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A Horn of Onyx
Sometimes the price of freedom is everything you love.
Imogen successfully won her freedom; escaping the Molnairian palace and rescuing Wells and his soldiers from annihilation. But even as her knoma grows stronger, Imogen learns raw power isn’t enough to win a war.
As Imogen grapples with the chaos of battle—and a bloodthirsty unicorn named Prism—the consequences from her palace escape continue to follow her. Drawn into the ruthless games of two opposing courts, she finds herself out of her depth, yearning only for a peaceful life with her mate. But if she can't curb her impulsivity and adapt to life in the army, she may find herself trapped between not one, but two warring kings.
Imogen successfully won her freedom; escaping the Molnairian palace and rescuing Wells and his soldiers from annihilation. But even as her knoma grows stronger, Imogen learns raw power isn’t enough to win a war.
As Imogen grapples with the chaos of battle—and a bloodthirsty unicorn named Prism—the consequences from her palace escape continue to follow her. Drawn into the ruthless games of two opposing courts, she finds herself out of her depth, yearning only for a peaceful life with her mate. But if she can't curb her impulsivity and adapt to life in the army, she may find herself trapped between not one, but two warring kings.
- GenresFantasy
Hardcover
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Meredith R. Lyons
5 books250 followersMeredith grew up in New Orleans, collecting two degrees from Louisiana State University before running away to Chicago to be an actor. In between plays, she got her black belt and made martial arts and yoga her full-time day job. She fought in the Chicago Golden Gloves, ran the Chicago Marathon, and competed for team U.S.A. in the savate world championships in Paris. In spite of doing each of these things twice, she couldn’t stay warm and relocated to Nashville. She owns several swords, but lives a non-violent life, saving all swashbuckling for the page, knitting scarves, gardening, visiting coffee shops, and cuddling with her husband and two panther-sized cats. Her first novel Ghost Tamer is an Amazon Editor's Pick, an IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award gold winner for Best SciFantasy, and an IPPY Award gold winner for Best First Book. A Dagger of Lighting released April 1, 2025, both with CamCat Books. A Horn of Onyx releases March 31, 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 8, 2025
⚡💜🦄 A Horn of Onyx ARC Review 🦄💜⚡
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️✨
If Arcane and The Witcher, had a book baby raised on storm magic, grief, identity, and the kind of power that changes you whether you want it to or not. The village helping raise the baby is compromised of Six of Crows, The Guardians of the Galaxy, and The Hunger Games. That king of gives you an idea what to expect with A Horn of Onyx (book 2 in The Sidhe Chronicles).
A Horn of Onyx is for readers who want fantasy with feeling, magic with meaning, and characters who bleed on the page—emotionally and, occasionally, literally. It's for fans of lyrical dark fantasy, mythic atmosphere, psychological depth, and power that always exacts a price.
🫵🏼 AHOH is for you if
• 🦄 battle unicorns and a middle aged FMC have your interest piqued
• you enjoy character-driven fantasy where emotions matter as much as magic
• you appreciate flawed characters—they make mistakes and poor choices, and face the consequences
• you enjoy magic with weight, rules, and consequences
• love intimate stakes set against sweeping, mystic forces
• you're a fan of fantasy with strong thematic layers
• you enjoy atmospheric, metaphor-rich writing
• enjoy reading about relationship dynamics under pressure
• you want immersive fantasy that isn't overwhelming in scope or length
⚠️ Potential spoilers A Dagger of Lightning ⬇️
📝 In the aftermath of the upheavals in ADOL, Imogen and Wells are still captives in the palace. As tensions ripple through the political landscape, the consequences of past choices are beginning to close in, and the threat of war simmers on the horizon.
Imogen and Wells find themselves caught between competing loyalties, uncertain allies, and the weight of responsibility—all of it threatening to pull them apart once and for all. Imogen's powers continue to grow stronger, but winning the brewing war will take more than raw power.
When Imogen is paired with the bloodthirsty unicorn version of Regina George, named Prism, consequences slam down on her. Imogen is way out of her depth in a fight that she's still too new to the planet to even fully understand. Her impulsive nature has caused quite the rift between her and Wells. Can she learn to curb her impulsivity and adapt to this new life while also dealing with such much external pressure and stress, or will she collapse under the weight of it all? Will she and Wells make it out the other side? Is their love strong enough to withstand the onslaught trying to tear them apart?
📓 A Horn of Onyx, book two in this epic space opera, expands and elevates everything from A Dagger of Lightning—the world, the stakes, the politics, the romance, the emotional intensity, and especially the moral ambiguity. Lyons sharpens her character arcs and deepens the metaphysical underpinnings of the magic system, creating a sequel that feels both more intimate and more explosive. 💥
This installment leans heavily into identity, consequence, and the cost of power, using its mythology not just as plot machinery but as an emotional and symbolic language. Characters wrestle with the tension between who they've been shaped to be and who they choose to become. The narrative explores selfhood that's been fractured by trauma, obligation, and magical influence.
📖 "No one enjoys the consequences of their own actions."
In book one, we see Imogen making impulsive choices that sometimes work out ok, but other times not quite as ok. Her impulsive nature is a source of tension and strife in her life, both before and after become sidhe. I debated and ended up not mentioning it in my previous review, as I was reserving judgement on her character for later. I'm glad I did because here we see her facing the consequences of her impulsive actions, to varying degrees.
I'm a bit surprised that Wells didn't figure out what was going on sooner. But I think he just wasn't ready to see and acknowledge... Things (vague so I don't spoil). The implications of him acknowledging said things, particularly if he acknowledged them beyond internally, would be vast, plus the fallout. He's in a place where fallout of that magnitude could not just end his life as he knows it but many others in the realm. Especially with how the book ends, I can understand why he wasn't in a rush to openly come to terms with... Things.
✍🏼 Lyons has a knack for writing accessibly, especially as this mix of genres can be, at times, dense to read (and write, I'd guess). With clear, tight sentences that often bloom into nearly poetic imagery—particularly when describing magic, storms, emotions, or internal conflict. Her writing almost feels charged, which serves well to really amp up the tension.
⏳ This moves at a quicker pace than A Dagger of Lightning, without feeling rushed. This one is more action-packed than the previous book and I quite enjoyed that aspect.
🗺️ Being the second book in the series, the bulk of the worldbuilding was in book 1. Book 2 expands and enriches the world nicely. We get additional info on the world as a whole and introduced to new. We go deeper into lore and politics.
🔮 Like worldbuilding, the bulk is in ADOL, with this serving nicely to expand and enrich the magic system. I love that Lyons takes things we've seen before, light lightning magic, but puts a unique spin on them.
"Of course I had to get the Regina George of unicorns..."
🦄 BATTLE UNICORNS!!! This and a 45-year-old FMCs were the things that made me need to read these books asap. And I'm so very glad I did. Violently vicious and oozing glittery rainbows, Prism (Imogen's unicorn) is a full on vibe and I'm 100% here for it. The unicorn's powers/skills have limits and constraints that further elevate the action and tension. Prism's personality had me cackling. I'm a sucker for non-humanoid characters who are able to communicate. Prism is up there in my top 3 (Gary, another unicorn, in The Lightning-Struck Heart and Mephi from The Bone Shard Daughter are my other two favorites).
👥 The characters are the driving force for my enjoyment of this book. They're emotionally deep, nuanced, dimensional, and the arcs are interesting and real. If you're a character-driven reader, like me, I think you'll have a good time reading this.
ADOL left me feeling just a smidge irritated with Imogen's impulsivity, her reckless disregard for her own safety. She really grew and changed in AHOO and I loved being along for the ride.
The found family in AHOO gets put through the ringer. Relationships are strained, broken, and/or reforged.
💖 I love that this romance isn't all sunshine and roses, all the time. They have growing pains, misunderstandings, etc - just like relationships have in the real world. This adds a lot of nuance, relatability, and raw realness that I love. They disagree/agrue, talk it out and truly listen to one another, apologize if they hurt one another
🌶️ Slightly spicier than book 1 - this isn't a book to read for the spice. It's well written, placed, and timed, and serves the plot/characters.
📚 If you enjoyed: The Bone Shard Daughter (Andrea Stewart), The Magicians (Lev Grossman), Spinning Silver (Naomi Novik), She Who Became the Sun (Shelley Parker-Chan), The City of Brass (SA Chakraborty), The Sword of Kaigen (ML Wang), or The Witch King (HE Edgmon), then I think you'd enjoy this.
Thank you to @meredithrlyons for the opportunity to read this eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️✨
If Arcane and The Witcher, had a book baby raised on storm magic, grief, identity, and the kind of power that changes you whether you want it to or not. The village helping raise the baby is compromised of Six of Crows, The Guardians of the Galaxy, and The Hunger Games. That king of gives you an idea what to expect with A Horn of Onyx (book 2 in The Sidhe Chronicles).
A Horn of Onyx is for readers who want fantasy with feeling, magic with meaning, and characters who bleed on the page—emotionally and, occasionally, literally. It's for fans of lyrical dark fantasy, mythic atmosphere, psychological depth, and power that always exacts a price.
🫵🏼 AHOH is for you if
• 🦄 battle unicorns and a middle aged FMC have your interest piqued
• you enjoy character-driven fantasy where emotions matter as much as magic
• you appreciate flawed characters—they make mistakes and poor choices, and face the consequences
• you enjoy magic with weight, rules, and consequences
• love intimate stakes set against sweeping, mystic forces
• you're a fan of fantasy with strong thematic layers
• you enjoy atmospheric, metaphor-rich writing
• enjoy reading about relationship dynamics under pressure
• you want immersive fantasy that isn't overwhelming in scope or length
⚠️ Potential spoilers A Dagger of Lightning ⬇️
📝 In the aftermath of the upheavals in ADOL, Imogen and Wells are still captives in the palace. As tensions ripple through the political landscape, the consequences of past choices are beginning to close in, and the threat of war simmers on the horizon.
Imogen and Wells find themselves caught between competing loyalties, uncertain allies, and the weight of responsibility—all of it threatening to pull them apart once and for all. Imogen's powers continue to grow stronger, but winning the brewing war will take more than raw power.
When Imogen is paired with the bloodthirsty unicorn version of Regina George, named Prism, consequences slam down on her. Imogen is way out of her depth in a fight that she's still too new to the planet to even fully understand. Her impulsive nature has caused quite the rift between her and Wells. Can she learn to curb her impulsivity and adapt to this new life while also dealing with such much external pressure and stress, or will she collapse under the weight of it all? Will she and Wells make it out the other side? Is their love strong enough to withstand the onslaught trying to tear them apart?
📓 A Horn of Onyx, book two in this epic space opera, expands and elevates everything from A Dagger of Lightning—the world, the stakes, the politics, the romance, the emotional intensity, and especially the moral ambiguity. Lyons sharpens her character arcs and deepens the metaphysical underpinnings of the magic system, creating a sequel that feels both more intimate and more explosive. 💥
This installment leans heavily into identity, consequence, and the cost of power, using its mythology not just as plot machinery but as an emotional and symbolic language. Characters wrestle with the tension between who they've been shaped to be and who they choose to become. The narrative explores selfhood that's been fractured by trauma, obligation, and magical influence.
📖 "No one enjoys the consequences of their own actions."
In book one, we see Imogen making impulsive choices that sometimes work out ok, but other times not quite as ok. Her impulsive nature is a source of tension and strife in her life, both before and after become sidhe. I debated and ended up not mentioning it in my previous review, as I was reserving judgement on her character for later. I'm glad I did because here we see her facing the consequences of her impulsive actions, to varying degrees.
I'm a bit surprised that Wells didn't figure out what was going on sooner. But I think he just wasn't ready to see and acknowledge... Things (vague so I don't spoil). The implications of him acknowledging said things, particularly if he acknowledged them beyond internally, would be vast, plus the fallout. He's in a place where fallout of that magnitude could not just end his life as he knows it but many others in the realm. Especially with how the book ends, I can understand why he wasn't in a rush to openly come to terms with... Things.
✍🏼 Lyons has a knack for writing accessibly, especially as this mix of genres can be, at times, dense to read (and write, I'd guess). With clear, tight sentences that often bloom into nearly poetic imagery—particularly when describing magic, storms, emotions, or internal conflict. Her writing almost feels charged, which serves well to really amp up the tension.
⏳ This moves at a quicker pace than A Dagger of Lightning, without feeling rushed. This one is more action-packed than the previous book and I quite enjoyed that aspect.
🗺️ Being the second book in the series, the bulk of the worldbuilding was in book 1. Book 2 expands and enriches the world nicely. We get additional info on the world as a whole and introduced to new. We go deeper into lore and politics.
🔮 Like worldbuilding, the bulk is in ADOL, with this serving nicely to expand and enrich the magic system. I love that Lyons takes things we've seen before, light lightning magic, but puts a unique spin on them.
"Of course I had to get the Regina George of unicorns..."
🦄 BATTLE UNICORNS!!! This and a 45-year-old FMCs were the things that made me need to read these books asap. And I'm so very glad I did. Violently vicious and oozing glittery rainbows, Prism (Imogen's unicorn) is a full on vibe and I'm 100% here for it. The unicorn's powers/skills have limits and constraints that further elevate the action and tension. Prism's personality had me cackling. I'm a sucker for non-humanoid characters who are able to communicate. Prism is up there in my top 3 (Gary, another unicorn, in The Lightning-Struck Heart and Mephi from The Bone Shard Daughter are my other two favorites).
👥 The characters are the driving force for my enjoyment of this book. They're emotionally deep, nuanced, dimensional, and the arcs are interesting and real. If you're a character-driven reader, like me, I think you'll have a good time reading this.
ADOL left me feeling just a smidge irritated with Imogen's impulsivity, her reckless disregard for her own safety. She really grew and changed in AHOO and I loved being along for the ride.
The found family in AHOO gets put through the ringer. Relationships are strained, broken, and/or reforged.
💖 I love that this romance isn't all sunshine and roses, all the time. They have growing pains, misunderstandings, etc - just like relationships have in the real world. This adds a lot of nuance, relatability, and raw realness that I love. They disagree/agrue, talk it out and truly listen to one another, apologize if they hurt one another
🌶️ Slightly spicier than book 1 - this isn't a book to read for the spice. It's well written, placed, and timed, and serves the plot/characters.
📚 If you enjoyed: The Bone Shard Daughter (Andrea Stewart), The Magicians (Lev Grossman), Spinning Silver (Naomi Novik), She Who Became the Sun (Shelley Parker-Chan), The City of Brass (SA Chakraborty), The Sword of Kaigen (ML Wang), or The Witch King (HE Edgmon), then I think you'd enjoy this.
Thank you to @meredithrlyons for the opportunity to read this eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
April 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.75 Stars
🌶️🌶️ 2.5 Spice
Ashley’s Alcove Review:
Sci-Fi Fantasy Romance 🛸 Unique Space Magic 🪄 Fated Mates ❤️ Found Family 🏡 Strong Relationships 💕 Battle Unicorns 🦄 War & Political Strategy Betrayals & Trauma 💔
Stop everything you’re doing and read these books! I just loved everything about this story and these characters. And I wanted more!
I loved Imogen’s humor and strength, and Wells’s patience and quieter strength. I was pulled into their ups and downs, their struggles and arguments, and how they always came back to clear communication and a relationship built on respect and love. Though I did get annoyed with Imogen’s repeated impulsiveness, I think it was also a necessary part of her growth and their story.
This book was just so FUN and enjoyable. It had great romance, and a really interesting and engaging plot. The writing was excellent. There’s such a great balance between serious plot themes and battles, and fun brevity that just made the entire book so enjoyable! It was the best time I’ve had reading a book in a long time!! And the last 25% had me on the edge of my seat 😬😰 I need the next book immediately (please 🤭🙏).
And I mean, come on, BATTLE UNICORNS?! Yes, please. And Prism was an absolute delight in all his arrogant and prideful ways.
I cannot recommend this series enough!
🌶️🌶️ 2.5 Spice
Ashley’s Alcove Review:
Sci-Fi Fantasy Romance 🛸 Unique Space Magic 🪄 Fated Mates ❤️ Found Family 🏡 Strong Relationships 💕 Battle Unicorns 🦄 War & Political Strategy Betrayals & Trauma 💔
Stop everything you’re doing and read these books! I just loved everything about this story and these characters. And I wanted more!
I loved Imogen’s humor and strength, and Wells’s patience and quieter strength. I was pulled into their ups and downs, their struggles and arguments, and how they always came back to clear communication and a relationship built on respect and love. Though I did get annoyed with Imogen’s repeated impulsiveness, I think it was also a necessary part of her growth and their story.
This book was just so FUN and enjoyable. It had great romance, and a really interesting and engaging plot. The writing was excellent. There’s such a great balance between serious plot themes and battles, and fun brevity that just made the entire book so enjoyable! It was the best time I’ve had reading a book in a long time!! And the last 25% had me on the edge of my seat 😬😰 I need the next book immediately (please 🤭🙏).
And I mean, come on, BATTLE UNICORNS?! Yes, please. And Prism was an absolute delight in all his arrogant and prideful ways.
I cannot recommend this series enough!
Review of advance copy
Thank you to BooktokBooktours for a digital copy of this book. All opinions remain 100% genuine.
I was so looking forward to this sequel, having had the pleasure of reading A Dagger of Lightning last year, and I've got to say, just by having a read of the prologue title and immediately grinning I knew this was going to be an exceptional story.
This installment in the Sidhe Chronicles largely takes place in the heat of battle, so you can expect plenty of fighting, blood shed and exhausting double crossing! Who can be trusted and what are they all fighting for - questions that I'm sure plagued Imogen throughout the duration of her ordeal.
By the half way point, so much has happened already and I couldn't wait find out how this story was going to wrap up, because I just couldn't deal with the twist we had! My heart was in turmoil and despite the rollercoaster of emotions I was feeling, it was suffice to say, I that I was already loving this book.
The characters went through so much in A Horn of Onyx and I have a little bit to say on the complexity on character growth:
Wells showed a different side to his personality and it was interesting to see him and Imogen butt heads when he was taking command during war and she wouldn't relent in her opinions and rash decisions.
I saw sides of Imogen and Wells that really disliked, but in the best way?
They were in the heat of war, people had to do things they wouldn't otherwise do and the way Wells and Imogen tackled that was so faceted and complex.
During war, tensions are high, especially on an active battlefield... So it was to be expected that they'd be snippy with each other and do things they didn't necessarily agree with... But Imogen astounded me with her selfishness in not thinking of the consequences of her actions and Wells got physical in restraining Imogen or gripping her tightly in his anger and frustration and I didn't like that one bit.
It was fascinating to see how they would overcome these differences as a mated pair, with so much responsibility weighing heavily on their shoulders.
Despite that all, the descriptions of Imogen and Wells cuddling with each other and being content in listening to the other breathe was just so softly romantic that it always had me smiling.
I cannot NOT talk about Prism?? Who knew I needed a blood thirsty, war unicorn in my life?? His sarcastic, yet unintentional wit and vanity was hilarious and had me barking out in laughter way too many times to count.
Prism had me absolutely cackling - bloodthirsty, quick to offense and incredibly vain - "have your mate take a picture of us... I want to see what you look like upon me. Especially now that you are bathed." Incredibly deadpan, I couldn't help erupting into laughter.
The Urzen had me thinking of The Nothing from the neverending story. I would have loved to explore their customs and way of living more.
Al ... How I despise him.. he just doesn't seem to understand that Imogen is not her grandmother! He was like a child stuck on a tricky task he couldn't overcome. Back and fourth he was fixated on Imogen warming up to him and then thinking of her as Solange.. even when it seemed he was finally accepting his actions and was remorseful, he'd bounce back into his entitlement. Ugh!! I'd be so interested to see what becomes of him in book three. I don't want to even think about Allestair right now.
This book certainly did not suffer from the dreaded second book syndrome, in fact it added even more richness and layers to a story that i already fell in love with in Dagger. I'm left with my heart racing and utterly breathless.
Simply said: for me, this was perfection.
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
Gén
I was so looking forward to this sequel, having had the pleasure of reading A Dagger of Lightning last year, and I've got to say, just by having a read of the prologue title and immediately grinning I knew this was going to be an exceptional story.
This installment in the Sidhe Chronicles largely takes place in the heat of battle, so you can expect plenty of fighting, blood shed and exhausting double crossing! Who can be trusted and what are they all fighting for - questions that I'm sure plagued Imogen throughout the duration of her ordeal.
By the half way point, so much has happened already and I couldn't wait find out how this story was going to wrap up, because I just couldn't deal with the twist we had! My heart was in turmoil and despite the rollercoaster of emotions I was feeling, it was suffice to say, I that I was already loving this book.
The characters went through so much in A Horn of Onyx and I have a little bit to say on the complexity on character growth:
Wells showed a different side to his personality and it was interesting to see him and Imogen butt heads when he was taking command during war and she wouldn't relent in her opinions and rash decisions.
I saw sides of Imogen and Wells that really disliked, but in the best way?
They were in the heat of war, people had to do things they wouldn't otherwise do and the way Wells and Imogen tackled that was so faceted and complex.
During war, tensions are high, especially on an active battlefield... So it was to be expected that they'd be snippy with each other and do things they didn't necessarily agree with... But Imogen astounded me with her selfishness in not thinking of the consequences of her actions and Wells got physical in restraining Imogen or gripping her tightly in his anger and frustration and I didn't like that one bit.
It was fascinating to see how they would overcome these differences as a mated pair, with so much responsibility weighing heavily on their shoulders.
Despite that all, the descriptions of Imogen and Wells cuddling with each other and being content in listening to the other breathe was just so softly romantic that it always had me smiling.
I cannot NOT talk about Prism?? Who knew I needed a blood thirsty, war unicorn in my life?? His sarcastic, yet unintentional wit and vanity was hilarious and had me barking out in laughter way too many times to count.
Prism had me absolutely cackling - bloodthirsty, quick to offense and incredibly vain - "have your mate take a picture of us... I want to see what you look like upon me. Especially now that you are bathed." Incredibly deadpan, I couldn't help erupting into laughter.
The Urzen had me thinking of The Nothing from the neverending story. I would have loved to explore their customs and way of living more.
Al ... How I despise him.. he just doesn't seem to understand that Imogen is not her grandmother! He was like a child stuck on a tricky task he couldn't overcome. Back and fourth he was fixated on Imogen warming up to him and then thinking of her as Solange.. even when it seemed he was finally accepting his actions and was remorseful, he'd bounce back into his entitlement. Ugh!! I'd be so interested to see what becomes of him in book three. I don't want to even think about Allestair right now.
This book certainly did not suffer from the dreaded second book syndrome, in fact it added even more richness and layers to a story that i already fell in love with in Dagger. I'm left with my heart racing and utterly breathless.
Simply said: for me, this was perfection.
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
Gén
February 8, 2026
Thank you to Meredith R Lyons and team for allowing me to read an ARC of this story
I am really loving everything about this series! Even though it contains some of my favorite popular themes the author gives their own spin making this truly feel unique. I really love Imogen and having an older FMC (by earth standards) who is now essentially a child again. I am loving watching her grow and develop through the story as well as her relationships with the other characters.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST. Let’s talk about Prism. Take Tairn from Fourth Wing but make him A UNICORN. Seriously I would read 1000 pages just with him and Imogen and be extremely happy
Seriously if you love fantasy and romance but are feeling a little burnt out on the typical fae/vampire vibes give this series a try!
I am really loving everything about this series! Even though it contains some of my favorite popular themes the author gives their own spin making this truly feel unique. I really love Imogen and having an older FMC (by earth standards) who is now essentially a child again. I am loving watching her grow and develop through the story as well as her relationships with the other characters.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST. Let’s talk about Prism. Take Tairn from Fourth Wing but make him A UNICORN. Seriously I would read 1000 pages just with him and Imogen and be extremely happy
Seriously if you love fantasy and romance but are feeling a little burnt out on the typical fae/vampire vibes give this series a try!
December 5, 2025
The hero wins it all… or does she?
I am so impressed with the world-building in this series. Sometimes the second book is a filler, but the new characters, and insights into old characters, keep it fresh.
The development of the magic system continues, the reader discovering new powers along with the hero.
I loved the twist at the end, I was expecting something, but the major battles were a surprise - and written so well.
Content warning for gore, skip the first major battle and the torture scene if that's not your thing.
(The author gave me an advanced review copy, in exchange for an honest review.)
I am so impressed with the world-building in this series. Sometimes the second book is a filler, but the new characters, and insights into old characters, keep it fresh.
The development of the magic system continues, the reader discovering new powers along with the hero.
I loved the twist at the end, I was expecting something, but the major battles were a surprise - and written so well.
Content warning for gore, skip the first major battle and the torture scene if that's not your thing.
(The author gave me an advanced review copy, in exchange for an honest review.)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you @booktoktours for the eARC.
This is the sequel to A Dagger of Lightning and the second in the fantasy series of the Sidhe Chronicles.
I absolutely loved the first book and it was left on a cliffhanger so I was very excited about getting an advance copy of A Horn of Onyx.
Without giving too much of the plot of the first book away, the story follows Imogen, who in her 40's has been stolen from Earth and taken to a planet far away. There's no hope of going home. The world she finds herself on is a place of magic, or kroma, that gives the Sidhe various abilities. Against the odds, Imogen finds love, is mated to a prince and becomes Sidhe, finding herself growing in power, including being able to wield lightning.
Molnairia is a kingdom of political machinations and they are at war with the Sesphryans.
Prince Llewellyn (Wells) is a general in the army and in danger, while Imogen is trapped in the palace.
Imogen continues to be a feisty, argumentative and resourceful woman and she finds a way of breaking out, travelling to the battle lines and saving the life of Wells and many in his unit. And so begins a novel of action, battles, great adventure and danger, incredible powers and a lot of emotion.
The author avoids the clichés. When it looks like Imogen may become all powerful and solve everything, her impulsiveness and naivety lead her into danger instead.
The characters are well rounded, making them realistic and making for an emotional read where there are many scenes where you're on the edge of your seat.
And the horn of Onyx? It's on Prism. One of a number of battle unicorns. Yes, a unicorn with magic, bloodlust, and as impetuous as Imogen.
The warring kings make for great villains and we get spells, potions and various creatures as well as the unicorns and battling people.
A very exciting read. And a jaw dropping ending. Where will this series go next? I can't wait. But I'll have to.
This is the sequel to A Dagger of Lightning and the second in the fantasy series of the Sidhe Chronicles.
I absolutely loved the first book and it was left on a cliffhanger so I was very excited about getting an advance copy of A Horn of Onyx.
Without giving too much of the plot of the first book away, the story follows Imogen, who in her 40's has been stolen from Earth and taken to a planet far away. There's no hope of going home. The world she finds herself on is a place of magic, or kroma, that gives the Sidhe various abilities. Against the odds, Imogen finds love, is mated to a prince and becomes Sidhe, finding herself growing in power, including being able to wield lightning.
Molnairia is a kingdom of political machinations and they are at war with the Sesphryans.
Prince Llewellyn (Wells) is a general in the army and in danger, while Imogen is trapped in the palace.
Imogen continues to be a feisty, argumentative and resourceful woman and she finds a way of breaking out, travelling to the battle lines and saving the life of Wells and many in his unit. And so begins a novel of action, battles, great adventure and danger, incredible powers and a lot of emotion.
The author avoids the clichés. When it looks like Imogen may become all powerful and solve everything, her impulsiveness and naivety lead her into danger instead.
The characters are well rounded, making them realistic and making for an emotional read where there are many scenes where you're on the edge of your seat.
And the horn of Onyx? It's on Prism. One of a number of battle unicorns. Yes, a unicorn with magic, bloodlust, and as impetuous as Imogen.
The warring kings make for great villains and we get spells, potions and various creatures as well as the unicorns and battling people.
A very exciting read. And a jaw dropping ending. Where will this series go next? I can't wait. But I'll have to.
May 2, 2026
Loved it. So fun. So sassy. Probably my favorite representation of unicorns ever. Great read
April 16, 2026
Imogen may have escaped the palace, but she’s far from safe and somehow already stirring things up again.
This picks up right where the first book ends, so you’re thrown straight into the aftermath. Imogen finally reaches Wells, but life on the front lines is tense and unpredictable. There’s deception coming from all sides, and it keeps her off balance in a way that makes sense for where she’s at in her journey.
She’s still fiery and impulsive, which I actually appreciated. She doesn’t suddenly become perfectly strategic just because the stakes are higher. If anything, the pressure pushes her to act first and deal with the consequences later, and that creates some stressful moments.
Wells is trying to lead while also protecting her, and you can feel how hard that balance is for him. Their bond really holds the story together. Even when everything around them feels uncertain, that connection stays steady and gives you something to anchor to.
The politics get deeper here too. There’s a lot of manipulation and shifting alliances, and Imogen keeps getting pulled further into it when all she really wants is a quiet life with her mate. That tension between what she wants and what’s expected of her adds a lot to the story.
And yes… Prism (iykyk)
This was a really solid continuation. It builds on the first book while keeping the emotional core strong. I was fully pulled in and already need the next one.
This picks up right where the first book ends, so you’re thrown straight into the aftermath. Imogen finally reaches Wells, but life on the front lines is tense and unpredictable. There’s deception coming from all sides, and it keeps her off balance in a way that makes sense for where she’s at in her journey.
She’s still fiery and impulsive, which I actually appreciated. She doesn’t suddenly become perfectly strategic just because the stakes are higher. If anything, the pressure pushes her to act first and deal with the consequences later, and that creates some stressful moments.
Wells is trying to lead while also protecting her, and you can feel how hard that balance is for him. Their bond really holds the story together. Even when everything around them feels uncertain, that connection stays steady and gives you something to anchor to.
The politics get deeper here too. There’s a lot of manipulation and shifting alliances, and Imogen keeps getting pulled further into it when all she really wants is a quiet life with her mate. That tension between what she wants and what’s expected of her adds a lot to the story.
And yes… Prism (iykyk)
This was a really solid continuation. It builds on the first book while keeping the emotional core strong. I was fully pulled in and already need the next one.
April 16, 2026
I loved 'A Dagger Of Lightning ' and this, the second book in the Sithe Chronicles was fantastic. Imogen has become one of my favorite female characters and made me fall in love with the fantasy genre. I'm already looking forward to the third book. What a cliff hanger!
April 7, 2026
Horn of Onyx is a sequel with a life of its own. Satisfying in every way, full of the brilliant pacing (and banter) I have come to know is Lyons’ trademark. I adore it with my whole heart. And now I want a battle unicorn.
April 3, 2026
Another fantastic installment in The Sidhe Chronicles. Imogen somewhat, or mostly, learns how to use her powers and gets a chance to fight in her first battle. I loved the reference to the lightning balls in Spencer's Gifts as I have not thought of that odd store in years. The chemistry between Imogen and Wells is still going strong and the shocking ending of this book has me incredibly excited for more. This is a very entertaining scifi/fantasy series and I love the world the author created.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2026
I love this series! Meredith Lyons is an author to watch for as she can’t write a bad book! I couldn’t even dislike the evil character. And I am not going to spoil it but wait til you read about the creatures in this book!!
April 4, 2026
After loving A Dagger of Lightning by Meredith R. Lyons, I could not wait to dive into the next book in the series, A Horn of Onyx. The first book introduced us to Imogen, a forty five year old heroine who is smart, independent, and absolutely no nonsense. I loved that about her from the start. Even an alien prince with powers is going to have to work hard to impress her.
In A Horn of Onyx the story really opens up. Imogen has already fought for her freedom after escaping the Molnairian palace and saving Wells and his soldiers, but freedom comes with a cost. Her power continues to grow, yet she quickly learns that strength alone will not win a war. Now she is caught between two rival courts while trying to survive the chaos of battle and army life.
One of the most fun surprises in this book was Prism, the bloodthirsty unicorn who absolutely steals the spotlight in some scenes. Between the action, the political tension between the courts, and Imogen still longing for a peaceful life with her mate, the story kept me fully invested.
Just like the first book, this was an easy, fun, and adventurous read with a strong heroine at the center. If you enjoy fantasy with magic, romance, powerful courts, and a heroine who knows her worth, this series is such a great pick.
In A Horn of Onyx the story really opens up. Imogen has already fought for her freedom after escaping the Molnairian palace and saving Wells and his soldiers, but freedom comes with a cost. Her power continues to grow, yet she quickly learns that strength alone will not win a war. Now she is caught between two rival courts while trying to survive the chaos of battle and army life.
One of the most fun surprises in this book was Prism, the bloodthirsty unicorn who absolutely steals the spotlight in some scenes. Between the action, the political tension between the courts, and Imogen still longing for a peaceful life with her mate, the story kept me fully invested.
Just like the first book, this was an easy, fun, and adventurous read with a strong heroine at the center. If you enjoy fantasy with magic, romance, powerful courts, and a heroine who knows her worth, this series is such a great pick.
January 10, 2026
Book two was a wild ride as Imogen and Wells struggled to work together to get out from under the king’s control. Their relationship and mate bond made for tumultuous stakes as they went repeatedly into battle. A high-action and emotional sequel with incredible new creatures, unexpected allies and old friends. I can’t wait for the next book in series!
Thanks to the author and Black Phoenix Book Tours for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author and Black Phoenix Book Tours for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
January 13, 2026
A Horn of Onyx is the kind of fantasy-romance that goes all-in on consequence. It doesn’t treat “freedom” as a finish line; it treats it as the moment the real cost begins. The story opens in the aftermath of escape and survival, with a heroine who’s already done something extraordinary—and now has to live with what that extraordinary act set in motion. If you like books where victory comes with a bruise, this one understands the assignment.
I like how the book handles power. So many fantasy stories turn a growing ability into a clean upward slope: more strength, more control, more confidence. Here, power feels heavier than that. It can help, sure, but it also invites attention, demands decisions, and turns every mistake into something louder. The tension isn’t only “can she win?” It’s “can she keep herself intact while she’s trying?” That shift makes the character journey feel grounded even when the world around her is sharp-edged and magical.
Imogen (and the relationships orbiting her) is written with an appealing mix of capability and mess. She’s brave, but not always wise. She has instincts that are often right, but she doesn’t always apply them at the right time. I appreciated that the book doesn’t sand down her rough spots to make her “likable.” Instead, it leans into the ways she can be impulsive, stubborn, and human—especially when she’s under pressure, grieving what she can’t have, and trying to hold on to the people who matter.
The romance angle is emotionally satisfying because it’s not the only engine in the room. The connection is important, and it absolutely shapes her choices, but the book keeps insisting that love doesn’t remove the need for strategy. Wanting a quiet life isn’t the same thing as having the ability to build one. That creates a constant push-and-pull: intimacy versus duty, softness versus survival, the private self versus the public role she can’t avoid. The best romantic moments land because the story has earned them—by putting the bond through real stress rather than relying on misunderstandings or filler drama.
On the fantasy side, the courts and rival power structures add a strong political current. The book’s conflicts don’t depend solely on “big bad villain energy.” The danger comes from systems: leadership that wants control, factions that see people as tools, and the way war narrows everyone’s moral options. Even when characters make choices you don’t agree with, the motivations tend to track. It’s the kind of tension that feels less like a chessboard and more like a storm front—you can predict patterns, but you can’t stop the weather.
And yes, the unicorn element is not a cute garnish. Prism has presence. If you’re tired of fantasy creatures being reduced to aesthetic accessories, this book will feel refreshing. The creature’s ferocity isn’t played for novelty; it’s used to amplify the story’s tone—beautiful, dangerous, and not interested in anyone’s comfort. Prism also acts like a mirror for the broader theme: power is breathtaking, but it’s never harmless.
The military setting and battlefield atmosphere give the book an urgent pace without making it feel rushed. There’s a steady escalation, but the author still makes room for quieter beats—moments where a character processes fear, tests loyalty, or confronts the reality that courage doesn’t mean you aren’t terrified. Those pauses matter, because they keep the action from becoming noise. You feel why each confrontation matters, not just that something is happening.
Stylistically, the writing balances clarity with mood. The emotional beats are easy to follow, and the scenes tend to have a clean visual logic—where people are, what they want, what’s at stake. When the prose leans darker, it doesn’t get confusing or overwritten; it uses intensity as seasoning rather than a mask. That makes the book very readable, especially for a story with political tension, romance, and war all pulling at the same time.
One of the strongest choices is the way the book keeps asking: what does it mean to choose well when every option costs something? Imogen isn’t simply trying to defeat an enemy. She’s trying to become the kind of person who can live with her decisions after the dust settles. That is a more interesting question than “who wins,” and it gives the story weight even when the plot is charging forward.
A few notes for readers deciding if it’s their vibe:
Expect intensity. War, power struggles, and harsher character dynamics are part of the package.
Expect emotional friction. The relationships are meaningful, but they’re not protected from the story’s pressure.
Expect a heroine who can frustrate you sometimes. The book wants her to grow, and growth requires room for mistakes.
If you’re looking for a fantasy romance that feels high-stakes and morally complicated—one where freedom is only the beginning, and love doesn’t automatically solve the hard parts—A Horn of Onyx delivers a satisfying mix of heart, threat, and momentum. It’s a story that understands how quickly a hard-won escape can turn into a new kind of battle, and it gives its heroine the kind of journey that feels earned: painful in places, fierce in others, and emotionally sticky in the best way.
I like how the book handles power. So many fantasy stories turn a growing ability into a clean upward slope: more strength, more control, more confidence. Here, power feels heavier than that. It can help, sure, but it also invites attention, demands decisions, and turns every mistake into something louder. The tension isn’t only “can she win?” It’s “can she keep herself intact while she’s trying?” That shift makes the character journey feel grounded even when the world around her is sharp-edged and magical.
Imogen (and the relationships orbiting her) is written with an appealing mix of capability and mess. She’s brave, but not always wise. She has instincts that are often right, but she doesn’t always apply them at the right time. I appreciated that the book doesn’t sand down her rough spots to make her “likable.” Instead, it leans into the ways she can be impulsive, stubborn, and human—especially when she’s under pressure, grieving what she can’t have, and trying to hold on to the people who matter.
The romance angle is emotionally satisfying because it’s not the only engine in the room. The connection is important, and it absolutely shapes her choices, but the book keeps insisting that love doesn’t remove the need for strategy. Wanting a quiet life isn’t the same thing as having the ability to build one. That creates a constant push-and-pull: intimacy versus duty, softness versus survival, the private self versus the public role she can’t avoid. The best romantic moments land because the story has earned them—by putting the bond through real stress rather than relying on misunderstandings or filler drama.
On the fantasy side, the courts and rival power structures add a strong political current. The book’s conflicts don’t depend solely on “big bad villain energy.” The danger comes from systems: leadership that wants control, factions that see people as tools, and the way war narrows everyone’s moral options. Even when characters make choices you don’t agree with, the motivations tend to track. It’s the kind of tension that feels less like a chessboard and more like a storm front—you can predict patterns, but you can’t stop the weather.
And yes, the unicorn element is not a cute garnish. Prism has presence. If you’re tired of fantasy creatures being reduced to aesthetic accessories, this book will feel refreshing. The creature’s ferocity isn’t played for novelty; it’s used to amplify the story’s tone—beautiful, dangerous, and not interested in anyone’s comfort. Prism also acts like a mirror for the broader theme: power is breathtaking, but it’s never harmless.
The military setting and battlefield atmosphere give the book an urgent pace without making it feel rushed. There’s a steady escalation, but the author still makes room for quieter beats—moments where a character processes fear, tests loyalty, or confronts the reality that courage doesn’t mean you aren’t terrified. Those pauses matter, because they keep the action from becoming noise. You feel why each confrontation matters, not just that something is happening.
Stylistically, the writing balances clarity with mood. The emotional beats are easy to follow, and the scenes tend to have a clean visual logic—where people are, what they want, what’s at stake. When the prose leans darker, it doesn’t get confusing or overwritten; it uses intensity as seasoning rather than a mask. That makes the book very readable, especially for a story with political tension, romance, and war all pulling at the same time.
One of the strongest choices is the way the book keeps asking: what does it mean to choose well when every option costs something? Imogen isn’t simply trying to defeat an enemy. She’s trying to become the kind of person who can live with her decisions after the dust settles. That is a more interesting question than “who wins,” and it gives the story weight even when the plot is charging forward.
A few notes for readers deciding if it’s their vibe:
Expect intensity. War, power struggles, and harsher character dynamics are part of the package.
Expect emotional friction. The relationships are meaningful, but they’re not protected from the story’s pressure.
Expect a heroine who can frustrate you sometimes. The book wants her to grow, and growth requires room for mistakes.
If you’re looking for a fantasy romance that feels high-stakes and morally complicated—one where freedom is only the beginning, and love doesn’t automatically solve the hard parts—A Horn of Onyx delivers a satisfying mix of heart, threat, and momentum. It’s a story that understands how quickly a hard-won escape can turn into a new kind of battle, and it gives its heroine the kind of journey that feels earned: painful in places, fierce in others, and emotionally sticky in the best way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't tend to read romantasy. I find the plots formulaic and predictable, and by the time book two rolls around, I'm nodding off by the midpoint. I read A Dagger of Lightning last year (review written whilst I was halfway through) and felt it was different enough from the rest of the bunch to continue the series. I'm so glad I did.
With the second book in a series, there's usually a dip in quality because we're halfway through the overarching story. This applies to practically all trilogies, and often a lot of quartets too; some series that immediately come to mind are His Dark Materials and the Twilight Saga, where the bulk of the action takes place in the first and third books. A Horn of Onyx avoids this pitfall by throwing an absolute wildcard at us and changing genre entirely. This isn't romantasy in the stereotypical way. This is a war novel, complete with military strategies, camps, skirmishes and ambushes, and a siege. Almost the entire story takes place outside of the new world we were introduced to in the first book, giving us (and Imogen) completely new ground to explore. The action rose consistently, providing both external and internal conflict. There were no lulls in this book.
Central to this, of course, is our protagonists. Imogen is a delight to have as a narrator. She has the same tenacity and stubborness as the first book, but now combined with a sense of semi-control over her powers and exploration of what else she can do, it opens up so many possibilities as to where the story will go next. We see her and Wells' relationship evolve and bend under the pressures of active war and threats from every angle. It felt like a true relationship put to the test, not saved by a mating bond that heals all wounds. We see the lengths they are prepared to go to for each other and what they will sacrifice along the way. I can see an argument for Imogen being overpowered, especially with some of the developments in this book, but her overall character makes up for it. Her flaws are emphasised and never forgotten, and she unknowingly self-sabotages herself with her own weaknesses. I think in this case, she can pull off being overpowered.
As much as I love Imogen, my favourite character was definitely Prism. In my reivew of the first book, I mentioned I was a little concerned that Lyons would use a pan-Celtic approach to the base lore, and I'm so glad to say my fears were unfounded. Even better is her incorporation of unicorns; taking the basic image of the creature and giving it a brand new mythology, with each of the main unicorns standing as their own character with their own personality. I loved what she did with them. Did they swoop in and save the day like an ex machina? A little bit. Do I care? Absolutely not.
I have to talk about the ending of this book, so some vague spoilers for this paragraph. Imogen and Wells being so loyal to their friends that they give themselves up, knowing it means branding and magic slavery for the rest of their lives, is the culmination of a key theme of this series. Imogen then being able to challenge the king—don't get me started on the symbolism of his death—only to find herself faced with a new foe in Al? And then the book just ends? Talk about a cliffhanger!
I cannot overstate how much I loved this book. I read a solid three-quarters of it in one night, completely losing track of time, focused entirely on the story. I haven't finished a book like that for years. It made me want to write, which is something only very good or very bad books can inspire in me. I need the third book in my hands yesterday, and these characters will plague me until I get it.
With the second book in a series, there's usually a dip in quality because we're halfway through the overarching story. This applies to practically all trilogies, and often a lot of quartets too; some series that immediately come to mind are His Dark Materials and the Twilight Saga, where the bulk of the action takes place in the first and third books. A Horn of Onyx avoids this pitfall by throwing an absolute wildcard at us and changing genre entirely. This isn't romantasy in the stereotypical way. This is a war novel, complete with military strategies, camps, skirmishes and ambushes, and a siege. Almost the entire story takes place outside of the new world we were introduced to in the first book, giving us (and Imogen) completely new ground to explore. The action rose consistently, providing both external and internal conflict. There were no lulls in this book.
Central to this, of course, is our protagonists. Imogen is a delight to have as a narrator. She has the same tenacity and stubborness as the first book, but now combined with a sense of semi-control over her powers and exploration of what else she can do, it opens up so many possibilities as to where the story will go next. We see her and Wells' relationship evolve and bend under the pressures of active war and threats from every angle. It felt like a true relationship put to the test, not saved by a mating bond that heals all wounds. We see the lengths they are prepared to go to for each other and what they will sacrifice along the way. I can see an argument for Imogen being overpowered, especially with some of the developments in this book, but her overall character makes up for it. Her flaws are emphasised and never forgotten, and she unknowingly self-sabotages herself with her own weaknesses. I think in this case, she can pull off being overpowered.
As much as I love Imogen, my favourite character was definitely Prism. In my reivew of the first book, I mentioned I was a little concerned that Lyons would use a pan-Celtic approach to the base lore, and I'm so glad to say my fears were unfounded. Even better is her incorporation of unicorns; taking the basic image of the creature and giving it a brand new mythology, with each of the main unicorns standing as their own character with their own personality. I loved what she did with them. Did they swoop in and save the day like an ex machina? A little bit. Do I care? Absolutely not.
I have to talk about the ending of this book, so some vague spoilers for this paragraph. Imogen and Wells being so loyal to their friends that they give themselves up, knowing it means branding and magic slavery for the rest of their lives, is the culmination of a key theme of this series. Imogen then being able to challenge the king—don't get me started on the symbolism of his death—only to find herself faced with a new foe in Al? And then the book just ends? Talk about a cliffhanger!
I cannot overstate how much I loved this book. I read a solid three-quarters of it in one night, completely losing track of time, focused entirely on the story. I haven't finished a book like that for years. It made me want to write, which is something only very good or very bad books can inspire in me. I need the third book in my hands yesterday, and these characters will plague me until I get it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
How am I crying over a book that features unicorns and genuinely silly moments?? I don’t know, but here we are. I loved the first book, truly, but this sequel absolutely blew it out of the water for me. It’s one of those follow-ups that deepens everything without losing the charm that made the start so fun. This book firmly cemented my oddly specific love for fantasy that’s humorous yet emotionally brutal underneath. Especially when paired with a modern-era protagonist who is an actual adult. The only other book in this genre is Fires of the Forsaken by Stephanie E. Donohue.
Imogen’s struggle this go around hit HARD. Watching her try so desperately to live up to impossible expectations of her power, her role, her people, and her mate felt painfully real. Her insecurities, frustration, and exhaustion all rang true, and I loved that the story let her be imperfect without punishing her for it. And the romance continues to be such a strong element. The relationship feels refreshingly healthy in the way it handles conflict. Problems arise, emotions flare, and then (wild concept), they talk it out. Like adults. No needless miscommunication drama, just two people trying to figure out how to exist together under extraordinary pressure. I adored that.
Yes, Imogen is wildly overpowered at this point, and yes, the antagonists could still use more nuance. But honestly? I care less and less because the story is fully aware that her power doesn’t equal safety or happiness. Her strength puts a massive target on her back, and she’s not reveling in it; she’s terrified, exhausted, and grieving the simplicity she can’t have anymore. That tension works so well and is so unique!
Between the darker tone, the emotional gut punches, the humor (Prism, my beloved menace), and the deeply adult relationships, this book completely won my heart. I love these characters, I love this world, and I am beyond ready for whatever comes next.
Thanks so much to Black Phoenix Book Tours and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Imogen’s struggle this go around hit HARD. Watching her try so desperately to live up to impossible expectations of her power, her role, her people, and her mate felt painfully real. Her insecurities, frustration, and exhaustion all rang true, and I loved that the story let her be imperfect without punishing her for it. And the romance continues to be such a strong element. The relationship feels refreshingly healthy in the way it handles conflict. Problems arise, emotions flare, and then (wild concept), they talk it out. Like adults. No needless miscommunication drama, just two people trying to figure out how to exist together under extraordinary pressure. I adored that.
Yes, Imogen is wildly overpowered at this point, and yes, the antagonists could still use more nuance. But honestly? I care less and less because the story is fully aware that her power doesn’t equal safety or happiness. Her strength puts a massive target on her back, and she’s not reveling in it; she’s terrified, exhausted, and grieving the simplicity she can’t have anymore. That tension works so well and is so unique!
Between the darker tone, the emotional gut punches, the humor (Prism, my beloved menace), and the deeply adult relationships, this book completely won my heart. I love these characters, I love this world, and I am beyond ready for whatever comes next.
Thanks so much to Black Phoenix Book Tours and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
April 1, 2026
Who would have thought I would be over here reading romantasy, yet here I am fully invested in book two of The Sidhe Chronicles by Meredith R. Lyons and devouring every word like this is my new personality. I have nothing to compare this to because this is way out of my lane, but just trust me when I say it is that good. A Horn of Onyx picks up exactly where the first book left off and wastes zero time. We go straight into chaos with magic, lightning, daggers, swords, grenades and yes - unicorns - charging into battle like they own the place. The thriller energy surprised me in the best way. This is not just romance wrapped in fantasy. This is war politics, high stakes, good versus evil, and a heroine who is done asking permission.
Imogen brings the sass, the attitude, and the kind of stubborn loyalty that makes every decision feel explosive. Her connection with Wells is intense in that 'I will burn the world down for you' kind of way, and honestly I was completely here for it. The emotional pull between them balances out the nonstop action, and when the quieter moments hit they hit hard. Also the romance steps in at just the right time and yes the 'brown-chicken-brown-cow' moments were absolutely earned and completely satisfying (so there is some spicy). Between the battles, the magic, and the emotional punches, I flew through this one and barely remembered to breathe.
I love that Imogen is a midlife heroine who is headstrong, messy, and easy to root for. She is not perfect, she reacts with her heart, and she will stop at nothing for the people she loves. The book is adventurous, dark, emotional, and sprinkled with laugh out loud moments that kept it from ever feeling too heavy. And then just when I thought I might get a second to recover… that ending. Another cliffhanger. I am officially impatient and already counting down the days for book three.
Imogen brings the sass, the attitude, and the kind of stubborn loyalty that makes every decision feel explosive. Her connection with Wells is intense in that 'I will burn the world down for you' kind of way, and honestly I was completely here for it. The emotional pull between them balances out the nonstop action, and when the quieter moments hit they hit hard. Also the romance steps in at just the right time and yes the 'brown-chicken-brown-cow' moments were absolutely earned and completely satisfying (so there is some spicy). Between the battles, the magic, and the emotional punches, I flew through this one and barely remembered to breathe.
I love that Imogen is a midlife heroine who is headstrong, messy, and easy to root for. She is not perfect, she reacts with her heart, and she will stop at nothing for the people she loves. The book is adventurous, dark, emotional, and sprinkled with laugh out loud moments that kept it from ever feeling too heavy. And then just when I thought I might get a second to recover… that ending. Another cliffhanger. I am officially impatient and already counting down the days for book three.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Are there any limits to what you would do for those you love?
“I want you to know that it was all worth it to me...”
And, to me, it was all worth it, too. It was worth the emotional pain I endured. It was worth the anxiety I felt. And it was also worth the love and the devotion I experienced.
Meredith's A Horn of Onyx, Book 2 of her Sidhe Chronicles, continues right where we left off in A Dagger of Lightning. It throws us straight back into the intricate relationships, politics, and wars brewing between the two sidhe kingdoms. It places all of our characters at the very heart of the conflict as we follow Imogen, Wells, and their chosen family.
This book doesn't let you breathe for a second. It pulls you in, it claws at you, and it never lets you go. I've been sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time, hoping for a reprieve, and getting it in the form of the prickliest, most vain, and violence-lusting unicorn you will ever have the privilege of meeting. Prism was the highlight of this second installment and is probably my favorite character.
And yet, amid all this action and conflict, there is one thing binding it all together: love. The utter love and devotion Imogen and Wells feel for each other. In the direst circumstances, it is love that will burn bridges and fortresses. It is love that will conquer and prevail. It is love that will emerge victorious—for now, at least. With Al present, who knows what awaits us in the next book of the Sidhe Chronicles...
Thank you, Meredith, for having me as your ARC reader. It is an honor and a blessing to have your stories in my life.
“I want you to know that it was all worth it to me...”
And, to me, it was all worth it, too. It was worth the emotional pain I endured. It was worth the anxiety I felt. And it was also worth the love and the devotion I experienced.
Meredith's A Horn of Onyx, Book 2 of her Sidhe Chronicles, continues right where we left off in A Dagger of Lightning. It throws us straight back into the intricate relationships, politics, and wars brewing between the two sidhe kingdoms. It places all of our characters at the very heart of the conflict as we follow Imogen, Wells, and their chosen family.
This book doesn't let you breathe for a second. It pulls you in, it claws at you, and it never lets you go. I've been sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time, hoping for a reprieve, and getting it in the form of the prickliest, most vain, and violence-lusting unicorn you will ever have the privilege of meeting. Prism was the highlight of this second installment and is probably my favorite character.
And yet, amid all this action and conflict, there is one thing binding it all together: love. The utter love and devotion Imogen and Wells feel for each other. In the direst circumstances, it is love that will burn bridges and fortresses. It is love that will conquer and prevail. It is love that will emerge victorious—for now, at least. With Al present, who knows what awaits us in the next book of the Sidhe Chronicles...
Thank you, Meredith, for having me as your ARC reader. It is an honor and a blessing to have your stories in my life.
Review of advance copy
Thank you, Black Phoenix Book Tours.
Well now, A Horn of Onyx sure did sweep me right up and carry me along like a strong wind you can’t argue with. Imogen is in the thick of it from the start—running, fighting, trying to keep her head on straight while all that power keeps building inside her. And bless her heart, she’s got the grit for it, but this story makes it plain: being strong doesn’t mean life gets simple. Not even close.
Those court scenes had me narrowing my eyes at everybody, because you just know somebody’s hiding something. And then you’ve got the romance woven in—not sappy, not overdone—just enough tenderness to remind you what’s at stake when the world starts demanding sacrifices.
And let me tell you, that unicorn, Prism? Mercy. That creature is not out there prancing around like a pretty decoration. Every time Prism showed up, I felt my shoulders tense, because you never quite know if you’re about to witness something magical or something deadly.
By the end, I was sitting there thinking, “Lord, this girl cannot catch a break,” and I mean that as a compliment. If you like fae politics, danger on every side, and a heroine who keeps going even when the odds are rude about it, you’ll have a fine time with this one.
Well now, A Horn of Onyx sure did sweep me right up and carry me along like a strong wind you can’t argue with. Imogen is in the thick of it from the start—running, fighting, trying to keep her head on straight while all that power keeps building inside her. And bless her heart, she’s got the grit for it, but this story makes it plain: being strong doesn’t mean life gets simple. Not even close.
Those court scenes had me narrowing my eyes at everybody, because you just know somebody’s hiding something. And then you’ve got the romance woven in—not sappy, not overdone—just enough tenderness to remind you what’s at stake when the world starts demanding sacrifices.
And let me tell you, that unicorn, Prism? Mercy. That creature is not out there prancing around like a pretty decoration. Every time Prism showed up, I felt my shoulders tense, because you never quite know if you’re about to witness something magical or something deadly.
By the end, I was sitting there thinking, “Lord, this girl cannot catch a break,” and I mean that as a compliment. If you like fae politics, danger on every side, and a heroine who keeps going even when the odds are rude about it, you’ll have a fine time with this one.
April 9, 2026
I keep saying I want to get back into reading more fantasy, and this book reminds me why I love the genre!
I was immediately drawn into this interplanetary fantasy world when I read 𝘈 𝘋𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 last year, as Imogen was taken from Earth to the planet of Sidhe against her will.
Now, I’m completely hooked. 𝘈 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘖𝘯𝘺𝘹 feels like a classic sci-fi/fantasy space opera, rebooted and reimagined. Imogen, our heroine, has escaped her captivity; she is growing stronger, but can she control her impulsivity and emotions? Can she do what is necessary to protect her and her bond mate, no matter the price?
While most of the world-building was laid out in the first book, I loved that the magic and the atmosphere here are more defined. And it’s never a dull moment; action and chaos abound with Imogen and her bloodthirsty unicorn, Prism - yes, you read that right. Prism steals the show many times.
This is packed full of planetary court politics, high-stakes adventure, romance, magic, and unicorn battles. This book will have you on the edge of your seat! I can’t wait for the next book.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @meredithrlyons for this gifted book.
I was immediately drawn into this interplanetary fantasy world when I read 𝘈 𝘋𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 last year, as Imogen was taken from Earth to the planet of Sidhe against her will.
Now, I’m completely hooked. 𝘈 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘖𝘯𝘺𝘹 feels like a classic sci-fi/fantasy space opera, rebooted and reimagined. Imogen, our heroine, has escaped her captivity; she is growing stronger, but can she control her impulsivity and emotions? Can she do what is necessary to protect her and her bond mate, no matter the price?
While most of the world-building was laid out in the first book, I loved that the magic and the atmosphere here are more defined. And it’s never a dull moment; action and chaos abound with Imogen and her bloodthirsty unicorn, Prism - yes, you read that right. Prism steals the show many times.
This is packed full of planetary court politics, high-stakes adventure, romance, magic, and unicorn battles. This book will have you on the edge of your seat! I can’t wait for the next book.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @meredithrlyons for this gifted book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Horn of Onyx is the follow up sequel to A Dagger of Lightning in the Sidhe Chronicles fantasy series.
I was OBSESSED with the first book that ended on a cliffhanger so color me EXCITED to read the this book! And boy it did not disappoint.
We are back with Imogen , our 40 something year old who was taken from earth and sent to a planet far from home.
The sidhe have all different types of magic. She is happy and in love with a Prince and she has powers. The sidhe are at war with the Sesphryans.
This story is exciting and action packed. The world building is SO WELL DONE!!!!!
I love Imogen and the Prince. There is so much action and adventure.
THE ENDING OMG, jaw dropping!!!!!!
Hoping for another book? Pretty PLEASE!!!!!
I was OBSESSED with the first book that ended on a cliffhanger so color me EXCITED to read the this book! And boy it did not disappoint.
We are back with Imogen , our 40 something year old who was taken from earth and sent to a planet far from home.
The sidhe have all different types of magic. She is happy and in love with a Prince and she has powers. The sidhe are at war with the Sesphryans.
This story is exciting and action packed. The world building is SO WELL DONE!!!!!
I love Imogen and the Prince. There is so much action and adventure.
THE ENDING OMG, jaw dropping!!!!!!
Hoping for another book? Pretty PLEASE!!!!!
March 31, 2026
Imogen's hard-won freedom from the Molnairian palace unravels fast: rescuing Wells and his soldiers amps her knoma power, but raw strength falters against war's chaos, a bloodthirsty unicorn named Prism, and ruthless court games pulling her between two warring kings. Yearning for peace with her mate, she battles impulsivity amid army life—out of her depth, one misstep from total entrapment.
The high-fantasy stakes hook with gritty escapes, magical growth, and mate-bond tension sparking decent spice amid battles and betrayals; Prism's feral edge adds fun chaos.
Pacing sags in army stretches and court intrigue feels trope-familiar; Imogen's impulsivity grates without deeper evolution, and side players (Wells, kings) blur thinly. Unicorn bites thrill but don't redeem shakier plotting.
Solid romantasy for knoma-power fans craving war and whimsy—enjoyable chaos, lacks polish for rereads. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The high-fantasy stakes hook with gritty escapes, magical growth, and mate-bond tension sparking decent spice amid battles and betrayals; Prism's feral edge adds fun chaos.
Pacing sags in army stretches and court intrigue feels trope-familiar; Imogen's impulsivity grates without deeper evolution, and side players (Wells, kings) blur thinly. Unicorn bites thrill but don't redeem shakier plotting.
Solid romantasy for knoma-power fans craving war and whimsy—enjoyable chaos, lacks polish for rereads. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
ARC received from Black Phoenix Book Tours
A Horn of Onyx is not a “catch your breath” sequel. It’s a sequel that grabs you and says, we’re doing this now. The danger feels constant. Imogen is complicated in a way I genuinely appreciate. She’s powerful, yes, but she’s also stubborn, reactive, and sometimes her mouth moves faster than her judgment. That makes the army-life tension feel real, and it makes the political pressure cooker even worse, because everyone is watching, waiting and ready to use her as a weapon.
And then there’s Prism. I don’t even know how to explain this without laughing a little—every time that creature shows up, the vibe goes from tense to “something is about to go very wrong.” Loved it.
If you like fantasy that’s gritty without being bleak, romantic without turning soft, and full of court games and battlefield stakes, this one delivers.
A Horn of Onyx is not a “catch your breath” sequel. It’s a sequel that grabs you and says, we’re doing this now. The danger feels constant. Imogen is complicated in a way I genuinely appreciate. She’s powerful, yes, but she’s also stubborn, reactive, and sometimes her mouth moves faster than her judgment. That makes the army-life tension feel real, and it makes the political pressure cooker even worse, because everyone is watching, waiting and ready to use her as a weapon.
And then there’s Prism. I don’t even know how to explain this without laughing a little—every time that creature shows up, the vibe goes from tense to “something is about to go very wrong.” Loved it.
If you like fantasy that’s gritty without being bleak, romantic without turning soft, and full of court games and battlefield stakes, this one delivers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is the second book in the fantasy series with the main character, Imogen, once human now sidhe.
The book takes place with Imogen and her mate, Wells, working together in the heat of war.
And no battle would be complete without a snarky war unicorn named Prism who meshes quite perfectly with Imogen.
There is a lot of increased world building as we’ll learn more about politics and strategies of war, .
And as always, family and power dynamics no matter what planet you’re on can be complex.
I love that Imogen is an older main character at approx 45 years old (in Earth years). I love the tension between she and Wells. I also enjoy all of the magic.
Even though this genre isn’t in my usual reading lineup, I enjoy a good story with action as well as complex character, and a few twists. This book has all of the above. Just because it’s not set in earth works just fine for me.
The book takes place with Imogen and her mate, Wells, working together in the heat of war.
And no battle would be complete without a snarky war unicorn named Prism who meshes quite perfectly with Imogen.
There is a lot of increased world building as we’ll learn more about politics and strategies of war, .
And as always, family and power dynamics no matter what planet you’re on can be complex.
I love that Imogen is an older main character at approx 45 years old (in Earth years). I love the tension between she and Wells. I also enjoy all of the magic.
Even though this genre isn’t in my usual reading lineup, I enjoy a good story with action as well as complex character, and a few twists. This book has all of the above. Just because it’s not set in earth works just fine for me.
April 8, 2026
This sequel builds beautifully on A Dagger of Lightning, deepening the world, politics, and magic while keeping the focus firmly on its characters. Imogen and Wells are pushed to their limits as past choices catch up to them, forcing them to confront loyalty, consequence, and who they’re becoming in the face of a looming war.
What really shines here is the emotional weight. This is character-driven fantasy at its best, where growth is messy, relationships are strained, and power always comes at a cost. Lyons balances lyrical, atmospheric writing with a faster, more action-packed pace, and adds unforgettable touches, including wildly chaotic battle unicorns. If you love fantasy that blends intimate stakes with sweeping mythic tension and characters who truly earn their growth, this one delivers.
What really shines here is the emotional weight. This is character-driven fantasy at its best, where growth is messy, relationships are strained, and power always comes at a cost. Lyons balances lyrical, atmospheric writing with a faster, more action-packed pace, and adds unforgettable touches, including wildly chaotic battle unicorns. If you love fantasy that blends intimate stakes with sweeping mythic tension and characters who truly earn their growth, this one delivers.
Review of advance copy
A Horn of Onyx is a dark, action-packed fantasy filled with dangerous magic, political intrigue, and fierce unicorns that are anything but gentle. Imogen is a strong yet deeply flawed protagonist whose journey, alongside her bonded mate Wells, anchors the story emotionally. The worldbuilding is vivid, the plot unpredictable, and the stakes relentlessly high. A fresh, cinematic fantasy romance that kept me fully invested from start to finish.
ARC provided by Black Phoenix Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
ARC provided by Black Phoenix Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fantastic follow-up to the first book in the series, A Dagger of Lightning, which finds a now-powered-up Imogen caught in the midst of a war between rival factions on her new planet. Absolutely loved the heightened stakes, deeper conflict, expanded worldbuilding, and of course the addition of BATTLE UNICORNS! Second books in trilogies have a difficult job, since they have to serve as a bridge between the beginning and the end while also telling their own self-contained story, and I thought Lyons did a phenomenal job balancing both. Can't wait to see how the series ends!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A heroine who doesn’t get let off the hook for the choices she makes. Imogen’s fight for freedom feels earned, and the story doesn’t pretend that escape magically fixes everything. The consequences are messy, painful and intense in the best way. Prism is a nightmare in the most entertaining way. This is the kind of sequel that raises the bar. 5 stars.
March 25, 2026
I had high hopes for this sequel and it didn’t disappoint.
Imogen is back, and just like in book one, it was a wild ride and so much fun.
I love her character, she’s chaotic and impulsive, but I really loved her growth in this one. She’s stronger and more sure of herself.
Also… still obsessed with her and Wells.
Such a fun sequel, I’m already ready for the next one.
Imogen is back, and just like in book one, it was a wild ride and so much fun.
I love her character, she’s chaotic and impulsive, but I really loved her growth in this one. She’s stronger and more sure of herself.
Also… still obsessed with her and Wells.
Such a fun sequel, I’m already ready for the next one.
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