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Wrath and Weeping #2

Oath of the Wolf

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Against all odds, Brynn and Cenric have made a life for themselves in the rugged land of Ombra. The young lovers are thriving, and the shire is flourishing under their rule, but kings do not forget the favors owed to them.

Years ago, Cenric was given the warriors to retake his ancestral homeland by the warlord who united the fractured Valdari islands into a single kingdom. Claiming friendship, the warlord turned king now invites Cenric and Brynn to Valdar as his guests for the largest gathering of the year.

Not wishing to offend him, Cenric and Brynn accept, but quickly realize that it is not mere friendship that the Valdari king wants. Caught in a web of ambition, lies, and tangled oaths, Brynn and Cenric soon realize that all is not well in Valdar and there are secrets even its king does not know.

When new intrigue awakens an ancient evil, Brynn and Cenric must fight to protect the things they have come to love and the very existence of not one, but two kingdoms.

The much-anticipated sequel to Tears of the Wolf from Elisabeth Wheatley.

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First published October 14, 2025

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About the author

Elisabeth Wheatley

34 books4,728 followers
Elisabeth Wheatley is a fantasy author because warrior princess wasn’t an option. She loves tea and asking questions.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
Profile Image for bluemoonsyrup.
2 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2025
The best telepathic doggos (and their humans) are back 💜

Also, quite frankly, after reading an alarming amount of spicy scenes with very weird undertones (men saying “if I start I won’t be able to stop” as if that’s sexy and not 🍇y), it is a such bliss to read a man who understands consent and his partner’s needs so well. Like I’m not even into men but can we please make Cenric the gold standard, rather than all the edgelords who barely even seem to like their partners?

Stopping immediately when there’s a problem, getting enthusiastic consent again before continuing, and saying “you can always tell me to stop” is so sexy, Cenric definitely drinks his ‘respects women’ juice 🧃

(No shade to those who like the fictional edgelords, I know fantasy is a safe place to explore things you’d never enjoy irl. There’s just a simple pleasure in reading a man who utterly adores his wife, and moreover makes sure that she (and everyone else around them) knows it)
Profile Image for Katyana.
1,823 reviews295 followers
December 12, 2025
****4.5****

I admit as I was annoyed a lot in this book, but I wasn't so much annoyed at the book, just annoyed at the shit Brynn and Cenric had to deal with. They were really in a no-win situation here, and can't trust anyone around them.

It is a bummer, too, because I liked Hroarr and Vana in book 1 - ish, they were sometimes shits, but I felt like there was a solid possibility of close friendship there as the series went on - but I can honestly say that I loathe them now. Completely and utterly loathe. I'm angry Brynn saved Hroarr and I hope the both of them die horribly in the future.

Which is the fundamental issue of the book and series so far: Brynn and Cenric keep being put in a position where they have to fight on the behalf of fucking assholes.

I think the politics of it - the heinous misogyny of medieval times - is very much grounded in history. Perhaps too much. I talked about this a little in my review of book 1, but I really struggle with how it is possible to hold onto the misogyny of medieval times when women in this world are motherfucking sorceresses. I don't understand why they allow it. I frankly don't understand why they haven't burned the patriarchy to ash and taken over leadership themselves.

This book was a 4 star read most of the way through for me - the story was compelling, and I love Brynn and Cenric and everything about their relationship, plus we have telepathic dogs, which come on now, best thing ever - and that was the crux of my issue. The whole Valdani plot against Brynn was utterly, unforgivably stupid. If she was working against them, as the morons seemed to seriously believe, they would all be dead. When guards tried to attack her, she easily strangled them into unconsciousness with their own fucking clothing, in like 2 seconds. Why Ovrek and his bitch of a wife and moron of a son (and Hroarr and Vana, those betraying shitstains) thought she was a traitorous spy working against them when they'd all be too dead to worry about it if she was ... never made sense. It made them look like fucking morons. And it honestly made Brynn look a little dumb for NOT just fucking killing them all. When Ovrek's son attacked her, she should have killed him. Period. When Hroarr attacked her, she should have killed him. When he turned on her after she saved his worthless fucking life, she should have killed him. She could have literally laid waste to the entire fucking town, grabbed her people, and went home. Her uncle, the king of their land, probably would have given her a fucking reward for it. Win-win.

Instead she let them mistreat her, bully her, and she just took it, trying to find a way out that keeps everyone alive.

I get it from a story perspective. Brynn is a traumatized survivor of the war of succession in her own country, where she fought alongside her sorcerer sister on the front lines to put her uncle on the throne. Her sister died in that fight. Brynn does NOT want another war. She wants to live in peace, cling to the happiness she's found, and just help people. Additionally, politics are her bread and butter - she was raised at court - so she knows killing Ovrek and his idiot son and bitch of a wife would just make more of a mess down the road. Still, I really, really hated Brynn let people treat her this way. And for allies from book 1 to do it ... Hroarr and Vana are fucking dead to me. I don't care what happens in the rest of this series, I don't care what else they do, they are fucking dead to me. They aren't kings, there aren't the same consequences for killing them, and Brynn should have made an example of them so people can see a) precisely what a sorceress is capable of, and so they should be wary of fucking her over, as well as b) if she was working against them they'd be rotting corpses by now, so pull your heads out of your ass and figure out who is ACTUALLY working against you, fucking morons.

From all that, it doesn't sound like I liked it at all, does it? But I did. Because even in horrible situations, Brynn and Cenric are so solid that it is beautiful. And they are clever, working together to try and buy time, find a solution that doesn't turn a struggle into an epic shitshow. They get to fight side-by-side again in this book, and it's a highlight.

Additionally, the political solution that Brynn found in the end was both brilliant and gratifying. It was a checkmate kind of play, and I enjoyed that. She's made it very hard for Ovrek to turn on her and her husband again. And so while part of me thinks that, when the monsters attacked, she should have just fought the way clear for her and Cenric to grab their people and sail away, leaving all the assholes and morons to their fates, the other part of me gets it. (Though seriously, when Tullia tried to burn them all to death, that's when she should have left - punch out of the hall, like you did, let those dipshits kill each other and nope all the way back across the sea to get home. And I think she may have... if she couldn't sense the monsters approaching. I think she felt an obligation to all the innocent people in town, as well as a concern that if the monsters were allowed to run free, sooner or later she'd have to deal with it when they came to her shore...probably stronger after all the people they ate in Valdan.)

So this is the kind of story that I love, wolfed down like a tasty feast, but also was super angry at because my poor beloved characters were really in between a rock and a hard place here, and had to deal with way, way too much shit.

It will be interesting to see how the pregnancy impacts things going forward. Given how her first son was murdered as an infant - and given that her bloodline makes her a threat to the succession - she's going to be absolutely neurotic about keeping a new child safe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for TJ.
3,307 reviews291 followers
January 11, 2026
SOOOOOO good! I could gush forever about how can’t-put-down this book is, or how it is so tightly written or how I adore the FMC and MMC’s relationship. Or, or, or…. A hundred other reasons this deserves the five stars I gave it. Suffice it to say PAHLEASE read it! First read the previous book, as it is almost as good, if you do, I won’t even have to beg you to read this one because you won’t be able to not. AND, once you do, You’ll know for yourself why I bit my nails, screamed at the walls, swooned, cheered, then closed the last page satisfied. It’s just a freaking good time.

P.S. May Hroarr and Vana burn in flames - just sayin.
140 reviews7 followers
November 6, 2025
my only complaint is we did not get nearly enough of brynn and cenric
Profile Image for MarineXGJ.
115 reviews10 followers
November 14, 2025
The pacing ? So good. It felt like reading 1 giant chapter and not a whole book.

The characters ? Chef kiss. I love them. Especially the dogs.
Profile Image for Claire.
Author 10 books99 followers
Read
January 11, 2026
In this book, everyone decides they hate Brynn for some reason, she saves the day all by herself, and nobody says thank you! 😤
Profile Image for Lex Meyer.
165 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2025
Y'all I ate this up. I can't. It's so freaking good.
This was just as good, if not better, as the first one.
I want the world for Brynn and Cenric. I'm so excited for the next book.
Profile Image for Cee.
3,272 reviews165 followers
December 24, 2025
This one is more political than the last. There is some great action, awesome couple moments, and a lot of potential for the future. I absolutely loved this book.

Cenric and Brynn remain couple goals, fighting together and for each other no matter what.

No cliffhanger and yet I’m still craving the next book desperately.
Profile Image for Darbi Bradley.
411 reviews60 followers
December 15, 2025
4.5 stars.

I really love the two characters and the opening up of the world. Brynn is a badass but also a softie and I love that about her. She is also a practical queen. I also really love that Cenrick trusts her implicitly.

I really enjoyed Tullia as a character and Orveck was fascinating.

Brynn is practical, has all the right bloodlines, an incredible diplomat, fierce and powerful as hell. Somehow I think by the end of this series her mom is gonna get what she wanted (RIP).

Slight nitpicks:
The dogs are showing up too much to have no impact on the plot. I cannot wait until the whole thing with Guin refusing to talk to Cenrick is resolved.

The only thing I didn’t love about this book was it was too much of Brynn and Cenrick reacting, rather than making ACTIVE CHOICES for themselves. For two such dynamic and powerful characters it got frustrating.
Profile Image for Kaylin.
143 reviews
November 20, 2025
"It's was difficult to reflect on the past few weeks. Nothing had changed, and at the same time, everything had."

This series is one of my all time Favorites! I love Brynn and Cenric's relationship so much! I hope to one day of a relationship like their's. And the story itself! I was on the edge of my seat for so much of it! I could read these books again and again!
Profile Image for Libby.
73 reviews
January 31, 2026
Could not set this one down and I'm not sure I'm gonna survive until the 3rd book is out. 10/10 love the Wrath and Weeping series.
99 reviews
December 22, 2025
I loved joining Brynn, Cenric and the dogs on this next leg of their marriage as they faced the complexities of Viking-esque court politics. Their kind, devoted relationship always grounded the story while making the stakes more dire. I appreciate how Ms. Wheatley writes historical political and social dynamics without the 21st century air of superiority that permeates historical fiction these days. Very much looking forward to the next book coming out!
Profile Image for Sti Rosenfeld .
14 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2025
AMAZING!

I was in a reading slump before this book, reading much slower than my usual speed - but this book truly brought me back!

I loved the pacing, the love story, the badasseri, the best doggos! ❤️❤️ I have absolutely loved all Elisabeth's books so far - the world building, the yearning, the politics and magic. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Alinna.
355 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2026
I need more puppy and less stupid man chaos.
Profile Image for Natasha.
120 reviews
December 12, 2025
A bit slow for me. I love seeing a healthy relationship between both characters. They have such unwavering love for each other which is so sweet. Brynn deserves it!!
Profile Image for Hal.
82 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2025
I love this universe and I loved the first 2/3 of this installment and the last little bit as well. I still enjoyed it but I slightly dislike some of the events and how they unfolded. The only way to explain my complaints is in detail so spoilers ahead.

Ovrek, King of Valdar, summons Cenric, and by extension Brynn, to get them on his side so he can invade Hylden. Ovrek blames Brynn for a number of things, namely the death of his concubine, and she suffers greatly at his hands. Ovrek tries repeatedly to turn Cenric against Brynn, failing of course but the point stands. Ovrek also plans to enslave all the sorceresses in Hylden, which seems to be just glossed over without proper concern from Brynn and Cenric. As if all that wasn't enough, Ovrek disrespected his people's religious tradition and unintentionally released ancient monsters. Valdar comes down to Ovrek against his daughter Tullia, who tries to kill and userp him. I'm completely on Tullia's side in this. Ovrek has harmed his own people and harmed Brynn and Cenric specifically, yet they remain on his side for reasons I can't understand. They save his life multiple times and fight by his side against Tullia. Ovrek was once a great warrior, mentor, and friend to Cenric and that past affection seems to be the sole reason for their continued support, despite his recent slights against them. What the narrative fails to address, in my opinion, is how Ovrek has fallen and failed his people, his family, and his friends.

I think an alternative narrative that could have been both interesting and heart-wrenching is if Hróarr, Cenric's beloved cousin, had sided with Ovrek while Cenric and Brynn sided with Tullia. I think this set up could have been so tense and emotional and angsty. Cenric and Hróarr are often shown to be as close as brothers and a civil war that splits families and allegiances is always rife with angst. And the groundwork is there: Hróarr sides with Ovrek every time while Cenric waivers, Hróarr turns against Brynn while Cenric stands with her. This could have easily fractured the cousins' relationship and made for a more interesting narrative.

As it is, I'm having a hard time siding with our heroes because it's so clear to me they chose the wrong side. I'm sure the rest of the series will show us how this was the right decision all along, but I don't know how I'll be able to get on board with that choice.

Despite my complaints, I almost gave this book 5 stars anyway because I really did enjoy it, particularly the bit after the battle. I am an absolute slut for the Anglo-Saxon/Viking setting. I see inspirations from Beowulf, other mythologies, and real history that absolutely delight me. I'm still looking forward to the next book and I hope I can get on board with the political stance a bit more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Evilgenius.
592 reviews
November 23, 2025
This was definitely a worthy successor to book one.

I didn't take any notes in the first third or so because the situation with the Valdari in their realm escalated so very quickly; it certainly made for dire circumstances in which Brynn found herself in. Unexpected but very gripping.

Speaking of the Valdari though, I really hated how they view every other women but their own as replaceable objects, not individuals. Even the Valdari women themselves, their queen of all people, thought so. And the sheer nerve to consider they things that were considered just because of Brynn's royal blood.
Also, Cenric was right, why was everyone calling her a bitch so indiscriminately? I love how incensed he constantly was on her behalf, he definitely did not overreact even once.
(By the way, considering what happened in the aftermath: Who's a whore now, Hróarr?)

I disliked that Hróarr was so hostile towards Brynn all of a sudden (why?), but it was once again a big plus that Brynn is already experienced with wielding magic, and I like that she's training not one but two Istovari girls now.
Plus, despite her immense, quite strength, it made her very human to still sometimes doubt her husband's devotion to her, especially among the ill-disposed Valdari.

Which brings me to how interesting it was seeing Centric rethink the Valdari ways he thought normal until then. Even rethink the way he saw Ovrek, who was like a teacher and even a father to him to an extent.
The accord they ultimately reached is no small thing, however, I'm glad he vowed to himself never to trust him again.
And I just have to say how ironic it is that, out of all people, Brynn had that serious talk with him in the end ^^
Tullia on the other hand was an interesting character. She had righteous motives for sure but also escalated way too quickly. At least her extreme measures served as a lesson for her overachieving but naive father.

On a more positive note, I loved the dyrehund's loyalty (though it's peculiar that Guinn won't talk to Cenric), and there was also some humor sprinkled into the story.
Finally, we got a climax of epic proportions. And I mean that literally, with those beasts of legend.
Altogether, this book was very different from the first but I finished it smiling as well.

Maybe its only flaw is not containing enough couple time, not making enough space for the romance amidst everything. But 1) Brynn and Cenric absolutely fought monsters together, I loved that. And 2) there'll be plenty of opportunities for ample couple time in the coming books.
And I'm eager to see what's next for them, especially in view of that new development . That will make for very interesting dynamics in the sequels :D
8 reviews
January 4, 2026
I liked this book better than the first- pacing was good, some characters had nice development, and it held my interest very well.
For those interested in spice levels: there is one long graphic open door scene near the end; it can be skipped without affecting plot understanding.
Pros: world-building continues to be excellent and very interesting, as well as consistent and believable. I appreciated the character development of Cenric. (Brynn had some forward movement on her character but not as much). Verbiage and dialogue matched style much better than in the first book. I felt there were less unnecessary explanations of people’s thoughts/implied feelings/etc than in the first book. And do we need to mention the telepathic dogs as a huge pro? While this could have been a clunky addition, I find it charming and mostly well integrated in to the world.
Cons: Brynn’s character did not get much development in this book; she was much the same person when the book ends as when it began, aside from a few issues/moments. A few plot points were pretty predictable (yet still enjoyable). I had been looking forward to some development of the puppy Guin’s character, as it was teased in the first book, but there was none. While I really appreciate the unique terminology used (ie, jarl, thrall, etc) and I suspect those terms are actual ancient Viking terms, I would have appreciated a glossary to make sure I was interpreting them correctly (although there are lots of context clues.
Last con- I personally don’t like spice so I was very pleased to read almost the whole book without any spice. However there is one LONG open door and graphic scene in the last few chapters. It felt forced in the writing, as if it was put there just to meet the criteria of a romance book (there is one small part of that scene that does give some insight and development to one of the characters, but that idea could easily have been dealt with in a closed-door or other setting IMO).
Profile Image for Brittany Wouters.
231 reviews
October 22, 2025
I always look forward to one of Wheatley's books, and this was quite good :)

Some thoughts:

1. Hroarr needs to pull his damn head in. I don't know what problem he has with Brynn, but he needs to get over it. She literally saved his life. And what was that shit with Vana and the breakup at the end??????? Sir???? Ma'am????????? Treating this like it's inevitable that she's gonna be kept by another dude simply coz she's running his household. What, is she gonna trip while organising the storeroom and fall onto his dick?? Miss ma'am, is a permanent place of residence really worth this?? With Mr I-Wanna-Conquer-The-Mainland???????

2. Speaking of Mr Conqueror, Cenric needs a better red flag detector, coz it took him quite a bit into the book to figure out his former mentor man person was not a good guy. What gave it away? The bipolar moods, the active coveting of Brynn? (the way he and his wife think women are furniture to be replaced when convenient?) The way he basically admits to murdering his son-in-law?? (he's gonna regret that move) The taking of wood from the sacred yew tree??? BUDDY. He's left with nothing but his idiot son at the end, and like....good luck to you there.

3. Brynn and Cenric are great as always :) Cenric had already killed a man today. What was one more? The man drinks his respecting women juice by the bucketful every morning!

4. I really feel like this book ended in a good place, it was satisfying, but I would never complain if Wheatley chose to write longer books. I could do with 100,000 words on their peaceful homesteading life (or less peaceful, given conquering might or might not be imminent here)

5. I'm putting forward a vote to have Cenric personally beat up Brynn's first husband; what a terrible individual. The more shit that comes out about him, the less I wonder why Brynn is the way she is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Steph.
88 reviews3 followers
October 16, 2025
This is Book Two of the Wrath and Weeping series, Brynn and Cenric’s new life is threatened when a powerful king who helped Cenric retake his home demands Cenric pays a visit. Is it just pleasantries, or time to call in an old debt? Not all is as it seems in this court of ambition and lies, and when new intrigue awakens an ancient evil, they must fight to save not one, but two kingdoms.

• Established Couple (Book 2)
• Vikings & Telepathic Dogs
• Political Intrigue & Tangled Oaths
• Ancient Evil Awakens
• Kingdoms in Peril
***
I managed to nab the eBook via Elisabeth’s early access promotion – YAY! I have been obsessively watching and waiting for this book as I devoured the first one in four hours, book two did not disappoint.

The Viking based story is so well done; Elisabeth’s interest and love of history shines through the writing. Plus who wouldn’t love Vikings with the addition of adorable telepathic dogs, sorceresses, monsters and beasties?

The romance between Cenric and Brynn is so heartfelt and endearing with some cheeky teasing moments. Their clear devotion to each other is tempered by the reality of their arranged marriage of only seven months. Their love and commitment are tested, stretched, and questioned, but does their trust in each other survive? No spoilers here, sorry.

But, I will say, because it’s basically law, that the dogs survive, unharmed. Because woe betide anyone who harms my telepathic pooches – mine.

If you’re looking for a Viking inspired series with gorgeous writing, epic world building, romance, magic and an underestimated (but kick ass) sorceress. This is the series for you.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - give me more, more, more.
Profile Image for Lisa.
232 reviews3 followers
December 26, 2025
This was one read it was worth to stay up for.

I really enjoyed the plot and the characters, the twists and turns and how linear and enthralling the plot is. I love spending times with the characters and their intrigues and really appreciated the creatures that came out in the end.
For some reason I expected them to turn out to be long trapped men in a form that wasn't their own (legacy of the Crave series without doubt), but am happy it wasn't the case.
I enjoyed Brynn's reveal at the end and the support she got.

The style was nice with well researched words and context. The only this I found bothering at times was the continuous repetition of the character's names at the beginning of the sentences. I am just wondering as I did for the first book if this comes down to a stylistic choice or it is linked to the way people at the time the book is set talked. Still not bothersome enough to change my rating.

I think it is really good that in the time the novel is set the main couple stands on the same footing. Yet in this case the worth of the characters is heavily linked to their proficiency in battle and their courage. I would love to find a novel where worth isn't tied to what you can do but mainly to the fact of being you without links and attachments. Still, this is an aside that doesn't at all affect the book. I loved it and can't wait for the next one to come out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for iremucka.
320 reviews19 followers
October 23, 2025
Kurdun Yemini 🐺 💗🧝‍♀️ aka Ayrılamayız biz Tutkumuz var ☺️

Gün saydım ve gelir gelmez aynı gün okuyup bitirdim.. Çok beklenti çok iyi geldi bu sefer. Elisabeth Wheatley is the best!!

Devam kitapları genelde filler olur, önemli olaylar işlenmez vs.. Bu da biraz filler idi ama iyi anlamda. Coğrafyanın sadece bir kısmını görebiliyoruz. Bu kitapta kuzeydeki Valdari’ lerin davetine karşılık oraya misafir gitmek zorunda kalan Brynn ve Cenric kendilerini bi komplonun içinde bulurlar ve olaylar gelişir. Bu çiftin anlaşmalı evlilik yapması 💗

Sanki bir oyun oynuorum da haritayı açmış gibi hissediyorum. Bu dünyada keşfedilecek daha çok şey ve tamamen bir fantastik romance da bulunmasını istediğim her şey var!

Birbirlerine saygı duyan beyin yaşı olgunlaşmış çiftimiz, Viking tarzı ortamlar, cadılar, entrika.. Jörmungandr 🐍 Fenrir 🐺 Hel? 🧟‍♀️ Cenric’ in Brynn’ e kraliçe gibi davranması 🫠 🫠 🫠 Seride kesin bir blood Eagle execution olacakmış gibi hissediyorum 🦅

Kitabın büyük bir yarısı aşırı aksiyonlu geçiyor final Boss cutscene izliyor gibi bölümleri ardarda geçiyosunuz. Kesinlikle bu çift birlikte olduğu müddetçe her şeyi başarabilir 👩‍❤️‍👨

Gelecek kitapları çoooooooooooooooook merakla bekliyorum. 🙂‍↕️
Profile Image for Zaralee.
3 reviews
November 12, 2025
This sequel did not go in the direction I thought it would - But in a good way!
I signed up for early access and dang I was fed well.

I love being surprised by stories (Which is getting harder and harder to do, the more I read). Think it makes sense considering Wheatley said that when she started writing book 2, she accidentally wrote book 3 and so this book is all of the political intrigue and character and relationship development we are going to need going forward.

I love the politics, I love getting a glimpse into what Centics life used to be like and I love the reminders of how powerful Brynne is in this world of violence, even tho she usually aims for peace. It’s just such a beautifully written story and I really enjoy how complex all of the characters relationships are with each other. Of course i love a good ride or die best friends trope but it is so rewarding to see how these characters have to work to build up their relationships. Trust is so rarely just given in this world. And characters in this series are allowed to make mistakes with their friends or still admire each other even if they don’t necessarily like each other that much (Or have baggage that makes trust and easy friendship difficult to offer). They feel so much like real people and I love it.

And the telepathic dogs are still the bestest puppers.
Profile Image for Cam1981.
19 reviews
January 20, 2026
I liked this second book of the Wrath & Weeping trilogy even more than I liked the first. The first book is centered (as it had to be) on Brynn and Cenric's relationship. In this second book, the world building which was established in the first with broad strokes now has more air to breath, so to speak. I love how the Anglo-Saxon and Viking-based cultures are seen side by side. I also like that both Brynn and Cenric have allies and enemies for different reasons and that some of those allies have given their ally-ship only for selfish reasons. Ovrek was a compelling character and one can see why, in his society, he has become the leader in spite of his use of brute force in all situations instead of using a nuanced approach when it would be more effective. The political machinations are fascinating without overwhelming the fantasy elements which are a (very) slow burn that culminates in the final disastrous ending for Ovrek's ill-fated ambitions.

I admit I was yelling "don't do it!" at Brynn when she was set up to take the fall after a supposed failed healing, lol, but I bet Book Goblin was yelling it, too! And since in 2025 I was on a tear reading K-9 search & rescue novels it amuses me that there are puppers in these books too, regardless of the completely different genres. Eager for the release of the next book.
28 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2026
What I love about this series is that it completely subverts the usual gender dynamics in fantasy romance. Yes, the MMC is a strong warrior, but relative to the FMC he’s the ‘normie’. She’s not a novice in her abilities but a war veteran with a full grasp of her limits and power (no training montages or passing out from overexerting herself here!) and he is all about how strong she is while also having no real idea how far she can go. The MMC does have magic, but it’s the sort that would usually be female-coded: he talks to his dogs and has prophetic dreams, while she decapitates people and burns them from the inside out. Brynn is the brooding powerhouse here and when someone points out she could kill her husband in his sleep, Cenric cheerfully admits she could kill him anytime.

I also loved in this book that when the FMC is wrongly accused of something, there’s no big breakdown in trust. The MMC just immediately sticks to his gut reaction that she wouldn’t have done it and starts helping her puzzle out what really did happen. Likewise when the FMC discovers some scheming that involves breaking up their relationship, she doesn’t blame the MMC, because she trusts he wasn’t on board with it.

Not quite a 5-star read for me because I didn’t find the plot and all the new characters that engaging, but I have no doubt the series is going to get there for me.
Profile Image for Allison.
Author 6 books12 followers
November 18, 2025
There is a lot more action in this book and less romance than the first now that our lead couple have professed their love, but the times that we do have them together are very sweet and we need more established couples in fiction being awesome together and not continually doubting each other. In particular we get to see more of Brynn's warrior side which I'm sure a lot of people were looking forward to.
Brynn and Cenric have survived their first winter together after narrowly escaping Brynn's mother's kidnap attempt. They are hoping to be left in peace for awhile longer and devote more time to conceiving a child, but their idyll is not to last. Cenric receives a thinly veiled summons from the King of the Valdari, the man who practically raised him, and both Brynn and Cenric have ominous feelings about the sense of coercion behind the "invitation." They decide they will go and face whatever the Valdari king wants together. At first it seems like this might be a mistake as Brynn's presence as a foreign princess and a powerful sorceress ruffles quite a few feathers but it turns out that with all the plots and treachery brewing in the air it might take all their resources to make it back home alive.
115 reviews
November 18, 2025
I did *everything* in my power to get my hands on this sequel as early as possible; sign-ups, notifications, newsletters, you name it. I’m slowly making my way through Wheatley’s back catalog, but there’s something about this series with Brynn and Cenric that just hits differently.

Brynn, still healing from past hurt and finding her footing with Cenric in the Shire, is such a compelling protagonist, strong, sharp-minded, compassionate, and level-headed. Cenric, caught between two allegiances, is finally desperate to put his people and his family first. And of course, our beloved direhounds Guin and Snapper return. You have to love animal companions who insist on squeezing between an amorous couple just to be closer to Brynn.

Even though it’s only book two, this series is already a favorite. The world feels historically grounded and well researched despite being fictional. The magic is subtle and beautifully woven, never overwhelming, just an integral part of the characters’ reality.

I’m already stalking the preorder link for book three. I will drop *anything* to continue this Viking-inspired adventure.
**A solid 5-star read!**
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95 reviews
November 24, 2025
4.25 stars. Another Elisabeth Wheatley book checked off my list ✔️

In this book, we get to see the island kingdom of Istra, home of the Valdari. The politics were politicking and our heroes find them selves drawn into the schemes of kings and conquests.

This book packed a lot more action in 318 pages than I thought was possible! The fight sequences were executed with detailed precision, playing out like a movie in my head. That being said, some scenes felt a little too long, not really advancing the plot as much as I would have liked.

I feel like we didn't get nearly as much time exploring Cenric and Brynn's relationship as I would have liked. They remain strong in their relationship, but we don't get to see them truly be themselves like we did in book 1. This does make sense in the context of the plot, but still! I need more swoon-worthy romance from these two 😭

Overall, I'm really invested in the new story elements that were introduced in this book, I think it's going to culminate in an epic story that is going to be worth the build-up ✨️
280 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2026
I really liked this and liked it more than the first book in the series. That said, I still have some issues with it.

1. The first 25% or so of the book, all I could think was, "Ugh, we are stuck in an impossible situation, how will that be solved???" Answer: Magic and legendary monsters, that's how. So I was annoyed for a while but it paid off.

2. Brynn. There's tiny but crucial piece missing from her character development. She just alternates between "I'm just a boring girl playing with my dog" and "I'm going to decapitate that mythical creature with magic." It's like flipping a switch, it's so abrupt. It's not working for me, even though I like her.

3. Cenric. He is such a doof and so ridiculously in love with Brynn. It's a little too much for me.

I was actually moved by the stories of some of the secondary characters in this book. Ovrek is still a tricky bastard, but I really feel for him. And Hroarr and Vana -- that makes me very sad for a bunch of reasons.
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