Through Darkness

by Laura K.E. Jones

The third anniversary of the battle that ended the war with Fleurisse is approaching. King Daniel has invited the neighbouring monarchs to Rhyllis to discuss a more permanent peace, but Queen Constance and King Leopold have other plans…plans that involve the two Rooks Daniel has imprisoned.

Three years ago, Wren fought in a war that changed her life forever. Now, from her prison cell, she can only dream of what she almost freedom for the Rooks and a future with Timothy. When an attack in prison sees Timothy badly injured, she faces the possibility of losing him once again. A deal struck by the monarchs soon sets Wren and Timothy on paths they couldn’t have imagined, and desperation will force their hands.

Meanwhile, Celeste is haunted by visions of her own death, Alina walks a difficult path where she is torn between her friends, and Tristan dreams of freedom, violin in hand.

War is brewing once again, and everyone will have to pick a side. But is it possible for them to live through another war and maintain their humanity?

Genres: Fantasy

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2026

Reviews

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been sitting here, thinking about this book and how it utterly wrecked me. It wrecked me, it broke me, and yet I'm still pushing through, just like Wren, Timothy, Alina, and Tristan. Just like Celeste, Daniel, and Constance. Because each of these characters did just that, or at least they tried. Each of them went through their own set of horrors (some more than others), and each of them tried to face them in their own way. Did I agree with all of them? Certainly not, but I did try to understand them.

Through Darkness, Book 2 of Laura's Rook Wars, is yet another masterpiece she has gifted us. Just like Book 1, Into Shadow, this is still a story about love that knows no limits, friendships born in the direst circumstances, alliances formed and broken, lives lived and lost under oppression. It is still a story of finding inner strength when all seems lost, of never losing your inner light, and of fighting for what is right. And I feel like I'm lacking the right words to describe its utter brilliance.

"Perhaps, in this world, love wasn't enough to save someone. But it was enough, Celeste thought, to save her tonight."

Celeste may feel like love isn't always enough. And yet, Timothy and Wren might disagree, myself included. Love felt like enough to Timothy and Wren in the dungeons. Love felt like enough when Alina's morals overpowered her knight code. Love felt enough in the very end when Tristan saw the person he might and would become. Love felt like enough when love was pure and strong enough. Through Darkness showed us that.

This sequel also showed us all the intricacies and casualties of politics and royal power plays. It showed us the unnecessary war losses. It showed us what it means to lose someone you care about. It truly felt like a voyage through darkness. Was there some light at the end of it? Perhaps, but the road is still long.

Thank you, Laura, for having me as your ARC reader once again. I can't stress enough how honored I am.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping with book 1, I still love the characters. Tristan is pretty inactive for most of this book, but he's set up for hopefully great things in the next one. Celeste is driving me crazy, though 😂 Girl, you should not live your life fearing your husband. That's called a toxic relationship.

I enjoyed the read and the progression of the story, though I will say the climax was a little underwhelming for me. Something I really wanted to happen that would have had great impact didn't, and everything else just fell a little short.

It had a solid ending with a great set up for book 3. Looking forward to the next book in the series!