Tides of Fortune

Storm Weaver #2

by Lauryn Hamilton Murray

"Bears all the hallmarks of addictive YA fantasy. . . This is going to be huge.” —Laura Steven, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Our Infinite Fates, on Heir of Storms

Return to the spellbinding world of Heir of Storms in the explosive second installment to the Storm Weaver trilogy, perfect for fans of Red Queen, Throne of Glass, and The Rose Bargain.

Having survived three treacherous trials to win her crown, Blaze is now Queen of the Aquatori. But before she can take the throne, she must set out to find the Eye of the Soul, one of the realm’s most powerful weapons, before another claims its power for themself.

Her journey will take her deep into the forests of Ostacre and into a temporary alliance with the infuriating but undeniably compelling Fox. She can’t help but feel drawn to him. . . but can she trust him? Fortune favors the brave, but will it protect the Storm Weaver on her most dangerous mission yet?

Narrated by not just Blaze, but her brother, Flint, and the newly-discovered Shadow Magi, Elva, the epic journey that began in Heir of Storms continues in the sweeping adventure of Tides of Fortune.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Young Adult, Young Adult Fantasy, Magic, Fiction, Romance

480 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication June 2, 2026

About the author

Lauryn Hamilton Murray grew up in Scotland writing stories about sad girls, secrets and storms. She holds a BA Hons in English Literature from the University of Stirling and a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Edinburgh. She is happiest when reading in the sun and hiking with her dogs, Huxley and Ziggy.

Reviews

[liz ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

➸ 4.5 stars

“Here, we don’t have to be the Storm Weaver and the Earth Cleaver. We can just be Blaze and Fox. We can just be.”

𓈀 𓄹𓂃 thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the advanced readers copy!!

heir of storms was one of my favorite fantasy books of last year and i’ve been so excited for its sequel!! and it did not disappoint one bit!! while book one is more focused on the trials and competition for the throne, tides of fortune takes a more adventurous route which i found so much!! split into three povs we follow our fmc blaze while she journeys through the wildlands accompanied by fox in search for the missing eye of the soul, flit, blaze’s brother, accompanied by spinner and sheen also journeying through the wildlands to reunite with blaze, and finally, elva, who was more of a side character in the last book but based on all the revelations between her and hal, i was quite intrigued to see their story as well!!

first off, after book one i was wanting more of the sibling relationship between blaze and flint because i just love it so much!! we were able to get a bit of it in this book and i will say as short as it lasted, it was amazing nonetheless!! their love and care for each other is so sweet and loving!!

now i mentioned in my heir of storms review how i shipped flint and sheen so bad and MY INTUITION WAS SO RIGHT BECAUSE I KNEW THERE HAD TO BE SOMETHING THERE!!! don’t get me wrong i love spinner but im going to need her to step aside in the next book so flint and sheen can shine!!! theyre going to be the slowest of burns and i am so ready for it!!! their loathing and banter throughout this was incredible and i loved every second of it!! and oh the TENSION!!! they had me so giddy!!!

now for my favs, blaze and fox <3 blaze has come a long way since book one and i am loving her confidence in herself!!! and fox has been so (hot) mysterious and has had so many secrets but in this book we find out more about him and i absolutely loved the openness!!! him and blaze find themselves with some trust issues and some shameless flirting of fox’s part all while having the most scrumptious banter and dynamic oh i love them i love them i love them!!!! i love how he makes it known how much he likes her and i love how much he believes in her and her power!!

anyways!!! this book truly felt like that second book type of book if that makes sense but i loved every second of it!!! i’m looking forward to the final book and i’ll be thinking about these characters every second until im able to read about them again!!! i truly can’t recommend this series enough, it’s so much fun!!!!

favorite quotes:

“And the way he was looking at me … it was as if I were the best thing he had ever seen.”

“Let me down,”
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re beautiful when you’re angry?”
“Nope. Just you.”

“I don’t like you,”
“I know.”

“Storm Weaver, why is it that you would spill my blood yet won’t insult my cooking?”

“Consider it a peace offering.”
“Your peace offering is proposing to fight with me some more?”
“It’s what you and I do best.”

“I won’t let him hurt you, Storm Weaver,”

“Fox Calloway Castellion. The Earth Cleaver, whose broken heart ripped the realm in two. The sadistic killer with Healer’s hands. The hunter who has never slain an animal. The Prince of Slavers who liberates the enslaved. He truly is the perfect conundrum. Every time I think I’ve got him figured out, he obliterates the blueprint and I have to start again.”

“You’re thinking. What are you thinking about?”
“You.”

“I’ll show you, if you like.”
“Show me what?”
“The world.”

“Everything else seems to fall away, and I see only him. The boy who broke the world. Beautiful and bewildering and covered in blood, looking down at me as though I’m the answer to a question he hasn’t dared to ask. The cloud of drizzle grows warm, falling like ash from the midnight sky. In the light from my brandmark, I watch his pupils dilate.”

“For weeks after the third trial I was barely conscious. I don’t remember much, but I remember you. Sitting at my bedside, day and night.”

“You’re laughing. Does this mean I’m forgiven?”
“Absolutely not,”
“You wish for me to grovel, then. So be it. I throw myself upon your mercy, Your Majesty. I am yours to do with as you please.”

“Lie to me again, and I’ll make you wish you’d never been born.”
“That’s not very inventive.”
“Fine. Lie to me again, and I’ll drown you in this pool. Or feed you to my dragonfly. Or strangle you with the cord of my dress.
“That’s more like it.”

“Let’s see now. She’s stubborn. Impatient. Impulsive. Occasionally hot-tempered. Incredibly cutting when she wants to be.
She’s also resilient. Thoughtful. Kind. Clever—almost frighteningly so. She’s brave too, not to mention distractingly beautiful. And I’d follow her anywhere.”
“You would?”
“I would do anything for her. I would do anything for you.”

“I fall asleep on his shoulder in front of the crackling hearth, and as I drift off into dreams, I find myself thinking that never have I been held more gently than by the same pair of hands that tore apart the world.”

[joni ౨ৎ]

the way my sister read my own arc before me is INSANE. but i need to read this asap!!!

#needfox (im jk) but like i wanna see his character development and progress with blaze since theyre obviously soulmates

[&#x1f33a; Hannah &#x1f33a; (very busy - grad school)]

OMG OMG OMG I GOT THE ARC 😭🥹💚 Heir of Storms is in my top 5 reads of this year and I AM SO EXCITED FOR BOOK #2!

Tysm to author Lauryn Hamilton Murray, NetGalley, & Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review 💚 pub date is July 21, 2026.

[jenny reads a lot]

I don't think you understand how much I LOVE a quest!

I cannot wait for this book! I'm ready!

| IG | TikTok |

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

[Rayne]

I only just finished book 1 and I miss Fox 😭

I wonder if her dad will get back from buying milk in this one

[ray ৎ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ (semi ia)]

so excited for this but i absolutely hate fox with a burning passion

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like Heir of Storms, this is beyond a 5 star read for me. If I could just slap an infinite stars rating on this book, I totally would. And if I could wrap whoever approved my NetGalley request for Tides of Fortune in the tightest hug imaginable, I would do it without hesitation. I screamed when this ARC landed on my shelf. I was approved for this back in November, and since then, I’ve read this book three times. It’s THAT good. Heir of Storms was one of my favorite reads of 2025, and getting to return to this world before publication genuinely felt like a gift.

When I first requested this ARC, I posted on my Instagram story to manifest an approval from the NetGalley gods. Lauryn and I exchanged a few DMs back and forth — mostly because I never stop talking about these books, these characters, or this world. (If you follow me on Instagram, you already know.) During one of those conversations, Lauryn mentioned that Tides of Fortune was written differently than Heir of Storms, and that she was nervous for people to read it. I can only imagine how terrifying it must be to release a sequel that doesn’t perfectly mirror the first. But let me say this clearly: yes, it’s different — but it is somehow even better.

This book expands in every way that matters. We get multiple POVs. We get a FMC who is experiencing the world beyond the palace walls for the very first time — while simultaneously trying to save it. We sit in the aftermath of that brutal ending from book one. We watch characters carry more trauma, more grief, more responsibility than they ever should have had to bear. The scope is wider, the emotions are heavier, and the stakes are higher — but the heart of the story remains intact.

Lauryn Hamilton Murray took everything she built so beautifully in Heir of Storms — the tension, the banter, the fragile and rocky relationships, Blaze’s relentless will to survive in a world that wishes she wouldn’t, the magic system, the worldbuilding — and deepened it. Every dynamic feels sharper. Every choice feels costlier. Every emotional beat lands harder. And when our favorite Storm Weaver and Earth Cleaver finally come together again? I audibly squealed. When Fox said, “We have to stop meeting like this,” I felt my soul leave my body, I threw my Kindle, and cheered like an idiot. It only got better from there.

This story is told through three POVs — Blaze, Flint, and Elva — and each one adds something essential. Blaze remains everything I love in a FMC: stubborn, intelligent, strong-willed, painfully naive in ways that aren’t her fault, and endlessly brave. Watching her step into a world she’s been sheltered from while learning that she doesn’t have to face it alone is breathtaking. Watching her accept and strengthen some of her magic was amazing, and I can’t wait to see where she goes from here. Her and Fox’s relationship is quite literally EVERYTHING. I have been rooting for them since the moment we first meet Fox, and this book only made me root for them harder. Every interaction they have had me either squealing, laughing, or sobbing, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Flint — cocky, dramatic, fiercely protective, and genuinely hilarious — is the kind of sibling character who steals every scene he’s in. His POV cracked my heart open more than once, and I’m so beyond grateful that we got to explore the aftermath of his trials and the trauma and fear he’s still carrying around. Seeing him grapple with who he was before his third trial versus after was heart wrenching, but by the end of the book, he was able to at least speak some of his fears out loud to the people he trusts most. I’m crossing my fingers we get to see him and a certain someone grow closer in the next book because their tension and chemistry is INSANE. Every single one of their interactions had me screaming “JUST KISS ALREADY!”

And Elva… mysterious, heartbreaking Elva. Introduced in Heir of Storms as Blaze’s serf at the Golden Palace, her journey takes a devastating and fascinating turn that Tides of Fortune finally allows us to explore. Her chapters added a layer of emotional complexity that I didn’t even realize I was missing. I cannot wait to further explore her abilities, her past, her present, and hopefully what comes next for her. These three POVs offer us almost every single angle we need to see this story fully, with each POV following a different pair/group of characters, and by the end, all three paths merge together until all of our favorite characters are back together again.

Chapters 44 and 45 absolutely wrecked me. I sobbed. I had to physically set the book down all three times because I couldn’t see the words through my tears. Blaze’s journey — from feeling utterly alone in every possible way to realizing that she never was and never has to be— is one of the most beautiful, emotionally satisfying arcs I’ve read in YA fantasy. I cannot wait to see what comes next, and I’m both so anxious and so excited to see how Blaze comes to terms with who and what she is. I also can’t wait to see King Balen get his ass handed to him. I cannot STAND that man!

Tides of Fortune doesn’t just continue the plot. It deepens it. It challenges its characters. It trusts its readers. And it cements this story as something truly special. I’m quite literally obsessed, if you can’t tell! If anyone sees me reread this for a fourth time just move along because I’m starting to think it’s inevitable… especially because I already miss Blaze, Fox, Flint, Elva, Sheen, Spinner, and every other wonderful character in this book. And Scout. And River. I could keep going, but I’ll leave you with this: please read this. Add HoS to your TBR, read it before July, and then pick this up and prepare to be emotional destroyed. I’m not sure how I’m going to survive the wait for book 3.

The absolute biggest thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press for this eARC. An even bigger thank you to the author, the insanely talented Lauryn Hamilton Murray, for creating what is becoming one of my favorite series of all time. I’ll be screaming about how much I loved this for the rest of my life!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

ATLA-coded road trip except with 10x more romantic angst.

also Fox is so insanely boyfriend shaped.

thank you to NetGalley and Puffin Books for the arc! full review to come <3

[lydia {67} ୨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

❀° ┄───╮
review
╰───┄ °❀

thank you to netgalley, author, and publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review!


✨✨✨ ~ 3.4 rounded to 3 stars


ok so i don't really know what to say about this book. i def enjoyed the first one better. i did love the multi-povs tho since you got a lot of different perspectives.

blaze:
imo blaze is just not. she's so dense and oblivious to everything that's going on around her.

hal:
he kind of redeemed himself throughout the book, and i completely understand why he did all the things he did in both books.

fox:
idk how i feel about fox. he seems to have literally no personality and is supposed to be all tall dark and handsome, but then like in the first book you see him twice maybe and he's not... i think his character could have been a little more developed in this book as well


overall, this book was good, but i honestly don't see the point. yes, there were some plot twists and some things happened so that there would be a plot, but in reality, there was nothing major going on and the ending was boring and missing the big cliffhanger that you would expect from this kind of book.


quotes:
(please note i have an uncorrected copy, so this might not be a direct quote from the final book)


"...the crowd cheers, and I think about how innate it is- this insatiable appetite for violence. How bloodshed becomes a spectacle. Punishment by the way of entertainment."

"'Six? They're worth double that.' The man snorts. 'Not a chance. Call it seven and we have a deal.'"

"Gilded cages still have bars."




❀° ┄───╮
pre-read
╰───┄ °❀

got this arc (1/8 so far) bc i read the first one as an arc so they gave me this one without me asking 🥹

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the arc!

Absolutely had so much fun with this, and it’s one of my favorite reads of the month. I was so excited to get this arc because I also had fun with Heir of Storms.

This book broadened the world in a way (one part in particular was very whimsy and cool), and challenged our characters in new ways. Two more POVs are added to this book in edition to Blaze, which I will get to in a moment.

Blaze and Fox’s romance was the highlight of this book for me and one of my favorites in a while. They were every bit as fun as I hoped they’d be, and had me giggling over my iPad multiple times. She hit so many things I wanted to happen for them, and the tropes were there but used well in my opinion. For sure a step up from the romance in book one!! Too many books rush a main couple getting together with a neat little bow, and this author knew not to do this. It really paid off.

The other povs: definitely necessary to an extent so we could see what was going on with the country. Elva in particular kept us updated on that front, but Flints povs were a drag and repetitive. At the beginning, they were repetitive with Blaze’s (whose I like better), and then they became the same cycle of thoughts over and over. I do like Flint, but think he worked so much better as a non pov character. I think the book would’ve been better served is he at least had fewer POVs, but at least the chapters are all short, so we always get back to Blaze soonish.

As much as I enjoyed this, another reason I can’t justify rating this over four stars (which I consider a very good rating btw. Don’t get it twisted!) is the plot was definitely suffering from some second book syndrome. I personally enjoyed the quest and the traveling, but there never really felt like there was a proper climax. The villain is looming, but underutilized. It doesn’t irritate me too badly because I still had so much fun reading this, but I know it will get to some people.

Overall this is such a fun, underrated ya series and I would recommend it! I hope Fairyloot does this book so I can snag a matching copy.

[Ari ☾]

°˖✿˚⋆I received this arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review⋆˚✿˖°

♡pre-read♡
OKAY. I am excited for this! I cant wait for more Fox and Blaze. But Elva's PoV too?! I kind of don't like her and Hal so hopefully I still enjoy this because they did Blaze so dirty. And yeah it was mostly Hal but like she knewww.

°˖✿˚⋆Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc°˖✿˚⋆

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read the ARC of Tides of Fortune and Lauryn Hammilton Murray really delivered!

In Tides of Fortune, we get to see Blaze interact with the outside world for the first time as she searches for the Eye of the Soul. This book is fast paced and we immediately dive into Blaze's mission and challenges. What I really appreciated was we also got to lean into different perspectives from key characters like Flint, Blaze, Spinner, Elva, and Hal. Having all of these new narrations really developed the entire story.
Lauryn Hammilton Murray did a great job weaving action packed stories of the past, present and future and you really started to understand the full extent of Blaze's purpose.

I am obviously also a fan of romance and we definitely get to see all of these relationships develop. Not only with Fox, Hal and Blaze, but we also experience unexpected twists and turns in the love lives of most of the characters. I definitely recommend!.

[r3ading_journal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God, what an adventure indeed it was!

First of, thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Second of, you have to know that IM OBSSESSED with „Heir of the Storm” book. It landed randomly on my TBR and ever since I have finished it, I was craving for more. So here I am, delighted after I was able to finish book two, which grew to match the first one and at some point even overpowered it.

Lauryn did an amazing job with plotting this whole thing up. Because trials are over, but with Usurper on the hunt, Blaze has to do everything in her power, to find what she has hidden (im trying my best to speak riddles so I won’t spoil anything). Her sudden reunion with Foxy Fox was the light of my excistence and oh lord, their never ending banter was all I ever needed. Im just a bit mad about the ending, and what is going on inside Blaze’s head but I will leave that for now, as we still will be getting book three I assume, so Im sure it will all be fine in the end.

If you wonder, that book two will meet your expectation, I can assure you, it will. Multiple POV, not one but three different stories, connecting at culmination point and bringing all the motives that we love and adore - forced proximity, quest, found family, enemies to lovers, one horse and even one bed trope, destiny to fulfull, curses to break and forbidden romance with all the sulking, hiding and plotting.

It was brilliant, it was amazing and I want book three, like, right now. Please let me have it 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back to the land of Earth Cleavers and Storm Weavers. Whoo!

There are a few main things I would like to address in this review but first I will start with what didn't work for me:

Admittedly, I am not a fan of multi-POV unless they serve a unique plot purpose other than just seeing what everyone else is doing and thinking. I don't see that being the case here. I strongly feel two of the three POVs used in this book made sense while one of them felt like they were better suited for a novella or just a simple one-off scene. It did not feel important to the story and did not hold as much weight as the other two.

I think this imbalance with POVs made the first half of this book feel much, much slower than it was and I struggled to maintain interest in continuing it. The fact that most of the characters weren't really doing much in this part didn't help that feeling. It wasn't until the latter half where I felt a shift was made and things started to pick up.

However, all that aside, I think the romance in this book has been some of the best in the series. I even had a moment where I had to put the book down and squeal in glee. I think the author does an excellent job conveying emotion through her characters and it really pays off when it comes to the yearning and will-they-won't-they romance. One of my absolute favorite YA romances to date.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Lauryn Hamilton Murray for the Arc copy of Tides of Fortune.

This sequel is an exciting adventure across the empire. In the first book we were mainly in the palace so it was nice to explore more of the world. Especially since we visit all of the taboo or forgotten places. There’s more danger and mystery wherever they go.

We get more character point-of-views as well, since everyone gets split up. It’s nice to be able to see everyone’s characters develop as they work on themselves. They discover more about their powers, histories and families.

My favorite characters this book are Fox, Sheen, Elva and the horse & fox. They each have a lot of depth and strength. As for the horse & fox, I’ll never turn down animal side kicks.

[cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

[Phelicity (Ur_Book_Buddy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down, especially in the Blaze chapters. I love the relationship between Blaze and Fox. Falls victim a bit to the “second book lull”, but kept my attention thoroughly.

[Emelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Tides of Fortune is a lot more of a character/relationship focused book than it's predecessor, but that's what I loved so much about it.
After being enraptured by the cast of characters in HoS I've been wanting to see more of them and that's exactly what the sequel delivered.
But it's not just about the individual POVs, we also get answers to a lot of questions and mysteries from book 1, plus the amount of reveals and twists that happen really build up the final installment!
I am so invested in the characters journeys (by themselves and together as couples) and seeing all of their paths merge into the bigger main story.
The ending will pull on your heartstrings in a good and in a bad way, and you know it is going down in the final book and oh boy am I ready to see where this all leads.


In the following I'll go into more detail why I loved this book so much (Spoiler Warning for Heir of Storms!):

Heir of Storms was the build up, with the focus on the plot and trials, getting to know Blaze and her story, the cast of side characters and the world. The mysteries were piling up and all I wanted were answers. Additionally to Blaze and Fox, I was also enraptured by the amazing cast of side characters and their potential romances: Flint and Sheen, Elva and Hal.
That's why Tides of Fortune was the perfect book for me, because I got all the character interactions and romantic build-up I was hoping for.
A sequel is always the perfect moment to broaden the world and characters to make you fall even deeper in love with the story.
Elva and Flint join Blaze as a POV in the book, and therefore we basically follow 3 stories happening at the same time:

Blaze and Fox end up joining forces to find the Eye of the Soul in the Wildlands. We spend remote time away from everyone else and focus on Blaze and Fox — their common goal, how they deal with the people's views on them as the Storm Weaver and Earth Cleaver and most importantly... their growing feelings for each other.
We get a lot of insight on Blaze’s feelings after winning the trials, her feeling like an outcast and the guilt she carries after the events in HoS. Fox, getting to know his backstory in HoS really helped deepening him as a character in the sequel. We get know his real him, what he likes to do, his powers his love for animals etc. Seeing Blaze and Fox learn these things about each other gives us readers the fueling of their slow burn we've been eagerly awaiting.
I've been rooting for them ever since Fox first appeared and the small moments we got in HoS really captured my slow burn lover heart. To finally have them spend alone time together — seeing them interact and navigate through ups and downs — gives the perfect foundation for a great build up of their romance.

We follow Flints POV, as he is looking for Blaze with the help of Spinner and Sheen.
Seeing him and Blaze share some of the most heartfelt and sweet sibling moments really showed that this series really shines at all kinds of relationships. Platonic, family, rivalries, romances — all of it.
After loosing and getting injured during his trial, Flint struggles with his own powers and his usual self — pretending he's fine when he's not. Meeting him as someone confident and witty, and now seeing his inner monolog and discovering how he feels about what happened, really deepens his character.
It was particularly interesting to see his thoughts about love.
While Flint is in a situationship with Spinner, he can not phantom why Sheen doesn't like him and grows irritated by every moment they spend together — which gives us some of the best bantering I've read in a while. And if you were like me, who noticed subtle sparks between them in book 1, you'll be delighted to finally read full scenes of the two of them interacting. The bantering, arguing or them being each others emotional support — every moment with them made this whole book a 5☆ already.

The third and final POV is from Elva's point of view — my personal favorite.
The serf we meet in HoS, which is now a newly remade shadow mage.
She was the character I felt most excited for, due to her being written as a servant/side character it seemed like she wouldn't be much of importance.BUT I always have this thing for misjudged and overlooked characters that made her stand out to me from her first appearance.
The shock and delight I felt when reading HoS and realizing Elva is indeed a very important character, was one of the reasons I loved HoS so very much.
I can't express how thankful I am to finally have a fitting character get the popular 'shadow powers' we all know. Instead of a big brooding booktok man, we have Elva (a serf who's already going by unnoticed) aquire these powers and give her the greatest potential to use these powers for spying and aiding Hal in secret.
And that is exactly what we get to see.
While Blaze and Fox's stories are happening far away, we get Elva's POV who shows us what is happening in the palace in the meantime.
All the political intrigue and the struggles both of them face now that Haldyn is the new Emperor. Hal is faced with many hardships following the events that happened in HoS, and it makes his character more complex. Experiencing it through Elva's eyes as she is coming into her powers and helping Hal by spying, was the most interesting part. Both face some hardships that keep their characters journeys exciting on their own, but what made this even more enjoyable and beautiful to read is what they can achieve together.
Finding out that Hal and Elva are in love was probably the most surprising twist in HoS, one I wholeheartedly welcomed.
Their story — Elva and Hal — is probably the most interesting and heart pounding romance story I've read in a while, and they are technically only secondary characters!
Their love feels even more special now that we get to see it from their view, how they handle their forbidden relationship and the differences of the world's they grew up in.
What I like about Hal's part in particular is how i felt his struggles. His own health is suffering while he needs to adjust becoming Emperor and the pressure of his advisors and people. His love for Elva is deep, and yet it was beautiful to show that it is not easy to listen to your heart when you carry much on your shoulders.


As you can tell, I really loved this book!
I got all my favorite characters to shine! And romances to bloom or even burn.
Aside the obvious, I also really enjoyed the direction the plot moved. For spoiler purposes I won't say more, but let me tell you this: twist and reveals one after another. This book is more focused on the characters and relationships this time, but that doesn't mean the plot is standing still. Oh no, it's moving.
And experiencing the 3 POVs and stories merge into one another to build up the journey we're on....you just know, the final book will be intense.

[Emily Hinton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan Publishing for this ARC! All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was really looking forward to this book and hanging out with these characters again after loving Heir of Storms. Unfortunately, this entire book was a huge miss. The FMC was insufferable and continued to act as a 12-year old. It is entirely unbelievable that she would be a sufficient queen, leader, or “goddess”.

Additionally, the plot didn’t go anywhere. Blaze and Fox’s time together was lackluster; there was no journey or traveling and downright boring. All they did together was camp then sporadically jump places while 1) Blaze whined and 2) Fox already knew what was going to happen before it happened. The Flint story line only added confusion — he was wholly unlikeable as a character. The only redeeming quality of this book was the Elva and Hal romance. The cliffhanger wrapped this all of up into a total a waste of a book. I am unsure if I would be willing to read any more in this series.

I am sadly disappointed and probably should have DNF’d.

[Maddie Blackham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Lauryn Hamilton Murray, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Tides of Fortune in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐

I was SO excited for this book. The first one was dang amazing — I absolutely gobbled it up. Honestly, one of the main reasons I started signing up for ARCs was for the chance to snag a copy of this sequel. So imagine how freaking excited I was to see that my request was accepted!!

However… I was slightly disappointed by Tides of Fortune. This book wasn’t bad per se — it was just okay. And that was hard, because Heir of Storms set the bar so high.

This installment felt more like the characters (and the plot) were preparing for the third book rather than moving through a full, satisfying story on its own. There’s an overarching quest to find the Eye of the Soul, but outside of that, not much actually happens. We do get additional POVs, which both helped and hurt the story in my opinion.


Characters
Like in Heir of Storms, Blaze is still the main POV. Her chapters follow her journey for the Eye of the Soul, where she ends up separated from Flint and travels with Fox instead. In the first book, we saw Blaze grow from a royal who had been hidden from society due to her catastrophic powers into someone who begins stepping into the spotlight as a potential heir. I had hoped to see more development as she prepares to take on the role of Queen. Instead, I felt like this wasn’t as much of a focus in Tides of Fortune, and she (in my opinion) still isn’t ready to take on the throne. This book focused more on her relationship with Fox (which I didn’t mind) and her learning about being a Stormweaver (which was one of my favourite parts of this book). Both of these things were needed and interesting, but I was hoping for those elements in addition to more emotional and leadership growth. Also, with all the progress that Blaze and Fox made, I was pretty frustrated with how things were left between them — I really hope that gets resolved in the third book. We need justice for that ending!

Elva is one of the new POVs, and I’ll be honest, I wasn’t excited about that. Based on how she (and Hal) treated Blaze in Heir of Storms, I wasn’t excited to spend more time with her character. At the beginning, I kind of forced myself through her chapters just to get back to Blaze. That said, her POV is pretty important in Tides of Fortune. Through her eyes, we gain insight into what’s happening at court while Hal steps into his new role as king. I found the political intrigue in her chapters pretty interesting. Watching her come to terms with her newly awakened powers as a shadow mage was also cool. While I am still not super attached to her, and her relationship with Hal feels a bit lacking, her chapters definitely added important context and worldbuilding.

Flint was the other new POV, and unfortunately… this just made me like his character less. In book one, he’s introduced as a self-absorbed party boy who spends his time drinking, flirting, and sleeping around. After the third trial accident at the end of that book, he is left physically scarred. Justifiably, in Tides of Fortune, we see Flint dealing with trauma, PTSD, self-image issues, and the fact that he can’t conjure flames anymore. This setup is the perfect foundation for some seriously powerful character growth. Instead, it mostly felt like a Flint pity-fest. So much of his POV is just him complaining and spiraling 24/7 while traveling with Sheen and Spinner. I found myself skimming through his chapters or skipping parts altogether because I couldn’t stand him. I also really didn’t like the development of a romantic relationship between him and Sheen. First, he’s still technically with Spinner, and I hate the cheating trope. Second, he is definitely not emotionally ready for any relationship. He needs serious time to work through his trauma, his self-image, and everything tied to the accident. Personally, I think the story would have been stronger if he had simply remained a side character.


Plot
One of my biggest issues with Tides of Fortune was the pacing. There were long stretches where almost nothing pushed the plot forward, then a bit of action, then another long lull. That pattern repeated throughout the book, which made it feel slower and less engaging than the first book. Lauryn Hamilton Murray could have made this series a strong duology and had a bigger impact on her audience (at least based on this book, in my opinion).

We also learn very little about Balen — his motives, what he’s doing behind the scenes, or where he might be taking things (besides wanting the throne and the Eyes for himself). This book could have really benefited from having Balen’s POV for a more comprehensive understanding — or at least one final POV chapter at the end to give readers a strong cliffhanger. I kept waiting for more big reveals or major turning points, but it mostly felt like setup for the next installment.

Overall, Lauryn Hamilton Murray treated Tides of Fortune more like a bridge book rather than a solid standalone installment in a series. It does expand the world she has created, setting things up for what’s coming. However, it lacks the momentum, character growth, and emotional punch that readers felt in the first book.

Am I still invested in the series? Yes. Will I read the next book? Also yes. I just really hope that the next installment brings tighter pacing, stronger plot development, and deeper character growth.


Content Notes
- Spice: Implied off-page intimacy
- Language: Mild swearing
- Other: Violence, death, war, grief, PTSD, LGBT representation

[cyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flint Harglade. Do ONE smart thing. Please. I beg of you.

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Pre-read: WE GOT A WIDGET CHAT EVERYONE THANK FIERCE READS FOR BEING NICE AND COOL AND SENDING ME A WIDGET !! I’ve never been so hyped

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Here, we don’t have to be the Storm Weaver and the Earth Cleaver. We can just be Blaze and Fox. We can just be.”

After the conclusion of Choosing Rite and the subsequent attack on the previous rulers, the Empire of Ostacre is in crisis. Blaze sets out to seek the Eye of the Soul, before it falls into the wrong hands. Flint accompanies her, but secretly struggles after losing the competition for the throne. Meanwhile, Hal rules from the Golden Palace, but his rule is unstable and in question. Elva, a former slave, is in love with Hal, but will their love survive the political upheaval, particularly in a nation where slavery still exists?

Heir of Storms was a 5-star read for me last year and I’ve been eager to read the sequel, Tides of Fortune. While a bit different in style (more on this), I still absolutely loved it. The plot of Heir of Storms was very focused on internal journeys - Blaze growing into her power and confidence, amidst the dangers of the Choosing Rite. Tides of Fortune, however, expands greatly. Blaze journeys overland, a big step for her given the seclusion of her childhood, to seek the Eye of the Soul. While journeying, the reader is able to see a lot more of the world through her, and it was fantastical and highly immersive. She also spends a lot of time with Fox, and I loved getting to know his character better. Fox and Blaze, though both possessing great powers, have very different approaches to it, and it was interesting to see how their interactions played off of each other during their journey. Fox is rapidly becoming a favorite character and I’m excited to see how things play out in the third Storm Weaver novel.

We also got two additional POVs in this book: Flint and Elva. These additional POVs help keep relevant storylines active (i.e., political changes at the palace) while Blaze journeys. Beyond the plot importance of eyes elsewhere in the world, I loved getting a deeper look at these characters. Despite their closeness, Flint and Blaze don’t spend a lot of time together in Heir of Storms and I loved seeing their closer sibling bond in Tides of Fortune. Flint also struggles very visibly in this novel - after losing the Choosing Rite, his trademark confidence takes a blow, and the mental and emotional struggles associated with that felt very well done and relevant. Through his POV, we also see how much effort he expends to put up a front of charisma and lightheartedness, despite his struggles. It really broadened his character and I was glad to see a different side of him. Elva has also gone through a lot of changes - no longer a slave, she finally gets to make decisions for herself and what she stands for and understandably, she struggles to find her path. I loved seeing her gain confidence in herself and her convictions.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. If I had any complaints, it would be that in some ways, a lot fewer large “events” occurred in this novel, but it did also strongly feel like the stage was being set for a strong conclusion, so I didn’t mind it too much. I also really enjoyed the atmosphere shift as different characters journeyed - there was something of an AtLA vibe to it and it was a lot of fun!

✨ 4.5 stars! ✨

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press for providing an ARC. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher for a copy of this book!

Heir of Storms was one of my favourite books of 2025 so the bar was already set high for this. Also, disclaimer, I absolutely love & adore Lauryn so much, however I have tried to make this review as unbiased as possible!

Blaze may be one of my favourite FMCs that I’ve ever read about because I feel like she’s so me. She’s headstrong and stubborn and independent and I just love that she doesn’t fall at men’s feet and become subservient. She’s sassy and stabby and honestly I need her as a friend. I’ve loved being on this journey of her learning more about herself. I’m trying to keep this review spoiler free but I feel like it’s really important that I mention how personally relatable her identity battle felt; to be told you are one way for your whole life, then in a second things can change, I really connected with her anguish and anger with this. Plus she’s also carrying the burden of being the ‘storm bringer’, and I really appreciate how she hasn’t just suddenly absolved herself of this (completely unfair and wrong) guilt. It’s refreshing to have a character who feels genuinely human.

And Fox, my boy, my angel on earth, my unproblematic king. I would literally die for you. There is nothing Fox can do that would make me not love him. There are a lot of truths within this book that I can’t spoil but will make readers look at him from a different perspective. I know that sounds daunting but please trust me!!! I love that we build up this idea that he is an awful heartless person but he’s actually a gifted healer. It just goes to show that you never really know a person, and we shouldn’t judge others.

One of my favourite thing about Lauryn’s books is that although they’re YA, they feel very mature. There’s no ‘cringey’ language or plot lines. I love the banter between characters cause it makes the relationships feel more genuine. Lauryn is great at setting a scene. It’s like she picks us up and puts us into the story itself. One of my favourite scenes in the book actually takes part inside a mythical forest (I can’t say more without spoiling) and I just found myself completely immersed in it, and there were parts of it that made me feel the excitement that I had reading when I was a child. It was very reminiscent of books I used to read when I was younger! There are plot twists galore but everything is knitted up perfectly. It’s so satisfying to have precious questions answered, and this series is one that you can go back and read and find new things. I’m excited to re-read Heir of Storms to spot anything I missed the first time.

Overall another excellent read from Lauryn. This book perfectly follows HoS and they are sisters in my head. I got completely lost in this world! It felt like Lauryn crawled in my brain and projected it in front of me. I was sad when I finished this book and I am absolutely desperate for book 3 already. An amazing follow up from a talented author, Tides of Fortune is a compelling and exciting read, with intricate world building and delightful character progression and building of character relationships. Every book by Lauryn is a pleasure to read!

Rating: 5/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

3-3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

First of all thank you to Macmillan, Roaring Brook Press, NetGalley, Lauryn Hamilton Murray for the eARC, all opinions my own.

I enjoyed Tides of Fortune, though to be honest not as much as Heir of Storms (which I also reviewed as eARC). I’m still interested to see where the series goes and will definitely read the conclusion of trilogy when it comes out!

In terms of plot Tides picks up where Storms left off, Blaze on the run from King Balen following his attempted coup of sorts. She embarks on quest to find the missing Eye of the Soul, before Balen can get his hands on it. The book also features POVs from Flint (meh) and Elva (more please!).

I continue to really like Blaze and her journey from hidden, kept alone her life to, potential heir, to Queen (and more…). Her growth and relationship with Fox was great though I didn’t like how the book left it (more in spoilers below). Getting Elva’s POV was also great, though I wish we gotten more of it and that we’d get more than surface level of her relationship with Hal. Flint on the other hand was boring. Ostensibly his POV is to show his growth from assumed heir to learning who he really is. Except he spends 90% of his POV wallowing without any real self reflection. Him finally admitting to that he can’t conjure (not really a spoiler) isn’t because he has truly grown (because he really didn’t for long time). But I just found him boring, lacking any self awareness, and kinda dumb (sorry Flint). If he gets some real growth in next book I’d be happy to have some POV but also would be happy without it.

Now for some spoilers as to rationale behind my score so be warned.
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The main reason for my low score after liking Blaze and Elva so much is because very little actually happens in the book and there are long stretches without any action and then small incidents (even the battle in Brava is over before it begins). In the end we get very little from Balen aside just he’s evil and knows Demari. However in terms of overall plot the only thing in different place from end of book 1 is Blaze’s knowledge of her power/history, Fox’s return (which we all knew was happening so not really change), and court uniting (a bit) behind Hal.

This book needed to advance plot more, how does Balen know things he does, more about him. When big bag spends too long just moving off page it ends up feeling detached. More political moving from Hal/Elva’s story in terms of finding traitors and securing allies. I was excited in the beginning but barely anything comes from it. Again Flint’s story basically advanced nothing until May the very end but even then wasn’t at all necessary.

Finally, minor pet peeve, if you are going to mention names of places in references to geography or other cities/towns, lands, then they need to be labeled on map. Hopefully map tweak might be possible before release.

Again despite all that I like Blaze and Elva and will be excited to see how story concludes in finale of trilogy.

[Ayla Sting · Rating 5 out of 5]

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ eARC granted via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; Thank you to Penguin Random House UK Children's for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication, especially as it is my first foray into reviewing via NetGalley! Truly honoured to be able to do this, even more so as a fellow Scot! . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ .

If reading through the book within three days of starting it wasn't an indication enough, I absolutely adored this book and the emotions it brought along with it. It gave just the right amount of plot to character relationship to exposition ratio and kept me engaged and excited to pick up and continue reading whenever I had to put it down. Having the eARC available on my phone was both a blessing and a curse; A blessing because it meant being able to read anytime. But a curse because that didn't just mean while on a train or in bed, it also meant while walking around my work site where cars could appear at any moment! Thankfully, no accidents occurred.

Was the foreshadowing throughout this book subtle? No, definitely not. But do I think it still kept me guessing as to whether it actually was foreshadowing or whether it was just a comment? Yes! The reveals and revelations were perfect in my opinion, nothing came out of left field. As well as this, the 'Chosen One' trope is extremely prevalent in this book but I don't think that is an issue- If anything, it was known even from the marketing of the first book!

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . Very minor spoilers following! Nothing specific, but just a little! . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ .

The moment I began the book I was reminded of how much I loved the characters and the setting. The different elements are all easy to understand and every area has names that are both on the nose for their specialties while and specific enough to be different and memorable. The creatures that are interacted with by the cast also all have personalities- from those docile and friendly, to those mischievous and cunning, to the enemies actively working against the protagonists!

The trio of POV's all provided enough information and variety in situation to keep me hooked. I think Blaze's was my favourite throughout however- I was invested in her journey and growth, as well as her relationship with Fox developing. It all felt natural, and I loved the little throwbacks to the gifts and proof that he did care!

While I do think that some may think the ending was rushed given that the resolution came pretty suddenly, I think it wrapped up the book in a nice manner. The immediate conflict had been resolved in all three POV's (though of course there is more to come!!) and the cast was able to reunite in a way that became a direct mirror to the beginning of the book, what with the crowning as opposed to the funeral.

I'm so excited to continue on with this series in the future- Thank you again for the opportunity to read this eARC!

[Daniela M · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sequel that had me walking away thinking, what was the point? For a follow-up to a book that I really enjoyed, this sequel was such a letdown. Having left off with the excitement of our FMC Blaze winning her trails and becoming a Queen, only to have a coup happen that results in the death of the King and the council, I expected this book to continue the momentum. However, after the initial set up of Blaze escaping the panic with her brother, the trajectory of this book plummets from here. Caught between three POVs, no clear storyline, and a desire to chase tropes over substance, this book failed at continuing the story.

Within the three POVs, we follow Blaze as she reunites with Fox, the brother of the prince and other point of the love triangle set up in book one. Fox goes from an interesting and mysterious character to a bland, smirking love interest that has nothing going on upstairs besides his attraction to our FMC. Together, they look back in the past at memories that do nothing to forward the plot, then travel from a “one horse” troupe, to an “only one bed” trope, and end at a “you’re the chosen one” revelation. It seems like their storyline was reduced to common romantasy plotlines that marketing can use arrows to point at the book and sell it to the masses. Nothing was coherent, and nothing really happened to their storyline. I didn’t learn more about Fox or Blaze, and I couldn’t care less about their relationship. Blaze is childish and naïve, and I question how she will be ready to take on the mantle of the throne.

The secondary POV is Blaze’s brother Flint, who struggles with his lack of powers and his identity. His quest to reunite with his sister after they are separated feels more like a way to fill up space and less about a story that needs to be told. He adds nothing to the main plot, and again, I am questioning what the point of his storyline is.

Our final POV is Elva, the true lover of the prince who navigates what could have been the most interesting plot of the story but was reduced into nothing. The story of a woman of oppressed people living and sleeping with the man whose family has oppressed her people. She has the power of changing his mind, of killing him, or of betraying him to get retribution for her people. But instead, she battles loving the man whose family enslaved her people, and does nothing to convince him otherwise. He comes to the conclusion himself, whilst battling another case of “the mad king” trope that I personally despise.

In the end, this book makes me question what was even the point? At this rate, the series could have been trimmed down to a duology instead. This felt like a giant trope-chasing cash grab than a cohesive story. No one’s characters truly develop, the plot ends in the same place we started, and despite some infuriating revelations that make my eyes roll in the back of my head, nothing has truly changed for our characters.

[Pattie Fore · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank Lauryn Hamilton Murray, NetGalley, and Macmillan for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. 📚✨ The way I fangirled when I was approved for this one is honestly a little embarrassing… but also completely justified. 🫣💖 I absolutely loved Heir of Storms, and I have been waiting so impatiently to return to this world. 🌊⚡️

Tides of Fortune picks up exactly where Heir of Storms left off, which I adored. 🥹 It did take me a little bit to find my footing again since it had been a while, but once I did, it was full speed ahead. 🚀 This book takes us on such a layered journey, both emotionally and physically across the world. 🌍✨

We begin in Blaze’s homeland for her aunt’s funeral, and I loved that Murray gave us this moment to acknowledge the trauma left behind by the trials. 💔 It felt grounding and real, and it reminded me how deeply these characters have been shaped by everything they’ve endured. From there, the story unfolds into something much bigger, both Blaze and Flint feel like they’re on parallel paths of self discovery. 🔥🌱 Flint is figuring out who he is after the trials, while Blaze is still trying to understand who she is in general. That contrast was really beautiful. 🥺💫

One of my favorite things about this book was how much deeper we got to go with the supporting characters. Usually, I’m not a huge fan of multiple POVs, but here it worked wonderfully. 👏 I absolutely loved getting to know Elva more and diving into the inner workings of Flint. 🖤🧠 Their arcs added so much emotional depth to the story.

Now… the romance.
THE slow burn. 🔥😮‍💨 The agonizing, delicious slow burn.

I went into this book only truly invested in Blaze’s romance arc, but somehow I came out deeply attached to Elva and Hal as well. 💕 I love that this series isn’t only about romance. It’s so refreshing to have rich world-building, strong friendships, evolving relationships outside of romance, and deeper lore about the different beings and realms. 🌌✨

My one small critique is that I wanted just a little more from certain parts of the world. The Greenwood, the Green Bandits, the tunnels Blaze and Flint traveled through… these areas felt important, and I found myself craving more lore. 🌲🗺️
I wanted to know:
• What happens to the Green Bandits after the Etheri leave? 🤔
• Will they come into play later?
• What deeper history lives in the Greenwood and those tunnels?

Murray’s descriptions are already vivid and immersive, which is exactly why I wanted that extra sprinkle of depth. ✨ It felt like we were standing on the edge of something even bigger.

That said… I absolutely devoured this book. 📖💥 The character development, emotional growth, slow-burn romance, and world-building had me hooked from start to finish. I am so invested in this series.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Lauryn Hamilton Murray for the digital ARC of Tides of Fortune. My opinions and review are unbiased and entirely my own.

Tides of Fortune, the second book in the Storm Weaver series by Lauryn Hamilton Murray, is filled with political intrigue, tension, friendship, and healing. Hamilton Murray truly raises the stakes in this installment, delivering more of everything I loved from the first book. The imagery, world-building, and deeper exploration of Mage magic are stunning. Her writing paints such vivid scenes that I felt like I was wandering the golden palace, navigating the ridge, and riding through the wildlands alongside the characters.

As the characters have matured beyond their teenage years, the writing and emotional depth of the story feel as though they have matured with them. I especially loved the use of multiple viewpoints. Each character felt distinct, and the shifting perspectives added tremendous depth to the story and character development.

The growth we see in these characters is phenomenal. Blaze is no longer a frightened girl experiencing the world for the first time—she has grown into a stronger, more confident woman. Flint’s struggles with his magic and confidence following the trials add an emotional weight to his journey. Watching Elva transform from a timid serf into a powerful woman was beautiful to witness.

And then there’s Fox—easily one of my favorite characters in this book. Snarky yet deeply caring, we see a new side of him as he confronts his own past and begins the process of healing. Between his love of animals, his knowledge of medicinal plants, and the way he protects Blaze while still allowing her the strength and space to stand on her own, he’s impossible not to love.

Even the side characters are so well written that I found myself wanting entire stories dedicated to them (seriously—can we please get a prequel about the grandmother?).

Toward the end, the pacing felt slightly rushed compared to the otherwise flawless flow of the story. However, the author still sets the stage perfectly for what promises to be an epic conclusion in the next book. The ending doesn’t rely on a dramatic cliffhanger but instead leaves readers eagerly anticipating what’s to come.

This book had me laughing, crying, and completely hooked from beginning to end. I truly didn’t want to put it down. With lush world-building, a fascinating magic system, and deeply emotional character growth, Hamilton Murray has created a vivid and imaginative world that I can’t wait to return to.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heir of Storms was my favourite read of 2025, so naturally Tides of Fortune was one of my most anticipated 2026 releases. It did not disappoint.

So often, expectations are set so high by a first book that the sequel can’t really live up to it, but that was not the case here. Tides of Fortune is the perfect follow up, picking up from where Heir of Storms left off and continuing to build from there. It expands on not only the story and the world, but the narrative – adding in two additional POVs alongside Blaze’s which I absolutely loved.

First, there’s Blaze’s twin, Flint. Like his sister, went through his own trials and tribulations during the Choosing, and has had his world turned upside down in a lot of ways. We get to see exactly how he has been affected by what happened, and grapple with a new reality.

Then we have Elva, also faced with a new reality and now torn between two sides. While she doesn’t go on the literal journey that Blaze and Flint do, out in the wide world, she definitely goes on a metaphorical one as she learns to accept who she is and what she wants.

Last but definitely not least, there’s Blaze. Victorious in the Choosing, and yet her challenges are far from over. Tides of Fortune sees her learn so much more about who she is and the world around her, revealing even more secrets that change everything. Yet she continues to show her strength in the way she keeps going, never letting herself give up.

And of course, where we find Blaze we of course find Fox. And oh, how I love him. Personally I’d quite like him for myself, but since I can’t pull him from the pages I’ll settle for rooting for him and Blaze. Their relationship is thrilling to read, from their snarky banter to their disagreements to the moments they let themselves give into their feelings.

Lauryn Hamilton Murray is a fantastic writer, with a beautiful style and a gift for pacing the story just right so that it never feels stuck or rushed. She has created a brilliant host of well-rounded, multi-faceted characters, and even those who are technically side characters in this I fully believe could carry their own story. Future spin-off’s, perhaps? (one can hope!!)

Honestly, the only thing I’m unhappy with is the fact that I now have a long await ahead of me for book 3! I love this world and these characters, and genuinely cannot wait to be reunited with them all in 2027.

[Marjorie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing this advance reader copy in exchange for a honest opinion.

Tides of Fortune, the second installment in the Heir of Storms series, feels very much like a bridge between the explosive promise of the first book and the larger conflicts clearly waiting on the horizon. Rather than focusing on constant action or dramatic reveals, this entry leans heavily into world building, political tension, and the evolution of its characters and relationships.

One of the novel’s biggest strengths is the way Lauryn Hamilton expands the universe. The world feels richer, more layered, and far more complex than before, with new dynamics, motivations, and factions gradually unfolding throughout the story. There’s a deliberate pacing to the narrative that allows the reader to settle deeper into the setting and understand the stakes beyond the immediate plot. The relationships also benefit from this slower approach, as emotional bonds and tensions are given time to develop naturally rather than being rushed for dramatic effect.

At the same time, the book can occasionally feel more like setup than payoff. Many plot threads are introduced without immediate resolution, and several mysteries remain unanswered by the end. New elements are constantly being woven into the story, sometimes faster than existing questions are addressed. For some readers, this creates an exciting sense of anticipation for future installments; for others, it may feel slightly frustrating, as though the narrative spends more time preparing the board than making major moves.

Still, the intrigue is compelling enough to keep the pages turning. Beneath the quieter moments lies a growing sense that something much bigger is brewing, and the tension steadily builds even when the story isn’t action-heavy. The character interactions, shifting loyalties, and political maneuvering all contribute to that atmosphere of looming conflict.

Overall, Tides of Fortune succeeds as a strong continuation of the series, particularly for readers who enjoy immersive world building and gradual character development. While it leaves many questions unanswered, it also lays a substantial foundation for what promises to be a much larger and more intense story ahead.