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A Palace of Cosmic Flame
“What happens when too much godly power is forced into one body?”
Amidst the aftermath of the Battle of Caelestis, Maeve Willawood awakens in foreign territory, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and holding power that no mortal should contain. The one she swore could be trusted has betrayed her, and everything she thought she knew regarding the past year has been unravelled.
Plans persistently fall through and lives are endangered when a former threat is rediscovered. The stakes rise with each passing moment and Maeve struggles to find a balance that protects the lives of her loved ones along with her own. Ultimately, she will stop at nothing to ensure she follows her soul’s destiny, even if it means she must abandon herself.
While coming to terms with unexpected lust and devastating loss, Maeve also must navigate the addition of a new hazard. One much worse than she ever could have predicted. A being that is far too lethal to roam freely.
The bounds of mortality are tested, and when such a thin thread begins to fray, how far can one go before they are torn?
Amidst the aftermath of the Battle of Caelestis, Maeve Willawood awakens in foreign territory, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and holding power that no mortal should contain. The one she swore could be trusted has betrayed her, and everything she thought she knew regarding the past year has been unravelled.
Plans persistently fall through and lives are endangered when a former threat is rediscovered. The stakes rise with each passing moment and Maeve struggles to find a balance that protects the lives of her loved ones along with her own. Ultimately, she will stop at nothing to ensure she follows her soul’s destiny, even if it means she must abandon herself.
While coming to terms with unexpected lust and devastating loss, Maeve also must navigate the addition of a new hazard. One much worse than she ever could have predicted. A being that is far too lethal to roam freely.
The bounds of mortality are tested, and when such a thin thread begins to fray, how far can one go before they are torn?
591 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2026
About the author
Liv Webster
2 books102 followersLiv Webster is a romance and fantasy author from a small town in Massachusetts. She has been writing ever since she was young, writing her first story when she was seven years old. She wrote a story about Cinderella as a fish, and as you can imagine, it did not end up on the best sellers list.
When she is not writing, Liv enjoys reading, baking, spending time at the beach and all things science. She lives and breathes for her two sons, who are her greatest motivations to be the best version of herself.
Liv is an avid mental health advocate, and showcases that in her writing with various themes of mental illness. She wrote her first book while in the trenches of postpartum, and honestly believes that writing was a huge role in her recovery mentally (Also a bunch of caffeine and the occasional glass of Chardonnay)
When she is not writing, Liv enjoys reading, baking, spending time at the beach and all things science. She lives and breathes for her two sons, who are her greatest motivations to be the best version of herself.
Liv is an avid mental health advocate, and showcases that in her writing with various themes of mental illness. She wrote her first book while in the trenches of postpartum, and honestly believes that writing was a huge role in her recovery mentally (Also a bunch of caffeine and the occasional glass of Chardonnay)
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April 12, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy received from the Author:
A power so divine it burns, breaks, and rebirths
This book doesn’t just ask what happens when too much godly power is forced into one body… it answers with chaos, heartbreak, and a heroine who refuses to shatter quietly.
Maeve Willawood wakes up in the aftermath of devastation, and from the very first page, you can feel the ground shifting beneath her feet. Nothing is stable. Not her surroundings, not her allies, and certainly not the overwhelming power coiling inside her like a storm that’s learning how to breathe. Watching her grapple with that power is like watching lightning try to cage itself. Beautiful, terrifying, and impossible to look away from.
The betrayal? It cuts deep. The kind that lingers in your chest and makes every interaction feel loaded. Trust is a fragile currency in this story, and it’s spent recklessly. Every twist tightens the tension, every revelation peels back another layer of what you thought you understood.
And then there’s the emotional core. Maeve isn’t just battling enemies. She’s battling herself. Her identity, her limits, her heart. The push and pull between duty, desire, and destiny is exquisite. The romance simmers in that dangerous space between vulnerability and ruin, adding just the right amount of heat without overshadowing the high-stakes plot.
The pacing keeps you hooked like a blade at your throat. Just when you think you can breathe, something darker emerges. A new threat, more lethal than anything before, raises the stakes to a level that feels almost mythic. Mortality itself becomes a question mark, and the story leans fully into that tension.
By the end, you’re left wondering not just how far Maeve will go… but what will be left of her when she gets there.
If you love:
✨ Overpowered heroines on the brink
✨ Betrayal that actually hurts
✨ High-stakes fantasy with emotional depth
✨ A slow spiral into something darker and bigger than mortality
Then this book will own you.
It’s fierce. It’s aching. It’s blazing with divine chaos. And I am absolutely not okay after it.
A power so divine it burns, breaks, and rebirths
This book doesn’t just ask what happens when too much godly power is forced into one body… it answers with chaos, heartbreak, and a heroine who refuses to shatter quietly.
Maeve Willawood wakes up in the aftermath of devastation, and from the very first page, you can feel the ground shifting beneath her feet. Nothing is stable. Not her surroundings, not her allies, and certainly not the overwhelming power coiling inside her like a storm that’s learning how to breathe. Watching her grapple with that power is like watching lightning try to cage itself. Beautiful, terrifying, and impossible to look away from.
The betrayal? It cuts deep. The kind that lingers in your chest and makes every interaction feel loaded. Trust is a fragile currency in this story, and it’s spent recklessly. Every twist tightens the tension, every revelation peels back another layer of what you thought you understood.
And then there’s the emotional core. Maeve isn’t just battling enemies. She’s battling herself. Her identity, her limits, her heart. The push and pull between duty, desire, and destiny is exquisite. The romance simmers in that dangerous space between vulnerability and ruin, adding just the right amount of heat without overshadowing the high-stakes plot.
The pacing keeps you hooked like a blade at your throat. Just when you think you can breathe, something darker emerges. A new threat, more lethal than anything before, raises the stakes to a level that feels almost mythic. Mortality itself becomes a question mark, and the story leans fully into that tension.
By the end, you’re left wondering not just how far Maeve will go… but what will be left of her when she gets there.
If you love:
✨ Overpowered heroines on the brink
✨ Betrayal that actually hurts
✨ High-stakes fantasy with emotional depth
✨ A slow spiral into something darker and bigger than mortality
Then this book will own you.
It’s fierce. It’s aching. It’s blazing with divine chaos. And I am absolutely not okay after it.
June 1, 2026
Woah...
After I LOVED book 1, I knew Book 2 had some serious work to live up to those high standards of it's predecessor.
Challenge Accepted and Challenge Achieved.
This was immense. I stormed through it just as quickly as a cosmic flame.
The characters are still complex and genuine, and the pacing made me hold a breath I didn't know i was holding, until I finished it and gasped at the ending!
After I LOVED book 1, I knew Book 2 had some serious work to live up to those high standards of it's predecessor.
Challenge Accepted and Challenge Achieved.
This was immense. I stormed through it just as quickly as a cosmic flame.
The characters are still complex and genuine, and the pacing made me hold a breath I didn't know i was holding, until I finished it and gasped at the ending!
May 25, 2026
4.5⭐️ rounded to 5⭐️
Thank you to the author for this advanced copy. I found it very easy to jump back into this book and the world despite reading book 1 months ago. This book picks right back up where book 1 left off. Maeve is hurt and angry at Sebastian for not telling her about his mother’s diary. I found Maeve’s reactions very relatable even if she was maybe a little hard on Sebastian. I thought the mental health representation was done so well and I could relate to some of Maeve’s behavior and characteristics. She is flawed but working through her issues and I love how Seb loves her.
The plot from book 1 continued moving forward toward the devastating cliffhanger of this book. I’m going to be heartbroken if a certain person is actually dead but I don’t know how said person is not dead after the events of the final chapters.
My only dislikes were Maeve’s father and her relationship with him could have used some more development. Having him be introduced in the beginning almost felt pointless in light of how little of a role he played in most of the book. I also wished Lumosia would have been described and featured a little more. I feel like the other kingdoms have been described in detail and I can imagine what they look like and their characteristics but I can’t say that the same for Lumosia. I like to immerse myself in the worlds when I’m reading and I had a hard time with the setting of this one.
Overall, this was a strong sequel with a lot of relationship development, some amazing found family, and a brutal cliffhanger.
Thank you to the author for this advanced copy. I found it very easy to jump back into this book and the world despite reading book 1 months ago. This book picks right back up where book 1 left off. Maeve is hurt and angry at Sebastian for not telling her about his mother’s diary. I found Maeve’s reactions very relatable even if she was maybe a little hard on Sebastian. I thought the mental health representation was done so well and I could relate to some of Maeve’s behavior and characteristics. She is flawed but working through her issues and I love how Seb loves her.
The plot from book 1 continued moving forward toward the devastating cliffhanger of this book. I’m going to be heartbroken if a certain person is actually dead but I don’t know how said person is not dead after the events of the final chapters.
My only dislikes were Maeve’s father and her relationship with him could have used some more development. Having him be introduced in the beginning almost felt pointless in light of how little of a role he played in most of the book. I also wished Lumosia would have been described and featured a little more. I feel like the other kingdoms have been described in detail and I can imagine what they look like and their characteristics but I can’t say that the same for Lumosia. I like to immerse myself in the worlds when I’m reading and I had a hard time with the setting of this one.
Overall, this was a strong sequel with a lot of relationship development, some amazing found family, and a brutal cliffhanger.
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June 5, 2026ARC REVIEW:
When I tell you I was NOT emotionally ready for the cliffhanger of this book, believe me. Just when I think it couldn’t get better. Liv Webster one ups her own book 😂
Ooh girl! Maeve did not! Oh but she did 😂
Liv Webster has knocked this one out of the park! This book was everything a 2nd book should be.
The story was a beautiful progression of love, forgiveness, angst,yearning and spice!
My favorite scene was the Courtyard scene. IYKYK. 🥵❤️🔥
Sebastian,Sawyer, Maeve, Pia are all sexy sexy characters I love them all. This book made me laugh out loud, it had me swooning, it made me cry. I don’t know how Liv does it, but this book pulls you in, and will have you wanting to read late into the night. If you’re not reading the ARC you NEED to add it to your shelves. Go do it now! You will not regret it.
I already wish I had the 3rd book 😭
Thank you Liv for allowing me to be on your street team and trusting me to ARC read in this world you’ve created 🥰❤️
When I tell you I was NOT emotionally ready for the cliffhanger of this book, believe me. Just when I think it couldn’t get better. Liv Webster one ups her own book 😂
Ooh girl! Maeve did not! Oh but she did 😂
Liv Webster has knocked this one out of the park! This book was everything a 2nd book should be.
The story was a beautiful progression of love, forgiveness, angst,yearning and spice!
My favorite scene was the Courtyard scene. IYKYK. 🥵❤️🔥
Sebastian,Sawyer, Maeve, Pia are all sexy sexy characters I love them all. This book made me laugh out loud, it had me swooning, it made me cry. I don’t know how Liv does it, but this book pulls you in, and will have you wanting to read late into the night. If you’re not reading the ARC you NEED to add it to your shelves. Go do it now! You will not regret it.
I already wish I had the 3rd book 😭
Thank you Liv for allowing me to be on your street team and trusting me to ARC read in this world you’ve created 🥰❤️
June 5, 2026
This is an ARC review. Thank for the opportunity to read this book!
I was so excited to read this book after reading the first one in the series. I absolutely loved A Kingdom of Salt and Stone, so I’ll admit that I went into this book with really high expectations. Unfortunately I didn’t quite enjoy this book as much. I liked it and finished the whole thing and will definitely be reading if the author comes out with a third book as I am fully invested in seeing where this story goes. There were definitely some beautiful moments that were wonderfully written that saved this book for me. However this book just wasn’t my cup of tea. For me the book felt repetitive as the characters continued to face challenges and for the most part had the same arguments the same plan of action the same interpersonal issues and the same banter throughout the book. In my opinion a good amount of the book lacked forward momentum in the progress of the story and it stagnated. This very well could have been an intentional writing choice allowing the author to focus on other aspects of the story or world building and it just wasn’t something that matched my preferences for when reading. Now towards the end when things started moving a bit more I really enjoyed reading and I will say that cliffhanger was diabolical on the author’s part. I am genuinely excited for any future books and can’t wait to see what happens next. I think this story has so much potential. Overall I think this is a wonderful series so far so if you’re looking for a fantasy series this one might be one to add to your TBR.
I was so excited to read this book after reading the first one in the series. I absolutely loved A Kingdom of Salt and Stone, so I’ll admit that I went into this book with really high expectations. Unfortunately I didn’t quite enjoy this book as much. I liked it and finished the whole thing and will definitely be reading if the author comes out with a third book as I am fully invested in seeing where this story goes. There were definitely some beautiful moments that were wonderfully written that saved this book for me. However this book just wasn’t my cup of tea. For me the book felt repetitive as the characters continued to face challenges and for the most part had the same arguments the same plan of action the same interpersonal issues and the same banter throughout the book. In my opinion a good amount of the book lacked forward momentum in the progress of the story and it stagnated. This very well could have been an intentional writing choice allowing the author to focus on other aspects of the story or world building and it just wasn’t something that matched my preferences for when reading. Now towards the end when things started moving a bit more I really enjoyed reading and I will say that cliffhanger was diabolical on the author’s part. I am genuinely excited for any future books and can’t wait to see what happens next. I think this story has so much potential. Overall I think this is a wonderful series so far so if you’re looking for a fantasy series this one might be one to add to your TBR.
June 3, 2026
This book picks up right where we left off in Book 1, and this was a wild ride! This book was full of tension, action, intrigue, secrets, and plenty of 🌶️.
Maeve is still so relatable and so real in her struggles. She’s beautifully flawed, and I relate to her anxiety and her struggle of overthinking everything to the depths of my soul. She’s willing to do anything to protect those she loves, even if that means sacrificing herself to do so. And her loved ones want to throttle her for that. 😂
Some people may have a hard time understanding Maeve’s struggle in forgiving Seb for the first chunk of this book, but I get it. My brain works like Maeve’s, and seeing that type of mental health rep in stories I love always makes me feel seen. 🥹
There was plenty of tension between her and Seb in this one, and I was dying for us to finally get to the part where they kiss and makeup. And kiss and makeup they did! 🥵
As the plot of this book progressed, we got to learn a little more about the gods, and it definitely provided more intrigue to the overarching storyline. We also got to travel to new kingdoms and meet a few new characters that added some new dynamics to our group.
Be prepared for one hell of a cliffhanger. I won’t lie, the ending of this book will gut you. Secrets are revealed, tragedy strikes, and hearts are left broken.
Thank you so much to Liv Webster and IRIS Influencer Society for the gifted ARC! I can’t wait for Book 3! 🖤🗡️✨
Maeve is still so relatable and so real in her struggles. She’s beautifully flawed, and I relate to her anxiety and her struggle of overthinking everything to the depths of my soul. She’s willing to do anything to protect those she loves, even if that means sacrificing herself to do so. And her loved ones want to throttle her for that. 😂
Some people may have a hard time understanding Maeve’s struggle in forgiving Seb for the first chunk of this book, but I get it. My brain works like Maeve’s, and seeing that type of mental health rep in stories I love always makes me feel seen. 🥹
There was plenty of tension between her and Seb in this one, and I was dying for us to finally get to the part where they kiss and makeup. And kiss and makeup they did! 🥵
As the plot of this book progressed, we got to learn a little more about the gods, and it definitely provided more intrigue to the overarching storyline. We also got to travel to new kingdoms and meet a few new characters that added some new dynamics to our group.
Be prepared for one hell of a cliffhanger. I won’t lie, the ending of this book will gut you. Secrets are revealed, tragedy strikes, and hearts are left broken.
Thank you so much to Liv Webster and IRIS Influencer Society for the gifted ARC! I can’t wait for Book 3! 🖤🗡️✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the honor of reading an ARC of A Palace of Cosmic Flame by Liv Webster, the second book in the Jewel Light Trilogy—and this sequel hurt in the best way.
After being pulled in by book one, I was so excited to return to this world, and book two absolutely delivers on every level. The stakes are higher, the war continues to expand, and there’s this constant undercurrent of tension and uncertainty that never really lets you breathe.
One of the most compelling parts of this installment is getting to dive deeper into Maeve—learning more about her powers, her strength, and the weight of everything that was revealed at the end of book one. Watching those emotions rise to the surface and evolve throughout the story adds so much depth to her character.
At the same time, the core group is being pushed in every direction. There’s tension, there’s grief, and there are moments where everything feels like it could fracture at any second. The way they each handle loss, change, and those unexpected twists makes the story feel incredibly real, even within such a richly imagined world.
And speaking of the world—this series continues to shine in how immersive and unique it is. It’s so easy to get completely lost in it, and I genuinely loved every second of being back.
I’m already counting down the days until book three… but I need to talk about that ending because WHAT WAS THAT?!
After being pulled in by book one, I was so excited to return to this world, and book two absolutely delivers on every level. The stakes are higher, the war continues to expand, and there’s this constant undercurrent of tension and uncertainty that never really lets you breathe.
One of the most compelling parts of this installment is getting to dive deeper into Maeve—learning more about her powers, her strength, and the weight of everything that was revealed at the end of book one. Watching those emotions rise to the surface and evolve throughout the story adds so much depth to her character.
At the same time, the core group is being pushed in every direction. There’s tension, there’s grief, and there are moments where everything feels like it could fracture at any second. The way they each handle loss, change, and those unexpected twists makes the story feel incredibly real, even within such a richly imagined world.
And speaking of the world—this series continues to shine in how immersive and unique it is. It’s so easy to get completely lost in it, and I genuinely loved every second of being back.
I’m already counting down the days until book three… but I need to talk about that ending because WHAT WAS THAT?!
May 21, 2026
This is the kind of book kind that leaves you staring at the ceiling after the final page. Because that’s exactly what happened to me.
This book had everything: an entire gods amount of power in Maeve, an entire kingdom on the edge of collapse, because of a power hungry king trying to control Maeve for himself, and relationship drama messy enough to make me want to scream at everyone involved. And somehow… it works. The book and the relationship in it. This book is so unique in so many ways yet it still reminded me of some of my favorite fantasy books and hence why I couldn’t stop reading it.
Found family. We love to see it. People we think are gone but aren’t. Hard to process. Get to see some others still alive. Horrible kings. They just all seem bad. Always. Great friends. Strong women who will do anything for her friends, even try to surrender herself to save them. Yet will still have reality hit with a panic attack in the middle of it all. It’s so real. Crazy magic powers. I just read this book and there is so much more to it, I highly recommend reading this series. Then rereading it right after to catch the things you missed the first time.
The relationship between Maeve and Seb is complicated in the most frustrating way possible. It’s passionate, protective, unhealthy at times, and somehow the book still convinces me to root for them. It definitely falls into the “toxic but obsessed with each other” category, so if that’s your thing, prepare yourself. If it’s not, you’ll probably spend half the book yelling internally. (I did both) Some scenes I am still thinking about how nice the gestures/thoughts were, yet others I wonder why they are still together and sometimes the characters could use a few more minutes to pull themselves together before something wild/fun happens.
Oh the Swayer drama. The break, the kiss, the awkwardness of everybody after, it all felt messy and painfully human (in the best way possible) instead of clean and perfect. It felt real in that sense. Thing happen betrayal happens. People have secrets you never thought would. But in reality everybody does.
I definitely was played by this book. I had a few feeling about the ending before reading it and so I literally didn’t get too attached to some characters so I didn’t have to worry about them in the end. Then I saw a few others talking about the end, in code, while I was reading it had an even worse feeling about the ended than I predicted. Well my suspicions were correct. I was wrong in the worst way possible. But I had a feeling I was wrong too. After that I needed a few days before writing my thought about this book down. Had to process how wild everything is right now at the end and where it’s left hanging.
This book is chaotic, emotional, romantic, and occasionally toxic. Yet it’s addictive as ever. It’s my top book genre so you bet I read this whenever I had time to. If you like fantasy romance with powerful heroines, morally questionable love stories, betrayal, tension, and endings that leave emotional damage behind, this one delivers.
This series, to me, definitely competes with big name authors.
This book had everything: an entire gods amount of power in Maeve, an entire kingdom on the edge of collapse, because of a power hungry king trying to control Maeve for himself, and relationship drama messy enough to make me want to scream at everyone involved. And somehow… it works. The book and the relationship in it. This book is so unique in so many ways yet it still reminded me of some of my favorite fantasy books and hence why I couldn’t stop reading it.
Found family. We love to see it. People we think are gone but aren’t. Hard to process. Get to see some others still alive. Horrible kings. They just all seem bad. Always. Great friends. Strong women who will do anything for her friends, even try to surrender herself to save them. Yet will still have reality hit with a panic attack in the middle of it all. It’s so real. Crazy magic powers. I just read this book and there is so much more to it, I highly recommend reading this series. Then rereading it right after to catch the things you missed the first time.
The relationship between Maeve and Seb is complicated in the most frustrating way possible. It’s passionate, protective, unhealthy at times, and somehow the book still convinces me to root for them. It definitely falls into the “toxic but obsessed with each other” category, so if that’s your thing, prepare yourself. If it’s not, you’ll probably spend half the book yelling internally. (I did both) Some scenes I am still thinking about how nice the gestures/thoughts were, yet others I wonder why they are still together and sometimes the characters could use a few more minutes to pull themselves together before something wild/fun happens.
Oh the Swayer drama. The break, the kiss, the awkwardness of everybody after, it all felt messy and painfully human (in the best way possible) instead of clean and perfect. It felt real in that sense. Thing happen betrayal happens. People have secrets you never thought would. But in reality everybody does.
I definitely was played by this book. I had a few feeling about the ending before reading it and so I literally didn’t get too attached to some characters so I didn’t have to worry about them in the end. Then I saw a few others talking about the end, in code, while I was reading it had an even worse feeling about the ended than I predicted. Well my suspicions were correct. I was wrong in the worst way possible. But I had a feeling I was wrong too. After that I needed a few days before writing my thought about this book down. Had to process how wild everything is right now at the end and where it’s left hanging.
This book is chaotic, emotional, romantic, and occasionally toxic. Yet it’s addictive as ever. It’s my top book genre so you bet I read this whenever I had time to. If you like fantasy romance with powerful heroines, morally questionable love stories, betrayal, tension, and endings that leave emotional damage behind, this one delivers.
This series, to me, definitely competes with big name authors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 WOW! I loved this book!
So much happened in this installment of the Jewel-Light trilogy! I feel like I really got to know Maeve, Sebastian, Sawyer, but also some of the other characters. New characters were also introduced, and I liked most of them! Kade may grow on me…maybe?
Some really incredible plot twists, that's for sure! The steam was steaming, ya’ll! The spicy scenes were fantastic!
I think the thing I most appreciated about this book was getting to really know Maeve. The continued mental health representation really brought it home for me. I love that Maeve isn't perfect, which is shown as she constantly makes mistakes. She's young, but has had to grow up a lot in a short time.
Maeve has experienced so much in the span of a year. I felt a connection with her because she is often anxious and bites her nails down to beds, exactly like I do and did with this book LOL! She is just a girl in love with so many feelings, and with all this power she never wanted and still doesn't want.
I really enjoyed watching her grow throughout this book.
Now for the NOT fun part, I was clearly NOT prepared for the ending of this book. My heart is broken, to say the least, which is why I highly recommend this book LOL.
I can't wait for the next book! Super fortunate to have ARC read this!
So much happened in this installment of the Jewel-Light trilogy! I feel like I really got to know Maeve, Sebastian, Sawyer, but also some of the other characters. New characters were also introduced, and I liked most of them! Kade may grow on me…maybe?
Some really incredible plot twists, that's for sure! The steam was steaming, ya’ll! The spicy scenes were fantastic!
I think the thing I most appreciated about this book was getting to really know Maeve. The continued mental health representation really brought it home for me. I love that Maeve isn't perfect, which is shown as she constantly makes mistakes. She's young, but has had to grow up a lot in a short time.
Maeve has experienced so much in the span of a year. I felt a connection with her because she is often anxious and bites her nails down to beds, exactly like I do and did with this book LOL! She is just a girl in love with so many feelings, and with all this power she never wanted and still doesn't want.
I really enjoyed watching her grow throughout this book.
Now for the NOT fun part, I was clearly NOT prepared for the ending of this book. My heart is broken, to say the least, which is why I highly recommend this book LOL.
I can't wait for the next book! Super fortunate to have ARC read this!
April 13, 2026
First off Thank you Liv for the eARC I could not put my kindle down!
4.5 but it deserves to be rounded up to a 5!
I LOVED this book! BUT I do want to come and add a disclaimer, if you think being insecure is immature this might not be a book for you. As a 30 year old over-thinker I really understood the FMC and her thought process. Anxiety disorder is real, and you will be irritated at the FMC at times so be prepared.
With that said I think everyone should give this book a read, the plot is amazing! The side characters are some of my favorite. I flew through this book and I'm sad it's over and I have to wait a while for the next book.
Also the spice in this book, Sebs filthy mouth!!! I died and need more!
But please, for all of us who overthink and deal with daily anxiety don't come and rate it low because it just wasn't for you. The book is beautifully written, the pacing was spot on and the plot is unique.
4.5 but it deserves to be rounded up to a 5!
I LOVED this book! BUT I do want to come and add a disclaimer, if you think being insecure is immature this might not be a book for you. As a 30 year old over-thinker I really understood the FMC and her thought process. Anxiety disorder is real, and you will be irritated at the FMC at times so be prepared.
With that said I think everyone should give this book a read, the plot is amazing! The side characters are some of my favorite. I flew through this book and I'm sad it's over and I have to wait a while for the next book.
Also the spice in this book, Sebs filthy mouth!!! I died and need more!
But please, for all of us who overthink and deal with daily anxiety don't come and rate it low because it just wasn't for you. The book is beautifully written, the pacing was spot on and the plot is unique.
April 22, 2026
ARC READER
I truly love Liv’s writing style! The characters are so relatable and truly feel like people you know in real life!! We learn more about the magic system and landscape of this world and it fills in the missing pieces from the first book!! I am shocked by the ending and I will be impatiently waiting for the next book in this series!!
I truly love Liv’s writing style! The characters are so relatable and truly feel like people you know in real life!! We learn more about the magic system and landscape of this world and it fills in the missing pieces from the first book!! I am shocked by the ending and I will be impatiently waiting for the next book in this series!!
May 18, 2026
4.5 stars
I have no words. Like, what do you mean Liv Webster just made me suffer for a full 592 pages and then laughed in my face?
I knew bad things had to happen, and yet, I was shocked. I will recommend this series to everyone I know and be severely disappointed when they don’t read it.
I have no words. Like, what do you mean Liv Webster just made me suffer for a full 592 pages and then laughed in my face?
I knew bad things had to happen, and yet, I was shocked. I will recommend this series to everyone I know and be severely disappointed when they don’t read it.
April 25, 2026
LIV!!!! Thank you sm for the arc of book 2!! That ending was DIABOLICAL?! I’m now anxiously waiting for book 3. I still cannot simply process this ending. This was even better than book 1. Beautiful. A lil spicier. Brilliant world building. Perfect pacing. 10/10 HIGHLY recommend.
May 16, 2026
“What happens when too much godly power is forced into one body?"
I finished a few days ago and I’m still recovering 😂. It’s darker, grittier and spicier than the first book.
Sizzling chemistry, entertaining banter, and love triangle vibes. That tension 🥵! Sebastian really has a way with words.
The magic system is creative and I’m still obsessed with the physical manifestation of the different types.
I was not anticipating that ending and I’m fully invested in these characters. I’m ready for book 3!
Thank you so much for the gifted eARC!
I finished a few days ago and I’m still recovering 😂. It’s darker, grittier and spicier than the first book.
Sizzling chemistry, entertaining banter, and love triangle vibes. That tension 🥵! Sebastian really has a way with words.
The magic system is creative and I’m still obsessed with the physical manifestation of the different types.
I was not anticipating that ending and I’m fully invested in these characters. I’m ready for book 3!
Thank you so much for the gifted eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3/5⭐️ ARC READ
After devouring book one, A Kingdom of Salt and Stone, I COULDN’T WAIT to read this sequel. It picks up immediately after the cliffhanger ending of book one. Unfortunately, this one really fell short for me and missed the mark in several ways.
This book contains elements of torture, divine powers, a miscommunication trope (which I loathe), and a love triangle.
There’s definitely more world-building, and we get vivid descriptions of the other kingdoms. When we finally reach the secret kingdom, Luminosa, I wish the world-building had been more layered and immersive. The concept was incredibly cool, but the execution felt lacking. I did appreciate that the magic system was explained in greater depth, and we learn more about Maeve stepping into the goddess powers she gained at the end of book one.
I enjoyed the overall foundation of the story, and the ending went in a direction I genuinely didn’t see coming. That massive cliffhanger is honestly what saved the rating for me.
Now for my issues…
The pacing was inconsistent, and the middle portion dragged due to repetitive dialogue that often felt like the author didn’t trust the reader to remember details.
I LOVED Maeve and Sebastian together in book one. The brooding, the yearning, the slow burn? Delectable. But here, it transitioned way too quickly into mushy insta-love.
At one point, Maeve intentionally starts kissing Sebastian in front of his former fling to assert dominance, then glances at the ex for gratification. It felt juvenile and immature. Then Sebastian responds with lines like, “We are together, and I love her to the depth of my soul,” purely to reassure Maeve in the moment. GROSS. YUCK. And this was only one example of several similar dialogue exchanges throughout the book.
That said… the spice was definitely amped up in this installment and was absolutely 🔥.
Now let’s talk about Maeve.
She’s presented as selfless and willing to do anything for her friends, but honestly, she came across as one of the most selfish FMCs I’ve read in a while. Her anger often feels misplaced. She constantly emphasizes how nobody should take away her choices or keep information from her, yet when her friends try to protect her, she says things like:
“They weren’t going to win this battle. I would compel every single one of them before I let them make this decision for me.”
So… we want autonomy for ourselves, but we’re perfectly fine using mind-control powers to manipulate our friends into doing what we want? Got it.
I really struggled to connect with her in this book, which disappointed me because I loved Maeve in book one. Her anxiety felt beautifully written and deeply relatable there, but somehow she became insufferable here. Like… this is supposed to be THE MOST POWERFUL HUMAN on the continent??? BFFR.
She is perfectly imperfect. If that’s how she was intended to be perceived, then the author nailed it. I do hope Maeve has some significant character growth in book 3 because she has the potential to be such a bad ass!
Will I read book three? Absolutely. Because I need to know what happens, and I’m nosy. I’m really hoping the direction of that cliffhanger allows book three to redeem the story because this series still has so much potential.
3/5⭐️ ARC READ
After devouring book one, A Kingdom of Salt and Stone, I COULDN’T WAIT to read this sequel. It picks up immediately after the cliffhanger ending of book one. Unfortunately, this one really fell short for me and missed the mark in several ways.
This book contains elements of torture, divine powers, a miscommunication trope (which I loathe), and a love triangle.
There’s definitely more world-building, and we get vivid descriptions of the other kingdoms. When we finally reach the secret kingdom, Luminosa, I wish the world-building had been more layered and immersive. The concept was incredibly cool, but the execution felt lacking. I did appreciate that the magic system was explained in greater depth, and we learn more about Maeve stepping into the goddess powers she gained at the end of book one.
I enjoyed the overall foundation of the story, and the ending went in a direction I genuinely didn’t see coming. That massive cliffhanger is honestly what saved the rating for me.
Now for my issues…
The pacing was inconsistent, and the middle portion dragged due to repetitive dialogue that often felt like the author didn’t trust the reader to remember details.
I LOVED Maeve and Sebastian together in book one. The brooding, the yearning, the slow burn? Delectable. But here, it transitioned way too quickly into mushy insta-love.
At one point, Maeve intentionally starts kissing Sebastian in front of his former fling to assert dominance, then glances at the ex for gratification. It felt juvenile and immature. Then Sebastian responds with lines like, “We are together, and I love her to the depth of my soul,” purely to reassure Maeve in the moment. GROSS. YUCK. And this was only one example of several similar dialogue exchanges throughout the book.
That said… the spice was definitely amped up in this installment and was absolutely 🔥.
Now let’s talk about Maeve.
She’s presented as selfless and willing to do anything for her friends, but honestly, she came across as one of the most selfish FMCs I’ve read in a while. Her anger often feels misplaced. She constantly emphasizes how nobody should take away her choices or keep information from her, yet when her friends try to protect her, she says things like:
“They weren’t going to win this battle. I would compel every single one of them before I let them make this decision for me.”
So… we want autonomy for ourselves, but we’re perfectly fine using mind-control powers to manipulate our friends into doing what we want? Got it.
I really struggled to connect with her in this book, which disappointed me because I loved Maeve in book one. Her anxiety felt beautifully written and deeply relatable there, but somehow she became insufferable here. Like… this is supposed to be THE MOST POWERFUL HUMAN on the continent??? BFFR.
She is perfectly imperfect. If that’s how she was intended to be perceived, then the author nailed it. I do hope Maeve has some significant character growth in book 3 because she has the potential to be such a bad ass!
Will I read book three? Absolutely. Because I need to know what happens, and I’m nosy. I’m really hoping the direction of that cliffhanger allows book three to redeem the story because this series still has so much potential.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Magic, found family, invading big bad wanting to rule and conquer the world, gods and goddesses, prophecies, the BEST friends, partners, romance and spice, banter, stubborn brilliant, funny, reckless, selfless to the point of near self-harm trying to protect those lucky enough to earn her love and wanting to protect them, and sooo much more - what isn't to absolutely LOVE about this series and these characters and the plot and ALLL of it.
I have predictions that I *still* am waiting to see if they ever come to fruition with Saywer, Maeve, Sebastian, etc, ones involving Mave, Delani, Kade, Pia and Kohen, and more - but also I need to know just how far some of the relationships, spice, drama, plots, gods/goddesses, Maeve's powers, and more go. The pairings of the characters are the BEST and their chemistry, banter, sass, teasing, even the fights and drama and stubborn goddess-powered princess I can only imagine future queen of all the continent meets dark ice-wielding ex/maybe still current prince without a kingdom and all of her green-flag best friends, their own drama and stubbornness, love for her, etc - they are the BEST.
This series has one of the best and most unique magic systems I've gotten to read and enjoy in a while and I LOVE it. Add the FANTASTIC plot, the best banter between the best characters - the good ones you'll LOVE, the ones not meant to be part of the group or not liked you will HATE -, her found family just wanting to help her, keep her safe, even as she just wants to keep them safe even if it means she has to sacrifice herself. The dialogue adds sooo much, the plot is fantastically crafted, and I CANNOT wait to see what comes next.
(no spoilers follow, but I do get a bit colorful with my language for the start of this next bit)
Without risking spilling any spoilers, I'm....... going to need a minute, or a day, or five, or more to process that ending because WHAT....THE...FUCK?!?!?! - ISTFG, if Maeve doesn't discover or claim every power of all the gods and goddesses that she needs, or change the laws of the universe, to fix where that ending left us, I will be DONE - because WTF?! - NOOOOO - that was NOT ok to leave us hanging like that - I didn't think anyone could best the cliffhanger Onyx Storm left us on from Fourth Wing, but jfc, I think that cliffhanger just took first prize by a mile!!!! - BAD Liv - that was NOT ok to absolutely destroy and devastate us like that lol - also, I'm gonna need book three like TODAY, right now, April 13th, 1:51AM CST so I can continue lol.
I have predictions that I *still* am waiting to see if they ever come to fruition with Saywer, Maeve, Sebastian, etc, ones involving Mave, Delani, Kade, Pia and Kohen, and more - but also I need to know just how far some of the relationships, spice, drama, plots, gods/goddesses, Maeve's powers, and more go. The pairings of the characters are the BEST and their chemistry, banter, sass, teasing, even the fights and drama and stubborn goddess-powered princess I can only imagine future queen of all the continent meets dark ice-wielding ex/maybe still current prince without a kingdom and all of her green-flag best friends, their own drama and stubbornness, love for her, etc - they are the BEST.
This series has one of the best and most unique magic systems I've gotten to read and enjoy in a while and I LOVE it. Add the FANTASTIC plot, the best banter between the best characters - the good ones you'll LOVE, the ones not meant to be part of the group or not liked you will HATE -, her found family just wanting to help her, keep her safe, even as she just wants to keep them safe even if it means she has to sacrifice herself. The dialogue adds sooo much, the plot is fantastically crafted, and I CANNOT wait to see what comes next.
(no spoilers follow, but I do get a bit colorful with my language for the start of this next bit)
Without risking spilling any spoilers, I'm....... going to need a minute, or a day, or five, or more to process that ending because WHAT....THE...FUCK?!?!?! - ISTFG, if Maeve doesn't discover or claim every power of all the gods and goddesses that she needs, or change the laws of the universe, to fix where that ending left us, I will be DONE - because WTF?! - NOOOOO - that was NOT ok to leave us hanging like that - I didn't think anyone could best the cliffhanger Onyx Storm left us on from Fourth Wing, but jfc, I think that cliffhanger just took first prize by a mile!!!! - BAD Liv - that was NOT ok to absolutely destroy and devastate us like that lol - also, I'm gonna need book three like TODAY, right now, April 13th, 1:51AM CST so I can continue lol.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is Book 2 in the series, and I enjoyed this one just as much as Book 1.
Picking up after the events of the first book, I was immediately pulled back into Maeve’s world and found myself completely invested in her journey once again. The story wastes no time raising the stakes as Maeve struggles with powers no mortal should possess, the aftermath of betrayal, and the weight of decisions that could change everything.
One of my favorite things about this book was watching Maeve continue to grow as a character. She is strong, determined, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect the people she loves, even when the odds are stacked against her. The emotional weight she carries throughout the story felt real, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.
The world-building continues to expand beautifully in this installment. New revelations, hidden dangers, political intrigue, and unexpected twists kept me fully invested from beginning to end. Even with the larger scope of the story, I never felt lost or overwhelmed, which is something I always appreciate in fantasy books.
I also loved the relationships throughout the book. Whether it was the friendships, found family moments, loyalty between characters, or the romantic tension woven into the story, there was always something keeping me emotionally connected to what was happening.
The stakes felt higher in this book than they did in the first, and I loved seeing the consequences of previous choices unfold. There were multiple moments where I genuinely wondered how the characters were going to make it through what was coming next.
Sometimes second books can feel like a bridge between the beginning and the finale, but this one held my attention the entire time. It expanded the world, deepened the characters, and made me even more invested in the series.
And that ending! The cliffhanger was so good. Just when I thought I had a handle on where the story was going, the book left me desperately needing the next installment. I finished the final page wanting Book 3 immediately and am already counting down until I can continue Maeve’s story.
If you enjoyed Book 1, I highly recommend continuing the series.
✨ Fantasy Romance
✨ Strong FMC
✨ Found Family
✨ Magic & Prophecy
✨ High-Stakes Adventure
✨ Political Intrigue
✨ Emotional Growth
✨ Slow-Build Romance
⭐️ Overall Rating: 4.5/5
🔥 Burn Level: 3.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 2/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 4.5/5
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. 🤍
Picking up after the events of the first book, I was immediately pulled back into Maeve’s world and found myself completely invested in her journey once again. The story wastes no time raising the stakes as Maeve struggles with powers no mortal should possess, the aftermath of betrayal, and the weight of decisions that could change everything.
One of my favorite things about this book was watching Maeve continue to grow as a character. She is strong, determined, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect the people she loves, even when the odds are stacked against her. The emotional weight she carries throughout the story felt real, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.
The world-building continues to expand beautifully in this installment. New revelations, hidden dangers, political intrigue, and unexpected twists kept me fully invested from beginning to end. Even with the larger scope of the story, I never felt lost or overwhelmed, which is something I always appreciate in fantasy books.
I also loved the relationships throughout the book. Whether it was the friendships, found family moments, loyalty between characters, or the romantic tension woven into the story, there was always something keeping me emotionally connected to what was happening.
The stakes felt higher in this book than they did in the first, and I loved seeing the consequences of previous choices unfold. There were multiple moments where I genuinely wondered how the characters were going to make it through what was coming next.
Sometimes second books can feel like a bridge between the beginning and the finale, but this one held my attention the entire time. It expanded the world, deepened the characters, and made me even more invested in the series.
And that ending! The cliffhanger was so good. Just when I thought I had a handle on where the story was going, the book left me desperately needing the next installment. I finished the final page wanting Book 3 immediately and am already counting down until I can continue Maeve’s story.
If you enjoyed Book 1, I highly recommend continuing the series.
✨ Fantasy Romance
✨ Strong FMC
✨ Found Family
✨ Magic & Prophecy
✨ High-Stakes Adventure
✨ Political Intrigue
✨ Emotional Growth
✨ Slow-Build Romance
⭐️ Overall Rating: 4.5/5
🔥 Burn Level: 3.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 2/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 4.5/5
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
What was that?! I loved it! Liv is masterful at bringing mental health to the forefront when you read her books. She does it in such a beautiful way.
The plot is well laid out and flows beautifully. I love all the characters. They are written as if you are truly friends with them and they would do anything for you. Maeve and Sebastian; what can I say, they go through a lot.
Maeve is insecure and a lot of that has to do with her anxiety. When you live with this everyday, it's easy to relate to her and understand why her minds drifts. The fear of the unknown is real; as is continuously being in your own head, as Maeve is.
The banter sprinkled throughout is so much fun! There are definitely laugh out loud moments.
The twists and turns were so good! I tried figuring things out with the characters, but I definitely didn't seem some of the outcomes! It ends on such a good cliffhanger!
Great job, Liv; this is fantastic! I need book 3 in my hands ASAP! From the very first page, I was completely captivated, and my interest never wavered throughout the entire book!
Thank you Liv and BookFunnel for the ARC. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
"I thought I was protecting you."
"You can't protect someone from a truth they are bound to find out about, anyways."
"I know what it's like to be a victim of your own mind. I know what it's like to go through trauma and come out on the other side."
"Love, I know you are not breakable. But, I will always treat you as such, because protecting your mind and any amount of innocence you have left is worth you being angry with me."
"Please don't feel guilty for being a victim of your own mind."
Sometimes you don't see the madness of the shadows until you're already completely lost in the darkness.
"This is something you will battle your entire life. There will be good times, and there will be hard times. It doesn't mean that something is wrong with you."
"You don't need to be better because you are not broken."
The plot is well laid out and flows beautifully. I love all the characters. They are written as if you are truly friends with them and they would do anything for you. Maeve and Sebastian; what can I say, they go through a lot.
Maeve is insecure and a lot of that has to do with her anxiety. When you live with this everyday, it's easy to relate to her and understand why her minds drifts. The fear of the unknown is real; as is continuously being in your own head, as Maeve is.
The banter sprinkled throughout is so much fun! There are definitely laugh out loud moments.
The twists and turns were so good! I tried figuring things out with the characters, but I definitely didn't seem some of the outcomes! It ends on such a good cliffhanger!
Great job, Liv; this is fantastic! I need book 3 in my hands ASAP! From the very first page, I was completely captivated, and my interest never wavered throughout the entire book!
Thank you Liv and BookFunnel for the ARC. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
"I thought I was protecting you."
"You can't protect someone from a truth they are bound to find out about, anyways."
"I know what it's like to be a victim of your own mind. I know what it's like to go through trauma and come out on the other side."
"Love, I know you are not breakable. But, I will always treat you as such, because protecting your mind and any amount of innocence you have left is worth you being angry with me."
"Please don't feel guilty for being a victim of your own mind."
Sometimes you don't see the madness of the shadows until you're already completely lost in the darkness.
"This is something you will battle your entire life. There will be good times, and there will be hard times. It doesn't mean that something is wrong with you."
"You don't need to be better because you are not broken."
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Oh wow, where do I even begin.
After the way book one ended, I practically launched myself into the second book, and honestly, it did NOT disappoint.
We pick up with Maeve and her little entourage in a completely new place, and without spoiling anything, someone from her past shows up… and that’s when everything really kicks off. From there, the story just unravels in the best way.
This book digs so much deeper into Maeve — her insecurities, her past, her mental health struggles. It’s a huge theme throughout the story. I’ll be honest, it takes a *long* time for her to get to the place we’ve all been waiting for, but she does get there, and when she does, it feels earned.
We also learn a lot more about Blythe and why Maeve was given her gift, plus the new powers she’s now dealing with. And the relationships? They’re so much more fleshed out this time. Her connections with Sebastian, Pai, Kohen, Sawyer — and a few new faces — feel richer and more defined. I found myself way more emotionally invested, even when Maeve was frustrating me to no end. There were moments I just wanted to shake her and tell her to get out of her own way. And Sebastian… I needed him to stop grovelling and actually step up.
The spice? Plentiful and very well done. And yes, there’s a “surprise” moment — though I totally saw it coming after finishing book one, so I was just waiting for it to happen.
The worldbuilding really levels up in this book too. We’re introduced to a new creature, the hykah, and I can already tell they’re going to be a massive part of the story moving forward. There are so many new truths and reveals that just add layers to everything we thought we knew.
And then… the ending.
It absolutely wrecked me. I closed the book with tears in my eyes, hoping — begging — that book three finds a way to undo what just happened, or at least soften the blow somehow.
This was a **4.5‑star read** for me, and now I’m counting down the days until book three.
I received this arc for free and I am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.
After the way book one ended, I practically launched myself into the second book, and honestly, it did NOT disappoint.
We pick up with Maeve and her little entourage in a completely new place, and without spoiling anything, someone from her past shows up… and that’s when everything really kicks off. From there, the story just unravels in the best way.
This book digs so much deeper into Maeve — her insecurities, her past, her mental health struggles. It’s a huge theme throughout the story. I’ll be honest, it takes a *long* time for her to get to the place we’ve all been waiting for, but she does get there, and when she does, it feels earned.
We also learn a lot more about Blythe and why Maeve was given her gift, plus the new powers she’s now dealing with. And the relationships? They’re so much more fleshed out this time. Her connections with Sebastian, Pai, Kohen, Sawyer — and a few new faces — feel richer and more defined. I found myself way more emotionally invested, even when Maeve was frustrating me to no end. There were moments I just wanted to shake her and tell her to get out of her own way. And Sebastian… I needed him to stop grovelling and actually step up.
The spice? Plentiful and very well done. And yes, there’s a “surprise” moment — though I totally saw it coming after finishing book one, so I was just waiting for it to happen.
The worldbuilding really levels up in this book too. We’re introduced to a new creature, the hykah, and I can already tell they’re going to be a massive part of the story moving forward. There are so many new truths and reveals that just add layers to everything we thought we knew.
And then… the ending.
It absolutely wrecked me. I closed the book with tears in my eyes, hoping — begging — that book three finds a way to undo what just happened, or at least soften the blow somehow.
This was a **4.5‑star read** for me, and now I’m counting down the days until book three.
I received this arc for free and I am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book gets 4.5 stars from me......
Ok, let's start with all the emotions. This book had me pissed, crying, angry, wanting to jump in and put hands on a certain person.... Like all the things.
It starts where we left off with book 1. We have our Maeve, Sawyer, Sebastian all front and center with some side characters. The betrayal is still there hanging over a few peoples heads. They are safe or think they are safe and then comes the fun part. Learning of new magic/powers with some what the heck moments. There is some spicy spice and some vocal "I'm in love with you".... Not saying who, just read. Does our characters forgive each other? Do they move on? do they stay hidden? What is going to happen.... In Maeve fashion, she is front and center making all the decisions by emotion and not ration. So that is all your getting from me on the story building and possible spoilers.....
Now comes the part, our author did a couple characters dirty..... LIKE DIR------TTTTTYYYYYYYYY. And I have all the emotions right now. Like no no, this is not ok. You can't be messing with my boo's and just do that to me. My heart is stomped on and tears came rolling out. Like not cool. Nose stuffy, tears puffy..... tears rolling down my face kind of hurt. Like nope.... nope nope nope.... How dare you??? Like I'm mad that my poor character has this happen but then it shows that the author is pouring emotions into the book. This was a lot especially in the last little bit. Like I knew I was getting at the end and there was still sooo much that needed to be done... And nope, Liv was like just hold this and watch what I do.... SIGH!!!!!
So if you like "I'm pissed at you" but "I love you" and hidden pasts with some crazy side (history) stories and a few "I wanna slap them" moments, then get this book. Now to sit and wait on book 3....... And to know what happened to my peoples.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book. I can't wait to see it out in the world and others just as broken hearted as me with the connection to certain characters
Ok, let's start with all the emotions. This book had me pissed, crying, angry, wanting to jump in and put hands on a certain person.... Like all the things.
It starts where we left off with book 1. We have our Maeve, Sawyer, Sebastian all front and center with some side characters. The betrayal is still there hanging over a few peoples heads. They are safe or think they are safe and then comes the fun part. Learning of new magic/powers with some what the heck moments. There is some spicy spice and some vocal "I'm in love with you".... Not saying who, just read. Does our characters forgive each other? Do they move on? do they stay hidden? What is going to happen.... In Maeve fashion, she is front and center making all the decisions by emotion and not ration. So that is all your getting from me on the story building and possible spoilers.....
Now comes the part, our author did a couple characters dirty..... LIKE DIR------TTTTTYYYYYYYYY. And I have all the emotions right now. Like no no, this is not ok. You can't be messing with my boo's and just do that to me. My heart is stomped on and tears came rolling out. Like not cool. Nose stuffy, tears puffy..... tears rolling down my face kind of hurt. Like nope.... nope nope nope.... How dare you??? Like I'm mad that my poor character has this happen but then it shows that the author is pouring emotions into the book. This was a lot especially in the last little bit. Like I knew I was getting at the end and there was still sooo much that needed to be done... And nope, Liv was like just hold this and watch what I do.... SIGH!!!!!
So if you like "I'm pissed at you" but "I love you" and hidden pasts with some crazy side (history) stories and a few "I wanna slap them" moments, then get this book. Now to sit and wait on book 3....... And to know what happened to my peoples.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book. I can't wait to see it out in the world and others just as broken hearted as me with the connection to certain characters
June 5, 2026
I need to admit something. I started the ACOTAR series two Augusts ago to see what the hype was about...and did not understand it. But I went to the next book because I still needed to understand (and I wanted to know what happened next). Well. I watched SJM get to know her characters and her story better and, by the end of the second book, I was crying.
So now I gotta give the slow clap (not like Kade 😂) to Ms. Liv Webster for the beautiful execution of this second installment in her Jewel-Light Trilogy.
I gave the first book in this series three stars because I struggled to connect with Maeve, Sebastian, and Maeve and Sebastian. That lack of connection for me made it hard to connect with the story as a whole.
Now?
Now I've sucked this story down like it was a juice-like cocktail and am HOOKED. There wasn't a single spot where I felt like the plot dropped. I really loved all the twists, turns, drama, and tension woven throughout the book. The new characters were great. Beaumont is indeed a villain I enjoy. Maeve didn't seem as all over the place, and she fought her mental health battles like a boss (again, yay for mental health representation!). I am OBSESSED with Sawyer and am still very much Team Sawyer. I'm not super into why-choose, but I'm a strong vote for it if Maeve has to stay with Sebastian. Just saying.
The last nine percent of the novel had me blubbering, which caused my house full of boys to try to figure out why I was crying and to comfort me. I want to punch the author straight in her face for devastating me more than once as the book came to a close. It shouldn't be legal to break someone's heart multiple times in a row like that. Godsdamn.
Though my personal pride in this author probably means nothing at all, haha, I am so proud of her and this universe she created - and I cannot WAIT to keep reading to see how this all ends! Keep knowing, growing, and showing those characters, girl! Your readers appreciate how personal a lot of this journey is for you.
So now I gotta give the slow clap (not like Kade 😂) to Ms. Liv Webster for the beautiful execution of this second installment in her Jewel-Light Trilogy.
I gave the first book in this series three stars because I struggled to connect with Maeve, Sebastian, and Maeve and Sebastian. That lack of connection for me made it hard to connect with the story as a whole.
Now?
Now I've sucked this story down like it was a juice-like cocktail and am HOOKED. There wasn't a single spot where I felt like the plot dropped. I really loved all the twists, turns, drama, and tension woven throughout the book. The new characters were great. Beaumont is indeed a villain I enjoy. Maeve didn't seem as all over the place, and she fought her mental health battles like a boss (again, yay for mental health representation!). I am OBSESSED with Sawyer and am still very much Team Sawyer. I'm not super into why-choose, but I'm a strong vote for it if Maeve has to stay with Sebastian. Just saying.
The last nine percent of the novel had me blubbering, which caused my house full of boys to try to figure out why I was crying and to comfort me. I want to punch the author straight in her face for devastating me more than once as the book came to a close. It shouldn't be legal to break someone's heart multiple times in a row like that. Godsdamn.
Though my personal pride in this author probably means nothing at all, haha, I am so proud of her and this universe she created - and I cannot WAIT to keep reading to see how this all ends! Keep knowing, growing, and showing those characters, girl! Your readers appreciate how personal a lot of this journey is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
3.5🌶️
Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book!
The second installment of this series and it’s quite the journey we take after that cliffhanger at the end of book 1!
Let me preface this review with this tidbit: in her email with the arcs, Liv flat out told us we most likely are going to hate Maeve the first half of this book. You’re gonna wanna yell, scream, throw your kindle at her. And trust me, you do 😂 but it’s all a part of the journey we’ve taken with Maeve. Her brain works differently and it’s all a part of that mental health rep we get in this series. But yes, I wanted to punch her so many times the first half of this book 😂
We add some new characters in and really get to see more of the world as well as watch our band of characters discover how they plan and work together. You have different personalities and styles all clashing at once even when they’re trying to achieve a common goal.
We also expand even more into Maeve’s powers, what her new markings truly mean, and watch her learn to try and control everything (not well). She has a major target on her back now, but is not willing to sit by and watch everyone else fight or die for her. And we even see her struggle with the mentality of wondering if everyone would be better off if she wasn’t around. Reading through Maeve’s mind is not easy at times but it’s something we have to watch her work through.
This includes her and Seb’s relationship. Secrets and lies will only drive them apart, and what happens when someone else may be there to support her? Or his past comes back into the picture? Again, watching these 2 throughout this story is frustrating and rewarding all at the same time.
Spice 🌶️ is kicked up ten fold this book! Whew 🥵 Liv….giiiiirl I loved it!!! Omg! Seb….that man knows what he’s doing 🥵
We once again end on a major cliffhanger here, which grrrrrr 😝 but I can’t wait for book 3 now and hope it comes sooner than later! ❤️
3.5🌶️
Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book!
The second installment of this series and it’s quite the journey we take after that cliffhanger at the end of book 1!
Let me preface this review with this tidbit: in her email with the arcs, Liv flat out told us we most likely are going to hate Maeve the first half of this book. You’re gonna wanna yell, scream, throw your kindle at her. And trust me, you do 😂 but it’s all a part of the journey we’ve taken with Maeve. Her brain works differently and it’s all a part of that mental health rep we get in this series. But yes, I wanted to punch her so many times the first half of this book 😂
We add some new characters in and really get to see more of the world as well as watch our band of characters discover how they plan and work together. You have different personalities and styles all clashing at once even when they’re trying to achieve a common goal.
We also expand even more into Maeve’s powers, what her new markings truly mean, and watch her learn to try and control everything (not well). She has a major target on her back now, but is not willing to sit by and watch everyone else fight or die for her. And we even see her struggle with the mentality of wondering if everyone would be better off if she wasn’t around. Reading through Maeve’s mind is not easy at times but it’s something we have to watch her work through.
This includes her and Seb’s relationship. Secrets and lies will only drive them apart, and what happens when someone else may be there to support her? Or his past comes back into the picture? Again, watching these 2 throughout this story is frustrating and rewarding all at the same time.
Spice 🌶️ is kicked up ten fold this book! Whew 🥵 Liv….giiiiirl I loved it!!! Omg! Seb….that man knows what he’s doing 🥵
We once again end on a major cliffhanger here, which grrrrrr 😝 but I can’t wait for book 3 now and hope it comes sooner than later! ❤️
May 22, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This book does a great job of being a sequel that adds many new details to further the story and bring different conflict to the story. I love how the main love story was challenged by other potential love interest and disagreements that really deepened their bond as they came down together to move past thing. The magic in this story continues to be unique and the depth to it and how thought out every detail is is one my favorite parts of this book. Another element of this book that I think is represented well is a variety of mental health that is inspiring how they move past them to still be heroes of this book. Specifically you have the representation of someone functioning with anxiety even leading to suicidal ideation in the FMC that breakdowns that are relatable and she doesn’t just move past it right away. My only downside to this to me in this story is it felt like it took over the story in the second and the plot went on a standstill as she works through her anxiety. I appreciate that they show how it doesn’t happen overnight to move past a breakdown moment but it didn’t feel realistic to me that everything just stopped with the major conflict of this book. It lead to some of the impeding doom tension lessing for me as the reader. The tension did come back some for me as I realized that the book was not going to be to conclude everything and then it ended in a cliffhanger that leaves you willing to break down doors for the next book! The MMC was the real MVP of this story for me with how he gives the best answer when the FMC is spiraling and reassuring her everytime she needs it without questioning it especially as their relationship solidifies. One of my favorite said by MMC is “I am also in love with you, and that is a feeling I have never even considered for any woman besides you. I only see you. And if you need me to remind you of that every day for the rest of our lives, I happily will.”
This book does a great job of being a sequel that adds many new details to further the story and bring different conflict to the story. I love how the main love story was challenged by other potential love interest and disagreements that really deepened their bond as they came down together to move past thing. The magic in this story continues to be unique and the depth to it and how thought out every detail is is one my favorite parts of this book. Another element of this book that I think is represented well is a variety of mental health that is inspiring how they move past them to still be heroes of this book. Specifically you have the representation of someone functioning with anxiety even leading to suicidal ideation in the FMC that breakdowns that are relatable and she doesn’t just move past it right away. My only downside to this to me in this story is it felt like it took over the story in the second and the plot went on a standstill as she works through her anxiety. I appreciate that they show how it doesn’t happen overnight to move past a breakdown moment but it didn’t feel realistic to me that everything just stopped with the major conflict of this book. It lead to some of the impeding doom tension lessing for me as the reader. The tension did come back some for me as I realized that the book was not going to be to conclude everything and then it ended in a cliffhanger that leaves you willing to break down doors for the next book! The MMC was the real MVP of this story for me with how he gives the best answer when the FMC is spiraling and reassuring her everytime she needs it without questioning it especially as their relationship solidifies. One of my favorite said by MMC is “I am also in love with you, and that is a feeling I have never even considered for any woman besides you. I only see you. And if you need me to remind you of that every day for the rest of our lives, I happily will.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great follow up to book one. This was probably a 4.5 star read for me, only because there is a bit of a love triangle vibe with alot of drama attached to it..
It starts up immediately after book 1, which is nice because you can just continue on where things left off.
I do think going into this story you need to give Meave some grace and recognize that she is in her young twenties and struggles with her mental health. Her choices, decisions, thoughts, and reactions to things are not always the best, BUT you have to taken into consideration all that she has been through, and the impact that a person’s mental health has on things.She is complex character, with the weight of the world on her shoulders within a world where everyone has their secrets and personal agendas.
Seb - we will protect and defend my man Seb at all costs. I loved his character in book 1 and continued to love his character in book 2. I think he’s justified in his reactions and emotions when it comes to the Sawyer of it all. I do think he truly loves Meave and makes decisions to protect her, but can be a little bit too overprotective but, honestly I’m not mad about it. Someone needs to watch out for her, for genuine reasons. I do also love that he understands all parts of her, not just the easy parts. Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, the glasses make an appearance :).
And the question alot of people want to know ---- yes there is spice, and it spices. :).
The found family vibes continue in this book and remain strong. I love the addition of Kade and his dynamic. I also love that Meave got a taste of her own medicine with having to be jealous of another female character - I think it was a well deserved reality check.
The ending. Liv. I’m not okay. Heart is still shattered and I’m hoping there is something that can be done to reverse it.
It starts up immediately after book 1, which is nice because you can just continue on where things left off.
I do think going into this story you need to give Meave some grace and recognize that she is in her young twenties and struggles with her mental health. Her choices, decisions, thoughts, and reactions to things are not always the best, BUT you have to taken into consideration all that she has been through, and the impact that a person’s mental health has on things.She is complex character, with the weight of the world on her shoulders within a world where everyone has their secrets and personal agendas.
Seb - we will protect and defend my man Seb at all costs. I loved his character in book 1 and continued to love his character in book 2. I think he’s justified in his reactions and emotions when it comes to the Sawyer of it all. I do think he truly loves Meave and makes decisions to protect her, but can be a little bit too overprotective but, honestly I’m not mad about it. Someone needs to watch out for her, for genuine reasons. I do also love that he understands all parts of her, not just the easy parts. Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, the glasses make an appearance :).
And the question alot of people want to know ---- yes there is spice, and it spices. :).
The found family vibes continue in this book and remain strong. I love the addition of Kade and his dynamic. I also love that Meave got a taste of her own medicine with having to be jealous of another female character - I think it was a well deserved reality check.
The ending. Liv. I’m not okay. Heart is still shattered and I’m hoping there is something that can be done to reverse it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Screaming because what do you mean this book ended how it ended!
I’m speechless
This book picks up right where book one left off and it doesn’t stop. Maeve and company have to work through a lot a lot. The aftermath of losing their home, of having a very evil enemy still after them and then coming to terms with a whole new place and her new magical powers. Throw in a complicated relationship with Sebastian into the mix.
This of course sends Maeve spiraling.
I really appreciate how Liv portrayed mental health here through Maeve. I think at times it can be hard to understand Maeve and even maybe become frustrated with her. But Maeve is struggling and people who struggle often push and pull seeking support while believing they themselves have all the tools to solve it all. Maeve comes to terms with needing support time and time again. She is battling all external factors and then all the internal struggles in her mind. The support she receives from Sebastian and her friends time and time again is done so beautifully. It goes to show how important it is to understand that some people’s brains are just different and the approach of support is vital.
The constant threat to her life and those around her had me worried and stressed to the very end. Why couldn’t they get one moment of peace!!
Sebastian again can do no wrong in my book. Not only does he deal with his own mental health struggles but really brings logic and rationale when maybe Maeve is caught up. I love them together and his patience for her time and time again.
Now this ending! This ending!! What do you mean ? Heartbreaking, devastating and so much emotional damage. I hope my eyes lied to me and everyone is fine and it was all just a dream. Please?!
Thank you to Iris Society and Liv Webster for the ARC opportunity!
I’m speechless
This book picks up right where book one left off and it doesn’t stop. Maeve and company have to work through a lot a lot. The aftermath of losing their home, of having a very evil enemy still after them and then coming to terms with a whole new place and her new magical powers. Throw in a complicated relationship with Sebastian into the mix.
This of course sends Maeve spiraling.
I really appreciate how Liv portrayed mental health here through Maeve. I think at times it can be hard to understand Maeve and even maybe become frustrated with her. But Maeve is struggling and people who struggle often push and pull seeking support while believing they themselves have all the tools to solve it all. Maeve comes to terms with needing support time and time again. She is battling all external factors and then all the internal struggles in her mind. The support she receives from Sebastian and her friends time and time again is done so beautifully. It goes to show how important it is to understand that some people’s brains are just different and the approach of support is vital.
The constant threat to her life and those around her had me worried and stressed to the very end. Why couldn’t they get one moment of peace!!
Sebastian again can do no wrong in my book. Not only does he deal with his own mental health struggles but really brings logic and rationale when maybe Maeve is caught up. I love them together and his patience for her time and time again.
Now this ending! This ending!! What do you mean ? Heartbreaking, devastating and so much emotional damage. I hope my eyes lied to me and everyone is fine and it was all just a dream. Please?!
Thank you to Iris Society and Liv Webster for the ARC opportunity!
May 16, 2026
Ever have a book where the cliffhanger ending makes you scream, cry and want to throw it across the room? I literally gasped out loud and need the next book asap!
You pickup right where the last book left off, with our FMC realizing her dad was in fact not dead and has spent her life in a hidden kingdom built specifically to be a safe haven for her. She must work with her friends who’ve traveled with her along with the man she thought she loved who hid so much from her she’s not sure she could ever trust him again in order to plan their next steps now that his kingdom has crumbles and the villain likely escaped. At the same time they must also unravel the hints the MMCs mom left in her journal, unlock the FMCs full powers and continue to train them, and figure out how to deal with new threats around each corner.
I really enjoyed the pinning and groveling both the main characters had to do and the inevitable tension that builds between them from not being able to trust one another but still feeling so deeply. I also really enjoyed the continued exploration of the FMCs self doubt and how she gets lost in her own head sometimes and heads down a somewhat dark frame of mind but that her friends are always there to try to pull her back and the MMC is always there to remind her that no matter what is going on between them, he would never want her to sacrifice herself for them. There was plenty of plot twists, meddling friends, ex lovers, and of course a rescue mission or two that kept me wrapped in the story, and that ending had me reeling and ready for the next book!! My rating 4.8/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You pickup right where the last book left off, with our FMC realizing her dad was in fact not dead and has spent her life in a hidden kingdom built specifically to be a safe haven for her. She must work with her friends who’ve traveled with her along with the man she thought she loved who hid so much from her she’s not sure she could ever trust him again in order to plan their next steps now that his kingdom has crumbles and the villain likely escaped. At the same time they must also unravel the hints the MMCs mom left in her journal, unlock the FMCs full powers and continue to train them, and figure out how to deal with new threats around each corner.
I really enjoyed the pinning and groveling both the main characters had to do and the inevitable tension that builds between them from not being able to trust one another but still feeling so deeply. I also really enjoyed the continued exploration of the FMCs self doubt and how she gets lost in her own head sometimes and heads down a somewhat dark frame of mind but that her friends are always there to try to pull her back and the MMC is always there to remind her that no matter what is going on between them, he would never want her to sacrifice herself for them. There was plenty of plot twists, meddling friends, ex lovers, and of course a rescue mission or two that kept me wrapped in the story, and that ending had me reeling and ready for the next book!! My rating 4.8/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
May 18, 2026
ARC Review
I have no words to describe the agony of that cliffhanger!!
A power so divine that it breaks you, turns your soul inside out, burns with an intensity that cannot be denied, and slowly rebuilds you.
What happens when too much godly power is forced into one body.?? it answers with chaos, heartbreak, and a heroine who refuses to shatter quietly.
Maeve opens her eyes in the aftermath of devastation.. only to reel from the ground continuing to shift beneath her feet. Her stability obliterated, everything she thought she knew reevaluated. Nothing is stable. The simple task of breathing takes on a new level as the overwhelming power collides inside. A storm of chaos and wonder. Beautiful, terrifying, and impossible to look away from.
Betrayal that lingers and leaves scars…making every decision to trust a fragile entity of its own. She isn’t just battling enemies, she is battling herself. Her identity, her limits, her heart. The push and pull between destiny, duty, and desire is gut wrenchingly exquisite. Soul searching romance that lingers in that dangerous space between vulnerability and ruin.. and yet does not overshadow the intensity of the plot.
The story was a beautiful progression of love, forgiveness, angst, yearning , danger, sarcasm and found family that refuses to give up.
By the end, you're left wondering not just how far Maeve will go... but what will be left of her when she gets there. It’s fierce, aching, and filled with divine chaos.
I will await with bated breath for book 3!
Thank you, Liv Webster, for allowing me the immense pleasure of being an ARC reader!
I have no words to describe the agony of that cliffhanger!!
A power so divine that it breaks you, turns your soul inside out, burns with an intensity that cannot be denied, and slowly rebuilds you.
What happens when too much godly power is forced into one body.?? it answers with chaos, heartbreak, and a heroine who refuses to shatter quietly.
Maeve opens her eyes in the aftermath of devastation.. only to reel from the ground continuing to shift beneath her feet. Her stability obliterated, everything she thought she knew reevaluated. Nothing is stable. The simple task of breathing takes on a new level as the overwhelming power collides inside. A storm of chaos and wonder. Beautiful, terrifying, and impossible to look away from.
Betrayal that lingers and leaves scars…making every decision to trust a fragile entity of its own. She isn’t just battling enemies, she is battling herself. Her identity, her limits, her heart. The push and pull between destiny, duty, and desire is gut wrenchingly exquisite. Soul searching romance that lingers in that dangerous space between vulnerability and ruin.. and yet does not overshadow the intensity of the plot.
The story was a beautiful progression of love, forgiveness, angst, yearning , danger, sarcasm and found family that refuses to give up.
By the end, you're left wondering not just how far Maeve will go... but what will be left of her when she gets there. It’s fierce, aching, and filled with divine chaos.
I will await with bated breath for book 3!
Thank you, Liv Webster, for allowing me the immense pleasure of being an ARC reader!
June 1, 2026
A Palace of Cosmic Flame is an adrenaline-fuelled second instalment in the Jewel-Light series.
Maeve awakens after the events of the first book surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and we're introduced to several new and surprising characters along the way. Once she reunites with Sebastian, tension arises between them. At times, the conflict felt as though it lingered a little longer than necessary. Some of it was understandable given everything they had endured, while other moments felt rooted in miscommunication. Even so, my heart ached for this couple, and I definitely shed a few tears throughout their journey.
As the story unfolds, the characters begin to move forward, only to discover a new threat that they are unsure how to overcome. There was something about this storyline that felt familiar to me, although I couldn't quite place why. Regardless, it brought plenty of action, high stakes, and several unexpected developments.
I won't lie, there were a few more moments that had me reaching for the tissues as these characters faced difficult choices, painful losses, and intense battles. While some elements felt familiar, it never detracted from my enjoyment of the story or my investment in the characters.
Overall, I was completely drawn into this book. The emotional moments landed well, the action kept the story moving, and I found myself eager to see what would happen next.
I loved this book and can't wait to see where the series goes from here.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Maeve awakens after the events of the first book surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and we're introduced to several new and surprising characters along the way. Once she reunites with Sebastian, tension arises between them. At times, the conflict felt as though it lingered a little longer than necessary. Some of it was understandable given everything they had endured, while other moments felt rooted in miscommunication. Even so, my heart ached for this couple, and I definitely shed a few tears throughout their journey.
As the story unfolds, the characters begin to move forward, only to discover a new threat that they are unsure how to overcome. There was something about this storyline that felt familiar to me, although I couldn't quite place why. Regardless, it brought plenty of action, high stakes, and several unexpected developments.
I won't lie, there were a few more moments that had me reaching for the tissues as these characters faced difficult choices, painful losses, and intense battles. While some elements felt familiar, it never detracted from my enjoyment of the story or my investment in the characters.
Overall, I was completely drawn into this book. The emotional moments landed well, the action kept the story moving, and I found myself eager to see what would happen next.
I loved this book and can't wait to see where the series goes from here.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
June 6, 2026
I loved A Kingdom of Salt and Stone, but A Palace of Cosmic Flame took everything I enjoyed about book one and raised the stakes emotionally, politically, and personally.
First things first:
Sawyer Sinclair owns my entire heart.
I'm sorry, Sebastian fans.
I understand Sebastian and Maeve are endgame.
I support them.
I wish them well.
But Sawyer is the character who completely stole this book for me.
He's funny, sarcastic, loyal to a fault, and somehow manages to be both a deadly soldier and the most emotionally intelligent person in the room. His unrequited love for Maeve broke my heart repeatedly, especially because of how much he genuinely cares about both Maeve and Sebastian.
Every scene with him felt like a gift.
Beyond Sawyer, this book expands the world beautifully. I loved meeting Kade, who constantly felt like a tired forty-year-old trapped among reckless twenty-somethings making questionable life choices. Azain was another standout addition and immediately earned a place on my list of favorite characters.
And Beaumont?
What a fantastic villain.
Cold. Cruel. Confident. Calculated.
The kind of villain who doesn't need to scream to be terrifying.
Maeve's journey was frustrating at times, but intentionally so. Watching her navigate grief, power, loss, and impossible decisions felt authentic and ultimately rewarding.
The emotional weight in this book hit harder than the first one. The relationships, betrayals, sacrifices, and consequences all felt larger, and the ending has me desperate for book three.
Final verdict:
Protect Sawyer at all costs.
Everyone else is negotiable.
First things first:
Sawyer Sinclair owns my entire heart.
I'm sorry, Sebastian fans.
I understand Sebastian and Maeve are endgame.
I support them.
I wish them well.
But Sawyer is the character who completely stole this book for me.
He's funny, sarcastic, loyal to a fault, and somehow manages to be both a deadly soldier and the most emotionally intelligent person in the room. His unrequited love for Maeve broke my heart repeatedly, especially because of how much he genuinely cares about both Maeve and Sebastian.
Every scene with him felt like a gift.
Beyond Sawyer, this book expands the world beautifully. I loved meeting Kade, who constantly felt like a tired forty-year-old trapped among reckless twenty-somethings making questionable life choices. Azain was another standout addition and immediately earned a place on my list of favorite characters.
And Beaumont?
What a fantastic villain.
Cold. Cruel. Confident. Calculated.
The kind of villain who doesn't need to scream to be terrifying.
Maeve's journey was frustrating at times, but intentionally so. Watching her navigate grief, power, loss, and impossible decisions felt authentic and ultimately rewarding.
The emotional weight in this book hit harder than the first one. The relationships, betrayals, sacrifices, and consequences all felt larger, and the ending has me desperate for book three.
Final verdict:
Protect Sawyer at all costs.
Everyone else is negotiable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have just finished and I. Am. Not. Ok.
That's the ending? That's what I have to have in my mind until the next one...... THIS ONE ISNT EVEN OFFICIALLY OUT and I already need the next one!
I have theories, and can't wait until more have read to discuss them. So many twists I didn't see coming, so many times I was reading with my hand covering my mouth, lots of school girl kicking her legs at some of the grand speeches, and don't get me started on the side characters that have me in a headlock!
Liv Webster somehow upped her first book and I'm in awe. Truly. Not only have you got an amazing fantasy storyline, but have repped so many Mental health issues it's amazing. Anxiety, depression, grief, panic attacks.... so many more, and it was written so well. As Maeves true power becomes apparent, so does the evilness of Bitchmont, I mean Beaumont, and the really gruesome things he has done, and plans to do.
But its not all Debbie-downer, we have spicy scenes, and big declarations of love, and soul mate tier speeches, and friendship and love triangle drama, and petty bitch exes that get brought down a peg or two!
Now, as for Maeves behaviour and decisions in the first 50% of this book, I am in two minds. I am so frustrated at her and want to grab her and shake her and scream at her to see reason. However.... She is me, I am her, this is how I would react and my illogical part of my brain thinks just like this!
I love this series and can't wait to see what happens next! Infinity stars. No notes.
That's the ending? That's what I have to have in my mind until the next one...... THIS ONE ISNT EVEN OFFICIALLY OUT and I already need the next one!
I have theories, and can't wait until more have read to discuss them. So many twists I didn't see coming, so many times I was reading with my hand covering my mouth, lots of school girl kicking her legs at some of the grand speeches, and don't get me started on the side characters that have me in a headlock!
Liv Webster somehow upped her first book and I'm in awe. Truly. Not only have you got an amazing fantasy storyline, but have repped so many Mental health issues it's amazing. Anxiety, depression, grief, panic attacks.... so many more, and it was written so well. As Maeves true power becomes apparent, so does the evilness of Bitchmont, I mean Beaumont, and the really gruesome things he has done, and plans to do.
But its not all Debbie-downer, we have spicy scenes, and big declarations of love, and soul mate tier speeches, and friendship and love triangle drama, and petty bitch exes that get brought down a peg or two!
Now, as for Maeves behaviour and decisions in the first 50% of this book, I am in two minds. I am so frustrated at her and want to grab her and shake her and scream at her to see reason. However.... She is me, I am her, this is how I would react and my illogical part of my brain thinks just like this!
I love this series and can't wait to see what happens next! Infinity stars. No notes.
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