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The Feral Gods #2
The Lore of Silver
A STOLEN RELIC. A MISSING GIRL. A HORROR UNLEASHED.
Lyta is trying her best. She's determined to stay out of trouble, steer clear of her beloved Sylvian and the queen he is bound to serve, and-most importantly-not embarrass her brother Kit. So when Kit asks her to help the temple recover their stolen relics, Lyta can't say no. After all, who better to track down thieves than someone blessed by trickster god Ennin himself?
But the search quickly leads her into conflict with the Blacksmiths' Guild - and when Sylvian steps in to protect her, staying away from palace politics becomes harder than Lyta ever imagined.
Kit misses Ben. The scholar has been buried in a secretive project at the Blacksmiths' Guild, and their time together has dwindled to fleeting moments. But when a desperate search for Lord Alderton's missing sister pulls Kit deeper into that same shadowy world, he uncovers a conspiracy reaching far beyond one lost girl.
Because when Lyta crossed the veil, she tore a hole in it. And now something vast and ancient is clawing its way into Amberes. Something so terrible, even the gods are afraid.
Tropes
Magical Heist 💫
Childhood friends to enemies...to lovers 💖
Second chance romance ❤️🩹
Alt History Renaissance 📜
Found family 🫂
Lyta is trying her best. She's determined to stay out of trouble, steer clear of her beloved Sylvian and the queen he is bound to serve, and-most importantly-not embarrass her brother Kit. So when Kit asks her to help the temple recover their stolen relics, Lyta can't say no. After all, who better to track down thieves than someone blessed by trickster god Ennin himself?
But the search quickly leads her into conflict with the Blacksmiths' Guild - and when Sylvian steps in to protect her, staying away from palace politics becomes harder than Lyta ever imagined.
Kit misses Ben. The scholar has been buried in a secretive project at the Blacksmiths' Guild, and their time together has dwindled to fleeting moments. But when a desperate search for Lord Alderton's missing sister pulls Kit deeper into that same shadowy world, he uncovers a conspiracy reaching far beyond one lost girl.
Because when Lyta crossed the veil, she tore a hole in it. And now something vast and ancient is clawing its way into Amberes. Something so terrible, even the gods are afraid.
Tropes
Magical Heist 💫
Childhood friends to enemies...to lovers 💖
Second chance romance ❤️🩹
Alt History Renaissance 📜
Found family 🫂
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2025
About the author
Ruth Frances Long
13 books312 followersRuth Frances Long / Jessica Thorne writes romance and fantasy from the heart which often strays into weird and wonderful liminal places. She works in a specialized library of rare & occasionally crazy books.
As Ruth Frances Long she writes fantasy, often about scary fairies. In 2015 she won the European Science Fiction Society Spirit of Dedication Award for Best Author of Children’s Science Fiction and Fantasy for A Crack in Everything. Her latest series Feral Gods, an adult fantasy trilogy from Hodderscape featuring “an alternate-Renaissance fantasy world and inspired by the early days of printing in Europe” begins with The Book of Gold, continues with The Lore of Silver (November 2025) and finishes with The God of Bronze (November 2026).
The Book of Gold was longlisted for the 2025 BSFA award and was selected for the Locus Recommended Reading List for 2024.
As Jessica Thorne she writes adult fantasy women’s fiction, which wanders from Space Opera to time travel to epic fantasy, including The Lost Queen trilogy (A Touch of Shadows, A Kiss of Flame and A Crown of Darkness), The Water Witch, The Bookbinder’s Daughter, The Lost Girl’s of Foxfield Hall, The Queen’s Wing, The Hollow King duology (Mageborn and Nightborn). The Stone’s Heart was nominated for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Romantic Fantasy novel of the year in 2020. Her Irish gothic romance Wildewood came out in January 2026.
Ruth has been nominated for the European Science Fiction Society (ESFS) 2026 Hall of Fame Awards as Best Author.
She is represented by Sallyanne Sweeney of Mulcahy Associates, London.
As Ruth Frances Long she writes fantasy, often about scary fairies. In 2015 she won the European Science Fiction Society Spirit of Dedication Award for Best Author of Children’s Science Fiction and Fantasy for A Crack in Everything. Her latest series Feral Gods, an adult fantasy trilogy from Hodderscape featuring “an alternate-Renaissance fantasy world and inspired by the early days of printing in Europe” begins with The Book of Gold, continues with The Lore of Silver (November 2025) and finishes with The God of Bronze (November 2026).
The Book of Gold was longlisted for the 2025 BSFA award and was selected for the Locus Recommended Reading List for 2024.
As Jessica Thorne she writes adult fantasy women’s fiction, which wanders from Space Opera to time travel to epic fantasy, including The Lost Queen trilogy (A Touch of Shadows, A Kiss of Flame and A Crown of Darkness), The Water Witch, The Bookbinder’s Daughter, The Lost Girl’s of Foxfield Hall, The Queen’s Wing, The Hollow King duology (Mageborn and Nightborn). The Stone’s Heart was nominated for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Romantic Fantasy novel of the year in 2020. Her Irish gothic romance Wildewood came out in January 2026.
Ruth has been nominated for the European Science Fiction Society (ESFS) 2026 Hall of Fame Awards as Best Author.
She is represented by Sallyanne Sweeney of Mulcahy Associates, London.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 13, 2026
The Book of Gold was one of my favourite reads of 2024, making The Lore of Silver one of my most anticipated releases of 2025, so much so that I reread (and adored just as much) TBOG in preparation beforehand. Which makes it all the more devastating that I didn’t love this book at all.
So much was happening in this book that I was confused 80% of the time. The characters I adored from book one were lost to the plot and the stream of new characters introduced.
It’s very possible that I was too tired to follow all the plot threads (my brain is not its peak right now) and I’m sure it’s a book that I’d enjoy more on a second read. Whether or not I’ll finish this series, I’m not sure. I’m willing to give the next book a chance and maybe reread this one to see if it was simply a case of ‘right book, wrong time’. Right now though, I’m going to wallow in my grief over this now blowing me away in the same way book one did.
So much was happening in this book that I was confused 80% of the time. The characters I adored from book one were lost to the plot and the stream of new characters introduced.
It’s very possible that I was too tired to follow all the plot threads (my brain is not its peak right now) and I’m sure it’s a book that I’d enjoy more on a second read. Whether or not I’ll finish this series, I’m not sure. I’m willing to give the next book a chance and maybe reread this one to see if it was simply a case of ‘right book, wrong time’. Right now though, I’m going to wallow in my grief over this now blowing me away in the same way book one did.
January 15, 2026
Review originally on Jamreads
The Lore of Silver is the second book in the historical inspired fantasy series The Feral Gods, written by Ruth Frances Long, published by Hodderscape. An instalment that takes us back to Amberes after the events of the Book of Gold, a return to this richly crafted world where Lyta will need to find a stolen relic and understand what's happening with the Blacksmiths' Guild; an adventure with a darker tone than the previous one and that continues fleshing the world of the series.
Lyta is trying her best to stay out of trouble; but when Kit asks her to help the temple to recover its stolen relics, she's forced to jump into it. But meddling with relics also implies meddling with gods, and her search takes her to the Blacksmiths' Guild, discovering the new project that has been absorbing Ben; a project whose implications might go further, with something ancient and vast clawing its way to Amberes.
At the same time, Kit is contacted by Lord Alderton: the desperation to find his lost sister will make Kit dive into the shadowy world of Amberes, pointing to a conspiracy that goes further than a disappeared girl.
Lyta continues supporting most of the narrative weight, being the character that takes the spotlight; her relationship with Sylvain and how she's trying to avoid him is still a complicated theme that fuels part of the mayhem of this plot. Kit's arc is a glad surprise, as he passes to be a more fleshed out character, especially as we see the struggles in his relationship with Ben, how he's experiencing grief and pain, and how that drives his personal growth.
Sylvain is between the stone and the wall, trying to balance his obligations as Queen's guard and how he really feels; he's suffering because of his feelings for Lyta, but his duty sense ties him to Annika. His arc is a bit more secondary until all escalates, but he still plays an important role.
The worldbuilding continues being one highlight of this series: not only for how detailed is Amberes, almost transporting the reader to its streets, but also the richness of the lore behind it. The stakes are higher, building over the events of book one, but there's still the same feeling of found family among the characters.
The pacing is well balanced, slower at the start, building the sense of mystery and myth to eventually let it all explode.
The Lore of Silver is a great second instalment in the Feral Gods series, a proposal that I recommend if you are looking for a historical inspired fantasy with a dash of romance and a focus on its atmosphere. Can't wait to see how Ruth Frances Long wraps the trilogy!
The Lore of Silver is the second book in the historical inspired fantasy series The Feral Gods, written by Ruth Frances Long, published by Hodderscape. An instalment that takes us back to Amberes after the events of the Book of Gold, a return to this richly crafted world where Lyta will need to find a stolen relic and understand what's happening with the Blacksmiths' Guild; an adventure with a darker tone than the previous one and that continues fleshing the world of the series.
Lyta is trying her best to stay out of trouble; but when Kit asks her to help the temple to recover its stolen relics, she's forced to jump into it. But meddling with relics also implies meddling with gods, and her search takes her to the Blacksmiths' Guild, discovering the new project that has been absorbing Ben; a project whose implications might go further, with something ancient and vast clawing its way to Amberes.
At the same time, Kit is contacted by Lord Alderton: the desperation to find his lost sister will make Kit dive into the shadowy world of Amberes, pointing to a conspiracy that goes further than a disappeared girl.
Lyta continues supporting most of the narrative weight, being the character that takes the spotlight; her relationship with Sylvain and how she's trying to avoid him is still a complicated theme that fuels part of the mayhem of this plot. Kit's arc is a glad surprise, as he passes to be a more fleshed out character, especially as we see the struggles in his relationship with Ben, how he's experiencing grief and pain, and how that drives his personal growth.
Sylvain is between the stone and the wall, trying to balance his obligations as Queen's guard and how he really feels; he's suffering because of his feelings for Lyta, but his duty sense ties him to Annika. His arc is a bit more secondary until all escalates, but he still plays an important role.
The worldbuilding continues being one highlight of this series: not only for how detailed is Amberes, almost transporting the reader to its streets, but also the richness of the lore behind it. The stakes are higher, building over the events of book one, but there's still the same feeling of found family among the characters.
The pacing is well balanced, slower at the start, building the sense of mystery and myth to eventually let it all explode.
The Lore of Silver is a great second instalment in the Feral Gods series, a proposal that I recommend if you are looking for a historical inspired fantasy with a dash of romance and a focus on its atmosphere. Can't wait to see how Ruth Frances Long wraps the trilogy!
February 18, 2026
I would never have guessed this was a middle book. It was just so action-packed and felt even more convoluted and agonizing because of all the emotions that spilled over from the first book. When I say I want a heisty fantasy, this is what I mean. Lyta just may be my new favorite thief.
The in-world mythology of this story is also creative AF, especially when the religious zealots come out to wreak havoc and play with the nature of gods. That's not normally my cuppa, but when it's realized with aspects of the gods residing IN people, I find I rather like it. Play stupid games with gods, win stupid god-like prizes. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Or something like that.
And though I like romantasy, I love that the relationships in this series take a backseat to everything else going on. Who has time for love when there are relics to steal, people to betray, and alchemy to play with?
And thank the gods (pun intended) for UK editions cause I only have to wait until November to get a copy and rejoin my thieving bestie and her cohort. I feel like my ride or dies went off on another adventure and left me behind...
The in-world mythology of this story is also creative AF, especially when the religious zealots come out to wreak havoc and play with the nature of gods. That's not normally my cuppa, but when it's realized with aspects of the gods residing IN people, I find I rather like it. Play stupid games with gods, win stupid god-like prizes. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Or something like that.
And though I like romantasy, I love that the relationships in this series take a backseat to everything else going on. Who has time for love when there are relics to steal, people to betray, and alchemy to play with?
And thank the gods (pun intended) for UK editions cause I only have to wait until November to get a copy and rejoin my thieving bestie and her cohort. I feel like my ride or dies went off on another adventure and left me behind...
November 24, 2025
Lyta, Kit & Sylvian all have my heart!!
I love these characters, I love this world and I love this story.
I need book 3 NOW pls
I love these characters, I love this world and I love this story.
I need book 3 NOW pls
November 28, 2025
Well and truly an absolute banger, and somehow a step-up from the first installment.
My lawyers will be in touch because of the emotional damage caused by that ending, please put the next installment into my hands ASAP.
My lawyers will be in touch because of the emotional damage caused by that ending, please put the next installment into my hands ASAP.
March 15, 2026
These books are so adventurous! But also confusing…there are things mentioned that don’t make much sense/show up out of nowhere, tons of repetition, and the majority of what you know is told not shown.
November 10, 2025
Okay, confession time: I originally requested The Lore of Silver without realising it was a sequel 🤦🏻♀️ which meant I had to grab The Book of Gold first just to make sense of things. Best decision ever.
Lyta is still trying her best to stay out of trouble (and failing spectacularly). Between meddling gods, stolen relics, and her ever-complicated connection with Sylvian, this sequel ramps up both the magic and the mayhem. Kit’s emotional arc really stood out - his growth, grief, and determination gave the story its heart and depth.
The world feels darker, richer, and far more dangerous this time around. The stakes are higher, the gods more unhinged, and the balance between power, loyalty, and family hits exactly where it should. When the veil tears and something ancient tries to claws its way through? Chills.
It’s got the same myth, mystery, and found-family chaos that made the first book shine - only sharper, tenser, and with even more heartbreak. The pacing is tight, the tension delicious, and the writing just gets better.
A thrilling, divine-tinged follow-up that sets up the finale perfectly.
I can’t wait to see how Ruth Frances Long wraps up the trilogy - because after that ending, the gods clearly aren’t finished yet.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
Lyta is still trying her best to stay out of trouble (and failing spectacularly). Between meddling gods, stolen relics, and her ever-complicated connection with Sylvian, this sequel ramps up both the magic and the mayhem. Kit’s emotional arc really stood out - his growth, grief, and determination gave the story its heart and depth.
The world feels darker, richer, and far more dangerous this time around. The stakes are higher, the gods more unhinged, and the balance between power, loyalty, and family hits exactly where it should. When the veil tears and something ancient tries to claws its way through? Chills.
It’s got the same myth, mystery, and found-family chaos that made the first book shine - only sharper, tenser, and with even more heartbreak. The pacing is tight, the tension delicious, and the writing just gets better.
A thrilling, divine-tinged follow-up that sets up the finale perfectly.
I can’t wait to see how Ruth Frances Long wraps up the trilogy - because after that ending, the gods clearly aren’t finished yet.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
December 3, 2025
It had been quite a while since I’d read The Book of Gold, the first in the series, so it took me a moment to dive back into the world of The Feral Gods and re-establish who was who and just what on earth was going on! It’s such a richly crafted world that you feel immersed in the city of Amberes and the multitude of characters - both human and gods - that populate it. I could feel the streets around me, the narrow alleys of the Rookery, and almost scent the inks in Kit’s print shop.
This book definitely feels darker than the first, which had a heist at its heart. This time, we’re battling for the soul not only of the city but some of its most beloved denizens. Lyta, as always, is an unexpected and reluctant heroine, and I enjoyed her grumbles as much as ever. But I particularly loved Sylvian in this book - he’s so torn between his conflicting desires and responsibilities.
There are some gloriously theatrical villains who you absolutely don’t want to succeed but are enjoyable to watch all the same. This book was an incredibly fun romp, and while I wouldn’t say it ended on a cliffhanger, there’s certainly a perfect setup for the next book - which I can’t wait to read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
This book definitely feels darker than the first, which had a heist at its heart. This time, we’re battling for the soul not only of the city but some of its most beloved denizens. Lyta, as always, is an unexpected and reluctant heroine, and I enjoyed her grumbles as much as ever. But I particularly loved Sylvian in this book - he’s so torn between his conflicting desires and responsibilities.
There are some gloriously theatrical villains who you absolutely don’t want to succeed but are enjoyable to watch all the same. This book was an incredibly fun romp, and while I wouldn’t say it ended on a cliffhanger, there’s certainly a perfect setup for the next book - which I can’t wait to read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
January 19, 2026
3.5/5
The Lore of Silver is #2 in the Feral Gods Trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed the first installment, The Book of Gold, and will read the finale in #3. However, Lore of Silver fell quite flat for me. There were some wonderful depictions of alchemists and relic thiefs which was interesting, but beyond that... I was honestly a little bored? Despite things still happening in the plot, it felt very slow, and the stakes much lower than book #1. I felt there was a lot of recapping going on- useful if you've had a break between books, but as I read them back to back it was very frustrating. While I appreciate the characters were still dealing with the fallout of these events, I didn't need to read a recap of each event in detail.
Overall, I will still read the next book, so if the idea of chaotic gods, alchemy, and complex love stories intrigues you greatly, I would still recommend this series so far.
Thanks to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and Hodderscape for the ARC.
The Lore of Silver is #2 in the Feral Gods Trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed the first installment, The Book of Gold, and will read the finale in #3. However, Lore of Silver fell quite flat for me. There were some wonderful depictions of alchemists and relic thiefs which was interesting, but beyond that... I was honestly a little bored? Despite things still happening in the plot, it felt very slow, and the stakes much lower than book #1. I felt there was a lot of recapping going on- useful if you've had a break between books, but as I read them back to back it was very frustrating. While I appreciate the characters were still dealing with the fallout of these events, I didn't need to read a recap of each event in detail.
Overall, I will still read the next book, so if the idea of chaotic gods, alchemy, and complex love stories intrigues you greatly, I would still recommend this series so far.
Thanks to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and Hodderscape for the ARC.
November 7, 2025
Fantasy. After reading book one I decided the Gods weren’t finished with their playfully meddling. Well book 2 proved this to be the case. Some whimper, some bicker and some want to subjugate. But for all that there are humans who are much more abhorrently deceitful. It’s good that there are some ready to stand up and fight for what is right. But will the Gods help them or hinder them? Again I come to the end and think the Gods have more to say. I’m ready to read the next installment. Read the books in order if you can. Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
December 18, 2025
This is the second book in what is currently my favourite series. The world of the Feral Gods has a depth and richness that is engrossing. The Gods are capricious and dangerous. The humans are flawed and strong and very very human.
I am totally invested in the characters and their story - which like the best stories is complex and emotional and surprising and... and... and...
I can't wait for the third book.
I am totally invested in the characters and their story - which like the best stories is complex and emotional and surprising and... and... and...
I can't wait for the third book.
November 20, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC.
We are back in the world of Lyta, Sylvan, Kit and co.
Lyta is still finding herself in trouble and needing Sylvan no matter how she tries not to.
When a body is found and artifacts stolen who you gonna call?
I love the characters and the twists and turns.
Everything about this story draws you in.
Can I have book three please???
We are back in the world of Lyta, Sylvan, Kit and co.
Lyta is still finding herself in trouble and needing Sylvan no matter how she tries not to.
When a body is found and artifacts stolen who you gonna call?
I love the characters and the twists and turns.
Everything about this story draws you in.
Can I have book three please???
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews