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Ophelia Ravenward: The Taste of Tears
The Endless King stirs, bringing new nightmares into the waking world.
In this dark epic fantasy sequel to Ophelia The Daughter of Deadwood, Ophelia must face enemies both outside and within. She survived the Trial of Talismans and began her training as a Spellweaver, but with power comes a cost—and the fragile threads of reality are threatening to snap.
When nightmares bleed into Sominor and never-beasts stalk Spellevue’s halls, Ophelia and her fellow spellweavers are thrust into a battle that will test not only their magic, but their very will to survive. Not even Lady Nikollette can save her this time—and a truth is revealed that could unravel everything she believes about herself.
All the while, endless forces work in the shadows to resurrect the Endless King. If he rises again, no kingdom will stand against him.
Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Brandon Sanderson, and Leigh Bardugo, this epic young adult fantasy blends deep magic, dark secrets, and a heroine whose greatest enemy may be the truth within herself.
In this dark epic fantasy sequel to Ophelia The Daughter of Deadwood, Ophelia must face enemies both outside and within. She survived the Trial of Talismans and began her training as a Spellweaver, but with power comes a cost—and the fragile threads of reality are threatening to snap.
When nightmares bleed into Sominor and never-beasts stalk Spellevue’s halls, Ophelia and her fellow spellweavers are thrust into a battle that will test not only their magic, but their very will to survive. Not even Lady Nikollette can save her this time—and a truth is revealed that could unravel everything she believes about herself.
All the while, endless forces work in the shadows to resurrect the Endless King. If he rises again, no kingdom will stand against him.
Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Brandon Sanderson, and Leigh Bardugo, this epic young adult fantasy blends deep magic, dark secrets, and a heroine whose greatest enemy may be the truth within herself.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 6, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, which does not affect my review. Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the chance to read this book.
Ophelia has survived the trials and is now preparing to be a Spellweaver, but the consequences of the last book are still playing out. The book starts off on a sad note which feels fitting due to the events of the last, while tensions run rampant and grief is heavy. The story does not start out directly with Ophelia, and while I was eager to reunite with her, it was interesting to see the other characters grapple with grief or in the case of Rosalin, Amarine, and Barnaby, wildebeetles (Kidding! Well, kind of!). At the back of most people’s mind, Ophelia and Nikollette most of all, is the Endless King. The same kind of magic appears this time that appeared before, with imaginative beings like dirt men used for training and a whole host of mythical creatures. This gives the book an almost Harry Potter feel, perfect for middle grade readers.
The same goes with the writing style. I think it would fit readers aged 11 to 15 or 16 best, but that doesn’t mean older readers like myself won’t enjoy it. As with most middle grade novels, there are lots of very clear cut explanations that make the writing and plot easier to follow, like when Lady Nikollette acts as Ophelia’s source of information or even when it comes to simply describing Ophelia’s feelings. This might make it read younger, but enjoyable nonetheless. As I was reading, I couldn’t help but think that this series is the kind I’d see at Scholastic Book Fairs in middle school libraries! Yet, with the themes of grief, revenge, nightmares, and death, there are darker parts to the novel that are both mature but not too disturbing or adult.
Around a third of the way through, the otherwise even plot picks up and is hard to put down. You see characters from the first book again, and battles with a neverbeast and banter bear give the book its purely fantasy feel with a little bit of horror added in too! I loved the creepy moments most of all. Nothing insanely gory, but definitely a little eerie and unsettling. The all-seeing eye was especially weird. I loved it!
Like the first book, there are multiple character povs happening here, but I followed along with more ease this time. It could be because I was familiar with the characters and setting from the first book, so it took me less time to get adjusted to everything. I was especially invested in Nikollette’s story this time around and how her grief was exploited, as well as the secret knowledge she harbored about Ophelia as well as the division that knowledge creates with Barnaby. The truth about who Ophelia is, or half is, deepens so much of the story and I think it was a strong component to add. Not only does it add a layer of ethics and morality, or lack thereof, depending on your stance, to Nikollette’s decision, but it also deepens the complication between what it means to be bad or good in Ophelia’s case. I don’t want to spoil much, but I loved how these were questions that were brought up, no matter how subtly. I am excited to see these things expanded upon in the next book, in addition to the characters. I could see this being a long series, and I would be eager for it.
Ophelia has survived the trials and is now preparing to be a Spellweaver, but the consequences of the last book are still playing out. The book starts off on a sad note which feels fitting due to the events of the last, while tensions run rampant and grief is heavy. The story does not start out directly with Ophelia, and while I was eager to reunite with her, it was interesting to see the other characters grapple with grief or in the case of Rosalin, Amarine, and Barnaby, wildebeetles (Kidding! Well, kind of!). At the back of most people’s mind, Ophelia and Nikollette most of all, is the Endless King. The same kind of magic appears this time that appeared before, with imaginative beings like dirt men used for training and a whole host of mythical creatures. This gives the book an almost Harry Potter feel, perfect for middle grade readers.
The same goes with the writing style. I think it would fit readers aged 11 to 15 or 16 best, but that doesn’t mean older readers like myself won’t enjoy it. As with most middle grade novels, there are lots of very clear cut explanations that make the writing and plot easier to follow, like when Lady Nikollette acts as Ophelia’s source of information or even when it comes to simply describing Ophelia’s feelings. This might make it read younger, but enjoyable nonetheless. As I was reading, I couldn’t help but think that this series is the kind I’d see at Scholastic Book Fairs in middle school libraries! Yet, with the themes of grief, revenge, nightmares, and death, there are darker parts to the novel that are both mature but not too disturbing or adult.
Around a third of the way through, the otherwise even plot picks up and is hard to put down. You see characters from the first book again, and battles with a neverbeast and banter bear give the book its purely fantasy feel with a little bit of horror added in too! I loved the creepy moments most of all. Nothing insanely gory, but definitely a little eerie and unsettling. The all-seeing eye was especially weird. I loved it!
Like the first book, there are multiple character povs happening here, but I followed along with more ease this time. It could be because I was familiar with the characters and setting from the first book, so it took me less time to get adjusted to everything. I was especially invested in Nikollette’s story this time around and how her grief was exploited, as well as the secret knowledge she harbored about Ophelia as well as the division that knowledge creates with Barnaby. The truth about who Ophelia is, or half is, deepens so much of the story and I think it was a strong component to add. Not only does it add a layer of ethics and morality, or lack thereof, depending on your stance, to Nikollette’s decision, but it also deepens the complication between what it means to be bad or good in Ophelia’s case. I don’t want to spoil much, but I loved how these were questions that were brought up, no matter how subtly. I am excited to see these things expanded upon in the next book, in addition to the characters. I could see this being a long series, and I would be eager for it.
November 9, 2025
Allen doesn't disappoint in the second book of this series. Full of excitement and magic, with a little twist of humor. Once again we watch Ophelia as she grows in her knowledge of her magic.
I found myself captivated with the interesting use and creation of magic through the pages. Allen has a gift for coming up with unusual ideas for creating spells and casting them. His imagination is limitless in fulfilling believable characters that are easily relatable.
Anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. To see what new adventures await and learn how Ophelia continues to grow.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found myself captivated with the interesting use and creation of magic through the pages. Allen has a gift for coming up with unusual ideas for creating spells and casting them. His imagination is limitless in fulfilling believable characters that are easily relatable.
Anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. To see what new adventures await and learn how Ophelia continues to grow.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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November 26, 2025I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
KITTYPILLAR. That is all. Ok, but Tabius is so cute!
Ophelia Ravenward was a seriously underrated book, and the sequel picks up fantastically. The characters are all laid out perfectly. The first time around, I was a little confused about when we would focus on Ophelia when there are often other POVs, but this time it was a lot easier to follow. I was particularly invested in the parents of Cassian and the Endless King. The settings are bigger, there are more creatures and more mysticism. It’s the ideal sequel.
KITTYPILLAR. That is all. Ok, but Tabius is so cute!
Ophelia Ravenward was a seriously underrated book, and the sequel picks up fantastically. The characters are all laid out perfectly. The first time around, I was a little confused about when we would focus on Ophelia when there are often other POVs, but this time it was a lot easier to follow. I was particularly invested in the parents of Cassian and the Endless King. The settings are bigger, there are more creatures and more mysticism. It’s the ideal sequel.
December 1, 2025
It took me a bit to get into this one. There are so many POV’s and it has been a bit since I read Daughter of Ravenwood so I was slow to remember everyone, but once I remembered characters and events, I began to devour it. I really enjoy this unique world, so much unique magic and the never beasts are so cool. The end made me sad and he can’t stay gone forever, but I will miss him while he is away. I hope we continue to get his POV in the next installment. The mysteries of Ophelia are beginning to unfold and I can’t wait to have more. Thank you BookSirens and Allen Isom for sending me the ebook of the really interesting world.
December 3, 2025
The sequel to Ophelia The Daughter of Deadwood. In this book Ophelia must face enemies that are not only inside here but external too. She has survived the trials and is now preparing to be a Spellweaver while still dealing consequences the came from the first book.
The taste of tears is full of humour, magic, excitement, twist. The use of magic is intriguing and interesting. This is a very unique books the world, the beasts, the characters everything about it.
November 16, 2025
Nightmares bleed into Sominor and never-beasts stalk Spellevue’s halls, not even Lady Nikollette can save her —and a truth is revealed that could unravel everything she believes about herself.
Someone is trying to resurrect the Endless King. No kingdom will stand against him if he rises.
A Kittypillar and other never-beasts are part of the challenges in this whirlwind intriguing tale.
Someone is trying to resurrect the Endless King. No kingdom will stand against him if he rises.
A Kittypillar and other never-beasts are part of the challenges in this whirlwind intriguing tale.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews