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Thorn Season #2
Sharpest Court
Not yet published
Expected 22 Oct 26With an unputdownable plot, incredible twists, and an extraordinary high fantasy world filled with court intrigue, heart-racing action, a unique magic system, and sizzling chemistry, Sharpest Court is the thrilling sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller, Thorn Season.
Alissa Paine has fled her home, the Kingdom of Daradon – forced to say goodbye to her old old life in order to escape the clutches of both the cruel, tyrannical King Erik to whom she was once betrothed, and the Hunters who persecute Wielders like Alissa.
But she has not left Daradon empty-handed, and Alissa has in her possession an object that Erik greatly desires – a mysterious and ancient spellmade compass which has the potential to reshape the world, if Alissa – or Erik – can unlock its secrets.
Seeking refuge in the Ansoran Empire, Alissa is able to demonstrate her Wielding powers openly for the first time in her life. But Ansora is not a safe haven, and Alissa is quickly forced to navigate the rules and customs of another dangerous ruler. And even with her former ally, Kiel Arcus, by her side, Alissa soon learns that, while she may have been raised in the kingdom of thorns, she is yet to enter the sharpest court….
Perfect for fans of Powerless, Six of Crows, and The Rose Bargain, Sharpest Court is an extraordinary return to the world of Thorn Season.
Alissa Paine has fled her home, the Kingdom of Daradon – forced to say goodbye to her old old life in order to escape the clutches of both the cruel, tyrannical King Erik to whom she was once betrothed, and the Hunters who persecute Wielders like Alissa.
But she has not left Daradon empty-handed, and Alissa has in her possession an object that Erik greatly desires – a mysterious and ancient spellmade compass which has the potential to reshape the world, if Alissa – or Erik – can unlock its secrets.
Seeking refuge in the Ansoran Empire, Alissa is able to demonstrate her Wielding powers openly for the first time in her life. But Ansora is not a safe haven, and Alissa is quickly forced to navigate the rules and customs of another dangerous ruler. And even with her former ally, Kiel Arcus, by her side, Alissa soon learns that, while she may have been raised in the kingdom of thorns, she is yet to enter the sharpest court….
Perfect for fans of Powerless, Six of Crows, and The Rose Bargain, Sharpest Court is an extraordinary return to the world of Thorn Season.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 22, 2026
About the author
Kiera Azar
2 books283 followersKiera Azar is a half-Lebanese and half-Indian writer, born and raised in Surrey. She has a first-class honours degree in Biomedical Science and a background in acting, singing and songwriting. Kiera is forever excited by all the books she hasn’t yet read, the music she hasn’t yet discovered, and the story ideas she hasn’t yet had.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Want to Read
December 5, 2025Call me sick but I want an Aaron Warner kind of enemies-to-lovers with Erik. So excited I need this book NOW! EEEEEKKK
Want to Read
November 10, 2025make it angsty pleaaaase i wanna suffer
October 21, 2025
i already know this book is gonna DESTROY ME im so excited AHHHHH
Want to Read
January 3, 2026I am proudly team Erik 💪😔
idgaf about keil he is as bland as my mum's cooking.
ERIK IS JUST MISUNDERSTOOD 😔😔
idgaf about keil he is as bland as my mum's cooking.
ERIK IS JUST MISUNDERSTOOD 😔😔
Want to Read
December 16, 2025Pre-release I just finished the first!!! It's was so good! I feel like garret is going to have some sort of redemption but Keil better be end game. That's not a request, its a demand. 😁
Want to Read
January 2, 20261/1/26
GIVE IT TO ME AHHH!! october 2026 i will be waiting for you 🙂↕️🙂↕️
GIVE IT TO ME AHHH!! october 2026 i will be waiting for you 🙂↕️🙂↕️
Want to Read
April 18, 2026Pre - Release ! 🪻
OKAY THIS COVER IS GORGEOUS😍🙏🙏
And uh- why is everyone Team Erik?😭 PLEASE KEIL IS THE ONE FOR HER GUYS IDC IF HES BLAND PLEASE🥺🙏
SO READY FOR THIS BOOK TO COME OUT HEHEHEHEEH🤭🤭🤭
OKAY THIS COVER IS GORGEOUS😍🙏🙏
And uh- why is everyone Team Erik?😭 PLEASE KEIL IS THE ONE FOR HER GUYS IDC IF HES BLAND PLEASE🥺🙏
SO READY FOR THIS BOOK TO COME OUT HEHEHEHEEH🤭🤭🤭
Want to Read
December 31, 2025pre-read
suffering? sounds fun.
suffering? sounds fun.
Want to Read
May 29, 2026✨ 𝖆𝖗𝖈 𝖆𝖓𝖓𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖈𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙 ✨
ARC...
APPROVED
ARC...
APPROVED
Read
June 2, 2026Honestly...I'm trembling...
Okay, so I get Erik is toxic...but if he has a redemption, I'm done for because WOW. Also, Keil is too basic and Garret is um...forgettable. ERIK GIVES OFF DARKLING HAD A BABY WITH AARON WARNER, AND I LOVE IT UGH.
After re-reading I dont think Keil is as basic and do believe Erik needs some help. Would still like to see a redemption arc but would be happy if she ended up with Keil too!!!
Okay, so I get Erik is toxic...but if he has a redemption, I'm done for because WOW. Also, Keil is too basic and Garret is um...forgettable. ERIK GIVES OFF DARKLING HAD A BABY WITH AARON WARNER, AND I LOVE IT UGH.
After re-reading I dont think Keil is as basic and do believe Erik needs some help. Would still like to see a redemption arc but would be happy if she ended up with Keil too!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
3.5 stars
Despite my issues with the first book (too many love-interests, annoying MC, etc) I can appreciate the first book as being a fun (albeit slightly trashy) wish-fulfillment kind of book in the same way Twilight is. That's why I requested this book as soon as I saw it on NetGalley although I was curious to see if the sequel was more of a serious fantasy then the first.
I actually found it interesting that the book began with an entirely new character, a Wielder who hates being a Wielder. I thought this new character was annoying but it did contribute to the world-building by showing the extent of anti-Wielder propaganda. I also still had trouble visualizing what exactly a specter looked like beyond just the mental images of bursts of energy (and also weirdly the ocean from Moana??) and I wish there was more of a visual description rather then describing what it does.
I wish there had been somewhat of a recap from the first book as this book jumps straight into the action. I had some trouble remembering a lot of the names from the previous book as they were dropped very suddenly and with little explanation so I suggest re-reading the first book. The world-building in the first book was quite weak so the name-dropping and info dumps about multiple other countries felt very sudden, especially as the book delved very suddenly into politics, and I found it quite confusing since none of the countries felt properly introduced.
Additionally, while I do appreciate a strong-willed heroine, I still found Alissa to be quite irrational and annoyingly stubborn, openly mouthing off to powerful people (and never actually facing any real consequences for her words) instead of being smart and pretending to play along while making alternative plans. She feels like someone who's written to be cunning and strong but it never actually reflects in her actions and frankly she comes off as being selfish and rude. I would've liked it better if the author actually committed and wrote her to be fully murderous and unhinged instead of playing it safe with the BookTok-level of "strong female heroine."
I'm not actually sure why everyone seemed to be so obsessed with her (beyond the explanation of this being a wish-fulfillment book). She's a conveniently strong Wielder but there really doesn't seem to be much political value in herself personally beyond being a useful bargaining chip. I felt like it was a lot less structured then the first without the Rose season as the plot just kind of meanders. A lot of characters from the first book were also noticeably absent too. It definitely took me longer to finish this compared to the first which I finished in one sitting. Overall, it was a nice read but I found that it didn't quite live up to the first.
3.5 stars
Despite my issues with the first book (too many love-interests, annoying MC, etc) I can appreciate the first book as being a fun (albeit slightly trashy) wish-fulfillment kind of book in the same way Twilight is. That's why I requested this book as soon as I saw it on NetGalley although I was curious to see if the sequel was more of a serious fantasy then the first.
I actually found it interesting that the book began with an entirely new character, a Wielder who hates being a Wielder. I thought this new character was annoying but it did contribute to the world-building by showing the extent of anti-Wielder propaganda. I also still had trouble visualizing what exactly a specter looked like beyond just the mental images of bursts of energy (and also weirdly the ocean from Moana??) and I wish there was more of a visual description rather then describing what it does.
I wish there had been somewhat of a recap from the first book as this book jumps straight into the action. I had some trouble remembering a lot of the names from the previous book as they were dropped very suddenly and with little explanation so I suggest re-reading the first book. The world-building in the first book was quite weak so the name-dropping and info dumps about multiple other countries felt very sudden, especially as the book delved very suddenly into politics, and I found it quite confusing since none of the countries felt properly introduced.
Additionally, while I do appreciate a strong-willed heroine, I still found Alissa to be quite irrational and annoyingly stubborn, openly mouthing off to powerful people (and never actually facing any real consequences for her words) instead of being smart and pretending to play along while making alternative plans. She feels like someone who's written to be cunning and strong but it never actually reflects in her actions and frankly she comes off as being selfish and rude. I would've liked it better if the author actually committed and wrote her to be fully murderous and unhinged instead of playing it safe with the BookTok-level of "strong female heroine."
I'm not actually sure why everyone seemed to be so obsessed with her (beyond the explanation of this being a wish-fulfillment book). She's a conveniently strong Wielder but there really doesn't seem to be much political value in herself personally beyond being a useful bargaining chip. I felt like it was a lot less structured then the first without the Rose season as the plot just kind of meanders. A lot of characters from the first book were also noticeably absent too. It definitely took me longer to finish this compared to the first which I finished in one sitting. Overall, it was a nice read but I found that it didn't quite live up to the first.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not gonna lie, this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and I was absolutely THRILLED when I got the ARC. I genuinely missed this world and these characters.
That said, maybe it’s a me problem, maybe it’s the book, maybe it’s both. But I do wish there had been a tiny recap of what happened at the end of book one because I spent the first few chapters aggressively trying to remember who did what and why I should be panicking about it. But one thing I really enjoyed was the introduction of new characters. It made the world feel bigger and the story feel more expansive than the first book.
And okay, listen. When it comes to love interests, I have a long and embarrassing history of immediately gravitating toward the most morally questionable character in the room. I swear it’s a disease. But somehow this series broke the pattern AND THANK GOD IT DID. Because I trusted my gut and my gut was RIGHT. Keil, my beloved, I knew I could trust you. KEIL KEIL KEIL KEIL KEIL KEIL KEIL KEIL KEIL. No further explanation.
Alissa continues to be a root-worthy protagonist. She’s fierce, determined, and refuses to back down. But I also feel like she’s only scratching the surface of her potential. I desperately want to see her fully unleash her power and embrace a slightly more chaotic, fiery side. Let me see my girl be unstoppable.
The magic system is still really interesting, but I found myself wanting more details about specter. I understand the basic idea, but I struggled to fully visualize it. Sometimes it felt a little vague, and I’d love a deeper exploration of how it actually looks and functions.
The story itself moves quickly, but for some reason it didn’t pull me in quite as much as the first book. Maybe it’s because we’re spending so much time in a new kingdom and everything still feels unfamiliar. Maybe some parts felt a little messy.
But despite that, it was still a fun read. Maybe not quite as immersive as book one, and that’s enough to make me excited for book three.
════════════════════════
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the ARC!
That said, maybe it’s a me problem, maybe it’s the book, maybe it’s both. But I do wish there had been a tiny recap of what happened at the end of book one because I spent the first few chapters aggressively trying to remember who did what and why I should be panicking about it. But one thing I really enjoyed was the introduction of new characters. It made the world feel bigger and the story feel more expansive than the first book.
And okay, listen. When it comes to love interests, I have a long and embarrassing history of immediately gravitating toward the most morally questionable character in the room. I swear it’s a disease. But somehow this series broke the pattern AND THANK GOD IT DID. Because I trusted my gut and my gut was RIGHT. Keil, my beloved, I knew I could trust you. KEIL KEIL KEIL KEIL KEIL KEIL KEIL KEIL KEIL. No further explanation.
Alissa continues to be a root-worthy protagonist. She’s fierce, determined, and refuses to back down. But I also feel like she’s only scratching the surface of her potential. I desperately want to see her fully unleash her power and embrace a slightly more chaotic, fiery side. Let me see my girl be unstoppable.
The magic system is still really interesting, but I found myself wanting more details about specter. I understand the basic idea, but I struggled to fully visualize it. Sometimes it felt a little vague, and I’d love a deeper exploration of how it actually looks and functions.
The story itself moves quickly, but for some reason it didn’t pull me in quite as much as the first book. Maybe it’s because we’re spending so much time in a new kingdom and everything still feels unfamiliar. Maybe some parts felt a little messy.
But despite that, it was still a fun read. Maybe not quite as immersive as book one, and that’s enough to make me excited for book three.
════════════════════════
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for the arc! Unfortunately this book didn't capture me the same way the first book did. In the first installment, I was really impressed by and engage with Alissa. I felt like she was uniquely fierce and intelligent. In a lot of other stories in this same genre, the fmc is presented as brave and smart but don't quite show it. But Alissa was truly playing to her strengths and her cunning helped her in her various situations. She made realistic choices and was an amazing character to read about.
That's all to say that in this second installment I fear the Alissa I adored didn't return. She mirrors other popular romantasy counterparts by being ridiculously stubborn, hopelessly in love, and above all reckless. I didn't quite see the same Alissa as I did before because here she seemed to act impulsively and to the tune of her emotions. Which I suppose could mirror her new physical state but it was very annoying to read. I used to enjoy how Alissa and Kiel interacted and their chemistry, but they became insufferable once reunited here. Another character called them out on it as well and I couldn't help but think how much more I would enjoy the plot if the romance element vanished.
The writing itself was very well done and high quality. The plot and new side characters all had such vibrance and intrigue. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the usual romantasy fmc who banters often and prefers their books more romance-heavy. I personally do not, however, so I found myself struggling to read this.
That's all to say that in this second installment I fear the Alissa I adored didn't return. She mirrors other popular romantasy counterparts by being ridiculously stubborn, hopelessly in love, and above all reckless. I didn't quite see the same Alissa as I did before because here she seemed to act impulsively and to the tune of her emotions. Which I suppose could mirror her new physical state but it was very annoying to read. I used to enjoy how Alissa and Kiel interacted and their chemistry, but they became insufferable once reunited here. Another character called them out on it as well and I couldn't help but think how much more I would enjoy the plot if the romance element vanished.
The writing itself was very well done and high quality. The plot and new side characters all had such vibrance and intrigue. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the usual romantasy fmc who banters often and prefers their books more romance-heavy. I personally do not, however, so I found myself struggling to read this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I need to start off by saying that I have been in a reading slump for a while now after reading a 6 star read but I feel like this was the perfect book to throw me right out of that slump, it was so fast paced and I felt on the edge of my seat basically the entire book. I have been struggling with recent releases for sequels that have seriously let me down but that was not the case with this book! The plot and world expanded in a way that felt intentional. Nothing felt like filler.
This book was a bit darker than book 1 but I felt like that added depth and growth to the characters.
Alissa is the kind of FMC I like to read about. She is strong and independent but it doesn't feel like she's too stubborn to rely on others. The found family really develops in this book as well.
Kiel... love the flirty banter and his protective side that doesn't stand in Alissa's way or try to take away her independence. He feels very mature and like a massive green flag.
I'm actually a bit sad I read this as an ARC because now I need book 3 and book 2 isn't even released yet.
4.5 stars rounded up
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this advanced copy.
This book was a bit darker than book 1 but I felt like that added depth and growth to the characters.
Alissa is the kind of FMC I like to read about. She is strong and independent but it doesn't feel like she's too stubborn to rely on others. The found family really develops in this book as well.
Kiel... love the flirty banter and his protective side that doesn't stand in Alissa's way or try to take away her independence. He feels very mature and like a massive green flag.
I'm actually a bit sad I read this as an ARC because now I need book 3 and book 2 isn't even released yet.
4.5 stars rounded up
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ⭐
Thank you HarperCollins/Storytide for the e-arc through Netgalley. I absolutely LOVED Thorn Season and was 5/5 for me, so this was easily one of my most anticipated books of 2026. I tend not to read YA books as much these days, but this series is just that good but also reads more as New Adult to me. I will be honest that the beginning of this book dragged a little for me, but eventually picked up where I couldn't put it down. There is a lot of moving pieces in this book, and you also learn a BUNCH of new insight from all the characters, and even some new faces. The men of course in this book continue to be swoon worthy. A certain character surprised me with their actions... And then that ending??? It had me SHOOK. Overall really enjoy this series, and even though the wait now is going to be long for the third book - I'm still so excited.
Thank you HarperCollins/Storytide for the e-arc through Netgalley. I absolutely LOVED Thorn Season and was 5/5 for me, so this was easily one of my most anticipated books of 2026. I tend not to read YA books as much these days, but this series is just that good but also reads more as New Adult to me. I will be honest that the beginning of this book dragged a little for me, but eventually picked up where I couldn't put it down. There is a lot of moving pieces in this book, and you also learn a BUNCH of new insight from all the characters, and even some new faces. The men of course in this book continue to be swoon worthy. A certain character surprised me with their actions... And then that ending??? It had me SHOOK. Overall really enjoy this series, and even though the wait now is going to be long for the third book - I'm still so excited.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was even better than the first one!
The story picks up right where the last one leaves off. With the exception that we get a new side character added. His story does add a different perspective that I found intriguing.
This is a very slow burn and YA so no spice.
I love watching our FMC grow into who she is meant to be.
Can we say unexpected cliffhanger? I'm very impressed that I didn't see this ending coming.
So can't wait for the next book!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for the e-arc in exchange for honest feedback.
The story picks up right where the last one leaves off. With the exception that we get a new side character added. His story does add a different perspective that I found intriguing.
This is a very slow burn and YA so no spice.
I love watching our FMC grow into who she is meant to be.
Can we say unexpected cliffhanger? I'm very impressed that I didn't see this ending coming.
So can't wait for the next book!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for the e-arc in exchange for honest feedback.
June 5, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
The way I SPRINTED when I saw the announcement!!
There is just something so enchanting about Azar’s writing style that just pulls me in. I really enjoy the cadence of her writing and found that it pulls me in straight away. I thought that the pacing and length was spot on, I didn’t feel bored or ready for the plot to move on at any point. It was such a fun read and I really enjoyed it the whole time I was immersed in the world!!
The way I SPRINTED when I saw the announcement!!
There is just something so enchanting about Azar’s writing style that just pulls me in. I really enjoy the cadence of her writing and found that it pulls me in straight away. I thought that the pacing and length was spot on, I didn’t feel bored or ready for the plot to move on at any point. It was such a fun read and I really enjoyed it the whole time I was immersed in the world!!
June 1, 2026
5 bajillion stars. This was so good. I loved Thorn Season, ranking it my second favorite book of 2025... but Sharpest Court might just win out #1 for 2026.
I can't get over this one. & now I will cry for the foreseeable future, knowing I read this book 4 months before it's due to come out... which means book #3 is so far out our grasps for what might feel like an eternity.
I can't get over this one. & now I will cry for the foreseeable future, knowing I read this book 4 months before it's due to come out... which means book #3 is so far out our grasps for what might feel like an eternity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5⭐
While I liked Thorn Season, I enjoyed Sharpest Court even more. It has a little less intrigue and a little more action. Alissa is still scheming and Kiel is still all swoon worthy. As this is YA, there is no spice, but the longing is deep and strong. The twist at the end took me by surprise and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
While I liked Thorn Season, I enjoyed Sharpest Court even more. It has a little less intrigue and a little more action. Alissa is still scheming and Kiel is still all swoon worthy. As this is YA, there is no spice, but the longing is deep and strong. The twist at the end took me by surprise and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is amazing. So much action, immense world building, characters with depth, an intelligent and determined heroine, and a swoony MMC.
Kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page (and beyond really - I need the next book.)
Highly recommended.
Kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page (and beyond really - I need the next book.)
Highly recommended.
January 26, 2026
There's some shady discombobulating twists Kiera has planned, now only if can figure them out, or hold out until October before they drive me insane
June 1, 2026
Jeszcze lepsza od pierwszego tomu, a on już był 5/5 😭💜
Keil 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Keil 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
books-i-want-to-buy
March 11, 2026Can't wait for this book to come out, I'm so exciteddddd!!!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews