What do you think?
Prince of the Phantom Sky
He waited ten years for her. She has no memory of him…
Prince of the Phantom Sky is the highly anticipated second installment in G.E. Smith's The Azarian Saga.
Kora Cadell has ended up back in the Talmon Empire’s clutches. Chained within dark magic, she must adapt to her new reality as everything she came to believe was shattered.
With her enemies closer than ever, Kora seeks a new kind of vengeance, one that will change the future of the Azarian Islands. Trapped in the heart of Talmon, Kora waits for the one person who can free her, and he’s a dangerous storm lingering on the horizon.
Raiden Windward has never been closer to freedom. Despite everyone warning him that Kordelia is not the same as she once was, Raiden would risk everything he holds dear to spend one more moment with her.
Once again sailing to Talmon Island, with the past whipping him like a brutal flashback, Raiden is set on destroying anything and everything to reach the one he’d once loved. Whether she remembers him or not.
Desire ignites. Tensions rise. And everything is at stake. Will Kora and Raiden survive the Talmon Empire’s unrelenting darkness? This highly anticipated dark pirate romantasy sequel from G.E. Smith will capture reader’s hearts.
Prince of the Phantom Sky is the highly anticipated second installment in G.E. Smith's The Azarian Saga.
Kora Cadell has ended up back in the Talmon Empire’s clutches. Chained within dark magic, she must adapt to her new reality as everything she came to believe was shattered.
With her enemies closer than ever, Kora seeks a new kind of vengeance, one that will change the future of the Azarian Islands. Trapped in the heart of Talmon, Kora waits for the one person who can free her, and he’s a dangerous storm lingering on the horizon.
Raiden Windward has never been closer to freedom. Despite everyone warning him that Kordelia is not the same as she once was, Raiden would risk everything he holds dear to spend one more moment with her.
Once again sailing to Talmon Island, with the past whipping him like a brutal flashback, Raiden is set on destroying anything and everything to reach the one he’d once loved. Whether she remembers him or not.
Desire ignites. Tensions rise. And everything is at stake. Will Kora and Raiden survive the Talmon Empire’s unrelenting darkness? This highly anticipated dark pirate romantasy sequel from G.E. Smith will capture reader’s hearts.
625 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Did Not Finish
September 10, 2026DNF for not. It's not the book, I'm just not in the mood for this kind of story atm so would rather put it down and pick it back up when I can enjoy it.
September 28, 2026
This is exactly the kind of warm, sharp small-town romance that sticks with you long after the last page.
Right from that perfect opening moment – Lex catching the bouquet one-handed, then glaring at the whole room like it’s personally let her down – I knew I’d love her. She’s the new general manager at The Grand, all sharp edges and poise, and it’s obvious she’s counting down the days until she moves on again.
But I’ve been waiting for her for years. I still remember the stranger who stopped to fix my ladder, gave me one quick smile, and vanished – leaving me wondering about her ever since. Now here she is, in charge of my best friend’s wedding, and I’m the best man.
We’re thrown together constantly: cake tastings, late nights sorting details at the inn, and slowly those walls she keeps up start to slip. Until one night she pushes me against the wall and kisses me like she’s been craving it just as long as I have… only to pull back straight after and call it a mistake.
She’s got her whole career riding on pulling this wedding off, and getting tangled up with me is the very last thing she needs. But I fell for her first, and I’m not about to let her run away from this without a fight.
Gorgeous grumpy-sunshine dynamics, that delicious forced proximity tension, and such lovely, heartfelt chemistry – an absolute joy to read.
Right from that perfect opening moment – Lex catching the bouquet one-handed, then glaring at the whole room like it’s personally let her down – I knew I’d love her. She’s the new general manager at The Grand, all sharp edges and poise, and it’s obvious she’s counting down the days until she moves on again.
But I’ve been waiting for her for years. I still remember the stranger who stopped to fix my ladder, gave me one quick smile, and vanished – leaving me wondering about her ever since. Now here she is, in charge of my best friend’s wedding, and I’m the best man.
We’re thrown together constantly: cake tastings, late nights sorting details at the inn, and slowly those walls she keeps up start to slip. Until one night she pushes me against the wall and kisses me like she’s been craving it just as long as I have… only to pull back straight after and call it a mistake.
She’s got her whole career riding on pulling this wedding off, and getting tangled up with me is the very last thing she needs. But I fell for her first, and I’m not about to let her run away from this without a fight.
Gorgeous grumpy-sunshine dynamics, that delicious forced proximity tension, and such lovely, heartfelt chemistry – an absolute joy to read.
September 30, 2026
5 Stars 🌟
Thank you WhimsyWordsPR for the ARC!🤍
Yall have no idea how excited I was to be able to dive into this book early! I've been dying for more of Kora and Raiden after the ending of Daughter of the Dark Sea, and WOW. Prince of the Phantom Sky was unexpected in all the very best ways. Getting to know and learn more about Kora and her past while dealing with the dark magic in her mind was amazing. It answered some of the questions I was left with last time, and I cannot wait to find out even more. NOWWW, Raiden and Kora. I ADORE their slow burn, yall. Watching the two of them slowly find their way back to one another after everything they've been through, after so many years apart, was extremely beautiful to witness unfold. I literally love them so much. BUT THAT ENDING??? MA'AM!!! I am NOT OKAY. That was cruel. 😭 I have so many questions that imma need answered. Regardless, this book was SO GOOD! If you have yet to dive into The Azarian Saga, it is one that i would highly recommend!
Thank you WhimsyWordsPR for the ARC!🤍
Yall have no idea how excited I was to be able to dive into this book early! I've been dying for more of Kora and Raiden after the ending of Daughter of the Dark Sea, and WOW. Prince of the Phantom Sky was unexpected in all the very best ways. Getting to know and learn more about Kora and her past while dealing with the dark magic in her mind was amazing. It answered some of the questions I was left with last time, and I cannot wait to find out even more. NOWWW, Raiden and Kora. I ADORE their slow burn, yall. Watching the two of them slowly find their way back to one another after everything they've been through, after so many years apart, was extremely beautiful to witness unfold. I literally love them so much. BUT THAT ENDING??? MA'AM!!! I am NOT OKAY. That was cruel. 😭 I have so many questions that imma need answered. Regardless, this book was SO GOOD! If you have yet to dive into The Azarian Saga, it is one that i would highly recommend!
October 6, 2026
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!! 🥳
Prince of the Phantom Sky by G E Smith 🖊️
ARC kindly provided and gifted by Whimsy Words PR 📚
I meant to post this last night but then realised it was too late and would not get the justice it deserved!
Now I loved book 1 of this series - and a reread doubled down on that as I wanted to remember all the characters before I went into book 2! I’m glad I did because while I remember most there were so many bits I had forgotten!!
Book 2 started off straight into the action, and brought straight in more magical elements (trying to keep spoiler free here!) and a foe from the first book in the epilogue!
I just really love this universe, and being able to expand on it from book 1 into book 2 made me so excited! I love books that have so much to expand on and my main thing I’m upset about is that I just want to know more as I feel there is so much to learn!!! 🤣🤣
Kora is just a fantastic protagonist and unusually is written as an actually strong Female Main Character which is nice to see 👊🏻 I’m usually not a fan of the romance plots in these stories and usually much prefer the other subplots (like the Blake line in book 1 made me unhappy because I hated him and was nice to feel justified 🤣) but the romance plot with Raiden didn’t give me that same ick (I’m sorry I’m a cynic usually 🤣). He’s such an adorable character with how he feels for Kora (Kordelia.. 👀) and it didn’t feel like just an addition to the story to fulfil the love story quota!
I don’t want to give anything away but I just love the Elemental Magic and seeing more about that and I just want to learn more and know everything about Azaria and the islands there is to know 🤣🩵
A strong ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me 💙
Prince of the Phantom Sky by G E Smith 🖊️
ARC kindly provided and gifted by Whimsy Words PR 📚
I meant to post this last night but then realised it was too late and would not get the justice it deserved!
Now I loved book 1 of this series - and a reread doubled down on that as I wanted to remember all the characters before I went into book 2! I’m glad I did because while I remember most there were so many bits I had forgotten!!
Book 2 started off straight into the action, and brought straight in more magical elements (trying to keep spoiler free here!) and a foe from the first book in the epilogue!
I just really love this universe, and being able to expand on it from book 1 into book 2 made me so excited! I love books that have so much to expand on and my main thing I’m upset about is that I just want to know more as I feel there is so much to learn!!! 🤣🤣
Kora is just a fantastic protagonist and unusually is written as an actually strong Female Main Character which is nice to see 👊🏻 I’m usually not a fan of the romance plots in these stories and usually much prefer the other subplots (like the Blake line in book 1 made me unhappy because I hated him and was nice to feel justified 🤣) but the romance plot with Raiden didn’t give me that same ick (I’m sorry I’m a cynic usually 🤣). He’s such an adorable character with how he feels for Kora (Kordelia.. 👀) and it didn’t feel like just an addition to the story to fulfil the love story quota!
I don’t want to give anything away but I just love the Elemental Magic and seeing more about that and I just want to learn more and know everything about Azaria and the islands there is to know 🤣🩵
A strong ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me 💙
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Whimsy Words PR and G.E. Smith for the gifted eArc. All opinions are my own.
Prince of the Phantom Sky is book 2 in the Azarian Saga, and it's somehow even better than book 1! I absolutely love Kora, she definitely comes across as a more mature FMC which is a breath of fresh air. She still has her flaws she works to overcome, but they only make her even more relatable. Raiden is such a green flag MMC; he may think he's a "bad guy" but book girlies will know he's just a good boy golden retriever. I really like the way he learns to move on from the version of Kora he knew and loved to accepting and appreciating the woman she's become. Their romance is the most delicious of slow burns and talk about a man who YEARNS. The development of their relationship feels earned, and we do get some minor spicy scenes that are 🥵🥵. The characters are an overall highlight, I love our found family.
I really enjoyed the expansion of the world in Prince of the Phantom Sky; we get to see more of the world and really delve into its complex lore. The magic system in particular is so unique and fascinating. This is a great series for anyone how is a fan of epic fantasy worlds and in-depth characters. Just watch out for that cliffhanger, it's brutal!
Prince of the Phantom Sky is book 2 in the Azarian Saga, and it's somehow even better than book 1! I absolutely love Kora, she definitely comes across as a more mature FMC which is a breath of fresh air. She still has her flaws she works to overcome, but they only make her even more relatable. Raiden is such a green flag MMC; he may think he's a "bad guy" but book girlies will know he's just a good boy golden retriever. I really like the way he learns to move on from the version of Kora he knew and loved to accepting and appreciating the woman she's become. Their romance is the most delicious of slow burns and talk about a man who YEARNS. The development of their relationship feels earned, and we do get some minor spicy scenes that are 🥵🥵. The characters are an overall highlight, I love our found family.
I really enjoyed the expansion of the world in Prince of the Phantom Sky; we get to see more of the world and really delve into its complex lore. The magic system in particular is so unique and fascinating. This is a great series for anyone how is a fan of epic fantasy worlds and in-depth characters. Just watch out for that cliffhanger, it's brutal!
October 4, 2026
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
Well that ending was intriguingly heartbreaking!
Prince of the Phantom Sky is book 2 in the Azarian Saga and is the continuation of the battle between good and bad, pirates vs a fleet. A battle of elemental magic.
Now in the clutches of those she thought were her closest friends/allies and infused with the darkness, Kora has a continuous mental battle between good and evil, the descriptions of that interal fight are so vividly written by the author.
Raiden and his self assurance that Kora is a different person to who she was previously, pushing to find the balance between her and the previous, Kordelia. Knowing that she is the one for him is so beautifully written. A relationship that was once physical is now a fight for who someone is and the need for humanity in dark times.
I really enjoyed this continuation of the Azarian Saga but have to say i really struggled to gel with the first 40% of the book. It just felt like a complete change in pacing from book One with alot of inner monologuing from the main two characters, which although needed could have probably been shortened.
I however need to know what happens next!
Well that ending was intriguingly heartbreaking!
Prince of the Phantom Sky is book 2 in the Azarian Saga and is the continuation of the battle between good and bad, pirates vs a fleet. A battle of elemental magic.
Now in the clutches of those she thought were her closest friends/allies and infused with the darkness, Kora has a continuous mental battle between good and evil, the descriptions of that interal fight are so vividly written by the author.
Raiden and his self assurance that Kora is a different person to who she was previously, pushing to find the balance between her and the previous, Kordelia. Knowing that she is the one for him is so beautifully written. A relationship that was once physical is now a fight for who someone is and the need for humanity in dark times.
I really enjoyed this continuation of the Azarian Saga but have to say i really struggled to gel with the first 40% of the book. It just felt like a complete change in pacing from book One with alot of inner monologuing from the main two characters, which although needed could have probably been shortened.
I however need to know what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy moly, this book really put me through it.
The mystery, the secrets, the twists, and all the little hints throughout had me constantly trying to figure out what was going on, and every time I thought I had something figured out, I was wrong.
Kora and Raiden had me screaming. The tension, the angst, the history between them, all of it was so good. Watching Kora deal with everything she’s been through while trying to figure out who she is now made her character development really stand out to me.
And the found family? Absolutely loved them. We get to meet some new characters and they quickly became some of my favorites. The world also felt so much bigger in this book, especially with the prophecy, the gods, and all the secrets coming to light.
I really don’t want to say too much because going in without knowing everything is definitely the way to read this. There were so many moments where I was shocked, stressed, heartbroken, or just sitting there like WHAT?!
The mystery, the secrets, the twists, and all the little hints throughout had me constantly trying to figure out what was going on, and every time I thought I had something figured out, I was wrong.
Kora and Raiden had me screaming. The tension, the angst, the history between them, all of it was so good. Watching Kora deal with everything she’s been through while trying to figure out who she is now made her character development really stand out to me.
And the found family? Absolutely loved them. We get to meet some new characters and they quickly became some of my favorites. The world also felt so much bigger in this book, especially with the prophecy, the gods, and all the secrets coming to light.
I really don’t want to say too much because going in without knowing everything is definitely the way to read this. There were so many moments where I was shocked, stressed, heartbroken, or just sitting there like WHAT?!
Review of advance copy received from Author
She's done it again!!!
The sheer number of messages G's had from me during this book makes a book itself. The build up of the mystery, the multiple pics giving you hints of the layers of the plot making you go WHAT DO YOU MEAN Jennifer Lawrence style.
The tension between Kora and Raiden making you scream, the development of the prophecy and meddling gods making you continue to question everyone and everything!
The warring within kora really highlights the question of self, and the character arc she is going on and how that affects her relationships with the other characters.
And once again THE ENDING!!! I NEED BOOK 3.
The sheer number of messages G's had from me during this book makes a book itself. The build up of the mystery, the multiple pics giving you hints of the layers of the plot making you go WHAT DO YOU MEAN Jennifer Lawrence style.
The tension between Kora and Raiden making you scream, the development of the prophecy and meddling gods making you continue to question everyone and everything!
The warring within kora really highlights the question of self, and the character arc she is going on and how that affects her relationships with the other characters.
And once again THE ENDING!!! I NEED BOOK 3.
October 2, 2026
Thank you Whimsy Word PR and G.E. Smith for the advance copy of the book!
Wow! I truly loved reading Prince of the Phantom Sky. Who knew I needed pirates and magic this much? The author did a beautiful job at bringing this magical world to life—I jumped straight into the deep end with this story!
We got to know Kora, our FMC, and Raiden, our MMC—and let me just say that slow burn and yearning had me hooked! I was rooting for them as the twists played out. My feelings were definitely strung out as their connection built and we got to meet the rest of the characters!
I can’t wait to find out more!! How are we supposed to patiently wait after that cliffhanger??
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy moly.
Okay, this if possible was even better than the first book.
No spoilers of course, but we get to meet and love so many new characters in the second story and the found family has my heart soaring. The writing is lyrical and descriptive and beautiful - you can see the colours of the world as you read it. I would highly recommend picking this up. If you love romantasy as a genre this is incredible, the slow burn?! Please! So much action and it is a joy to watch different narratives weave together. Did I finish or did it finish me? 5 stars, a banger, no notes.
Okay, this if possible was even better than the first book.
No spoilers of course, but we get to meet and love so many new characters in the second story and the found family has my heart soaring. The writing is lyrical and descriptive and beautiful - you can see the colours of the world as you read it. I would highly recommend picking this up. If you love romantasy as a genre this is incredible, the slow burn?! Please! So much action and it is a joy to watch different narratives weave together. Did I finish or did it finish me? 5 stars, a banger, no notes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC coppy from author
Thank you so much G.E. Smith for trusting me to ARC read for you!
HOLY SMOKES!!! I adored the first book, it was my first pirate fantasy, I went in blind. I devoured it! This book.... I will say it again... HOLY SMOKES! absolutely devoured! The drama, the tension, the action, the new characters and character development... I just can't put into words how good it was!
G.... Can we talk a minute.... THAT ENDING?!!!! Girl you ruined me with it! I need to know what happens and the 3rd book isn't here yet?!
Highly recommend!!
Thank you so much G.E. Smith for trusting me to ARC read for you!
HOLY SMOKES!!! I adored the first book, it was my first pirate fantasy, I went in blind. I devoured it! This book.... I will say it again... HOLY SMOKES! absolutely devoured! The drama, the tension, the action, the new characters and character development... I just can't put into words how good it was!
G.... Can we talk a minute.... THAT ENDING?!!!! Girl you ruined me with it! I need to know what happens and the 3rd book isn't here yet?!
Highly recommend!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2026
Well the second book in this series did not disappoint!
Jam packed with action from the start, with so many twists and unknowns that knit together perfectly throughout the book.
I absolutely adore the characters. Each and every one of them is written so strongly, and each is truly unique. Who knew there could be so many surprises from each of them!
My heart was leaping and I couldn’t read fast enough towards the end. WHAT AN ENDING!!
Jam packed with action from the start, with so many twists and unknowns that knit together perfectly throughout the book.
I absolutely adore the characters. Each and every one of them is written so strongly, and each is truly unique. Who knew there could be so many surprises from each of them!
My heart was leaping and I couldn’t read fast enough towards the end. WHAT AN ENDING!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Prince Of The Phantom Sky follows on directly from where we left off in book one, Daughter Of The Dark Sea.
Raiden has waited ten years to be reunited with Kordelia... But the 'new' Kora doesn't remember a thing... With a war raging, danger at every turn and a romance that she can feel growing but doesn't quite understand, this book will have you on an emotional rollercoaster!
Raiden is a GREEN FLAG and I'm here for it!
But regardless of a perfect MMC, what I really loved was reading about Kora really learning about herself and growing.
But G.E. Smith... WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THAT ENDING!
Raiden has waited ten years to be reunited with Kordelia... But the 'new' Kora doesn't remember a thing... With a war raging, danger at every turn and a romance that she can feel growing but doesn't quite understand, this book will have you on an emotional rollercoaster!
Raiden is a GREEN FLAG and I'm here for it!
But regardless of a perfect MMC, what I really loved was reading about Kora really learning about herself and growing.
But G.E. Smith... WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THAT ENDING!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This second book in the series was worth the wait. Kora’s trying her best to heal from betrayal and heartbreak. Raiden’s trying to reconcile the woman he’s loved for years with this new version of her. There’s so much sexual tension and angst but so many secrets and past history uncovered which just builds this world even more. That cliff hanger was MEAN though and I can’t wait for Book 3!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for my ARC copy of this book.
This story was stunning and so well done. I couldn't put it down.
Intense battles, an ending that will leave you reeling, a mystery we haven't quite unraveled.
It is so good. Definitely one of my favorite reads this year.
This story was stunning and so well done. I couldn't put it down.
Intense battles, an ending that will leave you reeling, a mystery we haven't quite unraveled.
It is so good. Definitely one of my favorite reads this year.
September 30, 2026
OH MY GOD. THAT ENDING!!
I just love all these characters so much and hope book three isn't too long away! Honestly, this author really does put you through some intense emotions, a book hangover is firmly in place.
I just love all these characters so much and hope book three isn't too long away! Honestly, this author really does put you through some intense emotions, a book hangover is firmly in place.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved it.
September 29, 2026
A fabulous continuation on from Daughter of the Dark Sea. I loved reading Kora and Raidens stories as they make their way back to each other (even though she is no longer the Kordelia he once knew). The chemistry between Kora and Raiden was palpable and just so gripping it was hard not to wish them back together. I loved the dark magic and the descriptions of how it took hold of someone. Very visceral scenes!
I always love reading powerful FMCs and Kora definitely shows us power!
Two scenes I absolutely drooled over: eating the apple! 👀 and THAT kitchen/cooking scene, oh my word! Perfection 👌
Thank you to WhimsywordsPR for the eARC
I always love reading powerful FMCs and Kora definitely shows us power!
Two scenes I absolutely drooled over: eating the apple! 👀 and THAT kitchen/cooking scene, oh my word! Perfection 👌
Thank you to WhimsywordsPR for the eARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well holy me oh my!!!
First of all. Thank you G, for trusting me with your work!
I am not okay. This book has finished me! It was a huge step up from book 1 and was just absolutely fantastic.
As ever, in true G. E Smith ways, i saw nothing coming! Her ability to control and weave a plot is insane.
Heartbreak, panic, hatred and awe are every emotion I went through reading this!
I can't even say much without giving anything away, but this story kept me on my toes, completely absorbed and emotionally broken.
Well done G, absolutely fantastic work
First of all. Thank you G, for trusting me with your work!
I am not okay. This book has finished me! It was a huge step up from book 1 and was just absolutely fantastic.
As ever, in true G. E Smith ways, i saw nothing coming! Her ability to control and weave a plot is insane.
Heartbreak, panic, hatred and awe are every emotion I went through reading this!
I can't even say much without giving anything away, but this story kept me on my toes, completely absorbed and emotionally broken.
Well done G, absolutely fantastic work
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG! What a sequel!
I don't even know what to say right now...
Other than: READ THIS SERIES, YOU WON'T REGRET IT!
I need Book 3 RIGHT NOW!
Daughter of the Dark Sea was incredible, with Captain Kora, First Mate Blake, and their battles against the pirates, but Prince of the Phantom Sky was superb! I just couldn't get enough!
I loved reading the different POVs, especially Kora's, with her memory struggles and trust issues. She was so lost in this book, and I felt so bad for her, but slowly, she began learning who to trust and how to let people in.
Raiden was such a lovable MMC. I enjoyed getting to know him, his love for Kordelia, and his growing feelings for Kora. He was so patient and supportive.
There were so many interesting side characters, and the world-building kept expanding in the most amazing way.
I can't wait to learn more about Kora's father, what happened to the Azarian Islands, where the King is, and what's going on with our lovable MCs!
You'll find these Tropes:
Elemental Magic
Amnesia
Slow Burn
Found Family
High Stakes
Magical Bonds
Pirates £ Court
I don't even know what to say right now...
Other than: READ THIS SERIES, YOU WON'T REGRET IT!
I need Book 3 RIGHT NOW!
Daughter of the Dark Sea was incredible, with Captain Kora, First Mate Blake, and their battles against the pirates, but Prince of the Phantom Sky was superb! I just couldn't get enough!
I loved reading the different POVs, especially Kora's, with her memory struggles and trust issues. She was so lost in this book, and I felt so bad for her, but slowly, she began learning who to trust and how to let people in.
Raiden was such a lovable MMC. I enjoyed getting to know him, his love for Kordelia, and his growing feelings for Kora. He was so patient and supportive.
There were so many interesting side characters, and the world-building kept expanding in the most amazing way.
I can't wait to learn more about Kora's father, what happened to the Azarian Islands, where the King is, and what's going on with our lovable MCs!
You'll find these Tropes:
Elemental Magic
Amnesia
Slow Burn
Found Family
High Stakes
Magical Bonds
Pirates £ Court
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews