What do you think?
Rate this book
Ethalena #2
The Court of Lost Faith
Keep your friends close... and your treacherous fae enemies closer.
The Red Waltz left Venyra broken, but not defeated. In the wake of her torment, fragments of memory return, along with the revelation of her true enemy. Hidden in shadows and lies, he has been pulling strings all along... and now his power is greater than ever.
To claim her heritage, Venyra must master the power that could either save her or consume her. The Courts demand proof of her strength, setting her on a perilous hunt for the last Khrallas of Zirniath along with the High Lord of Chaos. But every trial she faces pulls her deeper into a world where betrayal is currency, desire is deadly, and love can cut deeper than any blade.
Her enemy is waiting for her to stumble, to fall and surrender. Venyra knows that if she does... everything she has worked for will come crumbling down.
Sinister magic. Shattering betrayal. A romance that burns hotter than vengeance.
The Red Waltz left Venyra broken, but not defeated. In the wake of her torment, fragments of memory return, along with the revelation of her true enemy. Hidden in shadows and lies, he has been pulling strings all along... and now his power is greater than ever.
To claim her heritage, Venyra must master the power that could either save her or consume her. The Courts demand proof of her strength, setting her on a perilous hunt for the last Khrallas of Zirniath along with the High Lord of Chaos. But every trial she faces pulls her deeper into a world where betrayal is currency, desire is deadly, and love can cut deeper than any blade.
Her enemy is waiting for her to stumble, to fall and surrender. Venyra knows that if she does... everything she has worked for will come crumbling down.
Sinister magic. Shattering betrayal. A romance that burns hotter than vengeance.
511 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 6, 2025
To everyone who has ever trembled, hesitated or doubted:
May you find the courage to step forward, and the strength to discover who you can become.
Picking up straight from The Court of Lost Hopes ending, Venyra disappeared with Kieran in a last attempt to escape Nephrite. The difference? She's not a prisoner, not caged. She is free to roam and better yet, she isn't alone. She is surrounded with those already aligned with her - who have accepted her and will follow her into even the darkest of times. Twisted turns have her back in a nightmare and forced to play a part she doesn't want, but will leave fighting until the very last breath in her body. Lucky for her, her found family doesn't give up so easily but her work has only begun. She must prove her worth to claim her father's place. Meaning a search of something long forgotten and merely myth. With a budding heat picking up between Kieran and Venyra at the brink of destruction, she must train. She must become stronger and better if she has any chance. Despite their best efforts, they seem to fall a few steps behind and lacking in alliances until she decides her worth, the causalities of idly standing by and seeks them out. Revealing the face behind the true mask and tearing the blind away - the Courts finally see they've been fooled as well. War has begun and blood is lost, loved ones claimed in the name of peace. Venyra can't stop now, she's only now begun to claim her throne, her identity and with Kieran by her side will help her become the ruler the realm needs for balance and restoration.
A true highlight that not everything that is light is pure and not everything that is dark is devilish and that sometimes those who embrace the dark are the purest of them all and the most loyal bearing their truths, vulnerabilities, scars and secrets.
Sweet notes of mates, magic, magical creatures, betrayal, promises in the dark, forgotten memories and embracing our truest form and defining our own worth by not the titles that are given but by being ourselves first and the title comes next built solely on our ability to accept our faults, failures and how we are willing to change and make it better.
May you find the courage to step forward, and the strength to discover who you can become.
Picking up straight from The Court of Lost Hopes ending, Venyra disappeared with Kieran in a last attempt to escape Nephrite. The difference? She's not a prisoner, not caged. She is free to roam and better yet, she isn't alone. She is surrounded with those already aligned with her - who have accepted her and will follow her into even the darkest of times. Twisted turns have her back in a nightmare and forced to play a part she doesn't want, but will leave fighting until the very last breath in her body. Lucky for her, her found family doesn't give up so easily but her work has only begun. She must prove her worth to claim her father's place. Meaning a search of something long forgotten and merely myth. With a budding heat picking up between Kieran and Venyra at the brink of destruction, she must train. She must become stronger and better if she has any chance. Despite their best efforts, they seem to fall a few steps behind and lacking in alliances until she decides her worth, the causalities of idly standing by and seeks them out. Revealing the face behind the true mask and tearing the blind away - the Courts finally see they've been fooled as well. War has begun and blood is lost, loved ones claimed in the name of peace. Venyra can't stop now, she's only now begun to claim her throne, her identity and with Kieran by her side will help her become the ruler the realm needs for balance and restoration.
A true highlight that not everything that is light is pure and not everything that is dark is devilish and that sometimes those who embrace the dark are the purest of them all and the most loyal bearing their truths, vulnerabilities, scars and secrets.
Sweet notes of mates, magic, magical creatures, betrayal, promises in the dark, forgotten memories and embracing our truest form and defining our own worth by not the titles that are given but by being ourselves first and the title comes next built solely on our ability to accept our faults, failures and how we are willing to change and make it better.
December 9, 2025
✨️✨️✨️ A Court of Lost Faith ✨️✨️✨️
✨️ Slow Burn
✨️ Fated Mates
✨️ Protective MMC
✨️ Found Family
Spice: 🌶🌶
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Two in the Ethalena Series
After escaping the red waltz Venyra is left reeling by her actions and must learn to cope with what she's done. The High Lords of Zirniath also insist that she demonstrate her ability to lead through a show of power if she wishes to claim her heritage. That means, either mastering the power she has no idea how to control, or finding the suspected last remaining Khrallas (mthyical animal). Her true enemy reveals themselves and secrets of the past threaten to shatter the only safety she feels in this new realm.
Expecting another gilded cage, Venyra is suprised by her new found freedom and explores her surroundings, gaining new friendships and fostering bonds made on book one. Venyra really grows in confidence and starts to settle into her new reality as she hopes for a brighter future.
However, dark forces are plotting and scheming in the distance, biding their time. Venyra learns the painful way that wickedness and cruelty can lay in the most unsuspecting places and that to some, power and control are the ultimate prize. These were great chapters as they showcased the devolution of a certain character and really made you want Venyra to succeed in her mission. However, I would have preferred them a bit darker/more intense to really emphasise the jeopardy of the situation, but that could just be my dark heart 🖤
I said it after book one aswell, I love the cheeky, lighthearted side of Kieran and that is much the same in this book. It was great to get a bit more from Reorin this time around, he's a great side character and it was nice to see the relationship with Nova develop.
I like the world building in this book and how the magic system is simple to follow. If your new to fantasy or are looking for an easy fantasy read, that isnt overly dark this one is for your TBR.
✨️ Slow Burn
✨️ Fated Mates
✨️ Protective MMC
✨️ Found Family
Spice: 🌶🌶
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Two in the Ethalena Series
After escaping the red waltz Venyra is left reeling by her actions and must learn to cope with what she's done. The High Lords of Zirniath also insist that she demonstrate her ability to lead through a show of power if she wishes to claim her heritage. That means, either mastering the power she has no idea how to control, or finding the suspected last remaining Khrallas (mthyical animal). Her true enemy reveals themselves and secrets of the past threaten to shatter the only safety she feels in this new realm.
Expecting another gilded cage, Venyra is suprised by her new found freedom and explores her surroundings, gaining new friendships and fostering bonds made on book one. Venyra really grows in confidence and starts to settle into her new reality as she hopes for a brighter future.
However, dark forces are plotting and scheming in the distance, biding their time. Venyra learns the painful way that wickedness and cruelty can lay in the most unsuspecting places and that to some, power and control are the ultimate prize. These were great chapters as they showcased the devolution of a certain character and really made you want Venyra to succeed in her mission. However, I would have preferred them a bit darker/more intense to really emphasise the jeopardy of the situation, but that could just be my dark heart 🖤
I said it after book one aswell, I love the cheeky, lighthearted side of Kieran and that is much the same in this book. It was great to get a bit more from Reorin this time around, he's a great side character and it was nice to see the relationship with Nova develop.
I like the world building in this book and how the magic system is simple to follow. If your new to fantasy or are looking for an easy fantasy read, that isnt overly dark this one is for your TBR.
November 30, 2025
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
TCOLF picks up straight after the end of TCOLH and, honestly? The start was a little slow and dull for my liking. I understand wanting to reference and recap some of the events of the previous book, but I was hoping book two would get going pretty sharpish from the start. Sadly, for me, I found the dialogue in those early interactions lacking and the excitement all but gone… The whole intro was a bit pedestrian for my tastes.
When the story did get going again, there was plenty of tension, intrigue, and adventure, but I felt like it took me a while to get into when the pacing of the first 5 or so chapters was off.
That being said, if you enjoyed the first book, and you’re a fan of found family, human/fae realm crossover, and dangerous trials, this is definitely a series you’ll love! For me, it was a touch generic and I didn’t feel that there was much unique about the story that made it different from other similar books out there.
Still, the writing is largely decent and there was enough to keep me reading to the end, so 3⭐️
TCOLF picks up straight after the end of TCOLH and, honestly? The start was a little slow and dull for my liking. I understand wanting to reference and recap some of the events of the previous book, but I was hoping book two would get going pretty sharpish from the start. Sadly, for me, I found the dialogue in those early interactions lacking and the excitement all but gone… The whole intro was a bit pedestrian for my tastes.
When the story did get going again, there was plenty of tension, intrigue, and adventure, but I felt like it took me a while to get into when the pacing of the first 5 or so chapters was off.
That being said, if you enjoyed the first book, and you’re a fan of found family, human/fae realm crossover, and dangerous trials, this is definitely a series you’ll love! For me, it was a touch generic and I didn’t feel that there was much unique about the story that made it different from other similar books out there.
Still, the writing is largely decent and there was enough to keep me reading to the end, so 3⭐️
November 30, 2025
📖 ARC Review 📖
This sequel, The Court of Lost Faith by Hanna K Scaalez takes everything I loved in the first book and sharpens every edge.
The aftermath of the Red Waltz is written with so much emotional weight, and Venyra’s growth is powerful in a way that feels earned.
Her returning memories hit like punches, each one twisting the story into something darker and even more compelling.
The High Lord of Chaos is an absolute scene-stealer, dangerous, magnetic, impossible to trust, and the forced partnership between him and Venyra had me hooked from page one.
The hunt for the last Khrallas is tense and atmospheric, and the stakes feel impossibly high.
The betrayals hurt.
The magic is sinister.
The romance is slow, sharp, and simmering with danger.
This sequel is richer, bolder, and full of twists that made me gasp out loud.
I’m obsessed.
This sequel, The Court of Lost Faith by Hanna K Scaalez takes everything I loved in the first book and sharpens every edge.
The aftermath of the Red Waltz is written with so much emotional weight, and Venyra’s growth is powerful in a way that feels earned.
Her returning memories hit like punches, each one twisting the story into something darker and even more compelling.
The High Lord of Chaos is an absolute scene-stealer, dangerous, magnetic, impossible to trust, and the forced partnership between him and Venyra had me hooked from page one.
The hunt for the last Khrallas is tense and atmospheric, and the stakes feel impossibly high.
The betrayals hurt.
The magic is sinister.
The romance is slow, sharp, and simmering with danger.
This sequel is richer, bolder, and full of twists that made me gasp out loud.
I’m obsessed.
November 24, 2025
I received this book as an arc and I absolutely devoured it in just over 24 hours, because life. This second book and last book in the series completely took all my time. I liked the first book but for me this one hit way harder! I absolutely loved the whole thing. Getting to watch V work with her magic, the tension, the romance, the war, and the secrets! I don't ever think I'll fully be able to explain how good this book was for me. I was literally going through all the emotions while reading. We're talking happy, giddy, giggling, anger, sadness, ect. Just the works. The banter between the FMC and the MMC was amazing. High Lord Of Chaos made me laugh out loud with his quick snips more than once. I need a man like him in my life! I'm honestly sad this book series has reached an end.
December 2, 2025
The author's descripting writing continues to shine, making it easy to feel what the characters are experiencing. However, the pacing was slow at times and the story focused too much on the journey of two characters. I found myself wishing the side characters, who were equally compelling, had been given more attention.
Although the ending felt a bit rushed again, it was still strong and left me glad I read the book. Overall, this installment didn't fully meet my expectations but it confirmed the author's talent. I'll definitely be following her career and look forward to seeing what she publishes next.
Although the ending felt a bit rushed again, it was still strong and left me glad I read the book. Overall, this installment didn't fully meet my expectations but it confirmed the author's talent. I'll definitely be following her career and look forward to seeing what she publishes next.
November 25, 2025
I was privileged to receive this book as an ARC and here is my honest and spoiler free review.
This book continues where we left off on the first book A Court of Lost Hope.
What is so magical about this book are the layers of twists and turns, lost memories, the different Court systems where you are either on the side of good or the side of evil and corruption and lies dominate.
There were moments where I screamed at the pages I was reading with so much rage, while other times I cried, feeling the heartbreak and loss.
Worth giving a read, you won't regret it.
This book continues where we left off on the first book A Court of Lost Hope.
What is so magical about this book are the layers of twists and turns, lost memories, the different Court systems where you are either on the side of good or the side of evil and corruption and lies dominate.
There were moments where I screamed at the pages I was reading with so much rage, while other times I cried, feeling the heartbreak and loss.
Worth giving a read, you won't regret it.
December 1, 2025
This second installment of the Ethalena series felt slow to start with a respite in the story about halfway where I thought the characters would live in peace and happiness. Though towards the end with about 30% left the pace picked up and I was left reading on the edge of my seat needing to find out what was going to happen next. With a jaw dropping moment near the finale, I think that this, similar to the first, is a good story that builds up slowly and explodes at the end leaving you satisfied with how things played out.
November 25, 2025
This book has magical creatures, magic training, mates, twists and secrets. It picks up right after the ending of book 1. Venyra is in the Moon Court and there she is finally allowed the freedom to become her own person. Sometimes it ends terribly, but it makes her stronger in the end. There are some wild twists in the story. I enjoyed the first book in this series but this one is my favorite of the 2.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews