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The Belladonna Trilogy #2
The Cold Blade of Fear
Devastated at the loss of her friend, Piper is dealt a major blow when Caleb and Madelyn are wrenched from her care - and Piper is accused of a murder for which she is not responsible.
To clear her name and fight for custody, Piper must draw on every resource at her disposal to flee Silvaein, pitting all her hopes on a desperate chance for acquittal. But when the clues take her into foreign lands and cultures that are strange to her, she discovers that she doesn't need to do it alone.
With Alec and Beka by her side, Piper will face her most gruelling challenge yet, bringing her up against an unforgiving environment ... and even less forgiving foes.
To clear her name and fight for custody, Piper must draw on every resource at her disposal to flee Silvaein, pitting all her hopes on a desperate chance for acquittal. But when the clues take her into foreign lands and cultures that are strange to her, she discovers that she doesn't need to do it alone.
With Alec and Beka by her side, Piper will face her most gruelling challenge yet, bringing her up against an unforgiving environment ... and even less forgiving foes.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2024
16 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
T.F. Johnson
6 books28 followersTF Johnson spends her days in imaginary worlds swordfighting, defeating monsters, and talking with dragons.
TF Johnson has a degree in Interior Design, which she has never used, is addicted to chocolate and coffee, and would spend her days with her head in the clouds if she had the choice. She has an incredibly understanding husband and an English Bulldog who is the best writing companion ever – Even if she does have a habit of putting her head on the keyboard and leaving it there.
In her spare time, TF Johnson collects books to read, which is a completely different hobby to actually reading them. She has 173 books on her to-read shelf, a number which is steadily growing.
When she’s not reading or writing, TF Johnson can be found trying out new hobbies and spending time with her friends and family.
TF Johnson has a degree in Interior Design, which she has never used, is addicted to chocolate and coffee, and would spend her days with her head in the clouds if she had the choice. She has an incredibly understanding husband and an English Bulldog who is the best writing companion ever – Even if she does have a habit of putting her head on the keyboard and leaving it there.
In her spare time, TF Johnson collects books to read, which is a completely different hobby to actually reading them. She has 173 books on her to-read shelf, a number which is steadily growing.
When she’s not reading or writing, TF Johnson can be found trying out new hobbies and spending time with her friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 6, 2025
4.75?
ughhh
I libe this story
Following piper and Alec and beks and everyone else
The storyline
All of it
It all flows so well
The characters all actually like each other
(And fight for each other)
The fact that everyone is involved
In love
Obsessed
I LIVE BEKA
I feel so bad tho
She was forced to become high lady striaght after her mums death and after saving her brother
Like damn
And piper
Being thrown in the put
Alec… BEING ARRESTED FOR WHAT
Jai, who had to go through torture
Damn
I libe these characters o
But also
The plot
THE PLOT
okay
It follows basically directly after the last book
Piper has returned home to tell Caleb and Mandy that their mum is dead
And before she can
People come banging at her door
And they take the kids
So then piper is depressed
As one would be!
And goes to her house
Then the next morning she is like
Fuck
I have to do something
So she goes to find Alec, and she does
But there, she is accused of the murder of some important guy (who she didn’t kill)
And then Alec is like RUN
so off she goes
She firstly goes to archard
Who helps her plan her escape into elaros I think
So off she goes by train
She almost gets caught but all is dandy
However
When she arrives
She realises
This is where isos wife (Alaina?) is being bought
So she goes to save her/but her out
Which she accomplished
And then while trying to save her she finds a note from Lore to someone there, and this note says he will be in alaini (another province)
So off she goes
However before he train departs she runs into BEKA and Alec
Which is good
Because now they go together
When they arrive they gather some more information
Lore and the chaos demon are in the desert
A desert you can only enter if you’re doing some ceremony because not only is it sacred, it’s toxic.
So then piper has to steal some of the antipode
Which was easy
And then into the desert they go
They travel for a while safely
Nothing too bad happening
Then they almost get eaten by Cratz but get saved by this girl named Maya
And then the four travel together to these mountains
Because maya has to go there to study
And that’s where lore is
So off they go
All is fine basically
Then they arrive
And lore, the shivek, and jai are all there
But only BEKA and piper are present to save them
So they try
But almost die
Then Alec comes in and saves the day
Sorta
Caus jai is free
But piper has a massive cut on her arm, Alec has broken ribs and everyone else is low on antidote.
So fuck
So then we are travelling through the desert
We find out
There will not be enough anyidote, even with the rations they have been taking
So then they decide, let’s go steal some from the enclave of sand and smoke (people patrolling dessert)
And piper almost success
But they knew she was coming
So they capture her
And then boom
Her friends try finding her
And also get CAPTURED
then they get taken to like this prison
And while there it’s fjne, but they will die if they don’t do soemthing
So then piper confessed to being a wanted criminal and stuff
So then they get sent back to silvaein
Where you’d think they’d let piper be free cause she like saved the prince
But nope
She goes to the pit
And has an execution waiting
However
At the execution block she previously made a deal with Norrix (law guy thing)
And the deal is
She knows who killed the powerful guy or whoever
So at the execution she kills saxe, aka the killer
But before she stops him
He got a dagger into the high lady
Who is now dead
And that means beka has to take her place
But this also means…. PIPER IS FREE
but a war is starting.
Overall
The plot was extremely put together
There were some things thag felt a tad unnecessary… like the part with Caleb and maddy being at the exwcutjon maybe?
Idk it was things j thought while reading that j can’t remember so not important.
CHARACTER
PIPER
ugh
This girl can NOT catch a break
First her kids are taken
Then accused of murder
Then sent to another country
Then almost killed
You get the point
And yet, throughout it all she never cared that she could die
It was always the others
You can say all you want about her being a heartless assassin
But she had no choice
Her mum died when she was young
Her dad… is the Shi’vek I think…?
She has had no one to rely on her whole life
She had to fend for herself.
So she did the only thing to survive
Kill
And that doesn’t make her a bad person
And I’m so fucking glad Alec, BEKA, Jai etc can see that
Because she isn’t bad
She just wants a life where she can help
Where she is useful
Give it to her
Please
ALEC
at one point he was being so sus
And I was like oh fuck
Turns out he was just a wanted criminal for trying to help piper
Well
That’s great
Although I see no reason for his prison shit
Because he legit was trying to, idk, save the country and its heir?!?
Like please
I love love love him
I like that he has times a weakness where he admits he isn’t the best or the greatest
Whatever you know
I love how he always looked out for everyone
For piper, especially because she didn’t care about herself
I loved when he noticed she wasn’t right because no one else did.
Idk his character is like a big brother I feel like
BEKA
ugh my girl
She Laos can’t catch a break
All she wants is to save her brother and get him home safely
But nope
She almost died
Her mum dies
She becomes high lady
And war is declared on her country
Like holy shit
I’d actually kill myself I think
I hope she is an amazing high lady😈
But I knwo she will be
She cares about everyone, killer, assassin, mage etc.
I also loved her sibling bond.
Like her fighting for jai was the perfect representation of siblings
Cause I’d do everything for hana :)
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
JAI
I dokt know his character yet
But man I feel bad for him
He got KIDNAPPED
BY A DEMON
like bro has been through it
And he has had to fight for his life more then I can count
MAYA
idk something doesn’t feel… right.
Maybe I’m like going insane but like she makes me feel slightly weary
Maybe I’m wrong though…
I like how she saved their asses so many times
THE KIDS
if they get ripped away
One
More
Time
ACHARD
I love him but omg at the end when he turned away form piper
That was like a slap in the face
But also I feel so bad for him, that he doesn’t trust himself with his own kid because of his criminal stuff
Even though he is like… not criminal-y
NORRIX
redemption at the end
I feel like he actually listened to piper
Thank god
She kept on getting brushed off
I think those are all the good characters
MY MOST HATED
THE SHIVEK
Yes I know he has a name
So I care
No
If he doesn’t stop fucking opening magical holes I’m going to turn into a black hole
Because if he makes this war harder then it has to be…
Oh he better not
LORE
I swear to the gods
If he isn’t dead
I want to kill gim myself
Because why the FUCK is he siding with a demon
I mean I think he is dead
But if he comes back
Oh it’s over
SAXE
honestly he has a right to be angry
Pioer did kill his dad
But you’d think if anyone understood the wrath because of Lore, it shoukd be him
And I feel like he overlooked thag piper was still just a worker like he was
QUOTES
“After all, blood calls to blood”
And my jaw calls to the floor
“You are not expendable. Not to me”
the end, and now because I have an arc!!!
I’m gonna read the next one
Yes I’m so excited you don’t understand.
ughhh
I libe this story
Following piper and Alec and beks and everyone else
The storyline
All of it
It all flows so well
The characters all actually like each other
(And fight for each other)
The fact that everyone is involved
In love
Obsessed
I LIVE BEKA
I feel so bad tho
She was forced to become high lady striaght after her mums death and after saving her brother
Like damn
And piper
Being thrown in the put
Alec… BEING ARRESTED FOR WHAT
Jai, who had to go through torture
Damn
I libe these characters o
But also
The plot
THE PLOT
okay
It follows basically directly after the last book
Piper has returned home to tell Caleb and Mandy that their mum is dead
And before she can
People come banging at her door
And they take the kids
So then piper is depressed
As one would be!
And goes to her house
Then the next morning she is like
Fuck
I have to do something
So she goes to find Alec, and she does
But there, she is accused of the murder of some important guy (who she didn’t kill)
And then Alec is like RUN
so off she goes
She firstly goes to archard
Who helps her plan her escape into elaros I think
So off she goes by train
She almost gets caught but all is dandy
However
When she arrives
She realises
This is where isos wife (Alaina?) is being bought
So she goes to save her/but her out
Which she accomplished
And then while trying to save her she finds a note from Lore to someone there, and this note says he will be in alaini (another province)
So off she goes
However before he train departs she runs into BEKA and Alec
Which is good
Because now they go together
When they arrive they gather some more information
Lore and the chaos demon are in the desert
A desert you can only enter if you’re doing some ceremony because not only is it sacred, it’s toxic.
So then piper has to steal some of the antipode
Which was easy
And then into the desert they go
They travel for a while safely
Nothing too bad happening
Then they almost get eaten by Cratz but get saved by this girl named Maya
And then the four travel together to these mountains
Because maya has to go there to study
And that’s where lore is
So off they go
All is fine basically
Then they arrive
And lore, the shivek, and jai are all there
But only BEKA and piper are present to save them
So they try
But almost die
Then Alec comes in and saves the day
Sorta
Caus jai is free
But piper has a massive cut on her arm, Alec has broken ribs and everyone else is low on antidote.
So fuck
So then we are travelling through the desert
We find out
There will not be enough anyidote, even with the rations they have been taking
So then they decide, let’s go steal some from the enclave of sand and smoke (people patrolling dessert)
And piper almost success
But they knew she was coming
So they capture her
And then boom
Her friends try finding her
And also get CAPTURED
then they get taken to like this prison
And while there it’s fjne, but they will die if they don’t do soemthing
So then piper confessed to being a wanted criminal and stuff
So then they get sent back to silvaein
Where you’d think they’d let piper be free cause she like saved the prince
But nope
She goes to the pit
And has an execution waiting
However
At the execution block she previously made a deal with Norrix (law guy thing)
And the deal is
She knows who killed the powerful guy or whoever
So at the execution she kills saxe, aka the killer
But before she stops him
He got a dagger into the high lady
Who is now dead
And that means beka has to take her place
But this also means…. PIPER IS FREE
but a war is starting.
Overall
The plot was extremely put together
There were some things thag felt a tad unnecessary… like the part with Caleb and maddy being at the exwcutjon maybe?
Idk it was things j thought while reading that j can’t remember so not important.
CHARACTER
PIPER
ugh
This girl can NOT catch a break
First her kids are taken
Then accused of murder
Then sent to another country
Then almost killed
You get the point
And yet, throughout it all she never cared that she could die
It was always the others
You can say all you want about her being a heartless assassin
But she had no choice
Her mum died when she was young
Her dad… is the Shi’vek I think…?
She has had no one to rely on her whole life
She had to fend for herself.
So she did the only thing to survive
Kill
And that doesn’t make her a bad person
And I’m so fucking glad Alec, BEKA, Jai etc can see that
Because she isn’t bad
She just wants a life where she can help
Where she is useful
Give it to her
Please
ALEC
at one point he was being so sus
And I was like oh fuck
Turns out he was just a wanted criminal for trying to help piper
Well
That’s great
Although I see no reason for his prison shit
Because he legit was trying to, idk, save the country and its heir?!?
Like please
I love love love him
I like that he has times a weakness where he admits he isn’t the best or the greatest
Whatever you know
I love how he always looked out for everyone
For piper, especially because she didn’t care about herself
I loved when he noticed she wasn’t right because no one else did.
Idk his character is like a big brother I feel like
BEKA
ugh my girl
She Laos can’t catch a break
All she wants is to save her brother and get him home safely
But nope
She almost died
Her mum dies
She becomes high lady
And war is declared on her country
Like holy shit
I’d actually kill myself I think
I hope she is an amazing high lady😈
But I knwo she will be
She cares about everyone, killer, assassin, mage etc.
I also loved her sibling bond.
Like her fighting for jai was the perfect representation of siblings
Cause I’d do everything for hana :)
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
JAI
I dokt know his character yet
But man I feel bad for him
He got KIDNAPPED
BY A DEMON
like bro has been through it
And he has had to fight for his life more then I can count
MAYA
idk something doesn’t feel… right.
Maybe I’m like going insane but like she makes me feel slightly weary
Maybe I’m wrong though…
I like how she saved their asses so many times
THE KIDS
if they get ripped away
One
More
Time
ACHARD
I love him but omg at the end when he turned away form piper
That was like a slap in the face
But also I feel so bad for him, that he doesn’t trust himself with his own kid because of his criminal stuff
Even though he is like… not criminal-y
NORRIX
redemption at the end
I feel like he actually listened to piper
Thank god
She kept on getting brushed off
I think those are all the good characters
MY MOST HATED
THE SHIVEK
Yes I know he has a name
So I care
No
If he doesn’t stop fucking opening magical holes I’m going to turn into a black hole
Because if he makes this war harder then it has to be…
Oh he better not
LORE
I swear to the gods
If he isn’t dead
I want to kill gim myself
Because why the FUCK is he siding with a demon
I mean I think he is dead
But if he comes back
Oh it’s over
SAXE
honestly he has a right to be angry
Pioer did kill his dad
But you’d think if anyone understood the wrath because of Lore, it shoukd be him
And I feel like he overlooked thag piper was still just a worker like he was
QUOTES
“After all, blood calls to blood”
And my jaw calls to the floor
“You are not expendable. Not to me”
the end, and now because I have an arc!!!
I’m gonna read the next one
Yes I’m so excited you don’t understand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2024
This is a continuation of Piper's story, diving deeper into both her character and the world around her. This installment kicks things up a notch, taking the emotional stakes from the first book and raising them to an entirely new level. Losing custody of Caleb and Madelyn right after the gut-wrenching events of book one sets Piper on a quest to clear her name, forcing her to confront threats on multiple fronts. Watching her navigate unfamiliar lands and cultures while dealing with grief and a desperate fight to get those kids back adds a raw vulnerability that makes her journey even more interesting.
One of my favorite aspects here is how rich the character work feels—every single one of them is given space to grow, and Piper especially shines as a more complex, reluctantly heroic figure willing to sacrifice herself for those she loves despite her origins as an assassin. The supporting cast of Alec and Beka are fantastic companions, bringing humor, strength, and emotional support that deepens their dynamic. Johnson’s world-building also shines, expanding on the world with toxic environments, intricate political ties, and magic (with mystical tattoo creatures and magic vows) that bring an extra layer.
This book’s magic lies in its slow, steady build. The pacing might feel a touch too slow for some, but for those who lean into the experience, there’s a strong payoff. The ending is a jaw-dropper without being a cliffhanger. This is a fantastic sequel, packed with deep world-building, heartfelt sacrifices, and a gripping story that leaves you invested. A great entry in what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable trilogy.
Thank you so much to the author & R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read and review and for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
One of my favorite aspects here is how rich the character work feels—every single one of them is given space to grow, and Piper especially shines as a more complex, reluctantly heroic figure willing to sacrifice herself for those she loves despite her origins as an assassin. The supporting cast of Alec and Beka are fantastic companions, bringing humor, strength, and emotional support that deepens their dynamic. Johnson’s world-building also shines, expanding on the world with toxic environments, intricate political ties, and magic (with mystical tattoo creatures and magic vows) that bring an extra layer.
This book’s magic lies in its slow, steady build. The pacing might feel a touch too slow for some, but for those who lean into the experience, there’s a strong payoff. The ending is a jaw-dropper without being a cliffhanger. This is a fantastic sequel, packed with deep world-building, heartfelt sacrifices, and a gripping story that leaves you invested. A great entry in what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable trilogy.
Thank you so much to the author & R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read and review and for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
October 17, 2024
Absolutely loved the first book and was so excited for the second! I enjoyed that this book picked right back up after the first. Overall another great addition to this series and I loved the scenes with Alec, Piper, and Beka and also getting to know Archard and also Kostin more. I liked seeing Piper in her element with disguises, thieving, sneaking and was always wondering what would happen next! Excited to see where the next book goes as the ending takes a big turn.
Thanks to the author for approving me for this ARC! ❤️
Thanks to the author for approving me for this ARC! ❤️
November 1, 2024
Absolutely phenomenal. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. From beginning to end this book was a ride. Piper and Alec are fantastic, Caleb and Madelyn are adorable and never fail to make me weep. And BEKA. I love her. T F Johnson is able to craft such vivid and unique worlds. I’ll be re-reading book one AND two until I can finally get my hands on book three because honestly? I can’t get enough!
November 22, 2024
My review for this is much the same as the first book. It's not bad, but it feels like it needs a little more work. Especially in regards to the worldbuilding. I guess it's not that sort of fantasy, but I found myself having trouble coming to grips with exactly what the level of technology was and how it worked. The characters are wearing jeans and the police have radios but there's no indication of whether they have electricity. So are they magic radios? Is this the 1950s or the 1800s? Obviously it's a fantasy world so it doesn't need to have a 1:1 decade in the real world, but I found it jarring to have characters wearing jeans and riding in what are essentially cars but then using an inkwell and fountain pen.
I also found Piper was starting to get on my nerves a little bit by this book. For an assissin and someone who's supposed to be very sneaky, she spends a lot of time breaking into buildings while they're occupied, without really seeming to acknowledge that it's much safer to do that while no one's home or when people are asleep. It's frankly not surprising she keeps getting caught. As well as that, her insistence that she doesn't have magic became a bit grating. Especially after multiple times she has been able to open doors, books, light up runes etc etc. Seriously by the third or fourth time you have clearly been able to exhibit magical tendencies, you might stop thinking "I don't have magic" and start thinking "maybe I have some sort of magic". To have her continue to insist she doesn't without acknowledging - even internally - that there might be something else going on makes her look like an idiot. Like, after you learnt that the "cobwebby" feeling on your skin is the sign of magic, why did I have to sit through you spending two chapters wondering why your skin was tingling before we found out you were being tracked by a mage? I am 99%
The story is solid, I'm interested in what's happening, and Alec and Piper are likeable enough protagonists that I'm invested in following along, though I don't feel like either of them have a really clear personality? Which after two books is pretty wild. I'll probably read the last one when it comes out just because I'm a completionist. I did really want to like these books, but I feel like it's just not quite there yet. It's an interesting world. I just wish I knew more about it.
I also found Piper was starting to get on my nerves a little bit by this book. For an assissin and someone who's supposed to be very sneaky, she spends a lot of time breaking into buildings while they're occupied, without really seeming to acknowledge that it's much safer to do that while no one's home or when people are asleep. It's frankly not surprising she keeps getting caught. As well as that, her insistence that she doesn't have magic became a bit grating. Especially after multiple times she has been able to open doors, books, light up runes etc etc. Seriously by the third or fourth time you have clearly been able to exhibit magical tendencies, you might stop thinking "I don't have magic" and start thinking "maybe I have some sort of magic". To have her continue to insist she doesn't without acknowledging - even internally - that there might be something else going on makes her look like an idiot. Like, after you learnt that the "cobwebby" feeling on your skin is the sign of magic, why did I have to sit through you spending two chapters wondering why your skin was tingling before we found out you were being tracked by a mage? I am 99%
The story is solid, I'm interested in what's happening, and Alec and Piper are likeable enough protagonists that I'm invested in following along, though I don't feel like either of them have a really clear personality? Which after two books is pretty wild. I'll probably read the last one when it comes out just because I'm a completionist. I did really want to like these books, but I feel like it's just not quite there yet. It's an interesting world. I just wish I knew more about it.
Read
October 19, 2024TF Johnson you will be hearing from my lawyer for all the emotional distress you have caused me. (Just kidding :P) Thank you so much for providing me with an ARC!
I was absolutely captivated by this book. The world set up in Book 1 only becomes even more wonderfully fleshed out, and the character development is!!!!! so good!!!!
Does everyone know that I love Alexander Rylan? No? I LOVE YOU ALEC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And that ENDING!! I'm so excited for Book 3!
I was absolutely captivated by this book. The world set up in Book 1 only becomes even more wonderfully fleshed out, and the character development is!!!!! so good!!!!
Does everyone know that I love Alexander Rylan? No? I LOVE YOU ALEC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And that ENDING!! I'm so excited for Book 3!
April 19, 2025
Thank you to TF Johnson for generously providing me with an eARC!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ = 4 stars!
I thoroughly enjoyed the second installment in the trilogy! It continues where The Sharp Edge of Fate ended, with Piper facing the aftermath of her confrontation with Lore and the Shiv’ek, and the loss of her friend Abby. Caleb and Madelyn are taken into foster care, and she is accused of a murder she didn’t commit, Piper finds herself traveling to distant lands in hopes of clearing her name and getting the kids back. She is joined by Alec and Beka as they set out for the Black Desert—a treacherous place that ordinary people are not meant to cross. The desert inflicts a dangerous sickness on anyone who dares to brave its vast expanse, requiring an antidote to survive the journey. Together, they face the daunting challenge of navigating this hostile terrain. I thought the added touch of the sickness and antidote on top of the normal dangers of a desert was a nice touch! It added an extra layer of danger which made things very interesting!
I LOVE Piper. She's incredibly likable, even though she's an assassin. Beneath her tough exterior, she has a lot of heart, and her courage shines through in every situation. One of the things that makes her so endearing is her refusal to swear, which adds a touch of humour, especially during moments when it would be completely warranted. (“Fudging fudgestickles!” haha!) It’s a quirky trait that just makes her more relatable. Despite her hard-edged persona, there's a softness and depth to her character, revealing layers of vulnerability and complexity that make her feel real. I always appreciate strong female main characters who are both fierce and multidimensional like her.
Alec is my second favourite. He’s an undeniable good guy, strong and intelligent and ‘really good at magic’, in case you’ve forgotten! Alexander is mysterious still and doesn’t reveal too much about himself but that doesn’t stop him from being likable too. The relationship between Alec and Piper is SLOOOOW burn, hardly a romance, but I can see tiny sparks of potential there. I would have liked a tiny bit more between them – maybe a near miss kiss or some forced proximity. But I feel that the author is really giving us a super slow burn, and hopefully there will be some pay off in the finale 😊
TF's writing style is vivid and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story. The scenes and emotions come to life effortlessly, allowing me to envision them clearly without needing overly detailed descriptions. It's a style that's both engaging and easy to follow, drawing readers in with every word.
What to expect:
• Third person narrative
• Urban fantasy setting
• Strong Female lead
• Magic and sentient tattoos
• Likable characters
• Heartbreak & Revenge
• Trials and Imprisonment
• High stakes adventure
I highly recommend the first two books in The Belladonna Trilogy to anyone who enjoys a captivating fantasy series filled with detailed world-building, compelling and likable characters, and thrilling adventure.
Thanks again to the author for the eARC! I am leaving my review without any obligation, happily and willingly! ❤️
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⭐⭐⭐⭐ = 4 stars!
I thoroughly enjoyed the second installment in the trilogy! It continues where The Sharp Edge of Fate ended, with Piper facing the aftermath of her confrontation with Lore and the Shiv’ek, and the loss of her friend Abby. Caleb and Madelyn are taken into foster care, and she is accused of a murder she didn’t commit, Piper finds herself traveling to distant lands in hopes of clearing her name and getting the kids back. She is joined by Alec and Beka as they set out for the Black Desert—a treacherous place that ordinary people are not meant to cross. The desert inflicts a dangerous sickness on anyone who dares to brave its vast expanse, requiring an antidote to survive the journey. Together, they face the daunting challenge of navigating this hostile terrain. I thought the added touch of the sickness and antidote on top of the normal dangers of a desert was a nice touch! It added an extra layer of danger which made things very interesting!
I LOVE Piper. She's incredibly likable, even though she's an assassin. Beneath her tough exterior, she has a lot of heart, and her courage shines through in every situation. One of the things that makes her so endearing is her refusal to swear, which adds a touch of humour, especially during moments when it would be completely warranted. (“Fudging fudgestickles!” haha!) It’s a quirky trait that just makes her more relatable. Despite her hard-edged persona, there's a softness and depth to her character, revealing layers of vulnerability and complexity that make her feel real. I always appreciate strong female main characters who are both fierce and multidimensional like her.
Alec is my second favourite. He’s an undeniable good guy, strong and intelligent and ‘really good at magic’, in case you’ve forgotten! Alexander is mysterious still and doesn’t reveal too much about himself but that doesn’t stop him from being likable too. The relationship between Alec and Piper is SLOOOOW burn, hardly a romance, but I can see tiny sparks of potential there. I would have liked a tiny bit more between them – maybe a near miss kiss or some forced proximity. But I feel that the author is really giving us a super slow burn, and hopefully there will be some pay off in the finale 😊
TF's writing style is vivid and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story. The scenes and emotions come to life effortlessly, allowing me to envision them clearly without needing overly detailed descriptions. It's a style that's both engaging and easy to follow, drawing readers in with every word.
What to expect:
• Third person narrative
• Urban fantasy setting
• Strong Female lead
• Magic and sentient tattoos
• Likable characters
• Heartbreak & Revenge
• Trials and Imprisonment
• High stakes adventure
I highly recommend the first two books in The Belladonna Trilogy to anyone who enjoys a captivating fantasy series filled with detailed world-building, compelling and likable characters, and thrilling adventure.
Thanks again to the author for the eARC! I am leaving my review without any obligation, happily and willingly! ❤️
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October 31, 2025
Another book in this series that has me heartbroken at the ending but also on the edge of my seat for the next book waiting to find out what happens next!
This book picks up right where the last left off, with the FMC piper finding her way into foreign kingdoms to find the missing prince and the old master who betrayed her. She meets up with some unlikely allies and has to work together with the people she thought she left behind in a race against the clock to stop a plot that could end up with the prince dead.
I had so much fun reading this book, there was adventure and excitement around every turn of the page. There was plenty of conflict and battle scene while also lots of spy type plans and thrilling heists to get the supplies they needed. Overall I really enjoyed diving back into this world and finding out more about the magic system and the world building of added kingdoms and how they worked. My rating 4.7/5!
Thanks to the author and R&R book tours for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
This book picks up right where the last left off, with the FMC piper finding her way into foreign kingdoms to find the missing prince and the old master who betrayed her. She meets up with some unlikely allies and has to work together with the people she thought she left behind in a race against the clock to stop a plot that could end up with the prince dead.
I had so much fun reading this book, there was adventure and excitement around every turn of the page. There was plenty of conflict and battle scene while also lots of spy type plans and thrilling heists to get the supplies they needed. Overall I really enjoyed diving back into this world and finding out more about the magic system and the world building of added kingdoms and how they worked. My rating 4.7/5!
Thanks to the author and R&R book tours for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
October 30, 2024
• Strong FMC
• Revenge
• Very Slow Burn Romance
• “Who did this to you?”
• Found Family
• Reluctant Hero
• Assassins & Mages
• Cinnamon Roll MMC
• Strong Friendships
Review :
I’d loved this book so much! The cover, the characters. I loved the chapter art before each one. From beginning to end it was so good. I love when a book has a strong FMC. Pipers character was just amazing. I loved how she was determined to get back Madelyn and Caleb, clearing herself from being accused of murder. The support system she has in Bella and Alec was something she definitely needed. It’s always great when you realize you don’t have to fight on your own for something. I loved the style of writing TF Johnson has. The book flowed together so well.
• Revenge
• Very Slow Burn Romance
• “Who did this to you?”
• Found Family
• Reluctant Hero
• Assassins & Mages
• Cinnamon Roll MMC
• Strong Friendships
Review :
I’d loved this book so much! The cover, the characters. I loved the chapter art before each one. From beginning to end it was so good. I love when a book has a strong FMC. Pipers character was just amazing. I loved how she was determined to get back Madelyn and Caleb, clearing herself from being accused of murder. The support system she has in Bella and Alec was something she definitely needed. It’s always great when you realize you don’t have to fight on your own for something. I loved the style of writing TF Johnson has. The book flowed together so well.
June 1, 2025
The plot was more linear in this second installment - something happens, and Piper responds. Fewer sideplots and mystery, and a couple convenient happenings, all added up to me not enjoying it quite as much as the first book (which I LOVED).
BUT- It was still very good! Still a lot of fun to spend time with these characters again and see what they are getting up to. Still good writing. Still likeable characters and plenty of action. The ending made me very curious what is in store for the next book!
Content: Some in-world language, some suggested strong language that got cut off after the first letter. A couple intense action scenes, a non-graphic torture scene
BUT- It was still very good! Still a lot of fun to spend time with these characters again and see what they are getting up to. Still good writing. Still likeable characters and plenty of action. The ending made me very curious what is in store for the next book!
Content: Some in-world language, some suggested strong language that got cut off after the first letter. A couple intense action scenes, a non-graphic torture scene
December 11, 2024
I love how you can feel the power is shifting and something sinister is stirring from the background in this book. I think it’s an awesome continuation from the first book, especially how it let us explore different parts of the world and the different relationship dynamics between the characters with higher stakes than before. The ending absolutely shattered me a bit, I really thought the worse case scenario was set to happen, the complete opposite happened, but it still shattered me. I’m looking forward to see how they pick up the pieces from this one.
March 21, 2025
I just love everything about these books. I love Piper!
December 13, 2025
Quite a different feel from book 1, but not in any sort of negative way. Stakes were higher, people were more desperate, and there was a clearer solid goal and destination in mind.
I especially liked how Piper’s competency was shown. Things she is trained well at she does well, outside of that she struggles as any other person would. Her education is limited, her world knowledge is varied, and her emotional strengths are there but damaged. Makes her feel far more real, and when she wins/loses a situation it doesn’t feel like the plot simply demanded she do well/poorly.
The expansion of the map made the world feel more real, especially as not every marked location along the way was relevant. Like the first book this one also doesn’t shy from mentioning things we aren’t explained (such as animal themed phrases) and does so in a way that we don’t NEED to know the exact reference, but still understand this is a unique world with unique etymology to reflect that. Like how you wouldn’t need someone to explain what a cheetah is when one says ‘fast as a cheetah’.
I very much enjoy these stories, and like the unique blend of medieval, magic and Melbourne (the three Ms!). Will definitely be ordering the third book in now! I met the author at the Clunes Booktown Festival back in 2024, so I could probably get the final book at that festival March next year… but I don’t wanna wait!
Smaller authors tend to not have as thorough of a proofing/copyedit team, so I like to jot down typos when I see them. ^…^ I only found a few though! I hope this helps with any potential future renditions.
I especially liked how Piper’s competency was shown. Things she is trained well at she does well, outside of that she struggles as any other person would. Her education is limited, her world knowledge is varied, and her emotional strengths are there but damaged. Makes her feel far more real, and when she wins/loses a situation it doesn’t feel like the plot simply demanded she do well/poorly.
The expansion of the map made the world feel more real, especially as not every marked location along the way was relevant. Like the first book this one also doesn’t shy from mentioning things we aren’t explained (such as animal themed phrases) and does so in a way that we don’t NEED to know the exact reference, but still understand this is a unique world with unique etymology to reflect that. Like how you wouldn’t need someone to explain what a cheetah is when one says ‘fast as a cheetah’.
I very much enjoy these stories, and like the unique blend of medieval, magic and Melbourne (the three Ms!). Will definitely be ordering the third book in now! I met the author at the Clunes Booktown Festival back in 2024, so I could probably get the final book at that festival March next year… but I don’t wanna wait!
Smaller authors tend to not have as thorough of a proofing/copyedit team, so I like to jot down typos when I see them. ^…^ I only found a few though! I hope this helps with any potential future renditions.
October 28, 2024
I was so excited to read the second book in this trilogy! TSEOF was one of my favorite reads this year and TCBOF did not disappoint. Piper is one of those FMCs who instantly resonates with a person. She's a fierce survivor who is very protective of her people. This book was written beautifully depicting the emotional turmoil of loss and despair, an adventurous journey, revenge, descriptive world building, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait for the final book in the series!!!
Read If You Love
Steampunk Fantasy
Compelling Characters
Strong & Stabby FMCs
Slow Burn Romance
Emotional Depth
"Who Did This To You?"
Found Family
High Stakes
Anti-Heros
False Accusations
Imprisonment & Narrow Escapes
Foreign Lands
If you love Throne of Glass and Lady of Darkness, I highly recommend taking the deep dive into this trilogy!
Read If You Love
Steampunk Fantasy
Compelling Characters
Strong & Stabby FMCs
Slow Burn Romance
Emotional Depth
"Who Did This To You?"
Found Family
High Stakes
Anti-Heros
False Accusations
Imprisonment & Narrow Escapes
Foreign Lands
If you love Throne of Glass and Lady of Darkness, I highly recommend taking the deep dive into this trilogy!
October 28, 2024
This is the second book in the trilogy and picks up right after the events of the first book. Piper has just lost her best friend and her friends children ripped away from her, she must go into hiding and come up with a plan to fix everything. While working on setting things right, she stumbles into Beks and Alec and proceeds to go on an epic journey. Piper gives me strong Celaena vibes from Throne of Glass and i love it! the romance in this book is very slow burn and i can only hope we get to see it come together in the third book. i really couldn’t put this book down i stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it and i don’t regret it at all!!
November 21, 2024
Ok. A great sequel! I do love the world a lot, and it blends fantasy, grit and found family so very well!
The first half was a bit slow going - but it picked up really quickly after that! The action sequences were written brilliantly, much like the first one was, and again I reiterate - that’s something that’s really hard to do, especially when some fights involve like 5 people 🤣
I loved that we got to explore other countries, and that we got to appreciate the cultural diversity that existed in this world. Loved that people got what they deserved and met their very untimely ends too!!!
I did find some things rather frustrating (though that did not distract from my general enjoyment of the book as a whole). While I realise that this was meant to be a trilogy, I did expect *some* things from the first book to be resolved in this one but I was slightly let down.
The ‘Piper has magic!’ thread kept getting picked on and nothing ever came out of it and that was really -ugh- considering she was bleeding out like 60% of this book. Nothing was explained, except that she did have some sort of blood magic and then that was ignored for the rest of the time. Alec alluded to the fact that she could be very powerful, but despite constantly bleeding everywhere she didn’t seem to do anything with that knowledge?
It was the same with Kostin (what is Kostin’s purpose!??) and the hint that Piper and the Shivek were blood related.
These were introduced in the first book and I would have much liked to have at least SOME of these threads figured out in this one. But it looks like I might have to wait til the finale.
Also, the curse word of choice in this world is ‘Fate’ which is used very generously by everyone, but startlingly, when Piper is having her wounds (painfully) cleaned, she decides to use ‘fudging fudgesticks’? Just a bit jarring, and an interesting language choice there, I think.
Great read though!! And once again, bloody beautiful cover.
The first half was a bit slow going - but it picked up really quickly after that! The action sequences were written brilliantly, much like the first one was, and again I reiterate - that’s something that’s really hard to do, especially when some fights involve like 5 people 🤣
I loved that we got to explore other countries, and that we got to appreciate the cultural diversity that existed in this world. Loved that people got what they deserved and met their very untimely ends too!!!
I did find some things rather frustrating (though that did not distract from my general enjoyment of the book as a whole). While I realise that this was meant to be a trilogy, I did expect *some* things from the first book to be resolved in this one but I was slightly let down.
The ‘Piper has magic!’ thread kept getting picked on and nothing ever came out of it and that was really -ugh- considering she was bleeding out like 60% of this book. Nothing was explained, except that she did have some sort of blood magic and then that was ignored for the rest of the time. Alec alluded to the fact that she could be very powerful, but despite constantly bleeding everywhere she didn’t seem to do anything with that knowledge?
It was the same with Kostin (what is Kostin’s purpose!??) and the hint that Piper and the Shivek were blood related.
These were introduced in the first book and I would have much liked to have at least SOME of these threads figured out in this one. But it looks like I might have to wait til the finale.
Also, the curse word of choice in this world is ‘Fate’ which is used very generously by everyone, but startlingly, when Piper is having her wounds (painfully) cleaned, she decides to use ‘fudging fudgesticks’? Just a bit jarring, and an interesting language choice there, I think.
Great read though!! And once again, bloody beautiful cover.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
The Cold Blade Of Fear is the second book in the Belladonna Trilogy and it was like reuniting with old friends. The sort where the conversation just flows like there has been no time apart.
This time round Pippa had my heart in my throat though.
Pippa and Alec will always have my heart but Kostin is giving them a run for their money. Who's Kostin? Read the books and find out my lovelies.
Beautifully and vividly written AGAIN.
And yes, I did go straight out and pre-order the final book in the Trilogy 😁
This time round Pippa had my heart in my throat though.
Pippa and Alec will always have my heart but Kostin is giving them a run for their money. Who's Kostin? Read the books and find out my lovelies.
Beautifully and vividly written AGAIN.
And yes, I did go straight out and pre-order the final book in the Trilogy 😁
December 26, 2024
The Way This Book Serves!
Oof. This story is just one gut punch after another. I immediately bought & inhaled The Cold Blade of Fear after devouring The Sharp Edge of Fate; and OMG I don’t understand how these books are so criminally underhyped. The story is unique, the characters have rich inner-lives, the pacing is perfect and the incredibly slow-burn romance is impeccably handled. Do yourself a favour and read these books immediately!
Oof. This story is just one gut punch after another. I immediately bought & inhaled The Cold Blade of Fear after devouring The Sharp Edge of Fate; and OMG I don’t understand how these books are so criminally underhyped. The story is unique, the characters have rich inner-lives, the pacing is perfect and the incredibly slow-burn romance is impeccably handled. Do yourself a favour and read these books immediately!
October 14, 2024
I was given this book as an E-ARC.
Whilst reading it, the story kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the book. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book once it is released.
If you haven’t started this series, do yourself a favour and read it, highly recommend
Whilst reading it, the story kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the book. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book once it is released.
If you haven’t started this series, do yourself a favour and read it, highly recommend
October 31, 2024
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Happy release! I really enjoyed reading this book and I literally couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait for more books by TF Johnson to release. This book had much description and immersion, I felt like I was part of this story!
Happy release! I really enjoyed reading this book and I literally couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait for more books by TF Johnson to release. This book had much description and immersion, I felt like I was part of this story!
November 2, 2024
Exciting, close friendships, growing love and deadly nemesis - Loved It
March 14, 2025
I received an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved it. Great follow up to The Sharp Edge of Fate. Another author added to my must buy list. Thank you.
I loved it. Great follow up to The Sharp Edge of Fate. Another author added to my must buy list. Thank you.
August 15, 2025
3.5 Stars. I loving this series. I am looking forward to the conclusion.
November 24, 2025
I was ready for my cozy fantasy to continue, but I was so not prepared for what happened next. I’m thrilled I finished this just as the third book was released, there’s no way I could have waited!
December 10, 2025
I enjoyed going to the different places and the bit of the ending hit my emotions hard
December 10, 2024
Even better than the first. Can't wait for the next one.
July 20, 2025
This follow up to The Sharp Twist of Fate had been on a wild ride. In order to clear her name and regain custody of Caleb and Madelyn, Piper goes on an epic journey battling against known foes, warring politics, and battling nations.
Piper, Alec, and Beka team up to follow the villains across other nations, including a forbidden desert located in a neighboring nation. Their journey is harrowing and tough at the best of times. Yet, I loved the emotional journey these characters go through. Piper is finally learning to rely on and trust people -- huge given her history. Alec demonstrates his supportive nature and I loving getting glimpses into his hidden emotions, especially when it comes to Piper. And finally Beka deals with finding her brother, but also grapple with what is next for her as a ruler and more.
T.F.'s book adds more layers to the story that begin in a Sharp Twist of Fate, but manages to keep you on your toes as they tug on new threads and keep the story moving a quick pace. I cannot wait for the conclusion of this series!
4.5/5
Piper, Alec, and Beka team up to follow the villains across other nations, including a forbidden desert located in a neighboring nation. Their journey is harrowing and tough at the best of times. Yet, I loved the emotional journey these characters go through. Piper is finally learning to rely on and trust people -- huge given her history. Alec demonstrates his supportive nature and I loving getting glimpses into his hidden emotions, especially when it comes to Piper. And finally Beka deals with finding her brother, but also grapple with what is next for her as a ruler and more.
T.F.'s book adds more layers to the story that begin in a Sharp Twist of Fate, but manages to keep you on your toes as they tug on new threads and keep the story moving a quick pace. I cannot wait for the conclusion of this series!
4.5/5
October 31, 2024
The Cold Blade of Fear picks up right where The Sharp Edge of Fate left off. Piper is devastated by the loss of her best friend, and to add insult to injury, Caleb and Madelyn are taken out of her care and put into the foster system. In an effort to clear her name and win back custody of Caleb and Madelyn, Piper leaves Silvaein in search of the missing prince. This was a great follow-up to The Sharp Edge of Fate. The writing is engaging, and I could feel Piper's despair throughout the story.
I would recommend the first two books of The Belladonna Trilogy to those who love a good fantasy series with intricate world building and adventure.
I would recommend the first two books of The Belladonna Trilogy to those who love a good fantasy series with intricate world building and adventure.
October 30, 2025
WOW!
TF Johnson really sucks you in with her writing. I loved Piper and Alec in the first book, and I love them even more now.
This book had me on the edge of my seat at times and feeling emotional at others. I can't wait to follow the rest of Piper's journey in book three!
TF Johnson really sucks you in with her writing. I loved Piper and Alec in the first book, and I love them even more now.
This book had me on the edge of my seat at times and feeling emotional at others. I can't wait to follow the rest of Piper's journey in book three!
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