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The Esholian Institute #2
By the Moonbeam and the Mist: The Esholian Institute Book 2
Her memories are gone, but her powers are only growing…
Rayna Drey’s second year at the Esholian Institute should be spent advancing her Wild Whispering magic that the Good Council bestowed upon her last year. Unfortunately, she can’t quite focus on her new classes or enjoy all the parties with her friends. Not when Dyonisia Reeve gave her a single, all-consuming task that she can’t refuse: catch Coen Steeler, the murderous pirate who erased her memories three months ago, and hand him in to the Good Council.
Then watch him burn.
When Rayna finally does come face-to-face with Steeler, however, she finds that he’s even more of a force to be reckoned with than she anticipated. He’s fast. He’s strong. And he has a wicked tongue—one he knows exactly how to use to unravel her mind. Even with a deeper connection to the jungle and secret training from the lethal tiger Jagaros, Rayna can’t yet overpower him.
What she can do is get close to Steeler again and strike when he’s least expecting it. But while their forbidden meetings evolve into something that burns fiercer than last year, a sinister force is attacking the Esholian villages around them. If Rayna wants to protect the people she loves, she must team up with the very same Mind Manipulator who is supposed to be her enemy… and try not to fall back in love with him in the process.
Rayna Drey’s second year at the Esholian Institute should be spent advancing her Wild Whispering magic that the Good Council bestowed upon her last year. Unfortunately, she can’t quite focus on her new classes or enjoy all the parties with her friends. Not when Dyonisia Reeve gave her a single, all-consuming task that she can’t refuse: catch Coen Steeler, the murderous pirate who erased her memories three months ago, and hand him in to the Good Council.
Then watch him burn.
When Rayna finally does come face-to-face with Steeler, however, she finds that he’s even more of a force to be reckoned with than she anticipated. He’s fast. He’s strong. And he has a wicked tongue—one he knows exactly how to use to unravel her mind. Even with a deeper connection to the jungle and secret training from the lethal tiger Jagaros, Rayna can’t yet overpower him.
What she can do is get close to Steeler again and strike when he’s least expecting it. But while their forbidden meetings evolve into something that burns fiercer than last year, a sinister force is attacking the Esholian villages around them. If Rayna wants to protect the people she loves, she must team up with the very same Mind Manipulator who is supposed to be her enemy… and try not to fall back in love with him in the process.
475 pages, Hardcover
Published March 13, 2025
252 people are currently reading
2377 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
April 7, 2025
I am so so grateful to Mariah for providing me with an ARC, I was so hyped to dive into the second novel in The Escholian Institute series and it did not disappoint.
This book was full of many twists and turns, so full of tension and the unravelling of a lot of mysteries and I was LOCKED in! Coen and Reyna enemies to lovers was chefs kiss, I could have read one million pages of knife to throat, tense bantering between the two it was so satisfyinggggg.
Our girl Rayna is growing more and more powerful and I am in love with the badass that she is, I would totally fight Coen for her if I didn't also want a piece of him, that gorgeous sensitive shadow daddy.
It was so great to see some of my favourite characters again, Willa, Jagoros, Rodhi, and Emelle, and I so look forward to seeing how all of the character grow throughout the rest of the series (if they survive that long 👀) I would also take a bullet for Felicity she was so precious, please don't hurt her!!
I feel like I could scream about this book forever, but instead I will beg you to please pick this series up, you won't regret it!!
Jan 15 2025: I am so excited to read this!!! I need more Coen and Reyna in my life 😍😍
This book was full of many twists and turns, so full of tension and the unravelling of a lot of mysteries and I was LOCKED in! Coen and Reyna enemies to lovers was chefs kiss, I could have read one million pages of knife to throat, tense bantering between the two it was so satisfyinggggg.
Our girl Rayna is growing more and more powerful and I am in love with the badass that she is, I would totally fight Coen for her if I didn't also want a piece of him, that gorgeous sensitive shadow daddy.
It was so great to see some of my favourite characters again, Willa, Jagoros, Rodhi, and Emelle, and I so look forward to seeing how all of the character grow throughout the rest of the series (if they survive that long 👀) I would also take a bullet for Felicity she was so precious, please don't hurt her!!
I feel like I could scream about this book forever, but instead I will beg you to please pick this series up, you won't regret it!!
Jan 15 2025: I am so excited to read this!!! I need more Coen and Reyna in my life 😍😍
January 16, 2025
Thank you to Mariah for an advanced copy of By the Moonbeam and the Mist.
This book gave me a freaking nose bleed because i was crying so Hard & i will be bullying everyone to read It, so get ready folks.
Every twist and turn had me gasping and yelling. Mariah held back no punches and it had me on the floor. I'm utterly obsessed with the character development that happened in this book. I loved seeing Willa, Jagaros and Rodhi again!
If by the orchid and the owl was a five star,this one is a ten star. It's absolutely brilliant. I never saw the plot twist coming and I am frothing at the mouth to get my hands on book 3.
I also think about the fangs every single day 🥵 I cannot wait to see how that cliff hanger plays out in book 3.
This book gave me a freaking nose bleed because i was crying so Hard & i will be bullying everyone to read It, so get ready folks.
Every twist and turn had me gasping and yelling. Mariah held back no punches and it had me on the floor. I'm utterly obsessed with the character development that happened in this book. I loved seeing Willa, Jagaros and Rodhi again!
If by the orchid and the owl was a five star,this one is a ten star. It's absolutely brilliant. I never saw the plot twist coming and I am frothing at the mouth to get my hands on book 3.
I also think about the fangs every single day 🥵 I cannot wait to see how that cliff hanger plays out in book 3.
March 4, 2025
Book 1, By The Orchid And The Owl, was one of my favorite books last year so this was a highly anticipated sequel for me! I absolutely loved diving back into this world Mariah has created.
This one was a little darker, a little more mature, and a bit spicier! Rayna and crew have entered their second year of the Esholian Institute after a dramatic cliff hanger with Coen at the end of the first book.
The side characters and animals that make up this little found family are literally one of my favorite parts of this book. In some fantasy/romantasies there can be soooo many side and supporting characters that it's hard to keep up with, but there isn't that issue with this one! There are just enough to have entertaining personalities mesh, but not so many you need to take notes to keep them straight 😂
I really enjoyed the adventure we go on with Rayna in this one, learning new things along with her as her abilities strengthen. And the new parts we are exposed to.
Coen is doing all the amazing book boyfriend things this time and gives us beautiful quotable lines 🥰 please enjoy my favorite of the book:
"You are the most distracting, most devastating addiction I’ve ever known."
I'm giving this book 4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This one was a little darker, a little more mature, and a bit spicier! Rayna and crew have entered their second year of the Esholian Institute after a dramatic cliff hanger with Coen at the end of the first book.
The side characters and animals that make up this little found family are literally one of my favorite parts of this book. In some fantasy/romantasies there can be soooo many side and supporting characters that it's hard to keep up with, but there isn't that issue with this one! There are just enough to have entertaining personalities mesh, but not so many you need to take notes to keep them straight 😂
I really enjoyed the adventure we go on with Rayna in this one, learning new things along with her as her abilities strengthen. And the new parts we are exposed to.
Coen is doing all the amazing book boyfriend things this time and gives us beautiful quotable lines 🥰 please enjoy my favorite of the book:
"You are the most distracting, most devastating addiction I’ve ever known."
I'm giving this book 4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
January 17, 2025
thank you Mariah for an advanced copy of By the Moonbeam and the Mist!! this is the second book in the series and it just made me love the books so much more than i thought possible 😍
her writing style is wonderful and easy to read, and the plot and lore is so well planned and flushed out that the plot twists are genuinely shocking and make me want to know answers even more!
the characters just keep getting better and i love the ever expanding world and world building! it is described so well and built on a sturdy world foundation.
i will forever recommend these books to every single person i know! Mariah - thank you so much and i will always look forward to your books ❣️
her writing style is wonderful and easy to read, and the plot and lore is so well planned and flushed out that the plot twists are genuinely shocking and make me want to know answers even more!
the characters just keep getting better and i love the ever expanding world and world building! it is described so well and built on a sturdy world foundation.
i will forever recommend these books to every single person i know! Mariah - thank you so much and i will always look forward to your books ❣️
February 1, 2025
The way everything just played out in the possible way.
The first book was already one of the best books I’ve read in 2025, but the sequel has now solidified this series as one of my all time favorites. Absolutely incredible. There is not a single part of me that’s disappointed with even a single SENTENCE in this book. Perfection, is what it was.
This was simply the perfect sequel. It was action (and EMOTION) packed with incredible characters with so much amazing depth. It picks up right where By the Orchid and the Owl left up and just continued delivering all the way to the last page. The writing was absolutely incredible, the pacing was perfect. I love how the return of her memories was not a simple task or a fling with a wand. It required thoughts and actions and feelings. Super fascinating getting to se all perspectives and the reality of her hating him and yet still feeling the love left behind.
Rayna and Coen and Willa might just be my favorite like basically ever. Love them so much. The animal companions and amazing friendships adds so much to the story.
I’m sittning her basically crying because I want the next book and this one isn’t even out yet. I don’t know how I’m gonna survive. Genuinely.
Thank you so so so much Mariah for this ARC of By the Moonbeam and the Mist.
The first book was already one of the best books I’ve read in 2025, but the sequel has now solidified this series as one of my all time favorites. Absolutely incredible. There is not a single part of me that’s disappointed with even a single SENTENCE in this book. Perfection, is what it was.
This was simply the perfect sequel. It was action (and EMOTION) packed with incredible characters with so much amazing depth. It picks up right where By the Orchid and the Owl left up and just continued delivering all the way to the last page. The writing was absolutely incredible, the pacing was perfect. I love how the return of her memories was not a simple task or a fling with a wand. It required thoughts and actions and feelings. Super fascinating getting to se all perspectives and the reality of her hating him and yet still feeling the love left behind.
Rayna and Coen and Willa might just be my favorite like basically ever. Love them so much. The animal companions and amazing friendships adds so much to the story.
I’m sittning her basically crying because I want the next book and this one isn’t even out yet. I don’t know how I’m gonna survive. Genuinely.
Thank you so so so much Mariah for this ARC of By the Moonbeam and the Mist.
April 2, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ please tell me there is going to be a book three?!
January 13, 2026
BUT SHE IS FAE AS WELL. Bro, I can’t wait til summer. This is terrible. Absolute chokehold and now I’m just supposed to wait???
What is she kills her and they bow down to the queen and then he doesn’t have to kill her or anyone else? What if??????
What is she kills her and they bow down to the queen and then he doesn’t have to kill her or anyone else? What if??????
February 12, 2025
BY THE MOONBEAM AND THE MIST
🌛🌛🌛🌛🌛 5/5 stars
Wow! What a book. First and foremost, I’d like to thank this amazing author for gifting me an advance reader’s copy.
I enjoyed the second instalment immensely. It’s a strong plot with just the right amount of revelations and twists to keep you hooked. I liked that we got to learn more about the mind manipulating sector, it’s pretty dang cool. It makes you think about what YOUR mind would look like inside.
The setting of the island is gorgeous, I lowkey want to live at the Esholian institute (maybe minus the political corruption and what not).
Rayna is a fierce main character, we see her grow stronger in more ways than one. I appreciate how soft and caring she is while also not being afraid to stand up for what’s right (and is quick to use a knife).
Okay and can we talk about the romance- I adored the enemies to lovers storyline, it had me swooning. Coen is such a patient, bada$$ and genuine book boyfriend. The side characters really carried their own too. Rodhi has me laughing as always, he’s a good comedic relief. Jaguros and Rayna’s friendship deepens, I love how he is a mentor to her. We’re also introduced to a new wild whispering friend, Felicity and my goodness is she fabulous. I’m hoping to see more of this cheeky monkey in the next book.
The story kept me captivated the entire time and omg that ending? I needed the third book like ten minutes ago. I wish I could share more in this review but it would spoil some pretty major things.
I can’t believe this series isn’t more mainstream honestly. It is so well done and deserves ALL the praise.
🌛🌛🌛🌛🌛 5/5 stars
Wow! What a book. First and foremost, I’d like to thank this amazing author for gifting me an advance reader’s copy.
I enjoyed the second instalment immensely. It’s a strong plot with just the right amount of revelations and twists to keep you hooked. I liked that we got to learn more about the mind manipulating sector, it’s pretty dang cool. It makes you think about what YOUR mind would look like inside.
The setting of the island is gorgeous, I lowkey want to live at the Esholian institute (maybe minus the political corruption and what not).
Rayna is a fierce main character, we see her grow stronger in more ways than one. I appreciate how soft and caring she is while also not being afraid to stand up for what’s right (and is quick to use a knife).
Okay and can we talk about the romance- I adored the enemies to lovers storyline, it had me swooning. Coen is such a patient, bada$$ and genuine book boyfriend. The side characters really carried their own too. Rodhi has me laughing as always, he’s a good comedic relief. Jaguros and Rayna’s friendship deepens, I love how he is a mentor to her. We’re also introduced to a new wild whispering friend, Felicity and my goodness is she fabulous. I’m hoping to see more of this cheeky monkey in the next book.
The story kept me captivated the entire time and omg that ending? I needed the third book like ten minutes ago. I wish I could share more in this review but it would spoil some pretty major things.
I can’t believe this series isn’t more mainstream honestly. It is so well done and deserves ALL the praise.
February 17, 2025
Mariah has done it again, combined the perfect amount of cutesy, steamy, and action to keep readers hanging onto her every word.
Following my enjoyment of book 1, By The Orchid And The Owl (which was also a 5⭐️ read), when the opportunity to have book 2 as an ARC arose, I had to get my hands on it!!
The story kicks off from book 1 seamlessly, and the intrigue those in early chapters did not disappoint.
Following on from Rayna's and Coen's journey in book 1, I got to explore their journeys and motives more, both individually and together, and I was here for it. I fell even more in love with them ❤️. The side characters also really came into their own.
The plot twists throughout the book were unexpected for the most part, and the story had me gripping the edge of my seat as I read. Mariah really knows how to edge her readers - in the best way!
The slow burn was slooooow but was so smooth. I really enjoyed this and was worth the wait 😏..
The story had me in my feels from the very first page, crying with laughter, crying with sadness, crying because I was so angry I wanted to burst, and crying because of the ending and having to wait until we get book 3.
Mariah is mother, and this book is giving!!!!!!
Following my enjoyment of book 1, By The Orchid And The Owl (which was also a 5⭐️ read), when the opportunity to have book 2 as an ARC arose, I had to get my hands on it!!
The story kicks off from book 1 seamlessly, and the intrigue those in early chapters did not disappoint.
Following on from Rayna's and Coen's journey in book 1, I got to explore their journeys and motives more, both individually and together, and I was here for it. I fell even more in love with them ❤️. The side characters also really came into their own.
The plot twists throughout the book were unexpected for the most part, and the story had me gripping the edge of my seat as I read. Mariah really knows how to edge her readers - in the best way!
The slow burn was slooooow but was so smooth. I really enjoyed this and was worth the wait 😏..
The story had me in my feels from the very first page, crying with laughter, crying with sadness, crying because I was so angry I wanted to burst, and crying because of the ending and having to wait until we get book 3.
Mariah is mother, and this book is giving!!!!!!
January 20, 2025
Just when I thought nothing could be better than book one, I read this and it absolutely blew me away. It's a seamless transition from the first book into this one. The action had me gasping, the enemies to lovers slow burn had me squealing. The spice was perfectly written. The plot and the twists are wild and so unpredictable, I could not put this down. Prepare to be sobbing by the end. The set up for where this story is going has me so excited for the rest of the series and to see what other wild twists are coming. I have never felt so invested in a series before, but this one has me in an absolute chokehold.
March 21, 2025
WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?!?
April 12, 2025
The ending of this book was kinda wild I loved it. I also appreciated how well developed the characters and even the animals were. Willa and Felicity were the best side characters 😌
April 15, 2025
Wow i loved this one! Rayna and Coen have my heart. I cannot wait for book 3.
July 11, 2025
Es triste que no generé ningún apego grande hacia los personajes, siento que falta desarrollarlos mucho como para generar un impacto.
Por un lado, AMÉ el plot twist, creo que fue una de las pocas veces que me equivoqué y me gustó que me cierre la boca. Y por el otro mejoraron notablemente las escenas spicy, no se a qué se debe el cambio, pero me gustó bastante.
...
It's sad that I didn't develop a strong attachment to the characters, I feel like they need a lot of development to make an impact.
On one hand, I LOVED the plot twist. I think it was one of the few times I messed up, and I liked that it shut me up. And on the other hand, the spicy scenes were noticeably improved, I don't know why the change happened, but I approve it.
Por un lado, AMÉ el plot twist, creo que fue una de las pocas veces que me equivoqué y me gustó que me cierre la boca. Y por el otro mejoraron notablemente las escenas spicy, no se a qué se debe el cambio, pero me gustó bastante.
...
It's sad that I didn't develop a strong attachment to the characters, I feel like they need a lot of development to make an impact.
On one hand, I LOVED the plot twist. I think it was one of the few times I messed up, and I liked that it shut me up. And on the other hand, the spicy scenes were noticeably improved, I don't know why the change happened, but I approve it.
October 23, 2025
This was better than the first book!!! Can’t wait for book 3!!
October 7, 2025
"Obsessing over you has put a wrench in all of my plans. You are the most distracting, most devastating addiction I’ve ever known." How this series made me feel and I am heartbroken to learn the 3rd installment is still a work in progress. 😭
August 5, 2025
No I fully thought this was a complete duology. This ending has me reeling I am so ready for the next book to come out.
This series is just so FUN
This series is just so FUN
October 21, 2025
This reminds me of a story I would create in my head when I was a little kid. The fantasy elements are enjoyable. I like the way the plot is unraveling. The only thing I never understood was the animals. The mix doesn’t make sense to me. Monkeys and dolphins and jaguars- oh my!
February 16, 2025
Mariah has done it again! The amount of love I hold for this series is unbelievable. This book was even better than the first one and I didn’t think that was possible. The characters in this book are top tier, I LOVE them all so much, Coen, Rayna, all their friends and the animals 😍😍, especially Willa and Felicity. I felt all the feels with this book, happiness, anger, sadness, I sat at the edge of my seat, cheered, and loved every minute of it. This book isn’t even published yet and I already can’t wait for book 3. I would give this 1000 stars if I could!
May 26, 2025
Okay so imagine some famous romantasy book that you've read before.
Got it? Good.
Now imagine like 3 more romantasy books and mix them all together.
Thadaaa now you've got a plot of this book all figured out, isn't that amazing?
Not only this book felt like it was written by a totally different person, it also felt like it was written about completely different characters.
The presence of Lander and Emelle in this book is minimal and even if they are present, it is just for them to ask our fmc if she's okay and then disappear for 100 pages.
Seriously what was that?
Also I am not the one to hate on smut but while in the first book there where some mild spicy scenes in this one they were so much more explict and I didn't like the contrast between the first book and this one.
If you are writing a series with smut, write a series with smut but if you aren't writing that and then you completely change your writing it just doesn't feel right.
One thing that I actually liked was that in this book we got more of the relationship aspect between fmc and mmc. I liked it so much more than in the first book.
Oh besides the blowjob in their minds that was so not the right move.
Maybe I could get over it if it happend later in the book. However we were still in the phase where the fmc hated him so it felt unnatural for her to just drop to her knees and suck him off. Sorry not sorry.
Also at one point our fmc mentions God with capital G. Which threw me of because before that they were always refering to Cosmos? Which I don't know what is because it's not explained but whatever.
I can smell some lazy editing.
I don't even know how to rate this book.
There was so much going on it felt overwhelming, the characters felt flat and the plot is mix of other books.
Was it good? No
Was it entertaining. God yes.
Will I be reading another book. Absolutely.
Got it? Good.
Now imagine like 3 more romantasy books and mix them all together.
Thadaaa now you've got a plot of this book all figured out, isn't that amazing?
Not only this book felt like it was written by a totally different person, it also felt like it was written about completely different characters.
The presence of Lander and Emelle in this book is minimal and even if they are present, it is just for them to ask our fmc if she's okay and then disappear for 100 pages.
Seriously what was that?
Also I am not the one to hate on smut but while in the first book there where some mild spicy scenes in this one they were so much more explict and I didn't like the contrast between the first book and this one.
If you are writing a series with smut, write a series with smut but if you aren't writing that and then you completely change your writing it just doesn't feel right.
One thing that I actually liked was that in this book we got more of the relationship aspect between fmc and mmc. I liked it so much more than in the first book.
Oh besides the blowjob in their minds that was so not the right move.
Maybe I could get over it if it happend later in the book. However we were still in the phase where the fmc hated him so it felt unnatural for her to just drop to her knees and suck him off. Sorry not sorry.
Also at one point our fmc mentions God with capital G. Which threw me of because before that they were always refering to Cosmos? Which I don't know what is because it's not explained but whatever.
I can smell some lazy editing.
I don't even know how to rate this book.
There was so much going on it felt overwhelming, the characters felt flat and the plot is mix of other books.
Was it good? No
Was it entertaining. God yes.
Will I be reading another book. Absolutely.
August 19, 2025
it's kind of weird how giant of a leap the writing went from the first book to this one. i get that they're getting older, etc, but the difference was just too much
June 4, 2025
My Rating: 4.5 rounded up
Rayna’s second year should be primarily focused on honing her magic but instead, she is tasked by the Good Council to lure Coen Steeler back, the pirate who stole her memories and hand him over to them as a traitor.
I would like to be compensated for the emotional damage this book gave me because wow was this a roller coaster. It takes a moment for things to get going but once it does, I was tearing through this book and finished it in one day.
The first book already created an incredible rich world that drew me in from the first couple chapters and I loved how this book expanded on that world and we were able to see a beyond the institute and delve deeper into more lore about the pirates and faeries. I also enjoyed learning more about Rayna’s history and the dark secrets the Good Council are keeping.
One of the most endearing and enjoyable aspects of this series is the academy and the magic. I loved learning more about the different lessons and the creative ways magical abilities can be utilized in this world. I also loved the reappearance of beloved animal companions and the addition of some new friends.
I found Coen to be one of the most interesting characters in this book with his increased powers and additional backstory. As for the dynamic between Rayna and Coen, it was giving lovers to enemies to lovers realness! The whiplash I felt watching this relationship play out in this book was wild.
I am ready for book three but now I am terrified for my emotions after this one.
Read this series if you love:
* lovers to enemies to lovers to…
* magical academy
* animal companions
* fascinating magic and world system
* great friend group
* a touch of spice (second book is spicier)
* touch her and die
* harry potter, fourth wing
Rayna’s second year should be primarily focused on honing her magic but instead, she is tasked by the Good Council to lure Coen Steeler back, the pirate who stole her memories and hand him over to them as a traitor.
I would like to be compensated for the emotional damage this book gave me because wow was this a roller coaster. It takes a moment for things to get going but once it does, I was tearing through this book and finished it in one day.
The first book already created an incredible rich world that drew me in from the first couple chapters and I loved how this book expanded on that world and we were able to see a beyond the institute and delve deeper into more lore about the pirates and faeries. I also enjoyed learning more about Rayna’s history and the dark secrets the Good Council are keeping.
One of the most endearing and enjoyable aspects of this series is the academy and the magic. I loved learning more about the different lessons and the creative ways magical abilities can be utilized in this world. I also loved the reappearance of beloved animal companions and the addition of some new friends.
I found Coen to be one of the most interesting characters in this book with his increased powers and additional backstory. As for the dynamic between Rayna and Coen, it was giving lovers to enemies to lovers realness! The whiplash I felt watching this relationship play out in this book was wild.
I am ready for book three but now I am terrified for my emotions after this one.
Read this series if you love:
* lovers to enemies to lovers to…
* magical academy
* animal companions
* fascinating magic and world system
* great friend group
* a touch of spice (second book is spicier)
* touch her and die
* harry potter, fourth wing
March 12, 2025
A very special thank you to Mariah and the team for this ARC as I loved the first book so much.
The book picks up straight from where the last finished. In her second year at Esholian Institute, the Good Council has instructed Raya to capture Coen Steller, who, according to the Council, is now an enemy of the state. But as her memory slowly begins to return, things are no longer adding up. Raya witnesses the Institute's public banishment of her classmate and how dangerous the Good Council has become. When she is finally able to track down Coen, she begins to learn the secrets and real horrors of the island and what happens to those who are banished. But to overcome the monsters on the island, Raya unlocks new powers with the help of Coen and the team.
I didn't think this could be as good as the first book, but here I stand corrected. While the overall plot is still a continuation from the first book, this one still has its own individual plot, which is not as easy as people think. Often, the second book can not stand up to the same strength as the first, but this is on par.
The worldbuilding gets even better, and the themes are darker. The character progression gets better with every chapter. Although there are more characters, and at times, it is a bit confusing to keep track of names and faces, every character is different and unique.
The plot twists and trickery are still surprising and fresh. Believe me, I feel like I can usually work out what is going to happen next given how many books I have read, but even some of these caught me by surprise.
I personally think that is what Fourth Wing tried to be, but it is far superior to FW. This is what FW tried to be but nosedived. This kept the academic elements from the first book but expanded more on the world and Council secrets.
Congrats to Mariah, and I can't wait for the rest of this series to see how it unfolds.
The book picks up straight from where the last finished. In her second year at Esholian Institute, the Good Council has instructed Raya to capture Coen Steller, who, according to the Council, is now an enemy of the state. But as her memory slowly begins to return, things are no longer adding up. Raya witnesses the Institute's public banishment of her classmate and how dangerous the Good Council has become. When she is finally able to track down Coen, she begins to learn the secrets and real horrors of the island and what happens to those who are banished. But to overcome the monsters on the island, Raya unlocks new powers with the help of Coen and the team.
I didn't think this could be as good as the first book, but here I stand corrected. While the overall plot is still a continuation from the first book, this one still has its own individual plot, which is not as easy as people think. Often, the second book can not stand up to the same strength as the first, but this is on par.
The worldbuilding gets even better, and the themes are darker. The character progression gets better with every chapter. Although there are more characters, and at times, it is a bit confusing to keep track of names and faces, every character is different and unique.
The plot twists and trickery are still surprising and fresh. Believe me, I feel like I can usually work out what is going to happen next given how many books I have read, but even some of these caught me by surprise.
I personally think that is what Fourth Wing tried to be, but it is far superior to FW. This is what FW tried to be but nosedived. This kept the academic elements from the first book but expanded more on the world and Council secrets.
Congrats to Mariah, and I can't wait for the rest of this series to see how it unfolds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2025
This book actually made me forget how to breathe for a minute.
Full review to come.
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I am such a huge fan of this series. I’ve missed these characters, and being back in this world was such a treat. After that last cliffhanger, I’ve been so impatient! As a sequel, this book was a bit darker, spicier, and overall more mature than its predecessor, and I loved it for that. These characters are growing and going through more and more.
I’m so glad we got to see more of my favourite side characters in this one. I love Rodhi and Garvis with my whole heart, and I’m thrilled we got new animal characters to fall in love with! I would read a whole book just about Felicity’s antics and I would enjoy it immensely.
I loved watching Coen and Rayna grow in this book. I already loved them from BOTATO, and now I love them even more. Rayna grew in so much strength and confidence in this book, Coen learning to trust Rayna was so important and great to watch. That’s something I love about Mariah’s writing in these books. Like every other main character, they’re growing and learning. But the way that they face obstacles between each other and the world around them rarely, if ever, is frustrating to me. I tend to hate miscommunication tropes stemming from keeping secrets from each other, and Mariah handles it beautifully in my opinion.
If you haven’t picked up this series yet, what are you waiting for?! They’re soooooooo good, and I will be very impatiently waiting for my next trip to the Esholian Institute. Thank you so much Mariah for the eArc!
Full review to come.
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I am such a huge fan of this series. I’ve missed these characters, and being back in this world was such a treat. After that last cliffhanger, I’ve been so impatient! As a sequel, this book was a bit darker, spicier, and overall more mature than its predecessor, and I loved it for that. These characters are growing and going through more and more.
I’m so glad we got to see more of my favourite side characters in this one. I love Rodhi and Garvis with my whole heart, and I’m thrilled we got new animal characters to fall in love with! I would read a whole book just about Felicity’s antics and I would enjoy it immensely.
I loved watching Coen and Rayna grow in this book. I already loved them from BOTATO, and now I love them even more. Rayna grew in so much strength and confidence in this book, Coen learning to trust Rayna was so important and great to watch. That’s something I love about Mariah’s writing in these books. Like every other main character, they’re growing and learning. But the way that they face obstacles between each other and the world around them rarely, if ever, is frustrating to me. I tend to hate miscommunication tropes stemming from keeping secrets from each other, and Mariah handles it beautifully in my opinion.
If you haven’t picked up this series yet, what are you waiting for?! They’re soooooooo good, and I will be very impatiently waiting for my next trip to the Esholian Institute. Thank you so much Mariah for the eArc!
March 9, 2025
If I tell you I devoured 40% of this book in a day and then was left with a book hangover and stunned and amazed for hours, is an understatement. By the moonbeam and the mist packed a punch! I had LOVED by the orchid and the owl (book 1), I had been impressed by Mariah’s setting and plot - it gave off Harry Potter/Divergent vibes but then she created a world of her own and I was hooked from the beginning. Going into book 2, I expected to get some answers, after the cliffhanger at the end of book 1 and boy did I get answers and some more! (And loads more questions too…).
In BTMATM, Mariah manages to expand her settings even more and with so much detail. I was not expecting all the plot twists! I laughed, gasped cried and swooned.
Rayna was lethal and Coen was as delectable as in book 1. Loved the new characters and the development of ones from the first book that now gained more visibility.
You’ll find that BTMATM is as, if not more action packed than BTOATO; has a little more spice and all the mystery and magic you’d want in a romantasy.
Can’t wait to see how the story continues in the next book!
Thank you so much Mariah for my advanced copy!
In BTMATM, Mariah manages to expand her settings even more and with so much detail. I was not expecting all the plot twists! I laughed, gasped cried and swooned.
Rayna was lethal and Coen was as delectable as in book 1. Loved the new characters and the development of ones from the first book that now gained more visibility.
You’ll find that BTMATM is as, if not more action packed than BTOATO; has a little more spice and all the mystery and magic you’d want in a romantasy.
Can’t wait to see how the story continues in the next book!
Thank you so much Mariah for my advanced copy!
March 23, 2025
Felt like a mix of multiple fantasy books meshed into one...
This book just didn't feel like it was written by the same person. It felt entirely different to me. It left alot to be desired.
The story didn't feel cohesive. It left out alot of depth with the side characters that I'd grown to love from the first book, especially Lander and Emelle. It felt like they'd get mentioned just so that the author would remind us they're there.
I felt like I was reading a mix of Hunger Games, Harry Potter and ACOTAR amongst others. Especially ACOTAR.
Was the story based on ideas from that? And other fantasy stories?
The smutty scenes were hard to read as well. I'm not one to balk at smut but I just didn't like this. Harsh and awkward. Brash and just gross.
I'm interested to see how they figure out how to solve the next dilemma but I'm not sure if I'll be able to read up to 5 books of this series (I'm assuming it's going to be similar to all other stories related to schools - as many books as there are years in the school ... )
I wanted to love this book, I'd seen raving reviews regarding it, but it fell flat.
This book just didn't feel like it was written by the same person. It felt entirely different to me. It left alot to be desired.
The story didn't feel cohesive. It left out alot of depth with the side characters that I'd grown to love from the first book, especially Lander and Emelle. It felt like they'd get mentioned just so that the author would remind us they're there.
I felt like I was reading a mix of Hunger Games, Harry Potter and ACOTAR amongst others. Especially ACOTAR.
Was the story based on ideas from that? And other fantasy stories?
The smutty scenes were hard to read as well. I'm not one to balk at smut but I just didn't like this. Harsh and awkward. Brash and just gross.
I'm interested to see how they figure out how to solve the next dilemma but I'm not sure if I'll be able to read up to 5 books of this series (I'm assuming it's going to be similar to all other stories related to schools - as many books as there are years in the school ... )
I wanted to love this book, I'd seen raving reviews regarding it, but it fell flat.
September 8, 2025
Guys I need book 3 now!! I am loving Mariah's writing and world. I loved book 1 and I absolutely love book 2. They each have their reasons for 5 stars and I wholly agree that people need to get on this series! Book 1 is a bit lighter, makes you laugh more and Mariah told us as the books go on they get more mature and book 2 totally does that!
What to expect:
✨1 POV/ 1st Person
✨Hidden Identity
✨Magic
✨Talking Animals
✨Mind Powers
✨Past Trauma/Hidden memories
✨Spicy 1/5
✨Will Burn the world for her
✨Found Family
What I like:
✅Rayna's growth in book 1 vs 2 is great as we see her get older. I love watching her experience new things and mature with it. While book 1 was funnier, we get to see elements of Rayna trying to do what is right and grasping the world she is being pushed in.
✅1 star always dedicated to talking animals (honestly wished there was more!)
✅Coen is still top book bf material, I love him and everything he does for Rayna and the people he cares about.
✅There was some plot twists I didn't see coming! Like they were obvious thinking about it but it still got me!
✅All the side characters have depth, I really like Rodhi's side story!
✅Mariah does a good job of laying out the plot/key points that come to fruition later!
✅The romance is so sweet! Building the trust again, I just loved it.
✅I also really liked the take on more magic here. Super cool to see magic other than what Rayna is used to. ;)
What I didn't like:
Nothing :)
What to expect:
✨1 POV/ 1st Person
✨Hidden Identity
✨Magic
✨Talking Animals
✨Mind Powers
✨Past Trauma/Hidden memories
✨Spicy 1/5
✨Will Burn the world for her
✨Found Family
What I like:
✅Rayna's growth in book 1 vs 2 is great as we see her get older. I love watching her experience new things and mature with it. While book 1 was funnier, we get to see elements of Rayna trying to do what is right and grasping the world she is being pushed in.
✅1 star always dedicated to talking animals (honestly wished there was more!)
✅Coen is still top book bf material, I love him and everything he does for Rayna and the people he cares about.
✅There was some plot twists I didn't see coming! Like they were obvious thinking about it but it still got me!
✅All the side characters have depth, I really like Rodhi's side story!
✅Mariah does a good job of laying out the plot/key points that come to fruition later!
✅The romance is so sweet! Building the trust again, I just loved it.
✅I also really liked the take on more magic here. Super cool to see magic other than what Rayna is used to. ;)
What I didn't like:
Nothing :)
January 28, 2025
Thank you so much for an advanced copy of by the Moonbeam and the Mist!! I was ready to devour this book when I picked it up and it delivered everything I wanted and so much more. I absolutely adore Reyna and how she clever she is. Every plot twist had me gasping in the best way possible and I will be recommending this book to everyone in my life.
The world of this book is so well thought out and everything ties together so nicely. Everything has a reason for why it is the way it is and every action has a reason behind it. The characters are so well thought out and developed throughout this book building on what was already established in by the orchid and the owl.
PLEASE READ THIS BOOK I BEG OF THEE.
The world of this book is so well thought out and everything ties together so nicely. Everything has a reason for why it is the way it is and every action has a reason behind it. The characters are so well thought out and developed throughout this book building on what was already established in by the orchid and the owl.
PLEASE READ THIS BOOK I BEG OF THEE.
October 8, 2025
As per my review of the first book, I devoured the first 2 books in this series (unfortunately, at the time of writing, the only books out in this series) in a 72-hour period, which is incredibly rare for me to find books that to can do that, and even rarer to have 2 books in a row or series that can do that.
The Second book expanded on the plot given by the cliffhanger ending of the first book, where Rayna finds gaps in her memory and is given one order. Bring Coen Steeler, the boy she believes is a traitorous pirate who has hurt her beyond repair.
MY GOODNESS this book took us for a ride. The lore drops. The angst. The fight scenes. The magic shifts... IYKYK. Just this book had us shifted forward in our reading chairs anticipating what was going to be thrown at us next. Incredible.
The Second book expanded on the plot given by the cliffhanger ending of the first book, where Rayna finds gaps in her memory and is given one order. Bring Coen Steeler, the boy she believes is a traitorous pirate who has hurt her beyond repair.
MY GOODNESS this book took us for a ride. The lore drops. The angst. The fight scenes. The magic shifts... IYKYK. Just this book had us shifted forward in our reading chairs anticipating what was going to be thrown at us next. Incredible.
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