Rebel

The Courts Between #2

by CB Woods

The bond that breaks sparks the flame.

After uncovering a tangled web of secrets the gods have been working for centuries to keep hidden, Astra and Luxuros must navigate their uncertain futures and a mounting rebellion.

With rebellion stirring across The System, Astra divides her loyalty between relentless strikes on the Lunar Court and forging the Nova Rebellion into a force capable of defying the gods themselves. Meanwhile, Luxuros returns to the Solar Court he once fled, determined to bargain for peace with a king who serves the ever-expanding will of the Solar God, Lucian.

Separated by duty and doubt, Astra and Luxuros uncover new truths, encounter dangerous gods, and scramble to fight back as Lucian’s influence tightens its grip—court by court.

When tragedy shatters everything Astra thought she knew, she’s forced to determine if trust is a liability or a strength, and if even her own intuition rings true.
In the second installment of The Courts Between trilogy, loyalties fracture, bonds break, and rebellion ignites on all sides.

550 pages, ebook

First published March 20, 2026

About the author

CB Woods is an emerging romance author working across genres to bring stories about love, loss, and magic to life. She also sometimes figures out how to post TikToks.

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picks up right where book 1 left us: right in the thick of a war between the gods and the rebels. I was right there with them, raging at every wrong turn and betrayal, scheming through every twist and gasping at the reveals that kept hitting one after another. The hurt in this was one was real 😭

The tension never lets up and I felt completely pulled into the chaos of it all. Alliances blur, loyalties are tested, and every choice feels like it could tip the scales. It’s the kind of story that keeps your heart racing and your mind spinning cus nothing is ever as simple as it seems. And oh my freaking heart I need book 3! 😩

Thank you CB Woods and Emrae Publishing for the ARC!

[Johanna Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always CB Woods delivers emotional damage with this book and leaves you desperate for the next one. This book picks up where book 1 left off and we have a war with the gods, rebellion as we dismantle the aristocracy, tethers, familial relationships, love, challenges from every direction.... secrets... impossible choices... this book had it all and really took book one's tensions up a notch. I received this book as an ARC and I was so glad I did, every CB Woods book I have read has gripped me and challenged me and this book was no different. You will go through all the emotions right with the characters and rage or sob right there with them. The writing is so beautifully done that even as this book destroys you, you can't help but keep going, wanting more. There are so many twists and turns, you can't possibly see if there is light at the end of the tunnel for the rebels, just like them, you are in it and each piece of hope is hard won. There are so many secrets, so much tension, so much chaos... buckle up, you are in for a wonderfully twisty, traumatic ride. Thanks again for this ARC and I hope this spoiler free review entices you to jump into this series. I cannot wait for book 3

[Tales with Atticus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely wrecked me. I’m not exaggerating when I say it felt like it ripped my heart out, stomped on it, handed it back, and then did it again five minutes later. I looked up at one point fully emotionally devastated and realized I was only like 40% in, which honestly tells you everything.

The emotional damage is real, the stakes feel huge, and every bit of hope feels hard won. It has that brutal tug of war between hope and despair that makes a book impossible to put down because you are constantly desperate for things to get better while also knowing something awful is probably around the corner.

I also really love when a sequel actually escalates everything instead of just feeling like setup, and this absolutely did that. The tension, the fractured loyalties, the pressure on every relationship, the impossible choices... all of it felt bigger, messier, and more painful.

And the writing?? Incredible as always. Even when this book was actively ruining my life, I was still obsessed with how beautifully it was done.

This is one of those sequels that leaves you emotionally shredded and immediately needing the next book. Painful. Addictive. So, so good.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ripped my heart out and stomped on it in the best way. We return to a world at war with the gods. I wasn’t sure what to expect war wise but the gods did not hold back. There are themes of grief and loss, and it is a bit heavier than Rift. So much happened in this book, I’m still processing all of it. I felt such a range of emotions reading this book. I definitely cried a couple of times.

I really couldn’t put this book down. The plot was not predictable at all and constantly kept me on my toes. I cannot wait for book 3, I need to know what happens. I’m a bit at a loss for words right now so here’s a list of some of the things I really love about this series and why you should read it.

Things I love about this book:
-Strong FMCs
-Interesting celestial/solar system based world
-Demigods and gods
-Court politics
-Tension and yearning
-MCs in their 30s
-Bisexual rep
-Diversity rep

[Lacey Kintz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine my horror as one of my favorite authors grabs my heart and rips it right out. Rebel is so beautifully painful and has left me so very desperate for what's to come.
The twists have twists and every plan sprung by the rebels seems doomed to miserably fail as the cost of what they're fighting for exceeds the price they thought they'd pay. I could not see the ending coming even as it was suddenly upon me. The tug-of-war between hope and despair attempting to win out over the other is painfully addictive. Every time you catch your breath, and heave a sigh of relief, there's some other terrible thing working its way down the pipes - and none of the terrible is anything you could've prepared for.

10 million stars out of 5.
Thank you to CB Woods for the eARC of this damn good book.
RIP Lux's hair. Even if you were the only death in this book I'd still be the same level of heartbroken.

[Mrs Holm Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Astra, a former exiled princess, Now a Queen grapples with her painful past, making her hesitant to fully open her heart. Both Luxuros and Astra are caught in a whirlwind of chaos, facing challenges that seem never-ending. Despite the turmoil surrounding them, they find moments to connect and unite.

However, does Luxuros harbor secrets that could jeopardize their bond. The relentless struggle of the rebel Queen, constantly navigating crises and fighting for her survival, adds another layer of tension to their relationship. The narrative beautifully captures their journey, filled with emotional highs and lows, as they confront not only external battles but also the internal conflicts that threaten to tear them apart.
This story is a gripping exploration of resilience in love amid chaos. The promise to find each and rebel against all evil when they descend. Just amazing.

[Allison Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all huge thank you to CB Woods for an ARC copy of Rebel!

Rebel starts off after Rift and follows Astra and Luxuros as they navigate the Solar Court and attacks in the Lunar Court.

This book is so powerful and describes so many parallels to our own society. There are moments when I wanted to scream at Astra or Luxuros but also when I wanted to cry for them. (I'm talking about you mid-book time lapses!!)

Pacing wise, I tend to go with faster books so the first 45% percent does have a slightly slower pace but at the halfway point we start ramping up with all of the plot arcs and ending. Which believe me that ending will make you go wild waiting for the final book.

Tropes:
- Older Main Characters
- Political Intrigue
- Demigods / Gods
- Courts based off the Solar System (Including my favorite Pluto)
- LGTBQIA rep
- Strong FMCs

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen, I thought I knew what I was getting into with this book. I really did. I was feeling pretty smug when the author would post vague semi-spoilery tidbits while she was writing and I was sure I had put two and two together. I had fully prepared myself for some mild heartbreak and a significant amount of female rage.

Well. I was right about the rage and less right about the sheer amount of emotional trauma inflicted in this book. Most of the time, I was shaking my head, saying "WHY ARE MEN?!" but then there were also those other times where I was gasping in shock and awe, then some tears, followed by staring at the wall.

So, yeah. Obviously 5 stars.

Thanks to the author and Emrae Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. The therapy bill is in the mail.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please keep in mind that I did not read Risk, the first book in the Court Between series. I did enjoy reading about Astra and Luxuros. I felt their love but was disappointed when she so easily threw him aside. The war was hard to follow because it literally came out of nowhere and seemed to disrupt the entire store (yes this is how war truly is). I felt that Astra and Lux were careless on many accounts while in the middle of a war that didn’t “die down” until she banished him. Parts felt rushed or unnecessary. All that being said, I am curious as to how the story will end in the third book of the series.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spoiler free ARC review! Thank you to CB Woods and Emrae Publishing for the eARC of this novel!

This is an incredible sequel to Rift, and CB Woods can weave a story like few others! Astra and Luxuros are back, and still working to overthrow the Gods. At 40% into this I was wondering what else could happen, and the more that was revealed, the more my jaw was on the floor. The tension as more secrets are uncovered, the strain on every relationship, and the political intrigue will keep you turning pages.

The ending was completely unexpected, and will probably require therapy! However I cannot wait for book 3 to see how the whole story ends.

[Bryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Rebel! Thank you to all who made it possible for me to be an ARC reader for Rebel! While I did thoroughly enjoy my time reading this book, I will say there were a few places where it felt a little disjointed and the pacing felt a little fast during some pivotal moments of the story. However, these were minor and did not really detract from my reading experience. I cannot wait to see where the story goes next! Thank you again to all who mande it possible for me to be an ARC reader!

[Her.rCreativeSpace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh, my heart! The first half of this book, or the first book in the series, did not prepare me for the emotions I would experience in the second half of the story. From around the halfway mark onwards we step on the gas pedal.

I have read almost every work CB Woods has put out to date, and honestly, she’s a total go-to author for me without question.

Rebel is a STRONG continuation of the series. I loved the plot twists even if they made me cry. I was holding my heart through my chest at the hope and grief, love and pain the characters feel throughout this story. The emotional turmoil is raw & unrelenting.

I really enjoyed how much the side characters played a role in the story. I will absolutely be continuing this series and auto-read anything CB Woods writes.

Thank you to the author for the eARC of Rebel (The Courts Between) by CB Woods.

[Frosted Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! After reading Rift and immediately jumping into Rebel I don’t know if I’m going to stand having to wait for the next book!! Grab a box of tissues and get ready to feel all the feels! I think I’m just going to sit with this a little while, maybe stare at the wall….
Thank you Emrae Publishing for the opportunity to read this in advance. I received this as an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.

[Christina T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t even talk to me for at least 48 hours!

THIS BOOK?! If you want your heart ripped out, stomped on, fixed and then torn apart again?! AGAIN!! Then you need to read this series because, GODDESSES ABOVE!
Or maybe Below..? My heart and soul ache! 😭😭😭

Once my heart is fixed I’ll come back to this review but I need to mourn. Please respect my space and peace at this time. 💖

[Raleigh Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to Emrae Publishing for an ARC of Rebel!

“They did not have to be perfect to be powerful—they did not have to be healed to be happy.”

Y’all, I am so fkn gagged at the end of this book! What a phenomenal follow up to Rift and a bitter beginning to what I believe will be an outstanding final installment. The last 10% went craaaaazy

[K.L. Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're not going to want to miss out on Book 2 in the Courts Between. But-um, make sure to have some tissues handy because this one is a doozy. I'm still reeling from all the different feelings CB made me feel, I'm not over it yet and will be waiting for Book 3 to get into my hands.

[Angela Walbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! I wish I could go back and read it for the 1st time again and again! This whole series has been amazing so far and I can’t wait to continue reading more of this series once she’s released all the books.

[Gracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is holy cow, I was not ready for all the twists and turns. The heartbreak! This author has me in a chokehold, and I absolutely can not wait to finish the story of Astra and Lux

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written just as well as the first book Rift! Definitely an emotional roller coaster!! I absolutely love Astra and Luxuros! I can’t wait for the next book!

[sam | sammylou.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

GAHH THIS BOOK!! CB Woods never misses. The banter? The yearning?? I was literally highlighting every interaction between Astra and (my husband 🤺) Luxuros.

And although CB warned us, I was *not* prepared for the emotional damage Rebel would cause 😭. I had to put my Kindle down, cry a bit, and then pick it back up a few hours later hahahah. & I'm literally tearing up rn thinking about what happened. ONE YEAR LATER?? TWO YEARS LATER??!! 😭 Just punch me directly in the gut next time.

The ending was also INSANE, I truly won’t know a good night of sleep until I have the next book in my hands.

Also - Arcas & Mirq Mirq??! Giiiiirl, you can't just drop that on us. GIMME THAT SCENE RN. 😤 (This is what I’ll actually lose sleep over hahahah)

Thank you to @cbwoodsbooks for the ARC 💖

Series tropes:
-Older MCs
-Princess x commander
-Celestial world building
-Political intrigue
-Demigods/Gods
-Slow burn

Fave quotes:
“I would have suffered an eternity of you”

A goddess he’d worship no matter how cruel she was, or how few blessings she bestowed. He’d still keep the faith.

“I have always been yours to ruin,” he gasped as she bit his lip, sharp and angry. “But, not for a moment of surrender, or even a night. For eternity or nothing, Astra.”