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The Windtorn Chronicles #2

A Crown of Wings & Wrath

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I survived my first year at Thornwick. That was the easy part.

They moved me to Stormwind Squadron—the military's dumping ground for riders who are too dangerous, too valuable, or too damaged for regular units. My new squadmates include a griffin rider who steals memories and a pegasus rider whose healing magic sometimes kills instead of cures.

We're the ones they don't trust. The ones they can't afford to lose.

The Forsaken are hunting anyone with royal blood. And my ability to amplify other riders' powers? That's a signature trait of House Vaelthorne, the royal family everyone thought died twenty years ago.

Turns out, I'm not just some foster kid who got lucky. I'm the last heir to a throne that doesn't exist anymore.

And Kael knew. The whole time.

Captain Kael Blackwater—the man I'm falling for despite every warning sign—was there the night my family was massacred. He's been lying to me since we met, protecting secrets that could get us both killed.

Now we're forced to work together on missions that grow deadlier by the day. Our dragons sync in ways that terrify our superiors. And when we finally kiss, the resonance between our bonds creates a firestorm visible for miles.

But Hollowmaw are breeding in underground tunnels, feeding on stolen dragon blood. The military is conducting illegal experiments on captured riders. And somewhere out there, a man claiming to be my father is building an army using blood magic that corrupts everything it touches.

Why does Kael look at me like he's mourning someone I used to be?

Why are riders with Vaelthorne abilities disappearing, their deaths ruled training accidents?

Why are the Hollowmaw suddenly evolving, targeting me specifically in ways that suggest someone's commanding them?

Kael has answers. About the massacre. About a father who might be alive or might be the architect of every horror I'm facing. About what my power really does and why the military would rather see me dead than risk losing control of me.

He's keeping me alive by keeping me complicit.

And I'm falling for him anyway—for the man who kisses me like an apology while hiding the truth about why things with teeth keep finding me, who might have orders to eliminate me the second my bloodline becomes more valuable dead than alive.

Surviving first year was supposed to be the hard part.

No one warned me the real test is deciding who to trust when everyone's keeping deadly secrets.

Welcome to Stormwind Squadron, where:

Misfits bond over shared damage (or kill each other) Captains keep devastating secrets about your murdered family Something is building an army using corrupted dragon blood The man who saved you might be the one ordered to end you Royal blood isn't a crown—it's a death sentence Perfect for readers who crave: Heroines claiming their power • Bonds tested by lies • Instructors with blood on their hands • Squadron dynamics built on necessity • Romance where truth is the ultimate risk • Betrayal that earns its devastation

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2026

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Laura Moylan.
1,739 reviews
July 13, 2026
Mara wakes after the battle at her father’s facility after 3 weeks in a coma. Zara & Kieran answer her questions. Her dragon, Obsidian is scary and amazing at the same time, as is Mara. Their powers are growing. If not for him, she would be dead. Thornwick Academy gets a new head, Commander Cassian, who has transferred Mara, Zara & Kieran to Stormwind Squadron, where those that are feared are sent, to be isolated because of waking the Devourer King. Blackwater was sent to the capital. It is insane that Mara has only been at the Academy a month, with the majority of it, in a coma. They get sent to Stormwind, the day she wakes, and they meet Captain Elara Vale.

We meet the Captain, Dyson Bekker, (specializing in memory extraction/tactical intelligence), his sovereign is a griffin. Libra Bryant is the medic and hers is a Pegasus. “Dante Cross is the fire specialist and demolitions expert,” with a dragon. All are instructors for our fave Cadets. Then we find out that Captain Kael Blackwater is there as well. I love him, but, what we find out in the previous and this book has me wanting to hug and smack the heck out of him! Vale wants to put Mara undercover as an operative for recon to find out how young dragons are disappearing, as well as how the disenfranchised are recruited. IT is absolutely insane, because Mara has hardly any training at all! With only Zara, Kieran, and Kael as backup, with some help from the instructors, it is a suicide mission to me! When Kael & Mara finally talk, it broke my heart *and his*.

I adore Obsidian and how he talks with Mara. Learning more about the ramifications from her powers are both terrifying and exhilarating. I feel bad for Mara, because there is sooooo much thrown onto her shoulders and she is pretty much clueless and a noobie in the supernatural. However, her upbringing does serve her well and prepared her for some of the things that she has to deal with throughout the book. The Forsaken and everything that we thought we knew is blown away by new information and the ramifications and revelations from it all is mind-boggling.

I was devastated by it all, as were our fave Cadets, as well as Blackwater. Even tho he knew some of the things from his past. I love how much she learns in this book. Everything is so much more complex. When Kael admits his true feelings for Mara to her, I was shocked and it was romantic. But, of course, it is explosive and they get interrupted. Then, I pretty much wanted to yell at him for what happens next.

Then we find out what is kidnapping the young dragons and what is being done to them. It made me cry. Pretty much, the Hollowmaw, a type of monster has been doing things to them that is horrifying. We find out so much, as well as that it is a vast undertaking. As well as there is collusion. Betrayal. The fight scenes are epic and scary. Mara goes above and beyond, because there is only something that she can do. I felt sick at what the Hollowmaw are capable of, and how widespread everything is.

Learning everything is horrifying and broke my heart. I love how Mara and Zara can have convos without saying a word. I love Kieran and how he always backs them up. Everything that happens in the second half of the book is absolutely crazy and had me ranting and cursing in 5 languages. As well as crying. We find out so much more about Mara’s ancestry. The ending had me very upset, so I hope more gets resolved in the next book. People in power think that they are doing the right thing in order to keep their power. But, they are idiots and are destroying what the people want. They never think of the consequences. They think everything and everyone is expendable. This isn’t true. I hope Karma kicks them in the teeth!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sabrina Mordini.
586 reviews15 followers
July 22, 2026
DNF @ 38%

TL;DR: The story is incredibly fast-paced—so much so that there's little time to develop the characters, relationships, or the world. If you enjoyed the high-energy style of Fourth Wing, this may still work for you, but I found the execution lacking.

I really wanted to get into this book. I had some issues with the first installment, but I still enjoyed it enough to finish and was curious to see where the story would go. One thing I appreciated in book one was the older FMC. A heroine in her 30s with life experience, confidence, and a personality of her own felt refreshing.

Unfortunately, a lot of that disappeared in book two. In the first book, the characters had distinct voices and recognizable speech patterns. Here, everyone sounded the same, making the dialogue feel flat and interchangeable.

The pacing was relentless. Events happened one after another, but the story rarely slowed down long enough for the characters—or the reader—to process them. Relationships never had the chance to develop naturally because the plot was constantly moving to the next event. For me, that left both the characters and the world feeling underdeveloped.

What ultimately made me stop reading, though, were the inconsistencies.



In the end, these issues pulled me out of the story too often for me to enjoy it. I still think the overarching plot has potential, but for me the execution needed more room to breathe, stronger internal consistency, and another round of editing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rebecca Hill.
898 reviews10 followers
July 13, 2026
A Crown of Wings & Wrath is the second book in Trim's The Windtorn Chronicles. This book picks up where the first, A Bond of Fire & Fury, leaves off so it is important to read them in order.

When A Bond of Fire & Fury ended it seemed that Mara Sinclair's time had come to an end. Fortunately, that was not the case. Mara was unconscious for several weeks and should have died but managed to survive her injuries. Unfortunately, the military decided that they knew too much and should be treated as a weapon. Mara, her best friend Zara, and their friend Kieran are moved from Thornwick Academy to Stormwind Squadron, a special forces unit. There these cadets met their new squadmates - Dyson Brekker, specialist in memory extraction and tactical intelligence, Liora Bryant, medical specialist with battlefield triage expertise, and Dante Cross, fire specialist and demolitions expert. Time would tell if they should be considered friend or foe.

Mara is informed by Captain Elara Vale that Commander Cassian sees her Vaelthorne abilities as valuable, outweighing the risks. They want to send her undercover into a Forsaken recruitment operation without training. Mara just wants to be useful. She is surprised to learn that Captain Kael Blackwater has joined them at Stormwind to act as her advisor and combat instructor. The last time she saw him, they shared a kiss.

What follows is a series of exciting and captivating adventures with a variety of twists and turns. Some of the highlights include:
-Mara's amplification abilities affecting others leading to the creation of bonds which may not be temporary;
-internal sabotage to the Stormwind wards leading to a scary Hollowmaw attack along with tragic losses;
-discover of a classified breeding program;
-when the enemy of your enemy becomes your friend;
-Mara being accused of treason
... and more!

I am thoroughly enjoying this new series. Trim continues to deliver in this second (of six) book, keeping readers engaged. The story has very few moments where things slow down, keeping us on the edge of our seats, eager to read what comes next. I love how Mara continues to grow into herself, testing her limits but also learning to lean on her friends. She never had people she could trust before and now she has both Kara and Kieran... and it would seem Kael as well. I love her connection to Obsidian and how their bond continues to grow. I'm entirely invested in this story and eagerly awaiting the next book, A Throne of Blood & Betrayal, which is expected in September.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,834 reviews38 followers
July 9, 2026
THE WINDTORN CHRONICLES: Source: Booksprout.
A CROWN OF WINGS AND WRATH, #2 - This book is intense! It picks up three weeks after A Bond ends and does not let up. Interesting story lines and characters and a whole lotta action. Read it in one sitting. 5*

A BOND OF FIRE AND FURY, #1 - What a good start to a new series. Intriguing story lines, an interesting variety of characters, and plenty of action. 5*

TWISTED SISTERS MIDLIFE MAELSTROM:
Source: Booksprout.
PACKING SERIOUS MAGICAL MOJO - I love this author and am unhappy that I didn't start this series in 2022. There are many books in this series now. Six sisters that get along well, each with her own strengths, a bit of magic and ghosts, and plenty of humor. Fun characters, interesting story lines and a good pace made for a relaxing, entertaining way to while away a couple of hours. Source: The author. 5*

GRIS-GRIS & GRAVEYARD GHOSTS, #15 - Having only read the first book of this series, it didn't matter that I missed books two through fourteen. This book had me immersed in the intriguing story lines, interesting characters, and fast-paced happenings. It doesn't matter the series, Ms. Trim is a kick-a## storyteller. 5*

SANTIAGO SORCERY & STREETCAR SECRETS, #16 - This book just grabbed me from the get go. Ms. Trim has a talented that doesn't abate. Plenty of everything, goo s characters, good story lines, and action. 5*
TWISTED SISTERS MIDLIFE MAELSTROM end.
Profile Image for Carole.
2,462 reviews17 followers
July 10, 2026
A Crown of Wings & Wrath is the second book in the Windtorn Chronicles whose FMC Mara is now part of the Stormwind Squadron, not exactly an honor.
These were the misfits who couldn’t be trusted, yet too valuable to lose.
The magic in Mara’s blood makes her special and is believed to lead back to the royal house of Vaelthorne, a line thought to have died out years past.
Captain Kael Blackwater someone who has awakened feelings in her was privy to the knowledge but failed to let Mara in on the secret.
Another intense addition to the storyline unfolds which continues the sparks of danger, enemies, dragons, mystery, revelations, adventure, passions, emotion, and bonding, as the plot advances, so do the thrills in a well written narrative powered by its wonderfully complex characters who will hold a reader spellbound in nail biting suspense.
Settle in for an excellent read that will be continued through four more books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tutsie Kativhu.
157 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2026
Another action packed instalment to the saga of Windtorn Chronicles, another dragon themed story with our protagonist finding nothing is as it should be, again. I loved the twist of the bond between Mara, Kael and Obsidian. The half truths continue, Mara's magic grows and shakes, the future remains unsure because every other hour someone is trying to kill or capture our FL and traitors abound everywhere, who can truly be trusted? We wait to see what the next book brings. Great read although I did find myself wishing for the hecticness to slow down at times, it makes it way too unreal( I know that's weird for a lover of the fantasy genre) but this on, on, on without taking a single beat theme, is something I have observed in almost all the Brenda Trim books I've read, it sometimes gives me figurative whiplash.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for LaVonna.
115 reviews
Read
July 9, 2026
What would you do if your known world was unraveling before your eyes?

Mara has survived her first year at the Thornwick Academy but now life has become even more dangerous, and more treacherous as she navigates being assigned to the Stormwind Squadron.

This is not a reward, instead it's a harsh lesson in knowing who your friends are and more importantly who they AREN'T. This doesn't stop feelings of attraction though and dealing with Kael is even more complicated than Mara could ever imagine.

A Crowne of Wings and Wrath is the second book in the Windtorn Chronicles series. I am truly enjoying these books as there is plenty of action and adventure for the Heroine and the author does not shy away from complicated friendships and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lori.
631 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2026
I really liked the first book in this series and was looking forward to the next, but I was a little bit disappointed in this one. The storyline was amazing and I loved the dragons (and all the rest) but it was a little bit slow moving. Mara is kind of all over the place, falling for Kael, wondering if she should trust him, worried about her father possibly being alive and doing evil things. For everything that was happening, I would think this book would have moved just a little bit faster. I will be reading the next one, definitely.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,550 reviews18 followers
August 5, 2026
This is the second book in the series. The characters keep fighting against the danger and the secrets keep finding the light of day. The move to Stormwind Squadron was to keep them contained, but more secrets have been revealed and more danger is coming.

More secrets and powers are revealed from the House of Vaelthorne and Mara's powers keep growing. Kael knew all along who she was but he kept it to himself. Now Mara is questioning why and if she can trust him.

I am loving this series and can't wait to read more to come. Great characters and a lot of secrets, danger, and deception going on. I look foward to the reveal of more.
Profile Image for Denise.
3,881 reviews
July 9, 2026
I'm not going to try to tell you all the things that happen in this book. From the time Mara awakens in the infirmary, three weeks after the raid on her father's lab, until the end of the book, the hits never stop coming. Traitors abound and a new enemy emerges. Juvenile dragons are disappearing and Kael is keeping secrets. Buckle up, buttercup. This one is a doozy. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jodie Cary.
1,011 reviews7 followers
July 24, 2026
This is Book 2 of the Windtorn Chronicles series, and I was hooked back into the characters' lives right from the start and couldn't put the book down. Awesome characters! Awesome storyline! I love Mara and all the characters in this book; I can't wait to read more and more! Dragons, Griffins, Phoenix's, Magic, Riders, an exciting read!
I love reading books from this author too, I am HOOKED!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,683 reviews8 followers
July 13, 2026
A Crown of Wings & Wrath Book 2 of The Windtorn Chronicles by Brenda Trim is another intense, dramatic, action filled with betrayal. Well written book, flows nicely and is addictive, I couldn't put it down! Next one please. Highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tanya.
1,045 reviews6 followers
July 22, 2026
If you love dragons this a great book for you. It’s slow paced and not really a romance even though there is a romantic interest. I will say it dragged for me. I’m not one for repetitive thoughts and there was plenty of it in here. The saving grace is the interesting plot line.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,360 reviews27 followers
August 1, 2026
This is one fantastic story with many different super naturals, that make this and outstanding read! this is a fantastic second book in a series that I am excited for more of! I absolutely love it!!! Sorry No Spoilers!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.2k reviews129 followers
July 18, 2026
I've read several books written by Brenda Trim; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Windtorn Chronciles; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Mara, Zara, Kieran & Kael.
1,692 reviews8 followers
August 4, 2026
This is the second book in the series which continues after the first book. It was fast paced with lots of action and things going on. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nan.
1,379 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2026
An adrenaline rush of a story, with the characters racing from engagement to catastrophe to heart-wrenching discoveries. Through it all the found family Mara has forged becomes the backbone for everything.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
697 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2026
So I was totally captivated by this book moment I started reading it. I was totally hooked. I had to read it all the way through it. I can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
27 reviews
July 17, 2026
I fell in love with the first book, and I was worried about the bar it set.

This book matched the pace, the plot and the characters. There was no lacking or that feeling of "second book" where its just not quite as good.

I am so excited for the next one!

Just one fault is that it frustrated me that the same of similar sentence of how everyone was looking at the FMC with curiosity/contempt/hatered continued to be used. I really feel like that sentence could be dumped completely and it would have no negative impact but would remove irritation
Profile Image for Anne-Marie .
1,010 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy
July 24, 2026
Loving this series. So much action and mystery.

The characters are well thought out, I really like Mara and her dragon, Obsidian. The storyline is strong and full of action. What is not to love about it. This is the second book in The Windtorn Chronicles and it's not a standalone. Please read A Bond of Fire & Fury first.

If you like dragons, action, and mystery this series is for you. You can read the synopsis to know what you are going to read. I don't like giving away the storyline in my reviews.

I highly recommend this book and series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews