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Ilahara #2
Ashari: Song of the Rising Dragon
Can she forge a future when she’s bound by the past?
Fourteen years after the Coup of Fire, the embers of war are reigniting in Ilahara.
Prince Derron Argarys has returned home with a prisoner—his half-brother, Kael. But such a gift is not enough to quell the queen’s ire, and Adara is not the peaceful capital Derron left. The people whisper Asharaya Myrassar’s name, and dragon banners appear all over the city. After failing in his mission to kill the last Myrassar, Derron has one last chance to prove his worth to Queen Find the banners’ artists and stop the rebel movement from taking hold.
After narrowly escaping the prince’s trap in Merania with their lives, Shara and her friends are in hiding. Shaken by Derron’s betrayal and unsure of Kael’s fate, they must contend not only with their losses but with the Argarys soldiers hunting them across the north. But to free Daganver from the queen’s hold, they must set aside heartbreak and ally with the rebellion spreading throughout the land.
Yet as the lines between foes blur, one wrong move could prove fatal. Derron’s heart is riddled with guilt over his role in Kael’s imprisonment, and his dreams are haunted by the Myrassar princess—and childhood friend—he couldn’t bring himself to kill. To find her place in Ilahara’s future, Shara must tame her reckless nature and attraction to the prince while confronting the shadows of a past she thought long buried.
Loyalties are tested, new alliances are forged, and old passions are rekindled in the follow-up to The Last Myrassar.
Fourteen years after the Coup of Fire, the embers of war are reigniting in Ilahara.
Prince Derron Argarys has returned home with a prisoner—his half-brother, Kael. But such a gift is not enough to quell the queen’s ire, and Adara is not the peaceful capital Derron left. The people whisper Asharaya Myrassar’s name, and dragon banners appear all over the city. After failing in his mission to kill the last Myrassar, Derron has one last chance to prove his worth to Queen Find the banners’ artists and stop the rebel movement from taking hold.
After narrowly escaping the prince’s trap in Merania with their lives, Shara and her friends are in hiding. Shaken by Derron’s betrayal and unsure of Kael’s fate, they must contend not only with their losses but with the Argarys soldiers hunting them across the north. But to free Daganver from the queen’s hold, they must set aside heartbreak and ally with the rebellion spreading throughout the land.
Yet as the lines between foes blur, one wrong move could prove fatal. Derron’s heart is riddled with guilt over his role in Kael’s imprisonment, and his dreams are haunted by the Myrassar princess—and childhood friend—he couldn’t bring himself to kill. To find her place in Ilahara’s future, Shara must tame her reckless nature and attraction to the prince while confronting the shadows of a past she thought long buried.
Loyalties are tested, new alliances are forged, and old passions are rekindled in the follow-up to The Last Myrassar.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Karys
3 books114 followersC.M. Karys is the author name of two Italian sisters, Maria Elena and Chiara. Our love of reading and writing started in reading classes with our American teachers in Elementary school. As young girls our love of fantasy was fueled by obsessive Disney marathons and Harry Potter. Now we’ve added Game of Thrones to that list. When we are not hunched over a notebook jotting down ideas for our stories or hiding away in our writing cave surrounded by faeries and dragons, we can be found on Instagram, discussing books with our online community. We currently live in Naples with our family and our dog queen, Kiche.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 24, 2025
- Esp:
Esperaba que me gustara mas que el primero, pero de todas formas este libro fue muy bueno, me gustó mucho!
Me gusta mucho como escriben CM Karys, realmente su manera de escribir es muy ligera y atrapante, me gusta que no es nada complicado, todo se entiende a la perfeccion, y se lee super rapido de lo adictivo que es la historia!! ME ENCANTA!
Estoy enamorada de Deimok, mi pequeño dragon (no es pequeño) amo mucho sus momentos con Shara.
Me encanta el slowburn y estos dos lo estan haciendo perfecto PERO siento que 3 libros no son lo suficiente para el desarrollo de la relación, jaja necesito mas o espero que el ultimo libro sea un libro grande, quiero mas momentos de ellos juntos, recientemente “estan juntos” (no realmente jaja)
Al inicio no recordaba mucho de los personajes jaja porque pasaron años desde que leí el primero jaja pero mientras mas leía, mas me familiarizaba con todos, los extrañé pero especialmente a Shara y Derron, los amo.
Al fin tuvieron su momento de pasion jaja Derron esperó mucho por este momento jaja lo amo mucho.
Y Shara….., es estupida, la amo mucho por eso jaja me da risa, de todas maneras yo la entiendo, soy como ella, impulsiva JAJA
Esperaba mas povs de Shara, estuvo bien, pero como protagonista, esperaba mas jaja, tambien siento que hubo uno que otro pov que no era tan necesario ponerlo tanto, (especialmente Cassia, me cae mal jaja tantos pov de ella no eran necesarios) pero ok jaja
Tengo que confesar que no me esta gustando lo que esta “pasando” entre 3 personajes (M,K,S) y espero que realmente no pase nada entre ellos porque se ve un poco forzado, y ella solo los ve como amigos, realmente no se ve nada de atraccion por parte de ella jaja, yo solo quiero a mi pareja gay ser felices juntos al fin, sin nadie mas (esperé muchos años para leer que estan juntos jaja y me los arruinan!) pero si llega a pasar algo entre ellos pues no puedo hacer nada jaja
Pero en fin, ESTUVO MUY BUENO! Ese final con Derron mi hombre, estoy triste!! NECESITO EL TERCERO URGENTEMENTE!!
- Eng:
I was hoping to like it more than the first one, but this book was still really good, I really liked it!
I really like CM Karys' writing style. It's really light and engaging. I like that it's not complicated at all, everything is perfectly understandable, and it's a super-fast read because the story is so addictive! I LOVE IT! (I hope they never stop writing)
I'm in love with Deimok, my little dragon (he's not small) I love his moments with Shara very much.
I love slowburn and these two are doing it perfectly BUT I feel like 3 books are not enough for the development of the relationship, haha I need more or I hope the last book is a big book, I want more moments of them together, recently they “are together” (not really haha)
At first I didn't remember much about the characters haha because it's been years since I read the first one haha but the more I read, the more familiar I became with everyone, I missed them but especially Shara and Derron, I love them.
They finally had their moment of passion haha, Derron waited a long time for this moment haha, I love him so much.
And Shara... she's stupid, I love her so much, that's why haha, It makes me laugh, I understand her, I'm like her…impulsive haha.
I expected more povs of Shara, she was good, but as a protagonist, I expected more haha, I also feel that there were one or another pov that wasn't so necessary to include her so much, (especially Cassia, I don't like her haha so many povs of her weren't necessary) but ok haha
(I have to confess that I'm not liking what's "happening" between the 3 characters (M, K, S) and I hope nothing really happens between them because it seems a bit forced, and she only sees them as friends, I don't really see any attraction on her part haha, I just want my gay partner to be happy together at last, without anyone else (I waited many years to read that they are together haha ) but if something happens between them then I can't do anything haha)
But anyway, IT WAS SO GOOD! That ending with Derron, my man, I'm sad!! I NEED THE THIRD ONE URGENTLY!!
Thanks CM Karys for the arc💞
Esperaba que me gustara mas que el primero, pero de todas formas este libro fue muy bueno, me gustó mucho!
Me gusta mucho como escriben CM Karys, realmente su manera de escribir es muy ligera y atrapante, me gusta que no es nada complicado, todo se entiende a la perfeccion, y se lee super rapido de lo adictivo que es la historia!! ME ENCANTA!
Estoy enamorada de Deimok, mi pequeño dragon (no es pequeño) amo mucho sus momentos con Shara.
Me encanta el slowburn y estos dos lo estan haciendo perfecto PERO siento que 3 libros no son lo suficiente para el desarrollo de la relación, jaja necesito mas o espero que el ultimo libro sea un libro grande, quiero mas momentos de ellos juntos, recientemente “estan juntos” (no realmente jaja)
Al inicio no recordaba mucho de los personajes jaja porque pasaron años desde que leí el primero jaja pero mientras mas leía, mas me familiarizaba con todos, los extrañé pero especialmente a Shara y Derron, los amo.
Al fin tuvieron su momento de pasion jaja Derron esperó mucho por este momento jaja lo amo mucho.
Y Shara….., es estupida, la amo mucho por eso jaja me da risa, de todas maneras yo la entiendo, soy como ella, impulsiva JAJA
Esperaba mas povs de Shara, estuvo bien, pero como protagonista, esperaba mas jaja, tambien siento que hubo uno que otro pov que no era tan necesario ponerlo tanto, (especialmente Cassia, me cae mal jaja tantos pov de ella no eran necesarios) pero ok jaja
Tengo que confesar que no me esta gustando lo que esta “pasando” entre 3 personajes (M,K,S) y espero que realmente no pase nada entre ellos porque se ve un poco forzado, y ella solo los ve como amigos, realmente no se ve nada de atraccion por parte de ella jaja, yo solo quiero a mi pareja gay ser felices juntos al fin, sin nadie mas (esperé muchos años para leer que estan juntos jaja y me los arruinan!) pero si llega a pasar algo entre ellos pues no puedo hacer nada jaja
Pero en fin, ESTUVO MUY BUENO! Ese final con Derron mi hombre, estoy triste!! NECESITO EL TERCERO URGENTEMENTE!!
- Eng:
I was hoping to like it more than the first one, but this book was still really good, I really liked it!
I really like CM Karys' writing style. It's really light and engaging. I like that it's not complicated at all, everything is perfectly understandable, and it's a super-fast read because the story is so addictive! I LOVE IT! (I hope they never stop writing)
I'm in love with Deimok, my little dragon (he's not small) I love his moments with Shara very much.
I love slowburn and these two are doing it perfectly BUT I feel like 3 books are not enough for the development of the relationship, haha I need more or I hope the last book is a big book, I want more moments of them together, recently they “are together” (not really haha)
At first I didn't remember much about the characters haha because it's been years since I read the first one haha but the more I read, the more familiar I became with everyone, I missed them but especially Shara and Derron, I love them.
They finally had their moment of passion haha, Derron waited a long time for this moment haha, I love him so much.
And Shara... she's stupid, I love her so much, that's why haha, It makes me laugh, I understand her, I'm like her…impulsive haha.
I expected more povs of Shara, she was good, but as a protagonist, I expected more haha, I also feel that there were one or another pov that wasn't so necessary to include her so much, (especially Cassia, I don't like her haha so many povs of her weren't necessary) but ok haha
(I have to confess that I'm not liking what's "happening" between the 3 characters (M, K, S) and I hope nothing really happens between them because it seems a bit forced, and she only sees them as friends, I don't really see any attraction on her part haha, I just want my gay partner to be happy together at last, without anyone else (I waited many years to read that they are together haha ) but if something happens between them then I can't do anything haha)
But anyway, IT WAS SO GOOD! That ending with Derron, my man, I'm sad!! I NEED THE THIRD ONE URGENTLY!!
Thanks CM Karys for the arc💞
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2025
[ 3.75 Stars ]
It’s been a while since I read the first book, and honestly, I probably should have given it a quick reread before jumping into this one, But even without a refresher, it wasn’t too hard to follow and it was pretty enjoyable.
I loved that this book had plenty of action and never felt boring, which kept me hooked the whole way through. The writing is pretty straightforward and easy to follow, which made it a smooth read.
That said, I really wish there had been more time spent with Shara and Derron. Their relationship didn’t feel like it grew much, and I think that’s because we didn’t get enough of their perspectives. There were a lot of POVs from other characters, which was interesting but also made it harder to stay as invested in the main storyline. Also, there’s a sideline plot with Mykal, Kael, and Solana that I don’t think will work well. I feel like one of them doesn’t see the other two *that way* (if you know, you know). It kinda came out of nowhere, to be honest.
Despite that, I still had a great time with this book, and I’m excited for the next installment—hopefully, I won’t have to wait another three years for it!
Thanks C.M Karys for the Arc!
It’s been a while since I read the first book, and honestly, I probably should have given it a quick reread before jumping into this one, But even without a refresher, it wasn’t too hard to follow and it was pretty enjoyable.
I loved that this book had plenty of action and never felt boring, which kept me hooked the whole way through. The writing is pretty straightforward and easy to follow, which made it a smooth read.
That said, I really wish there had been more time spent with Shara and Derron. Their relationship didn’t feel like it grew much, and I think that’s because we didn’t get enough of their perspectives. There were a lot of POVs from other characters, which was interesting but also made it harder to stay as invested in the main storyline. Also, there’s a sideline plot with Mykal, Kael, and Solana that I don’t think will work well. I feel like one of them doesn’t see the other two *that way* (if you know, you know). It kinda came out of nowhere, to be honest.
Despite that, I still had a great time with this book, and I’m excited for the next installment—hopefully, I won’t have to wait another three years for it!
Thanks C.M Karys for the Arc!
March 15, 2025
You just know a book is good when you can't put it down, read it in one sitting, one day... I DEVOURED it. Chiara and Maria know how to write, that's for sure.
It's been a while since I've read book 1 and could've done myself a favor and reread that before starting book 2... Simply because my brain had a lot of catching up to do because a lot of this storyline is of course influenced by the plot of book 1. Still easy enough to understand without the reread tho!
The world of Ilahara is a beautiful and complex thing. There's always more to learn. Chiara and Maria have truly outdone themselves creating such an intricate world. And I can't wait to find out even more in book 3.
My thoughts are a little jumbled up because I read so fast, but I can say that I without a doubt enjoyed myself immensely while reading this book and absolutely recommend this book to all fantasy lovers. Chiara, Maria, you had me on the edge of my seat for pretty much the whole book. My heart is still pounding. The intrigue, the romance, the violence, oh my! You girls keep on writing CAUSE I NEED BOOK THREE STAT
This book was provided to me by the authors. This book releases on April 1st 2025
It's been a while since I've read book 1 and could've done myself a favor and reread that before starting book 2... Simply because my brain had a lot of catching up to do because a lot of this storyline is of course influenced by the plot of book 1. Still easy enough to understand without the reread tho!
The world of Ilahara is a beautiful and complex thing. There's always more to learn. Chiara and Maria have truly outdone themselves creating such an intricate world. And I can't wait to find out even more in book 3.
My thoughts are a little jumbled up because I read so fast, but I can say that I without a doubt enjoyed myself immensely while reading this book and absolutely recommend this book to all fantasy lovers. Chiara, Maria, you had me on the edge of my seat for pretty much the whole book. My heart is still pounding. The intrigue, the romance, the violence, oh my! You girls keep on writing CAUSE I NEED BOOK THREE STAT
This book was provided to me by the authors. This book releases on April 1st 2025
August 5, 2025
3.8⭐️
I actually liked the first book, so I had pretty high hopes going into the second one. And while I didn’t enjoy it quite as much, it was still a good read.
The writing was simple and easy to follow, which I appreciated. What stood out to me the most was how much more we got to learn about the individual characters. It felt like I got to understand them on a deeper level, which made their journeys more meaningful.
I did enjoy the general direction of the plot, but I have to admit that a couple of developments felt a bit abrupt. Some twists seemed to appear without enough buildup or explanation, which made them feel slightly disconnected from the rest of the narrative.
What stood out to me was the structure of the chapters: each one was told from a different character’s point of view. Sometimes, this worked really well – especially when the characters were together in the same scenes, as it allowed the storyline to flow naturally. Other times, it created a bit of a disconnect when the narrative jumped between separate character arcs.
That said, I’m definitely curious to see how things will unfold in the third book. I’m particularly excited to see what happens with Mykal’s love life, whether Solana’s brother will be found, and how things will develop between Shara and Derron. I do hope the next book improves on the pacing and cohesion a little
I actually liked the first book, so I had pretty high hopes going into the second one. And while I didn’t enjoy it quite as much, it was still a good read.
The writing was simple and easy to follow, which I appreciated. What stood out to me the most was how much more we got to learn about the individual characters. It felt like I got to understand them on a deeper level, which made their journeys more meaningful.
I did enjoy the general direction of the plot, but I have to admit that a couple of developments felt a bit abrupt. Some twists seemed to appear without enough buildup or explanation, which made them feel slightly disconnected from the rest of the narrative.
What stood out to me was the structure of the chapters: each one was told from a different character’s point of view. Sometimes, this worked really well – especially when the characters were together in the same scenes, as it allowed the storyline to flow naturally. Other times, it created a bit of a disconnect when the narrative jumped between separate character arcs.
That said, I’m definitely curious to see how things will unfold in the third book. I’m particularly excited to see what happens with Mykal’s love life, whether Solana’s brother will be found, and how things will develop between Shara and Derron. I do hope the next book improves on the pacing and cohesion a little
April 7, 2025
I was so glad that I have read Ilahara before jumping right into this one !
The story continues seamlessly after the ending of the first book which I really liked. I also loved the continuation of the complex world building. The Fantasy world Maria and Chiara have created is both detailed and beautiful.
Aside from the world building I also thoroughly enjoyed their amazing writing style!!! One thing they are top-tier at is capturing a character‘s emotion which I often miss when reading a book in third-person POV.
I shall not forget to mention the elements of action-packed scenes, magic, plot-twists (I’m still shocked OMG) and intrigue which made the book so addicting and hard to put down.
Ashari definitely felt more adult compared to Ilahara which in my opinion showed in the (nicely done and not unnecessary at all!) spicy scenes and also in the levels of violence and gruesomeness that were sprinkled in throughout the book.
I’ll definitely continue reading this series, especially because - as a fantasy/romantasy reader) it feels so refreshing and different to read!
The story continues seamlessly after the ending of the first book which I really liked. I also loved the continuation of the complex world building. The Fantasy world Maria and Chiara have created is both detailed and beautiful.
Aside from the world building I also thoroughly enjoyed their amazing writing style!!! One thing they are top-tier at is capturing a character‘s emotion which I often miss when reading a book in third-person POV.
I shall not forget to mention the elements of action-packed scenes, magic, plot-twists (I’m still shocked OMG) and intrigue which made the book so addicting and hard to put down.
Ashari definitely felt more adult compared to Ilahara which in my opinion showed in the (nicely done and not unnecessary at all!) spicy scenes and also in the levels of violence and gruesomeness that were sprinkled in throughout the book.
I’ll definitely continue reading this series, especially because - as a fantasy/romantasy reader) it feels so refreshing and different to read!
April 20, 2025
This was such a great sequel! I love how action packed it was, the fast pace made it a very compelling story. I actually ended up liking the sequel even more than Ilahara. I preferred the New Adult themes in this book and also appreciated the multiple perspectives. One thing I really enjoyed about Ashari was the world building & the lore, especially the info we learned about the past Myrassar. This was well worth the wait and I am so excited for book 3!
Also chapter 43 was 🔥 everything I’ve been waiting for aaaaa I need more!!!!
Also chapter 43 was 🔥 everything I’ve been waiting for aaaaa I need more!!!!
April 5, 2025
Review coming soon
December 9, 2025
Ashari: Song of the Rising Dragon is the sequel to Ilahara: The Last Myrassar by two of my favourite sisters on Instagram C.M. Karys.
I loved Ilahara when it came out in 2021 and Ashari was no exception.
This is a character‑driven, high‑fantasy story with a moody, politically charged atmosphere. Our characters wrestle with the weight of a haunted past that fuels every alliance and betrayal. It has a strong character development, lovable characters and it is very beautifully written. It was fast paced with more action than the last one that I really liked.
Thanks C.M Karys for the ARC.
I loved Ilahara when it came out in 2021 and Ashari was no exception.
This is a character‑driven, high‑fantasy story with a moody, politically charged atmosphere. Our characters wrestle with the weight of a haunted past that fuels every alliance and betrayal. It has a strong character development, lovable characters and it is very beautifully written. It was fast paced with more action than the last one that I really liked.
Thanks C.M Karys for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews