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The Courting of Bristol Keats #2
The Last Wish of Bristol Keats
Liebe, Verrat und Found Family in Elfheim
569 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2025
497 people are currently reading
10341 people want to read
About the author
Mary E. Pearson
48 books15.5k followersMary E. Pearson is the International and NYT bestselling and award-winning author of multiple novels including her adult debut novel, The Courting of Bristol Keats, about a woman from a small town who is unexpectedly plunged into a world of gods, fae, and monsters.
Her other books include The Remnant Chronicles—The Kiss of Deception, The Heart of Betrayal, and The Beauty of Darkness—and its spin-off duology Dance of Thieves and Vow of Thieves. Mary's awards and honors include the Golden Kite for fiction, ALA Best Books, NYPL Best Books, IRA Choice Books, YALSA Teens Top Ten, Arkansas and South Carolina Young Adult Book Awards, and her science-fiction novel, The Adoration of Jenna Fox, was an Andre Norton Award Finalist. Her books have been translated into over thirty languages world-wide.
As a child she loved reading about and living in fantasy worlds. They were a portal to possibility that provided both escape and power. These days she loves writing about those worlds for the same reasons. She totally believes in magic, because, as one of her characters once whispered to her, “What is magic, but what we don’t yet understand?”
When she is not creating dangerous fantasy worlds, she enjoys the relatively safe pleasures of travel, gardening, friends, and family. Visit Mary on Instagram @maryepearson for book news and updates.
Her other books include The Remnant Chronicles—The Kiss of Deception, The Heart of Betrayal, and The Beauty of Darkness—and its spin-off duology Dance of Thieves and Vow of Thieves. Mary's awards and honors include the Golden Kite for fiction, ALA Best Books, NYPL Best Books, IRA Choice Books, YALSA Teens Top Ten, Arkansas and South Carolina Young Adult Book Awards, and her science-fiction novel, The Adoration of Jenna Fox, was an Andre Norton Award Finalist. Her books have been translated into over thirty languages world-wide.
As a child she loved reading about and living in fantasy worlds. They were a portal to possibility that provided both escape and power. These days she loves writing about those worlds for the same reasons. She totally believes in magic, because, as one of her characters once whispered to her, “What is magic, but what we don’t yet understand?”
When she is not creating dangerous fantasy worlds, she enjoys the relatively safe pleasures of travel, gardening, friends, and family. Visit Mary on Instagram @maryepearson for book news and updates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 515 reviews
October 18, 2025
When the title ruins the ending…
This duology is for readers who want The Cruel Prince, but want to quickly zoom past the enemies to lovers.
I found a lot of this book repetitive. I think it would have been too much to make this a standalone instead, but there was so much filler. There were also too many POVs which didn’t add anything that could have been told through our main characters.
“Maybe endings are more important than beginnings.”
Maybe so, she thought. Beginnings were made of hope, but endings were made of stubbornness and determination.
I hate the trend where Young Adult books are made Adult to include many steamy scenes. This read like a YA, the characters acted as such, and then you just get 18+ moments.
I didn’t hate the book as this is probably what you’re thinking. It is a bingable and easy read even if I found Bristol a frustrating character in this sequel.
I think this is a high two stars🌟 because I definitely binged it, but I found so many aspects disappointing. Especially the ending which almost made me give it an automatic two stars.
Complete change of tone and character arcs. It felt rushed and unsatisfying because of it. This might change as this is an early copy.
Physical arc gifted by Pan MacMillan.
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This duology is for readers who want The Cruel Prince, but want to quickly zoom past the enemies to lovers.
I found a lot of this book repetitive. I think it would have been too much to make this a standalone instead, but there was so much filler. There were also too many POVs which didn’t add anything that could have been told through our main characters.
“Maybe endings are more important than beginnings.”
Maybe so, she thought. Beginnings were made of hope, but endings were made of stubbornness and determination.
I hate the trend where Young Adult books are made Adult to include many steamy scenes. This read like a YA, the characters acted as such, and then you just get 18+ moments.
I didn’t hate the book as this is probably what you’re thinking. It is a bingable and easy read even if I found Bristol a frustrating character in this sequel.
I think this is a high two stars🌟 because I definitely binged it, but I found so many aspects disappointing. Especially the ending which almost made me give it an automatic two stars.
Complete change of tone and character arcs. It felt rushed and unsatisfying because of it. This might change as this is an early copy.
Physical arc gifted by Pan MacMillan.
Bookstagram
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November 14, 2025
November 14, 2025
83728834747/5
My god. The way this book took me for a ride. I’m literally bawling my eyes out writing this review. I was expecting a nice, clean cut HEA but no. No, it was so TRAGIC and every time I remember what happened, I cry again. My hope was utterly crushed and I felt what the characters were feeling, what Bristol was feeling.
There is a HEA, don’t worry but I haven’t cried like that while reading a book in a long, long time.
Excuse me while I go take a Tylenol for my crying-induced headache.
February 13, 2025
There’s a cover! Time to analyze it obsessively for clues 🕵️♀️
November 15, 2024
Note to self: Bristol is 22, Tyghan is 26
Her mother is 5 years older than her father. Her father now is 48. Her mom has red hair. Her father was born in the 1890s to an Indian father and Irish mother.
83728834747/5
My god. The way this book took me for a ride. I’m literally bawling my eyes out writing this review. I was expecting a nice, clean cut HEA but no. No, it was so TRAGIC and every time I remember what happened, I cry again. My hope was utterly crushed and I felt what the characters were feeling, what Bristol was feeling.
There is a HEA, don’t worry but I haven’t cried like that while reading a book in a long, long time.
Excuse me while I go take a Tylenol for my crying-induced headache.
February 13, 2025
There’s a cover! Time to analyze it obsessively for clues 🕵️♀️
November 15, 2024
Note to self: Bristol is 22, Tyghan is 26
Her mother is 5 years older than her father. Her father now is 48. Her mom has red hair. Her father was born in the 1890s to an Indian father and Irish mother.
November 24, 2025
Its been a while since i hated an ending this much
Want to read
November 11, 2024MARYYYY I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A STAND ALONE UMMMM????
November 6, 2025
If you loved the first book, this review is not for you. If, like me, you read the first and though "eh, it's not great but not the worst, I'll read the second just to finish it, how bad could it be" then this is for you.
I do not understand how this currently has over a 4 star rating. This book was essentially the battle of the mommy issues, with some random and rather uncomfortable smut thrown in. Oh no, my mom tried to kill us all and said I mean nothing, guess we better go bang it out. The whole thing was redundant and muddled, half of the time I really didn't know what was going on or whose POV we were supposed to be following, and honestly I started to not even care. The ending was terrible, an absolute waste. If we're going to introduce a new magic, why do it at the end and do absolutely nothing with it? This book felt unnecessary, unpleasant, and borderline unreadable if I hadn't been listening to it instead. The one saving grace is the audiobook narrator, she is doing her absolute best with what she was given.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan for the chance to check it out early. Unfortunately, I will not be buying a copy.
I do not understand how this currently has over a 4 star rating. This book was essentially the battle of the mommy issues, with some random and rather uncomfortable smut thrown in. Oh no, my mom tried to kill us all and said I mean nothing, guess we better go bang it out. The whole thing was redundant and muddled, half of the time I really didn't know what was going on or whose POV we were supposed to be following, and honestly I started to not even care. The ending was terrible, an absolute waste. If we're going to introduce a new magic, why do it at the end and do absolutely nothing with it? This book felt unnecessary, unpleasant, and borderline unreadable if I hadn't been listening to it instead. The one saving grace is the audiobook narrator, she is doing her absolute best with what she was given.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan for the chance to check it out early. Unfortunately, I will not be buying a copy.
November 8, 2025
4.5 stars
I was not ready for that ending! The emotional devastation was real.
🌠 Romantasy
🌠 Separate fae and mortal worlds
🌠 Royal courts
🌠 Fae knights
🌠 Deadly threats
🌠 Family, love, and secrets
🌠 Second book in a duology
I enjoyed The Last Wish of Bristol Keats more than the first book. It was faster paced and I was more gripped. Not to mention the sheer heartache and anguish. So, obviously I need you to all go and read this duology to share in it.
I was not ready for that ending! The emotional devastation was real.
🌠 Romantasy
🌠 Separate fae and mortal worlds
🌠 Royal courts
🌠 Fae knights
🌠 Deadly threats
🌠 Family, love, and secrets
🌠 Second book in a duology
I enjoyed The Last Wish of Bristol Keats more than the first book. It was faster paced and I was more gripped. Not to mention the sheer heartache and anguish. So, obviously I need you to all go and read this duology to share in it.
November 16, 2025
So disappointed in this. The book felt like so much filler, I’d have thought it was the second in a trilogy. And then the ending?? Things don’t make sense, they already established that time works differently between Elfhame and the mortal world, but when it suits the needs of the author 8 years = 8 years in both?? And she’s claiming she didn’t tell him about his son because she didn’t know about the timemark, but she sent a letter to him not using the timemark. A lot of strange choices for the end. And despite being like we won’t fight and refuse to work it out 3 times already, she immediately does that when she’s grieving. I think the author needed more help here in writing for adults. This is her first foray into the adult world, and this showed it more than the first one for some reason. Just because you add spice scenes to a book doesn’t make it NA. The actions and thought processes also matter.
🌶️: 2.5/5
🌶️: 2.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
When? Please don’t say we have to wait a whole year.
I also hadn’t realised this would be a series… consider me impatiently invested!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Okay now I’ve read the book, I can confirm it was worth the wait, absolute perfection & more than I’d hoped for. I loved the characters so much, & felt all the emotions with them, everyone had a moment to shine. Devastating, hopeful, & full of love, there was darkness but so much magic & light too. The found family, the beauty in the monstrous, the stubbornness giving way to forgiveness, & not forgetting Bristol’s big moment, it was all brilliant! I really loved the ending, my heart!
I also hadn’t realised this would be a series… consider me impatiently invested!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Okay now I’ve read the book, I can confirm it was worth the wait, absolute perfection & more than I’d hoped for. I loved the characters so much, & felt all the emotions with them, everyone had a moment to shine. Devastating, hopeful, & full of love, there was darkness but so much magic & light too. The found family, the beauty in the monstrous, the stubbornness giving way to forgiveness, & not forgetting Bristol’s big moment, it was all brilliant! I really loved the ending, my heart!
October 13, 2025
‘I don’t care how many times we stumble, I will always come back to you.’
This was a good end to the duology, but it definitely dragged a little bit. Also the ending I was like wtf? Kind of just pissed me off. Not the vibe unfortunately
This was a good end to the duology, but it definitely dragged a little bit. Also the ending I was like wtf? Kind of just pissed me off. Not the vibe unfortunately
October 21, 2025
3.5⭐️
I have mixed feelings about this book as I went through several stages while reading it, from being slightly bored at the start, to becoming more engaged as things sped up, to being suspicious of how well everything was going, to trying to keep up with what felt like an extremely rushed finale, to getting whiplash from events after the finale.
I really wish I could’ve enjoyed this more as I did love the characters, but it felt like there was something missing. Things were either happening very fast, or we were plowing through sections that just felt like filler. Everything was either rosy (and steamy) or everybody was arguing.
And then the ending……just didn’t work for me. I have never cycled through so many different emotions so fast, and it all just left me in a bit of a disillusioned slump.
I have mixed feelings about this book as I went through several stages while reading it, from being slightly bored at the start, to becoming more engaged as things sped up, to being suspicious of how well everything was going, to trying to keep up with what felt like an extremely rushed finale, to getting whiplash from events after the finale.
I really wish I could’ve enjoyed this more as I did love the characters, but it felt like there was something missing. Things were either happening very fast, or we were plowing through sections that just felt like filler. Everything was either rosy (and steamy) or everybody was arguing.
And then the ending……just didn’t work for me. I have never cycled through so many different emotions so fast, and it all just left me in a bit of a disillusioned slump.
January 1, 2026
⭐️ 3.75 stars ⭐️
I didn’t enjoy this sequel as much as the first one.
I’m not quite sure why, and I’m guessing my mood may have played a part in it.
But there were a few things that rubbed me the wrong way:
• Bristol’s naivety. This girl will blindly believe things and people despite all evidence pointing to the opposite. She’ll go out of her way to pretend it’s not like that and that others are just misunderstanding things. I really don’t like this kind of blind naivety, it feels immature and, to be honest, just plain stupid when people’s lives are at stake.
Also, her thinking that almost getting stabbed to death by your best friend and brother and being hunted daily is the same as her own childhood of constantly moving around? Girl. Be so for real.
• Miscommunication, secrets, and distrust. I get that the first book relied on secrets and that it was part of the mystery, but why, even halfway through the last book, are the main characters still keeping things from each other? While at the same time claiming to be head over heels, trusting each other with their lives, etc. This just doesn’t add up.
Not to mention the childish behavior of moving in and out after a stupid fight. Giving up completely on their relationship with each other. The way I rolled my eyes.
I did love the pacing, the amount of action, and the multiple POVs. There’s always a lot going on, on multiple levels, and it’s easy to stay engaged with the story.
The ending also made my jaw drop to the floor. I loved the twists, and I always appreciate it when an author isn’t afraid to take turns that hurt the reader’s heart a little.
I didn’t enjoy this sequel as much as the first one.
I’m not quite sure why, and I’m guessing my mood may have played a part in it.
But there were a few things that rubbed me the wrong way:
• Bristol’s naivety. This girl will blindly believe things and people despite all evidence pointing to the opposite. She’ll go out of her way to pretend it’s not like that and that others are just misunderstanding things. I really don’t like this kind of blind naivety, it feels immature and, to be honest, just plain stupid when people’s lives are at stake.
Also, her thinking that almost getting stabbed to death by your best friend and brother and being hunted daily is the same as her own childhood of constantly moving around? Girl. Be so for real.
• Miscommunication, secrets, and distrust. I get that the first book relied on secrets and that it was part of the mystery, but why, even halfway through the last book, are the main characters still keeping things from each other? While at the same time claiming to be head over heels, trusting each other with their lives, etc. This just doesn’t add up.
Not to mention the childish behavior of moving in and out after a stupid fight. Giving up completely on their relationship with each other. The way I rolled my eyes.
I did love the pacing, the amount of action, and the multiple POVs. There’s always a lot going on, on multiple levels, and it’s easy to stay engaged with the story.
The ending also made my jaw drop to the floor. I loved the twists, and I always appreciate it when an author isn’t afraid to take turns that hurt the reader’s heart a little.
October 13, 2025
It was a very smooth and easy read, and I flew through this book quickly. However, I think it’s better to read this sequel directly after The Courting of Bristol Keats. The Last Wish picks up exactly where the previous book ended, and I must admit it took me some time to remember everything that had happened up until that point. There isn’t much exposition in book two, which is generally a good thing, but in cases like mine it can be a bit disorienting.
Overall, I think I liked this sequel a bit less than the first book, and I can’t quite put my finger on why. The pacing wasn’t an issue, so I think the story just wasn’t as exciting for me this time around. The plot (and the ending) felt quite predictable and straightforward, and unlike book one, there wasn’t any mystery or major reveal to keep things intriguing. I also wasn’t fully convinced by the number of new POVs that kept popping up unexpectedly. At times, it felt a bit confusing.
That said, I still had a good time with this book. I believe anyone who enjoyed the first one should definitely pick up the sequel, because at the end of the day, it does deliver a solid entertainment.
Thank you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, I think I liked this sequel a bit less than the first book, and I can’t quite put my finger on why. The pacing wasn’t an issue, so I think the story just wasn’t as exciting for me this time around. The plot (and the ending) felt quite predictable and straightforward, and unlike book one, there wasn’t any mystery or major reveal to keep things intriguing. I also wasn’t fully convinced by the number of new POVs that kept popping up unexpectedly. At times, it felt a bit confusing.
That said, I still had a good time with this book. I believe anyone who enjoyed the first one should definitely pick up the sequel, because at the end of the day, it does deliver a solid entertainment.
Thank you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2025
Ever since Dance of Thieves, I’ve loved Mary E. Pearson.
So, as fans, we’ve patiently waited about 4 years while she was brewing up Bristol Keats.
And book one, didn’t fully hook me. 🫣 I chalked it up for trust issues with the MMC. Or that I tend not love magic transitions from a contemporary setting to mythical one as much. Or that the cover art confuses me. (Book two, I feel the same confusion.) Or that the adult romance surprised me. I mean she said adult but I didn’t know we were going there.
(But we are going there and book two doubles down on that spicy romance.)
But I knew that even though I wasn’t 100% sold, to trust her process. And I was right, Pearson knows how land the wordy plane smoothly.
And even though this didn’t reach comfort-read/forever favorite Dance of Thieves status, this popcorn-infused duo is still worth your TBR time, especially via audio. Brittany Pressley does an impressive job for such a large character cast.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC. I can’t wait to see what Mary E Pearson thinks of next. We’ll patiently wait. 🥰
3.75/5 (Rounded up because I’m a sucker for sibling plots)
So, as fans, we’ve patiently waited about 4 years while she was brewing up Bristol Keats.
And book one, didn’t fully hook me. 🫣 I chalked it up for trust issues with the MMC. Or that I tend not love magic transitions from a contemporary setting to mythical one as much. Or that the cover art confuses me. (Book two, I feel the same confusion.) Or that the adult romance surprised me. I mean she said adult but I didn’t know we were going there.
(But we are going there and book two doubles down on that spicy romance.)
But I knew that even though I wasn’t 100% sold, to trust her process. And I was right, Pearson knows how land the wordy plane smoothly.
And even though this didn’t reach comfort-read/forever favorite Dance of Thieves status, this popcorn-infused duo is still worth your TBR time, especially via audio. Brittany Pressley does an impressive job for such a large character cast.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC. I can’t wait to see what Mary E Pearson thinks of next. We’ll patiently wait. 🥰
3.75/5 (Rounded up because I’m a sucker for sibling plots)
August 31, 2025
This book was so beautiful!
It picks up right where The Courting of Bristol Keats left off and the book immediately sucked me in. There wasn’t a moment where I wasn’t totally enchanted by this book, I absolutely LOVED every single detail of it. It was so well written and such an emotional read 🥺
I already adored the first book, but this book is just as good if not better. The importance of family, both genetic and found family, is such a big part of this duology and it was beautiful. The relationship between Bristol and Tyghan is *chefs kiss* 🤌🏻 Finally a couple who will TALK through their differences. Communication is top notch in these books and I love Mary for that! The yearning, the side characters, the sweet enemies to lovers romance, the magic system, the world building, the heartbreak, EVERYTHING was written so well.
Reading these books just felt like getting one of those big, warm hugs that you never want to break free from. These books feel like coming home and will forever be one of my all time favorites. Words can’t possible describe how magical these books were to me. Thank you, Mary, for writing these masterpieces. The ending to this duology was all I could wish for and more.
Thank you so much Pan MacMillan for sending me a proof copy! Forever grateful 🫶🏻
It picks up right where The Courting of Bristol Keats left off and the book immediately sucked me in. There wasn’t a moment where I wasn’t totally enchanted by this book, I absolutely LOVED every single detail of it. It was so well written and such an emotional read 🥺
I already adored the first book, but this book is just as good if not better. The importance of family, both genetic and found family, is such a big part of this duology and it was beautiful. The relationship between Bristol and Tyghan is *chefs kiss* 🤌🏻 Finally a couple who will TALK through their differences. Communication is top notch in these books and I love Mary for that! The yearning, the side characters, the sweet enemies to lovers romance, the magic system, the world building, the heartbreak, EVERYTHING was written so well.
Reading these books just felt like getting one of those big, warm hugs that you never want to break free from. These books feel like coming home and will forever be one of my all time favorites. Words can’t possible describe how magical these books were to me. Thank you, Mary, for writing these masterpieces. The ending to this duology was all I could wish for and more.
Thank you so much Pan MacMillan for sending me a proof copy! Forever grateful 🫶🏻
November 13, 2025
The Last Wish of Bristol Keats is a fast paced, emotionally charged conclusion to the duology. I enjoyed Courting but this instalment had more action, higher stakes and a tighter plot. It was a gripping story with short chapters and lots of character povs (sometimes overwhelmingly so).
Bristol becomes a more mature and compelling heroine and her deepening relationship with Tyghan feels realistic and heartfelt. The worldbuilding still shines and is full of fae courts and politics, portals, looming threats and lots of fun romantasy elements. This book was full of heartbreak and tension.
Personally the events leading up to the end weren’t for me (it’s a trope that never sits well) but the epilogue wraps up the story beautifully and overall the ending offers closure, romance and plenty of drama.
Thank you Tor Bramble for the digital ARC!
Bristol becomes a more mature and compelling heroine and her deepening relationship with Tyghan feels realistic and heartfelt. The worldbuilding still shines and is full of fae courts and politics, portals, looming threats and lots of fun romantasy elements. This book was full of heartbreak and tension.
Personally the events leading up to the end weren’t for me (it’s a trope that never sits well) but the epilogue wraps up the story beautifully and overall the ending offers closure, romance and plenty of drama.
Thank you Tor Bramble for the digital ARC!
November 30, 2025
When you don’t love the first book but decide to pick up the second book to see if the conclusion is any better, just don’t :)
One of the worst endings (even if it’s a “happy” ending) I’ve ever read.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC, Brittany Pressley was amazing with what she was given. Arguably, this book was better than the first one in ways but the ending fully ruined any enjoyment I did have.
This book felt extremely YA in its dialogue and themes. I was not surprised finding out that the author had only written YA before this. That’s not even a dig at the genre, I love YA!! But this book is marketed as Adult so I expect stronger themes that this just didn’t have. Bristol is INFURIATING and consistently made choices that had me so angry, she acted like a typical YA heroine.
One of the worst endings (even if it’s a “happy” ending) I’ve ever read.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC, Brittany Pressley was amazing with what she was given. Arguably, this book was better than the first one in ways but the ending fully ruined any enjoyment I did have.
This book felt extremely YA in its dialogue and themes. I was not surprised finding out that the author had only written YA before this. That’s not even a dig at the genre, I love YA!! But this book is marketed as Adult so I expect stronger themes that this just didn’t have. Bristol is INFURIATING and consistently made choices that had me so angry, she acted like a typical YA heroine.
December 3, 2025
The ending RUINED the series for me.
December 2, 2025
Need to reread dance of thieves to purge this from my brain. Ending was so unbelievably unsatisfying
November 12, 2025
This book felt choppy and rushed, a lot of it felt like filler before the final confrontation, but wowww did I hate that ending. That ending made everything that came before it feel like a never ending string of incomprehensible choices and half-baked ideas.
October 15, 2025
I enjoyed this but not as much as book 1. There's some decent action and the romance was really good - I actually really enjoyed the ending and how Tyghan and Bristol's relationship was handled - however there are a few tropes in this book that I think a lot of people will not like. The pacing is a bit off and there are a lot of side characters who'd I'd forgotten existed and got a bit bored with the focus on them. Overall, this was a good romantasy book although sometimes it felt a bit like it was just going through the motions but the romance was great.
The Courting of Bristol Keats book review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thank you to Pan Mac for a proof copy of this book!
The Courting of Bristol Keats book review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thank you to Pan Mac for a proof copy of this book!
October 29, 2025
4.5 rounded to 5. I really loved it but the ending left a little something to be desired. Review to come.Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Tor for providing me with a copy of this title to listen to and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is one of my most anticipated releases this year. I adored the first book, which I also got to listen to on audio. Brittany Pressley is the perfect narrator for this book. She does such a wonderful job with the pacing. She's also fabulous with the character voices, making each one distinct. Plus, she infused the perfect amount of emotion into the story. She brought ever single character to life,. She's one of my favorite audio book narrators and I was so happy to listen to her tell this tale.
This book jumps right in where the first book leaves off. It cannot be read as a stand alone if you want to know what's happened and has happened as it's truly connected to the previous book. There is a lot tied to what happened in The Courting of Bristol Keats which won't make much sense if you read this by itself. Pearson does a good job of tying that book in, but I don't think I could have followed along well had I not read the first book of this duolgy. I wish I could have gone back and re-read the first book before having to dive back into this one. While I remembered the story for the most parts, I really felt like I wanted to remind myself. But overall it didn't change how I felt about this installment.. Bristol and Tyghan are fighting for Elphame and trying their hardest to keep it out of the hands of Cormick.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it's told in third person in multiple points of view. This presents a so much more cohesive and deep story for me. I truly ejoyed hearing from every character and watching their contribution move the story forward and give so much more depth to the tale.
The romance! I just love Bri and Tyg together. They have their moments where they fight but they always come back to resolve it. I've seen some chatter about them being a bit juvenile, but, honestly, they are not all that old, so I don't expect them to be particularly mature. But the times when they are romantic together are top notch. And Pearson really knows how to write a great love scene. She infuses just the right amount of spice and adoration so you truly know these two are in love.
The world building continues to be fantastic. Pearson truly knows how to emerse her readers in such a all consuming way.
I will admit, I had a few issues with this book that I feel were a bit unresolved. Since they are both potential spoilers which happen towards the end of the book so I will be as vague as I can be. The first was with the betrayal from a beloved character. There was not much depth to that part of the story. It happened and then the characer retaliates and that's it. The story starts wrapping up. Even in the epilogus we don't get anything about what happened to this character who was so essential throughout the story. The second thing was the time jump. Perhaps Throughout the story we know that time passes differently in Fairy and the mortal world. Short times in Fairy equal long times in the other. There is a time jump at the end that is mentioned on both sides and, while perhaps it was just a mention in Fairy, it makes it seem like the same amount of time has passes there and that was confusing for me as I know that's not what was presented throughout the story. Third, a rescued character didn't make as much of an impact as I would have liked to have had them make. I needed a bit more from that part of the story. While their rescue was significant, I wanted that character to play a bigger role at the end then they did.
Finally, the wrap up seem too tidy and neat for me. It made it a little unsatisfying after all we when through with the characters. It was too easy for the characters to carry out their HEA with easy resolution when I really needed there to be more tension and conflict before that happened. It almost felt like the author ran out of ideas of how to make it happen.
Overall, I completely enjoyed this book. I was sad to see it wrap up as I felt like there could definitely have been a third book. So many twists and turns happend in this instsallment. I enjoyed jumping back into this world, watching all the characters (Pearson does amazing side characters), and following along as the battle ensued. Once again Pearson has solidified she is top notch when it comes to fantasy writing and I will absolutely read anything she writes. If you're looking for a muli-POV story with romance, betrayal, political intrigue, fabulous magic, found family, power struggles, angst, a fantasy Fairy world that draws you in, and an epic story, give this duology a try!
4.5 stars rounded to 5
This is one of my most anticipated releases this year. I adored the first book, which I also got to listen to on audio. Brittany Pressley is the perfect narrator for this book. She does such a wonderful job with the pacing. She's also fabulous with the character voices, making each one distinct. Plus, she infused the perfect amount of emotion into the story. She brought ever single character to life,. She's one of my favorite audio book narrators and I was so happy to listen to her tell this tale.
This book jumps right in where the first book leaves off. It cannot be read as a stand alone if you want to know what's happened and has happened as it's truly connected to the previous book. There is a lot tied to what happened in The Courting of Bristol Keats which won't make much sense if you read this by itself. Pearson does a good job of tying that book in, but I don't think I could have followed along well had I not read the first book of this duolgy. I wish I could have gone back and re-read the first book before having to dive back into this one. While I remembered the story for the most parts, I really felt like I wanted to remind myself. But overall it didn't change how I felt about this installment.. Bristol and Tyghan are fighting for Elphame and trying their hardest to keep it out of the hands of Cormick.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it's told in third person in multiple points of view. This presents a so much more cohesive and deep story for me. I truly ejoyed hearing from every character and watching their contribution move the story forward and give so much more depth to the tale.
The romance! I just love Bri and Tyg together. They have their moments where they fight but they always come back to resolve it. I've seen some chatter about them being a bit juvenile, but, honestly, they are not all that old, so I don't expect them to be particularly mature. But the times when they are romantic together are top notch. And Pearson really knows how to write a great love scene. She infuses just the right amount of spice and adoration so you truly know these two are in love.
The world building continues to be fantastic. Pearson truly knows how to emerse her readers in such a all consuming way.
I will admit, I had a few issues with this book that I feel were a bit unresolved. Since they are both potential spoilers which happen towards the end of the book so I will be as vague as I can be. The first was with the betrayal from a beloved character. There was not much depth to that part of the story. It happened and then the characer retaliates and that's it. The story starts wrapping up. Even in the epilogus we don't get anything about what happened to this character who was so essential throughout the story. The second thing was the time jump. Perhaps Throughout the story we know that time passes differently in Fairy and the mortal world. Short times in Fairy equal long times in the other. There is a time jump at the end that is mentioned on both sides and, while perhaps it was just a mention in Fairy, it makes it seem like the same amount of time has passes there and that was confusing for me as I know that's not what was presented throughout the story. Third, a rescued character didn't make as much of an impact as I would have liked to have had them make. I needed a bit more from that part of the story. While their rescue was significant, I wanted that character to play a bigger role at the end then they did.
Finally, the wrap up seem too tidy and neat for me. It made it a little unsatisfying after all we when through with the characters. It was too easy for the characters to carry out their HEA with easy resolution when I really needed there to be more tension and conflict before that happened. It almost felt like the author ran out of ideas of how to make it happen.
Overall, I completely enjoyed this book. I was sad to see it wrap up as I felt like there could definitely have been a third book. So many twists and turns happend in this instsallment. I enjoyed jumping back into this world, watching all the characters (Pearson does amazing side characters), and following along as the battle ensued. Once again Pearson has solidified she is top notch when it comes to fantasy writing and I will absolutely read anything she writes. If you're looking for a muli-POV story with romance, betrayal, political intrigue, fabulous magic, found family, power struggles, angst, a fantasy Fairy world that draws you in, and an epic story, give this duology a try!
4.5 stars rounded to 5
November 13, 2025
Everything I've read from this author was a big hit. So, I got the entire collection on my shelves, pre-ordered my copy from this book AND requested an arc through Netgalley! I was so happy Tor Bramble granted me on!
Today I read the last 60 pages of the book and where I was mostly just enjoying the book up until then, I turned into a crying mess while reading the last part of the story. This ending was everything! It was emotional, it was impactful, it was in a way a little surprising, it was in a way not, it was heartbreaking, heartshattering and then heartwarming. It was everything I had hoped it would and so much more. I don't think I'll be able to put everything into words.
Although there are big things going on in this book, the essence of this book is not the war, or the ruler that needs to be crowned. The essence of this book is the small stories, the characters, and their journeys. Throughout this book we learn so much about so many characters. And in the end we care about characters on both sides of the conflict. Because we know them, because we know how they got here, we know what they endured.
I also really loved the romance in this book. There is drama, there is friction, there are fights. But there's also learning, and growing. They make mistakes and mess up, but they also become better people afterwards. They learn to talk and communicate, they learn to ask and listen, they learn that no matter what, in the end love is always way more important than everything else. I'm sad to leave this story behind, but it's okay. They've endured enough. I now just want them to be happy.
Today I read the last 60 pages of the book and where I was mostly just enjoying the book up until then, I turned into a crying mess while reading the last part of the story. This ending was everything! It was emotional, it was impactful, it was in a way a little surprising, it was in a way not, it was heartbreaking, heartshattering and then heartwarming. It was everything I had hoped it would and so much more. I don't think I'll be able to put everything into words.
Although there are big things going on in this book, the essence of this book is not the war, or the ruler that needs to be crowned. The essence of this book is the small stories, the characters, and their journeys. Throughout this book we learn so much about so many characters. And in the end we care about characters on both sides of the conflict. Because we know them, because we know how they got here, we know what they endured.
I also really loved the romance in this book. There is drama, there is friction, there are fights. But there's also learning, and growing. They make mistakes and mess up, but they also become better people afterwards. They learn to talk and communicate, they learn to ask and listen, they learn that no matter what, in the end love is always way more important than everything else. I'm sad to leave this story behind, but it's okay. They've endured enough. I now just want them to be happy.
November 26, 2025
4.5
The Last Wish of Bristol Keats picks up right where The Courting of Bristol Keats left off.
I remember saying in my review for book one that I loved having such a big cast of characters and while this remains true, after a year it turns out to be a bit of a struggle to remember who is who, who is part of Bristol’s friendgroup, who is part of the Danu nation and who possesses what kind of magic.
However, it was easier than expected to get back into the plot, which I’d say is probably more important, because the character issue kinda resolved itself the more I read.
I feel like a lot of what I missed in the first book, Mary poured into this one. There’s action, there are a fair amount of emotional scenes, especially at the end and the most important part: there is a happy ending!!! Ngl, I was nervous there wouldn’t be one because while I was reading the last 25% through my tears, things could have gone either way.
The romance was well done and what I noticed is that there were several moments when either Bristol or Tyghan could have just ended their relationship during a fight but rather let things cool off and talked it out and I was like?? Yes, please! I can see how annoyed I would have been if those fights would have been handled any other way.
Another thing I loved about this duology is how everyone and everything was somehow connected and how nicely Mary tied everything together so there aren’t any loose ends.
The ending is beautiful. Exquisite. No notes.
I only read one of Mary’s YA books, Dance of Thieves, and still need to read its sequel, as well as The Remnant Chronicles, but so far I liked the Bristol Keats-duology more than Dance of Thieves.
Will definitely read more from this author!
Thank you to Tor Bramble for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The Last Wish of Bristol Keats picks up right where The Courting of Bristol Keats left off.
I remember saying in my review for book one that I loved having such a big cast of characters and while this remains true, after a year it turns out to be a bit of a struggle to remember who is who, who is part of Bristol’s friendgroup, who is part of the Danu nation and who possesses what kind of magic.
However, it was easier than expected to get back into the plot, which I’d say is probably more important, because the character issue kinda resolved itself the more I read.
I feel like a lot of what I missed in the first book, Mary poured into this one. There’s action, there are a fair amount of emotional scenes, especially at the end and the most important part: there is a happy ending!!! Ngl, I was nervous there wouldn’t be one because while I was reading the last 25% through my tears, things could have gone either way.
The romance was well done and what I noticed is that there were several moments when either Bristol or Tyghan could have just ended their relationship during a fight but rather let things cool off and talked it out and I was like?? Yes, please! I can see how annoyed I would have been if those fights would have been handled any other way.
Another thing I loved about this duology is how everyone and everything was somehow connected and how nicely Mary tied everything together so there aren’t any loose ends.
The ending is beautiful. Exquisite. No notes.
I only read one of Mary’s YA books, Dance of Thieves, and still need to read its sequel, as well as The Remnant Chronicles, but so far I liked the Bristol Keats-duology more than Dance of Thieves.
Will definitely read more from this author!
Thank you to Tor Bramble for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 2, 2025
Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book! I think that the narrator, Brittany Pressley, did a fantastic job (again) with Bristol's story.
I recently finished the first in the duology, and I am so glad that I waited so close to the release of The Last Wish of Bristol Keats. This book had SO much to happen in it, and everything wrapped up nicely.
There were times, while reading, where I was *stressed out* with not knowing what would happen to Bristol, but also to Elphame (forgive me if I'm wrong....this was audio lol) as a whole! My heart broke but was mended while listening to this one, as I love the characters (including the side characters!) and really was invested in their story.
I'm looking forward to Mary E. Pearson's next adult book, whenever it comes!
I recently finished the first in the duology, and I am so glad that I waited so close to the release of The Last Wish of Bristol Keats. This book had SO much to happen in it, and everything wrapped up nicely.
There were times, while reading, where I was *stressed out* with not knowing what would happen to Bristol, but also to Elphame (forgive me if I'm wrong....this was audio lol) as a whole! My heart broke but was mended while listening to this one, as I love the characters (including the side characters!) and really was invested in their story.
I'm looking forward to Mary E. Pearson's next adult book, whenever it comes!
January 2, 2026
DNF on page 159. This is not how I wanted to start my reading goal into the new year. This book was giving me a headache. The pacing keeps throwing me off. Multiple POV’s without any of them being listed in the chapters. Bristol is talking and the next chapter I’m realizing it’s Tyghan. It’s not a good thing when I feel like part of this story is filler and I’m not getting anywhere. I refuse to force myself to finish a book I’m not feeling. On to the next one.
November 8, 2025
Keeping in mind that I had never read the first book, it took me a minute to catch on to the storyline and the characters, but I found the story fascinating and the narration superb, keeping me engaged and interested. Now I must go back and read the first book.
Thank you, #Netgalley and #MacmillanAudio, for this ARC.
Thank you, #Netgalley and #MacmillanAudio, for this ARC.
December 1, 2025
I’m going to give this 4.5 stars. I loved this duology . This book was better but I thought that was partially due to being set up and supported by the world building and getting to know the characters in the first book. I also enjoy when a book has a nice neat ending that doesn’t have you guessing too much. Bravo to Mary E. Pearson on her debut adult novels.
December 3, 2025
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted audiobook.
Oooooh I have thoughts.
Full review to come!
Oooooh I have thoughts.
Full review to come!
December 2, 2025
This is one book series where I wish there were more books! I loved it!
November 28, 2025
I was waiting for this book all year and I’m a little sad with the result. The characters I loved made the same mistakes they did in the first book and didn’t undergo any true character development. I also really wanted more out of the supporting characters but they really lacked depth to me and I could never feel anything for them. The ending was also a bit off and rushed. Overall just not my cup of tea.
TLDR; I still love the first book of this duology,but the second book was disappointing
TLDR; I still love the first book of this duology,but the second book was disappointing
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