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The Ballad of Change:
It's been four days since King Ashay returned from the Battle of Mixi. Four days, and not a word has been passed on to Emmie or any of the other women of the Nest. Something happened during that battle--something that shook a god--and not even Deacon knows what it is that has caused the King's unsettling silence.
Emmie, confined to the Nest, aches to peel back the layers of what's haunting him. But while she waits, she watches Calliope: the flawless new concubine offered for peace. With every graceful move and lovely song, she weaves tales of closeness to the King. To the Nest, which has been smothered by a decade of sadness, Calliope brings light. But for Emmie, her presence draws out something darker--something made of scraping thorns, consuming flames, and thick shadows that attack her in her weakest moments.
As Emmie unravels the King's secret and struggles to repair her broken spirit, one fear stays rooted in the back of her mind: what if Order's prophecy was wrong?
Emmie, confined to the Nest, aches to peel back the layers of what's haunting him. But while she waits, she watches Calliope: the flawless new concubine offered for peace. With every graceful move and lovely song, she weaves tales of closeness to the King. To the Nest, which has been smothered by a decade of sadness, Calliope brings light. But for Emmie, her presence draws out something darker--something made of scraping thorns, consuming flames, and thick shadows that attack her in her weakest moments.
As Emmie unravels the King's secret and struggles to repair her broken spirit, one fear stays rooted in the back of her mind: what if Order's prophecy was wrong?
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2025
28 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 20, 2025
I mean it when I say that it is SUPER rare that I read a sequel that I feel lives up to the first book, which is almost always better. This book is every bit as exciting, curious, adventurous, emotional, witty, and different than the first, and I love that.
Pacing: Perfect. Just like in the first book, time was spent where it was needed, and didn't dwell where it wasn't necessary. Totally one of the many superpowers an author can have.
Character consistency: Nailed it. Each character has their own specific love language and personality and it is evident in both books and isn't confusing. I love that she doesn't add in too many characters to keep up with. She focuses on the important ones and generalizes larger groups so that you don't get lost with a thousand names and back stories to keep track of.
Story progression: Effortless. I loathe a book I have to crawl through just to get to the point, or one that skims so quickly you end up having to flip back a couple pages and make sure you read that right. As with the first book in this series, the story progressed right in that Goldilocks zone of jussssst right. I never felt a part was rushed or that I wanted to hurry up and get through it. It's perfectly paced to give you all the detail you need without all the fluff for a higher page count.
Speaking of fluff: While this book is smut-free, it is not emotion free. Lots of emotion in this book, lots of drama, and lots of intimate (but clean) relationship interactions between Emmie and King Ashay/Change. You won't be left wanting for their interactions together, but you also won't feel like you need to shield your screen/page from your kids passing by.
We got to know Dellia more in this book, and while she isn't a main character just yet, she is an important one. The banter between Emmie and Dellia was perfectly speckled throughout the story and made me audibly chuckle on multiple occasions.
If you remember Deacon from the first book - while he sort of takes a back seat in this book, he isn't forgotten and does play an essential part in the story arc.
We get to know Desi much more and a bit of her backstory, and also get to see Hector's personality come through and interact with the other ladies in The Nest.
Calliope...ohhhhh Calliope. I have a DEFINITE opinion of her and her story throughout this book plays a major part in Emmie's personal changes throughout the story. While I want to hate her, her actions did leave Emmie in a position that ultimately lead her to a lot of self-exploration and emotional development, which was critical for this point in the series. And once you read through a particular section - you'll know when you get there - the cover art will absolutely make sense and blow you away.
Overall, an excellent read and perfectly paced. Easy to devour in a day, easy to take your time over a week if needed and will still love every page in every chapter. I absolutely cannot wait for book three!!
And warning: there IS a cliffhanger. But read all the way to the end and at least you won't be screaming at the end of it.
Pacing: Perfect. Just like in the first book, time was spent where it was needed, and didn't dwell where it wasn't necessary. Totally one of the many superpowers an author can have.
Character consistency: Nailed it. Each character has their own specific love language and personality and it is evident in both books and isn't confusing. I love that she doesn't add in too many characters to keep up with. She focuses on the important ones and generalizes larger groups so that you don't get lost with a thousand names and back stories to keep track of.
Story progression: Effortless. I loathe a book I have to crawl through just to get to the point, or one that skims so quickly you end up having to flip back a couple pages and make sure you read that right. As with the first book in this series, the story progressed right in that Goldilocks zone of jussssst right. I never felt a part was rushed or that I wanted to hurry up and get through it. It's perfectly paced to give you all the detail you need without all the fluff for a higher page count.
Speaking of fluff: While this book is smut-free, it is not emotion free. Lots of emotion in this book, lots of drama, and lots of intimate (but clean) relationship interactions between Emmie and King Ashay/Change. You won't be left wanting for their interactions together, but you also won't feel like you need to shield your screen/page from your kids passing by.
We got to know Dellia more in this book, and while she isn't a main character just yet, she is an important one. The banter between Emmie and Dellia was perfectly speckled throughout the story and made me audibly chuckle on multiple occasions.
If you remember Deacon from the first book - while he sort of takes a back seat in this book, he isn't forgotten and does play an essential part in the story arc.
We get to know Desi much more and a bit of her backstory, and also get to see Hector's personality come through and interact with the other ladies in The Nest.
Calliope...ohhhhh Calliope. I have a DEFINITE opinion of her and her story throughout this book plays a major part in Emmie's personal changes throughout the story. While I want to hate her, her actions did leave Emmie in a position that ultimately lead her to a lot of self-exploration and emotional development, which was critical for this point in the series. And once you read through a particular section - you'll know when you get there - the cover art will absolutely make sense and blow you away.
Overall, an excellent read and perfectly paced. Easy to devour in a day, easy to take your time over a week if needed and will still love every page in every chapter. I absolutely cannot wait for book three!!
And warning: there IS a cliffhanger. But read all the way to the end and at least you won't be screaming at the end of it.
March 21, 2025
"The Ballad of Change" lives up to the first book.
In the first book, I felt like we missed out on an opportunity to learn more about the other women who Emmie is in this situation with. In the second book, though, we have the opportunity to really meet and learn more about the others, which I thoroughly enjoyed seeing. We only get bits and pieces about what happened with Calliope and Ashay, but the plot moves as Emmie tries to make sense of some discrepancies in what she's been told about the new concubine and the battle that took place at the end of book 1.
The details are not overdone and mesh well with the pacing of the story. While we may not see as much between Ashay and Emmie, the story delves deeply in Emmie still working to recover from the emotions of losing her father and her home in Creation's domain. Gaskin does a great job in describing the anxiety that plagues Emmie throughout the book and takes us on a journey of how Emmie slowly can grow and try to put herself back together again. We see more of Order along Emmie's healing journey and learn a few more tidbits about these deities. My favorite part of the book is a moment between Ashay and Emmie where he shows her a glimpse of his favorite things in a scene with an avalanche. Again, he may not be as present in the book, but we still see moments of growth as their relationship continues to develop.
Warning, this does once again end on a cliffhanger, but that just builds anticipation for book 3. And the dislike of Calliope.
In the first book, I felt like we missed out on an opportunity to learn more about the other women who Emmie is in this situation with. In the second book, though, we have the opportunity to really meet and learn more about the others, which I thoroughly enjoyed seeing. We only get bits and pieces about what happened with Calliope and Ashay, but the plot moves as Emmie tries to make sense of some discrepancies in what she's been told about the new concubine and the battle that took place at the end of book 1.
The details are not overdone and mesh well with the pacing of the story. While we may not see as much between Ashay and Emmie, the story delves deeply in Emmie still working to recover from the emotions of losing her father and her home in Creation's domain. Gaskin does a great job in describing the anxiety that plagues Emmie throughout the book and takes us on a journey of how Emmie slowly can grow and try to put herself back together again. We see more of Order along Emmie's healing journey and learn a few more tidbits about these deities. My favorite part of the book is a moment between Ashay and Emmie where he shows her a glimpse of his favorite things in a scene with an avalanche. Again, he may not be as present in the book, but we still see moments of growth as their relationship continues to develop.
Warning, this does once again end on a cliffhanger, but that just builds anticipation for book 3. And the dislike of Calliope.
March 23, 2025
4.25 stars. The emotions!! The anxiety!
My heart can’t take it!! The moments with King Ashay…. Sigh and swoon! Syn continues to create a difference in Change and it is amazing to watch. I love the characters and the world so much!
This book did feel like the focus was more on Emmie’s journey to self awareness. The cover says it all. There are a lot of moments that speak directly toward healing.
I am hoping the third book focuses more on the outside elements… the political turmoil, more Deacon, more Ashay (I would LOVE & go nuts for a POV chapter) and less time inside Emmie’s head. This book was very much in her head and in her feelings and her steps toward wellness. Now that she’s on the path to betterment, I would love it if the focus was more on what’s happening outside of her head. Even Emmie realized that she had been so in her head that she had ignored everyone else. (Lol)
My heart can’t take it!! The moments with King Ashay…. Sigh and swoon! Syn continues to create a difference in Change and it is amazing to watch. I love the characters and the world so much!
This book did feel like the focus was more on Emmie’s journey to self awareness. The cover says it all. There are a lot of moments that speak directly toward healing.
I am hoping the third book focuses more on the outside elements… the political turmoil, more Deacon, more Ashay (I would LOVE & go nuts for a POV chapter) and less time inside Emmie’s head. This book was very much in her head and in her feelings and her steps toward wellness. Now that she’s on the path to betterment, I would love it if the focus was more on what’s happening outside of her head. Even Emmie realized that she had been so in her head that she had ignored everyone else. (Lol)
June 7, 2025
This adventure flew by too quickly.
It's definitely a book two, completely necessary, but all a lot of setup for the third installment.
The angst was fantastic! Emmy's journey towards improving her mental health was like, really solidly done - especially in a fantasy.
I will say, I skimmed a lot - there were quite a few lulls and a lot of explanations to help flesh out the world and magic system. That said, I have REALLY high expectations for the next book. I can't wait to get my hands on it!
It's definitely a book two, completely necessary, but all a lot of setup for the third installment.
The angst was fantastic! Emmy's journey towards improving her mental health was like, really solidly done - especially in a fantasy.
I will say, I skimmed a lot - there were quite a few lulls and a lot of explanations to help flesh out the world and magic system. That said, I have REALLY high expectations for the next book. I can't wait to get my hands on it!
September 26, 2025
Raving about this with tears in my eyes.
Ab.so.lute.ly. LOVED IT! I don’t know if there has been another author that has made me feel so many emotions while reading! (And this also counts for book three. So buckle up.) The way Emmie had to dig deep and do some soul searching and work on herself was *perfection* and so important. Oh and the antagonist ooooh. Girl the anger I felt on behalf of Syn. This was amazing. I will be and have been raving to everyone I know about it.
Ab.so.lute.ly. LOVED IT! I don’t know if there has been another author that has made me feel so many emotions while reading! (And this also counts for book three. So buckle up.) The way Emmie had to dig deep and do some soul searching and work on herself was *perfection* and so important. Oh and the antagonist ooooh. Girl the anger I felt on behalf of Syn. This was amazing. I will be and have been raving to everyone I know about it.
March 29, 2025
I loved this book! Now I'm anxiously awaiting the next book and it can't come fast enough! The author has done a fantastic job developing the characters and giving them life. Truly enjoying this series.
March 25, 2025
not a fan of the second book
I had to think about this one.
The first book there was a few times I got frustrated with MFC but I gave it time. How could you try to like a guy who brutally killed your father and others and then takes unwilling women as concubines?? She was not a big doormat in the first book.
This one for like 70% she is a complete doormat. She is jealous and trying to get this god/mans attention. It’s almost embarrassing to read, and he is no great catch. Sure he is a god and has big muscles, but besides that he is the equivalent of a boring horny old man mentality. He barely talks and it is the worst banter.
Then at 70%ish percent it is revealed that she was put together wrong and that’s the reason for the doormat mentality-this is from an incident that happened in book one. I feel like it should have stopped at like 30%, it just went on way too long.
The cliffhanger from last time is not concluded and adds to another cliffhanger at the end. All that while not having the MMC and MFC not coming together with their relationship and it’s been 2 books. I’m done and disappointed. This needed help.
I had to think about this one.
The first book there was a few times I got frustrated with MFC but I gave it time. How could you try to like a guy who brutally killed your father and others and then takes unwilling women as concubines?? She was not a big doormat in the first book.
This one for like 70% she is a complete doormat. She is jealous and trying to get this god/mans attention. It’s almost embarrassing to read, and he is no great catch. Sure he is a god and has big muscles, but besides that he is the equivalent of a boring horny old man mentality. He barely talks and it is the worst banter.
Then at 70%ish percent it is revealed that she was put together wrong and that’s the reason for the doormat mentality-this is from an incident that happened in book one. I feel like it should have stopped at like 30%, it just went on way too long.
The cliffhanger from last time is not concluded and adds to another cliffhanger at the end. All that while not having the MMC and MFC not coming together with their relationship and it’s been 2 books. I’m done and disappointed. This needed help.
September 17, 2025
We're plunged right back into the center of the secrets, political plotting, and misunderstandings. Our Emmie is made of tenacity and grit and somehow, remains poised in spite of the whispers.
One of Katie's strengths is that her characters are viscerally real. Their emotions leap off the page and connect with your heart. This book delivers devine character growth.
There's angst, blossoming and apprehensive love, and the political intruige to reshape history.
Get ready to dive back into The Nest. Stakes are high, the feelings are tender, and secrets abound - hold on tight!
One of Katie's strengths is that her characters are viscerally real. Their emotions leap off the page and connect with your heart. This book delivers devine character growth.
There's angst, blossoming and apprehensive love, and the political intruige to reshape history.
Get ready to dive back into The Nest. Stakes are high, the feelings are tender, and secrets abound - hold on tight!
March 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If I thought The Legend of Syn took me on a wild ride, The Ballad of Change strapped me into an emotional rollercoaster, launched me at full speed, and then left me dangling over a cliff—again! But somehow, I loved every second of it.
Katie has truly outdone herself with this sequel, delivering a story that is not only immersive but deeply felt. Emmie’s journey is so raw and real, and as someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, I can confidently say that Katie gets it. She captures those emotions with a stunning accuracy that made me feel seen, understood, and, at times, completely wrecked. (In the best way possible, of course.)
And can we please talk about Order? Because I need her as my best friend, my life coach, and possibly my therapist. She is the unwavering, steadfast rock of this book, and I adore her. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Calliope is the actual worst. If fictional assault were a thing, I’d have climbed into the book just to throttle her myself. The rage was real.
Then there’s Emmie and Ashay. Swoon. Their relationship development was everything I wanted and more, a slow-burn, emotionally charged connection that left my heart aching in the best way.
And that ending. That. Ending. If I thought the first book’s cliffhanger was bad, this one nearly destroyed me—but thankfully, Katie was merciful enough to include an epilogue that kept me from total despair. (Barely.)
All in all, The Ballad of Change is a breathtaking, soul-shaking, beautifully written masterpiece. The imagery, the emotions, the relationships—it all comes together in a way that makes you feel like you’re living inside the story. And now, I will be counting down the days until book three.
Katie, if you’re reading this… I’m watching you. Don’t hurt me again. (But also, I know you will, and I’ll love it.)
If I thought The Legend of Syn took me on a wild ride, The Ballad of Change strapped me into an emotional rollercoaster, launched me at full speed, and then left me dangling over a cliff—again! But somehow, I loved every second of it.
Katie has truly outdone herself with this sequel, delivering a story that is not only immersive but deeply felt. Emmie’s journey is so raw and real, and as someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, I can confidently say that Katie gets it. She captures those emotions with a stunning accuracy that made me feel seen, understood, and, at times, completely wrecked. (In the best way possible, of course.)
And can we please talk about Order? Because I need her as my best friend, my life coach, and possibly my therapist. She is the unwavering, steadfast rock of this book, and I adore her. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Calliope is the actual worst. If fictional assault were a thing, I’d have climbed into the book just to throttle her myself. The rage was real.
Then there’s Emmie and Ashay. Swoon. Their relationship development was everything I wanted and more, a slow-burn, emotionally charged connection that left my heart aching in the best way.
And that ending. That. Ending. If I thought the first book’s cliffhanger was bad, this one nearly destroyed me—but thankfully, Katie was merciful enough to include an epilogue that kept me from total despair. (Barely.)
All in all, The Ballad of Change is a breathtaking, soul-shaking, beautifully written masterpiece. The imagery, the emotions, the relationships—it all comes together in a way that makes you feel like you’re living inside the story. And now, I will be counting down the days until book three.
Katie, if you’re reading this… I’m watching you. Don’t hurt me again. (But also, I know you will, and I’ll love it.)
March 30, 2025
I... don't know what to say. This book feels like a hidden gem for me. Many times, a story with one focus (like romance, or politics, or whatever topic as the main) will have its side parts and pieces be simply... ok. Just poorly made filler surrounding a main theme. This book was not like that.
This book had so many polished moments.
The Battle of Mixi was one of my favorite "epic" or scary depictions of a divine being. Seriously, with the first book and second book building up your sense of the characters and the world lore, the battle hits so hard. *Such* good writing.
The [insert spoiler here] chapters beautifully touched on a topic I have rarely seen done in media. SO GOOD. I didn't need eyedrops that day heh! (Ok, I cried, I admit it).
Please, give this book a chance. I do not think you will regret it.
This book had so many polished moments.
The Battle of Mixi was one of my favorite "epic" or scary depictions of a divine being. Seriously, with the first book and second book building up your sense of the characters and the world lore, the battle hits so hard. *Such* good writing.
The [insert spoiler here] chapters beautifully touched on a topic I have rarely seen done in media. SO GOOD. I didn't need eyedrops that day heh! (Ok, I cried, I admit it).
Please, give this book a chance. I do not think you will regret it.
May 15, 2025
Gah! The cliffhanger! There are so many things I'm still curious about, too... I'm so excited for the next book! 😖
I love the character development here. Without giving too much away, I appreciate the visualization of how she comes to terms with her emotions. It was truly beautiful to read.
And her friendship with Order! Order makes for a good therapist when she's not causing mischief. And the way she helped Emmie this time around was much healthier, I think.
And Change is so sweet! I love that he's willing to be patient with her when it's so contrary to his usual procedure.
I love the character development here. Without giving too much away, I appreciate the visualization of how she comes to terms with her emotions. It was truly beautiful to read.
And her friendship with Order! Order makes for a good therapist when she's not causing mischief. And the way she helped Emmie this time around was much healthier, I think.
And Change is so sweet! I love that he's willing to be patient with her when it's so contrary to his usual procedure.
September 24, 2025
This second book was as good as the first. I love emmie and her journey. Ashay started growing on me more and more and the twist really did twist me! But the part that got me. How the author went about the raw emotions of anxiety and depression. This book will stay with me for a long time.
March 29, 2025
get this series
Darn it! So glad you put the epilogue in there because I was about to scream at the ending. Now I have to wait :( Get this series its so good
Darn it! So glad you put the epilogue in there because I was about to scream at the ending. Now I have to wait :( Get this series its so good
July 23, 2025
I love this series so much! Can’t wait for book 3!!
July 8, 2025
I opened to chapter 1, nervous that this sequel couldn't possibly be as good as the first. But I was drawn in from the very first page. SO satisfying was Book 2 -- the opposite of a disappointment! A total thrill to find that it was every bit as good as Book 1! Again, I laughed, cried, and felt all the feels with this continuation of the Legend of Syn. Again, I was left breathless at times, on the edge of my seat, or just re-reading passages because there was so much to unpack and learn. Again, I was immersed in the scenery and the atmosphere, thoroughly enjoying getting to know the characters even better as the story moves forward. And now?... I am blessed to be a Beta-reader for Book 3 and I can tell you now -- if you loved books 1 and 2, you will absolutely LOVE book 3!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews