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Golden Court #2
A Sky of Emerald Stars: A Novel
From the bestselling author of The High Mountain Court A.K. Mulford comes the second enchanting book in the all-new Golden Court romantasy trilogy—A Sky of Emerald Stars continues wolf-shifter Calla’s journey and explores a new story—Sadie’s—as kingdoms clash with war on the horizon and pack politics threatens to disrupt what Calla and Grae have built, both for themselves, and Aotreas.
A secret song. A hidden fortress. A world on the brink of war.
After the long, despotic reign under the evil sorceress, Sawyn, life in the Golden Court is finally rebuilding. New leadership means new beginnings, and Sadie Rauxtide—now a royal guard—has been grappling with how she’ll fit into her new home. But when a rival Wolf king, Nero, kidnaps the Queen’s friend and mentor Ora, any hopes for peace are lost.
The Golden Court springs into action, and Sadie is tasked with an important travel with Navin and Maez to try to win new allies and uncover Nero’s hidden secrets. Yet Navin has secrets of his own, and it’s all Sadie can do to focus on her attachment to him and her loathing for what she discovers inside the man she loves. She has a mission, but the heart wants what it wants. And fate? Fate has its own magic, and it’s one more thing out of her control.
Meanwhile, Queen Calla is forced to seek help from the Ice Wolf pack in order to stop Nero’s prejudicial rule. However, the Queen of Taigos makes Calla’s objectives impossible with their capricious relationship standing in the way—completely unwilling to commit in helping Calla rescue Ora and repeatedly dismissing Calla’s new gender identity. With no true allyship from Taigos Court, Calla battles between diplomacy and being their true self as they realize coming out is only the beginning of their journey of self-discovery.
Tensions rise on both fronts as Sadie and Calla struggle to gain support for the brewing war and realize that the world of Aotreas is more than it seems. Full of high-stakes adventures, self-discovery, and love in all forms, A Sky of Emerald Stars follows the beginning of a revolution and the relentless fight for peace.
A secret song. A hidden fortress. A world on the brink of war.
After the long, despotic reign under the evil sorceress, Sawyn, life in the Golden Court is finally rebuilding. New leadership means new beginnings, and Sadie Rauxtide—now a royal guard—has been grappling with how she’ll fit into her new home. But when a rival Wolf king, Nero, kidnaps the Queen’s friend and mentor Ora, any hopes for peace are lost.
The Golden Court springs into action, and Sadie is tasked with an important travel with Navin and Maez to try to win new allies and uncover Nero’s hidden secrets. Yet Navin has secrets of his own, and it’s all Sadie can do to focus on her attachment to him and her loathing for what she discovers inside the man she loves. She has a mission, but the heart wants what it wants. And fate? Fate has its own magic, and it’s one more thing out of her control.
Meanwhile, Queen Calla is forced to seek help from the Ice Wolf pack in order to stop Nero’s prejudicial rule. However, the Queen of Taigos makes Calla’s objectives impossible with their capricious relationship standing in the way—completely unwilling to commit in helping Calla rescue Ora and repeatedly dismissing Calla’s new gender identity. With no true allyship from Taigos Court, Calla battles between diplomacy and being their true self as they realize coming out is only the beginning of their journey of self-discovery.
Tensions rise on both fronts as Sadie and Calla struggle to gain support for the brewing war and realize that the world of Aotreas is more than it seems. Full of high-stakes adventures, self-discovery, and love in all forms, A Sky of Emerald Stars follows the beginning of a revolution and the relentless fight for peace.
368 pages, Paperback
First published December 24, 2024
114 people are currently reading
17323 people want to read
About the author
A.K. Mulford
23 books2,032 followersA. K. Mulford is a bestselling fantasy author and former wildlife biologist who swapped rehabilitating monkeys for writing novels. They/she is inspired to create diverse stories that transport readers to new realms, making them fall in love with fantasy for the first time or all over again. They now live in Australia with their husband and two young human primates, creating lovable fantasy characters and making ridiculous TikToks (@akmulfordauthor).
Get the Okrith Novellas FREE at www.akmulford.com
Get the Okrith Novellas FREE at www.akmulford.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
December 30, 2024
Nothing hooks me into a book faster than a baddie main character who refuses to break down her walls....until HIM. Like, yes, I’m a romance lover, SUE ME! 🫶
This amazing book is the second in the series, so if you’re into political war, self-discovery, and wolves (duh), you’re gonna LOVE THIS 🐺✨
This book goes deep into the political war between the wolf packs. While Calla is doing her best to keep her Golden Court problem-free, life has other plans. And let me tell you, she will DO ANYTHING to protect her people. So, obviously, Calla sends our baddie Sadie and Navin on a mission, and OMG, do things heat up. But let’s focus on Sadie and Navin because their love story? OMFG. 😍🔥
Sadie & Navin---aka a wolf and a human---are everything. Their type of relationship in this society is veeeery frown upon, a love like theirs could cause chaos. Yet, they’re thrown together to help Calla, and what happens? LOVE, OBVIOUSLY! 🫠 The slow burn, the banter, the tension and we cannot forget the UNSOLVED TENSION from book 1!!!! AGHHH, it was the reason I couldn’t put this book down! 💕
If forbidden love, badass characters, and a world full of wolves and political drama are your vibe, you need to read this ASAP. You’ll have the best time, I promise! 🐾✨
𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒊 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒅:
- 𝒎𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊 𝒑𝒐𝒗 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔
- 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔
- 𝒘𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒔
- 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎
Tropes
🐺 political intrigue
🐺 enemies to lovers (ish)
🐺 "let me take care of you"
🐺 witty banter
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ the first book completely shocked me with how much I loved it! Hoping this one is just as amazing! 🤞🤞
thank you Netgalley & Avon for this earc in exchange for my honest opinion!
This amazing book is the second in the series, so if you’re into political war, self-discovery, and wolves (duh), you’re gonna LOVE THIS 🐺✨
This book goes deep into the political war between the wolf packs. While Calla is doing her best to keep her Golden Court problem-free, life has other plans. And let me tell you, she will DO ANYTHING to protect her people. So, obviously, Calla sends our baddie Sadie and Navin on a mission, and OMG, do things heat up. But let’s focus on Sadie and Navin because their love story? OMFG. 😍🔥
Sadie & Navin---aka a wolf and a human---are everything. Their type of relationship in this society is veeeery frown upon, a love like theirs could cause chaos. Yet, they’re thrown together to help Calla, and what happens? LOVE, OBVIOUSLY! 🫠 The slow burn, the banter, the tension and we cannot forget the UNSOLVED TENSION from book 1!!!! AGHHH, it was the reason I couldn’t put this book down! 💕
If forbidden love, badass characters, and a world full of wolves and political drama are your vibe, you need to read this ASAP. You’ll have the best time, I promise! 🐾✨
𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒊 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒅:
- 𝒎𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊 𝒑𝒐𝒗 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔
- 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔
- 𝒘𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒔
- 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎
Tropes
🐺 political intrigue
🐺 enemies to lovers (ish)
🐺 "let me take care of you"
🐺 witty banter
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ the first book completely shocked me with how much I loved it! Hoping this one is just as amazing! 🤞🤞
thank you Netgalley & Avon for this earc in exchange for my honest opinion!
December 31, 2024
**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑨 𝑺𝒌𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑨. 𝑲. 𝑴𝒖𝒍𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒅
Release Date: December 24, 2024
5⭐️3🌶
Ms. Mulford continues to deliver with this second installment in the Golden Court series. This book picks up right where A River of Golden Bones left off, and Calla and Grae have plenty on their plate. Calla is now responsible for the Golden Kingdom, and must try and right the wrongs that the previous Evil Queen has done to her people. In addition, she must find allies to support her claim to the Golden Throne. Grae's father hasn't lost his ambition to hold Calla's Kingdom as his own. He plans to overthrow her and place one of his own puppets on her throne.
Sadie Rauxtide is still reeling from Navin's betrayal during the battle for Calla's throne. She doesn't understand why he would choose his traitor of a brother over her IN BATTLE. Come to find out, he has quite a few secrets that Sadie and Queen Calla don't know about. When Ora is captured by Grae's father, Sadie and Navin must find a way to work together again for the good of the Golden Court.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Friends-Enemies-to-lovers
🍁Warrior Shifter BA FMC
🍁Soft MMC
🍁Wolf Shifter Pack meets Princess Story
🍁Fairy Godmother
🍁Shifters-humans-sorcerers
TW:
✨Fight Scenes
✨Big Monsters
✨Abusive Father
✨Child Abuse (past)
✨Murder
✨Betrayal
Release Date: December 24, 2024
5⭐️3🌶
Ms. Mulford continues to deliver with this second installment in the Golden Court series. This book picks up right where A River of Golden Bones left off, and Calla and Grae have plenty on their plate. Calla is now responsible for the Golden Kingdom, and must try and right the wrongs that the previous Evil Queen has done to her people. In addition, she must find allies to support her claim to the Golden Throne. Grae's father hasn't lost his ambition to hold Calla's Kingdom as his own. He plans to overthrow her and place one of his own puppets on her throne.
Sadie Rauxtide is still reeling from Navin's betrayal during the battle for Calla's throne. She doesn't understand why he would choose his traitor of a brother over her IN BATTLE. Come to find out, he has quite a few secrets that Sadie and Queen Calla don't know about. When Ora is captured by Grae's father, Sadie and Navin must find a way to work together again for the good of the Golden Court.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Friends-Enemies-to-lovers
🍁Warrior Shifter BA FMC
🍁Soft MMC
🍁Wolf Shifter Pack meets Princess Story
🍁Fairy Godmother
🍁Shifters-humans-sorcerers
TW:
✨Fight Scenes
✨Big Monsters
✨Abusive Father
✨Child Abuse (past)
✨Murder
✨Betrayal
December 13, 2024
Okay so…I was definitely a little critical of book 1 (it was just okay) but I’m here to tell you that IT DID NOT carry over because A Sky of Emerald Stars was FANTASTIC!
ASOES is a continuation of A River of Golden Bones and is told in dual POV…but not in the way that you’d normally think. Our first POV is Calla, our queen, and takes us on her journey to secure allies and retrieve her dear friend in anticipation of the war ahead. I loved seeing her and Grae work together and love their cutie relationship. Calla is such a cool representation of gender fluidity and staying true to yourself. #vibes
The second POV is Sadie - a wolf shifter in Calla’s court who is sent on a mission to unveil Navin’s secret that he is keeping from their court. I didn’t expect to love Sadie so much, but by now I should know that I will always die hard for a bada** FMC! She was fierce, loyal, and even soft when she needed to be. Gish I hope the next book continues in her POV - but also I need to be inside Maez’s head too!
There were twists, turns, and some spice to keep things interesting. There was such a difference in the prose compared to the first book - this book flowed so seamlessly and was such a good time. I enjoyed every single second!
ASOES is a continuation of A River of Golden Bones and is told in dual POV…but not in the way that you’d normally think. Our first POV is Calla, our queen, and takes us on her journey to secure allies and retrieve her dear friend in anticipation of the war ahead. I loved seeing her and Grae work together and love their cutie relationship. Calla is such a cool representation of gender fluidity and staying true to yourself. #vibes
The second POV is Sadie - a wolf shifter in Calla’s court who is sent on a mission to unveil Navin’s secret that he is keeping from their court. I didn’t expect to love Sadie so much, but by now I should know that I will always die hard for a bada** FMC! She was fierce, loyal, and even soft when she needed to be. Gish I hope the next book continues in her POV - but also I need to be inside Maez’s head too!
There were twists, turns, and some spice to keep things interesting. There was such a difference in the prose compared to the first book - this book flowed so seamlessly and was such a good time. I enjoyed every single second!
December 27, 2024
A.K. Mulford’s Golden Court series is a vibrant tapestry of fantasy, identity, and resilience, and its second installment, A Sky of Emerald Stars, expands upon the foundation laid in A River of Golden Bones. This sequel intertwines political intrigue, war preparations, and personal struggles as the Golden Court navigates its nascent leadership. Exploring new dimensions of Calla’s and Sadie’s journeys, the novel deepens its exploration of identity, belonging, and courage.
Plot Overview
In A Sky of Emerald Stars, the story pivots to two intertwining narratives: Queen Calla’s battle to establish the Golden Court’s position and Sadie Rauxtide’s struggle for identity and love amid brewing war. As King Nero threatens peace with Damrienn’s oppressive rule, Calla seeks alliances with the Ice Wolf Court while confronting prejudices about their gender identity. Meanwhile, Sadie is drawn into a dangerous diplomatic mission with Navin and Maez, where old loyalties are tested and buried secrets come to light.
The novel traverses treacherous terrains—both literal and emotional—capturing high-stakes diplomacy, heart-stopping battles, and tender moments of self-discovery.
Character Analysis
Queen Calla Marriel:
Calla’s narrative of self-discovery reaches new depths in this book. Their struggle with acceptance, particularly regarding their gender identity as "merem," is woven seamlessly into their political challenges. Their courage and vulnerability make them an inspiring protagonist.
Sadie Rauxtide:
Sadie’s fiery personality adds a dynamic layer to the series. Her guarded demeanor and conflict with Navin create a compelling arc of reconciliation and trust. Her resilience is evident, but her raw moments of doubt and anger make her profoundly relatable.
Navin:
Navin, whose secrets drive much of the tension, is both enigmatic and endearing. His evolving relationship with Sadie is a highlight, balancing tender moments with intense, unresolved conflict.
King Nero:
As a villain, Nero’s calculated cruelty is a chilling counterpoint to Calla’s hope. His implementation of "Silent Blades" to root out dissent adds layers of fear and urgency to the story.
Supporting Characters:
Maez, with her humor and unyielding loyalty, provides balance and levity. Queen Ingrid and King Luo are fascinating additions, showcasing the political intricacies of the Golden Court world.
World-Building
Mulford’s world is a feast for the imagination. The Ice Wolf Court’s frozen grandeur and Valta’s floating mountains offer breathtaking contrasts to the Golden Court’s autumnal beauty. Every kingdom feels distinct, enriched by its own customs, politics, and prejudices.
The depiction of monstrous creatures like the crishenem underscores the dangers of this world, adding thrilling stakes. Moreover, the interplay between human and Wolf cultures highlights themes of cohabitation and resistance to oppression.
Themes and Symbolism
Identity and Self-Acceptance:
Calla’s journey is a poignant exploration of living authentically despite societal expectations. The introduction of "merem" adds depth to discussions on gender and individuality.
Love and Redemption:
Sadie’s struggle with Navin reflects the complexity of forgiveness and understanding, emphasizing the power of vulnerability in relationships.
Resistance and Resilience:
From Calla’s diplomatic overtures to Sadie’s battlefield grit, the story is a testament to standing against tyranny and building bridges for a better future.
Writing Style
Mulford’s prose is lyrical yet approachable, vividly painting landscapes and emotions. While the dual perspectives provide depth, the frequent shifts can sometimes disrupt the pacing. The dialogue sparkles with authenticity, capturing the unique voices of each character.
Strengths
- Character-Driven Storytelling: The nuanced exploration of Calla and Sadie’s arcs keeps readers emotionally invested.
- Rich World-Building: The vivid settings enhance the stakes, immersing readers in a fantastical yet relatable world.
- Inclusive Themes: The representation of gender identity and diverse relationships broadens the series’ appeal and relevance.
Critiques
- Pacing Issues: Expository sections occasionally slow the narrative, detracting from the immediacy of high-stakes moments.
- Underutilized Characters: While Ingrid and Luo are intriguing, their roles could have been expanded to provide more insight into their kingdoms’ politics.
- Repetition: Some internal monologues feel repetitive, particularly in Calla’s chapters.
Conclusion: A Bold Continuation
A Sky of Emerald Stars cements A.K. Mulford’s Golden Court series as a standout in YA fantasy. Balancing romance, adventure, and profound personal journeys, the novel sets the stage for an epic finale. While it occasionally falters in pacing, its strengths—compelling characters, evocative settings, and resonant themes—ensure it remains a memorable read.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
This book is a must-read for fans of YA fantasy and romantasy, especially those seeking representation and stories of self-discovery. With its heartfelt characters and intricate world, it’s perfect for readers of Serpent & Dove and Six of Crows. For those new to the series, starting with A River of Golden Bones is essential to fully appreciate the depth of this installment.
Plot Overview
In A Sky of Emerald Stars, the story pivots to two intertwining narratives: Queen Calla’s battle to establish the Golden Court’s position and Sadie Rauxtide’s struggle for identity and love amid brewing war. As King Nero threatens peace with Damrienn’s oppressive rule, Calla seeks alliances with the Ice Wolf Court while confronting prejudices about their gender identity. Meanwhile, Sadie is drawn into a dangerous diplomatic mission with Navin and Maez, where old loyalties are tested and buried secrets come to light.
The novel traverses treacherous terrains—both literal and emotional—capturing high-stakes diplomacy, heart-stopping battles, and tender moments of self-discovery.
Character Analysis
Queen Calla Marriel:
Calla’s narrative of self-discovery reaches new depths in this book. Their struggle with acceptance, particularly regarding their gender identity as "merem," is woven seamlessly into their political challenges. Their courage and vulnerability make them an inspiring protagonist.
Sadie Rauxtide:
Sadie’s fiery personality adds a dynamic layer to the series. Her guarded demeanor and conflict with Navin create a compelling arc of reconciliation and trust. Her resilience is evident, but her raw moments of doubt and anger make her profoundly relatable.
Navin:
Navin, whose secrets drive much of the tension, is both enigmatic and endearing. His evolving relationship with Sadie is a highlight, balancing tender moments with intense, unresolved conflict.
King Nero:
As a villain, Nero’s calculated cruelty is a chilling counterpoint to Calla’s hope. His implementation of "Silent Blades" to root out dissent adds layers of fear and urgency to the story.
Supporting Characters:
Maez, with her humor and unyielding loyalty, provides balance and levity. Queen Ingrid and King Luo are fascinating additions, showcasing the political intricacies of the Golden Court world.
World-Building
Mulford’s world is a feast for the imagination. The Ice Wolf Court’s frozen grandeur and Valta’s floating mountains offer breathtaking contrasts to the Golden Court’s autumnal beauty. Every kingdom feels distinct, enriched by its own customs, politics, and prejudices.
The depiction of monstrous creatures like the crishenem underscores the dangers of this world, adding thrilling stakes. Moreover, the interplay between human and Wolf cultures highlights themes of cohabitation and resistance to oppression.
Themes and Symbolism
Identity and Self-Acceptance:
Calla’s journey is a poignant exploration of living authentically despite societal expectations. The introduction of "merem" adds depth to discussions on gender and individuality.
Love and Redemption:
Sadie’s struggle with Navin reflects the complexity of forgiveness and understanding, emphasizing the power of vulnerability in relationships.
Resistance and Resilience:
From Calla’s diplomatic overtures to Sadie’s battlefield grit, the story is a testament to standing against tyranny and building bridges for a better future.
Writing Style
Mulford’s prose is lyrical yet approachable, vividly painting landscapes and emotions. While the dual perspectives provide depth, the frequent shifts can sometimes disrupt the pacing. The dialogue sparkles with authenticity, capturing the unique voices of each character.
Strengths
- Character-Driven Storytelling: The nuanced exploration of Calla and Sadie’s arcs keeps readers emotionally invested.
- Rich World-Building: The vivid settings enhance the stakes, immersing readers in a fantastical yet relatable world.
- Inclusive Themes: The representation of gender identity and diverse relationships broadens the series’ appeal and relevance.
Critiques
- Pacing Issues: Expository sections occasionally slow the narrative, detracting from the immediacy of high-stakes moments.
- Underutilized Characters: While Ingrid and Luo are intriguing, their roles could have been expanded to provide more insight into their kingdoms’ politics.
- Repetition: Some internal monologues feel repetitive, particularly in Calla’s chapters.
Conclusion: A Bold Continuation
A Sky of Emerald Stars cements A.K. Mulford’s Golden Court series as a standout in YA fantasy. Balancing romance, adventure, and profound personal journeys, the novel sets the stage for an epic finale. While it occasionally falters in pacing, its strengths—compelling characters, evocative settings, and resonant themes—ensure it remains a memorable read.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
This book is a must-read for fans of YA fantasy and romantasy, especially those seeking representation and stories of self-discovery. With its heartfelt characters and intricate world, it’s perfect for readers of Serpent & Dove and Six of Crows. For those new to the series, starting with A River of Golden Bones is essential to fully appreciate the depth of this installment.
September 23, 2025
⋆.˚✮ 3 stars ✮˚.⋆
⤿ Thank you to Harper Voyager for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
let me first admit that i have always been a vampire girly, werewolves were never my favorite but as i have evolved in my reading i find it fun to try to explore more tropes and mythology. this series seemed like a great first step, as it includes werewolves at the helm of the plot but fae and other magic users exist. i would say thats accurate, this is an easy book to read and that is one thing i enjoyed about this story.
like i said, i might just not connect with this book in the same way others might because i don’t prefer werewolves. however, for those who enjoy them this is perfect. the first book is a lot more about exploring and introducing the main characters for the rest of the series, but i really liked how political this story was. the reader is exposed to a lot more of the political figures at play and expanded the stakes.
the first book focused on Calla, and while she still had some chapters it was a lot more about one of the wolves in her pack, Sadie. I didn’t expect this but I thought it was good for more characters to get focus. however, her romance that was developed a little too fast for me. she had fallen in love with her romance interest in the last book, ended up hating him, and then eventually in this went back to loving him. the way it was written and with events happening it just felt a little fast to me.
my favorite thing about this book was how diverse it is. there’s so many different kinds of characters and their sexuality, gender, cultural values, etc. overall this is actually an interesting story even if I felt a bit detached, so I recommend!
↬ trigger warnings: death of friends mentioned, blood and gore, war themes
⤿ Thank you to Harper Voyager for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
let me first admit that i have always been a vampire girly, werewolves were never my favorite but as i have evolved in my reading i find it fun to try to explore more tropes and mythology. this series seemed like a great first step, as it includes werewolves at the helm of the plot but fae and other magic users exist. i would say thats accurate, this is an easy book to read and that is one thing i enjoyed about this story.
like i said, i might just not connect with this book in the same way others might because i don’t prefer werewolves. however, for those who enjoy them this is perfect. the first book is a lot more about exploring and introducing the main characters for the rest of the series, but i really liked how political this story was. the reader is exposed to a lot more of the political figures at play and expanded the stakes.
the first book focused on Calla, and while she still had some chapters it was a lot more about one of the wolves in her pack, Sadie. I didn’t expect this but I thought it was good for more characters to get focus. however, her romance that was developed a little too fast for me. she had fallen in love with her romance interest in the last book, ended up hating him, and then eventually in this went back to loving him. the way it was written and with events happening it just felt a little fast to me.
my favorite thing about this book was how diverse it is. there’s so many different kinds of characters and their sexuality, gender, cultural values, etc. overall this is actually an interesting story even if I felt a bit detached, so I recommend!
↬ trigger warnings: death of friends mentioned, blood and gore, war themes
July 17, 2024
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
To be as gentle as possible, this book was not for me. As with the first book, the characters are flat and the storyline is underdeveloped.
To be as gentle as possible, this book was not for me. As with the first book, the characters are flat and the storyline is underdeveloped.
January 3, 2025
This is book 2 of the Golden Court series. It was a fun, fast-paced romantasy. I love wolf/werewolf anything and the fact that a majority of the characters are wolves is right up my alley.
I actually enjoyed this book more than the first book. The relationship and character dynamic between Sadie and Navin was intriguing, witty, and dynamic. The fact that Sadie is a wolf and Navin is a human makes their relationship forbodden. There is banter, tension, and a slow burn like no other.
I’m not normally one for books that are high in politics. However, this one was done well. I think it was because it had to do with wolves and their politics are different than humans. I enjoyed the wolf politics and the interactions of the humans and their wolves.
As far as Grae and Calla - I know that their sections were imperative to the story. However, I felt like their spice was unnecessary at times. I understand they are mates and that they are meant for each other and want to be together at all times, but they don’t need to get it on at every turn and every time something goes wrong.
Audio: I enjoyed the dual narration. The narrators were expressive and kept a good pace.
If you like:
-Multi POV
-Magical elements
-Paranormal elements
-Banter
Thank you Avon, Harper Voyager, and HarperAudio Adult through NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
I actually enjoyed this book more than the first book. The relationship and character dynamic between Sadie and Navin was intriguing, witty, and dynamic. The fact that Sadie is a wolf and Navin is a human makes their relationship forbodden. There is banter, tension, and a slow burn like no other.
I’m not normally one for books that are high in politics. However, this one was done well. I think it was because it had to do with wolves and their politics are different than humans. I enjoyed the wolf politics and the interactions of the humans and their wolves.
As far as Grae and Calla - I know that their sections were imperative to the story. However, I felt like their spice was unnecessary at times. I understand they are mates and that they are meant for each other and want to be together at all times, but they don’t need to get it on at every turn and every time something goes wrong.
Audio: I enjoyed the dual narration. The narrators were expressive and kept a good pace.
If you like:
-Multi POV
-Magical elements
-Paranormal elements
-Banter
Thank you Avon, Harper Voyager, and HarperAudio Adult through NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2025
In this book we continue with our loved heroes Calla and Grae but we also get to see other POVs and another queer relationship!!! The second chance, I hate you but I love you dynamic is always a favorite of mine and this book did it so deliciously!!!
July 28, 2024
I actually enjoyed this one more than book 1. I did feel it moved a little slow in some spots. Still was good overall. I enjoyed the twists, and turns. I loved the new additions added.
This Fantasy Romance is book 2 in the Golden Court Series. The romance in this book is more resistant, and a slow burn as the couple has things they have to overcome. This book focuses on a new couple that was previously introduced in book 1. The book does have spice. There are not a ton of spicy scenes, and they will not happen until later in the book. The spicy scenes still remain descriptive like in book 1. The book moved at a steady pace mostly following Sadie, Navine, and Maez as they travel to make alliances to help the Golden court. All while Briar, Grae, and Calla go to rescue Ora. With things tense between Sadie and Navine they get complicated fast. Especially when the secrets Navine has been working so hard to hide come to the light. This book is full of new unexpected magic, and twists you wont see coming. It’s definitely a page turner that leaves you saying just one more chapter.
This Fantasy Romance is book 2 in the Golden Court Series. The romance in this book is more resistant, and a slow burn as the couple has things they have to overcome. This book focuses on a new couple that was previously introduced in book 1. The book does have spice. There are not a ton of spicy scenes, and they will not happen until later in the book. The spicy scenes still remain descriptive like in book 1. The book moved at a steady pace mostly following Sadie, Navine, and Maez as they travel to make alliances to help the Golden court. All while Briar, Grae, and Calla go to rescue Ora. With things tense between Sadie and Navine they get complicated fast. Especially when the secrets Navine has been working so hard to hide come to the light. This book is full of new unexpected magic, and twists you wont see coming. It’s definitely a page turner that leaves you saying just one more chapter.
December 8, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free audio arc of this book.
I figured I would give the second book a try in hope of the plot actually going somewhere this time around and the dialouge improving between the characters so it didn't sound like a strange mixture of YA/adult and adult themes thrown in like in the first.
I was pleasantly surprised where the book does seem more adult throughout the story. The characters become more comfortable with themselves, and the story does have more of a plot to it. However, is it really anything to write home about? Unfortunately not. Overall, it was entertaining, but something that you can quickly forget about once you finish it. This time, I think I'm truly done and do not plan to continue on with the series.
I figured I would give the second book a try in hope of the plot actually going somewhere this time around and the dialouge improving between the characters so it didn't sound like a strange mixture of YA/adult and adult themes thrown in like in the first.
I was pleasantly surprised where the book does seem more adult throughout the story. The characters become more comfortable with themselves, and the story does have more of a plot to it. However, is it really anything to write home about? Unfortunately not. Overall, it was entertaining, but something that you can quickly forget about once you finish it. This time, I think I'm truly done and do not plan to continue on with the series.
December 28, 2024
4.25
The second book in the world of the Golden Court, this one focuses on Sadie, with some chapters from Calla's perspective (providing a glimpse into what is happening on the other front of this mission).
I loved the Galen Mora in the first book and now I get to see more of what makes it so unique and also Navin's secrets come to light as he journeys with Sadie and Maez.
Lots of interesting representations in this one, Navin's comes with a price that Sadie isn't sure she wants to pay, and you also get the reactions to Calla's merem status from other wolves.
Highly recommend.
The second book in the world of the Golden Court, this one focuses on Sadie, with some chapters from Calla's perspective (providing a glimpse into what is happening on the other front of this mission).
I loved the Galen Mora in the first book and now I get to see more of what makes it so unique and also Navin's secrets come to light as he journeys with Sadie and Maez.
Lots of interesting representations in this one, Navin's comes with a price that Sadie isn't sure she wants to pay, and you also get the reactions to Calla's merem status from other wolves.
Highly recommend.
November 4, 2024
4.5 stars. This was paced just right. I never got bored, and was fully invested in the action the entire time. Until the very end, but the ending is perfect compared to having to deal with an omega cliff hanger. I foresee this series as a whole concluding fabulously. Thankful I received an ARC via Goodreads giveaway. I can’t wait for the final installment.
November 13, 2024
Calla has reclaimed their homeland of Olmdere and pledges to set a new standard that humans and wolves are all welcome within the Golden Court. Yet war is brewing as the Silver Court is loathe to let a new power rise beyond its control.
I can't stress how much A Sky of Emerald Stars needs to be on your TBR right now.* The correlations to current world affairs is eerie but hopeful. Wolf shifter gender queer warrior queen, Calla, fighting back against evil tyrants is exactly what I needed right now.
And Sadie steps into her main character energy. The stabby soldier wolf shifter is on a forced proximity road trip in a magical wagon to rally neighboring kingdoms to aid the Golden Court. There are deadly magical creatures and toxic family along the way. Oh!, and add on navigating a diplomacy mission with your ex. Good times.
A.K. Mulford delivers on both my epic and intimate fantasy needs. I love the world building, new magics, and characters that nestle down into my heart. I'm so looking forward now to the finale of this trilogy. I need my faves to be happy alright!
* Be sure to start with A River of Golden Bones okay. This is Book 2.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager / Avon Books for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I can't stress how much A Sky of Emerald Stars needs to be on your TBR right now.* The correlations to current world affairs is eerie but hopeful. Wolf shifter gender queer warrior queen, Calla, fighting back against evil tyrants is exactly what I needed right now.
And Sadie steps into her main character energy. The stabby soldier wolf shifter is on a forced proximity road trip in a magical wagon to rally neighboring kingdoms to aid the Golden Court. There are deadly magical creatures and toxic family along the way. Oh!, and add on navigating a diplomacy mission with your ex. Good times.
A.K. Mulford delivers on both my epic and intimate fantasy needs. I love the world building, new magics, and characters that nestle down into my heart. I'm so looking forward now to the finale of this trilogy. I need my faves to be happy alright!
* Be sure to start with A River of Golden Bones okay. This is Book 2.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager / Avon Books for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 12, 2024
Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and HarperAudio Adult, through NetGalley, for an advanced reader copy of the e-book and the audio book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This was a great follow-up to the first novel in the Golden Court series. I enjoyed this one more than the first. The pacing was better, the characters more comfortable in their skin, and the stakes even higher. The magic system is more thoroughly fleshed out and is unique. At times I found Calla and Grae to be frustrating in the first installment, so I was happy to have shifting points of view here to see the perspective of a new set of "main" characters in what is really more of an ensemble cast situation.
The romance scenes for Calla and Grae felt forced and unnecessary to me. That relationship was already fleshed out in the first novel, and felt to me like it did nothing to drive the plot forward. Admittedly, I skimmed those pages. This is the main reason for my drop to 4 stars for the review.
Navin's character development in this installment is by far my favorite. His development was well paced over the entire course of the book.
I'm excited to continue (complete?) the series in the next installment. The world is really interesting and the characters engaging. I recommend particularly for fans of fantasy, romantasy, kingdoms with power struggles, LGBTQIA+ representation, wolf-shifters, magic systems and fated mates.
This was a great follow-up to the first novel in the Golden Court series. I enjoyed this one more than the first. The pacing was better, the characters more comfortable in their skin, and the stakes even higher. The magic system is more thoroughly fleshed out and is unique. At times I found Calla and Grae to be frustrating in the first installment, so I was happy to have shifting points of view here to see the perspective of a new set of "main" characters in what is really more of an ensemble cast situation.
The romance scenes for Calla and Grae felt forced and unnecessary to me. That relationship was already fleshed out in the first novel, and felt to me like it did nothing to drive the plot forward. Admittedly, I skimmed those pages. This is the main reason for my drop to 4 stars for the review.
Navin's character development in this installment is by far my favorite. His development was well paced over the entire course of the book.
I'm excited to continue (complete?) the series in the next installment. The world is really interesting and the characters engaging. I recommend particularly for fans of fantasy, romantasy, kingdoms with power struggles, LGBTQIA+ representation, wolf-shifters, magic systems and fated mates.
December 7, 2024
This book jumped right in! While the first book was development and weaving of this world, A Sky of Emerald Stars threw us right into the deep end, especially in the last half of the book. We're met with a slight shift of focus in this book to Sadie and gaining some perspective into her and the relationships she's forming. We get broken trust and the divulging of some big secrets from book ones' side characters. I certainly didn't see some of the twists coming, but loved how they added to the intrigue and development of the story. There's so much to like here, I wasn't bored with some of the spotlights and backstories, like I could've been. I felt invested in the characters, drawn in, and interested by the magic system that A. K. Mulford introduces us to!
The only thing that kept this from being a five-star read was at times, the spice felt like it didn't belong in the scene. While the spice was lovely, a couple of times, I felt like, "ya'll this is not the time". 😂
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio, for this ALC!
The only thing that kept this from being a five-star read was at times, the spice felt like it didn't belong in the scene. While the spice was lovely, a couple of times, I felt like, "ya'll this is not the time". 😂
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio, for this ALC!
December 18, 2024
3,5/5 ⭐
This sequel didn’t quite live up to my expectations, but held some interesting elements nonetheless.
I wish there were more Calla chapters. I think this book is divided into ⅔ Sadie chapters and ⅓ Calla chapters, or maybe even ¾ vs ¼. I really loved her character in the first book, and her relationship with Grae, so of course I was a little sad they only got this little page time.
Sadie was… well… she was whining a lot and definitely felt like a flat character. She got on my nerves for the largest part of this book. Partly (but not limited to) it was because I would have preferred for her to follow through on some of the (threatening) promises she made, yet she didn’t.
The plot twists in this story (plural, because yes there are multiple twists that will blow your mind), on the other hand, managed to surprise me and get me more invested while reading this story. Also, just like in the first book, identity and discovering who you are, coming to terms with limitations and short sightedness, yet never giving up, play a major role in this story, and I loved that.
I’ve read the ebook and the audiobook, both were great. The writing style and the way the narrator brings the story and characters to life are definitely two reasons why you should pick up this book (written or audio) if you’ve read book 1 already.
Still, I’m eager to find out what will happen in the next and last book of this trilogy.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Voyager for the eARC/eALC.
This sequel didn’t quite live up to my expectations, but held some interesting elements nonetheless.
I wish there were more Calla chapters. I think this book is divided into ⅔ Sadie chapters and ⅓ Calla chapters, or maybe even ¾ vs ¼. I really loved her character in the first book, and her relationship with Grae, so of course I was a little sad they only got this little page time.
Sadie was… well… she was whining a lot and definitely felt like a flat character. She got on my nerves for the largest part of this book. Partly (but not limited to) it was because I would have preferred for her to follow through on some of the (threatening) promises she made, yet she didn’t.
The plot twists in this story (plural, because yes there are multiple twists that will blow your mind), on the other hand, managed to surprise me and get me more invested while reading this story. Also, just like in the first book, identity and discovering who you are, coming to terms with limitations and short sightedness, yet never giving up, play a major role in this story, and I loved that.
I’ve read the ebook and the audiobook, both were great. The writing style and the way the narrator brings the story and characters to life are definitely two reasons why you should pick up this book (written or audio) if you’ve read book 1 already.
Still, I’m eager to find out what will happen in the next and last book of this trilogy.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Voyager for the eARC/eALC.
January 13, 2025
3.75. The second book in the Golden Court Series continues with Calla the wolf shifter. After reclaiming their land, war is still brewing in another court. Enter Sadie, another shifter who is the second POV in this story. She’s on a journey in a magical wagon to gain allies but she’s stuck in a forced proximity situation with her ex.
You do need to read book one, but I will say that I enjoyed book two even more! I had a really good time with this story and these characters. I loved the gender fluid representation.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, A.K. Mulford, and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This published on December 24th.
You do need to read book one, but I will say that I enjoyed book two even more! I had a really good time with this story and these characters. I loved the gender fluid representation.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, A.K. Mulford, and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This published on December 24th.
December 17, 2024
I really just couldn’t get into this book this time. The pacing of the book was really slow and nothing major happened that would grab your attention. I listened to the audiobook and I just couldn’t remember anything memorable about it in which I remember liking the first book. Just overall I I didn’t like it.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
December 31, 2024
A.K. Mulford, my therapist will be hearing about this.
I had a lot of fun with A River of Broken Bones and was very excited to start this next book in the series and.... W O W. This just absolutely blew me away. I have not enjoyed a series this much since ACOTAR first got me fully invested in reading again. I adore this world and these characters so much and the last 25% of this WRECKED ME. I'll be thinking about this for at least the next 7 to 10 business days.
I had a lot of fun with A River of Broken Bones and was very excited to start this next book in the series and.... W O W. This just absolutely blew me away. I have not enjoyed a series this much since ACOTAR first got me fully invested in reading again. I adore this world and these characters so much and the last 25% of this WRECKED ME. I'll be thinking about this for at least the next 7 to 10 business days.
January 29, 2025
First of all, bold of you to assume I remember anything from the first book that I read like two years ago. Second, bold of you to assume I care about Sadie. Just like the first book everything felt very surface level and nothing really happened for me to be hooked and reading it felt like a chore. The dual POV did not work well in this book.
February 16, 2025
This was definitely better than the first novel. To be honest, I do like the main character Calla, but focusing on Sadie and pacing the story into 2 different POVs was much more engaging.
August 10, 2025
I feel like she really found her groove in those second book. I felt like the first book didn’t exactly know where it was going, but I definitely felt like there was a sense of direction with this book. I’m so obsessed with Navin! We got introduced to some interesting things at the end of this. So I’m excited to explore them more in the next book.
Side note: Mulford used Sadie needing to be shackled extremely well in this 🔥 Authors should take note
Side note: Mulford used Sadie needing to be shackled extremely well in this 🔥 Authors should take note
July 16, 2025
I almost put this down as a DNF when listening to the audiobook. The narrator for Sadie's POV sounded like she was irritated and inconvenienced by everything and I couldn't take her side of the plot seriously. She didn't care, so I didn't care. About 56% of the way in, I realized there were some sections I would've read in a completely different tone, so I decided to pick up the physical book.
HUGE difference!! I was immediately invested in what was going on and it became more than just an annoying romantic squabble. Sadie was no longer someone annoyed at the world, but she became a warrior caught between her love & her duty.
Next time I feel like marking a book as DNF, I'll switch reading methods and see if it helps peak my interest again.
HUGE difference!! I was immediately invested in what was going on and it became more than just an annoying romantic squabble. Sadie was no longer someone annoyed at the world, but she became a warrior caught between her love & her duty.
Next time I feel like marking a book as DNF, I'll switch reading methods and see if it helps peak my interest again.
March 20, 2025
1.5 rounded up, because I feel the story was a bit more cohesive than AROGB, and I think the songkeepers were a pretty solid addition to the lore—their magic system felt a lot more logical and thought-out than the fairies’. (Though, I thought the ways they “changed” the canon of human and wolf history were super predictable from the colonization allegory.) I wrote a long, ramble-y, nearly incoherent StoryGraph review that’s at least 10 paragraphs long and I stayed up until 4am to finish, so I’m writing a shorter one for Goodreads. (I’m still keeping it up because I spent a lot of time on it and it’s funny. It 100% showed how this series has become a reluctant hyperfixation of mine.)
I still have a lot of the same criticisms for this book as book 1: the dialogue is terrible, the plot predictable, the villainous characters feel like they’re from Saturday morning cartoons, and the euphemisms for the sex scenes make me wince. The “reluctant allies to lovers” dynamic feels reused at this point, and it just felt frustrating when a) Sadie was doing a purposefully shitty job of hiding her feelings in her internal monologue. She’s not a “girlboss” who “softened her hardened exterior to finally let someone in”, she’s like a cis and more petulant version of book 1 Calla, b) until we got to the sanctuary part of the plot, it felt like the story didn’t give a shit about the conflict in Navin and Sadie’s relationship being mutual.
I expected my stance on Sadie to change by the time we got chapters in her head, and while I caught some of her impulsivity and reluctance to vulnerability in AROGB, I definitely underestimated just how many of her cues I missed. She was kind of unhinged, lol? Not in a fun way. Her penchant for violence felt more like a Tumblr textpost, and less like an actual flaw to be dissected. I feel like some of her thoughts about the humans earlier on were a little excessively violent, too?! (Which I’m only pointing out because, sure, she was talking about Olmdere humans who used to be rooks, but… you’re seriously *that* disappointed about not being able to “teach them a lesson with public hangings”?? Did we?? Forget abt the wolf and human dynamic/allegory and how exactly that might be a little yikes??) She was sometimes stubborn to the point of being childish, and it made me wince.
Not sure how to feel about Navin? It was nice to have a gentler(?) love interest for a change, but the way the narrative chose to initially characterize him as “mysterious” was frustratingly lazy. Even when him and Sadie aren’t on good terms, he “hints” at “having a lot of secrets” to her, and if he doesn’t say that, Sadie rephrases it in her head to show he’s “layered”. It’s not even the only time that’s done with a character in the first third of the book, the mystery elements are executed so poorly. I think it’s just a thing with all the love interests, but he also had some forcefully poetic and dramatic lines that were terrible to read or listen to. The one scene of him being weirdly into Sadie’s wolf form was hilarious, though. (The LitJoy edition’s unfortunately burned it into my brain.)
As for the kink, I appreciate it being consensual and relatively healthy (which is WAY more than I can say with other romances), but nothing else about it wowed me? It still felt a little under-negotiated, like a fanfiction where the characters always know what the other wants, and even though Navin being the dominant one takes on a different context within the Golden Court’s world, the gender roles (as in, the woman being the submissive to someone more masculine-presenting) still felt stereotypical enough by real-world context to make me annoyed whenever the dynamic was talked about as “revolutionary”. (Although, I did like how Sadie choosing to be submissive was actually a show of power in its own way. That’s definitely different.) However, Sadie not being constrained (haha) to being vanilla meant that the sex scenes in her POV already felt less repetitive than Calla’s in book 1, even if the kink elements were relatively tame!
(Take this with a grain of salt, I’m quite possibly the worst person to be bitching about this.) Calla got way less chapters than I thought they would, even though I knew they’d take a backseat to Sadie’s story. Of the fifty-something chapters (they don’t number them, I’m estimating here), only 15 of them are in their perspective, which was a little aggravating to see in a book advertised as dual POV. Especially because I think their plot was more compelling than the (often contrived) drama Sadie had! They’re literally a newly-crowned monarch figuring out how to balance their responsibilities, and a rescue mission going awry, with having a genderqueer identity in a very binary institution (and, in some cases, trying to figure out if being closeted would be the best case for the diplomacy their kingdom desperately needs). I so badly wanted to see more of their dynamic with Briar, especially. I feel she hasn’t been given much time to be on-page instead of a damsel in distress, and there’s so many dilemmas or questions around Calla occupying the role she was raised to have (but never took on) that just won’t be written with depth, even if I hope for it. Alas, some of their already very few chapters were paced poorly, and I disliked how the politicking was written.
I did like their dynamic with Grae this time, though, it was sweet. Perhaps it’s because their relationship isn’t a centerpiece this book, perhaps it’s because they’re an established couple and no longer have to do the back-and-forth that plagued book 1. I’m not saying there’s no cringy lines (I’m astonished by how comforting your partner after they get misgendered was made into something corny), but I’ve always enjoyed to some level how Calla and Grae are kinda sappy to the point of being saccharine sweet, and seeing that in the context of them being newlyweds is a little satisfying! blah blah blah i also think either i’m losing my mind atp or that the smut quality is a little better
I can’t end this review without saying that Ora was done EXTREMELY dirty. Most of their characterization was done through others describing them, they only get to be a plot device (which feels egregious, given how important they are to Calla at this point in their journey), and. ugh. Even their kidnapping was off-page, done before the story even started. I know this world isn’t supposed to be queernormative, and homophobia and transphobia are a thing we have to deal with irl, but it’s frustrating to see the openly queer characters be thrust into danger at every opportunity. (Briar’s treatment by the narrative continues to piss me off.)
I feel shitty criticizing queer rep in a series by a queer author. I feel like I shouldn’t be doing that, maybe it’s just a difference in experiences? If nonbinary or/and lesbian people have read the Golden Court, feel free to comment on this with your own thoughts. If you’re cishet and reading my thoughts, please note that I’m not the sole authority on the representation within this series.
The narration was mostly… okay. That’s it. I already don’t really vibe with the narration style for Sadie’s POV (her male voices sound especially forced, and she’s always just a tad too dramatic), but even Calla’s POV had these key emotional moments I just could not get myself to be overly invested in because of their delivery. Oof.
I at least liked that this is one of the few times I see multiple pronouns rep with a nonbinary character (Calla uses they/she like the author does, not they/them! I didn’t know that), being plunged into a different part of Aotreas for Sadie’s POV took away a bit of the predictability because the rules and setting still had to be established, the choice of who the sorceress would be for book 3 was interesting and I actually didn’t expect it, and this was more entertaining than the first book. I hope Briar has a distinct voice for the third and final book.
I still have a lot of the same criticisms for this book as book 1: the dialogue is terrible, the plot predictable, the villainous characters feel like they’re from Saturday morning cartoons, and the euphemisms for the sex scenes make me wince. The “reluctant allies to lovers” dynamic feels reused at this point, and it just felt frustrating when a) Sadie was doing a purposefully shitty job of hiding her feelings in her internal monologue. She’s not a “girlboss” who “softened her hardened exterior to finally let someone in”, she’s like a cis and more petulant version of book 1 Calla, b) until we got to the sanctuary part of the plot, it felt like the story didn’t give a shit about the conflict in Navin and Sadie’s relationship being mutual.
I expected my stance on Sadie to change by the time we got chapters in her head, and while I caught some of her impulsivity and reluctance to vulnerability in AROGB, I definitely underestimated just how many of her cues I missed. She was kind of unhinged, lol? Not in a fun way. Her penchant for violence felt more like a Tumblr textpost, and less like an actual flaw to be dissected. I feel like some of her thoughts about the humans earlier on were a little excessively violent, too?! (Which I’m only pointing out because, sure, she was talking about Olmdere humans who used to be rooks, but… you’re seriously *that* disappointed about not being able to “teach them a lesson with public hangings”?? Did we?? Forget abt the wolf and human dynamic/allegory and how exactly that might be a little yikes??) She was sometimes stubborn to the point of being childish, and it made me wince.
Not sure how to feel about Navin? It was nice to have a gentler(?) love interest for a change, but the way the narrative chose to initially characterize him as “mysterious” was frustratingly lazy. Even when him and Sadie aren’t on good terms, he “hints” at “having a lot of secrets” to her, and if he doesn’t say that, Sadie rephrases it in her head to show he’s “layered”. It’s not even the only time that’s done with a character in the first third of the book, the mystery elements are executed so poorly. I think it’s just a thing with all the love interests, but he also had some forcefully poetic and dramatic lines that were terrible to read or listen to. The one scene of him being weirdly into Sadie’s wolf form was hilarious, though. (The LitJoy edition’s unfortunately burned it into my brain.)
As for the kink, I appreciate it being consensual and relatively healthy (which is WAY more than I can say with other romances), but nothing else about it wowed me? It still felt a little under-negotiated, like a fanfiction where the characters always know what the other wants, and even though Navin being the dominant one takes on a different context within the Golden Court’s world, the gender roles (as in, the woman being the submissive to someone more masculine-presenting) still felt stereotypical enough by real-world context to make me annoyed whenever the dynamic was talked about as “revolutionary”. (Although, I did like how Sadie choosing to be submissive was actually a show of power in its own way. That’s definitely different.) However, Sadie not being constrained (haha) to being vanilla meant that the sex scenes in her POV already felt less repetitive than Calla’s in book 1, even if the kink elements were relatively tame!
(Take this with a grain of salt, I’m quite possibly the worst person to be bitching about this.) Calla got way less chapters than I thought they would, even though I knew they’d take a backseat to Sadie’s story. Of the fifty-something chapters (they don’t number them, I’m estimating here), only 15 of them are in their perspective, which was a little aggravating to see in a book advertised as dual POV. Especially because I think their plot was more compelling than the (often contrived) drama Sadie had! They’re literally a newly-crowned monarch figuring out how to balance their responsibilities, and a rescue mission going awry, with having a genderqueer identity in a very binary institution (and, in some cases, trying to figure out if being closeted would be the best case for the diplomacy their kingdom desperately needs). I so badly wanted to see more of their dynamic with Briar, especially. I feel she hasn’t been given much time to be on-page instead of a damsel in distress, and there’s so many dilemmas or questions around Calla occupying the role she was raised to have (but never took on) that just won’t be written with depth, even if I hope for it. Alas, some of their already very few chapters were paced poorly, and I disliked how the politicking was written.
I did like their dynamic with Grae this time, though, it was sweet. Perhaps it’s because their relationship isn’t a centerpiece this book, perhaps it’s because they’re an established couple and no longer have to do the back-and-forth that plagued book 1. I’m not saying there’s no cringy lines (I’m astonished by how comforting your partner after they get misgendered was made into something corny), but I’ve always enjoyed to some level how Calla and Grae are kinda sappy to the point of being saccharine sweet, and seeing that in the context of them being newlyweds is a little satisfying! blah blah blah i also think either i’m losing my mind atp or that the smut quality is a little better
I can’t end this review without saying that Ora was done EXTREMELY dirty. Most of their characterization was done through others describing them, they only get to be a plot device (which feels egregious, given how important they are to Calla at this point in their journey), and. ugh. Even their kidnapping was off-page, done before the story even started. I know this world isn’t supposed to be queernormative, and homophobia and transphobia are a thing we have to deal with irl, but it’s frustrating to see the openly queer characters be thrust into danger at every opportunity. (Briar’s treatment by the narrative continues to piss me off.)
I feel shitty criticizing queer rep in a series by a queer author. I feel like I shouldn’t be doing that, maybe it’s just a difference in experiences? If nonbinary or/and lesbian people have read the Golden Court, feel free to comment on this with your own thoughts. If you’re cishet and reading my thoughts, please note that I’m not the sole authority on the representation within this series.
The narration was mostly… okay. That’s it. I already don’t really vibe with the narration style for Sadie’s POV (her male voices sound especially forced, and she’s always just a tad too dramatic), but even Calla’s POV had these key emotional moments I just could not get myself to be overly invested in because of their delivery. Oof.
I at least liked that this is one of the few times I see multiple pronouns rep with a nonbinary character (Calla uses they/she like the author does, not they/them! I didn’t know that), being plunged into a different part of Aotreas for Sadie’s POV took away a bit of the predictability because the rules and setting still had to be established, the choice of who the sorceress would be for book 3 was interesting and I actually didn’t expect it, and this was more entertaining than the first book. I hope Briar has a distinct voice for the third and final book.
January 19, 2025
THEY'RE BAAACK!!
If you haven't read a River Of Golden Bones yet, stop reading this and do that first...
In the first book, Calla and the gang have left the Silver Wolves and established the Golden Court in Olmdere.
To absolutely nobody's surprise, King Nero of the Silver Wolves isn't too excited about this and does upsetting things. So, the court split up to go make some allies.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series (as well as pretty much everything else by the author, if we're being honest), but in a shocking turn of events I think I might actually like the sequel even better. River of Golden Bones walked, so Sky of Emerald Stars could run. Sadie becomes one of the main povs in this book, and I really enjoy being in her head - she's all snark. After book 1 I was really hoping for some more world building, and let's just say my prayers were answered! We see a lot more of the world and the lore, which adds some depth to the story. The main plot starts out a bit slow, but speeds up significantly over the course of the book, with an ending that sets us up perfectly for the presumed grand final in book 3. As always with AK Mulford, the writing is enjoyable, the plot and world interesting, and the queer rep excellent. I'm looking forward to the last one in this trilogy!
Many thanks to HarperCollins for providing me with an eARC through Netgalley!
If you haven't read a River Of Golden Bones yet, stop reading this and do that first...
In the first book, Calla and the gang have left the Silver Wolves and established the Golden Court in Olmdere.
To absolutely nobody's surprise, King Nero of the Silver Wolves isn't too excited about this and does upsetting things. So, the court split up to go make some allies.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series (as well as pretty much everything else by the author, if we're being honest), but in a shocking turn of events I think I might actually like the sequel even better. River of Golden Bones walked, so Sky of Emerald Stars could run. Sadie becomes one of the main povs in this book, and I really enjoy being in her head - she's all snark. After book 1 I was really hoping for some more world building, and let's just say my prayers were answered! We see a lot more of the world and the lore, which adds some depth to the story. The main plot starts out a bit slow, but speeds up significantly over the course of the book, with an ending that sets us up perfectly for the presumed grand final in book 3. As always with AK Mulford, the writing is enjoyable, the plot and world interesting, and the queer rep excellent. I'm looking forward to the last one in this trilogy!
Many thanks to HarperCollins for providing me with an eARC through Netgalley!
December 13, 2024
A Sky of Emerald Stars is book two in the Golden Court series, following A River of Golden Bones. Please read A River of Golden Bones before reading this book. They are not stand-alone.
I can say that I was not a fan of the writing style of this book. It switches back and forth between POVs of two different characters, Calla, who was the main character of the last book, and Sadie, who steps up in this book as another main character. Both POVs are told from the first person POV, which adds to the confusion of what is happening to who. It also really halts the momentum of the story often when something happens in one chapter and leaves on a cliffhanger, and then the next chapter is told from the other person's point of view who is doing something else. It really halts the building momentum, which I didn't like. I wasn't able to get invested in one part of the storyline without getting dragged to the other and my attention getting pulled away from what was happening.
The pacing was a bit slow and nothing really major happens that grabs your attention and the book isn't really memorable. I listened to the audiobook completely, and then the second half again, and yet I still can't really remember what happens and nothing really stuck. What I do remember was enjoyable, but I do wish that there were more twists and turns to keep be engaged and more time spent in one POV before moving back to the other. There is also a heavy emphasis on gender roles and gender identity in this book and it goes more in depth into the characters finding out who they are and becoming more comfortable with themselves.
The romance was shoved in your face a lot since they go back and forth between two different couples. Something bad happens? Add in some spice. Need to hide from someone who holds your fate in their hands? Throw in some spice to tempt getting caught because that's more important than your mission and kingdom. There were so many times where it was really not needed and seemed so out of place. The new romance in this book between Sadie and Navin was more of a slow burn than Callie and Grae's in the first book due to unfinished business that the two have but the chemistry is there.
Our side characters were great. I still loved Briar, and how supportive she is of Calla and her new found queendom. I really hope that Briar and Maez are able to actually going to be able to spend more time in peace.
Will I continue this series? Maybe. I enjoyed the first book a lot, but enjoyed this one a little less. I would probably give the next book a read.
Thank you to A.K. Mulford, HarperAudio Adult, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC and the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
I can say that I was not a fan of the writing style of this book. It switches back and forth between POVs of two different characters, Calla, who was the main character of the last book, and Sadie, who steps up in this book as another main character. Both POVs are told from the first person POV, which adds to the confusion of what is happening to who. It also really halts the momentum of the story often when something happens in one chapter and leaves on a cliffhanger, and then the next chapter is told from the other person's point of view who is doing something else. It really halts the building momentum, which I didn't like. I wasn't able to get invested in one part of the storyline without getting dragged to the other and my attention getting pulled away from what was happening.
The pacing was a bit slow and nothing really major happens that grabs your attention and the book isn't really memorable. I listened to the audiobook completely, and then the second half again, and yet I still can't really remember what happens and nothing really stuck. What I do remember was enjoyable, but I do wish that there were more twists and turns to keep be engaged and more time spent in one POV before moving back to the other. There is also a heavy emphasis on gender roles and gender identity in this book and it goes more in depth into the characters finding out who they are and becoming more comfortable with themselves.
The romance was shoved in your face a lot since they go back and forth between two different couples. Something bad happens? Add in some spice. Need to hide from someone who holds your fate in their hands? Throw in some spice to tempt getting caught because that's more important than your mission and kingdom. There were so many times where it was really not needed and seemed so out of place. The new romance in this book between Sadie and Navin was more of a slow burn than Callie and Grae's in the first book due to unfinished business that the two have but the chemistry is there.
Our side characters were great. I still loved Briar, and how supportive she is of Calla and her new found queendom. I really hope that Briar and Maez are able to actually going to be able to spend more time in peace.
Will I continue this series? Maybe. I enjoyed the first book a lot, but enjoyed this one a little less. I would probably give the next book a read.
Thank you to A.K. Mulford, HarperAudio Adult, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC and the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
October 1, 2024
I received a copy through NetGalley for review.
I was very excited to get to read this one, as the first book I absolutely loved, it was one of my favorites from last year.
Calla Is now the Golden Court's Queen. Having died, and survived to save her court, she still bears the golden scars from her survival. Still coming to terms with her new role, one she never thought she would ever be. All while having the support of her mate Graemon, and still realizing her gender identity of Merem a human term of being as fluid and changing as the river, some days she feels like a man, and dresses to reflect that, other times she feels female, sometimes both.
The wolves culture is so strictly adhered to gender roles, that others don't respect her because she does not always look the part of what they think a Queen should be.
Her sister Briar, The Crimson Princess, was always supposed to lead their people and rule, she was trained for a lifetime of court decorum. Briar is very supportive of Calla's role, and is doing what she can to assist, while enjoying the early time after finding her mate Maez.
Wolves are generally a separationist specie and culture that they also view humans and their culture as less than, The Golden Court, being both of human and wolf, also smashes traditions.
But the Silver Wolves, Calla and Briar's former family and pack hate everything her court represents.
Labeling them all as traitors waiting to strike. Many member of the Golden Court have cut ties with their entire families because of this.
The Silver Wolves, take Ora captive, and begin punishing humans for Calla's adoption of Merem, and taking them into their court. Branding humans for relations with wolves, and slaughtering villages as punishment for Calla's actions, which have nothing to do with the people they are punishing.
Galen De Mora has many secrets of their own, as does the musicians that are a part of it.
Navin and Ora are keeping secrets, and are not all what they seem. Sadie and Navin still have unfinished business with one another, despite being human and wolf.
This world has a lot to offer, and while I didn't love this one as much as the first, it is a second book, it's setting up so much more. People to save, dark magic to battle, songs that could change the world, love that transcends and how far one will go to save and protect those they love. It's a solid book.
I can't wait to read the third installment when it is ready. I have no regrets already placing a preorder for this one prior to reading.
I was very excited to get to read this one, as the first book I absolutely loved, it was one of my favorites from last year.
Calla Is now the Golden Court's Queen. Having died, and survived to save her court, she still bears the golden scars from her survival. Still coming to terms with her new role, one she never thought she would ever be. All while having the support of her mate Graemon, and still realizing her gender identity of Merem a human term of being as fluid and changing as the river, some days she feels like a man, and dresses to reflect that, other times she feels female, sometimes both.
The wolves culture is so strictly adhered to gender roles, that others don't respect her because she does not always look the part of what they think a Queen should be.
Her sister Briar, The Crimson Princess, was always supposed to lead their people and rule, she was trained for a lifetime of court decorum. Briar is very supportive of Calla's role, and is doing what she can to assist, while enjoying the early time after finding her mate Maez.
Wolves are generally a separationist specie and culture that they also view humans and their culture as less than, The Golden Court, being both of human and wolf, also smashes traditions.
But the Silver Wolves, Calla and Briar's former family and pack hate everything her court represents.
Labeling them all as traitors waiting to strike. Many member of the Golden Court have cut ties with their entire families because of this.
The Silver Wolves, take Ora captive, and begin punishing humans for Calla's adoption of Merem, and taking them into their court. Branding humans for relations with wolves, and slaughtering villages as punishment for Calla's actions, which have nothing to do with the people they are punishing.
Galen De Mora has many secrets of their own, as does the musicians that are a part of it.
Navin and Ora are keeping secrets, and are not all what they seem. Sadie and Navin still have unfinished business with one another, despite being human and wolf.
This world has a lot to offer, and while I didn't love this one as much as the first, it is a second book, it's setting up so much more. People to save, dark magic to battle, songs that could change the world, love that transcends and how far one will go to save and protect those they love. It's a solid book.
I can't wait to read the third installment when it is ready. I have no regrets already placing a preorder for this one prior to reading.
December 27, 2024
ARC Review “A Sky of Emerald Stars”
This is the second book in this series, so you should read “A Court of Golden Bones” by A.K. Muford first!:)
I started the first book blind and was surprised by a story about wolf shifters, self-discovery and fighting dark magic. However, I didn’t like it as much as I hoped but I am grateful to be able to read the second book via NetGalley.
This second book is about building a new kingdom, finding allies and revealing hiding secrets. We are following two MC. The first one is our MC from the first book, Calla, and she takes us on her journey to secure allies and retrieve her dear friend in anticipation of the war ahead. The second POV is Sadie - a wolf shifter in Calla’s court who is sent on a mission to unveil Navin’s secrets that he is keeping from their court.
The two POVs let us see the plot from different perspectives and places, which made the pace of the plot a lot faster. Still, some things happened to slow. But it was good overall. I enjoyed the twists and turns. I didn't see the betrayals coming!
The first book did a good job on the worldbuilding so you can follow the details easily. I loved the new additions to the worldbuilding, they gave the world a little more depth. This is a more character-driven book and is not so heavy on the worldbuilding.
Even though I enjoyed Calla’s self-discovery, I had a hard time warming up to her. But I enjoyed seeing Calla and Grae work together and love their cutie relationship. Grae is a very supportive and adorable partner.
I found Sadies POV really refreshing and liked her a lot. She is a sassy and stabby FMC, just the way I like my FMC.
Her relationship with Navin was complicated and was messy sometimes. So, when they started working out their differences, “things” happened really quickly. Too fast for me to feel their bond, but that’s fine, I was a fan of them from the start.
Overall, it can be said that this is a easy to follow romantasy with wolf shifters, a court on the brink of war, self-discovery, spice and action.
You'll love it if you like:
• Wolf shifters
• Found Family
• Fated Mates
• LGBTQ / Queer MC
• Forbidden Love
Thanks to NetGalley and A.K. Mulford for the ARC <3
This is the second book in this series, so you should read “A Court of Golden Bones” by A.K. Muford first!:)
I started the first book blind and was surprised by a story about wolf shifters, self-discovery and fighting dark magic. However, I didn’t like it as much as I hoped but I am grateful to be able to read the second book via NetGalley.
This second book is about building a new kingdom, finding allies and revealing hiding secrets. We are following two MC. The first one is our MC from the first book, Calla, and she takes us on her journey to secure allies and retrieve her dear friend in anticipation of the war ahead. The second POV is Sadie - a wolf shifter in Calla’s court who is sent on a mission to unveil Navin’s secrets that he is keeping from their court.
The two POVs let us see the plot from different perspectives and places, which made the pace of the plot a lot faster. Still, some things happened to slow. But it was good overall. I enjoyed the twists and turns. I didn't see the betrayals coming!
The first book did a good job on the worldbuilding so you can follow the details easily. I loved the new additions to the worldbuilding, they gave the world a little more depth. This is a more character-driven book and is not so heavy on the worldbuilding.
Even though I enjoyed Calla’s self-discovery, I had a hard time warming up to her. But I enjoyed seeing Calla and Grae work together and love their cutie relationship. Grae is a very supportive and adorable partner.
I found Sadies POV really refreshing and liked her a lot. She is a sassy and stabby FMC, just the way I like my FMC.
Her relationship with Navin was complicated and was messy sometimes. So, when they started working out their differences, “things” happened really quickly. Too fast for me to feel their bond, but that’s fine, I was a fan of them from the start.
Overall, it can be said that this is a easy to follow romantasy with wolf shifters, a court on the brink of war, self-discovery, spice and action.
You'll love it if you like:
• Wolf shifters
• Found Family
• Fated Mates
• LGBTQ / Queer MC
• Forbidden Love
Thanks to NetGalley and A.K. Mulford for the ARC <3
March 16, 2025
**Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)**
As someone who loves romance but isn’t a fan of overused tropes, *A Sky of Emerald Stars* was a refreshing read that kept me engaged, even if it had a few rough spots. It’s a fantasy romance with rich world-building, compelling relationships, and enough intrigue to keep things interesting.
**What I Loved:**
The world A.K. Mulford has created is immersive and beautifully detailed. The political intrigue and magic system made the setting feel dynamic rather than just a backdrop for the romance. I also really enjoyed Calla and Grae’s relationship—it had emotional depth, and I appreciated that it wasn’t just about attraction but about real connection and growth. Sadie and Navin’s arc was a bit more of a slow burn, but once I got into it, I found myself invested in their dynamic as well.
Another big plus for me was the diversity in relationships and character backgrounds. It felt natural rather than something thrown in just for the sake of representation, which made the world feel even more authentic.
**What Didn’t Work as Well:**
The pacing could have been smoother. Some sections had me flipping pages eagerly, while others dragged a little. I also found that the multiple perspectives, while interesting, sometimes made it feel like I was juggling two separate stories instead of reading one cohesive novel.
While the book does rely on some familiar fantasy romance tropes, it executes them well enough that I didn’t mind too much. A few plot points felt predictable, but the strong character work and emotional stakes made up for it.
**Final Thoughts:**
Overall, *A Sky of Emerald Stars* is an engaging fantasy romance with strong character development and a world that feels alive. While the pacing and predictability held it back a little for me, the relationships and immersive setting made up for it. If you enjoy slow-burn romance with court intrigue and well-developed characters, this one is definitely worth reading.
a story I’d happily recommend!
As someone who loves romance but isn’t a fan of overused tropes, *A Sky of Emerald Stars* was a refreshing read that kept me engaged, even if it had a few rough spots. It’s a fantasy romance with rich world-building, compelling relationships, and enough intrigue to keep things interesting.
**What I Loved:**
The world A.K. Mulford has created is immersive and beautifully detailed. The political intrigue and magic system made the setting feel dynamic rather than just a backdrop for the romance. I also really enjoyed Calla and Grae’s relationship—it had emotional depth, and I appreciated that it wasn’t just about attraction but about real connection and growth. Sadie and Navin’s arc was a bit more of a slow burn, but once I got into it, I found myself invested in their dynamic as well.
Another big plus for me was the diversity in relationships and character backgrounds. It felt natural rather than something thrown in just for the sake of representation, which made the world feel even more authentic.
**What Didn’t Work as Well:**
The pacing could have been smoother. Some sections had me flipping pages eagerly, while others dragged a little. I also found that the multiple perspectives, while interesting, sometimes made it feel like I was juggling two separate stories instead of reading one cohesive novel.
While the book does rely on some familiar fantasy romance tropes, it executes them well enough that I didn’t mind too much. A few plot points felt predictable, but the strong character work and emotional stakes made up for it.
**Final Thoughts:**
Overall, *A Sky of Emerald Stars* is an engaging fantasy romance with strong character development and a world that feels alive. While the pacing and predictability held it back a little for me, the relationships and immersive setting made up for it. If you enjoy slow-burn romance with court intrigue and well-developed characters, this one is definitely worth reading.
a story I’d happily recommend!
December 23, 2024
A Sky of Emerald Stars is book 2 of A. K. Mulford’s Golden Court Trilogy, and picks up shortly after A River of Golden Bones ends. Calla and Grae are rebuilding a court that is welcoming to both wolves and humans, but war is on the horizon. King Nero of the Silver Court is unwilling to be bested and does not want to see things change. His ruthlessness only increases as he continues to make the humans suffer while he kidnaps members of Calla's court. With so much treachery on the horizon, Navin and his secrets pique everyone's interest. In a bid to gain allies and uncover Navin's secrets, Sadie, Navin, and Maez are tasked with the diplomatic mission to bring the Onyx Court to their side, while Calla, Grae, and Briar travel to see the queen of the Ice Wolves.
I enjoyed book 2 more than book 1. While it was slower, and had more filler, the character development/growth was significantly better. We watch Calla and Grae take a back seat while the focus shifts to Sadie and Navin. No complaints here! Sadie is strong and spunky on the outside but gooey and hurting on the inside, while Navin isn't just the breakable musician that was presented in book 1. there were times when I wanted to shake both of them- but overall, they're cute together.
I found the writing in book 2 was more adult than book 1, and I enjoyed the flow immensely more for it. I wills say that the spicy scenes often felt forced and out of place. Almost like they were added to appease the want for more in book 1, but that it didn't add much to the story- especially Calla and Grae.
I’m eager to see how the story concludes in the final book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Voyager, and A.K. Mulford for supplying me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed book 2 more than book 1. While it was slower, and had more filler, the character development/growth was significantly better. We watch Calla and Grae take a back seat while the focus shifts to Sadie and Navin. No complaints here! Sadie is strong and spunky on the outside but gooey and hurting on the inside, while Navin isn't just the breakable musician that was presented in book 1. there were times when I wanted to shake both of them- but overall, they're cute together.
I found the writing in book 2 was more adult than book 1, and I enjoyed the flow immensely more for it. I wills say that the spicy scenes often felt forced and out of place. Almost like they were added to appease the want for more in book 1, but that it didn't add much to the story- especially Calla and Grae.
I’m eager to see how the story concludes in the final book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Voyager, and A.K. Mulford for supplying me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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