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Blade and Bone #2
Tempered Glass
This is the second book in the Blade and Bone series. Verve survived her transformation into the Fire Queen, but can she survive the power that was given to her? Magic out of control, she seeks to tame and hide it. But when tragedy strikes, she’s forced to return to a land she never wanted to see again and confront—or evade—a darkness she hoped had died. With her secret husband at odds with her way of breaking the curse put on her, Verve finds that love can make an unreliable ally, and that anger is a potent weapon.
272 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2024
34 people want to read
About the author
Beth Overmyer
14 books44 followersA fantasy author/literary writer/humorist walks into a bar. This isn’t a joke. (Save me.)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 14, 2024
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Random Things Tours.
Tempered Glass is the second book in the Blade and Bone series, and we reconnect with Verve, who is now the Fire Queen along the next chapter of her journey. Not only is she a queen, but she has to try to control the magic she's been given, which is no easy task. We learn more about the magical system, the prophecies, and each of the main characters, too. I enjoyed piecing together why certain characters behaved and reacted certain ways in the previous book with the little reveals and weaves of this book and I enjoyed seeing Verve coming into her powers and her character development was so well enacted. You could tell the author put so much time and effort into bringing this book to life and its really paid off. I really hope there will be a third book as there's still so much to explore within this series.
Tempered Glass is the second book in the Blade and Bone series, and we reconnect with Verve, who is now the Fire Queen along the next chapter of her journey. Not only is she a queen, but she has to try to control the magic she's been given, which is no easy task. We learn more about the magical system, the prophecies, and each of the main characters, too. I enjoyed piecing together why certain characters behaved and reacted certain ways in the previous book with the little reveals and weaves of this book and I enjoyed seeing Verve coming into her powers and her character development was so well enacted. You could tell the author put so much time and effort into bringing this book to life and its really paid off. I really hope there will be a third book as there's still so much to explore within this series.
June 11, 2024
This was so good! I'm so glad I took the time to read book one, Brittle, in this series before reading this arc. If you read fantasy, you know how important book one is for world building, introducing magic systems, and so much more.
In this series, we meet Verve. Whereas book one was more about Verve discovering who she really is and escaping Dacre, this book is about her managing her power and still trying to escape Dacre. Just when you think he's gone... BAM.
This story is full of so many twists and turns. However, I found it really easy to follow. Sometimes fantasy books can confuse me, but this one didn't at all. I followed the story and characters every step.
Another thing I really enjoyed was Verve's character building. It felt very real. Yes, she became more confident and powerful. However, in times of difficulty, she still showed fear. This allowed her character to feel relatable.
What stopped this from being a five-star read was two things, really. Firstly, I found the chapters way too long. It took away from my enjoyment of the story. Secondly, the romance was lacking. I wish it was developed a little more.
Overall, it was a fantastic read. I'm looking forward to the next book. There has to be another book, right?!
Thank you to Random Things Tours and author Beth Overmyer for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this series, we meet Verve. Whereas book one was more about Verve discovering who she really is and escaping Dacre, this book is about her managing her power and still trying to escape Dacre. Just when you think he's gone... BAM.
This story is full of so many twists and turns. However, I found it really easy to follow. Sometimes fantasy books can confuse me, but this one didn't at all. I followed the story and characters every step.
Another thing I really enjoyed was Verve's character building. It felt very real. Yes, she became more confident and powerful. However, in times of difficulty, she still showed fear. This allowed her character to feel relatable.
What stopped this from being a five-star read was two things, really. Firstly, I found the chapters way too long. It took away from my enjoyment of the story. Secondly, the romance was lacking. I wish it was developed a little more.
Overall, it was a fantastic read. I'm looking forward to the next book. There has to be another book, right?!
Thank you to Random Things Tours and author Beth Overmyer for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 29, 2024
Definitely miles better than the first book, the transitions are cleaner and I get to finally connect with the FMC. The character arc at the middle also provided a good turning point to the story, didn't feel as rushed as the first book
June 11, 2024
After devouring book one in this series I knew I needed to read book two!
Get ready to embark on a new adventure with Verve, only this time she's the Fire Queen. It was so fun to once again be reunited with this fmc and I liked that we got a deeper look at this character in book two. I definitely felt more connected to Verve in this book. We also get some amazing character development from the fmc in this newest instalment, as well as some new and old characters that were a treat to see.
This novel is action packed from the first chapter, tons of twists and turns you wont see coming and a unique story line that will more than keep you intrigued. I enjoyed the magical system once again and could tell the author took her time to make Verve and her powers feel realistic within the world she has created. As with book one I devoured this novel so quickly and was unable top put it down. Overmyer knows how to craft a plot that flows seamlessly and keeps you wanting more. I hope we get to see more of Verve in the future.
Get ready to embark on a new adventure with Verve, only this time she's the Fire Queen. It was so fun to once again be reunited with this fmc and I liked that we got a deeper look at this character in book two. I definitely felt more connected to Verve in this book. We also get some amazing character development from the fmc in this newest instalment, as well as some new and old characters that were a treat to see.
This novel is action packed from the first chapter, tons of twists and turns you wont see coming and a unique story line that will more than keep you intrigued. I enjoyed the magical system once again and could tell the author took her time to make Verve and her powers feel realistic within the world she has created. As with book one I devoured this novel so quickly and was unable top put it down. Overmyer knows how to craft a plot that flows seamlessly and keeps you wanting more. I hope we get to see more of Verve in the future.
June 20, 2024
This is Book Two in 'Blade and Bone' series. This book can be read as a standalone.
Now that Verve is the Fire Queen, we get to follow her as she try's to tame her powers and magic. We get to learn more about her powers, magic and also the prophecies. As well as some old characters, we get to met a few new ones. Verve thought she had left Letorheas for good, but has she? Will Verve manage to protect her husband or will this be to much for them both?
Overmyer has added a few twists that I didn't see coming, which I have to say I loved. Overmyer has done a lot of work on the characters and storyline, which made the story easy to follow and also to read.
Looking forward to the next book to see what happens to Verve and also what has happened to Dacre.
Now that Verve is the Fire Queen, we get to follow her as she try's to tame her powers and magic. We get to learn more about her powers, magic and also the prophecies. As well as some old characters, we get to met a few new ones. Verve thought she had left Letorheas for good, but has she? Will Verve manage to protect her husband or will this be to much for them both?
Overmyer has added a few twists that I didn't see coming, which I have to say I loved. Overmyer has done a lot of work on the characters and storyline, which made the story easy to follow and also to read.
Looking forward to the next book to see what happens to Verve and also what has happened to Dacre.
August 30, 2025
...I was so excited for this book.
The thing is, Beth Overmyer has really good ideas, and those ideas keep me coming back. Where I struggle some is her characterizations. Some of the characters feel flat, and others seem to change their minds about what they're doing and why every couple pages. A few are just solid, consistent, coherent characters. I found this problem to be especially bad at the beginning of the book, but things did seem to even out some as the story progressed, and I'm hopeful that the next book will carry the progress forward.
The thing is, Beth Overmyer has really good ideas, and those ideas keep me coming back. Where I struggle some is her characterizations. Some of the characters feel flat, and others seem to change their minds about what they're doing and why every couple pages. A few are just solid, consistent, coherent characters. I found this problem to be especially bad at the beginning of the book, but things did seem to even out some as the story progressed, and I'm hopeful that the next book will carry the progress forward.
July 5, 2024
I'm not really into fae/faerie stories as I've mentioned in my review of book 1, but Brittle had me intrigued so I had to come back for more. This time around, we find out more about the prophecies and what drove the actions of the main characters in the previous book, and we learn more about the worlds and the magic and the concept of middlings (middle children).
The writing remains easy to get lost in, even if the chapters are on the longer side. We meet many familiar faces again, as well as some interesting new characters. Verve's still strong, snarky and independent, though I felt like, for most of the book, she was having things happening to her and simply reacting. Isn't that what sucks about prophecies sometimes, especially when they're made in a realm that you're not originally a part of? So many questions, not enough answers.
There were some moments that really got me, like what happened to H, and the surprising "battle of the three" near the end (I don't want to spoil so I hope that's vague enough but also hinting at what I mean LOL). But there were also some parts that played out too conveniently and needed a little more suspension of disbelief.
As of this time I haven't seen an announcement for book 3, but I hope there's one because there's still so much we don't know!
The writing remains easy to get lost in, even if the chapters are on the longer side. We meet many familiar faces again, as well as some interesting new characters. Verve's still strong, snarky and independent, though I felt like, for most of the book, she was having things happening to her and simply reacting. Isn't that what sucks about prophecies sometimes, especially when they're made in a realm that you're not originally a part of? So many questions, not enough answers.
There were some moments that really got me, like what happened to H, and the surprising "battle of the three" near the end (I don't want to spoil so I hope that's vague enough but also hinting at what I mean LOL). But there were also some parts that played out too conveniently and needed a little more suspension of disbelief.
As of this time I haven't seen an announcement for book 3, but I hope there's one because there's still so much we don't know!
June 17, 2024
‘Tempered Glass’ is an adventure-filled tale full of magic, suspense and full of twists and turns! This is the second book in the series after ‘Brittle’ and follows the story of Verve and how she is dealing with her new circumstances. This technically could be read as a standalone but your understanding and enjoyment of the story would be enhanced by reading ‘Brittle’.
‘Tempered Glass ups the ante as life is very different for Verve now that she is half-fae and getting a hold of her magic. Now that her captor and enemy has died she has returned to the heart of her family to heal and recuperate. But of course this doesn't go well and Verve is pulled back into the world of magic again and has to face her reality that as the Fire Queen she might even be putting her family into danger.
Verve is an independent and strong individual even before all the events in book one take place but she is even stronger now! A magic she struggles to control as the power is immense. Verve has developed as a character in the first book she came off as a bit bratty at times, but she has calmed and matured in this outing. But she can still be a tad naive which I actually liked even if I was silently screaming at her!
Once again Beth’s writing instantly immerses the reader in a rich and detailed world. It doesn't take a lot to visualise the scenes as the world-building aspect is done extremely well. The storyline was original and inventive and I flew through this in a couple of sittings! I can't wait to see what will happen in book three!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
‘Tempered Glass ups the ante as life is very different for Verve now that she is half-fae and getting a hold of her magic. Now that her captor and enemy has died she has returned to the heart of her family to heal and recuperate. But of course this doesn't go well and Verve is pulled back into the world of magic again and has to face her reality that as the Fire Queen she might even be putting her family into danger.
Verve is an independent and strong individual even before all the events in book one take place but she is even stronger now! A magic she struggles to control as the power is immense. Verve has developed as a character in the first book she came off as a bit bratty at times, but she has calmed and matured in this outing. But she can still be a tad naive which I actually liked even if I was silently screaming at her!
Once again Beth’s writing instantly immerses the reader in a rich and detailed world. It doesn't take a lot to visualise the scenes as the world-building aspect is done extremely well. The storyline was original and inventive and I flew through this in a couple of sittings! I can't wait to see what will happen in book three!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
July 29, 2025
Book two of the Blade & Bone trilogy, Tempered Glass, reunites us with Verve, who is now half-fae and struggling to control her newfound magic powers. Verve hoped she’d left the fae realm behind but then tragedy strikes and she is forced to return to break a curse and confront a darkness she falsely thought was defeated.
This book effectively fleshes out the characters, prophecies, and magic system of the series. There were some interesting concepts, such as magic leaving behind a scent specific to the user, and the significance of middlings (middle children), that I felt could have been explored more. I felt the pacing of this book to be better than the first, and it was a quick and easy read.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
This book effectively fleshes out the characters, prophecies, and magic system of the series. There were some interesting concepts, such as magic leaving behind a scent specific to the user, and the significance of middlings (middle children), that I felt could have been explored more. I felt the pacing of this book to be better than the first, and it was a quick and easy read.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
June 12, 2024
thank you so much to the Random Things Tour and Flame Tree Press for providing me with a review copy!
i really had a good time reading this and the vibes were definitely there! i loved the dynamic between Fenn and Verve and had fun reading about them.
the story also has great twists and turns that will keep you intrigued throughout the book.
i enjoyed getting to know more about the world and i think Beth does a wonderful job at keeping the pacing for the world building just right so that it's not too heavy and not too shallow.
i really had a good time reading this and the vibes were definitely there! i loved the dynamic between Fenn and Verve and had fun reading about them.
the story also has great twists and turns that will keep you intrigued throughout the book.
i enjoyed getting to know more about the world and i think Beth does a wonderful job at keeping the pacing for the world building just right so that it's not too heavy and not too shallow.
June 30, 2024
I’ve been eager for this sequel ever since I finished Brittle, and it didn’t disappoint at all. It’s always really satisfying to see a second book that shines as well as the first one, and everything in this one lived up to the hype my mind had given it. The worldbuilding and characters are great, and the first chapter reminds the reader of just enough to get back into the swing of things.
Note: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2024
I am looking forward to the next book as I have so many questions that will hopefully be answered. I enjoyed this book just as much as the first book. There are a couple of characters I am slightly wary of so it will be interesting to see the rest of the story played out. My four year old LOVES the book cover ❤️
June 12, 2024
A strong sequel in a growing fantasy series
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on X @josenher
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on X @josenher
July 21, 2024
Verve has now transformed into the Fire Queen but before she can get to grips with this new role trouble strikes. The darkness she thought she had left behind has reappeared. What does the future hold for Verve?
The storyline was brilliant, fast paced and action packed. I really enjoyed the world building in this book because it was so immersive but easy to understand. I would describe it as both magical and sinister especially when the Fae make an appearance. The writing style was very descriptive and at times it felt like I was with Verve as she tried to navigate not only the mortal world but also the world of Fae.
After finishing the first book which ended on a cliff hanger with Verve’s transformation into the Fire Queen, I was curious to see what happened to Verve next and to see how she would cope with this big change. This book picks up one year after the events of the first book. The Verve we meet in this story is very different to the Verve we have previously met. Verve has progressed as a character. She has grown up, is more confident but she is still getting use to her new powers. One thing that is clear is that Verve doesn’t realise how powerful she is. She is struggling to control her powers, doesn’t know when they will manifest and has no guidance. She is alone and scrambling around in the dark. She has to hide her powers and pretend to be mortal to protect her family. Verve believed that she had left Dacre behind but she really hasn’t and as the story unfolds she realises that she is still connected to him and that she has been cursed. It was also interesting to see the relationship between Verve and Fenn develop and blossom. It showed how connected they were to each other and that they were very much in love. But they do clash when it comes to how they should deal with Verve’s new powers. The battle scenes were brilliant and when we see Verve in action the reader is given a glimpse into Verve’s transformation into the Fire Queen and what she is capable of.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the last chapter. I think this was Verve’s defining moment when she realised who she really was and is able to reflect on this. She realises that in order to be her true self she has to embrace every part of her whether that be Fae, mortal, Fire Queen, darkness or light because they are all connected and make her who she is.
The storyline was brilliant, fast paced and action packed. I really enjoyed the world building in this book because it was so immersive but easy to understand. I would describe it as both magical and sinister especially when the Fae make an appearance. The writing style was very descriptive and at times it felt like I was with Verve as she tried to navigate not only the mortal world but also the world of Fae.
After finishing the first book which ended on a cliff hanger with Verve’s transformation into the Fire Queen, I was curious to see what happened to Verve next and to see how she would cope with this big change. This book picks up one year after the events of the first book. The Verve we meet in this story is very different to the Verve we have previously met. Verve has progressed as a character. She has grown up, is more confident but she is still getting use to her new powers. One thing that is clear is that Verve doesn’t realise how powerful she is. She is struggling to control her powers, doesn’t know when they will manifest and has no guidance. She is alone and scrambling around in the dark. She has to hide her powers and pretend to be mortal to protect her family. Verve believed that she had left Dacre behind but she really hasn’t and as the story unfolds she realises that she is still connected to him and that she has been cursed. It was also interesting to see the relationship between Verve and Fenn develop and blossom. It showed how connected they were to each other and that they were very much in love. But they do clash when it comes to how they should deal with Verve’s new powers. The battle scenes were brilliant and when we see Verve in action the reader is given a glimpse into Verve’s transformation into the Fire Queen and what she is capable of.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the last chapter. I think this was Verve’s defining moment when she realised who she really was and is able to reflect on this. She realises that in order to be her true self she has to embrace every part of her whether that be Fae, mortal, Fire Queen, darkness or light because they are all connected and make her who she is.
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