, I won't give you too much, because what fun is that? You need to read the book if you want to know about the spicy friction between our FMC and our shadow daddy MMC. I mean, don't you want to hear about his dreamy crystal eyes and wicked mouth? If you don't, seriously, you need to check again. Asheros is the perfect mix of devious and delicious. He toes the line between wanting to kiss him and wanting to slap him more times than I can count, but I loved every second of it.

Not only does this book have two fantastic main characters, the rest of the cast is so well written that they come to life all on their own with every page you turn. You'll fall for them all, each story of their past bringing you deeper into their world and tightening the hold on your heart they are sure to create. By the end, you'll be craving more and be left with far more questions than answers. Oh, and did I mention there are trolls? And winged beings? Must've slipped my mind. 😁

A Shattered Kingdom of Steel is a stunning work of art, built in a world that I, personally, will be recommending to everyone I know that will listen to my gushing rant. If you haven't already, go out and get it along with its predecessor, A Broken Throne of Bronze. You're going to need them both for when book 3 makes its way into the world. Way to go, Renna! You've done it again, girl, and I adore you all the more for it!!

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to thank Renna for allowing me an early copy of this book, I am so incredibly grateful for the continued opportunity to read the ARCs in this series!

"If keeping you safe means I have to damn the realm to hell, then so be it. Nothing, and I mean nothing, matters to me but keeping you breathing."

As always these are my honest thoughts:

You don't NEED to read A Broken Throne of Bronze before reading this one, however I would highly advise it. They're standalones but interconnected and have an overarching storyline so definitely check that one out first!

Rating: 4.5
Spice: 1.5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 4.5/5

Review:

I absolutely ADORED being able to read about Lymseia, The Captain of the Guard and best friend of Viridian and Cryssa! I loved her in book 1 and loved seeing more of her in this book!!

We have Lymseia getting promoted from her role as Captain of the Guard into a diplomatic role which she absolutely hates, but Viridian and Cryssa need the other courts/ allyship in order to keep their reign. In the midst of going back to her home court, she gets kidnapped by Asheros (Fae/Fae lord) who just so happens to be her fated mate. And fateds will either love you, or kill you.

I loved the extension of the world building from book 1 in this one, I felt more immersed in the world and the story and was pleasantly surprised! As she tries to get information on why she was kidnapped, and what Asheros and his groups' plans are, she fights the feelings that start bubbling up and preventing her from her real duty.

Asheros the MMC is fiesty, has shadows, and is the biggest cinnamon roll!! I loved how rough around the edges he was but when it came to Lymseia, he just melted into a puddle. Watching them fall for one another and love and support each other was beautiful and the way the story came to an end???? Ma'am I will be needing the next book STAT.

[Taylor Lust · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and am absolutely loving how the series is progressing!! Lymseia was one of my favorite characters from book 1 and so I was soooo happy to get her POV in book 2!!

Tropes & things:
Fated mates
One horse
Kidnapping
Political maneuvering
Loads of banter
Strong female lead
Shadow conjurer
Sooooo much tension
Found family
Murder mystery
Nicknames

The immediate tension between Lymseia and Asheros was SO GOOD! I was immediately hooked and dying for more! One of my favorite parts about this book is how strong of a female lead Lymseia is. She is a powerful and skilled warrior and leader. Not only that, but she's very commanding in the bedroom which was so empowering to see 😆 And Asheros absolutely LIVES for it-- he's putty in her hands!

The murder mystery element to this story was great as well and I liked that they had to sneak around a lot and figure out what happened with the cliffhanger of book 1. This book definitely opened up to a much larger issue throughout all the kingdoms than was previously thought and I foresee a great battle coming soon! Excited to see where this series goes and you know I will want to read it 😍

I recommend this series for fantasy romance lovers, lovers of Throne of Glass & The Bridge Kingdom, and anyone that wants an epic fantasy series told from multiple perspectives. It seems like each book will feature a different important couple and how their story impacts the kingdoms and the coming war. I love this type of storytelling, especially when we get to see the previous couples and how they're doing!!

[KT · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝔄 𝔖𝔥𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔱𝔢𝔢𝔩 🗡️🩶
By Renna Ashley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

What to expect:
•Enemies to lovers
•Fated Mates
•One horse
•One Bed
•She uses him for warmth


“The bonds of love are stronger than any force in this world”


This book was sooo good, I ATE 👏🏻 IT 👏🏻 UP 👏🏻

A Shattered Kingdom of Steel is the second book in a series of interconnected stand alones. I didn’t read the first book and had zero problem picking this one up. Although I will say, I will absolutely be reading the first one now 👀

The banter was great and the world building was easy to follow.

Our main characters are fated to each other but are they fated mates or fated to kill each other? 🫣 I absolutely loved this aspect of the book, I had never read fated mates written this way before.

Our FMC Lymseia is a bad ass CAPTAIN OF THE KINGS GUARD 👏🏻 girl power!!!! 🔥 she is everything you could ever want in an FMC.

Our MMC Asheros is dreamy as heck, and my favourite part about him is his unwavering support and faith in Lymseia.

There wasn’t a ton of spice in this book but the spice we did get was SPICIN, top tier for sure!

I highly recommend this book, you don’t have to read them in order unless you want to avoid spoilers!

Thank you @rennaashleyauthor for trusting me with your book 🥰

A Shattered Kingdom of Steel is available September 6, 2024

[Jaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Shattered Kingdom Of Steel is the second book in an interconnected series with a connecting plot. While I did not read the first book, this one was easy to follow along and pick up on the world building and magic system. This story was so much fun. It was adventurous, thrilling, and filled with romance.

We have our two main characters, Lymseia and Asheros, and within meeting these characters, you find out they're mated, but are they fated mates or fated to kill each other? I think that was such a cool take on the fated mates trope. The enemies to lovers was top tier in this, and the banter was amazing.
Lymseia is captain of the high guard, and she is bada**. She's super intelligent and snarky. She went through a phenomenal character growth, but I loved that her banter never changed, and she continued to give Asheros a hard time.
Asheros is not your typical broody morally grey MMC, although he does weild shadows he's very sweet and caring unless you threaten his mate. I love that he worships Lymseia and sees her in a light she can't even see herself in. He definitely helped with her character growth, and it was beautiful.

Overally I really enjoyed this. I like how, at the end, we were introduced to the next characters book 3 will be about. It was a good build-up, and I'm definitely excited to read the next one.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the second book in the series and starts up where the previous book left off. I had left off reading this book for a while as I knew that it would be good and i didn't want it to be over so quick.

Lymseia was the High Kings Captain of the guard, but with a new role is more of a diplomat and is travelling to the Steel Court when her convoy is ambushed.

Asheros Larmanne, heir apparent to the Silver court has his reasons for his actions and sooner than you blink they end up on the same page.

We follow the journey of the pair and his companions as they set about finding the previous high kings killer along with navigating feelings for each other, especially when it becomes clear that they are either fated mates or will end up killing each other.

Both a strong characters and i love that Asheros is not afraid of the strong capable character that Lymesia is, his 'Bladesinger'.

There are some great supporting characters and the ongoing story from book one brings you along, giving you some answers to our questions, but also creating new questions we want answered.

I am really enjoying this series and cannot wait the the next book with Myrdin and his assassin.

[Edith Calzadillas Sotelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being an ARC reader and I heavily enjoyed this book! While I did not read book one (A Broken Throne of Bronze), I was reassured me that it could be read as a standalone so I decided to read ASKOS.

There are times when I struggle connecting to the main characters, which makes me not so interested in reading the books. This was NOT the case here with Lymesia, I genuinely found myself enjoying her character the more time that I spent reading. I love strong FMCs and the moment I found out she was captain of the royal guard, I knew I would never want to put the book down.

“I don’t care what you think of me.” “Perhaps you should, I’m not someone to make your enemy.” HELLO? I immediately started giggling!

The connection between Lymesia and Asheros had me on the edge of my seat because it was so good. They’re fated mates and surprisingly, I hadn’t read a book with that trope before! Needless to say, I loved it 👏🏻

“Let me touch you,” and “I’m not stopping you.” I folded. I really did fold. I loved these two!!!! Since I enjoyed this one, I started to read ABTOB (book one) and I’m very excited about it!

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though technically book 2 of a series, it reads as a standalone and you’re not confused by not reading book 1. That being said, it ends on a cliffhanger so reading book 3 is definitely a must. As described, each book in the series is from another perspective - seemingly like the high mountain court series - making the book quite fast paced and progresses quickly.

The book addresses tropes such as fated mates, forced proximity, “who did this to you?” and found family. 🔥

I’m rounding my rating up - it was more of a 3.5-4 star for me. One, because I think I would’ve enjoyed more time getting to know our MMC and more time in building their relationship (I’m such a sucker for a real slow burn), but other all it was good with a few spicy scenes. And Two, all the conflict was resolved a little too quickly for my taste. Even the ending wasn’t highly climatic, as I assume the author is saving it for the following books.

It was a good, fun read, and I definitely enjoyed it! I think in the larger scale of a complete series it’s a wonderful addition.

[Katt Faëhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying that I did like the book and I will continue with the series.

But I could not bring myself to give this 4 stars. Our FMC is the captain of the high kings guard. Bladesinger. Badass woman. But I did not really see her in this book. She didn’t even really try to fight her captors. And I felt that if she was such a great fighter how can she just give up so easily. Then with her freak out session about leading them. Isn’t this her job though? Hasn’t she been captain for so many years now? I don’t know. Who we saw and who she’s supposed to be just didn’t match for me.

BUT it wasn’t bad enough that it ruined the book. It was a bit annoying yes. But I still really liked the book and I’m happy to have read it. This is just some thoughts I had when reading. I also still really liked the FMC and I also loved her companions and the MMC. I would still recommend the book to anyone who is reading the series.

[Amber Spicer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t speak highly enough about this series. It has all the action packed plot twists you want in a fantasy, while also including all the fun & spicy romance you want from an enemies to lovers Romantasy.
In a fated — kidnapping turns stockholm syndrome — twist of events, Lymseia finds herself working with her kidnapper, Asheros, to prevent the kingdom from going to war.
The chemistry between these two is something else — with his sly flirty fox energy & her black cat aversion to his advances. The banter is immaculate!
I also love that in each book is very loosely based off a famous Disney princess story. Guess which tale this one is about?
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!! I hope you this book as much as I did.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥𝔄 𝔰𝔥𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔨𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔢𝔩 ❤️‍🔥

✨This book had me hooked from page one! It is everything you want in a fantasy romance—badass heroine, dark and cheeky love interest, and plenty of swoony enemies-to-lovers tension. Lymseia, a former captain, gets kidnapped by Asheros, her fated mate (or enemy?), and the sparks between them are electric.✨

❤️‍🔥The banter is top-tier, the world-building is rich, and the “forced proximity” trope is chefs kiss!! If you love fated mates, slow-burn romance, and plot twists, you need this book in your life. Plus, the ending will leave you begging for more!❤️‍🔥

😍He Falls First
🫶🏻Forced Proximity
💗Fated Mates
🥰Found Family
🖤Shadow Daddy MMC
❤️‍🔥Enemies to Lovers

[morallygreyDay]

DNFed at about 50%. This is the second in an interconnected series and just couldn’t get into it. I really enjoyed A Broken Throne of Bronze (Book 1) but this one was an insta love and I’m not a fan. I found the MMC Asheros to be very annoying with him instantly falling for Lymseia and kind of wish the story focused on her being a badass more. I don’t think it’s a bad story, I think it would be a good one for anyone just getting into fantasy/romantasy and the tropes that are popular in the genre.

[Justine Miranda (Hannah) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Asheros’s and Bladeslinger’s story. I can see now what I read in the first story as doubt in her in the end of the book was just foreshadowing how she was going to be able to work through what happens to her in the beginning of this one.

I love her. I don’t doubt her anymore. This girl is loyal to the core and the only wish I had for was to be more loyal to herself too. Because she is MORE. So much more than just a warrior.

Their slow burn romance was beautiful and to see a strong FMC not be the embarrassed one when they realize people heard them, is refreshing! 😂

The end was a little quick and I’m not sure how she ‘got out’ which is the best I can say without spoiling but something is coming and I hope that I can learn more about her and what happened in those slumbering moments in the next book.

This series is so…different in the absolute best way.

But I can definitely see that Myrdin and the fiery little thing he walked in with will be the next story. I hope anyway. Side note: I love him and I’m so glad that he loves Lymesia and Viridian. You won’t have any clue what I mean by this until you read it. So go!

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

PITCH: One Dark Window meets A Kingdom of Blood and Magic with an Ever After garnish

Ashley has taken a thousand giant strides in her writing game. I could not put her new book down. Lymseia handles herself. The magic system intrigued me and was easy to follow. Ash will burn the world for her, but she can do it herself. I almost burned the world waiting for this slow burn to ignite. But when it did OH YES. Twas glorious. Go read.

[Freya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 2🌶️

This is a fun and fast paced fantasy romance story! I really had fun reading this book. Each novel is a separate love story all interconnected in the same world with the plot continuing with each book.

Tropes and themes you’ll find in this book:
❤️fated mates
❤️he falls first
❤️forced proximity
❤️one horse/tent
❤️shadow daddy
❤️captor/captive dynamic
❤️”good girl”
❤️enemies to reluctant allies to lovers

[Pricilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the series and I'm so excited for the next book. This book picks up where book 1 left off. One of my fav things from this book is the banter between the main character. Lymseia is the captain of the kings guard. The king sends her on a mission to help bring his people together. While on this mission she gets taken by Asheros, who is a fae lord. Once they met they discover they are fated but it leaves the question are they destined to love each other or k!ll?

[Narrator.sarab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an enjoyable read. I couldn’t get enough. Renna has such a way with banter and snark that has me cackling out loud. Lymseia is a wonderful fmc. She is so determined and courageous. Her love for her friends drives her and she meets her match in Asheros. He is such a perfect counterpart. And his support and belief in her??? Perfection. There is some wonderful found family and the plot from A Broken Throne of Bronze keeps deepening. Highly recommend.

[Hannah Gillispie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the enemies to lovers relationship in this book!!
I am OBSESSED with the plot and the plot twists! Like WHO would have thought the killer was an uncle to the high king?
I’m thinking possessed maybe, or even mind control from the cruel God he’s working for.
Also the love interest with captain of the high kings guard and an heir apparent being mates? YES PLEASE!

[myplentyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Shattered Kingdom of Steel is Book 2 of “Of Curses and Metals" series. This book focuses around Lymseia, the fierce and loyal captain of the High King. After being attacked and captured by the enemy, Lymseia finds herself in a situation, later finding out that her enemy is her fated mate. Uncovering a deeper connection, realizing they are fated mates bound by destiny. Despite their banter, an undeniable attraction begins to simmer between them, embodying the classic 'enemies to lovers' trope. This revelation complicates their relationship even further, as they must navigate their newfound bond while facing the looming threats to the kingdom. The book combines elements of romance, fantasy, and intrigue, making it a compelling read for fans of epic love stories set against the backdrop of a war-torn realm.


-Forced proximity
-Enemies to lovers
-Fated mates
-Found family

[Noelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure I was going to like this one, given the way the hero and heroine meet, but it grew on me. Asheron's initial motivations weren't very clear but once they all shifted focus, things got much better. Looking forward to the next book in the series.