A Rising Tide

by Haley J. Munroe

She broke the curse, only to become a prisoner to the woman she loves.

After her curse was broken, Briar finds herself on a ship heading toward the stronghold of the Earth Court.

When she arrives, she comes face to face with the women she’s spent the last decade searching for. Her crew. But there’s one problem—they blame Briar for everything.

As her execution looms closer, the castle is attacked by a hoard of wyvern that were rumored to have gone extinct with the fall of the Fire Court. In the chaos, a member of Briar’s crew is kidnapped, along with the Earth Court's emerald—their source of power. After blackmailing Kressa into taking her, Briar embarks on a quest to track down her missing crew mate. However, once they’re on the open sea and in close proximity, Briar and Kressa can’t deny the bond growing between them.

Genres: Lesbian, Fantasy, Romance

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2026

Reviews

[Jess Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

I need more and I need it yesterday. My god what an excellent second book. It is so action packed even I'm tired!

[Zoe Huffman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m so disappointed in this book…..it was insanely repetitive and I felt like I was basically reading the same chapter the entire time. The first one was so amazing that I’m very shocked at how much of a let down this sequel was. I was excited for it but it was such a let down ): I’m assuming there’s gonna be a third one…..I’m hoping it’s better but idk /:

[Alhyane Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might not know much about witchcraft but I’m convinced the author cast a spell on this book, you simply can’t put it down until you’ve finished it

[S. L. Hemmings-Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Haley for proving me with an ARC of this book, it was an absolute pleasure!

This was an amazing continuation of the story I already loved so much. The connection between the MCs is complex and I loved reading about it as well as the connection between the other characters as well. There’s so much scheming and plotting, betrayal, and conflicting emotions in this story which I absolutely loved reading. There’s descriptions are so vivid and the prose is lush, nothing feels like simple filler and everything that happens has a purpose in the story. There were revelations in this book that shocked me and twists I didn’t see coming.

I loved this book just as much as the first and this is proving to be an amazing series that I’m so excited to read more of already!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am suffering 😭😭😭

[lirissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of A Rising Tide!
This is definitely one where I’d recommend reading, or even rereading, book one first. There’s a lot going on and with all the shifting relationships, I think you’ll get so much more out of this if everything is still fresh in your mind.

I really loved being back in this world. Some of the questions I had after book one were answered (some are still a mystery, hopefully will be answered in book3) and I especially enjoyed getting to see more of the characters’ more human sides. I was so happy we were finally out on the sea after spending so much time on land in the first book. It just felt right for the story.

If the layered love triangle in book one frustrated you… it doesn’t magically go away here. The characters continue to make messy, complicated choices, so this probably isn’t the series for you if you prefer a fast burn or something more straightforward. It’s very much a slow, emotional tangle.

As with book one, the writing style won’t be for everyone. It has that indie feel, and there were a few repeated phrases and ideas that might pull some readers out of the moment. But personally, I was too invested in the characters, the sea to mind too much.

I wrote in my review for book one how it felt like a Hunter Games meets Pirates of the Caribbean, book two is very much focusing in on the Pirates but with a strong messy sapphic love and friendship situation.

I have to say I really want to hear this story, I think it will come together amazingly as an audio experience. I hope that it in the works too.

I need book three now. Like, actually now.

[sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

i've scoured the earth for her once. i’d do it again, and again. i wouldn’t rest until i found her.”

we waste absolutely no time, a rising tide picks up immediately where this splintered sea left off and thank god for that because the end of book one had me yelling. this book was filled to the brim with angst, secrets, betrayals, and impossible decisions, with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. the action scenes were so well done, i felt like i was watching a movie in my brain while they played out and every time i picked the book back up, i never wanted to put it down. i loved that we got to learn more about the other characters, especially the crew, and the tension and bond between briar and kressa was one of my favorite parts. my actual FAVORITE part is a huge spoiler so i can not say anything but just know i was screaming over it because it is one of my favorite things in books.
haley is such an incredible storyteller and i need her to always keep writing because that ending??? that was a fucking movie and i need book three as soon as possible.

i also just wanna say... I KNEW IT!!!!

shoutout haley for the arc 🫶🏻

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️
This book picks up right at the end of the first one. Briar is a prisoner to the earth court and reunited with her crew. Her fate is to be determined by the king. Kressa is the heir apparent to the king. Although, he's unaware of her fire power. The fire kingdom plays heavily into this sequel as well as that love triangle between Isolde, Kressa, and Briar.

I loved getting to know the crew from the ship. I hope some of those characters play more on the next book. I did love the expanding role for Julian as well. This book while Elias is there, he's not as central which is a shame. Also, when you add in the former flame Nicole, we've got a whole lot going on. It seems like the author is setting up big time for that third book. The magic and lore are definitely building, some things you see coming others you don't.

I did rate this lower than the first one, only because while it's not technically miscommunication there is a ton of lying or omitting the truth. I know some of it is for the plot but it pulled me away from the characters. Now that being said I'm fully vested in what's going on so I'll be waiting on it's release, 🤞, hopefully soon.

Tropes and triggers: royal and political intrigue, espionage, betrayal, group of misfits, fated mates, enemies to lovers, slow burn, ancient magic, gods, assassins, mistaken identity

[Sonal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frustrating Read

I enjoyed the first book, but felt incredibly frustrated while reading this sequel. I'm not a fan of the miscommunication/ withholding info trope, and this book is full of it. It's frustrating how a simple, open conversation between Briar and Kressa could've saved everyone, including themselves, yet they refused to have a single honest conversation. In the first book, I enjoyed them as a couple but in this book, I was so annoyed with Brair as she made dumb and selfish decisions that hurt everyone around her, including Kressa, and she acted in ways I wouldn't expect from someone who was raised in a royal court and familiar with the lying and manipulation that happens in these settings. She continuously fell for false promises made by the king and for whatever reason trusted that this horrible man would keep his word even though he'd promise/ say anything to get information from her. It was so rage inducing watching her reveal the Fire Court's location to Golan in exchange for her crews safety, like he's literally a villain who tortured your crew for 10yrs, why is are you trusting his word!? The plot was also repetitive, with Briar constantly making poor choices or trying to escape only to be caught again and again. Overall, I found it to be a very frustrating read and I think Kressa and the crew deserve better than Briar!

[Hailey Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is going to be a selfish ARC review. 4.25 stars!!

I fell in love with this world, Briar and Kressa, even the side characters.

But I could not get over how frustrating Briar’s actions are. The back and forth between her and Kressa, all the lies and half-truths and non-trust was kiiiiilling me the whole story.

Like, I still love them. I love the twists that were introduced… so it still gets 4 stars. It’s WORTH the read entirely. Especially if it brings us to the next book.

Isolde. I’ll get you.

Briar. Get smarter? 😭

Kressa. Truth first please!!

[Hayley Fell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tad repetitive with the love hate relationship BUT Obssessed and need the third book nowww

[Spencer Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am genuinely still exasperated over that ending. Like… how am I supposed to move on after that??

Haley J. Munroe took what felt like a story with obvious directions and completely transformed it into something layered, unpredictable, and full of twists I did not see coming. Every time I thought I knew where things were heading, the story shifted and pulled me deeper.

The relationship between Kressa and Briar was probably my favorite part. Their bond grows in such an intense, addictive way that you can’t help rooting for them—even while they’re constantly betraying, questioning, and hurting each other. It creates this tension that makes it impossible to look away.

And then there’s Isolde… I do not know what to think. She had me doubting everything about Kressa and Briar’s connection while also making me suspicious every single time she appeared. The vibes are off and I need answers.

That ending though… I’m still recovering. I need the next book immediately because I have way too many questions and absolutely no closure.

[Andrea (looseleftlesbian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

These MCs infuriate me but in a good way! With the cliffhanger we were left with in A Splintered Sea, I was so excited to see where the author was going to take the story. The world and the plot that she has built is complicated and full of shades of grey. I would even kinda say that both Briar and Kressa are a little morally grey. But in the same breath, there aren’t a whole lot of “good” choices either of them can make with everything going on. It was a bit frustrating with how hot and cold they could be with each other, but I also think it is realistic. With the bond and history, it makes sense that both MCs would be confused about their feelings. They say there is a fine line between love and hate. You definitely see that in Briar and Kressa throughout the second book.

It’s not a miscommunication trope, it’s a “We both keep secrets from each other and it f*cks us both over” trope. I just made it up but that’s A Rising Tide very simplified nutshell. I love both Briar and Kressa. At times I felt like Briar deserved better but after finishing the book, I feel like Kressa continues to get screwed over and it breaks my heart. She's lowkey a lover girl. She does a better job at balancing her care for Briar and her duty to her people better than Briar in my opinion.

A Rising Tide made me fall in love with Thea’s character. I love that the author explores Briar and Thea’s friendship more and how much they love each other. Love isn’t only romanctic and the bond they share is so important and strong. She’s probably my favorite character.

I don’t want to spoil anything but I figured one of the characters that ultimately betrayed Briar but I didn’t see the other person coming. There is so much packed in the last 5% of this book. It was amazing and shocking. I knew there would be plot twists and a cliffhanger but the author really delivered in a way I was not expecting!

I really don’t know how to describe this book in words. There was action, angst, love, betrayal, magic, murder, found family. It had it all. I was in a bit of a reading slump before this, but I was able to read A Rising Tide in a day due to the grip it had on me. Haley J Munroe...I need the 3rd book yesterday! Don’t get me wrong, I love reading ARCs but there is one drawback and that’s wanting the next book in a series when the book you just read isn’t even out!!!

[Kate Tompkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating given after receiving an ARC from the author.

Tldr;
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five Stars
🌶️.5 low-ish spice
😭😭 tears incoming
🤯🤯🤯🤯 suspense x5


I can finally breathe again.

The cliffhanger at the end of This Splintered Sea left me sitting in stunned silence, staring at the wall and questioning everything. Thankfully, A Rising Tide wastes absolutely no time picking up where the story left off. And when I say it dives back into the action, I mean it nosedives. The pace is relentless from the very first pages.

If your memory of the intricacies that made up This Splintered Sea is anything like mine, you may want to do a quick reread or skim beforehand. The world-building, relationships, and political dynamics are complex, and this sequel throws you right back into the deep end. To avoid being lost, brush up on the story that got us here. (Not because it isn’t worth remembering, btw! But because it is deliciously complex and layered)

One of my favorite aspects of this second installment was getting more insight into both familiar and lesser-known characters (such as Briar’s crew). The additional backstory adds depth to motivations and relationships, making the emotional moments hit even harder. Good or bad.

These characters are carrying *a lot*. Tension. Angst. Betrayal. Loyalty. Hatred. Love. Every emotion feels heightened as alliances shift and secrets come to light. This is to be expected of Briar and Kressa after This Splintered Sea, but it doesn’t stop there.

Much like in the first book, just when you think you've figured out the twist or connected all the dots, the rug gets pulled out from under you. Again. New revelations and unexpected developments come to light that completely shift your perspective and absolutely wreck your emotions in the best (and worst) ways possible. Every time I felt confident about where the story was headed, Haley J. Munroe proved me wrong.

The stakes are higher, the emotional punches hit harder, and the story continues to expand in ways I never anticipated. Haley J. Munroe has created a world and cast of characters that keep her readers fully invested, both in the larger plot and in the personal journeys unfolding within it.

The only downside to receiving an ARC of this nature? I already desperately need Book 3, and now I have to wait along with everyone else.

Now, excuse me while I recover from everything that just happened. Good luck, fellow Haley J. Munroe stans.

[LovesickJunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 AT A GLANCE
STARS 5 stars
SPICE low/med
CHEMISTRY great
ANGST high
SLOW BURN yes
CLIFFHANGER yes
CHARACTERS Kressa/Briar/Isolde


💬 LINES THAT LIVE RENT-FREE
“I’ve scoured the earth for her once,” she snarls. “I’d do it again. And again. I wouldn’t rest until I found her.”


🖤 MY READING EXPERIENCE
Haley is officially a forever favorite author for me. This Splintered Sea made me fall in love with her writing, and A Rising Tide somehow raised the bar even higher. Her storytelling is unbelievably clever. Every thread, every secret, every reveal is woven together so seamlessly that by the end you're completely trapped in the story. I was constantly shocked by how everything connected. I loved every second of this book. And while I usually avoid cliffhangers, this is one series I never want to end. Absolutely phenomenal.

💭 CHARACTER THOUGHTS
Picking up right where This Splintered Sea left off, Briar and Kressa are thrown into an entirely new dynamic, and I was hooked from page one. Both are fighting impossible battles, both are carrying secrets, and the tension between them had me hanging on every interaction. I am hopelessly obsessed with these two.

🔥 MOMENTS I’M STILL THINKING ABOUT
No spoilers, but wow. Haley does not pull her punches. This book had me stressed, emotional, and completely invested. And that ending? Let's just say I'm already impatiently waiting for the next book.

⚠️ ONE SMALL NOTE
This is absolutely a series that needs to be read in order. Start with This Splintered Sea first. You'll thank me later.

📚 READ THIS IF YOU LOVE…
Sapphic pirate fantasy • devastating angst • secrets and betrayals • impossible choices • high-stakes adventure • life-or-death tension • yearning that hurts • romantic tension through the roof

[ReadsByMochi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think Haley could emotionally ruin me further BUT HERE WE ARE I GUESS!

Briar has finally gotten her powers back, but now Kressa is taking her to the Earth Court as a prisoner. Briar finds that the crew she had been searching a decade for has been prisoners at the Earth Court the entire time. Throughout the book, we are taken along as Briar tries to fix everything that her choice a decade ago broke. Unfortunately, the people she can trust has shrunken, and her own crew is unsure if they can trust her after she caused so much destruction. Munroe does an amazing job at portraying Briar's wavering confidence as someone who doesn't know when her next decision will ruin what she has left, powers she doesn't understand, and a bond to someone who she hates and loves. Briar and Kressa's journey to find the stolen emerald of the Earth Court, and Inez - the youngest member of Briar's crew who was kidnapped during a Wyvern attack - is filled with lies, manipulation, and yearning that has you constantly yelling "KISS ALREADY BUT I ALSO UNDERSTAND WHY YOU BOTH ARE MAD BUT PLEASE KISS ALREADY." For every truth there's two lies that follow it.

Even when groaning at ever lie that is said, I can't be upset at either person. Both Queens are trying to survive and protect their court. Courts that were ruined due to Briar's rash decision. Briar is trying to fix what she broke, Kressa is trying to fix what Briar broke, and they both are fighting against each other in order to achieve their goals. Munroe's writing of Briar's regret and grief are done so well that empathizing with her is easy. She wanted freedom. She wanted her crew and powers back. She wants to know who she can trust. I love Briar and Kressa and I want them to be happy and free. Unfortunately, I must wait for the next book, but I will be purchasing it IMMEDIATELY!!

[daniela castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for the drop of A Rising Tide as soon as I read the last word from This Splintered Sea, so being able to read the ARC for it was a privilege. I have never left a written review for any book, but doing that with this one seems like an injustice in every form.

I have to begin with saying that everytime I believed I had figured out what was going to happen next I was always wrong. My heart broke in different forms from scene to scene and at moments it was as if I could feel the pain and despair Briar would experience as she was trying to navigate through this difficult time.

Getting more background on Briar’s crew with each one of the laddies getting a moment to shine was such a heartwarming touch, it truly helps show why her love and loyalty runs so deep for them, her selected family.

The longing between the FMC’s was exceptionally well written and my heart-ached every time there would be a drift between them. I cried more times than I would like to admit, being an empath throughout this series has been difficult lol.

I applaud Haley for being able to exceed every expectation I had set for this book. I truly wouldn’t change a single thing, everytime was beautifully written and the anticipation for the next drop in the series grows with each day. I was not a fantasy reader but that was completely flipped upside down as soon as I read this series. I am so in-love with the characters and I truly cannot wait to see how their story will continue to unravel. ❤️

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, thank you to author Haley J. Munroe for providing an ARC!

Overall, I thought this was a strong follow-up to *This Splintered Sea*. The standout aspect of the story for me was the undeniable chemistry between Briar and Kressa. Their tension practically leaps off the page—you can feel the angst in every glance and touch, which made their relationship incredibly compelling to read.

Where the book lost me a bit was with Briar's decision-making. Time and again, I found myself wanting her to choose one path, only for her to go in the opposite direction, even when that choice felt obviously wrong from a reader's perspective. While I understand that flawed decisions can create conflict, it occasionally left me feeling more frustrated than invested.

I also struggled with some of the world-building. At times, it felt like the story was jumping from place to place without enough grounding, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the setting.

That said, one thing that absolutely did not disappoint was the ending. That cliffhanger was wild, and I genuinely have no idea where the story is headed next. I'm already looking forward to book three!

[Aspen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thank you for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC.

This is the second book in the series and picks up right after the first. The first kept me on the edge of my sit with all the twists and turns, this book was no different. It is not dual pov like the first book though which was different. I wont spoil anything but there will be hints.

I absolutely love how there is so many twists it keeps you on your toes. Learning more about the Fire court was awesome and im glad it was included the way it was.

The trust and betrayal of certain characters caught me off guard but I also had a feeling one character was not loyal at all. And trying to keep up with who to trust was hard and I loved it.

I loved getting to meet all the new characters in this book. The relationship between Briar and Kressa will make you swoon and also feel upset.

Never knowing whats going to happen next is the name of this book and has been perfected to a T. And the cliffhanger we are left on again has me wanting to scream with anger and love for this series. These books will be my number one series going forward.

[mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thank you to the author for providing me with the arc of this book.

This book has so much potential but the MC, Briar, can only take so many wrong decisions until it becomes repetitive and tedious. I cannot believe she was (sorry for my vulgarity) stupid enough to randomly believe Isolde, although she openly betrayed her over Kressa, her bonded and the woman who has only ever shown her how much she loves Briar.

What really keeps me going to continue this series is that Kressa is the best yearner and lover girl I’ve ever encountered in a book world, I am obsessed with her and I truly hope we get a book in her POV because Briar has become a bit too much.

The spice on this was also really great if anyone cares about that.

Plot wise, there was a bit of repetitiveness throughout the book where I grew a bit impatient but the plot itself is refreshing and interesting enough. But again, I don’t think I’m that interested to keep reading the series if Briar doesn’t grow from the not so smart decision making and childish/selfish view of the world or if we don’t get Kressa’s POV.

[Tia Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank for you the chance to read the ARC.

I genuinely didn’t think it was possible to love this book more than the first one, but somehow it completely surpassed my expectations. The chemistry and yearning between the two FMCs was absolutely incredible—every interaction had me rooting for them, and the slow build of their relationship was so beautifully done.

One of my favourite parts was how much more depth was given to the crew as a whole. Their bond felt so authentic, and watching them grow into this found family made every emotional moment hit even harder. The banter, loyalty, and willingness to fight for each other added so much heart to the story.

And that twist?! I never saw it coming. I was convinced I had everything figured out, and then the author completely pulled the rug out from under me. It was the perfect balance of emotional, exciting, and shocking.

An absolutely phenomenal sequel that somehow raises the stakes in every way. I already need the next book because I’m not ready to leave these characters behind. ❤️📚✨

[Mackenzie Durdak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two was absolutely the sequel we needed after how book one ended. Haley is the type of author that can make you both hate and love the FMC within the same breath. She brings such a lifelike dynamic to all her characters that just when you think you figured them out, another twist just completely changes the whole train of thought.

Briar and Kressa continue their journey together full of moments of betrayal and secrets, longing and hope, where just when things seem to come together, another factor pushes them back apart. The more they fight each other, the more their bond grows and of course you add Isolde in the mix and almost nothing can be maintained.

We also learn more our Briar’s crew and see more insight to their personalities and gifts and their lives since the curse. It’s so easy to see why Briar chose them as her crew and family. The moments they do share are full of heartache and steady pride that makes you want even more.

I truly cannot wait to get my hands on book three. I have no doubt the next book will have even more to look forward to.

[Samantha Jo Anderton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first series by Haley J. Munro. I know this book review is for the sequel’s opening day, but you can’t read it without the first one as it immediately picks up where the first one ends.

Briar, Princess of the Sea …. and prisoner, goes through countless external and internal conflicts - all edge-of-the-seat worthy - all to protect others and attempt to reunite with her crew and ship.

Briar and Kressa’s relationship gets put to the test as every obstacle tries to keep them apart, and the lack of trust between them threatens to hinder their growth along the way.

Personally, I really appreciated Munro’s nod to William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night - relating to more than just Briar’s ship’s name - including mistaken identity, love triangles, and disguises.

Yes, I would read this series again.
4 star rating

Graphic theme - ocean, dragons, pirate ship, castle

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jacenya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc from the author and let me tell you I ate it up during every free moment I had lately (which wasn't much
ii）.
| love briar but sometime I just want to smack her and tell her to wake up! Isolde has always, and still proved to be the BIGGEST red flag ever! I could smell her stank girly bits energy from a mile away. I wasn't surprised where we ended up with her. But lord did I NOT see it coming with Gemma!!! GirrrrI, whyyyyyyyyyy?!
I wished we would had more yearning and closer moment with Kressa and briar this time around because when we do it's just magic! just love me some Kressa... oooh it would have been fabulous to have a POV from her. Man she was just going through it!
Loved getting to explore her crew mates, hopefully book 3 lets us get to know them more in depth. I feel like we kind of skimmed over them this book. But I will for sure be waiting impatiently for book 3 especially after that cliffhanger you left us on Miss Munroe
A Rising Tide

[Alexis Crotty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 *

This sequel did not disappoint. The world and characters drew me right back in like no time had passed since I finished This Splintered Sea. It is fast paced and Kressa and Briar continuously face high stakes due to the political warring of the kingdoms. The tension, yearning, and decption was gut-wrenching as they fought for their respective courts, always at the expense of themselves. I can't wait to see more of their prophecy and Briar's bloodline. It was a little predictable, and a lot of the chapters ended with Briar 'blacking out' from one thing or another. But those were my only issues. I know I will be thinking of Briar and Kressa's story and world long after this series ends with the way it is able to captivate me every time. I will be over here not so patiently waiting for the next book.
I received an advanced reader copy and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Willow Yakush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an eARC!!

I had the opportunity of reading the first book as an arc and was devastated when it ended, and I didn’t have my hands on the second book. I can say that I have been left with the exact same feeling at the end of this book because I need the third book in my hand right now. I love that we got more of the characters and more of the world. It has been fun to see how everything unfolds with the different twists and turns related to the court and the powers and what can happen within this world. As a reader, you really can’t trust anyone. I had an idea of who wasn’t trustworthy and I’m glad I followed my gut, but it really goes to show that you have to be careful who you give your trust to in this series.

[Niamh Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Massive thank you to Haley for the opportunity to read an ARC of A Rising Tide!

Knowing how I felt after finishing the arc of This Splintered Sea, I should have known better than to get attached to these characters because once again I’m left desperately needing answers and we haven’t even got a date for the next book yet…

The stakes are higher, the world expands beautifully, and there were several moments that completely caught me off guard. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, Haley reminded me that I most definitely did not and a certain betrayal really took me by surprise!!

It’s been an honour to receive ARCs of both books in this series, and while I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters anytime soon, I am absolutely ready for book three because I need answers ASAP!!!

[ry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, finished it in a handful of hours. I was engrossed, but I found myself hating Briar more and more as the book went on. She is selfish, immature, and whiny. I want to give her the benefit of the doubt so bad, but she makes it hard! Kressa is also an idiot. But the part that gets me the most is Isolde. Briar is so blinded by her own idiocy that she is easily manipulated into repeating this pattern of betraying the one person who continues to believe in her for a woman who tried to kill her multiple times in multiple ways! Kressa deserves much more than the shit she receives. I want to enjoy it more than I did, but something is holding me back. I will be reading the next one, but I hope that they can grow and learn within each other instead of this repetitive back and forth of betrayal.

[Jess Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌸

What to expect in this installment:
- Fire, earth and water magic
- dragons
- Bonds being evidently highlited
- betrayels
-Yearning
This book was seriously sending my heart rate up and down ✨️ from the shift in the magic development to the characters yearning for one another I liked that both are headstrong and won't 'forgive' easy considering, both are expected to manage their own court. I liked that the connection between the two is evidently there though , it does not feel forced and after a love/hate confessions they haven't just stopped.

The main thing was it did feel slightly rushed towards the end. Some bits did feel repetitive or skipped over aspects that could have delved into.However, I bow believe this will be a 4 book series and excited to see where this will go Book 3 now!

[charley 🐚🌀🌸 · Rating 5 out of 5]

EASILY 5 stars for the fantasy sequel to This Splintered Sea. I was absolutely hooked from start to finish, and already adored the characters from my experiences of them within the first book. The twists are incrediblr, you truly never stop guessing with this book and I loved every second of reading it. The relationship between Briar & Kressa is insane and the tension throughout this book, including the politics of their bond, is so well written - this world is beautiful. The introduction of new characters and the development of previously only mentioned characters also blended seamlessly into the world Haley has already created, and I genuinely cannot wait for the next book in this series to be released. Thank you for the ARC!!