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Heirs of Lirien #2
Blood of the Bound
Not yet published
Expected 17 Nov 26The crown of Lirien rests where it never should have—and its true heir has just returned from the grave.
Rykr Westhaven has survived exile, betrayal, and the death of his name. But returning to Lirien as king means facing a court that no longer recognizes him . . . and a wife they refuse to accept. To reclaim his throne, he must confront who he once was—and what he became to survive.
Seren Ragnall awakens in enemy lands, bound by love to the man her people are sworn to destroy. The rebellion that once welcomed her now brands her a traitor, and her new powers may cost her everything. As war brews, one truth
She is the blade they will use to break him. He is the crown they will use to crush her. And their love may cost them everything they still have left to lose.Blood of the Bound is the second book in the Heirs of Lirien series, romantic fantasies set in a mythical land. Content includes violence, battle scenes and wounds, strong language, and open door, steamy romantic content.
Rykr Westhaven has survived exile, betrayal, and the death of his name. But returning to Lirien as king means facing a court that no longer recognizes him . . . and a wife they refuse to accept. To reclaim his throne, he must confront who he once was—and what he became to survive.
Seren Ragnall awakens in enemy lands, bound by love to the man her people are sworn to destroy. The rebellion that once welcomed her now brands her a traitor, and her new powers may cost her everything. As war brews, one truth
She is the blade they will use to break him. He is the crown they will use to crush her. And their love may cost them everything they still have left to lose.Blood of the Bound is the second book in the Heirs of Lirien series, romantic fantasies set in a mythical land. Content includes violence, battle scenes and wounds, strong language, and open door, steamy romantic content.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 17, 2026
About the author
Annabelle McCormack
20 books277 followersAnnabelle McCormack writes historical romantic fiction, fantasy romance, and contemporary romance packed with sprawling adventures, epic love, and soulmates who just can’t stay away from each other (even when the world is falling apart). If there’s a sweeping love story with high stakes and deep emotions, she’s probably writing it—or at least dreaming about it while chasing down her next cup of coffee.
When she’s not wrangling words, she’s wrangling five home-schooled kids, a couple of dogs, and an unreasonable amount of books in Maryland. If life had more hours (and less laundry), she’d be traveling, painting, or becoming a professional pastry chef. For now, she’s content with baking, reading, lifting heavy things at the gym, and plotting her next great escape—er, novel.
Follow her adventures (both literary and domestic) on Instagram, or sign up for her newsletter at her website!
When she’s not wrangling words, she’s wrangling five home-schooled kids, a couple of dogs, and an unreasonable amount of books in Maryland. If life had more hours (and less laundry), she’d be traveling, painting, or becoming a professional pastry chef. For now, she’s content with baking, reading, lifting heavy things at the gym, and plotting her next great escape—er, novel.
Follow her adventures (both literary and domestic) on Instagram, or sign up for her newsletter at her website!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
After Carved in Crimson, I had been waiting for this sequel more or less patiently. Well, Annabelle McCormack, you certainly delivered and the wait was worth every minute!
The stakes are even higher this time. Rykr must step into his own and fight for a crown he never wanted to protect his people, yet he never once doubts his love for Seren. She, meanwhile, is nearing her breaking point, trapped between her immense power and an entity determined to claim her body and soul. Seen as a traitor by both her own people and her husband’s, she is fighting a battle on every front.
The political intrigue deepens, and we finally get glimpses of the true villain and his ambitions. With enemies plotting to tear them apart and break their bond, Rykr, whose rosemary and cloves scent I still remember from the first book, must balance his love for Seren against the threat of an ancient evil.
The side characters were another highlight. Thorne, Madoc, Amahle, and Malin all brought so much to the story, and I loved having them back.
But what happens when Rykr must choose between the woman he loves and the safety of his kingdom? Sometimes love simply isn’t enough, and sacrifices have to be made. Or is it?
Apparently, that answer will have to wait. Once again, I find myself stranded at a cliffhanger, desperately waiting for the next book.
The stakes are even higher this time. Rykr must step into his own and fight for a crown he never wanted to protect his people, yet he never once doubts his love for Seren. She, meanwhile, is nearing her breaking point, trapped between her immense power and an entity determined to claim her body and soul. Seen as a traitor by both her own people and her husband’s, she is fighting a battle on every front.
The political intrigue deepens, and we finally get glimpses of the true villain and his ambitions. With enemies plotting to tear them apart and break their bond, Rykr, whose rosemary and cloves scent I still remember from the first book, must balance his love for Seren against the threat of an ancient evil.
The side characters were another highlight. Thorne, Madoc, Amahle, and Malin all brought so much to the story, and I loved having them back.
But what happens when Rykr must choose between the woman he loves and the safety of his kingdom? Sometimes love simply isn’t enough, and sacrifices have to be made. Or is it?
Apparently, that answer will have to wait. Once again, I find myself stranded at a cliffhanger, desperately waiting for the next book.
October 12, 2026
A 5 star read! Just finished Book 2 of The Heirs of Lirien! Loved this one just as much as Book 1 (Carved in Crimson) I can’t wait for book 3!!! I had a hard time putting this one down. If you love, found family, soul bonds, forbidden love, elemental magic, political intrigue, gods and monsters then you’ll love this series! Thank you to Annabelle McCormack and Crowns of Chaos PR for this eARC!
September 25, 2026
Thank you Annabelle McCormack and Crowns and Chaos for gifting me an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
This was an easy 5⭐️ read for me.
Annabelle McCormack completely crushed this sequel. It is darker, faster, and the romantic tension is honestly agonizing.
Rykr and Seren are at their breaking points. He’s trying to reclaim a throne that rejects him, and she’s branded a traitor by her own people. Watching them fight their intense bond while navigating a brutal political war is top-tier angst.
Expect way more spice, zero filler, and a plot that keeps you up all night. An absolute must-read if you love high-stakes romantasy that actually delivers on both the romance and the worldbuilding.
Another cliffhanger that literally leaves you hanging!
This was an easy 5⭐️ read for me.
Annabelle McCormack completely crushed this sequel. It is darker, faster, and the romantic tension is honestly agonizing.
Rykr and Seren are at their breaking points. He’s trying to reclaim a throne that rejects him, and she’s branded a traitor by her own people. Watching them fight their intense bond while navigating a brutal political war is top-tier angst.
Expect way more spice, zero filler, and a plot that keeps you up all night. An absolute must-read if you love high-stakes romantasy that actually delivers on both the romance and the worldbuilding.
Another cliffhanger that literally leaves you hanging!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🧅🧅🧅
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“I don’t fear the darkness inside you … I fear the dark world I would face without you beside me.”
I have been fortunate to be an advance reader for the first and now second book in this phenomenal series.
Annabelle continues to build on the lore and politics of book one in this thrilling, intense and shocking sequel, Blood of the Bound. I was locked in immediately and found myself shocked, surprised and desperately begging the characters to lay all their cards on the table and when they finally did, the relief but also fear of what to come moved right on in.
Seren goes through it in this book, more so than in the first book as she tries to fit the pieces of her shattered life together while also having enemies literally around every corner. Similar to other amazing FMC in the genre, Auren, Diem, Aelin, Diana, Seren has to grieve, heal, and also deal with the unending fear for herself and the ones she loves. I mean can't a girl have a good cry and not have the world continue to fall apart in the few moments she takes to do so? Our girl comes out the other side a bit battered but stronger than ever and only somewhat untrusting of those around her which at the end kinda includes everyone she's related to. Regardless Seren is constantly stuck between bad and worse options but continues to trust herself and her love/relationship with Rykr. I'm thrilled with the preview of the next chapter of this story as it set ups a truly amazing, feminine rage era that I'm here for! Go Seren!!! Kick so evil a$$!
Rykr or Calix, is loyal and committed to his role and in his love of Seren but he too is navigating uncharted waters with very few to trust or guide him. He wasn't left with a mentor he could trust, a best friend bonded from birth to lean on, or even a lost journal written to him by a deceased parent, like this genre tends lean on for other MMC; no our amazing, bantery, passionate prince turned king is largely alone and even though there are few he can trust, including Seren, the revelations that batter him from all sides force him into an unending anxiety spiral about who to tell, what to tell and when to tell. Our boy needs a good therapy session with someone not poised to use or betray him. But through it all it's easy to see that his actions are motivated by love and the need to protect. Like Seren he's lost everyone and everything he's known and loved so it is natural for him to fiercely protect those that remain. I mean I can't imagine how lonely he must feel especially during the small time between the end of book one and the start of book two.
Annabelle does a phenomenal job of keeping the hits coming, pushing the characters and relationships to the brink while still keeping hope alive and the power of love firm and fierce. She touches on the pain of loss, the loneliness and isolation brought on by grief and metaphorically the uncertainty of mental illness in such a beautiful, respectful and relatable way that I'm at a loss for any more words on the matter. Plus she gives me the Aragorn esque moment of my romantasy dreams and I f*ckin loved it.
Pick this up as soon as it releases because you won't regret it.
🧅🧅🧅
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“I don’t fear the darkness inside you … I fear the dark world I would face without you beside me.”
I have been fortunate to be an advance reader for the first and now second book in this phenomenal series.
Annabelle continues to build on the lore and politics of book one in this thrilling, intense and shocking sequel, Blood of the Bound. I was locked in immediately and found myself shocked, surprised and desperately begging the characters to lay all their cards on the table and when they finally did, the relief but also fear of what to come moved right on in.
Seren goes through it in this book, more so than in the first book as she tries to fit the pieces of her shattered life together while also having enemies literally around every corner. Similar to other amazing FMC in the genre, Auren, Diem, Aelin, Diana, Seren has to grieve, heal, and also deal with the unending fear for herself and the ones she loves. I mean can't a girl have a good cry and not have the world continue to fall apart in the few moments she takes to do so? Our girl comes out the other side a bit battered but stronger than ever and only somewhat untrusting of those around her which at the end kinda includes everyone she's related to. Regardless Seren is constantly stuck between bad and worse options but continues to trust herself and her love/relationship with Rykr. I'm thrilled with the preview of the next chapter of this story as it set ups a truly amazing, feminine rage era that I'm here for! Go Seren!!! Kick so evil a$$!
Rykr or Calix, is loyal and committed to his role and in his love of Seren but he too is navigating uncharted waters with very few to trust or guide him. He wasn't left with a mentor he could trust, a best friend bonded from birth to lean on, or even a lost journal written to him by a deceased parent, like this genre tends lean on for other MMC; no our amazing, bantery, passionate prince turned king is largely alone and even though there are few he can trust, including Seren, the revelations that batter him from all sides force him into an unending anxiety spiral about who to tell, what to tell and when to tell. Our boy needs a good therapy session with someone not poised to use or betray him. But through it all it's easy to see that his actions are motivated by love and the need to protect. Like Seren he's lost everyone and everything he's known and loved so it is natural for him to fiercely protect those that remain. I mean I can't imagine how lonely he must feel especially during the small time between the end of book one and the start of book two.
Annabelle does a phenomenal job of keeping the hits coming, pushing the characters and relationships to the brink while still keeping hope alive and the power of love firm and fierce. She touches on the pain of loss, the loneliness and isolation brought on by grief and metaphorically the uncertainty of mental illness in such a beautiful, respectful and relatable way that I'm at a loss for any more words on the matter. Plus she gives me the Aragorn esque moment of my romantasy dreams and I f*ckin loved it.
Pick this up as soon as it releases because you won't regret it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was absolutely enthralled with Blood Of The Bound! Annabelle, once again, blew me away with her writing and immersive storytelling. The level of detail and imagery really pulled me in to this incredible world. The plot was plotting, the twists were twisting and the stakes were higher!
This book is full of secrets, lies, betrayals and deep seated political intrigue. It’s darker, and fast paced with epic journeys that will keep you on your toes; while expanding on the lore and world building from Book 1. The sheer number of times I wanted to throw my kindle due to the injustices served to us in this book….UGH! Just when I thought I figured things out and understood what was happening, Annabelle said PSYCH, NOPE, you’re not getting off that easy. It kept my mind whirling and my heart pounding sitting on the edge of my seat.
Seren and Ryker really got put through the wringer in this installment. My heart ached for them on such a deep level. I kept begging the question of how much more can these two possible endure before they completely shatter. But their resilience and will to move forward; their deep devotion and love for each other; and their desire to protect each other, their friends and family, and their Kingdom pushes them to do whatever it takes! The fate of their futures, and the kingdoms rests in their hands. The choices they must make are dangerous, but they figure it out together.
Their love transcends time, it’s not your typical and customary love story and that is absolutely what I love about their dynamic! Watching them grow and learn and accept each other’s truths was exquisite. But they have a long road of struggles ahead, and their decisions are unimaginable.
Of course, the ending leaves us hanging from a cliff that will leave me haunted. But, I am so thoroughly enjoying the way this story is coming together. We have a long road ahead of us and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. The next two installments of The Heirs of Lirian cannot come soon enough for me.
A huge thank you to Annabelle McCormack and Crowns & Chaos PR for the opportunity to read this advanced eARC
This book is full of secrets, lies, betrayals and deep seated political intrigue. It’s darker, and fast paced with epic journeys that will keep you on your toes; while expanding on the lore and world building from Book 1. The sheer number of times I wanted to throw my kindle due to the injustices served to us in this book….UGH! Just when I thought I figured things out and understood what was happening, Annabelle said PSYCH, NOPE, you’re not getting off that easy. It kept my mind whirling and my heart pounding sitting on the edge of my seat.
Seren and Ryker really got put through the wringer in this installment. My heart ached for them on such a deep level. I kept begging the question of how much more can these two possible endure before they completely shatter. But their resilience and will to move forward; their deep devotion and love for each other; and their desire to protect each other, their friends and family, and their Kingdom pushes them to do whatever it takes! The fate of their futures, and the kingdoms rests in their hands. The choices they must make are dangerous, but they figure it out together.
Their love transcends time, it’s not your typical and customary love story and that is absolutely what I love about their dynamic! Watching them grow and learn and accept each other’s truths was exquisite. But they have a long road of struggles ahead, and their decisions are unimaginable.
Of course, the ending leaves us hanging from a cliff that will leave me haunted. But, I am so thoroughly enjoying the way this story is coming together. We have a long road ahead of us and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. The next two installments of The Heirs of Lirian cannot come soon enough for me.
A huge thank you to Annabelle McCormack and Crowns & Chaos PR for the opportunity to read this advanced eARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, I just want to give a huge THANK YOU to the author for sharing an advance reader copy with me!
I am truly obsessed with Ryker and Seren and could spend hours reading about them and ever get bored.
What the actual HECK?!
the ending has my jaw on the floor. I loved this book - I devoured it in 3 days [I had to work :]
She lets this evil goddess Velyra take over her soul, Ryker takes back his kingdom without Seren at his side and has Gretchen by his side instead and it ends with Seren walking Haladron like a dog but she’s still communicating with Ryker.
Oh I am so invested in how this going to work out. I know she mentioned how love is the key to not making her loose her mind so if that how she’ll be able to not become a complete psychopath? But the fact she was willing to KILL herself, throwing herself off a turret, before she turns into an evil goddess but then in the last chapter she’s like yup sure, trust me Ryker I’ll be fine I was just as confused Ryker.
The fact that Esme is a SPY tho?!
I will say plot wise, the book was definitely more world driven- a lot of background knowledge about Ryker’s mom and why she was murdered, who would murder her and the build up around it. A majority of the story focuses on the dynamic of Ryker and Seren trying to figure out who they are outside of just surviving soul bound lovers. The miscommunication though… thankful they were able to eventually talk it through to each other. It spends a lot of time focused on how Ryker will take the crown when no one wants to acknowledges his supposed wife.
The dynamic between Ryker and Malac- I need more of it. I know the bromance is going to go hard ok?
“Thistling, I wasn’t jealous. I knew when I first laid eyes on you that once the men in the Lirien court saw you, they’d contemplate handing over their fortunes for a taste of your mouth.”
I am truly obsessed with Ryker and Seren and could spend hours reading about them and ever get bored.
What the actual HECK?!
the ending has my jaw on the floor. I loved this book - I devoured it in 3 days [I had to work :]
She lets this evil goddess Velyra take over her soul, Ryker takes back his kingdom without Seren at his side and has Gretchen by his side instead and it ends with Seren walking Haladron like a dog but she’s still communicating with Ryker.
Oh I am so invested in how this going to work out. I know she mentioned how love is the key to not making her loose her mind so if that how she’ll be able to not become a complete psychopath? But the fact she was willing to KILL herself, throwing herself off a turret, before she turns into an evil goddess but then in the last chapter she’s like yup sure, trust me Ryker I’ll be fine I was just as confused Ryker.
The fact that Esme is a SPY tho?!
I will say plot wise, the book was definitely more world driven- a lot of background knowledge about Ryker’s mom and why she was murdered, who would murder her and the build up around it. A majority of the story focuses on the dynamic of Ryker and Seren trying to figure out who they are outside of just surviving soul bound lovers. The miscommunication though… thankful they were able to eventually talk it through to each other. It spends a lot of time focused on how Ryker will take the crown when no one wants to acknowledges his supposed wife.
The dynamic between Ryker and Malac- I need more of it. I know the bromance is going to go hard ok?
“Thistling, I wasn’t jealous. I knew when I first laid eyes on you that once the men in the Lirien court saw you, they’d contemplate handing over their fortunes for a taste of your mouth.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2026
You’re telling me I have to wait a whole year for the next book?? I love this author but she kills me with the cliffhangers!
You pickup at the end of the last book, with Seren having been brought back by Ryker, learned that he is the now next prince in line for the throne, and fled his uncle who meant to kill them both with some of her friends and family. Only the battle was not easily won and she must suffer her mother’s loss and her family being separated as they enter Ryker’s kingdom to claim his throne. And she didn’t come back herself, with the blood of a dragon having awakened even more power within her and a voice that wants to burn the world down. The pair must now navigate this bond between them and her growing powers along with the politics in the princes court full of people who would rather someone else be on the throne.
This book had me in a chokehold with the emotional rollercoaster it took me on. Each time a new loss hit, or a secret was uncovered, I was devastated right along with the characters. There was plenty of tricky politics and a game of placating those around them that Ryker especially had to navigate and it was good to see his POV where he struggled with his obligations to his people, the impending war and his feelings for Seren. I also felt so bad for Seren with all she was trying to shoulder herself with each new secret she uncovered and how she tried to keep it all in until she had all the details to soften the blow of those she cared for. With plenty of burning tension between them and them doing their best to always choose each other, I can’t wait to see how they navigate the ending that those last few chapters brought for them in the next book! Overall this is one of my favorite follow up books in a series ever and I can’t wait for the next one, my rating 5/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You pickup at the end of the last book, with Seren having been brought back by Ryker, learned that he is the now next prince in line for the throne, and fled his uncle who meant to kill them both with some of her friends and family. Only the battle was not easily won and she must suffer her mother’s loss and her family being separated as they enter Ryker’s kingdom to claim his throne. And she didn’t come back herself, with the blood of a dragon having awakened even more power within her and a voice that wants to burn the world down. The pair must now navigate this bond between them and her growing powers along with the politics in the princes court full of people who would rather someone else be on the throne.
This book had me in a chokehold with the emotional rollercoaster it took me on. Each time a new loss hit, or a secret was uncovered, I was devastated right along with the characters. There was plenty of tricky politics and a game of placating those around them that Ryker especially had to navigate and it was good to see his POV where he struggled with his obligations to his people, the impending war and his feelings for Seren. I also felt so bad for Seren with all she was trying to shoulder herself with each new secret she uncovered and how she tried to keep it all in until she had all the details to soften the blow of those she cared for. With plenty of burning tension between them and them doing their best to always choose each other, I can’t wait to see how they navigate the ending that those last few chapters brought for them in the next book! Overall this is one of my favorite follow up books in a series ever and I can’t wait for the next one, my rating 5/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The way this book just completely tore my heart out… I fear I will never get over this series. Blood of the Bound is the epic and adventurous sequel to Carved in Crimson and it was phenomenal! Every twist and turn had me guessing and neeeeding to uncover all the mystery. There is a lot more political intrigue in this one too. I absolutely love Rykr and Seren, but my heart was hurting for them in this one. They are both struggling a lot with their mental health and it gets pretty intense. The side characters in this book were so damn good. Annabelle McCormack has a way of making you love characters and still have major trust issues with all of them. The emotional damage is intense in this as well. I rarely get emotional over books, but I was tearing up and feeling soooo much. I honestly need everyone to read this because it is perfection. Literal perfection. Only disclaimer is to be prepared for diabolical cliffhangers!! (but it’s so worth it)
Seren and Rykr are in Cairn Hold. After the Skorn trials no one is the same. Seren’s family was torn apart and she has to face the consequences of her bonding with Rykr. After being chosen by the gods, Rykr now chooses to claim the throne, but the nobles will never accept a Viori queen. Both Seren and Rykr start to uncover more of the prophecy and hidden family historh than either of them can handle.
Seren and Rykr are in Cairn Hold. After the Skorn trials no one is the same. Seren’s family was torn apart and she has to face the consequences of her bonding with Rykr. After being chosen by the gods, Rykr now chooses to claim the throne, but the nobles will never accept a Viori queen. Both Seren and Rykr start to uncover more of the prophecy and hidden family historh than either of them can handle.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sometimes I think about how hard it must be to write a sequel. When book one is a five star banger, how on earth do you compete with that?
Apparently, you don't. You just deliver ANOTHER five star read.
We're back in the world of Lirien with Seren and Rykr, and things are getting deliciously complicated. The plot thickens, the action is actioning, and the bond is bonding.
Give me all the secrets, betrayals, and kingdom politics that have me questioning absolutely everyone and everything.
Seren and Rykr have SO much working against them, but these two stand united...but their unwavering devotion to each other? I eat that up every single time! They are in the trenches together, and I love them for it. 🖤
And the found family?! I want in! Immediately!
Also, am I sensing sparks between certain people? 👀 Annabelle, don't think I haven't noticed. I have questions. I have theories. I have hopes!
And THAT ENDING?!!!
Annabelle. Ma'am. EXCUSE ME?!
I did not see that coming, and now I'm emotionally compromised, and desperately needing book three. Immediately would be great, thanks.
Five stars. No notes. Just emotional damage and an increasingly unhinged need for more. 👑
Apparently, you don't. You just deliver ANOTHER five star read.
We're back in the world of Lirien with Seren and Rykr, and things are getting deliciously complicated. The plot thickens, the action is actioning, and the bond is bonding.
Give me all the secrets, betrayals, and kingdom politics that have me questioning absolutely everyone and everything.
Seren and Rykr have SO much working against them, but these two stand united...but their unwavering devotion to each other? I eat that up every single time! They are in the trenches together, and I love them for it. 🖤
And the found family?! I want in! Immediately!
Also, am I sensing sparks between certain people? 👀 Annabelle, don't think I haven't noticed. I have questions. I have theories. I have hopes!
And THAT ENDING?!!!
Annabelle. Ma'am. EXCUSE ME?!
I did not see that coming, and now I'm emotionally compromised, and desperately needing book three. Immediately would be great, thanks.
Five stars. No notes. Just emotional damage and an increasingly unhinged need for more. 👑
October 7, 2026
Just wrapped up Blood of the Bound by Annabelle McCormack. First of all thank you @annabellemccormack and @crownsandchaos_pr for giving me the opportunity to read this one a bit early! I had been dying to get my hands on this since reading Carved in Crimson this past spring. This book to me, is about resilience even when all odds are against you. The will to never give up when faced with trials and tribulations. Our power couple, Seren and Rykr, fight so hard for each other, their family, their friends and their kingdom. Their love story is not traditional but it is theirs and it’s pretty epic. With lines like “I don’t fear the darkness inside you … I fear the dark world I would face without you beside me” my heart melted. ❤️Between those lines and the banter and the adventure, I couldn’t put it down. I am looking forward to what lies ahead in the Lirien series. 🖤✨#heirsoflirien #bloodofthebound #forbiddenlove #elementalmagic #crownsandchaospr
October 7, 2026
I CONSUMED this book! 😭🖤
While I definitely appreciated the spice throughout, what really had me hooked and chomping at the bit was the political tension and high stakes! The secrets, betrayals, and unexpected twists had me clutching my chest, gasping, and ready to throw my Kindle on more than one occasion 😂
By the end, I felt like I needed to bust out the red string and create an entire conspiracy board just to piece together all the questions and leads. Who played what part in Eldis’s murder? Who’s actually supporting Ryker’s claim to the throne? And WHAT THE HELL is Haldron’s end game?! I HAVE QUESTIONS, ANNABELLE! 😭
Ryker and Seren more than deserve their shot at a HEA, but it seems like no matter how far they come, something else is always waiting to pull them apart. I absolutely loved seeing the more raw and vulnerable sides of them both. Watching what they’re willing to sacrifice for one another was both beautiful and heartbreaking. My heart genuinely hurts for these two ❤️🩹
The spice definitely takes a backseat in this one, but honestly, with everything else going on, I didn’t mind one bit! The plot was THICK, the character development was phenomenal, and the world-building and political tension were just chef’s kiss 🤌🏻
I also genuinely appreciated Annabelle including the expected release date for book three at the end because I NEED IT IMMEDIATELY! 😂 I cannot wait to see what’s next for Seren and Ryker and what lies in wait for Lirien.
Another incredible read from Annabelle McCormack, and I’m officially impatiently waiting for the next installment! 🖤
Thank you to Annabelle McCormack for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
While I definitely appreciated the spice throughout, what really had me hooked and chomping at the bit was the political tension and high stakes! The secrets, betrayals, and unexpected twists had me clutching my chest, gasping, and ready to throw my Kindle on more than one occasion 😂
By the end, I felt like I needed to bust out the red string and create an entire conspiracy board just to piece together all the questions and leads. Who played what part in Eldis’s murder? Who’s actually supporting Ryker’s claim to the throne? And WHAT THE HELL is Haldron’s end game?! I HAVE QUESTIONS, ANNABELLE! 😭
Ryker and Seren more than deserve their shot at a HEA, but it seems like no matter how far they come, something else is always waiting to pull them apart. I absolutely loved seeing the more raw and vulnerable sides of them both. Watching what they’re willing to sacrifice for one another was both beautiful and heartbreaking. My heart genuinely hurts for these two ❤️🩹
The spice definitely takes a backseat in this one, but honestly, with everything else going on, I didn’t mind one bit! The plot was THICK, the character development was phenomenal, and the world-building and political tension were just chef’s kiss 🤌🏻
I also genuinely appreciated Annabelle including the expected release date for book three at the end because I NEED IT IMMEDIATELY! 😂 I cannot wait to see what’s next for Seren and Ryker and what lies in wait for Lirien.
Another incredible read from Annabelle McCormack, and I’m officially impatiently waiting for the next installment! 🖤
Thank you to Annabelle McCormack for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
October 9, 2026
It’s actually insane how good this series is turning out to be. As much as I loved book one, I don’t think I appreciated it enough.
Action. Magic. Suspense. Villains on one hell of a chess board. And the most amazing enemies-to-lovers romance one could imagine.
Mind spinning and heart pounding till the very last chapter. Books three, and four, can’t come fast enough. I need more Rykr.
And Madoc & Malin, yes, please!
*This is an ARC review of one of my most highly anticipated sequels. Thank you to the author and Crown & Chaos for providing the eARC.
Action. Magic. Suspense. Villains on one hell of a chess board. And the most amazing enemies-to-lovers romance one could imagine.
Mind spinning and heart pounding till the very last chapter. Books three, and four, can’t come fast enough. I need more Rykr.
And Madoc & Malin, yes, please!
*This is an ARC review of one of my most highly anticipated sequels. Thank you to the author and Crown & Chaos for providing the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely, completely speechless right now.
That ending?! What?! Not what I was expecting at all!
100% still love Ryker, this man is everything.
Book 1 was so incredible and I'm so glad to say that this book stayed the course of this being one of the best series I've read. This book focused heavily on world building which I think is great for a second book, especially with what we are learning and trying to piece together.
I cannot wait for the third book and hopefully to put my heart back together after that ending! Though I do feel like I'm just going to be shattered even more.
That ending?! What?! Not what I was expecting at all!
100% still love Ryker, this man is everything.
Book 1 was so incredible and I'm so glad to say that this book stayed the course of this being one of the best series I've read. This book focused heavily on world building which I think is great for a second book, especially with what we are learning and trying to piece together.
I cannot wait for the third book and hopefully to put my heart back together after that ending! Though I do feel like I'm just going to be shattered even more.
Review of advance copy
Having read book one in the serise i was blown away as just how it made me fell like i was contining a jounrey in the storyline its like where books one end this picked up and magically felt like i was still reading the book one but it was a continuation in the story plot and it was flowing amazingly.
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