Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Beneath Thorns and Ashes

Rate this book
Princess Emryn of Lockhaven has never felt so helpless in her entire life. Watching her brother lose the human girl he loves, and their unborn child, due to a curse their own father inflicted on them is heartbreaking. And that's not taking into account her own grief over losing Kayla—the friend she'd come to view as a sister. Emryn vows to help her brother get through his pain in whichever way she can. Trouble is, her own future isn’t looking quite so rosy either.

A conspiracy against their own father seems like the only way for her and Declan to deal with the repercussions from last year's siren attack. And on top of that, her father is bringing suitors to the castle and expects Emryn to choose a husband within three months. Finding herself trapped in an impossible situation, Emryn is wary when the dreaded princes start to arrive, and that's putting it mildly.

Declan has scoured every library and read every book he could get his hands on since Kayla has been gone, but he's not even close to a semblance of a solution for reversing her banishment. Holding the hollowness chipping away at his sanity at bay becomes more of an effort every single day, until he's granted an unexpected gift. But is it enough to keep him afloat? And will he find the strength he needs to not only fulfil the vow he made to the woman he loves, but to also prevent his father from ruining his sister's one chance at happiness?

The stakes are high, the odds are unfavourable, but one thing is certain: When dreams shatter, only hope can endure.

668 pages, ebook

First published August 30, 2025

1 person is currently reading
25 people want to read

About the author

Diane Farrugia

3 books16 followers
Diane Farrugia is a Maltese author, where she currently resides with her husband and their two children, plus a furry Pomeranian baby who thinks she was a goddess in a previous life. She holds an Honours Bachelor degree in Communications from the University of Malta, but her true passion has always been books, in particular anything to do with fantasy and romance. When she isn’t writing, solving tricky plot points in her head or coming up with new stories, she’s dealing with the thousand and one responsibilities of being a full-time mum, all while trying to snatch any spare moment she can to read about dragons, fae and magical worlds. You can follow Diane’s writing journey on her socials on Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook at @dianefarrugiaauthor or by visiting her website www.dianefarrugiaauthor for all the latest news.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
15 (37%)
4 stars
23 (57%)
3 stars
2 (5%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Nikki.
181 reviews7 followers
August 28, 2025
Fantasy • Adventure • Mystery • Strong Character Growth

I really enjoyed this installment! I loved getting to know Emryn more in this book since she was only a supporting character in the first, and it was great to see her story unfold in such a big way. The plot evolved so much compared to the first book-there was mystery, adventure, and so many twists that kept me hooked. The pacing was strong, and the plot development was excellent. Overall, it was such a fun read and a wonderful continuation of the series!

Thank you for another great read! Diane Farrugia fan forever ❤️
Profile Image for Julie Gee.
68 reviews
August 28, 2025
I started this book and couldn't put it down, IT IS JUST ....AMAZING!! 😭 and just didn't want it to end 😭 (bawled my eyes out multiple times)

So so glad that I received this ARC it was absolutely ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 💙



Book review below 💙


This world is just beautiful, new places and characters to get to know.
Lots of my favorite tropes 👀

Fated Mates ✨
Curses and Magic ✨
Forbidden Love 💙
Human and Magic Folk 💜
Merlin and Camelot Lore 💜
Slow burn ❤️‍🔥
but .. (ohmygod 👀 Chapter 29, 34) 🥵


Emryn is just 🔥 🔥 🔥 I love her character so much 🥹

Well done Diane for writing such an amazing book! So excited for the release of this book on the 30th August 2025!!


Can't wait to see more of Kayla and Declan and Hope!! 💙 can't wait for book 3 ⭐💙
Profile Image for Tabatha_Reads_Books.
223 reviews31 followers
August 27, 2025
These books are so good! They are fantastical and beautifully written, and also emotional and heart wrenching. Emryn is truly an FMC made for fantasy readers, and the author wrote a character that has strength and courage that you will find yourself continuously rooting for as you watch her character growth. She also did a phenomenal job of writing a truly vile villain in the King, especially as more of his plans are unveiled throughout the book. The world in these books is beautifully built, the story keeps you reading page after page, and you will definitely find yourself getting attached to the characters. Be ready to cry while you read, but by the end of this book, you will be ready in anticipation for the next one!
Profile Image for Krista Nicole.
259 reviews20 followers
August 27, 2025
While I adored the main characters of book one, I loved the opportunity to get to dive into one of my favorite characters stories more, Emryn, and getting to see her pursue her own love story while still getting to follow the path forward for Declan and Kayla and the rest of the kingdom of Lockhaven! We pickup right where book 1 left off with Declan and Kayla separated in different worlds, and the king still doing everything he can to gain more power including deciding to marry off his daughter Emryn. In come several princes from neighboring kingdoms to vie for her hand and she meets an unexpected stranger she thinks she could maybe get along with, but turns out he’s just here for his brother. She must do everything she can to overcome her father’s plots, help Declan keep having hope to get Kayla back and find a man worthy of her.

I loved through the multiple POVs still getting to see the progression of Kayla and Declan’s story and love for one another while also seeing Emryn get to have her own love story develop! I also enjoyed getting more world building of additional kingdoms through the princes and a few new villains to root against and maybe even a prince to root for! There’s lots of court intrigue and maneuvering going on and plots within plots to try to trick the king and circumvent his plans which made for an exciting read. There were several times I couldn’t put the book down because I needed to know what happened next! The love story and development of trust in a man for Emryn even if he is an unexpected choice made me so happy for this character I came to relate to as I also find myself doubting my own worth at times. That epilogue also gutted me but also made me so excited for whatever’s next for this series! I am hoping for another book soon to follow up on it! Overall I enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one, my rating 4.7/5!

Thanks to Beyond the Books Pr and the author for the gifted ARC of this book, all opinions given are my own!
25 reviews
September 6, 2025
Beneath Thorns and Ashes wrecked me in ways I was not prepared for. This sequel is bigger, darker, and so much more emotional than the first book, and I couldn’t tear myself away once I started.

Getting Emryn’s story in full was everything I hoped for. She is the heart of this book. Her strength, her resilience, the way she keeps standing tall even while grief and fear try to break her... it was inspiring and honestly had me tearing up more than once. She’s the kind of heroine who lingers with you long after the last page.

Declan completely broke me. His grief is so raw and unflinching that it felt like carrying his pain right alongside him. The bond between him and Emryn, the way they fought side by side even against their own father, was powerful and heartbreaking at the same time. And Ayden with his sharp wit and darker edges was the perfect balance. His presence lit up every scene in such a different way and made the story even more addictive.

The King though. Absolutely ruthless, terrifying, and written with so much intensity that every time he appeared, the story shifted. He is one of those villains who feels larger than life, and watching how much his cruelty shaped Emryn and Declan’s lives made my blood boil.

It completely had me hooked. That forbidden pull, the slow burn tension, the way every small moment felt charged. It gave me butterflies and heartbreak all at once.

The writing itself is so smooth and emotional that it sweeps you up without even trying. I laughed, I cried, and I turned pages like my life depended on it. And then came the epilogue. It was brutal and brilliant and left me staring at the screen in complete shock. I need book three yesterday.

Beneath Thorns and Ashes is the kind of fantasy romance that grips both your heart and your imagination. Emotional, intense, unforgettable.
Profile Image for Simsimreadss.
79 reviews4 followers
September 3, 2025
Before I could get over from the first book Diane gave me her another masterpeice with a most beautiful yet magical couple emryn and ayden just like Declan and Kalya . In my mortal soul i can never choose btw this couple. Diane is one of that author who made me convinced that fantasy books hold a legit different world from the other genres and I am ready to dive in .

If we talk about the book the way she displayed her tropes (i followed them blindly) . She made those tropes as her mark on this book because I could feel every chapter alive through me . Especially the map reference from the book always holds a special corner in my heart . The world runs totally different from our 3rd world. This book will make you feel all emotions as I feel it was meant for it . Its dark and magical woohooo and its realising in autumn its like cherry on the top


If we talk about our characters both were awesome at their place Especially if I wanna praise any character its emryn i mean its a not a surprise because she deserve all love and applause through out the book . Her strength, courage and the way she carried herself through out the book was remarkable. If it wasn't an ARC I would love to write in depth but I cant yet still you can feel from my words that how much I admire her . Baby you deserves it all in this universe 💜. And our ayden he was perfect man for emryn 🥺💜 my love birds my babies 🫶 you have my heart . Even other characters in the story played a beautiful role and they hold their own significance place .
Its a beautiful forbidden romance and its more than worthy to be on your tbr .


Diane you did a fabulous Job in creating this book may you write more and I read more 😀 😊 ❤️ thank you for sending me ARC copy I am blessed to be the part of it . Thank you so much 💓 💗 may you hit best seller 💗💓
Profile Image for Teesta Chattopadhyay.
82 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2025
This sequel completely wrecked me in the best possible way. I literally couldn't stop myself from turning pages and I’m honestly still trying to catch my breath. Emryn's character absolutely made me adore her, I was in awe with her resilience, her bravery, the quiet strength she carried even through her grief - it was nothing short of inspiring.

Declan shattered me more than once, and Ayden, with that dry wit and dark edge, was exactly the balance the story needed. The world itself was hauntingly beautiful—mysterious, dangerous, and so vivid that I could almost feel myself walking through it. The bond between Prince Declan and Princess Emryn practically burned through the book, and watching them fight side by side against their father was as exhilarating as it was rewarding.

I loved the world building here - it was very immersive and it draws you into a kingdom brimming with secrets, power struggles, and enchantment. The narrative pulls you in effortlessly, and the balance between high-stakes action, heartfelt romance, and emotional drama makes the story impossible to put down.

I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend this to anyone who loves reading - fantasy romance, slow burn, forbidden romance, fated mates, merlin lore, and strong FMC tropes.

Thank you @beyondthebookspr and @dianefarrugiaauthor for sending this ARC copy my way! 👉👈
Profile Image for Fedythereader.
1,030 reviews30 followers
September 30, 2025
Thank you so so much to the author for sharing an ARC of this book with me !!!

“The blood of my blood belongs in this realm”

“It is harder to believe you’re worthy of someone fighting for gli of all your life you’ve been told you’re nothing”

I’m enchanted by the series … book one was just before and I knew I would have dived straight into this book because … this fantasy series is simply too entertaining and magical to stop. After the beautiful story of Declan and Kayla, I was so interested in reading more about Emryn than when I figured this was supposed to be the book when her character would have blossomed and we could see her more alongside her brother … I was so excited !!! And I was right to be. This sequel was everything I was expecting and more !!
More action, more passion, more characters, more complicated dynamics that will be hard to unravel. Suitors in the midst and one in particular that will make you deeply fall. Declan will find himself at a standstill trying to get his family back while Emryn is still tryjng to build her own. So great !!! And so much happens from the very early pages !! I loved it!! If it felt to me like book one was the beginning of the adventure, this one was definitely my fav!!!! And when the ending came through … I think I need time to recover because … I need more !!!!

“For as long as I’ll live, I will never deserve you. Ma crahlam norasai”

“You were meant for the light, my Emryn, not the shadows”
Profile Image for Courtney.
53 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2025
✨Book Review✨

Beneath Thorns and Ashes (The Encantraalm Saga) by Dianne Farrugia @dianefarrugiaauthor is a lush and heartbreaking fantasy romance that had me hooked from page one.

This story picks up with Princess Emryn of Lockhaven, who is torn between loyalty to her family, grief over losing her dearest friend, and the impossible weight of her father’s expectations. Add in forbidden romance, forced courtship, fated mates, and a fresh twist on Merlin lore—and you’ve got a slow-burn fantasy that will absolutely consume you.

I loved how the tension built layer by layer—every suitor, every conspiracy, every whisper of magic making the stakes feel even higher. Emryn is fierce and determined, and watching her struggle to balance strength with vulnerability made her such a compelling heroine. And Declan’s devotion? Heart-wrenching and beautiful in equal measure.

If you’re a fan of forbidden love, curses, slow-burn tension, and heroines who refuse to bend, this is one you’ll want to add to your TBR immediately.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As always thank you to the author and @beyondthebookspr for the opportunity to review this for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle Hinkley.
65 reviews5 followers
September 7, 2025
This sequel was everything I hoped for and more! Once again, the writing was beautiful, immersive, and easy to follow. I loved how it picked up right where the first book left off—Kayla is back home, separated from her mate Declan, while Declan and Emryn work tirelessly to stop their father, the king, and find a way to bring Kayla back.

What made this installment especially special for me was seeing Emryn’s story unfold. She’s always been such a loyal and supportive sister, and it was so rewarding to watch her step into her own spotlight and experience love for herself. She truly deserved it.

The book is packed with adventure, emotion, and fresh world-building. I especially enjoyed meeting new princes and possible suitors, which added depth to both Declan and Emryn’s world as well as some delicious intrigue. Every page kept me hooked, and it was a joy to be back in this fantasy realm.
Another stunningly written addition to the series—I can’t wait for what’s next!

Huge thanks to Beyond the Books PR and Diane Farrugia for this gifted ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for ash✿.
232 reviews10 followers
August 27, 2025
I just devoured this 700-page fantasy romance sequel, and I'm still reeling from the experience! The plot is expertly woven with tension, romance, and epic battles. The dynamic between the prince Declan and princess Emryn is sizzling, and their journey to take down their father is both thrilling and satisfying.

One of the standout characters is Ayden, the grumpy yet perfect love interest. His sarcastic wit and brooding nature had me swooning! The character development is top-notch, with complex personalities and growth that feels authentic.

The world-building is rich and immersive, with a kingdom that's full of intrigue and magic. The author's writing style is engaging, and the pacing is well-balanced between action, romance, and drama.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance. Can't wait to go back and read the next one now!
Profile Image for Pà.
867 reviews13 followers
August 27, 2025
Wow, this sequel absolutely destroyed me in the best way. I thought I was ready, but I was not. Emryn became one of my favorite heroines ever, her courage, her strength, the way she carried her pain but still kept moving forward, it was just inspiring. Declan broke my heart more than once, and Ayden with his broody sarcasm was just perfect, he balanced everything out. The world was magical, dark, and so beautifully written that I felt like I was living inside it. Five stars without a doubt. Thank you so much to the author Beyond the Books for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Maureen Madray.
36 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2025
4.5 Stars!!!! JUST READ THESE BOOKS ALREADY.

If you love fantasy woven with slow-burn romance, court intrigue, Camelot inspired lore, magic, world-building, and unforgettable characters - you NEED to read this series.

The pacing in this book is perfect, the magic unique, and the new perspective with the story shifting focus to a previously secondary character from the first book was flawless. I devoured this book despite its size, and it is going to be sticking with me for a long time.

But I will warn you now - the epilogue was killer, and you’re going to be dying for book 3 when you finish this!

I happened to come across the first book in The Encantraalm Saga (Among Stars and Shadows) last year, and I cannot believe I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the second installment in this series! Thank you again to Beyond the Books PR and Diane Farrugia for sharing this book with me in exchange for this honest review.

I will be doing a re-read of both books once I get physical copies (which you can now grab bc this amazing book came out this weekend)!!

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Maggie.
282 reviews7 followers
September 10, 2025
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Beneath Thorns and Ashes by Diane Farrugia
Book 2 in The Encantraalm Saga
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

Thank you @beyondthebookspr for providing a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Declan, Elvish Prince of Lockhaven, has been mourning the loss of his fated mate, Kayla, and their unborn daughter since banishing her to Humaynraalm. It was the only way to protect their child from his ruthless father. Now, his only purpose is to keep his promise to Kayla and find a way to reunite their family.

Meanwhile, his sister Emryn is trapped under the king’s thumb, forced to choose a suitor from the noble men he has selected to court her. Too bad the only man she wants is the one she can't have - Ayden, the illegitimate second-born prince accompanying his brother, Kieran, on his visit to Lockhaven so Kieran can court Emyrn. Despite knowing it is wrong, Emryn and Ayden find themselves unable to stay away from each other. As they spend time together and open up to each other, it becomes clear that theirs is a love that won't be ignored.

As secrets unravel and danger grows, Declan and Emryn (with Ayden's help) must work together to stop the king’s power-hungry schemes, protect their people, and uncover the key to reuniting Declan with Kayla.

This sequel is full of angst, forbidden romance, and high-stakes fantasy intrigue. The longing Declan felt for Kayla, whom he was only able to see in their shared dreams, was palpable. My heart ached for Kayla as a new mother facing the challenge of parenthood on her own. I was stressed out every time Declan hit a roadblock in his quest to reunite their family.

I loved seeing Emryn take as much agency over her future as possible for the setting. She was determined to love on her own terms, and Ayden proved himself worthy. I would love an epilogue showing them living happily in the future.

For fans of: 💔 Fated mates | 👑 Forbidden love | ⚔️ High fantasy | 🌌 Star-crossed lovers | 🔥 Slow burn

#BeneathThornsAndAshes #TheEncantraalmSaga #DianeFarrugia #Romantasy #FantasyRomance #FatedMates #ForbiddenLove #EpicFantasy #FantasyRomanceReads #Bookstagram #RomantasyReads #BookishLove #ReadersOfInstagram #FantasyBookish
214 reviews4 followers
September 8, 2025
I have always been biased towards reading a good fantasy drama fiction and this book did not disappoint. I was hooked from the very first page of Beneath Thorns and Ashes by Diane Farrugia which started with a terrible sacrifice for the sake of love. Yes, this is a fantasy tale with so much more with a combination of love, yearning, political drama, suspense action, and many more. It is a story where curses, conspiracies, and impossible choices collide with raw human emotions.

As a reader, I found myself deeply invested in Princess Emryn. Her struggle between duty and desire, loyalty and rebellion, made her feel real. Watching her torn between a father who rules with fear and foresight together with the pressure of meeting suitors she doesn’t want, and a future she never asked for was both heartbreaking and empowering.

Then comes Declan’s journey which affected me in ways I didn’t expect. His desperate search for a way to bring Kayla back, while holding on to the last shreds of hope, gave this book such a powerful emotional core. His grief is raw, his determination relentless, and it made me ache for him with every chapter.

What I loved most is how the author weaved together politics, magic, and heartache into a narrative that feels both sweeping and intimate. Every twist kept me turning the pages, every revelation made the stakes feel higher. It’s about love, loss, and finding courage when everything seems lost.

If you enjoy fantasy stories with strong characters, forbidden love, royal conspiracies, and just the right dose of heartbreak and hope, this book deserves a spot on your TBR.
74 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2025
"BENEATH THORNS AND ASHES" is a captivating blend of adventure, magic, and romance, weaving a spellbinding tale that will transport you to a world of wonder and heartwarming love💕

I'm utterly OBSESSED with this book, and I can't stop thinking about it! If you're into swoon-worthy fantasy romance, slow burn tension that'll leave you breathles, forbidden love that makes your heart ache, fated mates, mystical realms, strong FMC then this book is for you!💅🏻

Princess Emryn of Lockhaven finds herself caught in a tumultuous whirlwind. Her brother Declan is deeply devastated after losing Kayla to a powerful curse, and Emryn has pledged her unwavering support to stand by him through this ordeal. However, as numerous suitors arrive at the castle prompted by her father's insistence that she marry within a short span of months, Emryn becomes ensnared between the pressures of impossible decisions. She struggles to balance her duty to her family with her own aspirations and desires.✨

Declan's steadfast love for Kayla touched me profoundly. The depth of his yearning and the separation between them resonated deeply, evoking a sense of empathy. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there's a glimmer of hope, perhaps they might reconcile, finding their way back to one another. ✨

Their narrative feels like a gentle promise subtly woven into the fabric of the story, leaving a lasting impression. I mean, the way the author wove together these tropes had me hooked from page one! The fantasy world felt so vivid, like I was right there alongside the characters.🤌🏻🥹
Profile Image for the honeyed library.
98 reviews5 followers
September 6, 2025
I’m in absolute awe...can a saga really be this beautiful? The Encantraalm Saga proves it can! ✨ This book has everything...magic, heartbreak, conspiracies, and relationships that will steal your heart. Princess Emryn of Lockhaven is thrown into a storm. Her brother, Declan, is shattered after losing Kayla to a curse, and Emryn promised to stand by him no matter what. But as suitors flood the castle as her father demands she marry within months, Emryn finds herself trapped between the weight of impossible choices. And then Ayden, oh, the chemistry! Let me just say, THE EARTH CHOSE WELL. Every moment between Emryn and Ayden had me screaming, yes, this is it!

Meanwhile, Declan’s unwavering love for Kayla broke me in the best way. The longing, the distance, Hope and maybe...just maybe, they’ll find their way back to each other. Their story feels like a promise whispered through the pages.

The sibling bond between Emryn and Declan? Absolutely phenomenal. They fight, they scheme, and they hold each other up in a world determined to tear them apart. That bond is the heart of this story.

The ending? Let’s just say my jaw is still on the floor. Twists, betrayals, and the epilogue that had me sobbing and clutching the book. And now? I’m counting the days until the next installment because if it’s anything like this, it’s going to shatter me...in the best possible way.
Profile Image for Black Rose.
Author 2 books21 followers
September 11, 2025
💙ARC REVIEW💙

Beneath Thorns and Ashes by Diane Farrugia
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Tropes:
✨ Forbidden fantasy romance
⚱️ Fated mates
✨ Forced courtship
⚱️ Female strength
✨ Slow burn
⚱️ Curses and unique magic system


First of all, thank you so much for letting me read and review this heartwarming and absolutely heart touching book by Diane and @beyondthebookspr

This sequel gave me everything I was hoping for—and even more! ✨

The writing was once again gorgeous, immersive, and very easy to sink into. I loved how it picked up seamlessly where the first book ended—Kayla is back home, separated from her mate Declan, while Declan and Emryn push themselves to the limit to stop their father, the king, and figure out how to bring Kayla back.

What really made this book stand out for me was Emryn’s journey. She’s always been such a devoted and caring sister, so it felt incredibly rewarding to finally see her take center stage and discover love for herself. She absolutely earned it.
The plot is packed with adventure, heartfelt moments, and wonderfully detailed world-building. The arrival of new princes and potential suitors added intrigue and complexity, raising the tension in the best way. I was captivated from beginning to end, and it felt amazing to revisit this world.

A beautifully crafted continuation of the series—I’m already eager to find out what comes next!
Profile Image for Sachin Karnik.
Author 2 books6 followers
September 30, 2025
Fantasy meets heartfelt romance in Diane Farrugia’s second installment of The Encantraalm Saga, Beneath Thorns & Ashes. Following Of Flames & Shadows, this sequel dives deeper into the fragile balance between duty, family, and forbidden love.

Farrugia’s writing shines with rich world-building and emotional depth. She crafts a realm where magic is not just power but also punishment, and where choices ripple with consequences. The sibling bond between Emryn and Declan feels authentic and touching—making the novel about more than just romance; it’s about the ties that anchor us even in turbulent times.

What makes Beneath Thorns & Ashes compelling is its balance: political intrigue blends seamlessly with personal struggles, while romantic tension simmers under the weight of royal responsibility. The pacing keeps you hooked, alternating between moments of action, emotional vulnerability, and quiet reflection.

Verdict:
This book is a must-read for lovers of fantasy romance filled with strong heroines, cursed destinies, and family loyalty. If you enjoyed Of Flames & Shadows, this sequel raises the stakes even higher.

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

ARC provided by Booktasters in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anwesha Chattoraj.
127 reviews
September 9, 2025


I was really exited to read this book and getting the opportunity to read it has made my heart happy. This book is the sequel of the first book " Among Stars and Shadows". After finishing the first book I wanted to read the second and got the opportunity. Trust me it's amazing.
This book is long one but I have devoured it with all my heart.I am falling in love with fantasy genre more and more ✨🖤

Am really happy as this book has Emryn's story in depth. I love this character from the first book and love her character here too. Declan and Emryn's bond is truly amazing.
Declan and Kayla 's fate made me emotional. When he decided to send away Kayla and their unborn child from his realm to save them, I just sobbed. 🥺

The villain, king, Declan's father is really cruel, powerful. For him Declan and Emryn suffered so much. These two of books are really amazing. I feel like this book really has made fantasy genre more interesting for me. I love this book. Author Diane's writing is so smooth and full of emotions. Definitely want to read more of her books 🥺

34 reviews6 followers
August 28, 2025
I absolutely loved this sequel to Among Stars and Shadows! Even though it’s a long book, I devoured every page. The author has once again balanced fantasy, romance, action, and drama so beautifully.

We finally got to see more of Emryn’s character. The way Emryn and Declan stood strong against their father was so powerful. How Emryn stood through every challenge was both inspiring and emotional. It truly made my heart ache in the best way.

And oh my God, don’t even get me started on the King! The villain was written so beautifully, and the way his plans unfolded slowly throughout the book was absolutely mind-blowing.

It was heartbreaking to see Declan’s grief, the way his emotions were portrayed felt so raw. I also adored how Ayden’s character developed, the way he evolved in this book was simply amazing.

Overall, this was such a powerful and emotional read. The author’s writing style is amazing. It was captivating, detailed, and so easy to get lost in.
Profile Image for Rutuja.
138 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2025
This book drew me in right from the start and kept me invested all the way through. The flow of the story felt natural, with enough tension and emotion to keep me turning the pages without wanting to stop.

Declan’s path in this book really stood out to me. The weight of the choices he faced wasn’t easy, but the way he carried them showed so much depth. His connection to Kayla added an extra layer of heartache and strength and I felt both his loss and his determination, which made his journey even more meaningful.

Emryn, on the other hand, truly came into her own. She wasn’t just a supporting character here; she held her ground with a mix of courage and compassion that made me admire her even more. Seeing her step forward with such conviction made me love her character in a whole new way.

Altogether, this story was moving, layered, and beautifully told. It left me satisfied but also curious to see how the next chapter in the saga unfolds.
Profile Image for Kelly.
2,484 reviews118 followers
September 29, 2025
This is the second book in the Encantraalm saga. I seem to recall reading the first book sometime ago, and initially, I wished I had revisited the first one prior to reading this. Once I started reading though, I felt a sense of familiarity, and I found myself feeling quite at home with the characters. If you haven't read the first book though, I would recommend that you do so first, simply because it's best to start at the beginning.

This falls into the romantasy genre, and I found it a little too heavy to read in one sitting. It's not a quick read, it is the type of book that you want to take your time with, to savour and appreciate fully. I enjoyed the romance in the story, and the spiciness too, so if spice is what you're after, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I would recommend this series to romantasy readers, and it's a good escape too.
Profile Image for Caged Soul.
328 reviews12 followers
September 9, 2025
If you love to read a book with fantasy, adventure, mystery, fated mated and slow ... Go grab it..

Fantasy is not my genre but this made me fall in love ❤️

Emryn... my baby, she is fire, the way her character was written, so beautiful and courageous. This book will follow every emotion, every twist, every magical dust and this will make you tingle but please keep your tissues ready.

The pace of the book is on point and I devoured it. The story of the book will make you crave more and more.. ❤️ The characters were so beautiful and their growth was proper and in place.

The writing style was good with a complete blend of action, emotion, love and magic ❤️

Can't wait to read the next book and get lost into the beautiful and magical world ✨️
Profile Image for Ashley Henning .
36 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2025
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book to review!!

This was an excellent sequel to the first book. It picks up right where the first one left off, but this one is more focused on Emryn and her deciding which suitor to choose for herself. I’m glad we got to hear more of Emryn’s story since she was a favorite of mine from book one.

I love a good forbidden romance, but this felt like an instant love to me and I wish it had more banter or buildup. Some plots also felt a bit rushed. Other than that, I loved the plot and learning more about Declan’s father and his plans as well as learning about Ayden and Emryn more.
Profile Image for Kia | BookReviewer.
109 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2025
Emryn’s strength and resilience had me - its inspiring and while Declan’s raw grief had me crying buckets (emotional girl here) The King’s villainous role was mind-blowing !! The characters are so well written damn!!! Love it.

Also The forbidden romance and slow burn tension had me hooked 🫣 The writing is perfect - the way u would want in any romantasy book , making every moment feel real. I devoured every page, laughing and crying along the way.

If you’re looking for a powerful, emotional romantasy with unforgettable characters, this is a must-read!
Profile Image for Lavender.and_literature .
83 reviews3 followers
September 17, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this 2nd novel in the series.
it picked right off where book 1 ended
this story was more about Emeryn and her life. which was great.
I Loved Aydens character! he was a fierce protector I wanted to shake him though and tell him to just tell her how he felt about her!!
I liked how we still got to have a big chunk of the novel about Declan and Kayla's love story.
Again this book had it all slow burn, secrets, and tiny bit of spice, fantastical land, elves, unicorns, warlocks.
highly recommend this series.
Can't wait to see where book 3 will take us!!
Profile Image for Danni.
129 reviews9 followers
August 28, 2025
The story follows princess Emryn who you can't help but root for because she's not perfect and you don't need her to be.
She's grieving her best friend Kayla, she's angry and her relationship with her brother Declan is messy.
Everything feels so personal, it's not just about saving the kingdom, it's about saving yourself from becoming someone you don't recognize.
There are so many layers to this and it's so brilliantly written.
10/10 for sure.
Profile Image for TBHONEST.
885 reviews11 followers
September 10, 2025
Beneath Thorns & Ashes is the second boom The Encantraalm saga from Diane Farrugia. It’s a wonderful continuation from book 1 but still gives enough recap you know what’s happening if you haven’t read it. What I liked most about this book was how we got to know the characters even more and you really understood them. The world building is fantastic and really draws you in and the character arcs and plot will give you many feels as you read!
Profile Image for Tammy-Rose Baker.
151 reviews11 followers
August 28, 2025
Thanks you for the e arc for an honest review

I must be absolutely shattered thinking I could get through both books and not completely cry because that's all what I had done especially in the second book.

What they all had to endure for they glimmer of unconditional love and lose. I think you have broke me, in ways I didn't think possible. I very much dislike their father, the king his insane.

And my heart strings have been pulled every different way. How much a love all the characters strength. It's so much courage and heartache of letting go of the 2 greatest gifts you can treasure even if you can be with them, yet, Declan my hearts with you and god damn it. It shook with pain.

MVP is Emryn, she has such heart, courage to stand up for what she wants and the strength of true ruler she should be. I'm glad of her choices even when difficult.

I cried buckets I won't lie. My eyes are so red and used too many tissues.

Release 30th August. Add both to your Goodreads. It will be worth the emotional rollercoaster.

Just 17 years 9 months and 14 days... ( That really shattered me. Love can endure the time when it's fate and destined for each other.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.