What do you think?
The Selvaren #2
The Incendiary
A searing slow-burn romantasy packed with yearning and heartbreak, non-stop action and devastating plot twists, The Incendiary is the sequel to bestselling BookTok phenomenon The Silversmith.
They thought she was powerless. Now she is unstoppable.
Everything that Ary thought she knew was a lie . . .
She has been caged and controlled, lied to by the ones she loved. Now she is finally free—with untamed magic sparking in her veins.
They say she is destined to lead an army against corrupted darkness. They say the man she loves is dangerous—that she will never see him again.
But Ary is done listening to what they say. She will choose her own destiny. It's time for her to burn . . .
Contains mature themes.
They thought she was powerless. Now she is unstoppable.
Everything that Ary thought she knew was a lie . . .
She has been caged and controlled, lied to by the ones she loved. Now she is finally free—with untamed magic sparking in her veins.
They say she is destined to lead an army against corrupted darkness. They say the man she loves is dangerous—that she will never see him again.
But Ary is done listening to what they say. She will choose her own destiny. It's time for her to burn . . .
Contains mature themes.
625 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,399 reviews
August 31, 2026
I’m going to be really obnoxious about this one you guys. I loved it so freaking much
I’m am so excited by how much I loved this book. It is absolutely non stop from page 1 and it blows the silversmith out of the water. The plot and the romance are neck and neck and the reveals keep coming out of the woodwork. I can’t wait for book 3 !!!!!!
Slight spoiler
The dark romance girl in me was low key into Dorian Elias Haviliard
I’m am so excited by how much I loved this book. It is absolutely non stop from page 1 and it blows the silversmith out of the water. The plot and the romance are neck and neck and the reveals keep coming out of the woodwork. I can’t wait for book 3 !!!!!!
Slight spoiler
The dark romance girl in me was low key into Dorian Elias Haviliard
Review of advance copy received from Author
6 stars of absolute perfection!
If you love romantasy - READ THIS BOOK!
Omg, let.👏 me.👏 tell.👏 you! 👏
Snuggle in and get comfy with your blanket, and MAKE SURE you have that box of tissues on the side table. You WILL need it! Y'all - I WAS NOT READY for this! This was so raw and impactful - a love story that is never easy, never quiet, and never, ever what you expect.
--“We didn’t have enough time.” His fingers traced over my skin reverently, stroked my cheek with his thumb like he was memorizing me, too. “I know,” he said, his eyes glistening silver. “We never do, you and I.”--
What's inside:
-Multi-POV
-Multi-Timeline
-Forced Proximity
-Arranged Betrothal
-TRAUMA! (past & present)
-Found Family
-Yearning
-Hidden Identity
-Military Training
-Deadly Trials
-Gods & Monsters
-He Falls First
-Banter
-"Who did this to you?"
The Incendiary by LJ Claren is not just the next book in The Selvaren series. This is the next level in an already amazing romantasy series that is going to have you screaming, bawling, and laughing - sometimes together in the same chapter.
ARY!!!! The way I love this FMC! She is burning down the bullshit and this time she is doing things her way. Is she perfect? Definitely not - none of us are. But is she smart and tough and determined? 100 times, YES! She is focused on getting the answers that she needs and in doing things her way. And what a journey!
--Fragile men have at least two soft spots: their ego and their cock. Strike one, and they’ll make you their enemy. Strike both, and they might try to kill you.--
Gavin. Daddy. One of my favorite MMCs. This morally grey, touch-her-and-die man is a card-carrying, red-flag warrior of hot and spicy devotion to "MINE" that I cannot get enough of.
--You know, you called me crazy once or twice. You always said it in jest, I think, but we both knew it was true. I decided a long time ago that if crazy keeps you safe and ensures you get everything you deserve, I’ll be the craziest motherfucker this world has ever seen.-- 🥵🫠
Elias - Ary's super hot and charming betrothed from an arranged marriage agreement - well... read the book. That's all I am saying 😉
And the TRAUMA! LJ didn't write the book I was expecting. This was so much more than I had hoped for. She gave us the evolution of a starving and confused girl into a bad-ass warrior queen that is determined to save her people and those that she loves. She sacrifices, she is abused, and she is stomped into the dirt and comes back stronger. They try to break her but she refuses to stay down.
--I rose up onto my knees. “You will fight,” I cried. “You will survive, and”— my voice cracked—“ you will apologize for nothing.”--
The ending 😲 - Absoute epic closing line and scene that had me jumping up and down!
It is going to be hard to top this book for me in 2026. This is right up there with Liz Zander's Crown me Yours and Bree Mina's Wrecked in the emotional impact and the way that it shattered my heart. Heed what I am telling you - Read The Silversmith. And as soon as September 8th hits, read The Incendiary. It's going to BLOW UP!
Thank you to LJ Claren and her team for an eARC of this book. Its stellar!
If you love romantasy - READ THIS BOOK!
Omg, let.👏 me.👏 tell.👏 you! 👏
Snuggle in and get comfy with your blanket, and MAKE SURE you have that box of tissues on the side table. You WILL need it! Y'all - I WAS NOT READY for this! This was so raw and impactful - a love story that is never easy, never quiet, and never, ever what you expect.
--“We didn’t have enough time.” His fingers traced over my skin reverently, stroked my cheek with his thumb like he was memorizing me, too. “I know,” he said, his eyes glistening silver. “We never do, you and I.”--
What's inside:
-Multi-POV
-Multi-Timeline
-Forced Proximity
-Arranged Betrothal
-TRAUMA! (past & present)
-Found Family
-Yearning
-Hidden Identity
-Military Training
-Deadly Trials
-Gods & Monsters
-He Falls First
-Banter
-"Who did this to you?"
The Incendiary by LJ Claren is not just the next book in The Selvaren series. This is the next level in an already amazing romantasy series that is going to have you screaming, bawling, and laughing - sometimes together in the same chapter.
ARY!!!! The way I love this FMC! She is burning down the bullshit and this time she is doing things her way. Is she perfect? Definitely not - none of us are. But is she smart and tough and determined? 100 times, YES! She is focused on getting the answers that she needs and in doing things her way. And what a journey!
--Fragile men have at least two soft spots: their ego and their cock. Strike one, and they’ll make you their enemy. Strike both, and they might try to kill you.--
Gavin. Daddy. One of my favorite MMCs. This morally grey, touch-her-and-die man is a card-carrying, red-flag warrior of hot and spicy devotion to "MINE" that I cannot get enough of.
--You know, you called me crazy once or twice. You always said it in jest, I think, but we both knew it was true. I decided a long time ago that if crazy keeps you safe and ensures you get everything you deserve, I’ll be the craziest motherfucker this world has ever seen.-- 🥵🫠
Elias - Ary's super hot and charming betrothed from an arranged marriage agreement - well... read the book. That's all I am saying 😉
And the TRAUMA! LJ didn't write the book I was expecting. This was so much more than I had hoped for. She gave us the evolution of a starving and confused girl into a bad-ass warrior queen that is determined to save her people and those that she loves. She sacrifices, she is abused, and she is stomped into the dirt and comes back stronger. They try to break her but she refuses to stay down.
--I rose up onto my knees. “You will fight,” I cried. “You will survive, and”— my voice cracked—“ you will apologize for nothing.”--
The ending 😲 - Absoute epic closing line and scene that had me jumping up and down!
It is going to be hard to top this book for me in 2026. This is right up there with Liz Zander's Crown me Yours and Bree Mina's Wrecked in the emotional impact and the way that it shattered my heart. Heed what I am telling you - Read The Silversmith. And as soon as September 8th hits, read The Incendiary. It's going to BLOW UP!
Thank you to LJ Claren and her team for an eARC of this book. Its stellar!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Drumroll…. 3.75! YES, I did like it more than book one!
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW
Side note: this is expected to be 5 novels.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Second Sky/Forever Publisher and the author, LJ Claren for the early copy!
Publication date: September 8, 2026
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW
Side note: this is expected to be 5 novels.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Second Sky/Forever Publisher and the author, LJ Claren for the early copy!
Publication date: September 8, 2026
September 7, 2026
EASY ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ !!!! There was not 1 “lull” in this book - I literally loved every single second/word.
The plot and world really expanded in this book & we met new characters who I LOVED. The book was even BETTER than I thought it would be. Though the romance is SO incredible, there is very much still a compelling story, magic, lore & plot here without it.
Aryella really started to develop and coming into her own, which I loved. Everything she did felt TRUE to her character.
And don’t even get me STARTED on book husband #1, Gavin Smyth !!!! His flashbacks and POVs are everything. Being able to explore the softer more hopeful (and absolute simp) sides of him was such an interesting juxtaposition of who he is in book 1, which I really loved.
THAT ENDING!!!! I genuinely cannot wait until book 3
5⭐️
1.5🌶️
5🧠
The plot and world really expanded in this book & we met new characters who I LOVED. The book was even BETTER than I thought it would be. Though the romance is SO incredible, there is very much still a compelling story, magic, lore & plot here without it.
Aryella really started to develop and coming into her own, which I loved. Everything she did felt TRUE to her character.
And don’t even get me STARTED on book husband #1, Gavin Smyth !!!! His flashbacks and POVs are everything. Being able to explore the softer more hopeful (and absolute simp) sides of him was such an interesting juxtaposition of who he is in book 1, which I really loved.
THAT ENDING!!!! I genuinely cannot wait until book 3
5⭐️
1.5🌶️
5🧠
August 12, 2026
RIP = Me.
Cause of Death = The last three words of this book.
Cause of Death = The last three words of this book.
July 20, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy —Thank you LJ Claren and Second Sky Books
I’m honestly not even sure where to start?! — That was a RIDE!
332 — The most times I’ve ever highlighted a book! (If that indicates something!!)
*I will keep this spoiler free for The Incendiary; however as it is book 2 in the series I am writing this assuming you have read The Silversmith first and therefore will not be spoiling anything there!
**Any quotes are from not from a final copy and my differ from final publishing*
First off, I am SO incredibly PROUD of Ary! — Her growth, her persistence, her fire. She basically says to heck with everyone and shows them all what a bada$$ she can be!
“Be strong. Be selfish. Be stubborn. Be difficult. Be however you need to be. You owe them nothing.”
“‘You will fight,’…’You will survive, and’…’you will apologize for nothing.’”
Smyth — oh my goodness that mannnnn!!
This book shows us so much more DEPTH to his character, you get a look into his past and more on his history/background — you also get yearning from HIS POV!!
“The world can collapse around us. The seas can flood the plains. The trees can burn with unquenchable fire. I will stay by your side. And if by the will of the gods you fall into the earth as it crumbles, I will fall with you.”
LJ did a great job with the world building in this book and, in my opinion, it expanded as you would expect for book 2 of 5. — You learn MORE, but she leaves space for the reader to ponder, ask questions, and theorize! (And man do I have some unhinged theories, haha!)
Here you are seeing Ary learn more about her magic, where she was so weak in book 1 and really just building strength to become human again, you are able to really watch her magic and spirit grow in proportion with her strength in this book!
“I’d been holding on to the freedom anonymity allowed, but that freedom was lost to me now. Now, it was time to burn.”
This book gave me ALL the feels! — It will take you on an emotional roller coaster that you don’t want to get off of and then leave you hanging upside down at the top screaming, crying, ready to puke, but absolutely in love with the experience!
I laughed, I cried (okay sobbed), I burned (with both rage and yearning) and I fell even MORE in love with this series! — it is IMO a MUST READ 6 **
A final quote from Ary….
“You can. And you will.”
I’m honestly not even sure where to start?! — That was a RIDE!
332 — The most times I’ve ever highlighted a book! (If that indicates something!!)
*I will keep this spoiler free for The Incendiary; however as it is book 2 in the series I am writing this assuming you have read The Silversmith first and therefore will not be spoiling anything there!
**Any quotes are from not from a final copy and my differ from final publishing*
First off, I am SO incredibly PROUD of Ary! — Her growth, her persistence, her fire. She basically says to heck with everyone and shows them all what a bada$$ she can be!
“Be strong. Be selfish. Be stubborn. Be difficult. Be however you need to be. You owe them nothing.”
“‘You will fight,’…’You will survive, and’…’you will apologize for nothing.’”
Smyth — oh my goodness that mannnnn!!
This book shows us so much more DEPTH to his character, you get a look into his past and more on his history/background — you also get yearning from HIS POV!!
“The world can collapse around us. The seas can flood the plains. The trees can burn with unquenchable fire. I will stay by your side. And if by the will of the gods you fall into the earth as it crumbles, I will fall with you.”
LJ did a great job with the world building in this book and, in my opinion, it expanded as you would expect for book 2 of 5. — You learn MORE, but she leaves space for the reader to ponder, ask questions, and theorize! (And man do I have some unhinged theories, haha!)
Here you are seeing Ary learn more about her magic, where she was so weak in book 1 and really just building strength to become human again, you are able to really watch her magic and spirit grow in proportion with her strength in this book!
“I’d been holding on to the freedom anonymity allowed, but that freedom was lost to me now. Now, it was time to burn.”
This book gave me ALL the feels! — It will take you on an emotional roller coaster that you don’t want to get off of and then leave you hanging upside down at the top screaming, crying, ready to puke, but absolutely in love with the experience!
I laughed, I cried (okay sobbed), I burned (with both rage and yearning) and I fell even MORE in love with this series! — it is IMO a MUST READ 6 **
A final quote from Ary….
“You can. And you will.”
June 28, 2026
“𝙄𝙛 𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙩.“
The Silversmith made me fall in love with Gavin. The Incendiary made me fall in love with Aryella.
This is a story of love, perseverance, and resilience, both inspiring and devastating.
If you know me, you know how much I enjoy confliction and inner turmoil. I gobble it up. And we see a lot more of that in this sequel to The Silversmith.
Ary is still dealing with the aftermath of book 1 but she’s resolute in her goals. She’s determined to prove herself and her worth. And I love that as she’s pursing this, she’s growing confident in her own voice and abilities. I think that’s what I love most about this is the growth you see in Ary, from the sheltered shell of a person she was to who she’s choosing to be now, despite what the world has tried to make her.
“𝘿𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛.”
And while we’re introduced to new settings, characters, and excitement, LJ is constantly reminding us of how beautifully tragic this love story is. You’ll swoon, you’ll cry, you’ll sweat, and then repeat.
“𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙮𝙚𝙩… 𝙔𝙤𝙪. 𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚. 𝙈𝙚.”
We get so many answers to the questions that had us spiraling in book 1, but are still left with more breadcrumbs that leave us hanging on to the edge of our seats. LIKE WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE HAS [REDACTED] AND ITS STILL [REDACTED]? I’ll let you spiral over what that could mean.
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙥𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙪𝙣𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚. 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙙𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙨, 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
As for the characters… 🤭 I love them all. But I will especially defend a particular one because.. reasons. And I’m SOOOO looking forward to book 3.
Thank you so much LJ Claren for letting me be apart of this journey with you! And to Forever Pub for the advanced copy!
The Silversmith made me fall in love with Gavin. The Incendiary made me fall in love with Aryella.
This is a story of love, perseverance, and resilience, both inspiring and devastating.
If you know me, you know how much I enjoy confliction and inner turmoil. I gobble it up. And we see a lot more of that in this sequel to The Silversmith.
Ary is still dealing with the aftermath of book 1 but she’s resolute in her goals. She’s determined to prove herself and her worth. And I love that as she’s pursing this, she’s growing confident in her own voice and abilities. I think that’s what I love most about this is the growth you see in Ary, from the sheltered shell of a person she was to who she’s choosing to be now, despite what the world has tried to make her.
“𝘿𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛.”
And while we’re introduced to new settings, characters, and excitement, LJ is constantly reminding us of how beautifully tragic this love story is. You’ll swoon, you’ll cry, you’ll sweat, and then repeat.
“𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙮𝙚𝙩… 𝙔𝙤𝙪. 𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚. 𝙈𝙚.”
We get so many answers to the questions that had us spiraling in book 1, but are still left with more breadcrumbs that leave us hanging on to the edge of our seats. LIKE WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE HAS [REDACTED] AND ITS STILL [REDACTED]? I’ll let you spiral over what that could mean.
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙥𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙪𝙣𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚. 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙙𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙨, 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
As for the characters… 🤭 I love them all. But I will especially defend a particular one because.. reasons. And I’m SOOOO looking forward to book 3.
Thank you so much LJ Claren for letting me be apart of this journey with you! And to Forever Pub for the advanced copy!
September 9, 2026
I HATED THIS. I HATED ELIAS, I HATED ELLA FOR BEING ATTRACTED TO HIM. I HATED THAT WE LEARNED NOTHING IN 600 PAGES. AND THAT GAVIN APPEARED IN THE FUCKING LAST ONE. THIS IS SUCH A FILLER BOOOK WTFFF, THIS WAS NOT ROMANCE, THIS WAS AWFUL. I WANTED THE VIBES FROM THE FIRST BOOK, AND EVERYTIME ELLA KISSED SOMEONE BUT GAVINNN I DIED A LITTLE INSIDE. WHAT A SHITTY THING TO DO TO A STORY THAT HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL. WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT YOU BETRAY SO EASILY THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE THAT HAS BEEN WAITING FOR YOU FOR 402 FUCKING YEARS!!! YOUR HUSBAND! AND YOU CAN’T LAST BARE MONTHS??!!? WHYYYY!?!??? I FEEL SO DIRTY NOW. I DON’T KNOW HOW THIS CAN BE REDEEMED.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2026
THAT ENDING?! The emotional turmoil this book has pulled out of me has been one wild ride. Do not deprive yourself of one of the most iconic ending lines of a book I’ve ever read.. and read The Selvaren Series. Now.
“I marveled at how she found aches hidden inside the tiniest crevices of my being and soothed each one. Her touch was the remedy to every depressing and infuriating thought. Before her, a woman’s touch had been a means to an end, but now? Hers was a necessity; I needed it like I needed air to survive. I hadn’t realized how hollow my life had become until she blazed in and filled it to the brim with love and light.”
The Silversmith already gave us top-tier, torturous yearning, but somehow, this sequel gave us so much more. The desperate levels of love and devotion from the MMC.. the kind I’ve only read about from Kaine & Helena, and Kaan & Raeve—had me feeling so unwell. And the fact we got that same level of yearning and longing from Ary herself in this book has been everything. This book ripped my heart out again and again. This has officially become a god-tier series for me, and there are only two books out.
“Can I touch you?”
“Never ask me that again.”
“Why?”
“Because the answer will always be yes.”
The flashback chapters of young Ary and Gavin falling in love gave me LIFE. I swooned, giggled, and fell in love with these characters even more than I already had. Every glimpse into their past had me feeling so protective of their memories. I held those memories of them in a past life so sacred. Their past was also woven so beautifully into Ary’s present journey of forging her own path and proving herself. And the letters were such an intricate, perfect touch I could honestly cry over almost every single one of them. They added so much more emotional weight to everything Ary was going through. The details of this book AAAHHH. The forehead kisses, her hand on his chest, his sweater, THE RINGS! And that one dream sequence that had me bawling my eyes out! I need the secret wedding scene in the next book please?!
I was already so down bad for Gavin Smyth in book 1, and I genuinely didn’t think it was possible to love him even more. We all know Gavin as the brooding, dark, fiercely protective man who is kind only for her, but getting to see him in his younger years was EVERYTHING. He was so mischievous, roguish, persistent, and completely down bad for Ary since the first time he laid eyes on her. Seeing this playful, lovestruck side of him made me fall for him all over again. I didn’t know I needed young Gavin, but apparently, I very much did. 😭
“You know, you called me crazy once or twice. You always said it in jest, I think, but we both knew it was true. I decided a long time ago that if crazy keeps you safe and ensures you get everything you deserve, I’ll be the craziest motherfucker this world has ever seen.”
But I’d say the romance isn’t the main point of this book.. it’s Ary finally coming into her own and discovering who she really is. She started as a lost, timid, weak, dangerously naive, and insecure prophesied queen. After being lied to and manipulated by nearly everyone around her, this book is where she finally takes everything into her own hands and starts paving her own path. Hell hath no fury like a woman who finally knows who she is and has been scorned. Ary is relentless, strong-willed, fierce, resilient, and so fucking capable of saving herself. Her arc was so empowering and satisfying to read, especially knowing just how vulnerable and lost she was when this story began.
For almost the entirety of the book, I found myself waiting or anticipating for a certain someone to appear and save her whenever she was in danger. And while his absence was absolutely felt during those moments (except, of course, in the flashback chapters), it was also so damn satisfying to watch a woman who was once lost, broken, fragile, and weak become the one who saves herself. Again and again. She didn’t need someone to come and rescue her this time. She became her own rescue.
“The world can collapse around us. The seas can flood the plains. The trees can burn with unquenchable fire. I will stay by your side. And if by the will of the gods you fall into the earth as it crumbles, I will fall with you.”
The other characters are also so much more fleshed out, and the found family tugged at my heartstrings more times than I can count. Damond is HIM. I love him dearly! The twins, Mina and Mavic is such a sweet addition. Mina and Ary’s friendship has grown into something so special, and Mavic has easily become one of my favorite characters in this book, right alongside Shera, of course! Ary’s sassy little Umbra companion who she can actually communicate with. And the fact that Gavin couldn’t bear the thought of Ary being alone and somehow decided she needed a companion, so he gifted Shera to her??? That man. Even when he couldn’t always be there himself, he was still finding ways to make sure she never felt alone. I’m unwell. And then there’s Ary’s betrothed, Elias Winterton. I could definitely see the appeal of his character in the beginning. TBH I was scared of a possible love triangle going into this, since I knew that nothing could ever compare to what the author has established for Ary and Gavin.. that another love interest would have felt so wrong to me, and I would hate it if that actually became the direction of the story. And this book has proven it clearly WAS NOT.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
Ary has been assaulted. And Elias, after seeing Ary bruised, broken, bleeding to death and his first question was why she had put herself in that situation?! I was FURIOUS. Because of course, somehow, it was always the woman who gets the blame. The scene was so upsetting, and it was honestly difficult to get through. In that moment, Elias went from someone I was beginning to understand and respect to someone who felt completely spineless and deeply conflicted in all the wrong ways.
I had a hard time choosing quotes bc I basically highlighted the entire book:
☁️“I’ve never believed in destiny, but I believe with all my heart, that I exist for you, Ella.”
☁️ “Well, Princess. I am at your mercy. But anyone who touches you”—I stroked her soft skin with my thumb—“is at mine.”
☁️“It takes most warriors years to learn how to put a powerful man on his knees. It only takes you a single look.”
☁️“After four hundred years, I’m still in awe that you even exist.”
☁️“If I never make it back to you, know it was all worth it just to see you smile again.”
“I marveled at how she found aches hidden inside the tiniest crevices of my being and soothed each one. Her touch was the remedy to every depressing and infuriating thought. Before her, a woman’s touch had been a means to an end, but now? Hers was a necessity; I needed it like I needed air to survive. I hadn’t realized how hollow my life had become until she blazed in and filled it to the brim with love and light.”
The Silversmith already gave us top-tier, torturous yearning, but somehow, this sequel gave us so much more. The desperate levels of love and devotion from the MMC.. the kind I’ve only read about from Kaine & Helena, and Kaan & Raeve—had me feeling so unwell. And the fact we got that same level of yearning and longing from Ary herself in this book has been everything. This book ripped my heart out again and again. This has officially become a god-tier series for me, and there are only two books out.
“Can I touch you?”
“Never ask me that again.”
“Why?”
“Because the answer will always be yes.”
The flashback chapters of young Ary and Gavin falling in love gave me LIFE. I swooned, giggled, and fell in love with these characters even more than I already had. Every glimpse into their past had me feeling so protective of their memories. I held those memories of them in a past life so sacred. Their past was also woven so beautifully into Ary’s present journey of forging her own path and proving herself. And the letters were such an intricate, perfect touch I could honestly cry over almost every single one of them. They added so much more emotional weight to everything Ary was going through. The details of this book AAAHHH. The forehead kisses, her hand on his chest, his sweater, THE RINGS! And that one dream sequence that had me bawling my eyes out! I need the secret wedding scene in the next book please?!
I was already so down bad for Gavin Smyth in book 1, and I genuinely didn’t think it was possible to love him even more. We all know Gavin as the brooding, dark, fiercely protective man who is kind only for her, but getting to see him in his younger years was EVERYTHING. He was so mischievous, roguish, persistent, and completely down bad for Ary since the first time he laid eyes on her. Seeing this playful, lovestruck side of him made me fall for him all over again. I didn’t know I needed young Gavin, but apparently, I very much did. 😭
“You know, you called me crazy once or twice. You always said it in jest, I think, but we both knew it was true. I decided a long time ago that if crazy keeps you safe and ensures you get everything you deserve, I’ll be the craziest motherfucker this world has ever seen.”
But I’d say the romance isn’t the main point of this book.. it’s Ary finally coming into her own and discovering who she really is. She started as a lost, timid, weak, dangerously naive, and insecure prophesied queen. After being lied to and manipulated by nearly everyone around her, this book is where she finally takes everything into her own hands and starts paving her own path. Hell hath no fury like a woman who finally knows who she is and has been scorned. Ary is relentless, strong-willed, fierce, resilient, and so fucking capable of saving herself. Her arc was so empowering and satisfying to read, especially knowing just how vulnerable and lost she was when this story began.
For almost the entirety of the book, I found myself waiting or anticipating for a certain someone to appear and save her whenever she was in danger. And while his absence was absolutely felt during those moments (except, of course, in the flashback chapters), it was also so damn satisfying to watch a woman who was once lost, broken, fragile, and weak become the one who saves herself. Again and again. She didn’t need someone to come and rescue her this time. She became her own rescue.
“The world can collapse around us. The seas can flood the plains. The trees can burn with unquenchable fire. I will stay by your side. And if by the will of the gods you fall into the earth as it crumbles, I will fall with you.”
The other characters are also so much more fleshed out, and the found family tugged at my heartstrings more times than I can count. Damond is HIM. I love him dearly! The twins, Mina and Mavic is such a sweet addition. Mina and Ary’s friendship has grown into something so special, and Mavic has easily become one of my favorite characters in this book, right alongside Shera, of course! Ary’s sassy little Umbra companion who she can actually communicate with. And the fact that Gavin couldn’t bear the thought of Ary being alone and somehow decided she needed a companion, so he gifted Shera to her??? That man. Even when he couldn’t always be there himself, he was still finding ways to make sure she never felt alone. I’m unwell. And then there’s Ary’s betrothed, Elias Winterton. I could definitely see the appeal of his character in the beginning. TBH I was scared of a possible love triangle going into this, since I knew that nothing could ever compare to what the author has established for Ary and Gavin.. that another love interest would have felt so wrong to me, and I would hate it if that actually became the direction of the story. And this book has proven it clearly WAS NOT.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
Ary has been assaulted. And Elias, after seeing Ary bruised, broken, bleeding to death and his first question was why she had put herself in that situation?! I was FURIOUS. Because of course, somehow, it was always the woman who gets the blame. The scene was so upsetting, and it was honestly difficult to get through. In that moment, Elias went from someone I was beginning to understand and respect to someone who felt completely spineless and deeply conflicted in all the wrong ways.
I had a hard time choosing quotes bc I basically highlighted the entire book:
☁️“I’ve never believed in destiny, but I believe with all my heart, that I exist for you, Ella.”
☁️ “Well, Princess. I am at your mercy. But anyone who touches you”—I stroked her soft skin with my thumb—“is at mine.”
☁️“It takes most warriors years to learn how to put a powerful man on his knees. It only takes you a single look.”
☁️“After four hundred years, I’m still in awe that you even exist.”
☁️“If I never make it back to you, know it was all worth it just to see you smile again.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Five fucking stars. I haven't been through this much emotional turmoil in a hot minute. This book absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible, and somehow it managed to level up in every single way from book one.
I loved how much the world expanded in this installment. Book one was more character-driven, so getting a deeper look at the history, lore, and overall world-building made everything feel so much richer. And coming from someone who usually hates dual timelines, this one was executed so well. I never felt pulled out of the story, instead, each timeline added more emotional weight to the other.
Ary's growth was one of my favorite parts of the book. It wasn't just emotional or external: it was physical, mental, and emotional growth all wrapped together. Watching her discover her inner strength and step into the person she's meant to be was such a rewarding journey.
And Gavin... WHEW. This man isn't just book boyfriend material—he's book husband material. The way he lives and breathes for Ary? The devotion? The loyalty? He's the kind of man who would burn the world down for her without a second thought, and I ate up every single second of it. His little excerpts at the beginning of each chapter had my heart in a chokehold, and that final letter had me full-on crying.
Then there's Elias... I've never had a character make me love and hate so intensely at the same time. That's all I'll say because spoilers—but one minute he had me giggling, and the next I wanted to scream, shake him, and maybe strangle him just a little. The emotional whiplash was unreal. I also loved getting to know the side characters more. Watching those relationships deepen and seeing this found family slowly come together added so much heart to the story. They each brought something special, and I found myself just as invested in them.
This book had me giggling, sobbing, kicking my feet, and completely delulu all in the span of a few chapters. And that ending?? The way I screamed because I KNEW IT!!! …and now I desperately need the next book in my hands RIGHT NOW.
huge ty to LJ for an e-arc and allowing me to be a part of your street team. OH and for laughing at my DMs as I was finishing this book.
I loved how much the world expanded in this installment. Book one was more character-driven, so getting a deeper look at the history, lore, and overall world-building made everything feel so much richer. And coming from someone who usually hates dual timelines, this one was executed so well. I never felt pulled out of the story, instead, each timeline added more emotional weight to the other.
Ary's growth was one of my favorite parts of the book. It wasn't just emotional or external: it was physical, mental, and emotional growth all wrapped together. Watching her discover her inner strength and step into the person she's meant to be was such a rewarding journey.
And Gavin... WHEW. This man isn't just book boyfriend material—he's book husband material. The way he lives and breathes for Ary? The devotion? The loyalty? He's the kind of man who would burn the world down for her without a second thought, and I ate up every single second of it. His little excerpts at the beginning of each chapter had my heart in a chokehold, and that final letter had me full-on crying.
Then there's Elias... I've never had a character make me love and hate so intensely at the same time. That's all I'll say because spoilers—but one minute he had me giggling, and the next I wanted to scream, shake him, and maybe strangle him just a little. The emotional whiplash was unreal. I also loved getting to know the side characters more. Watching those relationships deepen and seeing this found family slowly come together added so much heart to the story. They each brought something special, and I found myself just as invested in them.
This book had me giggling, sobbing, kicking my feet, and completely delulu all in the span of a few chapters. And that ending?? The way I screamed because I KNEW IT!!! …and now I desperately need the next book in my hands RIGHT NOW.
huge ty to LJ for an e-arc and allowing me to be a part of your street team. OH and for laughing at my DMs as I was finishing this book.
September 15, 2026
4.25⭐️
THAT ENDING?! Are you kidding?? I need book 3 immediately!!
I absolutely loved the silversmith and thought the yearning in that one was some of the best I’d read. But in this book?! We get flashbacks from the past in Gavin’s pov and snippets of a letter her wrote to ary before each ary chapter and it nearly took me out. His love and devotion is so well written, I need more of him! I also loved seeing Ary start to grow into herself and loved how much she used what Gavyn taught her to stay strong. Gavin is THE YEARNER! I’m so excited to get more of him in this series. I need it!!
Now I will say this book started slower for me. it wasn’t until the second half where i felt it was unputdownable. This book felt like it was developing Ary’s character and showing her development more than advancing the plot. Which is fine and I liked that, but it’s what made it slower for me. Now Elias. What are we going to do with him. I like his character, he is flawed and there’s more to him than meets the eye. His and Arys relationship is this book had me second guessing for a bit too haha. I loved that we meet new characters and I’m always a sucker for a training academy setting! Overall loved this book, and Im not sure how I’m going to survive waiting after that ending!! The last line has me UNWELL
THAT ENDING?! Are you kidding?? I need book 3 immediately!!
I absolutely loved the silversmith and thought the yearning in that one was some of the best I’d read. But in this book?! We get flashbacks from the past in Gavin’s pov and snippets of a letter her wrote to ary before each ary chapter and it nearly took me out. His love and devotion is so well written, I need more of him! I also loved seeing Ary start to grow into herself and loved how much she used what Gavyn taught her to stay strong. Gavin is THE YEARNER! I’m so excited to get more of him in this series. I need it!!
Now I will say this book started slower for me. it wasn’t until the second half where i felt it was unputdownable. This book felt like it was developing Ary’s character and showing her development more than advancing the plot. Which is fine and I liked that, but it’s what made it slower for me. Now Elias. What are we going to do with him. I like his character, he is flawed and there’s more to him than meets the eye. His and Arys relationship is this book had me second guessing for a bit too haha. I loved that we meet new characters and I’m always a sucker for a training academy setting! Overall loved this book, and Im not sure how I’m going to survive waiting after that ending!! The last line has me UNWELL
October 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐ Something about Gavin's obsession gave me a little ick 🤷♀️ Still going to read the next one though
July 30, 2026
“Where is my wife” THEEEEE novel. God damn.
I love obsessive, stubborn, down bad, territorial Gavin Smyth in ways that are truly concerning to feminism and I am okay with that.
Let’s hear it again for our reigning YEARN CITY CEO for a second year in a row!!!!!! The title belongs to him now more than ever. This man yearns in different area codes I didn’t even know a man was capable of yearning in.
People were NOT exaggerating when they said this has one of the best last lines in romantasy history I legitimately gasped outloud. This is the cliffy to end all cliffhangers because GIVE ME MORE NOW!!!?!!? You’re KIDDING.
As you know from Book 1, Gavin Smyth had Aryella and loved her and lost her. Well NOW you get to experience that endless joy of their time falling for eachother and then the immense suffering of him scouring the world for her in LIVE TIME! 4K!!!! ULTRA HIGH DEFINITION! In every pain staking excruciating detail! Ha!!! Ha ha!!!! Hahaha!!!! Hahahaha *sobs into pillow*
The Incendiary takes place in dual timelines. Our main characters are separated; Aryella is moving forward and has joined the ranks of cadets under the guidance of her betrothed, Commander Elias. Only….he doesn’t know it’s her because she is disguised to prove to herself and her people that she has the strength she needs to lead. Meanwhile, Gavin’s POV takes us 400 years prior, sharing the back story on how he fell in love with Aryella and then how he became The Butcher. Please. Pleaseeeeeee know my heart was shattering the entirety of this book. Everytime I would see “Gavin Smyth” POV I would have to take a lap around my house from stress before I could continue. I think I cried every single chapter heading reading the letters back and forth from Gavin and Aryella. All I know is pain.
I love their “love in every lifetime” love, but the romance is not the center plotline this time. The Incendiary is about the resilience of women. All the challenges we face in a society led by men. All the autonomy and choices being taken away from us and how we persevere. L.J. Claren has created one of the most likable, strong, resilient FMCs I have ever read.
In book 1, Aryella got whacked a lot from readers for being naive and air-headed. But I mean…she was. Duh! Of course she was. She was completely sheltered with no idea the magnitude of reality. I had faith the whole time that her character was written like that intentionally so we would get to see her grow. And OH how my girl BLOSSOMED. She did not take shit from a singular person. Not once. It was breathtaking watching her deal with her trauma and grief and turn it into fire under her veins. And the way Gavin haunts the narrative? I was unwell. Let it burn Ary. Let it BURN!
The found family is even more lovable than before and you will meet my favorite character on earth, Mavic. That’s my BABBBBBBYYYYYYYY. He was truly the comic relief we needed because everything he said had me laughing outloud. And Shera my darling. I LOVE a sassy animal sidekick. That’s all I can say about that little icon because I don’t want to spoil anything.
The one thing I still struggle with in this world is matching the powers of the Selvaren to their names. Sometimes, Claren will name drop a god/goddess and talk about channeling their power and it’s difficult for me to remember which power belong to who. That’s why I am SO glad there’s a glossary I could keep referring to. I flipped to it pretty often and it helped me immensely. Also, because the focus of book 2 is on character development more than moving the plot forward, I can see people saying it moves a little bit slow for the first half as the story develops. But that’s the kind of thing I LOVE, personally, in a fantasy series. Give me rich dynamic characters. Give me all their nuances and back stories. Getting these perspectives, I can see everything that happened in the first book was plotted sooo intentionally and I cannot wait to see where the story is going to go. Especially after that ENDING!!!! The Incendiary delivers everything you could want and more in a sequel.
(This series deals with a lot of very dark and traumatic situations on page, so I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings prior to reading if there are things that upset you. Thank you a billion times over to L.J. Claren for the arc in exchange for my honest review. Gimme book 3 NOWWWWWW.)
I love obsessive, stubborn, down bad, territorial Gavin Smyth in ways that are truly concerning to feminism and I am okay with that.
Let’s hear it again for our reigning YEARN CITY CEO for a second year in a row!!!!!! The title belongs to him now more than ever. This man yearns in different area codes I didn’t even know a man was capable of yearning in.
People were NOT exaggerating when they said this has one of the best last lines in romantasy history I legitimately gasped outloud. This is the cliffy to end all cliffhangers because GIVE ME MORE NOW!!!?!!? You’re KIDDING.
As you know from Book 1, Gavin Smyth had Aryella and loved her and lost her. Well NOW you get to experience that endless joy of their time falling for eachother and then the immense suffering of him scouring the world for her in LIVE TIME! 4K!!!! ULTRA HIGH DEFINITION! In every pain staking excruciating detail! Ha!!! Ha ha!!!! Hahaha!!!! Hahahaha *sobs into pillow*
The Incendiary takes place in dual timelines. Our main characters are separated; Aryella is moving forward and has joined the ranks of cadets under the guidance of her betrothed, Commander Elias. Only….he doesn’t know it’s her because she is disguised to prove to herself and her people that she has the strength she needs to lead. Meanwhile, Gavin’s POV takes us 400 years prior, sharing the back story on how he fell in love with Aryella and then how he became The Butcher. Please. Pleaseeeeeee know my heart was shattering the entirety of this book. Everytime I would see “Gavin Smyth” POV I would have to take a lap around my house from stress before I could continue. I think I cried every single chapter heading reading the letters back and forth from Gavin and Aryella. All I know is pain.
I love their “love in every lifetime” love, but the romance is not the center plotline this time. The Incendiary is about the resilience of women. All the challenges we face in a society led by men. All the autonomy and choices being taken away from us and how we persevere. L.J. Claren has created one of the most likable, strong, resilient FMCs I have ever read.
In book 1, Aryella got whacked a lot from readers for being naive and air-headed. But I mean…she was. Duh! Of course she was. She was completely sheltered with no idea the magnitude of reality. I had faith the whole time that her character was written like that intentionally so we would get to see her grow. And OH how my girl BLOSSOMED. She did not take shit from a singular person. Not once. It was breathtaking watching her deal with her trauma and grief and turn it into fire under her veins. And the way Gavin haunts the narrative? I was unwell. Let it burn Ary. Let it BURN!
The found family is even more lovable than before and you will meet my favorite character on earth, Mavic. That’s my BABBBBBBYYYYYYYY. He was truly the comic relief we needed because everything he said had me laughing outloud. And Shera my darling. I LOVE a sassy animal sidekick. That’s all I can say about that little icon because I don’t want to spoil anything.
The one thing I still struggle with in this world is matching the powers of the Selvaren to their names. Sometimes, Claren will name drop a god/goddess and talk about channeling their power and it’s difficult for me to remember which power belong to who. That’s why I am SO glad there’s a glossary I could keep referring to. I flipped to it pretty often and it helped me immensely. Also, because the focus of book 2 is on character development more than moving the plot forward, I can see people saying it moves a little bit slow for the first half as the story develops. But that’s the kind of thing I LOVE, personally, in a fantasy series. Give me rich dynamic characters. Give me all their nuances and back stories. Getting these perspectives, I can see everything that happened in the first book was plotted sooo intentionally and I cannot wait to see where the story is going to go. Especially after that ENDING!!!! The Incendiary delivers everything you could want and more in a sequel.
(This series deals with a lot of very dark and traumatic situations on page, so I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings prior to reading if there are things that upset you. Thank you a billion times over to L.J. Claren for the arc in exchange for my honest review. Gimme book 3 NOWWWWWW.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Genre: Dark Romantasy
⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶 1.5/5
Cliffhanger: Yes
Noteworthy: Book 2 of an incomplete series. Dual first-person POV. Content warnings provided. Expected publication date is 9/8/2026.
Let me start by saying I liked many aspects of this book. It's told in dual timelines and the flashback chapters and letters were a highlight for me. Gavin Smyth supremacy is alive and well. The king of yearning defends his crown well. But Ary was much harder for me to digest. I appreciated her growth and maturation. The girl from the start of book 1 and the start of book 2 are completely different. I fully understood her need to prove herself and see things from an outside lens. That part of this book was enjoyable. But the quasi reluctant romance (lustmance?) with Elias felt gross to me. Nearly every interaction for the first 70% of the book she is thinking about how attractive he his or referencing her attraction to him. It was overkill because honestly we got it the first time. He's attractive and she just can't help her reactions. We get it! Elias himself was fine. His fboy energy wasn't a problem for me because his explanation made sense. But it is who he is and it just all felt icky because I expected matched devotion from Ary. I get she didn't have her memories but she had the deep seeded connection. It was disappointing for me. On top of that, this is the horniest book without an open door love scene I've read. What is in the water in this world? 😂
All that being said this book sets up the mysteries of her past and with her uncle perfectly. That part of this book had me salivating. I know this is a 7 book series and I need to put on my patience pants but I am ready for some answers. Oh and the cliffhanger, insane! Well done there!
⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶 1.5/5
Cliffhanger: Yes
Noteworthy: Book 2 of an incomplete series. Dual first-person POV. Content warnings provided. Expected publication date is 9/8/2026.
Let me start by saying I liked many aspects of this book. It's told in dual timelines and the flashback chapters and letters were a highlight for me. Gavin Smyth supremacy is alive and well. The king of yearning defends his crown well. But Ary was much harder for me to digest. I appreciated her growth and maturation. The girl from the start of book 1 and the start of book 2 are completely different. I fully understood her need to prove herself and see things from an outside lens. That part of this book was enjoyable. But the quasi reluctant romance (lustmance?) with Elias felt gross to me. Nearly every interaction for the first 70% of the book she is thinking about how attractive he his or referencing her attraction to him. It was overkill because honestly we got it the first time. He's attractive and she just can't help her reactions. We get it! Elias himself was fine. His fboy energy wasn't a problem for me because his explanation made sense. But it is who he is and it just all felt icky because I expected matched devotion from Ary. I get she didn't have her memories but she had the deep seeded connection. It was disappointing for me. On top of that, this is the horniest book without an open door love scene I've read. What is in the water in this world? 😂
All that being said this book sets up the mysteries of her past and with her uncle perfectly. That part of this book had me salivating. I know this is a 7 book series and I need to put on my patience pants but I am ready for some answers. Oh and the cliffhanger, insane! Well done there!
September 11, 2026
This felt like a 600-page filler book, and I’m getting really tired of authors stretching a story just to squeeze another book out of it. Just write the damn story!
I finally gave up and skipped to the last page, and I’m SO glad I did because Gavin doesn’t even show up until then. I don’t mind a slow burn when there’s actually something happening, but 600 pages of basically nothing? That’s not a slow burn. That’s a hostage situation.
And the loyalty issue… I see what the author was trying to do—create layered characters instead of making everything black and white. But I still need my characters to have some damn emotional loyalty and boundaries. I don’t care if it’s the man or woman doing it. If you’re supposedly in love with someone, I don’t want to spend an entire book watching you entertain feelings for somebody else, especially after HE waited years for your unloyal ass. Pick a lane!
And with that ending?! WHY couldn’t she just run to Gavin?! I’m already expecting book three to be:
“I want Gavin.”
“But I CAN’T.”
“But I love Gavin.”
“But I CAN’T.”
Repeat for 400 pages. 🙄
She has 11 powers and is basically supposed to be powerful enough to save the damn world, but apparently getting the guy she loves is where her powers hit their limit. Girl can probably defeat an entire army, but Gavin? Absolutely impossible.
At this point, PLEASE just let these two actually be together for most of book three. I want to watch them grow, figure each other out, become a team, and actually develop into the power couple they’re clearly capable of being. Give us the relationship before the last damn chapter! Don’t make us wait 600 pages just to get one crumb of them together at the end.
And honestly, give Commander Fuck Boi a different love interest—someone like Mina—and give them a spin-off. I’d actually read that. There’s potential here for more stories and interesting characters, but the author needs to stop following the same predictable BookTok formula and be willing to do something different.
If book three is the LAST book and actually gives us action, answers, character development, and a real payoff, I’m in. Because despite everything, I’m still invested.
Honestly, read book one and wait for book three. Save yourself the 600 pages.
Frustrating, disappointing, way too long… and somehow I’m still invested enough to see how this mess ends.
Apparently I’m the one with no powers—the power to DNF. 🤦♀️😂
I finally gave up and skipped to the last page, and I’m SO glad I did because Gavin doesn’t even show up until then. I don’t mind a slow burn when there’s actually something happening, but 600 pages of basically nothing? That’s not a slow burn. That’s a hostage situation.
And the loyalty issue… I see what the author was trying to do—create layered characters instead of making everything black and white. But I still need my characters to have some damn emotional loyalty and boundaries. I don’t care if it’s the man or woman doing it. If you’re supposedly in love with someone, I don’t want to spend an entire book watching you entertain feelings for somebody else, especially after HE waited years for your unloyal ass. Pick a lane!
And with that ending?! WHY couldn’t she just run to Gavin?! I’m already expecting book three to be:
“I want Gavin.”
“But I CAN’T.”
“But I love Gavin.”
“But I CAN’T.”
Repeat for 400 pages. 🙄
She has 11 powers and is basically supposed to be powerful enough to save the damn world, but apparently getting the guy she loves is where her powers hit their limit. Girl can probably defeat an entire army, but Gavin? Absolutely impossible.
At this point, PLEASE just let these two actually be together for most of book three. I want to watch them grow, figure each other out, become a team, and actually develop into the power couple they’re clearly capable of being. Give us the relationship before the last damn chapter! Don’t make us wait 600 pages just to get one crumb of them together at the end.
And honestly, give Commander Fuck Boi a different love interest—someone like Mina—and give them a spin-off. I’d actually read that. There’s potential here for more stories and interesting characters, but the author needs to stop following the same predictable BookTok formula and be willing to do something different.
If book three is the LAST book and actually gives us action, answers, character development, and a real payoff, I’m in. Because despite everything, I’m still invested.
Honestly, read book one and wait for book three. Save yourself the 600 pages.
Frustrating, disappointing, way too long… and somehow I’m still invested enough to see how this mess ends.
Apparently I’m the one with no powers—the power to DNF. 🤦♀️😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2026
thank you second sky books for the ARC.
i thought Silversmith tore me apart but boy was i in for a surprise.. this book came for my whole heart and i was absolutely not ready! i was crying, anxious, frantic and yearning from beginning to end and the emotional rollercoaster never once let up. Ella's character development through training and stepping into her powers felt satisfying, and watching the Commander's emotions slowly unravel had me empathizing with him in ways i genuinely didn't expect. and Gavin's POV?? reading his letters was so heart wrenching i nearly cried every single time. the plot was so much more entertaining and propulsive this time around, the dark moments hit hard, and i loved Ella's relationship with the twins! i had more than a few good chuckles but my absolute favorite character has to be Shera, she definitely stole my heart.
there are still so many questions i need answered. her uncle is so SUS! I want to know what Molochai and who the other is seeking for her. but THAT ending had me gasping and almost outraged because now i have to wait! i am distraught, i am obsessed and this was the easiest five stars!!
i thought Silversmith tore me apart but boy was i in for a surprise.. this book came for my whole heart and i was absolutely not ready! i was crying, anxious, frantic and yearning from beginning to end and the emotional rollercoaster never once let up. Ella's character development through training and stepping into her powers felt satisfying, and watching the Commander's emotions slowly unravel had me empathizing with him in ways i genuinely didn't expect. and Gavin's POV?? reading his letters was so heart wrenching i nearly cried every single time. the plot was so much more entertaining and propulsive this time around, the dark moments hit hard, and i loved Ella's relationship with the twins! i had more than a few good chuckles but my absolute favorite character has to be Shera, she definitely stole my heart.
there are still so many questions i need answered. her uncle is so SUS! I want to know what Molochai and who the other is seeking for her. but THAT ending had me gasping and almost outraged because now i have to wait! i am distraught, i am obsessed and this was the easiest five stars!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2026
𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳? 𝘙𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦. 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘵𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥.
Have you read The Silversmith and The Incendiary by LJ Claren yet?
I loved The Silversmith and was so excited to jump into The Incendiary.
The Selvaren series is everything we love about Romantasy.
Found Family? Check!
Strong FMC? Check!
Obsessed, Possessive, and Strong MMC? Check!
Training? Check!
Trials? Check
Cool Worldbuilding and Magic? Check!
The Incendiary was an outstanding book 2 in a Romantasy series.
AND THAT ENDING? I HAD TO RE-READ IT THREE TIMES. I NEED BOOK THREE NOW! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
Thank you so much to LJ Claren, Forever Publishing, and Second Sy Books for the eARC. I had to buy a physical copy as soon as it was released!
Have you read The Silversmith and The Incendiary by LJ Claren yet?
I loved The Silversmith and was so excited to jump into The Incendiary.
The Selvaren series is everything we love about Romantasy.
Found Family? Check!
Strong FMC? Check!
Obsessed, Possessive, and Strong MMC? Check!
Training? Check!
Trials? Check
Cool Worldbuilding and Magic? Check!
The Incendiary was an outstanding book 2 in a Romantasy series.
AND THAT ENDING? I HAD TO RE-READ IT THREE TIMES. I NEED BOOK THREE NOW! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
Thank you so much to LJ Claren, Forever Publishing, and Second Sy Books for the eARC. I had to buy a physical copy as soon as it was released!
June 28, 2026
Thank you to Second Sky Books, LJ Claren, and NetGalley for this advanced copy! This book was one of my most anticipated releases and sequels this year and I was so excited to dive in.
I knew I’d be hooked immediately and LJ gave us a Smyth POV to start and we got a “who did this to you” in chapter one. What a way to start the book!
I was living for every Smyth POV chapter and he made me fall even more in love with him. Yearning, possessive, “touch her and die” Smyth was back and did not disappoint!
I absolutely was obsessed with Ary in this book! She turned into such a badass and I couldn’t get enough! Her character growth was so incredibly satisfying and captivating.
As for Elias- I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about him. He was such an interesting and flawed character. I don’t want to say more and spoil anything but I was living for every interaction between Elias and Ary. The tension was so good!
This book, of course, had some heartbreaking moments. My poor sweet Ary has been through more than one person should have to go through. And we got some answers to certain things from book 1. I definitely have more questions though.
And that ending!! 3 words had me squealing, kicking my feet, and cheering. I am very very satisfied and I’m even more excited for the next book!
I knew I’d be hooked immediately and LJ gave us a Smyth POV to start and we got a “who did this to you” in chapter one. What a way to start the book!
I was living for every Smyth POV chapter and he made me fall even more in love with him. Yearning, possessive, “touch her and die” Smyth was back and did not disappoint!
I absolutely was obsessed with Ary in this book! She turned into such a badass and I couldn’t get enough! Her character growth was so incredibly satisfying and captivating.
As for Elias- I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about him. He was such an interesting and flawed character. I don’t want to say more and spoil anything but I was living for every interaction between Elias and Ary. The tension was so good!
This book, of course, had some heartbreaking moments. My poor sweet Ary has been through more than one person should have to go through. And we got some answers to certain things from book 1. I definitely have more questions though.
And that ending!! 3 words had me squealing, kicking my feet, and cheering. I am very very satisfied and I’m even more excited for the next book!
August 15, 2026
We need to contact Webster’s and we need to do it immediately because Gavin Smyth is now the indisputable definition of devotion.
The Incendiary by LJ Claren is book two in The Selvaren — a lyrical fantasy romance series weaving a tale of star crossed lovers through an achingly beautiful journey of love, loss and defiance.
This installment is told through multiple POVs and dual timelines but primarily unfolds in the present through Aryella’s perspective. The pieces we’re given of Gavin & Aryella’s past make my heart physically ache. It’s beautiful. It’s devastating. I want to rage against the forces that did this to them. I want to cry for what they’ve lost. I want to beg love’s endurance be enough. I need to believe in a world that lets them find their way home.
The Incendiary releases September 8th and I truly believe this is a must-read series for fantasy romance fans. In order to manage spice expectations I think it’s important to note that while it’s explicit in its imaginings — it’s closed door in practice. As someone that generally avoids closed door romance I can honestly say that this is the exception. Gavin’s steadfast devotion in both words and action are some of the hottest things I’ve ever read.
I’m Oliver Twist. “Please, sir, I want some more.”
Book three can’t come fast enough.
The Incendiary by LJ Claren is book two in The Selvaren — a lyrical fantasy romance series weaving a tale of star crossed lovers through an achingly beautiful journey of love, loss and defiance.
This installment is told through multiple POVs and dual timelines but primarily unfolds in the present through Aryella’s perspective. The pieces we’re given of Gavin & Aryella’s past make my heart physically ache. It’s beautiful. It’s devastating. I want to rage against the forces that did this to them. I want to cry for what they’ve lost. I want to beg love’s endurance be enough. I need to believe in a world that lets them find their way home.
The Incendiary releases September 8th and I truly believe this is a must-read series for fantasy romance fans. In order to manage spice expectations I think it’s important to note that while it’s explicit in its imaginings — it’s closed door in practice. As someone that generally avoids closed door romance I can honestly say that this is the exception. Gavin’s steadfast devotion in both words and action are some of the hottest things I’ve ever read.
I’m Oliver Twist. “Please, sir, I want some more.”
Book three can’t come fast enough.
August 24, 2026
Remember when I told you guys that The Silversmith was my favorite read of the year? Well now I can confirm that the Selvaren series is my new favorite fantasy romance series EVER! 😩🙌🏼
Ary is my motha-freakin’ GIRLLL. The feminine rage! She goes through so so much but she’s still so strong 🥺
Gavyn is of course still my favorite yearner ever.. this man is everything.
There were no boring parts in this book. I couldn’t put it down I was so hooked and obsessed.
Now I will be lying on my death bed until I can read book 3. 😭 That ending was.. I HAVE NO WORDS. 😳
Ary is my motha-freakin’ GIRLLL. The feminine rage! She goes through so so much but she’s still so strong 🥺
Gavyn is of course still my favorite yearner ever.. this man is everything.
There were no boring parts in this book. I couldn’t put it down I was so hooked and obsessed.
Now I will be lying on my death bed until I can read book 3. 😭 That ending was.. I HAVE NO WORDS. 😳
August 7, 2026
This is going to be such an unpopular opinion, but please remember 3 stars is still a good rating. I enjoyed this book, I did, but, “The Silversmith” was a 5 star read for me. One I read in less than 24 hours. This one took me over 5 days to finish and while it was good, there are some things that just didn’t work for me. That said, I want to thank Second Sky/Forever and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I also want to preface this review with the fact that I will be continuing on with this series. I’ve heard it’s going to be 5 books. No idea where the author’s going to go with this story to fill 5 books, but that’s why Claren is an author and I’m not.
Now, let’s start with what I did like. You get to finally hear about the past. Gavin’s pov’s were my favorite parts of the book and let me warn you, that’s all you get. He is not in this book other than ‘past’ Gavin. I didn’t like that.
The side characters. There are so many great side characters in this book and I loved that. Good MC’s are great but it’s even better when there are other characters you really like too. The author did a great job of making me like the side characters but not more than the two MC’s.
The world building. For our high fantasy lovers, you’ll like this part. The world building is excellent throughout. The author gives you a lot and leaves you with questions but the good kind, the kind that keep you eagerly anticipating the next book.
The cliffhanger. It’s extremely rare that I enjoy a cliffhanger, but the way this was done, BADASS. Yes, LJ Claren, you did this right! 5 stars for that cliffhanger.
Onto what I didn’t like… the second love interest. I get it. I understand the choice. I just didn’t like it. When you have a Gavin Smyth, why you gotta do us like that? Elias…. Eh, he’s ok. I don’t hate him, I don’t like him… I feel about him like I feel about the rain. I get why it’s there but I don’t have to love it. And I sure don’t want our FMC to “splash” around in it.
I already mentioned the lack of Gavin Smyth in this book but it’s worth mentioning again. I would have loved to see present day pov’s from him. Maybe we will find out what happened in his life in later books, but I would have liked to see the present day in this one.
The pacing. To me, this book’s pacing felt slow. I was invested but not nearly as invested as the previous book. Again, this is my perspective and to some it may feel right on point but to me, I just kind of wanted to “skip to the good parts”. A feeling like that, tells me this book is too slow.
Reading is subjective and these are my opinions. I want to reiterate that I did like the book but it just didn’t give me the same feelings I had with book 1. 3 stars.
Now, let’s start with what I did like. You get to finally hear about the past. Gavin’s pov’s were my favorite parts of the book and let me warn you, that’s all you get. He is not in this book other than ‘past’ Gavin. I didn’t like that.
The side characters. There are so many great side characters in this book and I loved that. Good MC’s are great but it’s even better when there are other characters you really like too. The author did a great job of making me like the side characters but not more than the two MC’s.
The world building. For our high fantasy lovers, you’ll like this part. The world building is excellent throughout. The author gives you a lot and leaves you with questions but the good kind, the kind that keep you eagerly anticipating the next book.
The cliffhanger. It’s extremely rare that I enjoy a cliffhanger, but the way this was done, BADASS. Yes, LJ Claren, you did this right! 5 stars for that cliffhanger.
Onto what I didn’t like… the second love interest. I get it. I understand the choice. I just didn’t like it. When you have a Gavin Smyth, why you gotta do us like that? Elias…. Eh, he’s ok. I don’t hate him, I don’t like him… I feel about him like I feel about the rain. I get why it’s there but I don’t have to love it. And I sure don’t want our FMC to “splash” around in it.
I already mentioned the lack of Gavin Smyth in this book but it’s worth mentioning again. I would have loved to see present day pov’s from him. Maybe we will find out what happened in his life in later books, but I would have liked to see the present day in this one.
The pacing. To me, this book’s pacing felt slow. I was invested but not nearly as invested as the previous book. Again, this is my perspective and to some it may feel right on point but to me, I just kind of wanted to “skip to the good parts”. A feeling like that, tells me this book is too slow.
Reading is subjective and these are my opinions. I want to reiterate that I did like the book but it just didn’t give me the same feelings I had with book 1. 3 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT...This series just LEVELED UP, and it was already top tier to begin with!!
I LOVED The Silversmith so much and could not wait to read what happened next for our girl Ary. The Incendiary, book 2 in The Selvaren series was everything and more...WOW!
I swooned
I giggled
I GASPED
I CRIED....BOY DID I CRY!!
But most importantly I fell MORE IN LOVE with these characters and this story ♥️♥️♥️
The growth and strength we see as Ary finds herself is beautiful. She has so much pressure and expectation as a leader and in this war with Molochai. There is so much to think about, and consider and I just ache for her to feel like she has some sense of control over it all. Something for herself. But I love that she is not afraid to do the hard things, and figure it out her way! 😍
We also get to meet/know some new, and might I add fantastic, characters this go around. They compliment and add to the story with witt, love, intensity and maybe even some "It's complicated" moments. One particular Commander took me through quite the rollercoaster of FEELings, I must say! 😏 Gah...you just have to read it to find out for yourself....they are just so good!
And Gavin Smyth...getting to see more of him had me swooning and crying throughout 😍 That man is at the top of my list of all time favorite MMCs.
I just love the emotion I feel through LJ's writing, it is so rich and descriptive and changes my brain in a way that I can only describe as transfixingly beautiful, and maybe a little addicting 🧡 From page one I was pulled in and captivated by this story. The pacing keeps you NEEDing to find out what happens next. And that ending had me pacing my living room!! No joke! This book is a must...no question and I want to scream it from the rooftops so everyone else can experience it too!!
I LOVED The Silversmith so much and could not wait to read what happened next for our girl Ary. The Incendiary, book 2 in The Selvaren series was everything and more...WOW!
I swooned
I giggled
I GASPED
I CRIED....BOY DID I CRY!!
But most importantly I fell MORE IN LOVE with these characters and this story ♥️♥️♥️
The growth and strength we see as Ary finds herself is beautiful. She has so much pressure and expectation as a leader and in this war with Molochai. There is so much to think about, and consider and I just ache for her to feel like she has some sense of control over it all. Something for herself. But I love that she is not afraid to do the hard things, and figure it out her way! 😍
We also get to meet/know some new, and might I add fantastic, characters this go around. They compliment and add to the story with witt, love, intensity and maybe even some "It's complicated" moments. One particular Commander took me through quite the rollercoaster of FEELings, I must say! 😏 Gah...you just have to read it to find out for yourself....they are just so good!
And Gavin Smyth...getting to see more of him had me swooning and crying throughout 😍 That man is at the top of my list of all time favorite MMCs.
I just love the emotion I feel through LJ's writing, it is so rich and descriptive and changes my brain in a way that I can only describe as transfixingly beautiful, and maybe a little addicting 🧡 From page one I was pulled in and captivated by this story. The pacing keeps you NEEDing to find out what happens next. And that ending had me pacing my living room!! No joke! This book is a must...no question and I want to scream it from the rooftops so everyone else can experience it too!!
September 7, 2026
“i was convinced the gods themselves had crafted her just to bring me to my knees. and how willingly i would kneel.”
—
i didn’t think it was possible to top the yearning in the silversmith, but man was i wrong. this is a story of forbidden love that will rip your heart out over and over again.
gavin smyth. i love this man so much. his povs were my favorite, especially because i love a dual timeline with flashbacks. the way this man thinks and speaks about ella is heart wrenching. happiness for them both asap please and thank you.
aryella is such a strong fmc who has been through hell and back. her feminine rage this book was everything, and she really grew into her true self. i can’t wait to see even more of her character development throughout the rest of the series.
don’t get me started on elias. i can’t say too much but just know if he has no haters i am dead. he is a very complex, interesting character, who is written very well. however, my beef with him still stands until further notice.
i also adored the side characters in this book and loved the expansion of the found family aspect!
while i will say i saw the ending coming (only because i have trust issues), i need answers right now!!
a huge thank you to LJ and her team for not only allowing me to read a copy of this early, but for having an incredible and welcoming street team. ♥︎
“𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏. 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆. 𝒊 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏.”
—
i didn’t think it was possible to top the yearning in the silversmith, but man was i wrong. this is a story of forbidden love that will rip your heart out over and over again.
gavin smyth. i love this man so much. his povs were my favorite, especially because i love a dual timeline with flashbacks. the way this man thinks and speaks about ella is heart wrenching. happiness for them both asap please and thank you.
aryella is such a strong fmc who has been through hell and back. her feminine rage this book was everything, and she really grew into her true self. i can’t wait to see even more of her character development throughout the rest of the series.
don’t get me started on elias. i can’t say too much but just know if he has no haters i am dead. he is a very complex, interesting character, who is written very well. however, my beef with him still stands until further notice.
i also adored the side characters in this book and loved the expansion of the found family aspect!
while i will say i saw the ending coming (only because i have trust issues), i need answers right now!!
a huge thank you to LJ and her team for not only allowing me to read a copy of this early, but for having an incredible and welcoming street team. ♥︎
“𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏. 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆. 𝒊 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏.”
September 23, 2026
Such a different experience from book 1, i felt WAYY more connected to the characters in this read, so many emotions happened and THIS BOOK CHEWED ME UP AND SPIT ME OUT. Ary is in her FIESTY AND RAGE ERA and i am here for this strong but soft version of her. Thank god for the Gavin flashbacks because i would have (honestly) lost my appeal for the man without the reminders of why we love him so much. The plot in this second book get MUCH bigger, because truthfully in book 1 i felt like everything was a little predictable but now I HAVE NO IDEA what’s going to happen next. EEEKK this was so good
September 14, 2026
This book was just…. Not for me.
I know a lot of people loved it, but I thought it was 600+ pages of a whole lot of NOTHING!
Ella is actually a bit obnoxious in this one, Gavin is written as a cringy, obsessed scary man, and Elias was just as annoying as Ella. Gavin was probably written just as badly in book 1, but for some reason, I hated it in this one more!
All the things I liked from the first book imploded in this book. Ella come across has a fickle female who spent her time kind of thinking about Gavin and being said he didn’t stay after she told him to leave, and being attracted to Elias. It was clear how quickly her heart flipped. It very much cheapened the relationship that was built over centuries and described in book 1. I did not finish the book, but I did skip forward to the end so I could read the ending. I honestly think there is no redeeming this series for me now….. sad day.
I know a lot of people loved it, but I thought it was 600+ pages of a whole lot of NOTHING!
Ella is actually a bit obnoxious in this one, Gavin is written as a cringy, obsessed scary man, and Elias was just as annoying as Ella. Gavin was probably written just as badly in book 1, but for some reason, I hated it in this one more!
All the things I liked from the first book imploded in this book. Ella come across has a fickle female who spent her time kind of thinking about Gavin and being said he didn’t stay after she told him to leave, and being attracted to Elias. It was clear how quickly her heart flipped. It very much cheapened the relationship that was built over centuries and described in book 1. I did not finish the book, but I did skip forward to the end so I could read the ending. I honestly think there is no redeeming this series for me now….. sad day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2026
Omggggg emotional damage 😭😭😭
This was SO emotional! I absolutely loved seeing Ary’s journey, seeing her find her strength and trust herself was so beautiful and well done! The emotional depth, and the character growth had me feeling so protective of Ary! I don’t want to say too much but that cliffhanger is also one of the best I’ve ever read and I will be in PAIN until I can get my hands on the sequel.
Ary gives me Aelin from ToG vibes and I’m obsessed with her.
This was SO emotional! I absolutely loved seeing Ary’s journey, seeing her find her strength and trust herself was so beautiful and well done! The emotional depth, and the character growth had me feeling so protective of Ary! I don’t want to say too much but that cliffhanger is also one of the best I’ve ever read and I will be in PAIN until I can get my hands on the sequel.
Ary gives me Aelin from ToG vibes and I’m obsessed with her.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"I'll never forgive myself for letting you believe, for a single second, that my heart could ever beat for anyone but you."
2 ☆
Okay the silversmith was such an AMAZING book. It gave me every single thing I wanted. The yearning in that book was unreal. The romance was so beautiful 🥹. So when I finished it i was like no i have to jump right into the second book since I have the ARC.
I so badly wanted to enjoy this but I ended up a little disappointed. My favorite part was definitely Gavin. His love for Ella was so groundbreaking. His loyalty towards her was incredible. We got to see their past through his POVSs and I was tearing up at how much he loved her.
My problem with this book was the addition of a second love interest. Nowhere was this advertised as a love triangle where I do feel like it should have been. A Love triangle is a trope i avoid at all costs, it's not something I enjoy reading which is why it threw me off in this book. Ella was physically attracted the Elias, which is fine. But it felt like it completely undermined the concept of the first book where Gavin spent 400 years yearning for her and looking for her. Yet as soon as she met this other man who is her betrothed, you could tell at some points her loyalty was faltering, whether they had any intimate interaction or not, she was attracted to him and you could see that growing. Had this MMC been introduced in the first book and had the build up it could've been better, but just throwing that in there with the second book felt so unnecessary to me. I also had an issue with something that happened during the end of the book, and Ella moved on so so quickly to the second MMC, it felt like whiplash. I really did not enjoy this aspect of the book.
I do see people loving this and the plot was very intriguing along with the world building. However that just wasn't enough to make me overlook the romance aspect.
Thank you LJ Claren, second sky books and Netgalley for this ARC.
2 ☆
Okay the silversmith was such an AMAZING book. It gave me every single thing I wanted. The yearning in that book was unreal. The romance was so beautiful 🥹. So when I finished it i was like no i have to jump right into the second book since I have the ARC.
I so badly wanted to enjoy this but I ended up a little disappointed. My favorite part was definitely Gavin. His love for Ella was so groundbreaking. His loyalty towards her was incredible. We got to see their past through his POVSs and I was tearing up at how much he loved her.
My problem with this book was the addition of a second love interest. Nowhere was this advertised as a love triangle where I do feel like it should have been. A Love triangle is a trope i avoid at all costs, it's not something I enjoy reading which is why it threw me off in this book. Ella was physically attracted the Elias, which is fine. But it felt like it completely undermined the concept of the first book where Gavin spent 400 years yearning for her and looking for her. Yet as soon as she met this other man who is her betrothed, you could tell at some points her loyalty was faltering, whether they had any intimate interaction or not, she was attracted to him and you could see that growing. Had this MMC been introduced in the first book and had the build up it could've been better, but just throwing that in there with the second book felt so unnecessary to me. I also had an issue with something that happened during the end of the book, and Ella moved on so so quickly to the second MMC, it felt like whiplash. I really did not enjoy this aspect of the book.
I do see people loving this and the plot was very intriguing along with the world building. However that just wasn't enough to make me overlook the romance aspect.
Thank you LJ Claren, second sky books and Netgalley for this ARC.
September 11, 2026
Yoooooo WTF!!!
I genuinely feel like I just went 10 rounds with this book and somehow I’m the one apologizing and giving it five stars.
I’m not gonna lie, for the first 60% I was a little nervous. After how absolutely obsessed I was with the first book, this one was not going where I expected it to go. Ary was honestly annoying the shit out of me at times 😂 We’re introduced to a mostly new cast of characters, there’s a military academy/competition setting, and a lot of the characters I fell in love with in book one are missing for a good chunk of the story. It was also slower, with a lot more dialogue and Ary figuring out her magic, her place in the world, and what exactly she wants her future to look like.
I will say, one of my favorite parts throughout the entire book was getting Gavin’s POV from 400 years ago. We get to see how they met, how they fell in love, their marriage, their life together, and it just made me love him and their story even more. The devotion this man has to her is actually insane, and I eat it up every single time.
But then I hit around 60% and apparently LJ decided we had been comfortable for long enough. From that point forward, this book absolutely CHEWED ME UP AND SPIT ME OUT. I was angry. I was shocked. I was literally sobbing. Then I was hopeful. Then I was angry again.
The last 40% is just reveal after reveal after reveal, and suddenly so many little breadcrumbs from earlier in the story start coming together while simultaneously creating about 700 NEW questions. Every time I thought we had reached the big moment, LJ said lol no ❤️ here’s another one.
And that ending!?!?!
LJ CLAREN. COUNT YOUR FUCKING DAYS.
I have never gone from being so unsure about a book halfway through to being this completely feral by the end. The first half may have been slower for me, but the emotional payoff of the second half was absolutely worth it. LJ Claren is a menace. She is diabolical. I do not trust her with my emotional wellbeing whatsoever. But damn, she is GOOD.
I genuinely feel like I just went 10 rounds with this book and somehow I’m the one apologizing and giving it five stars.
I’m not gonna lie, for the first 60% I was a little nervous. After how absolutely obsessed I was with the first book, this one was not going where I expected it to go. Ary was honestly annoying the shit out of me at times 😂 We’re introduced to a mostly new cast of characters, there’s a military academy/competition setting, and a lot of the characters I fell in love with in book one are missing for a good chunk of the story. It was also slower, with a lot more dialogue and Ary figuring out her magic, her place in the world, and what exactly she wants her future to look like.
I will say, one of my favorite parts throughout the entire book was getting Gavin’s POV from 400 years ago. We get to see how they met, how they fell in love, their marriage, their life together, and it just made me love him and their story even more. The devotion this man has to her is actually insane, and I eat it up every single time.
But then I hit around 60% and apparently LJ decided we had been comfortable for long enough. From that point forward, this book absolutely CHEWED ME UP AND SPIT ME OUT. I was angry. I was shocked. I was literally sobbing. Then I was hopeful. Then I was angry again.
The last 40% is just reveal after reveal after reveal, and suddenly so many little breadcrumbs from earlier in the story start coming together while simultaneously creating about 700 NEW questions. Every time I thought we had reached the big moment, LJ said lol no ❤️ here’s another one.
And that ending!?!?!
LJ CLAREN. COUNT YOUR FUCKING DAYS.
I have never gone from being so unsure about a book halfway through to being this completely feral by the end. The first half may have been slower for me, but the emotional payoff of the second half was absolutely worth it. LJ Claren is a menace. She is diabolical. I do not trust her with my emotional wellbeing whatsoever. But damn, she is GOOD.
September 26, 2026
Wow, kaip nebuvau pasiruošus šitai knygai 🤯
Jei galvojau, kad pirmos dalies yearning mane pražudys, tai šita dalis tiesiog sudaužė iš visų pusių.
Gavin POVs ir laiškai draskė širdį, jau nekalbant apie visus įvykius, kurie neleido ramiai nusėdėt vietoj. Labai patiko Aryella augimas, o Elias netikėtai tapo viena įdomesnių šitos istorijos dalių. Dėka šito veikėjo, Ary vidinės dilemos įgavo daugiau svorio.
O apie pabaigą išvis neturiu žodžių. Visiškai EPIC.
Nežinau, kaip dabar reikės išgyvent iki kitų metų, kol bus išleista 3 dalis 🫠
Jei galvojau, kad pirmos dalies yearning mane pražudys, tai šita dalis tiesiog sudaužė iš visų pusių.
Gavin POVs ir laiškai draskė širdį, jau nekalbant apie visus įvykius, kurie neleido ramiai nusėdėt vietoj. Labai patiko Aryella augimas, o Elias netikėtai tapo viena įdomesnių šitos istorijos dalių. Dėka šito veikėjo, Ary vidinės dilemos įgavo daugiau svorio.
O apie pabaigą išvis neturiu žodžių. Visiškai EPIC.
Nežinau, kaip dabar reikės išgyvent iki kitų metų, kol bus išleista 3 dalis 🫠
September 12, 2026
OKAY so LOVE GAVIN SM and ary’s love story!! my favorite part of the book. and im excited for everything this book is building up to. however, the emotional turmoil i went through was insane and to bring gavin back (after being separated the WHOLE book while ary was on her ear/pray/love journey) on the LAST PAGE was a diabolical choice. 10 more months until i can get my mans back. and honestly just hated all the elias romance stuff but i know it was critical to her character development-im just committed to gavin and hate reading pages that are not him
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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