A deeply moving, dark fantasy romance about love, healing, and redemption.
Mareina is now Atratus' future queen and a goddess of the underworld while being mated to two males who hate each other. When she finds herself forced to make a heartbreaking decision that forces her away but ultimately saves her mates, Nakoa and Malekai are forced to work together to get her back.
This book features the following
Fated Mates Why Choose/Reverse Harem Enemies to Lovers Friends to Lovers Bromance Trauma Healing Redemption Found Family LGBTQ Rep (w/ spicy scenes) Political Intrigue Gods, Vampires, Fae, & more Kink & Spice Galore
Y'all! This book is steaming in all the right ways!
Mareina has the powers of a god not just the fae (found out at the end of book 1), and she's determined to use them to save as many people as she can. Even if that means her life ends in the process. Her fated mates (yes, you heard that correctly) will stop at nothing to keep her from using herself to the point of no return.
Nakoa and Malekai are both falling in love and in love with Mareina respectively, and they're forced to work together to get their beloved back from the Hell realms. The banter between these two is OFF THE CHARTS. I love them!
Ms. Chiara Forestieri you have definately made it on my must-read authors list! I cannot wait to see more!
Thank you Chiara Forestieri ( @authorchiaraforestieri ) for adding me to your ARC team!
It's like the cast from book 1 got swapped out and only their names remained.
After the enmity and hatred in book 1 I was disturbed by the funny banter bromance between the two MMCs. Esp because one of them tried to murder the FMC. You'd think that would stop them from bonding over her being missing, but no. Lol. Also the ~genocidal~ villains from book 1 skipped the redemption arc and went straight to being loveable main cast (with sex scenes! and feelz!)
It kinda feels like book 1 was just swept under the rug with no consequences even though it feels like a lot of characters should be facing consequences in this sequel (seriously!!!). But that's just my opinion.
Idk what the author was thinking as she wrote this novel but tbh I wish she had just let her cast face the music instead of non-chalantly moving on to finer pastures.
Having adored A Kingdom of Blood and Magic to the extent of obsession, I was literally dying to get my hands on Blood of Two Crowns. And boy, what a ride.
Told from multiple POV, it was at times breathtaking, super spicy, hilarious and heartbreaking. There were twists and turns I couldn’t have imagined but I’m totally here for.
This incredible author manages to weave a complex tapestry, not only of the worlds and magical systems but the characters themselves. I absolutely love that it’s not a linear story in the traditional sense, just following one main character. Instead we are treated to a wealth of complex, often flawed supporting characters, each with their own pain and growth, enriching the story as a whole.
To say I loved this book is an understatement and I cannot wait for book 3!
If you haven’t started this series yet- run don’t walk - but do read the trigger warnings.
5/5 ⭐️ 4/5 🌶️ (I would put it at a 5 spice rating but for me and my rating system that would mean all spice and no plot. And this book has PLOT)
Arc Review!! I received this as an arc but the review is all my own.
I’m going to avoid spoilers here like I do in all my reviews. BUT WOW. I loved A Kingdom of Blood and Magic. But Blood of Two Crowns? This book has RUINED ME. Why choose has always been hit or miss for me and it’s not often I enjoy it. But this series is one of the very few where I absolutely LOVE IT. Chiara did not disappoint with this book.
Nakoa and Malakai’s relationship in this is 👌🏻 *chef’s kiss*. Our girl Mareina is that girl 😏. The character development from book 1 to book 2 is insane and I absolutely love seeing how the trio has developed.
I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately and have been behind on my reviews despite loving a lot of books but this has gotten me out of it.
Choosing my favorite quotes for this one feels impossible as there’s so many good ones. Once I narrow down some of my favs expect an update here. Hopefully I don’t make it a mile long list 😆.
If you are looking for;
🩸Great Banter 👑Lots of Spice / Kinks 🩸Why Choose 👑Enemies to Lovers 🩸Friends to Lovers 👑LGBTQ Rep 🩸Redemption 👑Unhinged MC’s 🩸Bromance 👑Found Family 🩸Political Intrigue 👑Gods, Fae, Vampires and More
Then you need to read this book. Also as a side note please make sure to read all the trigger warnings before reading this book. Your mental health is important! 🖤
Chiara, if you are reading this. I NEED MORE. 😭🖤 - Lex
╰☆☆ 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 ☆☆╮ This book was disappointing. The author gave everyone a frontal lobotomy and everyone is acting like different people. I don't even think I can write a review for this, it sucked so bad and I just want to forget I ever read it.
.•☆•.𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽.•☆•. ❥ Each character has had a personality transplant (WHY) ❥ Zurie gets a few chapters where she gets a redemption arc (WTF) ❥ Keres has killed her soulbound and is now falling hopelessly in love with Zurie (double WTF) ❥ Malekai is now dead but living in his father-in-law's realm for the foreseeable (triple WTF) ❥ Nokoa's attempt on his Mareina's life is okay (everyone was super stressed at the time) ❥ Mareina has lost all her spunk and became a total doormat (WHY)
✮⋆˙ 𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓭𝓲𝓬𝓽 ⋆˙✮ I wish I could pretend this book never happened. I will reserve any further judgement on this series until book 3 is released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this book! I had sooo much fun reading more about the characters I grew to love from the first book, and also a few new ones. My emotions were all over the place 😅 and there was a certain moment I had tears.. but also, lots of moments that had me laughing or smiling from ear to ear.
The character development between Malekai and Nakoa is 👌🏼 and Mareina's journey of learning self worth and overcoming past traumas was great to read. Chiara knows how to write such loveable characters that make you want to fall head over heels in love with. 🫶🏼🥰
Malekai definitely was my number one in the first book, but now it seems that Nakoa has worked his way up to being on par with him in this one. I wouldn't say no to a Malekai and Nakoa sandwich 😅. "Why choose" books always have my heart! ALWAYS! 🤤
Cannot wait for book three!
Make sure you're reading this series and as always, check triggers and content warnings.
Also, a little appreciation for Chiara here.. You are amazing. You're such a lovely human being with a great heart. 🫶🏼 Thank you for always taking the time to chat.
Chiara does it again! Book 2 in the Hallowed Fates Series was beautifully devastating as it was just as amazing! There were definitely a few surprises in there I was not expecting as well as heartbreaking. It was certainly an emotional roller coaster! 💔
Nakoa and Malekai……not much more to say then YUM! 🫦 I love the growth they both show in this book! How much they changed and embraced the situation was absolutely magnificent and I love them both! There is definitely more room in my heart tho! 😉 IYKYK!
All the world building and references throughout was great and there was also a lot of humour that had me giggling and kicking my feet. There was also some redemption arcs that I’m still not sure how I feel about them, but I am curious to see how it all pans out. I seriously need Book 3 now to fill the void the ending left! Love you Chiara!! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of Mareina’s journey!
"It is because of death that we are saved. Death brings peace. Healing. Transformation.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I am screaming. Sobbing and screaming. First of all, that ending should be illegal. Secondly, what am I supposed to do with my life while waiting for the next one??? Hands down one of my best reads of the year. I cannot stress enough how much I loved this, despite wanting to throw my Kindle across the room on numerous occasions. From Nakoa and Mareina and Malekia; then to Nakoa and Malekai's budding bromance. The world building is amazingly beautiful. It's a fully immersive fantasy world, complete with an array of fully fleshed out supernatural creatures with unique powers, new realms and some memorable new characters. The story picks up where book one ends, making it flow seamlessly, but with enough subtle reminders of the major events. I freaking love Mareina, she is so strong and selfless. I know she's come such a long way and has so many more battles ahead of her but her growth so far is spectacular. Nakoa, Nakoa, Nakoa. You all know how I feel about this moody, sensitive, deadly, otherworldly man. Did I mention he has a tail? And don't get me started on that wingspan... Malekai...I can't talk about...I'll cry...again. I may have found a new favorite book bestie in Asterion, chaotic in the best ways possible and so mysterious. I need more of him. Azrael? Him I'd like nothing more than to punch in the face. Repeatedly. Zurie grew on me, kinda like a fungus. Still unclear if it's a cute little mushroom or a flesh eating disease. I've decided that Ataraxus is a cinnamon roll who needs to be protected at all costs. I swear my heart cannot take anymore. Miroslav, you sneaky son of a bitch. I love you but God do I hate all the damn secrets you keep. Which brings us to: the spice. Where do I even start? The teasing? Panty melting. The one on one? Amazing. The group activities??? Explosive. I can feel it in my bones, book three is going to wreck me. I'm not sure if I'll ever emotionally recover from this one let alone whatever that's going to do to me. The good news is we have loads of time to form an emotional support group. I cannot stress enough how much y'all need to read this, it's a wild amazing ride.
If it was possible to give this infinite stars I would
Book 2 in The Hallowed Fates series by Chiara Forestieri
I sat on this for a couple days after finishing, trying to give myself time to formulate a review that would do it justice without spoiling anything major and I’m still struggling, so I’ll leave it at this:
BOTC met my expectations and then blew past them at warp speed, leaving me in an emotional tangle of happiness, surprise, intrigue, straight up shock, sadness, and then happiness again.
I have multiple pages of highlights and will inevitably add to them when I reread after my physical copy arrives - because I WILL be rereading this; I have no doubt in my mind that it’s going in the ranks of The Lord of The Rings And The Hobbit for me and I will have a well worn/loved copy a few years down the road. 🖤
*Your mental health matters; please check content warnings before reading*
I would like to thank the author for the opportunity to read and review Blood of Two Crowns.
BoTC is the sequel to A Kingdom of Blood and Magic and the amount of emotions this book made me feel is unreal. I mean the Found Family trope is not something I normally love or obsess over but ugh it definitely brought out all of my feels. Not only did it tug on my heart strings but HOLY SPICE was this book delicious. Oh and the Banter between Nakoa and Malekai made me lol AND swoon. (I have definitely switched sides but I do love them both) I will happily take book 3 now please because that cliffhanger came out of nowhere and I want more 😤
Tropes include but not limited to: ❤️🔥Why Choose ❤️🔥Found Family ❤️🔥Political Intrigue ❤️🔥Friends to Lovers ❤️🔥BDSM, Bl**d play & More ❤️🔥Touch her & d!e ❤️🔥TRIGGER WARNINGS GALORE SO CHECK EM
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 Another masterpiece of dark romantasy written by Chiara Forestieri. I will never stop raving about this series. It is so painfully beautiful. Mareina, Malekai, and Nakoa own my whole heart. Honestly, every character in this series does. Chiara's incredible writing just draws you in and takes hold of your entire being. The emotional roller-coaster I went through reading both books in this series had me reeling and kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. The world building, relationship growth, and ongoing, impressive storyline in this book are unremarkable and so delectably well written. I hope this series goes on forever because I don't know if I'll ever get enough of this amazing story and characters.
Chiara has yet again, written a book where I’ve genuinely unhinged my jaw- not unlike a snake- to devour it.
Highly recommend going directly into this second book after reading A Kingdom of Blood and Magic (or give yourself a refresher) but it will help the continuation of the story!
It’s a unique take on a fresh new magic system, a revamp of the old gods, and lastly goodness gracious is it packing some muthereffin heat 🥵
I absolutely loveddd this book🫶🏼 the representation of the lgbtq community and mental health struggles was amazing and all the main characters have such a special unique bond to one another it was beautiful to watch their character development alone and with each other. the plot was full of twists and turns and I cannot wait for the next one!🥰🥰
One of the most boring reads of my life.. ended up skipping more than half of this book. Did not care for all the gods and side characters, I just wanted the love triangle from book 1. And to be honest I still wasn’t satisfied with the outcome when I finally skipped through to it. Waste of time.
𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖌𝖍𝖙𝖘: Chiara is the sweetest human and I'm so honored to have met her and gotten to read this series. Although honestly, we're going to fight over these cliffies. 😭😂
So many questions answered only for more to appear. I honestly love the redemption of these characters and how even the worst are given a chance and a choice to become better and do better. I love that being a theme through out both books but, especially this one.
I greatly enjoyed seeing Nakoa, Mariena and Malakai's relationships bloom. The betrayals, angst and forgiveness. How Nakoa and Malakai go from being being at each other's throats to becoming bros over certain events and I adore how quickly Nakoa's soul family accepts people. First Mariena and then Malakai. I love that they both fit perfectly into their group when they both suffered for so long without anyone other than each other. And then watching them all three come together (literally too😜).
Can't wait for book three and to see how everything else plays out. I love this story and characters so much.
I will say that I do have to get it off my chest. This is my only con and why it went from a 5 star to 4.
After reading the first book in The Hallowed Fates series by Chiara Forestieri and being left on a cliffhanger of epic proportions i couldn't wait to grab book two and it sure didn't let me down!
Again the story is told from multiple POV's and the author's writing style is perfect. From the world building, story telling and utterly thigh clenching spice, you just won't want to put this book down!
One of my favourite parts was the banter between the two MMC's as they become friends as it added humour to a more tense part of the story.
With so much more depth to the characters than book one and more twists and turns than you could even imagine, this book moves at an unbelievable pace and yet it never felt rushed. Another masterpiece Chiara!
As it is a dark romantasy please check TW's!
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to find out what happens next after that unexpected ending as i eagerly await the next one!
I wanted to like this book, the world building is really fantastic. But the lack of editing is clear. Tenses change in the middle of paragraphs, and character development is rushed and weak. Modern slang and ideas also pulled me out of it.
Talk about fated mates! The second book of the HALLOWED FATES series (the name of the series should have tipped me off, lol) gave me whiplash over the reveal of SO MANY FATED MATES! Chiara has SO MANY surprises in this book and the LORE around the characters and world building is astounding! Chiara characters are inspired by multiple religions and mythologies and I am such a nerd that I enjoyed researching each name just to geek-out over how the names relate to their personalities, traits and roles in Blood of Two Crowns.
I'll give you ONE and then you get to discover the rest... Ataraxus is a character newly introduced in book 2. When I googled 'Ataraxus' to see if there is mythology associated with the name, I didn't find any 'AtaraxUS' per se, but I did find the definition for 'ataraxia'. Ataraxia is a state of tranquility or freedom from anxiety and mental stress. It can also be described as a state of imperturbability, equanimity, or unperturbedness.... also....Synonyms of ataraxia include: peace, peacefulness, repose, heartsease, and peace of mind. Don't come at me, but yes that is an AI generated definition from the google search. But once you meet Ataraxus... man that definition speaks to ALOT that happens. So impressed with Chiara's ingenuity!!! (and if it was happenstance, welp, that turned out really cool!)
I also had emotional whiplash, which I admit may in part be due to hormones, lol, but still... She had me CACKLING at some of the characters and the banter. She also had me SOBBING during the last quarter of the book. But you KIND OF get a taste of HEA...along with a hefty dose of CLIIIIFFFFFFHAAAAAANGEEEERRRRRR! It's a good thing she plans to release book three in 2025!!!! Can't wait.
Chiara Forestieri has been one of my TOP 5 INDIE AUTHOR FINDS OF 2024!!! If you like romantic fantasy, paranoral fantasy, blending of various mythologies, redemption arcs, complex characters that have realistic flaws, surprising twists, SPICE, multiple POV, LGBTQ positive, why choose, you will LOVE the Hallowed Fates series.
QUOTES I LOVED
Love and Deep Affection
"In this life, and all our lives to come. When Akash returns us to Source, my soul will always seek yours."
"I've got you. I can carry us both - I only need you to let me."
"...your mind is like a sail without a mast on the wind. Do not allow fear to govern you or steal your happiness as Zurie has. ...There is but one mast that will not bow or break beneath the ever-changing winds of your emotion, and you must allow all other emotion to pass over you like the current upon your wings. ... LOVE."
"I attempted to harden my heart to wrought iron steel, but if ever I had a love language, it was violence being wielded in defense and honor of a loved one."
"This is Kismet, Mareina, and you make it all worth it."
SPICE (I'm leaving the good stuff for you to discover, but I'd give it 4 Chili Peppers):
"It was nearly the length of my forearm, perhaps 9 or 10 inches, thicker than my wrist and curved ever-so-slightly upwards." -bwahahahahahaha, these fictional men...
"Eyes on me, Mareina."
Nakoa bit into the flesh of his forearm and held the trickling wound over where we were joined. "There is nothing more perfect than the sign of you taking my c*ck and my bl**d.""
"Look how your body sings for me, lohane thili. There's no part of you that doesn't belong to me."
Magic, powers, Gods, Goddesses, Realms:
With soul as key and blood to bind, I rend the veil 'twixt life and death entwined.
"It may have been her idea initially, but her power is breathtaking. Even with her slaughtering my denizens in droves, I can feel my realm healing. The very fabric holding together my realms grows strong by the day. I'm afraid I can't let her leave."
Comic relief characters and banter:
NAKOA POV: When I rose from the dented mess of lockers, Malekai's feral grin was a mirror to my own. "How did you know violence was my language?" (hahahahah, I love that the characters discuss "love languages")
"... none of this tit-for-tat nonsense. I want a real fight. Between real males..." Something silent passed betwee us when Malekai's eyes met mine as I peeled myself from the lockers. Our wild grins widened. "And those can only ever end one way, boys..." Lokus continued. Malekai and I turned to look at him as he nodded and gave us a stern look. "With someone's d!ck in your mouth." Silence fell between us for a brief moment before the group of us erupted in laughter. Val smacked Lokus on the back of his head, who had the audacity to look affronted. "What? Don't you, of all people, try to tell me you wouldn't buy tickets to that show."
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (still plot focused, but the spice is SPICY)
Chiara Forestieri has blown me away with this one. I was already devoted to this storyline, but Blood of Two Crowns brought everything that I didn’t know I even needed, and then some!
I thoroughly enjoyed the added layers of complexity to the world building, and the vivid descriptions of these vast realms the Gods and Goddesses oversee. In book 1, I was caught off guard at how much I was invested in the MCs right away, and my feelings for each character deepened within book 2. The amount of character depth and growth we get to see in this book further ties these characters to you, and you are invested in each MC’s well-being.
Now, as always, please check your TWs because your mental health matters. There is content that could be triggering, so stay safe, friends!
👑Destiny/fate 🩸Love triangle turned to why choose 👑Unique fated mates with magic abilities 🩸Protective & possessive MCs 👑Dirty talk (I mean, absolutely filthy 🥵) 🩸Bløød & cüm play 👑Bøndage & discipline 🩸Claiming & marking
Now, we were left with quite the cliffhanger in Book 1…I mean…Nakoa and Mareina seriously injured one another and were NOT on good terms; even the seers couldn’t predict which path would unfold. The odds are stacked against Mareina, Nakoa and Malekai, impossible decisions have to be made, and meddling Gods and Goddesses create unprecedented events with dire consequences.
Mareina goes through it and I fell more in love with this badass woman in this book! Her selflessness and willingness to put others needs first is admirable, and her prowess in battle is impressive. The fact that she goes on a self love journey and realizes she deserves happiness is icing on the cake!
Nakoa, Nakoa, Nakoa. Our broody, otherworldly, powerful alphahole made some questionable decisions in relation to Mareina and his growth in book 2 is heartwarming. The banter between Nakoa and Malekai is: top notch, 10/10, chef’s kiss, A+
Malekai. I stand by the fact that I love the blonde, tortured hero. I am now more in love with him than I was in book 1, which shouldn’t even be possible. Did I go ABSOLUTELY FERAL for chapter 3? ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY. 1000% YES. *Seriously, it’s embarrassing how many things I highlighted in chapter 3.*
Were there plot twists I didn’t expect, especially in regard to how we turned from love triangle to why choose? YES. I will defend Mareina and her mates until the end!
Did I LOVE the bromance that developed between Nakoa and Malekai? YES. I will protect these men at all costs!
Was I gutted emotionally? YES. But, am I ready to be hurt again? Also, YES.
Am I anxiously awaiting for more? YES.
The cliffhanger we are left with honestly should’ve been outlawed because I feel lost without book 3 being ready. I cannot wait to see where this story is headed and I have a feeling I will be destroyed emotionally in the next book while simultaneously loving the fact that the MCs are going to change the course of everyone’s futures.
Chiara has my undying love and affection and I will forever be hyping her up and spreading the word for her books!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the wonderful author for sharing an ARC of this book with me!!
"I would do it all over again if I had to, Marina. If I had to pay in blood, every second of time I got to spend with you, I'd let Akash bleed me dry, and when I died, I would beg to reincarnate so I could do it all over again if it meant that I would be beside you."
"Death is only the beginning of your power, Mareina."
"Look at what a perfect fucking mess you are, Marina. See how perfectly we ruin you. You belong to us."
What a wild ride!!! What an experience!! I’ve had the most jaw dropping, fist pumping, exciting, frustrating, marvellous, hot and bothered, definitely kinky but also painful experiences of my life reading it. I feel overwhelmed and I needed that !! I needed it so much!!! It was so good!!! I feel like my life was changed. Like what I thought I knew in book one was a blur and the truth was rebuilt from scratches. The only thing I knew for certain was that Mareina, Malekai and Nakoa still had much to unravel and face by themselves and with one another. This book was spice. It was love and romance. It was family. It was trauma. It was action and it was power. Basically every single thing you could dream about in a fantasy romance book. Plus, all the darkness that comes with the topics surrounding our characters’ past and their present and their more than a little bit kinky dynamics (iykyk)!!!! Don’t get me wrong, there were moments in which I found myself ugly crying over words on paper. But these characters are so close and so dear to my heart, I couldn’t find it in me to live through their eyes all the experiences and emotions they were feeling without getting attached and involved with them myself. I feel like this author has the ability to make me feel part of the story. Make me have the time of my life with these people and then turn me into a puddle on the floor because other one of them or all were so sweet and so cute and so beautiful I could have kneeled at their feet. That’s the power of words !!! That’s the power of art !!!
P.S. I have to admit that Malekai is still my favourite person on the planet!!!
“The love and need we shared all crested in a tidal wave, ready to obliterate our feebly constructed walls.”
At this point, I must sound like a broken record, but I absolutely love Chiara’s writing and can’t help but gush. And no—this isn’t one of those “I’m giving it 5 stars for the vibes” situations. Our girl has earned every single one of those stars (and more) for the way she weaves together a story that balances spice and plot perfectly.
This book explores the complex nature of interpersonal relationships while also touching on heavy themes like genocide, rebellion, and the difficult process of growing through—and from—our demons. Chiara crafts characters who are flawed but aware of those flaws, and are actively trying to make better choices. The “villains” aren’t truly villains—they’re humans shaped by trauma, loss, and histories soaked in betrayal. There are no cardboard-cutout evildoers here—just people harmed by systems of oppression and broken trust, doing whatever they can to survive.
True to her style, Chiara blends the best and worst of humanity with a blush-worthy amount of smut that will absolutely make you squeal. Her ability to tackle intense topics with grace, while still providing moments of emotional relief, is genuinely impressive. I couldn’t put this book down (except to sleep, reluctantly). I was completely invested in the messy relationships and the rich personal growth arcs of characters I’ve fallen head over heels for.
This series is the first to grip me like this since my first read-throughs of ACOTAR and From Blood and Ash, and I’m beyond excited that there’s another installment coming. That cliffhanger? I’m likely never going to recover.
Side Note (minor spoiler): I find it so fascinating that Mareina is initially so resistant to the soul bond. As humans, we often long for the certainty of a soulmate—but when faced with that certainty in a world where it actually exists, it becomes something to fear. There’s something so deeply human about that: the craving for choice, even in love. It raises a powerful question—would we have chosen each other if fate hadn’t stepped in? For Mareina, especially, that lack of agency hits hard. She’s spent her life with very little control, so her desire to cling to whatever agency she can is both relatable and heartbreaking.
10/10 depiction of trauma survivors and how we grapple with love, identity, and autonomy in complex, sometimes contradictory ways.
"It is because of death that we are saved. Death brings peace. Healing. Transformation.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I am screaming. Sobbing and screaming. First of all, that ending should be illegal. Secondly, what am I supposed to do with my life while waiting for the next one??? Hands down one of my best reads of the year. I cannot stress enough how much I loved this, despite wanting to throw my Kindle across the room on numerous occasions. From Nakoa and Mareina and Malekia; then to Nakoa and Malekai's budding bromance. The world building is amazingly beautiful. It's a fully immersive fantasy world, complete with an array of fully fleshed out supernatural creatures with unique powers, new realms and some memorable new characters. The story picks up where book one ends, making it flow seamlessly, but with enough subtle reminders of the major events. I freaking love Mareina, she is so strong and selfless. I know she's come such a long way and has so many more battles ahead of her but her growth so far is spectacular. Nakoa, Nakoa, Nakoa. You all know how I feel about this moody, sensitive, deadly, otherworldly man. Did I mention he has a tail? And don't get me started on that wingspan... Malekai...I can't talk about...I'll cry...again. I may have found a new favorite book bestie in Asterion, chaotic in the best ways possible and so mysterious. I need more of him. Azrael? Him I'd like nothing more than to punch in the face. Repeatedly. Zurie grew on me, kinda like a fungus. Still unclear if it's a cute little mushroom or a flesh eating disease. I've decided that Ataraxus is a cinnamon roll who needs to be protected at all costs. I swear my heart cannot take anymore. Miroslav, you sneaky son of a bitch. I love you but God do I hate all the damn secrets you keep. Which brings us to: the spice. Where do I even start? The teasing? Panty melting. The one on one? Amazing. The group activities??? Explosive. I can feel it in my bones, book three is going to wreck me. I'm not sure if I'll ever emotionally recover from this one let alone whatever that's going to do to me. The good news is we have loads of time to form an emotional support group. I cannot stress enough how much y'all need to read this, it's a wild amazing ride.
Hold onto your crowns, fantasy lovers, because Blood of Two Crowns is a wild ride! In the second installment of the Hallowed Fates series, we dive back into the chaos as Mareina, Atratus' future queen and a goddess of the underworld, makes a heart-wrenching decision to protect her mates—two brooding boys who can’t stand each other! Talk about a love triangle that packs a punch (but also, why choose?)! Nakoa and Malekai, the main male characters, must join forces to rescue her, and the banter between these two rivals? Pure gold! Their transformation from bitter enemies to reluctant allies had me laughing and swooning at the same time.
Chiara has truly created a spellbinding world brimming with magical creatures and unforgettable characters. Mareina’s journey of self-discovery and healing is beautifully portrayed, and I absolutely adored her growth as she learns to embrace her worth. Nakoa, who I was already rooting for, hits us with those vulnerable feels that make you want to hug him. And let’s not forget Malekai—who I was once indifferent to—now a total gem who brings depth to the story!
My emotions were all over the place—I laughed, gasped, and even teared up a bit! Just when I thought I had it figured out, the plot twists had me shouting, “No way!” The spice? Off the charts! And that cliffhanger? I need the next book like yesterday! If you're craving a fantasy that’s packed with romance, humor, and drama, Blood of Two Crowns is the perfect choice! Grab your copies and prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions—you won't regret it!
Just a heads-up: don’t forget to check the trigger warnings before diving in, because this book gets real!
"Just as a sculptor hammers and chisels away at slabs of marble to create divinely inspired works, so are we all sculpted by fate."
This series has some of the most unique world building I've ever come across! Different realms all connected in one way or another, with complex relationships between all the characters - they all have well defined personalities and their own journey, I honestly don't know how Chiara managed to make it all fit in a book! But she did and the result is an amazing, unique story with twists & turns (looking at you Miroslav.. I need to get inside your head to know all the secrets you're keeping!), romance & heartbreak and a changing political world.
A few of the tropes you can expect: •Why choose •Enemies to lovers •Friends to lovers •Found family •Political intrigue •Magic system •Intricate world •Spice!!!
I loved how the main character relationships evolved in this book - my heart melted for Nakoa & Malekai's growing friendship. And then Nakoa regretting how he treated Mareina and fully apologizing.. This trio has my heart!! And the spice?? Where can I get one of these amazing guys (or both, I wouldn't complain) that give orgasms that feel "like the birth of a thousand stars"? In Malekai's words, "you might wanna hold onto something" as the spicy scenes are deliciously panty melting!
How long do I need to wait now for the next book???
Book 2, Book 2, Book 2; wow Chiara you did it again!!! When I thought I’d seen it all, here comes Blood of Two Crowns. It was so good!!!
My favorite main characters are back, and better than ever. Headstrong and selfless Mareina ceased to amaze me. My boo and General eye candy Malekai is back with even more page time!!! I love that we got more of him in this book, and it made me swoon even harder for him. Last but not least my hot-headed big bad demon baby, Nakoa. I was so proud of his character development in this book he truly made me fall in love with him even more! In book one, I was team Malekai while Nakoa and I had a love-and-hate relationship, okay!
Blood of Two Crowns followed the aftermath and cliffhanger from Book 1, A Kingdom of Blood and Magic. This is a no-spoiler zone so I will say buckle up for a ride. There is more world-building, new characters, old characters we’ve grown to love that make appearances throughout the book, and more secrets revealed, with family trees and destines that will continue to grow.
Overall, I ate this book up, and I was grateful enough to be able to ARC Review it! Chiara, amazing job again, I can not wait to see how Book 3 will continue with this series! Once again I’m left wanting more, especially with another cliffhanger (so prepare yourselves accordingly)!!! So, if you’re in the market for another steamy, fated mate, dark Romantasy, why choose read; please treat yourself to this beautiful book. Happy reading everyone!!!
Ma'am, excuse me, does this book come with a neck brace? Because I need one after all those plot twists. I wasn't sure if the second book would live up to the standard that was set in the first book and Blood of Two Crowns did not disappoint. After reading the description I was fairly certain I knew where the plot was going, and while it did get there, it didn't take the route I was expecting and I am still sitting here in complete shock. While the first book had all this tension and build up between the MCs, this is the book where things finally play out. Plus some new characters are introduced that are going to further shake up dynamics. One thing that I am still just blown away by is the nuances with the plot, there are these small mentions in the first book and in book two the readers are starting to see the ripples and how truly interwoven the back story on characters are are. When you begin thinking about what this all means for future books, it becomase mind blowing the potential possibilities that await. This book is a true testament to Chiara's skills as an author, while there were times I was screaming and sobbing, I loved every moment. From the one line zingers, the scorching scenes between the MCs, to the unbelievable heartache, I cannot wait to continue on this journey with book three.
OMG, where do I even begin? Chiara has absolutely outdone herself. The sequel is spicy, heartbreaking, and utterly addictive.
𝕹ᥲk᥆ᥲ and мαℓєкαι? Sweet lord, the tension between them is everything! The fact that they go from enemies to best bro's ... it'll bring a tear to your eye! And yes, dear readers, the spice level is off the charts. Panty-melting doesn’t even cover it. If you’re into why choose romance, this book delivers in every. single. way. And it just .. keeps delivering 😉 ⁱʸᵏʸᵏ
𝐌α𝗋𝖾𝗂𐓣α'𝗌 journey is beautifully raw. Watching her navigate being a future queen, a goddess, and managing two moody (but delicious) mates is both heartwarming and gut-wrenching.
The world-building? It’s a fully immersive experience. The different realms, the powers, and the supernatural creatures all come alive so vividly.
And then there's the spice… the teasing, the one-on-one, the group dynamics … explosive doesn’t even begin to describe it. Chiara brings the heat, the tension, and enough steamy moments to set your Kindle on fire.
Bottom line: Blood of Two Crowns is a masterpiece of dark fantasy romance with all the feels: laughter, tears and toe curling spice. Five stars. No question. if you haven't read it yet, what are you even doing with your life? Go get it. Now. Just make sure you have an emotional support group on speed dial, because I just KNOW book 3 is going to wreck us all .. :(
Hallowed Fate Book 2 picks up seamlessly where Book 1 left off, continuing the captivating journey of Nakoa, Malekai, and Mareina. The author skillfully weaves the perspectives of not only the main characters—Malekai, Nakoa, and Mareina—but also key side characters like Zurie, Keres, Asterion, and Azrael. This expanded point of view enriches the story, offering readers deeper insight into the motivations and struggles of these secondary characters, and adds layers to the overarching plot.
The growth of the three main characters is especially poignant. Nakoa’s realization of how he mistreated and manipulated Mareina in Book 1 comes too late, leading both characters on parallel paths of self-discovery and the difficult journey toward forgiveness. Their emotional arcs are compelling, showing how they wrestle with past mistakes and strive for redemption. Meanwhile, the banter between Nakoa and Malekai adds a touch of humor and tension, particularly as the two men come to terms with their shared love for Mareina.
Ultimately, this book explores themes of self-forgiveness and personal growth, making it a powerful continuation of the series. The ending, however, is nothing short of a cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.