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Thundering Hearts
A REIGN OF BLOOD left you breathless. Now, prepare for the storm.
A year has passed since the bloody conclusion of the first book, and the realm is on the brink of ruin...
This high-stakes dark fantasy romance is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers, royal intrigue, and sweeping epic sagas. If you devoured From Blood and Ash, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Throne of Glass, and The Song of Achilles, your next obsession is here.
★★★★★
Some hearts are made for war. Others are made to break.
Aria, the bloodthirsty Queen of the Abissian syrens, tasted revenge in the Zojz trench, but it cost her everything. Her people are dying, her plans unraveling, and the Fire Monger King still reigns unchallenged. Haunted by failure and bound by a vow to the God of War, Aria sets her sights on the empire's heart: the palace that once imprisoned her, and the tyrant who destroyed her family.
Meanwhile, Viggo, the disgraced Skierkan prince, fractures beneath the weight of rebellion. Allies falter, his magic surges beyond control, and his only salvation lies with those he's betrayed. To win this war, this traitorous prince must face the army he once led-and the devastating truth he's buried.
Mayta, the cunning court spy, sister to a queen, uncovers a conspiracy in a palace of monsters, threatening the world's oldest magic. Now, she must embark on a perilous quest in search of a prophecy foretold by the ancient sistros, with an unexpected ally whose past holds vital secrets.
And Raask-the lost prince, the dead boy walking-emerges from exile with a secret sharp enough to cleave empires. The world thinks him a ghost. But ghosts, after all, were born to haunt.
As sea wraiths rise and Gods stir from slumber, these four will forge the fate of a world.
A year has passed since the bloody conclusion of the first book, and the realm is on the brink of ruin...
This high-stakes dark fantasy romance is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers, royal intrigue, and sweeping epic sagas. If you devoured From Blood and Ash, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Throne of Glass, and The Song of Achilles, your next obsession is here.
★★★★★
Some hearts are made for war. Others are made to break.
Aria, the bloodthirsty Queen of the Abissian syrens, tasted revenge in the Zojz trench, but it cost her everything. Her people are dying, her plans unraveling, and the Fire Monger King still reigns unchallenged. Haunted by failure and bound by a vow to the God of War, Aria sets her sights on the empire's heart: the palace that once imprisoned her, and the tyrant who destroyed her family.
Meanwhile, Viggo, the disgraced Skierkan prince, fractures beneath the weight of rebellion. Allies falter, his magic surges beyond control, and his only salvation lies with those he's betrayed. To win this war, this traitorous prince must face the army he once led-and the devastating truth he's buried.
Mayta, the cunning court spy, sister to a queen, uncovers a conspiracy in a palace of monsters, threatening the world's oldest magic. Now, she must embark on a perilous quest in search of a prophecy foretold by the ancient sistros, with an unexpected ally whose past holds vital secrets.
And Raask-the lost prince, the dead boy walking-emerges from exile with a secret sharp enough to cleave empires. The world thinks him a ghost. But ghosts, after all, were born to haunt.
As sea wraiths rise and Gods stir from slumber, these four will forge the fate of a world.
348 pages, Paperback
Published December 2, 2025
11 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Gonda
2 books11 followersSamantha Gonda is a fashion and beauty publicist. After completing her degree in Communications and minors in Italian Studies and Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Samantha briefly worked as a certified personal trainer.
Originally a New Englander, Samantha now lives in New York City where she spends her free time meticulously planning her next trip, watching horror movies, and making a mess in the kitchen. A Reign of Blood (Book 1 in The Songs of Beasts Series) is her first novel.
Originally a New Englander, Samantha now lives in New York City where she spends her free time meticulously planning her next trip, watching horror movies, and making a mess in the kitchen. A Reign of Blood (Book 1 in The Songs of Beasts Series) is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 7, 2026
4.5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Samantha Gonda for the opportunity to read an ARC of Thundering Hearts in exchange for an honest review.
Thundering Hearts delivers a darker, more emotionally charged continuation of the story, expanding both the world and its characters in meaningful ways. While the first book laid a strong foundation, this sequel builds on it with higher stakes, deeper relationships, and a much greater sense of scale.
Returning to this world was completely immersive. The atmosphere is tense and captivating, layered with secrets, conflict, and moments of betrayal that kept me turning the pages. The story feels more confident in its pacing this time around, allowing the consequences of each choice to linger rather than rushing toward easy resolutions.
One of the biggest strengths of this instalment is how much the world has grown. The introduction of new creatures and characters makes the universe feel complex and fully realised. As the story unfolds, we gain a clearer understanding of the forces shaping this world and the motivations driving each character, which adds depth to both the political intrigue and the emotional conflicts.
The multiple points of view work especially well, giving the narrative a broader perspective while still maintaining strong emotional focus. Aria continues to be a compelling protagonist, driven by grief, anger, and an unrelenting desire for justice. I loved seeing where her story went in this book, particularly how her role as a leader is portrayed as difficult and costly rather than effortless. Viggo’s internal struggle adds emotional weight, while Mayta and Raask help push the story outward. I was especially surprised by how much Mayta stood out to me in this instalment, growing into one of my favourite perspectives by the end.
Although romance takes a back seat in this book, it is handled with care. The slower pacing allows tension and emotional connection to build naturally, making the payoff feel genuinely rewarding. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and their relationships feel stronger and more layered than before.
Overall, Thundering Hearts feels like a clear step up from the first book. The writing feels more refined, the characters are more fully developed, and the world feels alive thanks to the variety of beings and alliances at play. The introduction of new characters, especially Fen.
Thundering Hearts is a captivating read that brings together everything I love in a fantasy novel: an immersive and atmospheric world, complex characters, emotional depth, and high-stakes conflict. With that cliff-hanger ending, I am more than ready for the next instalment and cannot wait to see where this series goes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Samantha Gonda for the opportunity to read an ARC of Thundering Hearts in exchange for an honest review.
Thundering Hearts delivers a darker, more emotionally charged continuation of the story, expanding both the world and its characters in meaningful ways. While the first book laid a strong foundation, this sequel builds on it with higher stakes, deeper relationships, and a much greater sense of scale.
Returning to this world was completely immersive. The atmosphere is tense and captivating, layered with secrets, conflict, and moments of betrayal that kept me turning the pages. The story feels more confident in its pacing this time around, allowing the consequences of each choice to linger rather than rushing toward easy resolutions.
One of the biggest strengths of this instalment is how much the world has grown. The introduction of new creatures and characters makes the universe feel complex and fully realised. As the story unfolds, we gain a clearer understanding of the forces shaping this world and the motivations driving each character, which adds depth to both the political intrigue and the emotional conflicts.
The multiple points of view work especially well, giving the narrative a broader perspective while still maintaining strong emotional focus. Aria continues to be a compelling protagonist, driven by grief, anger, and an unrelenting desire for justice. I loved seeing where her story went in this book, particularly how her role as a leader is portrayed as difficult and costly rather than effortless. Viggo’s internal struggle adds emotional weight, while Mayta and Raask help push the story outward. I was especially surprised by how much Mayta stood out to me in this instalment, growing into one of my favourite perspectives by the end.
Although romance takes a back seat in this book, it is handled with care. The slower pacing allows tension and emotional connection to build naturally, making the payoff feel genuinely rewarding. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and their relationships feel stronger and more layered than before.
Overall, Thundering Hearts feels like a clear step up from the first book. The writing feels more refined, the characters are more fully developed, and the world feels alive thanks to the variety of beings and alliances at play. The introduction of new characters, especially Fen.
Thundering Hearts is a captivating read that brings together everything I love in a fantasy novel: an immersive and atmospheric world, complex characters, emotional depth, and high-stakes conflict. With that cliff-hanger ending, I am more than ready for the next instalment and cannot wait to see where this series goes next.
December 18, 2025
Thundering Hearts is a dense, high-stakes continuation of Samantha Gonda’s dark fantasy saga - one that demands attention and rewards it. This is not a passive read. Between the layered politics, shifting alliances, and multiple points of view, this is a book best approached with focus and intention. Give it your full attention and it will pay you back.
One of the standout strengths of this installment is its creature-rich worldbuilding. Sirens, sea wraiths, hylba, and other mythic beings are not decorative - they are integral to the plot, the power structures, and the looming sense of danger. For readers who love fantasy worlds populated by diverse, well-integrated creatures, this book delivers consistently and confidently.
The multi-POV structure allows the story to unfold on a truly epic scale. Aria’s arc remains particularly compelling: a queen shaped by rage, loss, and the crushing weight of leadership. Her failures carry consequences, and her choices feel costly rather than convenient. Viggo’s descent into internal fracture and reckoning with betrayal adds emotional gravity, while Mayta and Raask expand the narrative outward, deepening both the political intrigue and the mythological foundations of the world.
Romance exists, but this is ultimately epic fantasy first, romance second. The emotional tension is slow-burning and restrained, woven into the larger narrative rather than driving it. Readers expecting romance-heavy pacing or constant intimacy should adjust expectations accordingly. The payoff here comes from complexity, not immediacy.
This is a book to sit down with - not one to skim between distractions. The plot, the politics, and the cast require attention, but the reward is a richly imagined world where gods stir, monsters rise, and nothing comes easily.
Overall, Thundering Hearts is a strong, ambitious sequel that will appeal to readers who enjoy dark fantasy with immersive worldbuilding, morally complex characters, and a wide range of creatures woven meaningfully into the story. If you’re willing to slow down, focus, and fully engage, this gem is absolutely worth your time.
One of the standout strengths of this installment is its creature-rich worldbuilding. Sirens, sea wraiths, hylba, and other mythic beings are not decorative - they are integral to the plot, the power structures, and the looming sense of danger. For readers who love fantasy worlds populated by diverse, well-integrated creatures, this book delivers consistently and confidently.
The multi-POV structure allows the story to unfold on a truly epic scale. Aria’s arc remains particularly compelling: a queen shaped by rage, loss, and the crushing weight of leadership. Her failures carry consequences, and her choices feel costly rather than convenient. Viggo’s descent into internal fracture and reckoning with betrayal adds emotional gravity, while Mayta and Raask expand the narrative outward, deepening both the political intrigue and the mythological foundations of the world.
Romance exists, but this is ultimately epic fantasy first, romance second. The emotional tension is slow-burning and restrained, woven into the larger narrative rather than driving it. Readers expecting romance-heavy pacing or constant intimacy should adjust expectations accordingly. The payoff here comes from complexity, not immediacy.
This is a book to sit down with - not one to skim between distractions. The plot, the politics, and the cast require attention, but the reward is a richly imagined world where gods stir, monsters rise, and nothing comes easily.
Overall, Thundering Hearts is a strong, ambitious sequel that will appeal to readers who enjoy dark fantasy with immersive worldbuilding, morally complex characters, and a wide range of creatures woven meaningfully into the story. If you’re willing to slow down, focus, and fully engage, this gem is absolutely worth your time.
December 26, 2025
🐺⚡ NetGalley Review — Thundering Hearts
⭐ 4–4.5 stars
Thundering Hearts is a strong, emotionally driven sequel that deepens the world and relationships introduced in the first book. This instalment places a heavy focus on connection, loyalty, and consequence, allowing the story to unfold in a way that feels thoughtful and earned.
I especially loved how the bond between humans and beasts is explored further. The magic feels instinctive and deeply emotional rather than purely fantastical, and the stakes surrounding these bonds are higher and more complex in this book. Themes of trust, sacrifice, and choosing unity over fear run throughout the story and give it real emotional weight.
The pacing is steady and intentional, giving characters room to grow while gradually increasing the tension. This is very much a character-driven fantasy, and readers who enjoy emotional depth alongside nature-based magic and found-family dynamics will appreciate how much care is given to relationships.
Overall, Thundering Hearts is a compelling continuation of the series and a satisfying follow-up for readers invested in the world and its characters.
Thank you to Samantha Gonda and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
⭐ 4–4.5 stars
Thundering Hearts is a strong, emotionally driven sequel that deepens the world and relationships introduced in the first book. This instalment places a heavy focus on connection, loyalty, and consequence, allowing the story to unfold in a way that feels thoughtful and earned.
I especially loved how the bond between humans and beasts is explored further. The magic feels instinctive and deeply emotional rather than purely fantastical, and the stakes surrounding these bonds are higher and more complex in this book. Themes of trust, sacrifice, and choosing unity over fear run throughout the story and give it real emotional weight.
The pacing is steady and intentional, giving characters room to grow while gradually increasing the tension. This is very much a character-driven fantasy, and readers who enjoy emotional depth alongside nature-based magic and found-family dynamics will appreciate how much care is given to relationships.
Overall, Thundering Hearts is a compelling continuation of the series and a satisfying follow-up for readers invested in the world and its characters.
Thank you to Samantha Gonda and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
December 5, 2025
3.25-3.5/5
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was really excited to read this second book in The Songs of Beasts series.
This book does pick up pretty much right after the events of the previous book.
We get multiple POVs (and, of course, some of them were favorites and some were annoying), lots of politics and scheming, suspense, new creatures, and new adventures.
I did want more adventure to this, I feel like it was mainly political scheming and machinations. I think the plot definitely slowed after the events of the first book. But I still had a good time.
I think this is a cool world with cool lore and I am definitely interested in seeing more of it explored and opened up. I want to know where else this story can go, what other creatures and politics we can get into.
This does read really fast though. I knocked this out in an afternoon.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was really excited to read this second book in The Songs of Beasts series.
This book does pick up pretty much right after the events of the previous book.
We get multiple POVs (and, of course, some of them were favorites and some were annoying), lots of politics and scheming, suspense, new creatures, and new adventures.
I did want more adventure to this, I feel like it was mainly political scheming and machinations. I think the plot definitely slowed after the events of the first book. But I still had a good time.
I think this is a cool world with cool lore and I am definitely interested in seeing more of it explored and opened up. I want to know where else this story can go, what other creatures and politics we can get into.
This does read really fast though. I knocked this out in an afternoon.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
December 2, 2025
The world is dark, gritty, and suspense-filled, with war on the horizon and God’s pulling the strings.
We pick up one year after the end of “A Reign of Blood” - the first in the series - following the main characters via multiple POV’s once again.
The universe has more creatures and characters. It feels bigger, more complete. We learn more about the powers at play and the goals of our characters along the way.
Mayta, who was the character I enjoyed the least in book one, was the frontrunner of my affections in book two. Her journey and the companions she befriends along the way.
The ending to this book had me feeling a way similar to book one. This resulted in me wanting to continue with the series without question when the next book becomes available.
Thank you to BeRead LTD and NetGalley for the eARC of Thundering Hearts by Samantha Gonda.
We pick up one year after the end of “A Reign of Blood” - the first in the series - following the main characters via multiple POV’s once again.
The universe has more creatures and characters. It feels bigger, more complete. We learn more about the powers at play and the goals of our characters along the way.
Mayta, who was the character I enjoyed the least in book one, was the frontrunner of my affections in book two. Her journey and the companions she befriends along the way.
The ending to this book had me feeling a way similar to book one. This resulted in me wanting to continue with the series without question when the next book becomes available.
Thank you to BeRead LTD and NetGalley for the eARC of Thundering Hearts by Samantha Gonda.
December 23, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and BeRead Ltd. for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thundering Hearts picks up right where the first book left off. Like A Reign of Blood, the book is split into multiple POVs so you really have to pay attention to keep up with what is happening where. This book also has the same political themes, but they seem to take over the plot in Thundering Hearts. I really wanted to love the book, but it felt dense and laborious to me. There needed to be more happening to break up the writing. I didn't care for the writing in this book as much either. It didn't flow and almost seemed mechanical and unnatural in places. Overall, if you're really into political themes without as much plot progression then you will love it.
Thundering Hearts picks up right where the first book left off. Like A Reign of Blood, the book is split into multiple POVs so you really have to pay attention to keep up with what is happening where. This book also has the same political themes, but they seem to take over the plot in Thundering Hearts. I really wanted to love the book, but it felt dense and laborious to me. There needed to be more happening to break up the writing. I didn't care for the writing in this book as much either. It didn't flow and almost seemed mechanical and unnatural in places. Overall, if you're really into political themes without as much plot progression then you will love it.
December 2, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this. Honestly there is so much happening in this book, you need to pay attention! This picks up where the events of book one left off. Immediately you are getting POV’s from everyone. You get used to the multiple POV’s, but I definitely have the ones I prefer to hear from. This is where you need to pay attention because a lot is happening at once. You are sucked back into this story and there is more secrets, drama and betrayals than the first book. I think the end felt a little rushed. I wished more attention was given there than other parts. But it still gets you excited for the next book.
December 2, 2025
Thundering Hearts picks up one year after the ending of A Reign of blood. This book has the same concept with multiple POV's. There is a lot going on in this book so it can get a little confusing. But it is very captivating. There is so much drama, secrets, and betrayals that keep you wanting more. I enjoyed getting to know these characters more and meeting new characters along the way. Can't wait for book three! If you are interested in sirens, wraiths, gods, secrets, and a dark fantasy this series is for you! Thank you so much @netgalley and @authorsamanthagonda for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the ARC Team!
December 14, 2025
Thundering Hearts delivers a storm of dark fantasy ambition, weaving multiple POVs, rising gods, and simmering romantic tension into a sweeping, war-torn saga. The worldbuilding is rich and atmospheric, and characters like Aria and Viggo bring compelling emotional stakes as they struggle with guilt, vengeance, and impossible choices. However, the sheer number of plotlines and shifting perspectives can make the narrative feel unwieldy at times, occasionally pulling focus from the most gripping arcs. Still, fans of sprawling epics filled with magic, intrigue, and tortured heroes will find plenty to enjoy in this intense and dramatic follow-up.
November 15, 2025
I wrote this book and I liked it lol!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews