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The Silvercloak Saga #2
Turncloak
Win a free print copy of this book!
23 days and 16:33:01
10 copies available
U.S. only
After the disastrous events in the Havenwood, Saffron Killoran’s revenge has slipped through her fingers. Still deep undercover within the Bloodmoon gang, she sees only one path forward: harness her long-dormant Timeweaver power to fix her most ruinous mistakes.
But Levan Celadon, now kingpin of the Bloodmoons, has discovered Saffron’s true identity. With old wounds reopening and a rival gang closing in, he questions the cause to which he has devoted his life – and the fate of the traitorous mage he loves.
Hot on their heels is Auria Marriosan, an ambitious rookie detective sent to stake out the Bloodmoons' rivals. Grieving the loss of her betrothed at the scarlet hand, she will stop at nothing to destroy both gangs. But when the case uncovers shocking revelations, she must find a way to bring all the corrupt players to justice.
In this cat-and-mouse game of trust and betrayal spanning continents, the missing Fifth Prophecy could hold the key to everything. But will Saffron’s attempt to unmake time cast her as a hero… or a villain? And just how far will her rivals go to stop her?
But Levan Celadon, now kingpin of the Bloodmoons, has discovered Saffron’s true identity. With old wounds reopening and a rival gang closing in, he questions the cause to which he has devoted his life – and the fate of the traitorous mage he loves.
Hot on their heels is Auria Marriosan, an ambitious rookie detective sent to stake out the Bloodmoons' rivals. Grieving the loss of her betrothed at the scarlet hand, she will stop at nothing to destroy both gangs. But when the case uncovers shocking revelations, she must find a way to bring all the corrupt players to justice.
In this cat-and-mouse game of trust and betrayal spanning continents, the missing Fifth Prophecy could hold the key to everything. But will Saffron’s attempt to unmake time cast her as a hero… or a villain? And just how far will her rivals go to stop her?
496 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2026
About the author
L.K. Steven
3 books533 followersLAURA "L.K." STEVEN is a #1 New York Times, Indie & USA Today bestselling author from the northernmost town in England. She has published several books for young adults, such as the instant bestseller Our Infinite Fates, while the forthcoming Silvercloak trilogy, written as L.K. Steven, will mark her adult fantasy debut. When she’s not writing, you can find her trail running, reading chunky fantasy novels, baking cookies, playing old men at chess, or ignoring her husband and son to perfect her Stardew Valley farm. You can find her on Instagram (@laurasteven) and TikTok (@authorlaurasteven).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 933 reviews
September 21, 2026
What an absolutely INCREDIBLE continuation of the plot. The expansion of the world, introduction of new character POVs, development of the characters 🤯 and don’t get me started on that ending. This world is so incredibly magical and rich but with a dark and gritty atmosphere. I love how organically the queer-norm society is woven into the world and how deeply complex and morally grey our characters are. I have no idea how this is all going to end in the next book but safe to say I AM SCARED! (But like in a good way?)
September 7, 2026
thank you so much to netgalley/del rey for this arc!
there is just SOMETHING about l. k. steven’s writing and world building that blows my mind. this book was so intricate, so beautifully curated, and so enrapturing that i don’t think i can quite put it into words. there was so much depth to this, with so many tiny but important reveals, and even though it took me a while to finish (through no fault of this book), i feel like i was thinking about it everyday. the best way i can sum up my thoughts is that i am honestly in awe of how l. k. steven’s brain works. it needs to be studied.
her characters are so, so real to me, and even though we follow quite a few of them, i was looking forward to each chapter equally. they almost feel like a second family to me after all this time i have spent with them.
in the same vein as silvercloak, the magic system in this is just so fun and so interesting. i love that we have physical wands and spoken incantations, and so many weird but cool ways that this magic manifests.
if you adored silvercloak, i fear you are going to love this one even more. stunning!!
there is just SOMETHING about l. k. steven’s writing and world building that blows my mind. this book was so intricate, so beautifully curated, and so enrapturing that i don’t think i can quite put it into words. there was so much depth to this, with so many tiny but important reveals, and even though it took me a while to finish (through no fault of this book), i feel like i was thinking about it everyday. the best way i can sum up my thoughts is that i am honestly in awe of how l. k. steven’s brain works. it needs to be studied.
her characters are so, so real to me, and even though we follow quite a few of them, i was looking forward to each chapter equally. they almost feel like a second family to me after all this time i have spent with them.
in the same vein as silvercloak, the magic system in this is just so fun and so interesting. i love that we have physical wands and spoken incantations, and so many weird but cool ways that this magic manifests.
if you adored silvercloak, i fear you are going to love this one even more. stunning!!
Currently Reading
February 23, 2026i fear it’s time to dive into my arc, despite claiming i would read it directly after my reread of silver cloak… better late than never!
—
sooo excited, i got my hands on the arc! will do a reread of book one and then dive right in!!
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loveee that cover omg!! i have been dying for the next book after the cliffhanger in book one... also manifesting fairyloot does a reprint of silvercloak🤞🏼
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sooo excited, i got my hands on the arc! will do a reread of book one and then dive right in!!
—
loveee that cover omg!! i have been dying for the next book after the cliffhanger in book one... also manifesting fairyloot does a reprint of silvercloak🤞🏼
Did Not Finish
May 23, 2026I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
DNF at 52%, Chapter 42, page 260 out of 500
Out of fairness I will not rate this book, 'cause I haven't read it fully and have no right to rate it as if I did.
There are many different kinds of middle book syndromes; this one is the worst if one scales it by frustration.
Introduction
I should have listened to my gut feeling and not have requested the second installment of The Silvercloak Saga. One of the few reasons why I gave the first book 3/5 stars instead of 2/5 was 'cause the ending gave me hopes. I believed that ending would turn everything around. Instead the second book read like an endless time loop, created by the timeweaver Saffron.
Plot & plot twists
There was no plot. At least not for the first half of the book. Perhaps it will have an ending that keeps the reader thrilled for the final installment. If that's true, then it would only confirm that this second book is plotwise the same as the first one. After all, the first book ended just like that.
That's exactly what makes this middle book syndrome so frustrating. From how far I have come until I decided to drop it, I could let someone read the first and last book and they wouldn't be confused, 'cause the first half of the second book adds nothing to the plot. The plot twists seem to be a tool to keep the illusion up that there is plot while there isn't. The reason why I state so, is that the plot twists were mostly illogical, disjointed and even desultory. For instance, the King's prophet makes a surprising choice with the intent to protect someone while his choice puts this very person more into danger.
Character dynamics & developments
The character dynamic between Saffron and Levan is the same. If one thinks back to how the relationship between these two started in the first installment and how it ended it's the same in the second installment. Mistrust, deception and betrayal. One might have thought based on the ending of the first installment that the relationship dynamic will shift, but instead it resets itself. Saffron has to gain Levan's trust again. Only for her to betray him again.
The character development stays static, for Levan and Saffron. Leva 's negative self-talk stayed the same. Levan suffers from childhood trauma but he has never processed it which prevents him from growing and transforming as character. He is stuck at the past, unable to move forward. Just like Saffron who desperately tries to change back time instead of accepting what happened and living with it. It's appalling what this book series tries to convey up to now; dwelling in the past is the only solution. That's an unhealthy way to cope. Moving forward doesn't mean forgetting or forgiving, it means to accept what happened and focusing on what happens in the present. One shouldn't play with fate. Fate is dangerous. Not obeying its will is not foolish, but simply ignorant.
Outroduction
I disagree with the idea to change back time. If this would be a dystopia that shows the negative effects of it, I wouldn't complain. It's a fantasy romance that could potentially romanticise the idea of dwelling in the past. In fiction, the past can be fixed by changing it. In reality, one will destroy onself by the false sense of control by avoiding the unpredictable present time. In reality, one cannot change the past; no matter how much one wishes for it. I would rather miss the final installment than read about characters who had troubled pasts and simply change it to recover from it. That's not how character development works.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey for the advanced reader copy of Turncloak by L. K. Steven.
Started the book: 23. May 2026
Wrote the review: 23. May 2026
DNF at 52%, Chapter 42, page 260 out of 500
Out of fairness I will not rate this book, 'cause I haven't read it fully and have no right to rate it as if I did.
There are many different kinds of middle book syndromes; this one is the worst if one scales it by frustration.
Introduction
I should have listened to my gut feeling and not have requested the second installment of The Silvercloak Saga. One of the few reasons why I gave the first book 3/5 stars instead of 2/5 was 'cause the ending gave me hopes. I believed that ending would turn everything around. Instead the second book read like an endless time loop, created by the timeweaver Saffron.
Plot & plot twists
There was no plot. At least not for the first half of the book. Perhaps it will have an ending that keeps the reader thrilled for the final installment. If that's true, then it would only confirm that this second book is plotwise the same as the first one. After all, the first book ended just like that.
That's exactly what makes this middle book syndrome so frustrating. From how far I have come until I decided to drop it, I could let someone read the first and last book and they wouldn't be confused, 'cause the first half of the second book adds nothing to the plot. The plot twists seem to be a tool to keep the illusion up that there is plot while there isn't. The reason why I state so, is that the plot twists were mostly illogical, disjointed and even desultory. For instance, the King's prophet makes a surprising choice with the intent to protect someone while his choice puts this very person more into danger.
Character dynamics & developments
The character dynamic between Saffron and Levan is the same. If one thinks back to how the relationship between these two started in the first installment and how it ended it's the same in the second installment. Mistrust, deception and betrayal. One might have thought based on the ending of the first installment that the relationship dynamic will shift, but instead it resets itself. Saffron has to gain Levan's trust again. Only for her to betray him again.
The character development stays static, for Levan and Saffron. Leva 's negative self-talk stayed the same. Levan suffers from childhood trauma but he has never processed it which prevents him from growing and transforming as character. He is stuck at the past, unable to move forward. Just like Saffron who desperately tries to change back time instead of accepting what happened and living with it. It's appalling what this book series tries to convey up to now; dwelling in the past is the only solution. That's an unhealthy way to cope. Moving forward doesn't mean forgetting or forgiving, it means to accept what happened and focusing on what happens in the present. One shouldn't play with fate. Fate is dangerous. Not obeying its will is not foolish, but simply ignorant.
Outroduction
I disagree with the idea to change back time. If this would be a dystopia that shows the negative effects of it, I wouldn't complain. It's a fantasy romance that could potentially romanticise the idea of dwelling in the past. In fiction, the past can be fixed by changing it. In reality, one will destroy onself by the false sense of control by avoiding the unpredictable present time. In reality, one cannot change the past; no matter how much one wishes for it. I would rather miss the final installment than read about characters who had troubled pasts and simply change it to recover from it. That's not how character development works.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey for the advanced reader copy of Turncloak by L. K. Steven.
Started the book: 23. May 2026
Wrote the review: 23. May 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have never been more proud of a book than I am of this one. also SORRY IN ADVANCE (iykyk)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 "Wow, that ending!" stars. I just...gosh, let me gather my thoughts, because wow. I was genuinely sucked into the ending of this book; even an hour after finishing, I still feel like my head isn't quite screwed on straight. Many thanks to NetGalley and Del Ray Books for providing me with an advance reader copy of Turncloak so I could share my honest thoughts on it!
This is the second book in The Silvercloak Saga, and picks up immediately after the first book ends. If you haven't read Silvercloak, I would not even attempt to read this book...between the involved magical world and magical system, the interconnected characters, and the fairly intricate plot, anyone who hasn't read the first book (and remembers it) is going to be at a total loss, and not in a fun way. If you have NOT read the first book and don't plan to, there are details ahead that will be spoilers (but there are no Turncloak spoilers, this is a safe space)...if that's you, I highly recommend you stop reading here until you've picked up Silvercloak and finished it.
Turncloak picks up immediately after the main character Saffron has successfully turned back time and rewritten history during a Silvercloak raid on a Bloodmoon drug deal that went disastrously wrong. This botched operation left Saffron stranded deeply undercover as a Bloodmoon member, so deeply that no one on the Silvercloak force actually knows she is secretly undercover with the exception of her friend and colleague Nissa...who is in a coma and might not ever awaken.
The book opens with Saffron navigating the awkward (and dangerous) aftermath of that night. The new Bloodmoon kingpin Levan now knows she's a Silvercloak, and, unbeknownst to her, now also suspects that she's a Timeweaver. She's forced to play all sides just to avoid being killed, which would be a lot less complicated if she hadn't also caught some serious romantic feelings for Levan in the first book.
As the saying goes, she's in a bit of a pickle.
I spent the first 75% of the book convinced that this book suffered from "middle book syndrome", and the last 25% of the book laughing at myself for being so, so wrong.
The beginning of the book definitely felt slower to me than my brain wanted. After the whirlwind ending of Silvercloak, I wanted some more whirlwhind action, but instead, we started off at a walking pace. However, I have to give kudos to the author for slowly yet surely cranking the dial on the pacing and taking the second 50% of the book from "walking" to "jogging" to "running" to "Olympic sprinting" and then, unlike in Silvercloak, actually giving us a cool-down lap at the very end of the book to collect our thoughts and collectively go, "Noooo!!!" While I would have loved if that gradual increase in pace had happened sooner, the ending definitely made up for the slower beginning.
Because, THAT ENDING. Right around 75-80%, the book shifted into what I can only describe as a straight-up adventure journey, and I was (as the kids say) absolutely sat for it. The entire last 25% of the book was just one big experience after another, and by the time I got to the 95% of the book I had all but forgiven L.K. Steven for the slow start.
It was during this last quarter of the book that I ended up finding myself surprised and pleased by how quietly L.K. Steven had built up the backstory of nearly every single significant character, then seamlessly woven them all together into a cohesive tapestry that set the stage for a completely different outcome than I originally expected. I had thought Silvercloak (which was her debut novel) did a good job of world- and character-building—especially with creating this unique magical system—but then Turncloak grabbed all of that groundwork and took it straight to the next level, to the point that I basically can't talk about any one part of the plot without inadvertently spoiling at least one of the other plot lines.
For anyone reading this for the spice/romance, it is extremely minimal in this book, but there's definitely not 100% missing (and it also seemed like the foundations for some new relationships were being built for the next book).
All in all, if you enjoyed Silvercloak, I think it's safe to say that you will definitely enjoy Turncloak.
This is the second book in The Silvercloak Saga, and picks up immediately after the first book ends. If you haven't read Silvercloak, I would not even attempt to read this book...between the involved magical world and magical system, the interconnected characters, and the fairly intricate plot, anyone who hasn't read the first book (and remembers it) is going to be at a total loss, and not in a fun way. If you have NOT read the first book and don't plan to, there are details ahead that will be spoilers (but there are no Turncloak spoilers, this is a safe space)...if that's you, I highly recommend you stop reading here until you've picked up Silvercloak and finished it.
Turncloak picks up immediately after the main character Saffron has successfully turned back time and rewritten history during a Silvercloak raid on a Bloodmoon drug deal that went disastrously wrong. This botched operation left Saffron stranded deeply undercover as a Bloodmoon member, so deeply that no one on the Silvercloak force actually knows she is secretly undercover with the exception of her friend and colleague Nissa...who is in a coma and might not ever awaken.
The book opens with Saffron navigating the awkward (and dangerous) aftermath of that night. The new Bloodmoon kingpin Levan now knows she's a Silvercloak, and, unbeknownst to her, now also suspects that she's a Timeweaver. She's forced to play all sides just to avoid being killed, which would be a lot less complicated if she hadn't also caught some serious romantic feelings for Levan in the first book.
As the saying goes, she's in a bit of a pickle.
I spent the first 75% of the book convinced that this book suffered from "middle book syndrome", and the last 25% of the book laughing at myself for being so, so wrong.
The beginning of the book definitely felt slower to me than my brain wanted. After the whirlwind ending of Silvercloak, I wanted some more whirlwhind action, but instead, we started off at a walking pace. However, I have to give kudos to the author for slowly yet surely cranking the dial on the pacing and taking the second 50% of the book from "walking" to "jogging" to "running" to "Olympic sprinting" and then, unlike in Silvercloak, actually giving us a cool-down lap at the very end of the book to collect our thoughts and collectively go, "Noooo!!!" While I would have loved if that gradual increase in pace had happened sooner, the ending definitely made up for the slower beginning.
Because, THAT ENDING. Right around 75-80%, the book shifted into what I can only describe as a straight-up adventure journey, and I was (as the kids say) absolutely sat for it. The entire last 25% of the book was just one big experience after another, and by the time I got to the 95% of the book I had all but forgiven L.K. Steven for the slow start.
It was during this last quarter of the book that I ended up finding myself surprised and pleased by how quietly L.K. Steven had built up the backstory of nearly every single significant character, then seamlessly woven them all together into a cohesive tapestry that set the stage for a completely different outcome than I originally expected. I had thought Silvercloak (which was her debut novel) did a good job of world- and character-building—especially with creating this unique magical system—but then Turncloak grabbed all of that groundwork and took it straight to the next level, to the point that I basically can't talk about any one part of the plot without inadvertently spoiling at least one of the other plot lines.
For anyone reading this for the spice/romance, it is extremely minimal in this book, but there's definitely not 100% missing (and it also seemed like the foundations for some new relationships were being built for the next book).
All in all, if you enjoyed Silvercloak, I think it's safe to say that you will definitely enjoy Turncloak.
Want to Read
May 30, 2026So happy to have received an ARC... Silvercloak has been on my TBR for so long! I will need to read book 1, then immediately going to jump into Turncloak! Stay tuned my luvs!
April 20, 2026
Theres a sort of reading experience that you feel in your body. It’s very physical, it becomes less words on a page and more like it’s happening within you, and then all around you. You know the one.
I drip fed Turncloak, I had myself on a strict schedule. Only a few chapters a night- I have so little self control that I only ever do this when I can feel real magic from a story and want to draw out that feeling for as long as I can bare it.
Slivercloak meant so much to me, and Turncloak was everything I wanted it to be and somehow more. I was doing laps around my apartment; my heart was sat right in my mouth (the ending of chapter 50 especially, made me want to cry and scream and run all at the same time).
This cast of characters is diverse and L.K Steven has a way of making you care about every single one of them. We get to feel all the sharp edges of love, lust, friendship and family. There is nothing so obvious as good and evil here, and Turncloak will make you think about the way you move through the world— how far would you go for the ones you love, and is there a difference between what is lawful and what is right?
There’s some books that you will be thinking about forever, and I already know I’ll be adding this whole series to that infinite shelf in my head.
I’ll write a proper review closer to release date, but please, if you haven’t read Silvercloak, if you take one recommendation from me let it be this one.
Turncloak releases September 15. I can’t wait to meet you all at the end.
I drip fed Turncloak, I had myself on a strict schedule. Only a few chapters a night- I have so little self control that I only ever do this when I can feel real magic from a story and want to draw out that feeling for as long as I can bare it.
Slivercloak meant so much to me, and Turncloak was everything I wanted it to be and somehow more. I was doing laps around my apartment; my heart was sat right in my mouth (the ending of chapter 50 especially, made me want to cry and scream and run all at the same time).
This cast of characters is diverse and L.K Steven has a way of making you care about every single one of them. We get to feel all the sharp edges of love, lust, friendship and family. There is nothing so obvious as good and evil here, and Turncloak will make you think about the way you move through the world— how far would you go for the ones you love, and is there a difference between what is lawful and what is right?
There’s some books that you will be thinking about forever, and I already know I’ll be adding this whole series to that infinite shelf in my head.
I’ll write a proper review closer to release date, but please, if you haven’t read Silvercloak, if you take one recommendation from me let it be this one.
Turncloak releases September 15. I can’t wait to meet you all at the end.
Did Not Finish
June 3, 2026Thank you to NetGalley& Del Rey, Random House Worlds for allowing me to read this sequel.
Soft DNF at 19% as of now
Wow… I am so disappointed. The love I have for book 1 is intense😅😅so when I got approved for this arc, I dropped everything… & have been stuck for about a month. I am hoping to return to this maybe one day, maybe via audio but idk. This just is not it. It is an utter slog of a read.
Where is everything from book 1?? There’s none of that shine, no energy, no magic (pun intended.) The pacing is a slow mess. The FMC has lost all her personality. The entire beginning is boring as ffffff! We pick up right where we left off but it doesn’t really feel like we’re “post plot twist.” I’m not sure how to describe it. Probably because I have no words. How is this the same author & the same series?! What I’ve read is slow & tedious to get through with nothing actually happening. There’s now multiple POVs but almost all of them contribute null.
& don’t get me started on the MMC! I was so excited to be in his head but this man is giving way, way too much sad boi😓 which I can completely understand all things considered but he just feels so inconsistent to who we met in the previous book. In the words of the great Keke "I hate to say it, I hope I don't sound ridiculous, I don't know who this man is. Sorry to this man"😂😂
So incredibly bummed. I completely understand that I didn’t actually finish this book but so far it’s giving second book syndrome. The author was just trying to do waaaaay too much but it all fell FLAT. I have a feeling that things really pick up much later in this book but I don't got time for that.
But the cover is stunning😂
Soft DNF at 19% as of now
Wow… I am so disappointed. The love I have for book 1 is intense😅😅so when I got approved for this arc, I dropped everything… & have been stuck for about a month. I am hoping to return to this maybe one day, maybe via audio but idk. This just is not it. It is an utter slog of a read.
Where is everything from book 1?? There’s none of that shine, no energy, no magic (pun intended.) The pacing is a slow mess. The FMC has lost all her personality. The entire beginning is boring as ffffff! We pick up right where we left off but it doesn’t really feel like we’re “post plot twist.” I’m not sure how to describe it. Probably because I have no words. How is this the same author & the same series?! What I’ve read is slow & tedious to get through with nothing actually happening. There’s now multiple POVs but almost all of them contribute null.
& don’t get me started on the MMC! I was so excited to be in his head but this man is giving way, way too much sad boi😓 which I can completely understand all things considered but he just feels so inconsistent to who we met in the previous book. In the words of the great Keke "I hate to say it, I hope I don't sound ridiculous, I don't know who this man is. Sorry to this man"😂😂
So incredibly bummed. I completely understand that I didn’t actually finish this book but so far it’s giving second book syndrome. The author was just trying to do waaaaay too much but it all fell FLAT. I have a feeling that things really pick up much later in this book but I don't got time for that.
But the cover is stunning😂
September 6, 2026
Thank you to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey and Netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
The excitement I had to get approved for this ARC after the amazingness of Silvercloak was unparalleled. Which broke my heart when the fast action turns of Silvercloak and absolutely intoxicating story didn’t carry through into Turncloak.
And it’s right there in the title, it’s about betrayals and turncoats. For me it was the sheer number of them. Back and forth, back and forth, who is on what side, and who are they fighting for. I didn’t feel like it was genuine, the drive to align to the Silvercloaks or the Redcloaks. I didn’t feel like it was a conflicted choice, it was more waffling than anything. Because of that I couldn’t get into the story the same way I did Silvercloak. The characters felt shallow compared to the first book. I didn’t understand them in the same way, and it made it hard for me to want to continue reading.
This one is a soft DNF for me right now. I will come back to it, I want to know how the story ends, but right now (and this may be my mood reader roots showing) it’s not grabbing me enough to want to stay in it.
The excitement I had to get approved for this ARC after the amazingness of Silvercloak was unparalleled. Which broke my heart when the fast action turns of Silvercloak and absolutely intoxicating story didn’t carry through into Turncloak.
And it’s right there in the title, it’s about betrayals and turncoats. For me it was the sheer number of them. Back and forth, back and forth, who is on what side, and who are they fighting for. I didn’t feel like it was genuine, the drive to align to the Silvercloaks or the Redcloaks. I didn’t feel like it was a conflicted choice, it was more waffling than anything. Because of that I couldn’t get into the story the same way I did Silvercloak. The characters felt shallow compared to the first book. I didn’t understand them in the same way, and it made it hard for me to want to continue reading.
This one is a soft DNF for me right now. I will come back to it, I want to know how the story ends, but right now (and this may be my mood reader roots showing) it’s not grabbing me enough to want to stay in it.
Want to Read
February 27, 2026we got a name and cover. i need this like i need air.
Did Not Finish
July 7, 2026⋆˙⟡ ── ❌ DNF @25%
ⓘ 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊.
I really tried to give this a chance, but I was slogging through it. I do want to provide my reasoning for DNF'ing that may be helpful for those looking forward to reading this that's hopefully insightful.
This book is perfect for readers who loved Silvercloak. However, for readers who thought Book 1 was just "okay",they may not enjoy it at as much. It was very "second book in a series" with no true continued development. It picks right up where Silvercloak left off, and it maintains alot of the components readers loved about the first book (betrayals, unique world, witty FMC, interesting magic system).
In my opinion, the concept was much better than the payoff. This book had so much potential to be great; it started off good and seemed to slowly go downhill and stall. The dynamic between the main characters continued to fall flat. Saffron has always been unlikeable to me, and this book (from what I read) didn't really redeem her. Levan, as expected, continued to make this book what it was. I cared more about him than the FMC (like I did in Silvercloak).
The betrayal/mistrust aspect, while needed to drive the plot forward, weakened the dynamic between the two characters we're supposed to be rooting for. It's clearly a plot-forward book with the intention to make the romance real, but I'm not buying it if that's the selling point. We do get multiple (third person) POVs in this book, so you get to explore a not so limited perspective, which was enjoyable. Though from what I read, those didn't provide any value.
This may not have been it for me, but it definitely has an audience who will enjoy it if they couldn't put down the first book.
ⓘ 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊.
I really tried to give this a chance, but I was slogging through it. I do want to provide my reasoning for DNF'ing that may be helpful for those looking forward to reading this that's hopefully insightful.
This book is perfect for readers who loved Silvercloak. However, for readers who thought Book 1 was just "okay",they may not enjoy it at as much. It was very "second book in a series" with no true continued development. It picks right up where Silvercloak left off, and it maintains alot of the components readers loved about the first book (betrayals, unique world, witty FMC, interesting magic system).
In my opinion, the concept was much better than the payoff. This book had so much potential to be great; it started off good and seemed to slowly go downhill and stall. The dynamic between the main characters continued to fall flat. Saffron has always been unlikeable to me, and this book (from what I read) didn't really redeem her. Levan, as expected, continued to make this book what it was. I cared more about him than the FMC (like I did in Silvercloak).
The betrayal/mistrust aspect, while needed to drive the plot forward, weakened the dynamic between the two characters we're supposed to be rooting for. It's clearly a plot-forward book with the intention to make the romance real, but I'm not buying it if that's the selling point. We do get multiple (third person) POVs in this book, so you get to explore a not so limited perspective, which was enjoyable. Though from what I read, those didn't provide any value.
This may not have been it for me, but it definitely has an audience who will enjoy it if they couldn't put down the first book.
September 29, 2026
After that absolutely diabolical ending of Silvercloak, I was honestly equally nervous and excited to see if L.K. Steven would be able to follow through on her ambitious vision in Turncloak, and I am happy to report that she absolutely did not betray my trust. Somehow, this sequel gets so much bigger while also becoming infinitely more intimate and vulnerable, and I think that is exactly where its magic lies.
Now, while I truly enjoyed spending the entirety of book one with Saffron, I honestly found it such a relief to switch to multiple POVs here because if there was one thing I wanted more of in Silvercloak, it was the side characters, and Turncloak absolutely delivered on that front. In fact, I think it is actually rude to call Levan, Auria, and Harrow (oh, and even the bestest boy Rasso!) side characters anymore because they absolutely stole the show for me, and I loved getting to see the dichotomy between how they viewed themselves and their own experiences versus the impression Saffron had of them, which I had so readily accepted as truth.
To me, the extra POVs only meant extra emotional turmoil because these characters are all such trauma babies, and I love them for it. Saffron is still her witty, vengeful and determined self, but she also has to grapple much more with the consequences of what she has done and what she still has to do, and I loved seeing her feel even more flawed here without losing that humanity that made me love her in the first book. There is a real messiness to her choices and motivations that makes her so uniquely compelling to me, especially as the lines between revenge, guilt, loyalty, love, and survival become increasingly blurry.
However, Levan quickly replaced her as my favourite character in this series, and I absolutely adored getting a peek into his tragic past through both his POV and a few interlude flashback chapters from another character whose identity I will very much keep secret for now. I just love how he is such a tragic character without ever feeling weak, and the exploration of his addiction to both substances and pain hit so hard and really gave so much insight into why he is the complicated yet dangerously powerful man he is today. I also loved how that made his interactions with Saffron all the more nuanced, and the development of their complicated romantic-ish dynamic in Turncloak after all the wild revelations between them in Silvercloak honestly had me in an absolute chokehold. This is how you slow-burn yearning!!!
Speaking of yearning, I was not expecting so much sapphic desire in Turncloak, but my babe Auria absolutely came through in the most unexpected ways. I mean, she honestly she got on my nerves a little with her straight-laced attitude in book one, but I absolutely loved watching her be forced to push her own moral boundaries here in order to protect the people she loves. Watching her realise that doing the right thing is not always nearly as simple as she wants it to be was such a compelling part of her character arc, and I loved how Nissa was such a big part of that. There is so much humour and hurt woven into their dynamic, especially when you add the whole Saffron factor into it, and I was eating up every second of that emotional rollercoaster.
I do have to say, though, that while I enjoyed how much more intimate and emotionally intricate Turncloak is, I still struggled to connect emotionally in quite the way I wanted to because the telling rather than showing issue I had with Silvercloak persists here, although to a slightly lesser degree. At some points I really had to push myself through some passages because something about Steven’s storytelling just doesn’t flow well in my brain and keeps me at a bit of a distance, so while I love the deeply psychological character study happening here, I wish I could feel it more in my heart. Maybe I am just a sucker for emotional torture, who knows.
Even so, I think Turncloak is a very strong sequel of revelations and consequences, and the plot is plotting so hard that I genuinely could not tear my eyes away from the page, even when I wasn't as deeply emotionally invested as I wanted to be. Steven continues to raise the stakes, deepen the lore, and push the limits of the magic system without it ever feeling like a cheap cop-out for plot convenience, and I loved how much more mature and complex this instalment felt. There were so many twists and turns that I genuinely could not see coming, which is especially impressive when there are aspects of prophecy involved in this dangerous war of hearts.
And look, I should probably not be surprised that Turncloak ended on yet another rude cliffhanger, but consider all my flabbers gasted again. Even though I am a bit frustrated that this is not the 5-star favourite that it has the potential to be, I absolutely can’t wait to see where things are going next because I have a feeling it’s going to be one hell of a wild ride, and I am so here for it. This series somehow feels like such a unique breath of fresh air while also giving me comforting nostalgic feels, and I would absolutely recommend it if you are in the mood for a gloriously queer dark fantasy with a touch of bittersweet romance, tragic characters, pleasantly painful magic, and a whole lot of brutal backstabbings and betrayals.
Now, while I truly enjoyed spending the entirety of book one with Saffron, I honestly found it such a relief to switch to multiple POVs here because if there was one thing I wanted more of in Silvercloak, it was the side characters, and Turncloak absolutely delivered on that front. In fact, I think it is actually rude to call Levan, Auria, and Harrow (oh, and even the bestest boy Rasso!) side characters anymore because they absolutely stole the show for me, and I loved getting to see the dichotomy between how they viewed themselves and their own experiences versus the impression Saffron had of them, which I had so readily accepted as truth.
To me, the extra POVs only meant extra emotional turmoil because these characters are all such trauma babies, and I love them for it. Saffron is still her witty, vengeful and determined self, but she also has to grapple much more with the consequences of what she has done and what she still has to do, and I loved seeing her feel even more flawed here without losing that humanity that made me love her in the first book. There is a real messiness to her choices and motivations that makes her so uniquely compelling to me, especially as the lines between revenge, guilt, loyalty, love, and survival become increasingly blurry.
However, Levan quickly replaced her as my favourite character in this series, and I absolutely adored getting a peek into his tragic past through both his POV and a few interlude flashback chapters from another character whose identity I will very much keep secret for now. I just love how he is such a tragic character without ever feeling weak, and the exploration of his addiction to both substances and pain hit so hard and really gave so much insight into why he is the complicated yet dangerously powerful man he is today. I also loved how that made his interactions with Saffron all the more nuanced, and the development of their complicated romantic-ish dynamic in Turncloak after all the wild revelations between them in Silvercloak honestly had me in an absolute chokehold. This is how you slow-burn yearning!!!
Speaking of yearning, I was not expecting so much sapphic desire in Turncloak, but my babe Auria absolutely came through in the most unexpected ways. I mean, she honestly she got on my nerves a little with her straight-laced attitude in book one, but I absolutely loved watching her be forced to push her own moral boundaries here in order to protect the people she loves. Watching her realise that doing the right thing is not always nearly as simple as she wants it to be was such a compelling part of her character arc, and I loved how Nissa was such a big part of that. There is so much humour and hurt woven into their dynamic, especially when you add the whole Saffron factor into it, and I was eating up every second of that emotional rollercoaster.
I do have to say, though, that while I enjoyed how much more intimate and emotionally intricate Turncloak is, I still struggled to connect emotionally in quite the way I wanted to because the telling rather than showing issue I had with Silvercloak persists here, although to a slightly lesser degree. At some points I really had to push myself through some passages because something about Steven’s storytelling just doesn’t flow well in my brain and keeps me at a bit of a distance, so while I love the deeply psychological character study happening here, I wish I could feel it more in my heart. Maybe I am just a sucker for emotional torture, who knows.
Even so, I think Turncloak is a very strong sequel of revelations and consequences, and the plot is plotting so hard that I genuinely could not tear my eyes away from the page, even when I wasn't as deeply emotionally invested as I wanted to be. Steven continues to raise the stakes, deepen the lore, and push the limits of the magic system without it ever feeling like a cheap cop-out for plot convenience, and I loved how much more mature and complex this instalment felt. There were so many twists and turns that I genuinely could not see coming, which is especially impressive when there are aspects of prophecy involved in this dangerous war of hearts.
And look, I should probably not be surprised that Turncloak ended on yet another rude cliffhanger, but consider all my flabbers gasted again. Even though I am a bit frustrated that this is not the 5-star favourite that it has the potential to be, I absolutely can’t wait to see where things are going next because I have a feeling it’s going to be one hell of a wild ride, and I am so here for it. This series somehow feels like such a unique breath of fresh air while also giving me comforting nostalgic feels, and I would absolutely recommend it if you are in the mood for a gloriously queer dark fantasy with a touch of bittersweet romance, tragic characters, pleasantly painful magic, and a whole lot of brutal backstabbings and betrayals.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
actual rating: 4.5 stars rounded up!
no but it’s the way laura never let any of her characters breathe for ONE. SINGLE. MOMENT!!! 😭😭😭😭 tragedy after tragedy, drama after drama. this was 500+ pages long but i was at the edge of my seat the entire time!!! 🫠 i couldn’t catch a break! the characters couldn’t either! we’re all stressed!!! 😫
but ofc, books that make you feel this way are the best kind 🤭 laura steven really nailed the character development and plotline in this one — just wow!! where silvercloak was fantastical and fresh, turncloak was intense and complex! the romance took (even more of) a back seat in book 2 and the mystery element was a bigger focus too and i LOVED IT. can you imagine detectives wearing cloaks and casting wand spells?! it’s so fun! 🤭
this was SO emotional too. i know i’m making it sound like a fun fantastical mystery but rest assured it is also just as dark and sad and twisty and stressful 😭🥺💔
and also that ENDING??? i was already wounded enough, but that ending just had to make the final blow 🫠 i need book 3 like air!!! 😩
book 2 has just cemented the fact that this is a fave fantasy series of mine. SOOO unique and fresh. i love it SO much!!!
thank you so much penguin for the chance to read an arc of this 🫶🏼
no but it’s the way laura never let any of her characters breathe for ONE. SINGLE. MOMENT!!! 😭😭😭😭 tragedy after tragedy, drama after drama. this was 500+ pages long but i was at the edge of my seat the entire time!!! 🫠 i couldn’t catch a break! the characters couldn’t either! we’re all stressed!!! 😫
but ofc, books that make you feel this way are the best kind 🤭 laura steven really nailed the character development and plotline in this one — just wow!! where silvercloak was fantastical and fresh, turncloak was intense and complex! the romance took (even more of) a back seat in book 2 and the mystery element was a bigger focus too and i LOVED IT. can you imagine detectives wearing cloaks and casting wand spells?! it’s so fun! 🤭
this was SO emotional too. i know i’m making it sound like a fun fantastical mystery but rest assured it is also just as dark and sad and twisty and stressful 😭🥺💔
and also that ENDING??? i was already wounded enough, but that ending just had to make the final blow 🫠 i need book 3 like air!!! 😩
book 2 has just cemented the fact that this is a fave fantasy series of mine. SOOO unique and fresh. i love it SO much!!!
thank you so much penguin for the chance to read an arc of this 🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5/5
Thank you @delreybooks @laurasteven #partner for the gifted copy of this ebook and for allowing me to be a part of your street team!
Silvercloak was one of my top reads of last year so when I picked up Turncloak, the expectations were basically starting on the moon. 😂 Best of luck to L.K. on all her future books because the obsession with this series is real. Anywho, where do I even start? I guess I need to talk about L.K. Steven’s writing because it’s pretty much mind blowing. I wish I had just 2 of her brain cells :) I say that because this woman has a way with words that takes me on a journey. And I don’t mean a little jaunt down a path where you might see some pretty flowers. 😂 I mean a full on immersive, visual, word explosion experience where you feel completely lost in a world that is dangerous and you absolutely should want to leave…but instead you grab a cozy blanket, a sword and buckle up for the long haul. Her writing is alluring, addictive and welp…just lovely. Meanwhile, I’m over here writing, “It’s so cool and awesome” while she’s casually using words I wish I used on a regular basis. 😂 Also, she uses the word “saints,” which I just think is adorable. I literally had to Google it because apparently us USA people don’t use it the same way but honestly...I love it so much, it’s just so endearing!
So now that we’ve established that I am completely obsessed with her writing… let’s talk about the STORY. This one was another absolute stunner. I loved the characters, the story and the adventure this series is taking me on. I am so invested in these characters and this world, and I need this series to continue forever. Even though I did love Silvercloak a tad bit more the obsession with these is a real thing and I just need some more now. And then some more, and maybe some more after that!
I cannot wait to see where L.K. Steven takes this next because I just need to know. Please and thank you.
Thank you @delreybooks @laurasteven #partner for the gifted copy of this ebook and for allowing me to be a part of your street team!
Silvercloak was one of my top reads of last year so when I picked up Turncloak, the expectations were basically starting on the moon. 😂 Best of luck to L.K. on all her future books because the obsession with this series is real. Anywho, where do I even start? I guess I need to talk about L.K. Steven’s writing because it’s pretty much mind blowing. I wish I had just 2 of her brain cells :) I say that because this woman has a way with words that takes me on a journey. And I don’t mean a little jaunt down a path where you might see some pretty flowers. 😂 I mean a full on immersive, visual, word explosion experience where you feel completely lost in a world that is dangerous and you absolutely should want to leave…but instead you grab a cozy blanket, a sword and buckle up for the long haul. Her writing is alluring, addictive and welp…just lovely. Meanwhile, I’m over here writing, “It’s so cool and awesome” while she’s casually using words I wish I used on a regular basis. 😂 Also, she uses the word “saints,” which I just think is adorable. I literally had to Google it because apparently us USA people don’t use it the same way but honestly...I love it so much, it’s just so endearing!
So now that we’ve established that I am completely obsessed with her writing… let’s talk about the STORY. This one was another absolute stunner. I loved the characters, the story and the adventure this series is taking me on. I am so invested in these characters and this world, and I need this series to continue forever. Even though I did love Silvercloak a tad bit more the obsession with these is a real thing and I just need some more now. And then some more, and maybe some more after that!
I cannot wait to see where L.K. Steven takes this next because I just need to know. Please and thank you.
May 9, 2026
Wow, this was a really strong sequel!! I didn’t have huge expectations going in because the first book had quite a few flaws that made it a pretty mixed reading experience for me. But the story always had potential, and I’m glad I stuck with the series because Laura Steven seriously leveled up here and delivered a book that fixes a lot of the things I struggled with in the first installment.
First of all, the story is very engaging. There are plenty of plot twists, and while the beginning takes a little time to get going, once you hit around the 20% mark the pacing really picks up. The worldbuilding is also much more developed (it’s helpful to look at the map while reading), and we finally get a deeper look at the magic system, which now feels far more coherent and believable.
The highlight for me was definitely all the political scheming and power plays between the characters. Expanding the number of POVs was an excellent choice. Alongside the two main protagonists, we also get chapters from side characters. I loved how they made the story feel bigger and raised the stakes significantly. You really get the sense that multiple people are constantly plotting, manipulating, and chasing their own ambitions at the same time. Because of that, the series reads much closer to epic fantasy than it did in the first book, which at times came across more like a romantasy with protagonists dressed up in cloaks.
That said, emotions still play a huge role in driving the story. If you love angst and yearning, Saffron and Levan’s relationship in this book will absolutely work for you. Personally, I found some of the side characters and their individual arcs even more compelling than the main couple, though the protagonists themselves ended up being far more nuanced than I expected. The ending once again left everything on a cliffhanger, and now I desperately need to know what happens next.
The book isn’t impeccable. The protagonists still don’t fully come across as actual adults all the time, and Saffron is protected by some pretty obvious plot armor. Even so, the jump in quality between the first book and this sequel is massive. You can tell Laura Steven is becoming much more confident writing for an adult audience, and the series finally comes across as a truly ambitious project. If you liked Silvercloak, you’ll probably love Turncloak too. And if you were like me and saw the first book as a great idea with weaker execution, I’d really encourage you to give this sequel a try.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
First of all, the story is very engaging. There are plenty of plot twists, and while the beginning takes a little time to get going, once you hit around the 20% mark the pacing really picks up. The worldbuilding is also much more developed (it’s helpful to look at the map while reading), and we finally get a deeper look at the magic system, which now feels far more coherent and believable.
The highlight for me was definitely all the political scheming and power plays between the characters. Expanding the number of POVs was an excellent choice. Alongside the two main protagonists, we also get chapters from side characters. I loved how they made the story feel bigger and raised the stakes significantly. You really get the sense that multiple people are constantly plotting, manipulating, and chasing their own ambitions at the same time. Because of that, the series reads much closer to epic fantasy than it did in the first book, which at times came across more like a romantasy with protagonists dressed up in cloaks.
That said, emotions still play a huge role in driving the story. If you love angst and yearning, Saffron and Levan’s relationship in this book will absolutely work for you. Personally, I found some of the side characters and their individual arcs even more compelling than the main couple, though the protagonists themselves ended up being far more nuanced than I expected. The ending once again left everything on a cliffhanger, and now I desperately need to know what happens next.
The book isn’t impeccable. The protagonists still don’t fully come across as actual adults all the time, and Saffron is protected by some pretty obvious plot armor. Even so, the jump in quality between the first book and this sequel is massive. You can tell Laura Steven is becoming much more confident writing for an adult audience, and the series finally comes across as a truly ambitious project. If you liked Silvercloak, you’ll probably love Turncloak too. And if you were like me and saw the first book as a great idea with weaker execution, I’d really encourage you to give this sequel a try.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 26, 2026
I went into Turncloak with ridiculously high expectations because Silvercloak absolutely wrecked me. That first book was fast-paced, addictive, and had me completely obsessed, so naturally I expected this sequel to hit just as hard. Unfortunately this just didn’t HIT the way Silvercloak did.
✨ Tropes & vibes
⚔️ enemies to lovers (again and again)
🖤 betrayals
🔥 forced proximity
🐺 slow burn / unresolved tension
🔮 world changing prophecies
👑 political intrigue
💥 brutal cliffhangers
🫠 multiple POVs
Turncloak picks up right where Silvercloak left off, with Saffron and Levan dealing with the aftermath of all the betrayals, secrets and chaos from book one. This time we get multiple POVs instead of just Saffron’s, which I actually really liked especially Levan’s. Getting inside his head added so much more to the tension and helped me understand his internal conflict, jealousy and the emotional mess of everything going on between them.
The worldbuilding is still the strongest part of this series for me. L. K. Steven creates such an immersive setting and the mythology around the time weavers, prophecies and the wider politics keeps the story feeling big and layered. The stakes are definitely higher this time around, and I loved seeing more of the betrayals, reluctant alliances and side dynamics unfolding around the main plot.
That said… the pacing really struggled for me. The first half felt slow and I kept waiting for more action, more emotional payoff and honestly just more movement. A lot technically happens, but it didn’t always feel like the plot was progressing AND it felt repetitive in places, especially emotionally before suddenly fast-forwarding into action and twists near the end.
I also wanted more from Saffron and Levan. I appreciate that the author didn’t just throw them straight back into romance and yes, the tension is there but I still wanted more angst, more yearning, and more emotional depth between them. I didn’t fully feel why Saffron wanted him so badly and I expected a stronger emotional punch after everything from book one. I don’t mind a slow burn at ALL but I want some MORE emotional depth to it.
I was also hoping we’d get more expansion on the mythology and history of the time weavers instead of just small pieces. There’s so much potential there, and I kept wanting the book to dig deeper.
Overall, Turncloak is still a solid sequel and absolutely worth continuing if you loved Silvercloak but it didn’t hit the same for me. The atmosphere is still incredible, the cliffhanger is rude as hell and I will obviously be reading book three as I can TELL stuff is about to go DOWN.
✨ Tropes & vibes
⚔️ enemies to lovers (again and again)
🖤 betrayals
🔥 forced proximity
🐺 slow burn / unresolved tension
🔮 world changing prophecies
👑 political intrigue
💥 brutal cliffhangers
🫠 multiple POVs
Turncloak picks up right where Silvercloak left off, with Saffron and Levan dealing with the aftermath of all the betrayals, secrets and chaos from book one. This time we get multiple POVs instead of just Saffron’s, which I actually really liked especially Levan’s. Getting inside his head added so much more to the tension and helped me understand his internal conflict, jealousy and the emotional mess of everything going on between them.
The worldbuilding is still the strongest part of this series for me. L. K. Steven creates such an immersive setting and the mythology around the time weavers, prophecies and the wider politics keeps the story feeling big and layered. The stakes are definitely higher this time around, and I loved seeing more of the betrayals, reluctant alliances and side dynamics unfolding around the main plot.
That said… the pacing really struggled for me. The first half felt slow and I kept waiting for more action, more emotional payoff and honestly just more movement. A lot technically happens, but it didn’t always feel like the plot was progressing AND it felt repetitive in places, especially emotionally before suddenly fast-forwarding into action and twists near the end.
I also wanted more from Saffron and Levan. I appreciate that the author didn’t just throw them straight back into romance and yes, the tension is there but I still wanted more angst, more yearning, and more emotional depth between them. I didn’t fully feel why Saffron wanted him so badly and I expected a stronger emotional punch after everything from book one. I don’t mind a slow burn at ALL but I want some MORE emotional depth to it.
I was also hoping we’d get more expansion on the mythology and history of the time weavers instead of just small pieces. There’s so much potential there, and I kept wanting the book to dig deeper.
Overall, Turncloak is still a solid sequel and absolutely worth continuing if you loved Silvercloak but it didn’t hit the same for me. The atmosphere is still incredible, the cliffhanger is rude as hell and I will obviously be reading book three as I can TELL stuff is about to go DOWN.
Want to Read
March 13, 2026so excited to get my sexy tortured husband back already !!! #levandefender
April 15, 2026
SO thankful to have received an ARC, but screaming, crying and throwing up over how I now need to wait to talk to everyone about this and for book 3??
Will update with my full thoughts when I get out of the fetal position. Thanks.
Update:
Silvercloak was unexpectedly one of my favorite reads of the past year so I was so excited to be able to pick up Turncloak early.
Turncloak really delivered everything I wanted in a sequel. Although there was lots of story set-up, there were so many new pieces of information provided and little hints for the future. It left me really satisfied with where the story is and where it is going, while also making me immediately want (need, honestly) more.
Levan 4ever, thank you Net Galley and DelRay!
Will update with my full thoughts when I get out of the fetal position. Thanks.
Update:
Silvercloak was unexpectedly one of my favorite reads of the past year so I was so excited to be able to pick up Turncloak early.
Turncloak really delivered everything I wanted in a sequel. Although there was lots of story set-up, there were so many new pieces of information provided and little hints for the future. It left me really satisfied with where the story is and where it is going, while also making me immediately want (need, honestly) more.
Levan 4ever, thank you Net Galley and DelRay!
September 20, 2026
3.75
I think I may have gone into this with too high of expectations. I enjoyed it, but I was hoping I'd love it.
There are a lot of POVs, not just Saffron and Levan, and though sometimes it can be hit or miss for me when the second book decides to have five povs, I mostly liked it here, or at least wasn't bothered by it.
It took me two days just to get to 35% and I ended up having to stop and take a nap twice in those two days. Now, this might not be entirely the books fault, I do get intervals of when my body is extra fatigued, but this book wasn't helping. It did pick up significantly at around 45%.
There is a twist at 65% I didn't catch, I had two theories, and neither were right, but once it was revealed I can't believe I missed it, because it felt really obvious. Either way, I love being wrong, when it comes to plot twists.
I try really hard to not let the last 10% of a book influence my feelings of the entire book. The ending definitely has some shock factor, but I wish all of it was entertaining and driven by the plot, this does have a bit of middle book syndrome. I am still looking forward to the third book.
I think I may have gone into this with too high of expectations. I enjoyed it, but I was hoping I'd love it.
There are a lot of POVs, not just Saffron and Levan, and though sometimes it can be hit or miss for me when the second book decides to have five povs, I mostly liked it here, or at least wasn't bothered by it.
It took me two days just to get to 35% and I ended up having to stop and take a nap twice in those two days. Now, this might not be entirely the books fault, I do get intervals of when my body is extra fatigued, but this book wasn't helping. It did pick up significantly at around 45%.
There is a twist at 65% I didn't catch, I had two theories, and neither were right, but once it was revealed I can't believe I missed it, because it felt really obvious. Either way, I love being wrong, when it comes to plot twists.
I try really hard to not let the last 10% of a book influence my feelings of the entire book. The ending definitely has some shock factor, but I wish all of it was entertaining and driven by the plot, this does have a bit of middle book syndrome. I am still looking forward to the third book.
Currently Reading
October 12, 2026🍂 ⤹ · ⋆ pre-read:
i'm going insane
i'm going insane
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5
Turncloak by Laura Steven picks up immediately after Silvercloak. Levan now knows Saffron was undercover, knows she's a timeweaver, and Saffron has fully committed to the idea that absolutely nothing matters except rewinding time by 21 years. To do that she needs the Bloodmoon's ascenite, which unfortunately also means she has to worm her way back into Levan's good graces. On paper, this setup promises betrayal, angst, manipulation, and enough romantic tension to set the pages on fire.
Instead, it somehow manages to feel like Silvercloak all over again, except now we get front row seats to Levan's endless emo sad boy internal monologue.
Honestly, Levan should have been a POV character in Silvercloak. His backstory, motivations, and emotional baggage could have been established there, leaving Turncloak free to actually move the story forward. As it stands, Silvercloak feels like Saffron's introductory novel while Turncloak reads like Levan's origin story. That wouldn't necessarily be a problem if this weren't supposed to be the second book in the same series. Instead, it feels bizarrely like book one of an entirely different trilogy that just happens to feature characters you've already met.
Even more disappointing is what the ending of Silvercloak seemed to promise. We got hints that Levan had a darker, more dangerous side lurking beneath the surface. I was fully prepared for him to embrace his morally grey era and become the ruthless MMC the narrative kept teasing. Instead, he spends most of the book functioning as Saffron's emotional support bodyguard. Every time it seemed like he might finally snap or make a morally questionable decision, the story politely escorted him back to standing guard while looking wistfully into the middle distance. The man has all the edge of a butter knife.
The lack of meaningful plot progression becomes even more obvious with the addition of multiple new POVs. Rather than using the extra page time to deepen Saffron and Levan's relationship, expand the world, or raise the stakes, the narrative repeatedly cuts away to characters whose storylines feel disconnected from the central conflict. I understand the intention. It's clearly building toward an Avengers-style "everyone assembles in one place" finale. The problem is that the journey there constantly kills the momentum, and when the reunion finally happens, it isn't nearly satisfying enough to justify all the interruptions.
By the time I reached said end, surprisingly little had actually changed. Despite hundreds of pages, Levan and Saffron end the book feeling emotionally stuck in almost exactly the same place they started. The plot moved a few inches forward, the romance treads water, and every major development feels like it's forever being saved for the next installment.
Speaking of which, the ending did exactly what it was supposed to do. I'll read book three.
Not because Turncloak convinced me the series is firing on all cylinders, but because Laura Steven keeps waving the exact book I want to read just over my head like it's attached to a fishing rod. At this point I don't know whether I'm reading out of hope or spite.
Either way, I'll be there.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
—————————————————————————————
RTC
This book is a gigantic mess with glimmers of brilliance. I think I am more annoyed because the world that Steven has created is truly dynamic and magical but it’s overshadowed by pacing issues, recycled plot points from the first book, a hyper fixation on the word kingpin, and a desire to make everyone good and redeemable along with a shit ton of contradictory moments in the narrative. And that ending was just trash. But damn if I am not intrigued. Again.
Turncloak by Laura Steven picks up immediately after Silvercloak. Levan now knows Saffron was undercover, knows she's a timeweaver, and Saffron has fully committed to the idea that absolutely nothing matters except rewinding time by 21 years. To do that she needs the Bloodmoon's ascenite, which unfortunately also means she has to worm her way back into Levan's good graces. On paper, this setup promises betrayal, angst, manipulation, and enough romantic tension to set the pages on fire.
Instead, it somehow manages to feel like Silvercloak all over again, except now we get front row seats to Levan's endless emo sad boy internal monologue.
Honestly, Levan should have been a POV character in Silvercloak. His backstory, motivations, and emotional baggage could have been established there, leaving Turncloak free to actually move the story forward. As it stands, Silvercloak feels like Saffron's introductory novel while Turncloak reads like Levan's origin story. That wouldn't necessarily be a problem if this weren't supposed to be the second book in the same series. Instead, it feels bizarrely like book one of an entirely different trilogy that just happens to feature characters you've already met.
Even more disappointing is what the ending of Silvercloak seemed to promise. We got hints that Levan had a darker, more dangerous side lurking beneath the surface. I was fully prepared for him to embrace his morally grey era and become the ruthless MMC the narrative kept teasing. Instead, he spends most of the book functioning as Saffron's emotional support bodyguard. Every time it seemed like he might finally snap or make a morally questionable decision, the story politely escorted him back to standing guard while looking wistfully into the middle distance. The man has all the edge of a butter knife.
The lack of meaningful plot progression becomes even more obvious with the addition of multiple new POVs. Rather than using the extra page time to deepen Saffron and Levan's relationship, expand the world, or raise the stakes, the narrative repeatedly cuts away to characters whose storylines feel disconnected from the central conflict. I understand the intention. It's clearly building toward an Avengers-style "everyone assembles in one place" finale. The problem is that the journey there constantly kills the momentum, and when the reunion finally happens, it isn't nearly satisfying enough to justify all the interruptions.
By the time I reached said end, surprisingly little had actually changed. Despite hundreds of pages, Levan and Saffron end the book feeling emotionally stuck in almost exactly the same place they started. The plot moved a few inches forward, the romance treads water, and every major development feels like it's forever being saved for the next installment.
Speaking of which, the ending did exactly what it was supposed to do. I'll read book three.
Not because Turncloak convinced me the series is firing on all cylinders, but because Laura Steven keeps waving the exact book I want to read just over my head like it's attached to a fishing rod. At this point I don't know whether I'm reading out of hope or spite.
Either way, I'll be there.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
—————————————————————————————
RTC
This book is a gigantic mess with glimmers of brilliance. I think I am more annoyed because the world that Steven has created is truly dynamic and magical but it’s overshadowed by pacing issues, recycled plot points from the first book, a hyper fixation on the word kingpin, and a desire to make everyone good and redeemable along with a shit ton of contradictory moments in the narrative. And that ending was just trash. But damn if I am not intrigued. Again.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
YO THAT ENDING??
LK Steven continues to deliver on perfectly twisted worlds full of magic and chaos, and Turncloak is TWISTED. so many more layers of political scheming and betrayal- blink and you’ll miss an important point!
we get some super interesting new pov’s that had my head spinning! i love when books keep me on my toes guessing to the very last page. and the twists!!
both Saffron and Levan are deeply distrusting and hurt individuals just trying to do what they think is best in a dark and twisted world 😭 this book asks “do the ends justify the means?” and “how far are you willing to betray yourself to reach those ends.”
what began as a dark fantasy story about revenge and the magical crime underground has become so much grander scale. the fate of the world anyone?
i cannot wait to see where the next installment takes us!
thank you to the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
LK Steven continues to deliver on perfectly twisted worlds full of magic and chaos, and Turncloak is TWISTED. so many more layers of political scheming and betrayal- blink and you’ll miss an important point!
we get some super interesting new pov’s that had my head spinning! i love when books keep me on my toes guessing to the very last page. and the twists!!
both Saffron and Levan are deeply distrusting and hurt individuals just trying to do what they think is best in a dark and twisted world 😭 this book asks “do the ends justify the means?” and “how far are you willing to betray yourself to reach those ends.”
what began as a dark fantasy story about revenge and the magical crime underground has become so much grander scale. the fate of the world anyone?
i cannot wait to see where the next installment takes us!
thank you to the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2026
I HAVE SO MANY THINGS TO SAY!! ALL INCREDIBLE!! I CANT wait to write my review
Turncloak is an absolute masterclass in world building and character writing. The world feels IMMENSE, so incredibly fleshed out and real, and I love how the multiple POVs and timelines make the story feel HUGE. We’re constantly getting little pieces of the puzzle, and I am desperate to see how everything converges, how the timelines come together, and where this story is going.
I am also *OBSESSED* with the yearning and pining between Saffron and Levan. I love that their broken trust is being rebuilt slowly and realistically, and we actually get to see that progress happening.
Levan and Scarlett are genuinely some of the most complex and real characters I’ve ever read. Their pasts and traumas aren’t just mentioned and forgotten about they’re explored so thoroughly, and you can truly see how they’ve shaped who they are. Levan exploring his trauma was especially heartbreaking and beautifully written, it genuinely made me cry, actually had to get out of bed to dry my face and re-apply my skincare.
I’ve also loved seeing the character development of Auria and Nissa, I could see exactly how the events that they were going through were shaping them and making them grow as people.
And somehow, despite the huge cast of characters we are following, multiple POVs, timelines, and layers to the story, there is ZERO filler and absolutely ZERO second book syndrome. Every piece feels intentional and important and I am ABSOLUTELY, COMPLETELY, IRREVOCABLY INVETED. Easiest 5 stars ever. One of my favourite Fantasy series to date!!
Turncloak is an absolute masterclass in world building and character writing. The world feels IMMENSE, so incredibly fleshed out and real, and I love how the multiple POVs and timelines make the story feel HUGE. We’re constantly getting little pieces of the puzzle, and I am desperate to see how everything converges, how the timelines come together, and where this story is going.
I am also *OBSESSED* with the yearning and pining between Saffron and Levan. I love that their broken trust is being rebuilt slowly and realistically, and we actually get to see that progress happening.
Levan and Scarlett are genuinely some of the most complex and real characters I’ve ever read. Their pasts and traumas aren’t just mentioned and forgotten about they’re explored so thoroughly, and you can truly see how they’ve shaped who they are. Levan exploring his trauma was especially heartbreaking and beautifully written, it genuinely made me cry, actually had to get out of bed to dry my face and re-apply my skincare.
I’ve also loved seeing the character development of Auria and Nissa, I could see exactly how the events that they were going through were shaping them and making them grow as people.
And somehow, despite the huge cast of characters we are following, multiple POVs, timelines, and layers to the story, there is ZERO filler and absolutely ZERO second book syndrome. Every piece feels intentional and important and I am ABSOLUTELY, COMPLETELY, IRREVOCABLY INVETED. Easiest 5 stars ever. One of my favourite Fantasy series to date!!
August 7, 2026
oh my god!!! excuse me while I just stare at the wall and process this book for a sec!!!
Turncloak takes you on a journey—multiple journeys with multiple new POVs filled with a little yearning, a lot of trauma, and our favorite… prophecies!!
I ADORED getting all the new POVs. It added so much depth to the story and gave us a peek behind the curtain into their heads that I was desperately hoping for in Silvercloak. There’s even really painful, traumatic, heart wrenching flashback scenes!!!! What more could a girl want!
This set up the next book in the series to be filled with tension, more roving journeys across the world, maybe MORE new POVs??!! and definitely a million more villains and I cannot wait.
An amazing ride that I really didn’t want to end. Can’t wait for my reread 😀
thank you SO MUCH to Del Rey for the earc!! This is out 9/15!
Turncloak takes you on a journey—multiple journeys with multiple new POVs filled with a little yearning, a lot of trauma, and our favorite… prophecies!!
I ADORED getting all the new POVs. It added so much depth to the story and gave us a peek behind the curtain into their heads that I was desperately hoping for in Silvercloak. There’s even really painful, traumatic, heart wrenching flashback scenes!!!! What more could a girl want!
This set up the next book in the series to be filled with tension, more roving journeys across the world, maybe MORE new POVs??!! and definitely a million more villains and I cannot wait.
An amazing ride that I really didn’t want to end. Can’t wait for my reread 😀
thank you SO MUCH to Del Rey for the earc!! This is out 9/15!
August 26, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a fantastic sequel that had so many twists and turns I could hardly keep up. Every character is so flawed and messy but i couldn’t help root for them. The plot twist of that first chapter was so good. The romance in this book wasn’t as strong in my opinion but it was great set up for the next book. The amount of povs did get confusing at times but I could still follow along with what was happening. I need the next book right now because that ending was insane. If you liked the first book you’re not going to want to miss this one.
September 20, 2026
HOLY CRAP OMFG THAT ENDING WHATTTT🤯 y’all, when I say this book had me in a chokehold… I mean it had me in a CHOKEHOLD. I usually can’t focus on one book for too long because yay adhd, but I could not stop until I finished it! it had me glued to my seat the entire time, and didn’t once let me come up for air. when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it & that to me is what makes a 6 star read. these books have very quickly become two of my very favorites, and they’re in my top 4 reads out of 160+ so far this year! they. are. INCREDIBLE! I love Levan & Saff so dang much, and cannot wait to see where it goes from here!
Levan & Saff find their way back to trust in this one, after the events of Silvercloak, & this one had just as much of that delicious tension as book one had, & that’s saying a lot because I didn’t think this one could possibly top book one, but I was wrong! this is a super slow burn, but I personally love it that way, especially when there’s so much YEARNING.
& the story is incredible! the romance is epic, but the story is so unique & amazing & I really cannot wait to see where it goes from here! I need the final installment like I need oxygen to breathe😍🙏🏼
⚔️ true enemies to lovers
♥️ lies & betrayals
⚔️ morally grey
♥️ touch her & die
⚔️ complex magic
♥️ forced proximity
⚔️ slow burn
♥️ all the tension & yearning
⚔️ unique & amazing world building
♥️ multiple pov
6🌟
Levan & Saff find their way back to trust in this one, after the events of Silvercloak, & this one had just as much of that delicious tension as book one had, & that’s saying a lot because I didn’t think this one could possibly top book one, but I was wrong! this is a super slow burn, but I personally love it that way, especially when there’s so much YEARNING.
& the story is incredible! the romance is epic, but the story is so unique & amazing & I really cannot wait to see where it goes from here! I need the final installment like I need oxygen to breathe😍🙏🏼
⚔️ true enemies to lovers
♥️ lies & betrayals
⚔️ morally grey
♥️ touch her & die
⚔️ complex magic
♥️ forced proximity
⚔️ slow burn
♥️ all the tension & yearning
⚔️ unique & amazing world building
♥️ multiple pov
6🌟
September 27, 2026
this is objectively not the best series. there are quite a few plot points that you just can't think about too much, because the more you think about them, the less they make sense. the male protagonist also remains very eye-roll inducing in this second book and I find his whole "nobody can understand how tortured and monstrous I am" thing kind of annoying personally.
that being said, I think this series is so much fun! I'm someone who really enjoys quite classic wand magic, so I had a lot of fun with the magic system and the way it's woven into the world building. whenever I tell people about this series, they assume that the pain/pleasure aspect of the magic means this is a very spicy book, but it isn't really. there are two sex scenes in this and the story is much more about the larger conflicts in the world, the magic and all the cat-and-mouse games the characters play with each other. while it wasn't exactly unputdownable, I was always interested to see what would happen next. I also really loved the other budding relationship in this book, which I definitely didn't see coming in the first one. and I really appreciate how queernormative this world is and that both main characters could be read as bisexual. we love to see it!
so yeah, if you don't expect the most mind-blowing fantasy world or the most airtight plot, there's a lot of fun to be had here.
that being said, I think this series is so much fun! I'm someone who really enjoys quite classic wand magic, so I had a lot of fun with the magic system and the way it's woven into the world building. whenever I tell people about this series, they assume that the pain/pleasure aspect of the magic means this is a very spicy book, but it isn't really. there are two sex scenes in this and the story is much more about the larger conflicts in the world, the magic and all the cat-and-mouse games the characters play with each other. while it wasn't exactly unputdownable, I was always interested to see what would happen next. I also really loved the other budding relationship in this book, which I definitely didn't see coming in the first one. and I really appreciate how queernormative this world is and that both main characters could be read as bisexual. we love to see it!
so yeah, if you don't expect the most mind-blowing fantasy world or the most airtight plot, there's a lot of fun to be had here.
October 12, 2026
Ik denk dat dit boek zoveel meer tot z'n recht komt als je dit boek gelijk na deel 1 leest, want om eerlijk te zijn, was ik echt heel veel kwijt. Ik vond Silvercloak echt zooo leuk, maar in dit deel kwamen zo veel extra namen, spreuken, bad guys en andere onderdelen en ik was op een gegeven moment echt het overzicht kwijt. Er zit helaas ook geen begrippenlijst of iets in, waardoor ik ook niet alles makkelijk kon terugvinden. Het begin kwam daarom voor mij een beetje sloom op gang en het midden was hier en daar een beetje te langzaam, maar aan het einde gebeurde er weer ZO veel. Ik vond het heel leuk dat dit boek meerdere POVs had en je echt wel meer inzichten kreeg in de verschillende groepen. Deze wereld is gewoon zo goed opgezet en heeft echt meerdere lagen, maar m'n hoofd probeert het ook nog allemaal te begrijpen. Het hele boek bevat meerdere plottwists en verrassende wendingen in het verhaal en nu kijk ik echt uit naar boek 3. Maar ik denk dat ik dan wel weer even 1 & 2 opnieuw ga lezen...
Ik vind Laura Steven ook echt zo leuk schrijven en het leest verder wel vlot. Ook weer chapeau voor de vertaling, want dat was ook weer super. Dus kom maar door met boek 3!
Ik vind Laura Steven ook echt zo leuk schrijven en het leest verder wel vlot. Ook weer chapeau voor de vertaling, want dat was ook weer super. Dus kom maar door met boek 3!
September 15, 2026
“So you admit that it was love.”
“So you admit that it is past tense.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1.5🌶️
This series is elite. One of my favorite of all time. I absolutely loved Silvercloak and Turncloak is sequel perfection.
There is a constant examination of right versus wrong, good versus evil, love versus hate. All of the characters are pulled in so many directions and you never quite know who to trust. Saffron and Levan have the most beautiful, messy, complicated relationship. One minute you feel such hopeful joy and the next you are completely shocked or devastated again.
With this being a sequel I don’t like to give a lot of details in case you haven’t read the first book. However, if you love fantasy that includes a complex world, magic, and romance (of the most gut wrenching variety) this is a must read.
Thank you to Del Rey for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
“So you admit that it is past tense.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1.5🌶️
This series is elite. One of my favorite of all time. I absolutely loved Silvercloak and Turncloak is sequel perfection.
There is a constant examination of right versus wrong, good versus evil, love versus hate. All of the characters are pulled in so many directions and you never quite know who to trust. Saffron and Levan have the most beautiful, messy, complicated relationship. One minute you feel such hopeful joy and the next you are completely shocked or devastated again.
With this being a sequel I don’t like to give a lot of details in case you haven’t read the first book. However, if you love fantasy that includes a complex world, magic, and romance (of the most gut wrenching variety) this is a must read.
Thank you to Del Rey for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
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