Loyalties will be tested. Bonds will be broken. And the storm will decide her fate.
Torn between trust and betrayal, Ashe is thrust into the chaos of royal intrigue when her storm magic and her bond to Kaelith, mark her as both a weapon to be wielded and a threat to be feared.
Ashe continues to train with Prince Zander to hone her magic, but his doubts about her loyalty grow as Remy’s return stirs old feelings and new dangers. New threats emerge as a secret sect begins to rise and is rumored to have ties to the court.
But assassinations and sabotage plague the kingdoms, making Ashe a suspect in a deadly game where no one is innocent. As Ashe masters her volatile magic, she unravels its connection to an ancient fae prophecy—one that names her as either a savior or destroyer.
With alliances crumbling, enemies closing in, and Kaelith’s trust wavering, will Ashe embrace the storm within her or be consumed by it?
Find out what scorches the skies of Warriath by reading A Court of Wings and Shadows, the enemy-to lovers, fantasy fiction series readers are comparing to Sarah J. Maas, Stephanie Garber, and Carissa Broadbent.
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Tia Didmon is a USA Today bestselling author of Fantasy, PNR and PWF romance. When Tia isn't busy writing about sexy shifters and dreamy demons, she spends her time binge-watching The Order and reruns of The Vampire Diaries, cooking with her daughter, and serving her cat. Her love of writing stems from a self-diagnosed book addiction.
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A Court of Wings and Shadows is the second book in Didmon's The Fourth Guild series. It picks up where the first left off.
Ashlyn (Ashe) Rebec is our heroine, and she was sold to the king and sent to join the Thrall Squad as a dragon rider. Her training is ongoing, as is her attempts to bond with Kaelith, her dragon. Ashe has too many enemies and a long list of people who want her dead. It's a good thing she has her squad to back her up; they're her new found family.
There is a lot going on in this installment of the series, but a few of the highlights are meeting Alahathrial, the fae prisoner. He was a soldier in the Light Court, and likely the last of the Light Fae. He has been around a long time, and has much to share with Ashe, including the identity of Ashe's mother.
Ashe also comes to learn that in addition to having to be weary of the Dark Fae, there are two rebel groups that have arisen and are a threat to the kingdom.
There are two other highlights I'll mention. The first is that Kaelith tells Ashe about her first rider, Seraveth. Like Ashe, she too is a storm reaper. She also happens to be the Blood Fae king's second in command. The second is that we meet an interesting new character: Princess Inderia Claen of Brosha. Her presence is sure to put a kink in things, but we'll likely learn more in the next book.
Didmon continues to keep readers engaged in this fast-paced story. There are many moving parts, and plenty of secondary characters, all of whom contribute to the enjoyment of this book. I'm hoping the third book is being released soon as I'm keen to see what comes next.
This series is epic. Ashlyn is in the middle of fighting her ‘sister,’ Solei, who has been sent by their ‘father’ to assassinate Ash. Siergen, the red courier dragon shows up and stops it. I love that dragon. I love how he flirts with Ash and how he is so protective of her. It is so cute. Since Solei now owes Ash a life debt, she will never come for her again. She will also warn Cyran that the dragons consider an attack on a rider as an attack on them and will rain down their wrath in fire. I love Zander, Cordelle and the other riders in Ash’s wing. We get to see the death rites they have for Eilvin. It was so sad. We learn a lot more history in this book about the dragons and the Blood Elves and their black dragons. Remy keeps popping up and even I want to hit him a few times for Ash. For what he put her through, but I do believe that he still loves her. But, I’m totally team Zander. There is so much that happens in this book that freaked me out and made me put the AC on to the highest it would go from freaking out and fear sweating. For every answer we get, we get a bunch more questions and there is a lot of fighting in the book. I was shocked at how the King acted in this book and how Dorian & Zander handle it. We also get to finally meet the fae in the dungeon. What he reveals is shocking. Two different groups arise in the kingdoms and they both have agendas that will cause mega problems for the royals and Thrall wing and Ash. Plus, Perin tries really hard to kill Ash, again and again. I’m shocked Siergen or Kaelith don’t set him on fire in the book. Or that Remy or Zander don’t stick a sword in him. (Or Solei) lol so many choices the author has for Perin’s demise. *sigh* lol
Prince Theron is the one prince I dislike immensely. There is just something wrong with him and how he acts. Are we sure it is even him? lol Wouldn’t it be funny if he was a blood fae in glamour? lol. The book had a few parts where I cried and chewed on my nails too. I loved the fight scenes. They were so freaking good. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 1 ended off with many unsolved questions, and Book 2 ended off the same. Probably with even more questions. I was definitely hoping more of the mysteries in book one would have been solved, BUT it has definitely helped keep me on my toes. This series feels like your run of the mill dragon academy fantasy romance. And yet it’s not. It’s so much more. Firstly the love story. Poor Ashe. I love me some Zander I do, but then Remy throws such a curveball. And a lot of this book is a pissing contest between the two. I did not know this was a trope I was into but apparently this is now a guilty pleasure and I am all over it. And both are written in a way where it’s not obvious who the end love interest will be. Or if they are even good or bad! Gah! I’m eating this up. Secondly we have the side characters. The good, the bad, the uncertain. Thrall squad comes under some suspicion. Is there a mole ? And are they someone really close to Ashe? This is one of the questions I wish was answered before the end of the book. Give me that betrayal! I do have my suspicions, but none of them are thrall squad. Solei continues to struggle with her loyalties and seems to ride that line although I get the feeling she’s more solidified in her interests and involvement than she is letting on. Thirdly we have our dragons. Even the dragons have their drama! Siergen! My little guy what is going on with you and are you okay?! Ashe and Kaelith continue to solidify their bond but not fully, and the reluctance in completing it is explained and makes so much sense. It also introduces a new potential villain. There are many and it’s hard to keep track a little but it also keeps us from predicting outcomes which I love. All in all this was a great sequel book and if you love the complexity of many characters, bonds and intricate world building than this series is a must read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️.5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This follows on from book 1 and my goodness, what a rollercoaster ride it is, there is never a dull moment, its unrelenting action and plot twists and turns.
Ashe must be so overwhelmed, she is still trying to forge a bond with Kaelith, who continues to refuse, she's got more targets on her back than a dartboard. She is still struggling to control her magic.
The kingdom is facing more threats than ever, two rival rebel factions have arisen, one comprised of humans who hate magic and want it eradicated, and the other a group of magic using commoners who want to control and dominate the dragons and get rid of the royal family.
Then there is the continued Blood Fae threat. The king is showing signs of madness and paranoia and Zander's arsehat of a brother, Theron is trying to become regent, pushing out his brothers. Ashe is under continous threat from people both inside and outside the palace trying to kill her.
And in the midst of all this, Zander and Remy are fighting over Ashe, willy waving and posturing. Remy clearly still has feelings for her, despite betraying her trust. And she has to undertake several ever more perilous trials to try and strengthen her bond with Kaelith. And it seems there is a traitor in the ranks feeding information to their enemies. Ashe simply cant catch a break.
There are so many plot twists in this book, it makes your head spin. And that betrayal at the end makes your heart ache for Ashe, she has truly never had anyone she can rely on, who put her first, not her father, her sister, Remy or Zander. They all use her and manipulate her. The only ones who have her back unreservedly are Thrall squad.
Thoroughly enjoyed this, love Ashe, love her heart and spirit, love the dragons, love her squad. Its a fast paced, action filled read with plenty of mystery and intrigue. Things just keep getting worse for both Ashe and the kingdom and I look forward to book 3.
There is so much political stuff happening behind the scenes in this series it’s actually insane. I have no clue who is good, bad, who is right, who is wrong, who we are supposed to trust? No. Freaking. Idea.
Two books in and I’m actually more confused on what’s happening than when I started this. The plot is very complex and there are so many moving parts. You have people competing for a throne, people trying to overthrow the throne, some other blood fae group trying to accomplish something? Seems like they want to find the fae sanctuary.
You have groups of assassins amassing a bunch of people for their groups to accomplish different things. It seems like every single time I’m on a page of the book someone is trying to kill Ashe, Zander or Dorian or all three or trying to kidnap her.
It seems like there are moles in all of these organized groups but who they are? Nooooo clue anymore. The most complicated character that I cannot for the life of me figure out has got to be Remy. One minute I think he loves Ashe and he’s going to do everything he can to fix what he broke, the next I’m questioning what else he did to betray her that we don’t know about. We are questioning her squad members after people hinting someone that she trusts will attempt to kill her next.
You have some romance here but even Zander is not 100% trustworthy at this point if you ask me. We trust the dragons and Ashe and that’s basically it. This is definitely giving strong fourth wing vibes but while a lot of stuff happens I don’t know that we actually make a lot of progress in terms of plot?
I don’t even know who I want Ashe to pick at this point, these dudes lie like a rug and it just isn’t cute.
After finishing Book 1, I wasn't completely sure how I felt about this series. There were things I enjoyed, but I also struggled with parts of it. That said, I'm incredibly glad I continued because A Court of Wings and Shadows was exactly the book I needed to get fully invested in this world.
What I appreciated most was how many of the lingering questions from the first book started to make sense. Instead of introducing even more confusion, this installment filled in important gaps and gave me a better understanding of both the characters and the larger story. It made me realize how much groundwork Book 1 was laying.
One thing this author does exceptionally well is keep you guessing. I spent the entire book trying to figure out who could actually be trusted, and by the end I was still side-eyeing almost everyone. Every new revelation seemed to create another question, which kept me turning pages far later than I intended.
I also found myself getting frustrated on the heroine's behalf. There were several moments where I wanted to yell, "Why is no one telling her what's going on?" I thought her squad was supposed to have her back! That emotional investment is a big part of why this book worked so well for me.
While I wasn't completely shocked by the ending, I was very satisfied with how the story unfolded. More importantly, it left me excited enough to immediately start Book 3, which says a lot considering how uncertain I was after the first book.
If you're on the fence after Book 1, I'd definitely recommend continuing. For me, this was the book where the series truly found its footing and hooked me.
Audiobook Review: A Court of Wings and Shadows by Tia Didmon If you’re looking for a world that captures the magic of ACOTAR or Fourth Wing without being a carbon copy, this is it. Tia Didmon strikes the perfect balance, delivering a story that feels familiar yet entirely fresh. This book stands firmly on its own merit, and the plot twists are truly top-tier—I genuinely didn’t see those curveballs coming! Just when I thought I had the tropes figured out, the story took a turn that kept me completely hooked. The Narration Listening to this on audio was an engaging experience that kept my attention from start to finish. Naomi Rose-Mock provides a very consistent and professional performance. Her delivery is steady, though it is important to note that this is a single-tone narration rather than a multi-voice or transformative performance. Constructive Feedback While the narrator is talented, the lack of distinct vocal characterization—or a second narrator for dual perspectives—made it difficult to feel fully immersed in the world. Specifically during high-stakes action sequences, I found myself wishing for a bit more "oomph" and emotional urgency to match the intensity of the writing. Final Thoughts: A refreshing take on popular fantasy tropes with a plot that will actually keep you guessing. If you prefer a straightforward, consistent narration style, you will definitely enjoy this audiobook!
I can’t seem to put these books down, but let me tell you I am very displeased about it! The spice is still cringe. It’s very poetic and not smutty in the slightest. There seems to be more of a spark with R than Z and I can’t stop finding myself hoping for a MFM situation if R isn’t going to the winner in general. The timelines still make NO sense at all. I also find that there is frequent contradicting information which I also noticed in book one, but then gaslit myself into thinking i just missed something. That happens WAY more this book to the point I no longer doubt myself for book 1. This still definitely gives cheap fourth wing vibes but has more politics within the court than military politics really. The powers, the characters, and the general vibes are just glaringly similar. As mentioned in review book 1 I LOVE fourth wing so I’m willing to be open to anything dragon related while we wait for RY to finish the next book no matter how much the similarities give me the ick. I also wouldn’t say that this is a romance at all since we are now 2 books in and if you take out the minimal intimate scenes you genuinely wouldn’t be able to pick up on any romance vibes at all. Maybe with Siergen lol…. Unfortunately for me that ending absolutely has me wanting to see how book 3 will go.
This is the second story in the series. I love the well thought out storyline. The ins and outs of being a dragon rider with a target on your back. I love the support and commitment of the Thrall squad. The story starts where the first ends. You have to love Siergen and his protectiveness of Ashe. He also gives sage advice to her along with some humor and I love his nicknames for her. Zander and Remy have there differences and their reverie over Ashe. The lowborn squad give the story an added ,in some cases, humor or drama. We get to meet the prisoner. He reveals secrets about Ashe . Excellent twists and surprises. We learn what Ashe's blood can do. I love her concern for others. It surprises a dragon or two. And then there is Jax and Ferrula. We also get introduced to Inderia. I can see her being a problem in the future. Even though there are a lot of characters in this series, each play an important role in Ashe's life and each has their own secrets that hopefully will be revealed in future books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This sequel picks up right where book one left off and hits the gas: non-stop action, snark, and romantic tension. Ashe is still trying to bond with Kaelith, which only paints a bigger target on her back. Two rebel groups squeeze the kingdom from different sides, the Blood Fae threat keeps rising, and the king’s paranoia spirals while Prince Theron reaches for power.
The Thrall squad remains my favorite thing: fierce loyalty, found-family feels, and the only people who never leave Ashe hanging. Siergen steals scenes with protectiveness and humor. Zander and Remy circle each other with plenty of sparks, and Solei’s torn loyalties keep the stakes sharp.
Standout moments: the fae prisoner Alahathrial and the secrets he shares about Ashe’s past, learning about Kaelith’s first rider Seraveth and her ties to the Blood Fae court, and a late-game betrayal that genuinely stung. There are twists on twists, a hint of a traitor in the ranks, and new players like Princess Inderia Claen who promise trouble ahead.
Fast, fun, and fiercely addictive - I’m all in for book three.
I truly never know which way this is gonna go. I feel like for every step that ash takes. We have 28 obstacles that appear. She is finally learning a little bit about herself. Her relationship with kaelith is changing some good some bad. I’m a little in love with Hein. I don’t know why but something tells me he’s truly so important. Also, her relationship with her adopted sister is slightly terrifying and extremely complicated. And I don’t know what it is yet but I feel like it isn’t just Ash that’s gonna learn a whole lot. The drama with the king and the brothers, his mind blowing. And I know there’s always prejudice for something, but sometimes it blows my mind how people can be so blindsided.. All I can say is I’m completely hooked and I am absolutely binge reading this series.
Won't try to tell you what happens in this one, but cinch your saddle tightly cos this is one heck of a ride. More enemies are popping up all over the kingdom and you might need a scorecard. Ashe and Zander grow closer and Remy isn't liking it. Kaelith is still playing hard to get and Ashe isn't sure they will ever fully bond. Her friends are sticking by her through thick and thin, and she is going to need them. Politically, things are steadily worsening as the King continues to weaken and Theron is taking full advantage. Zander's position grows shakier and Dorian's ascendancy is in question. You will groan at the cliffhanger. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved being immersed in this world for awfully. I loved Ashe and Zander. The way they worked together and him helping her with her magic. I really liked the everything about this one. I received an ALC OF m of this story. And I loved the depth and the world building. The description was perfect and made it really easy to be pulled into this story. That narrator was good, however, I felt like she was just a bit flat. I wasn’t really feeling the emotion from them, and honestly, dual narration would’ve really brought this to life. But aside from that, I loved the story so much, I’m ready to dive into the third one.
There's so much going on in the background that's still to be discovered. Yes, she's getting closer to her dragon, but they haven't bonded fully yet. Her past keeps coming up to catch her and she's making new enemies because of it. But other new found bonds are not what she thinks and all she really has now is her squad and her dragon. It will have to be enough, now that her new life is falling apart so quickly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This second book in this new series "The Forth Guild" is just as brilliant as the first book. It is just as action packed and equally full of betrayal, danger, magic and strong paranormal characters. It is a brilliant continuation and in this second part of the story Ashe has been marked as both a powerful weapon and a threat to be feared. With new threats and more secrets there is plenty to keep you gripped to this great story. I can't wait for the next book to be released.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great story. Ashlyn will be tested with trust issues with Remy, Zander and denied the bond with her dragon, Kaelith. Ashlyn has gotten herself a group of friends who will protect and fight for her. The Kingdom is slowly deteriorating as the king is more unstable and Prince Theron is trying to enforce his position. The blood fae are being bold and making their presence known. There is suspense, danger, strong emotions, and a surprise ending. I look forward to reading the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ashe I suggest to read A Court of Thralls and Thorns, first as it sets up this series. Okay this is really getting better as we get in to this second book, Ashe is becoming so much more in this second book.I loved the world that is being created! But I will be waiting at the cliff for book three! I Highly Recommend!! No Spoilers!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! Talk about games being played and not just by the enemies. With this book you never know who is a friend and who is a foe. Ashe and the Thrall squad have lots of problems and threats. I was disappointed in Zander and what he did but I am still not sure of Remy. Will have to wait for the next book to find out what is going to happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are many moving pieces in this second book. Ashe continues to train with her dragon, a prisoner knows about her mother and there are enemies everywhere. It was filled with excitement and suspense but leaves you with another cliffhanger hanger that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to read what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m truly enjoying this series. I’m not usually one for court politics, I tend to skip those parts, but everything with the princes and the dragons and all the factions is fascinating. That doesn’t even include the romance and the dragon riders.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was hooked back into the characters lives and couldn’t put the book down. Awesome! Exciting! Dragons, Magic, Fae and more! I loved all the characters and the storyline and can’t wait to read then next one. This is Book 2 of the Forth Guild series. Well written, I loved it!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We pick up from where we left off and we dive right back on in. It’s gripping and exciting and there is so much going on that you find yourself glued to the pages and unable to stop reading as we follow Ashe Rebec as she tries to bond with her dragon. Well written and fast paced, this author knows how to grab you and hold on tight.
I was hooked from the very beginning of the first book, so I was really looking forward to the second one. I was definitely not disappointed! This book also had me hooked from start to finish. I loved how the storyline developed, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
this second installment in the series seemingly really kicks the suspense up a notch; love how Ashe has finally managed to partially control her magic; I have faith that the bond between herself and Kaelith will eventually solidify, though it will take time. And what? Zander is engaged, and he wasn't going to tell her? Seriously? Princes...
A Court of Wings and Shadows by Tia Didmon is an amazing Fae fantasy. Naomi Rose-Mock did an excellent job with the narration. The story is entertaining, enjoyable, interesting, exciting, and more. A Court of Wings and Shadows is the second book in Forth Guild series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this story with its push and pull from doing good or being evil. The strength that these characters have in their beliefs is very powerful and admirable one. I definitely recommend listening to this book because the story flows smoothly and you are pulled into the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.