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The Graveyard Trees #2
Armor of Dusk
The final installment following Feathers of Dawn has higher stakes, features more fluff and more violence, and concludes the epic love story of Asith and Dradevai.
Armor of Dusk is perfect for Dungeons & Dragons lovers!
Asith Evourin has finally found his long-lost father and saved him from a facility harvesting dragons, but at a cost. His partner, Dradevai, stayed behind to rescue more dragons, and Asith is no closer to finding them than they were a year ago. With no leads on where they are or if they’re safe, Asith struggles to enjoy life in the Graveyard Trees, the city of dragons, and pushes his family away.
Everything changes after Asith reluctantly accepts a lesson about magic from his father. He gains confidence in his ability to cast magic and suddenly retrieves a lead on Dradevai’s location. But along the way, Asith must struggle to remain unseen as a wanted criminal, trust people he hardly knows, and face a villain who will stop at nothing to profit off the abuse of dragons.
Can Asith achieve peace between the Sterling dragons and the people of Cairn?
Cuddle up with this cozy fantasy about dragons
A stunning sequel to a slow burn fantasy for adults
An incredible queer romance fantasy series
Impressive book about magical dragons for adults
Armor of Dusk is perfect for Dungeons & Dragons lovers!
Asith Evourin has finally found his long-lost father and saved him from a facility harvesting dragons, but at a cost. His partner, Dradevai, stayed behind to rescue more dragons, and Asith is no closer to finding them than they were a year ago. With no leads on where they are or if they’re safe, Asith struggles to enjoy life in the Graveyard Trees, the city of dragons, and pushes his family away.
Everything changes after Asith reluctantly accepts a lesson about magic from his father. He gains confidence in his ability to cast magic and suddenly retrieves a lead on Dradevai’s location. But along the way, Asith must struggle to remain unseen as a wanted criminal, trust people he hardly knows, and face a villain who will stop at nothing to profit off the abuse of dragons.
Can Asith achieve peace between the Sterling dragons and the people of Cairn?
Cuddle up with this cozy fantasy about dragons
A stunning sequel to a slow burn fantasy for adults
An incredible queer romance fantasy series
Impressive book about magical dragons for adults
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2024
11 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 9, 2024
This is a strong conclusion to the duology, blending cozy fantasy with higher stakes and emotional depth. While the warmth of the first book carries through, this sequel expands the scope of its world and characters, bringing in new faces and challenges that enrich the story.
The heart of the story remains the love between Asith and Dradevai, which is even more poignant and heartfelt here. Galaxie skillfully deepens their bond while exploring the toll of separation and the sacrifices they’re willing to make for each other. Their relationship grounds the narrative amidst the broader stakes, making every victory and setback feel personal and meaningful.
The new characters, particularly Mysse, add so much to the story. Mysse is a standout addition, though the larger cast inevitably means some other characters feel a little underdeveloped. The expanded world-building really shines and I loved the higher stakes in this one. The balance between cozy moments and external threats makes this book a prime example of how to handle lower-stakes fantasy without sacrificing tension and emotion.
Armor of Dusk solidifies itself as a star in the cozy fantasy genre. Fans of the first book will find this conclusion satisfying.
Thanks so much to the author for the complimentary copy and opportunity to read and review. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
The heart of the story remains the love between Asith and Dradevai, which is even more poignant and heartfelt here. Galaxie skillfully deepens their bond while exploring the toll of separation and the sacrifices they’re willing to make for each other. Their relationship grounds the narrative amidst the broader stakes, making every victory and setback feel personal and meaningful.
The new characters, particularly Mysse, add so much to the story. Mysse is a standout addition, though the larger cast inevitably means some other characters feel a little underdeveloped. The expanded world-building really shines and I loved the higher stakes in this one. The balance between cozy moments and external threats makes this book a prime example of how to handle lower-stakes fantasy without sacrificing tension and emotion.
Armor of Dusk solidifies itself as a star in the cozy fantasy genre. Fans of the first book will find this conclusion satisfying.
Thanks so much to the author for the complimentary copy and opportunity to read and review. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
September 21, 2024
As the continuation of Feathers of Dawn, and the end of it, there's a high standard set for Armor of Dusk. Which was met fully.
The unwavering and loyal love between Asith and Dradevai is beautiful to read about, as is Asith's growth, both with magic and knowledge about dragons and love for his family. Once again, the bonds between characters and their feelings are well written and immersive, as is the worldbuilding.
There's so much more found family in Armor of Dusk, even a likeable kid, which was a surprise to me. Mysse is an amazing character and his scenes made me cry more than once.
Armor of Duskalso answers all lingering questions the first book has left open, all while tensions and political worries are fought out.
All in all, Armor of Dusk is once more a wonderful read.
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
The unwavering and loyal love between Asith and Dradevai is beautiful to read about, as is Asith's growth, both with magic and knowledge about dragons and love for his family. Once again, the bonds between characters and their feelings are well written and immersive, as is the worldbuilding.
There's so much more found family in Armor of Dusk, even a likeable kid, which was a surprise to me. Mysse is an amazing character and his scenes made me cry more than once.
Armor of Duskalso answers all lingering questions the first book has left open, all while tensions and political worries are fought out.
All in all, Armor of Dusk is once more a wonderful read.
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
September 6, 2024
This is a continuation of Feathers of Dawn and the conclusion to the duology. Ever since reading Feathers of Dawn, I have been eagerly awaiting book two; of course, the author did not disappoint. We meet so many new characters and learn some connections that go deeper than we thought! In this book, Asith learns a bit of magic from his father and even gets a familiar, and I was literally so excited about what it was. As I do not wish to give spoilers on that so you can be just as excited as I was, I will not divulge what it is.
If you've read book one, then you know about how Dradevai likes to eat their eggs. (Raw and with the shell) There is a mention of this in this book when Asith was thinking fondly back on them and describing them to a new acquaintance and the way I was laughing for a solid 5 minutes.
I love how Jess describes this fantastical world that they've created and is immersive in the detail. It's so easy to imagine the story as it's being told and you can really connect with the characters. I'm going to miss them so much, but thankfully rereading is ALWAYS AND OPTION.
If you like cozy fantasy, but with some questies please please PLEASE, I IMPLORE you to pick up this duology. It does not disappoint.
Thank you so much Jess for an early copy of Armor of Dusk and for trusting me to read your book baby.
If you've read book one, then you know about how Dradevai likes to eat their eggs. (Raw and with the shell) There is a mention of this in this book when Asith was thinking fondly back on them and describing them to a new acquaintance and the way I was laughing for a solid 5 minutes.
I love how Jess describes this fantastical world that they've created and is immersive in the detail. It's so easy to imagine the story as it's being told and you can really connect with the characters. I'm going to miss them so much, but thankfully rereading is ALWAYS AND OPTION.
If you like cozy fantasy, but with some questies please please PLEASE, I IMPLORE you to pick up this duology. It does not disappoint.
Thank you so much Jess for an early copy of Armor of Dusk and for trusting me to read your book baby.
October 29, 2024
I received an ARC from the author in exchange of a honest review.
I dived into this book expecting tears and fuzzy feelings, and as I predicted I was delivered that.
Armor of Dusk is the sequel of Feather of Dawn and the final installment of The Graveyard Trees Duology. At the end of the first book, Vai and Asith got separated, and the despair that Asith shows at the beginning of this book is heartbreaking. He struggles to find a balance between the happiness of having saved his father and reunited him with his mother and the anguish he feels of having "abandoned" Vai in the same fate of his father's. Or, at leasts, that is what he thinks he's happening to his lover. Spoiler not so spoiler, we meet Dradevai around 40–45% of the book, with a very good reason (or three) as to why he couldn't reach Asith at the Graveyard Tree.
If I had to summarize this book with a few words I would use cozy, heartbreaking, and comforting. Yes, I know, a little clashing, but bear with me.
The overall feeling I had reading this book was cozy. Just like the first one, this book feels like a warm blanket that envelopes you and makes you feel safe even when the stakes are high. The world in this book wants you to remember that even when everything seems to be against you, you are safe because you are never truly alone. Someone is watching over you, wether it's friends or supernatural beings, and I found this reminder very comforting.
We get to meet old and new characters, and I loved them all, but Mysse and Yarrow (and briefly Raystash, damn your eyes Jess) have a special place in my heart.
In short, I loved this book as much as (if not even more than) Feather of Dusk and have put it in the list of "book I need to have a physical copy of". 10/5 recommend.
CW: vomiting, experiment on people, death of minor characters, and more. The book has a full page of content warnings at the beginning of the book, so read carefully before starting it.
I dived into this book expecting tears and fuzzy feelings, and as I predicted I was delivered that.
Armor of Dusk is the sequel of Feather of Dawn and the final installment of The Graveyard Trees Duology. At the end of the first book, Vai and Asith got separated, and the despair that Asith shows at the beginning of this book is heartbreaking. He struggles to find a balance between the happiness of having saved his father and reunited him with his mother and the anguish he feels of having "abandoned" Vai in the same fate of his father's. Or, at leasts, that is what he thinks he's happening to his lover. Spoiler not so spoiler, we meet Dradevai around 40–45% of the book, with a very good reason (or three) as to why he couldn't reach Asith at the Graveyard Tree.
If I had to summarize this book with a few words I would use cozy, heartbreaking, and comforting. Yes, I know, a little clashing, but bear with me.
The overall feeling I had reading this book was cozy. Just like the first one, this book feels like a warm blanket that envelopes you and makes you feel safe even when the stakes are high. The world in this book wants you to remember that even when everything seems to be against you, you are safe because you are never truly alone. Someone is watching over you, wether it's friends or supernatural beings, and I found this reminder very comforting.
We get to meet old and new characters, and I loved them all, but Mysse and Yarrow (and briefly Raystash, damn your eyes Jess) have a special place in my heart.
In short, I loved this book as much as (if not even more than) Feather of Dusk and have put it in the list of "book I need to have a physical copy of". 10/5 recommend.
CW: vomiting, experiment on people, death of minor characters, and more. The book has a full page of content warnings at the beginning of the book, so read carefully before starting it.
September 17, 2024
If you loved Feathers of Dawn, then you’ll love its sequel, Armor of Dusk. I received an ARC of this book from the author, and overall had a very good time reading it! It’s just as adorable and wholesome as the previous book, with a lot more action that builds on the raised stakes in an excellent way.
The thing keeping it from being five stars for me is that there were a few constant aspects that annoyed me and I actively had to choose not to think about while reading in order to enjoy it. The worldbuilding is still vague in an unsatisfying way, often because the characters just plain don’t know much about the world. On the other hand, everything happening in the moment - what characters do, feel, and think - are over-explained. Frequently, a character will think something in narration, and then they will say it out loud in dialogue, and then the exact same thing will be said in narration again. There were also a few moments that I would describe as a “double reveal” - the characters would learn something twice, but only react to it with surprise the second time. Perhaps this will be cleaned up before the book is released. It may not bother other people, but it is a personal annoyance.
The thing keeping it from being five stars for me is that there were a few constant aspects that annoyed me and I actively had to choose not to think about while reading in order to enjoy it. The worldbuilding is still vague in an unsatisfying way, often because the characters just plain don’t know much about the world. On the other hand, everything happening in the moment - what characters do, feel, and think - are over-explained. Frequently, a character will think something in narration, and then they will say it out loud in dialogue, and then the exact same thing will be said in narration again. There were also a few moments that I would describe as a “double reveal” - the characters would learn something twice, but only react to it with surprise the second time. Perhaps this will be cleaned up before the book is released. It may not bother other people, but it is a personal annoyance.
January 12, 2025
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙤 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙤 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙗𝙞𝙜 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙬𝙖𝙮.”
After saving his father and venturing to the Graveyard Trees, Asith grapples with his need and inability to search for Dradevai. Unsure if they have been captured by the same people he just saved the other dragons from, he searches for a way to track down his lover. When Phela, goddess of love and ruler of magic, blesses Asith with her favor, he begins his quest to find Dradevai and bring the truth of dragons to the people of Cairn.
“𝙑𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙣𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙚𝙬.”
Armor of Dusk is a great follow up to book 1, Feathers of Dawn. It’s a cozy fantasy with an epic adventure plot, and a touch of romance. I love and appreciate that our hero Asith is sensitive and soft, while still being fierce and ready to defend - in a time where every MMC is moody, broody and dark, Asith is light and levity and sweetness. The found family (literally) aspects of book 2 were fabulous, and I loved all the additions to the story, especially Mysse (my boy 😫). The emotional journey we go on in this story is very poignant and immersive and I highly recommend.
𝙃𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙞 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙧 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙡. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙤𝙣 𝙆𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨.
After saving his father and venturing to the Graveyard Trees, Asith grapples with his need and inability to search for Dradevai. Unsure if they have been captured by the same people he just saved the other dragons from, he searches for a way to track down his lover. When Phela, goddess of love and ruler of magic, blesses Asith with her favor, he begins his quest to find Dradevai and bring the truth of dragons to the people of Cairn.
“𝙑𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙣𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙚𝙬.”
Armor of Dusk is a great follow up to book 1, Feathers of Dawn. It’s a cozy fantasy with an epic adventure plot, and a touch of romance. I love and appreciate that our hero Asith is sensitive and soft, while still being fierce and ready to defend - in a time where every MMC is moody, broody and dark, Asith is light and levity and sweetness. The found family (literally) aspects of book 2 were fabulous, and I loved all the additions to the story, especially Mysse (my boy 😫). The emotional journey we go on in this story is very poignant and immersive and I highly recommend.
𝙃𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙞 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙧 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙡. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙤𝙣 𝙆𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨.
May 28, 2025
First of all, that cover! Gorgeous. Love it.
A great conclusion to the story. The beginning felt slow but it got better. And once it did, I couldn't stop reading.
While this book had higher stakes than it's prequel, I feel, it had the right amount of adventure, angst, loyalty, romance, found family dynamics, risk, etc, all well balanced. Took me on a good roller-coaster ride. The author wrote it all beautifully.
The new characters were interesting. Loved them. Especially the little dragons.
To conclude, I enjoyed reading the book and if you are in the mood for some cozy dragon romantasy (with a bisexual MMC!) that brings you to the edge of your seat with quests, battles, and political tension but keeps you warm with adorable (found) family dynamics, then I totally recommend this duology!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy!
A great conclusion to the story. The beginning felt slow but it got better. And once it did, I couldn't stop reading.
While this book had higher stakes than it's prequel, I feel, it had the right amount of adventure, angst, loyalty, romance, found family dynamics, risk, etc, all well balanced. Took me on a good roller-coaster ride. The author wrote it all beautifully.
The new characters were interesting. Loved them. Especially the little dragons.
To conclude, I enjoyed reading the book and if you are in the mood for some cozy dragon romantasy (with a bisexual MMC!) that brings you to the edge of your seat with quests, battles, and political tension but keeps you warm with adorable (found) family dynamics, then I totally recommend this duology!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy!
September 12, 2024
To start: I received an early arc by the author. Thank you Jess! ♥️
I can honestly say that the anticipation I had for this sequel was well met. The conclusion to the Graveyard Trees duology was phenomenal. The build up to finding Dradevai was so well written, with Asith’s pain and determination being so clearly shown with every single action that he made. My heart swam when Asith and Dradivai were reunited. Everything after that had me on the edge of my seat because I knew it had to get way worse before it got better. The soft moments in between the chaos made it so much more real. Also the continued world building, which heavily showed the affect that political greed, fear mongering, and capitalism can have on people. There is so much more that I could write but the bottom line is that this book had an amazing balance of everything that you could want from a cozy higher stakes fantasy novel and I don’t plan on shutting up about how much I love it.
I can honestly say that the anticipation I had for this sequel was well met. The conclusion to the Graveyard Trees duology was phenomenal. The build up to finding Dradevai was so well written, with Asith’s pain and determination being so clearly shown with every single action that he made. My heart swam when Asith and Dradivai were reunited. Everything after that had me on the edge of my seat because I knew it had to get way worse before it got better. The soft moments in between the chaos made it so much more real. Also the continued world building, which heavily showed the affect that political greed, fear mongering, and capitalism can have on people. There is so much more that I could write but the bottom line is that this book had an amazing balance of everything that you could want from a cozy higher stakes fantasy novel and I don’t plan on shutting up about how much I love it.
May 5, 2025
A Perfect Conclusion
I am so glad to have come across this duology - it’s filled with so much heart and goodness that you can’t help but want to make the world better in some small way after reading it. Vai and Asith are such delightful, gentle, brave characters and the new additions to the found family - especially Mysse - are equally lovable.
If you are a D&D fan, this reads like a campaign with all the highs, lows, action and friendship that comes with it. I am particularly fond of how Galaxie allowed her heroes to be both tough fighters but also beings who weren’t afraid to show their emotions, to cry, to be scared and to lean on their friends and family when they were low. The best parts of D&D are truly on display here.
Asith & Vai will forever have a place in my heart and I am better for having met them.
I am so glad to have come across this duology - it’s filled with so much heart and goodness that you can’t help but want to make the world better in some small way after reading it. Vai and Asith are such delightful, gentle, brave characters and the new additions to the found family - especially Mysse - are equally lovable.
If you are a D&D fan, this reads like a campaign with all the highs, lows, action and friendship that comes with it. I am particularly fond of how Galaxie allowed her heroes to be both tough fighters but also beings who weren’t afraid to show their emotions, to cry, to be scared and to lean on their friends and family when they were low. The best parts of D&D are truly on display here.
Asith & Vai will forever have a place in my heart and I am better for having met them.
September 6, 2024
Jess outdid themselves with this amazing sequel! It has more magic, found family, healthy relationships, and a wider world. I really loved this world and how unique it is. I also loved the gods, champions, and how evil can be changed w/o violence even sometimes it is necessary to right horrible wrongs. There is a balance to this duology about fighting evil, loving others for who they are, and protecting the innocent. Mysse and Farin are two of my faves. I hope we get more from this world!
Spoiler: There is a poignant spice scene between two characters but it is semi fade to black. It focuses more on emotions but does mention physical aspects.
Spoiler: There is a poignant spice scene between two characters but it is semi fade to black. It focuses more on emotions but does mention physical aspects.
September 20, 2024
Oh my gosh, this book HURT! The way Asith's love for Dradevai never wavered, even when they were apart so long, just made this story so incredibly bittersweet. Every little moment Asith spent just thinking of Dradevai sort of, slightly, killed me (but I'm FINE). And the way Asith and Dradevai remained in love with each other after everything they went through truly made up for those bittersweet moments in the beginning. This is definitely a book with such a hard-earned HEA, but it's WORTH IT, I swear.
December 7, 2024
This is a great second and final book in this series. It's super cute and cozy and just an overall great read! This one had so many more adorable characters that I just wanted to give hugs. I really loved the cozy feel of the story and still having a great adventure. As well as the depth that we get to know each of the characters. And the ending was so great that I felt wrapped up in a big bow. It didn't leave me feeling like I needed to know what happened after the book ended, it was such a great ending and I loved both of these books. I can't wait to see what Jess comes out with next.
August 24, 2025
This is most definitely one of my favorite books of all time!
I'm sad it's the last book, but wow that ending had me tearing up, amazing world building and the story arch was great, the found family was perfection.
If you're into dnd this book is literally for you, I loved every single page and look forward to getting the paper backs for my shelf, seeming I read these on my Kindle.
Going to make all my carzy bookish friends read this!
I'm sad it's the last book, but wow that ending had me tearing up, amazing world building and the story arch was great, the found family was perfection.
If you're into dnd this book is literally for you, I loved every single page and look forward to getting the paper backs for my shelf, seeming I read these on my Kindle.
Going to make all my carzy bookish friends read this!
December 5, 2024
I received this book as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. This was everything I was hoping it would be. I laughed, I SOBBED (there is proof of this), and I had pieces of my heart and soul that I didn't know were frayed, pieced back together through this duology.
This was the cozy adventure I never knew I needed. SO good and highly recommend!
Wow. This was everything I was hoping it would be. I laughed, I SOBBED (there is proof of this), and I had pieces of my heart and soul that I didn't know were frayed, pieced back together through this duology.
This was the cozy adventure I never knew I needed. SO good and highly recommend!
December 6, 2024
AMAZING! I read the first book in a day, and eagerly awaited the release of the second. I was so honored to be chosen as an ARC reader. The book was amazing!
March 8, 2025
An amazing conclusion to the series. I love these characters and all the relationships between them. I could spend a million more books with these two.
April 2, 2025
such a great conclusion to this duology!!
July 22, 2025
A sweet tale, felt like a round of DnD with friends I was invested in the characters finding the good in each other and identifying their happiness through their journeys. Love a found family.
October 28, 2025
When have animal companions come out of fashion? I love how an animal instantly improves the mental health of the characters. It is such a beautiful thing.
"Doubt would sometime creep into the center of his bones and cause his limbs to shake"
That being said, I appreciate it when fantasy books portray some sort of mental trauma when a character hurts/unalives someone or generally uses violence despite having good intentions (keeping it wage here). It's a huge thing, and in fantasy it's often brushed over. Maybe I'm guilty of doing that myself? Maybe I should rethink my approach here? I love to learn from other authors, so this is already a big win!
"The illusion shattered all at once, like the sun bursting from the horizon at dawn"
The writing itself did improve in this second novel. There was more show than tell, less repititions and some very creative descriptions. Sadly, it was still my biggest issue. I found way more grammar mistakes, typos or structural errors this time. That took away quite a lot from the enjoyment, since it pulled me out the story each time.
The plot did not disappoint at all though! The twists and turns it took had me on the edge of my seat. I could never trust for it to go the way I expected it and I love a good surprise moment.
"The fabric is the magic that naturally exists on Desta"
The author still took the time to elaborate on the magic system and explain lots of technicality that naturally weren't clear from the first book. And I appreciated how friendship was a big theme too. Much like animal companions, I feel like we don't see quite enough good friendships in novels. I want more of that, too!
"I promise, that probably won't happen again"
Book one and two both had formating issues. The chapter breaks didn't work. That made navigating the book a bin fiddly. It might be my device, but I never hat this issue before.
I liked book one better than the sequel BUT I still loved it and would reccomend it as a duology!
"Doubt would sometime creep into the center of his bones and cause his limbs to shake"
That being said, I appreciate it when fantasy books portray some sort of mental trauma when a character hurts/unalives someone or generally uses violence despite having good intentions (keeping it wage here). It's a huge thing, and in fantasy it's often brushed over. Maybe I'm guilty of doing that myself? Maybe I should rethink my approach here? I love to learn from other authors, so this is already a big win!
"The illusion shattered all at once, like the sun bursting from the horizon at dawn"
The writing itself did improve in this second novel. There was more show than tell, less repititions and some very creative descriptions. Sadly, it was still my biggest issue. I found way more grammar mistakes, typos or structural errors this time. That took away quite a lot from the enjoyment, since it pulled me out the story each time.
The plot did not disappoint at all though! The twists and turns it took had me on the edge of my seat. I could never trust for it to go the way I expected it and I love a good surprise moment.
"The fabric is the magic that naturally exists on Desta"
The author still took the time to elaborate on the magic system and explain lots of technicality that naturally weren't clear from the first book. And I appreciated how friendship was a big theme too. Much like animal companions, I feel like we don't see quite enough good friendships in novels. I want more of that, too!
"I promise, that probably won't happen again"
Book one and two both had formating issues. The chapter breaks didn't work. That made navigating the book a bin fiddly. It might be my device, but I never hat this issue before.
I liked book one better than the sequel BUT I still loved it and would reccomend it as a duology!
January 7, 2025
A perfect conclusion to the duology. I absolutely loved how the found family elements of the previous book were expanded upon. The new characters we meet in Armor of Dusk enriched the story and the world we were introduced to. The melancholy and loss felt through the beginning chapters was written so well and carried some of the most impactful moments of the sequel. Too often in series, I find characters moving on quickly from the major events of the previous books, any emotional weight or consequence lost. While there are high stakes in the duology, the cozy moments shine as well. The love all of the characters have for one another is the strongest thread, tying each of the plot points and revelations together. I'm looking forward to the author's next work.
December 9, 2024
I got an ARC! I love seeing my boy Asith and my beloved Vai going through a new emotional journey. They're both hard not to love.
I also love the subplot Asith had bonding with a new character. I won't say more.
It's a real treat of a novel.
I also love the subplot Asith had bonding with a new character. I won't say more.
It's a real treat of a novel.
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