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Steel and Fire #2
King of Mist
A reluctant king. A swordswoman with a secret. A plot that could destroy them both.When Siv Amintelle ascends the throne of Vertigon, he’s condemned to the drudgery of council meetings, strategic marriages, and the intrigues of ambitious noblemen. There aren’t nearly enough sharp, pointy objects involved, and a certain swordswoman makes him want to abandon his duties at every opportunity. But the Peace of Vertigon is over, and unknown foes conspire to end Siv’s reign before it truly begins.Dara Ruminor takes her new position as a Castle Guard very seriously. She refuses to allow her feelings for Siv to get in the way of protecting him, no matter how hard it is to keep her distance. But she’s keeping secrets from her king—and the one involving a fiery newfound ability is getting harder to hide.As their enemies’ plots intensify, Dara and Siv seek help from an unlikely source. But if her secrets get out, Dara will have bigger problems than thwarting assassinations. And Siv might decide not to trust her after all.Return to Vertigon in this epic tale full of court intrigue, sword fights, magic training sequences, and forbidden romance!Read all the adventures set in the immersive fantasy world of Steel and Steel and Fire1 - Duel of Fire2 - King of Mist3 - Dance of Steel4 - City of Wind5 - Night of FlameThe Fire Queen's Apprentice1 - The Watermight Thief2 - The Thunderbird Queen3 - The Dragonfly Oath
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2016
589 people are currently reading
742 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Rivet
36 books527 followersJordan Rivet is an American author of YA science fiction and fantasy featuring determined heroines, vivid worlds, and daring missions. Originally from Arizona, she lives in Hong Kong with her husband.
Jordan's YA fantasy series include Steel and Fire, Empire of Talents, The Fire Queen’s Apprentice, and Art Mages of Lure. Her science fiction includes Wake Me After the Apocalypse, The Seabound Chronicles, and The Lost Clone.
Jordan's YA fantasy series include Steel and Fire, Empire of Talents, The Fire Queen’s Apprentice, and Art Mages of Lure. Her science fiction includes Wake Me After the Apocalypse, The Seabound Chronicles, and The Lost Clone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
April 2, 2017
I read book 1 and this sequel back-to-back. This book was just as good as the first one -- meaning, NOT awesome, but NOT bad ;) I feel like this series is so close to being something really good though, so I'll probably keep on going and read the next one.
August 13, 2018
I'm really enjoying this series.
Read
June 12, 2023all these turn of events got me all shook!
May 16, 2016
When you realized that you read the first book with perfect timing to get the second one immediately after that one...
Then immediately after you finish the second book you realize that there is a third....
And the second book's release was this year...
With such an awesome adventure ahead I am surely sitting on pins and needles. The Steel and Fire series has it's flaws, but it's also enjoyable in it's own right. While some of the modern terms can throw me off, I believe Rivet has something interesting on her hands.
Kudos to the steady character development as well. Siv, although he is still... well-- Siv, is becoming more mature. I also appreciate the layers added to Dara's character, torn between loyalty to a young king and wanting to believe the best in her family.
Then immediately after you finish the second book you realize that there is a third....
And the second book's release was this year...
With such an awesome adventure ahead I am surely sitting on pins and needles. The Steel and Fire series has it's flaws, but it's also enjoyable in it's own right. While some of the modern terms can throw me off, I believe Rivet has something interesting on her hands.
Kudos to the steady character development as well. Siv, although he is still... well-- Siv, is becoming more mature. I also appreciate the layers added to Dara's character, torn between loyalty to a young king and wanting to believe the best in her family.
September 13, 2023
This second book in the Steel and Fire series was even better than the first one for me. The first book (Duel of Fire) had a bit of a slow first half in setting up the world. But this one jumped right into the plot. There was political intrigue, forbidden romance, magic, and lots of fun sword play! Jordan Rivet really knows how to write a fight scene and her endings are so heart pounding. After reading this book I bought the rest of the three books in the series.
November 7, 2017
Well... that ending was intense.
September 12, 2021
4.5 stars, maybe?
I am torn. On the one hand, this kept me engaged and up until 2am last night because I needed to know just HOW everything was going to go to crap (because it so clearly was) and if/how they were going to make it through. I still love the characters. On the other, this book drove me slightly insane.
Siv and Dara's "we can't but we also are bad at controlling ourselves" (mostly Siv on the latter, really) was pretty immature and gave me mixed feelings because I like them as a couple and want to ship them but also don't approve of Siv's behavior.
The plot is nearly an idiot plot--the conflict would be resolved if the characters weren't idiots. And they're idiots (mostly Dara, but also Zage and a little bit Coach) because they don't share info, so also some "just be honest and tell each other things, gosh." The thing is...most of their behavior and their secrets DO make sense. It's not really that they were out of character or illogical, just that their logic was a bit maddening--so much "we have to wait, can't act yet, let's get more evidence, let's try and uncover the BIGGER plan" and then things *gasp* get worse because they are not great spies and waited too long to act.
(I say they aren't illogical, but Dara is illogical a lot about BOOK 1 SPOILER (mostly, very minor spoilers for this book, too--skip this paragraph to avoid) END BOOK 1 SPOILER)
The first half of the book was a tad slow at points--I was kinda surprised how much of the focus went back on dueling for a little while--and then the second half was a bit like watching a car wreck for the second--you see it coming and you're tense and like SWERVE!!! and then CRASH. Not in the sense of the writing or storytelling being bad or anything, it was clearly meant to be like that (and toward the end you really feel Dara and Siv's feeling of a lack of control and helplessness and their frustration), but man was all that frustration slightly exhausting at points. 😅 And even though I knew basically from the beginning of the book (I mean, it's book 2 of 5) things were probably going to end badly, the end was so depressing. I'm also not a fan of exclamation points in the narrative (they're awkward and distracting for some reason) and it felt like a lot in this one. But I am eager to continue the series, so.
I am torn. On the one hand, this kept me engaged and up until 2am last night because I needed to know just HOW everything was going to go to crap (because it so clearly was) and if/how they were going to make it through. I still love the characters. On the other, this book drove me slightly insane.
Siv and Dara's "we can't but we also are bad at controlling ourselves" (mostly Siv on the latter, really) was pretty immature and gave me mixed feelings because I like them as a couple and want to ship them but also don't approve of Siv's behavior.
The plot is nearly an idiot plot--the conflict would be resolved if the characters weren't idiots. And they're idiots (mostly Dara, but also Zage and a little bit Coach) because they don't share info, so also some "just be honest and tell each other things, gosh." The thing is...most of their behavior and their secrets DO make sense. It's not really that they were out of character or illogical, just that their logic was a bit maddening--so much "we have to wait, can't act yet, let's get more evidence, let's try and uncover the BIGGER plan" and then things *gasp* get worse because they are not great spies and waited too long to act.
(I say they aren't illogical, but Dara is illogical a lot about BOOK 1 SPOILER (mostly, very minor spoilers for this book, too--skip this paragraph to avoid) END BOOK 1 SPOILER)
The first half of the book was a tad slow at points--I was kinda surprised how much of the focus went back on dueling for a little while--and then the second half was a bit like watching a car wreck for the second--you see it coming and you're tense and like SWERVE!!! and then CRASH. Not in the sense of the writing or storytelling being bad or anything, it was clearly meant to be like that (and toward the end you really feel Dara and Siv's feeling of a lack of control and helplessness and their frustration), but man was all that frustration slightly exhausting at points. 😅 And even though I knew basically from the beginning of the book (I mean, it's book 2 of 5) things were probably going to end badly, the end was so depressing. I'm also not a fan of exclamation points in the narrative (they're awkward and distracting for some reason) and it felt like a lot in this one. But I am eager to continue the series, so.
December 22, 2022
I almost rated this one 4 stars because unnecessary secret keeping is one of my pet peeves AND because there was so much willful oblivion. Plus there was a little bit of romantic angst. Bleh, but also yum, if that makes sense? But I am so deeply invested in Siv and Dara and the rest of the crew, not to mention the outcome of their story, that I can't in good conscience rate it lower. I've read better books and rated them 4 stars, but I am just enamored with this writer and her works for some reason. A longer review may be in the works in the futurish. I don't have time right now because I still have 3 more books to go.
July 3, 2016
King of Mist (Steel and Fire - book 2) was every bit as good as Duel of Fire (book 1). Typically, I don't read YA Fantasy, but the characters are so engaging and the plot so thrilling, that I'm completely hooked on this series. This book is a real page turner and I couldn't recommend it more.
February 23, 2018
This was a great book too however i hated that their was secrets with Dara.
June 14, 2021
3.75⭐️
Daras relationship with her parents reaches an all-time critical level while Prince Siv is thrust onto the throne by circumstances and is now the very ill-prepared king.
Now that he is king, however, his option to marry for love has been extinguished and he stars to find his significant other. Not only this, but he becomes aware of rumours of an assassination plot on his life.
A bit slow than the first and a bit heavier on the politics
Daras relationship with her parents reaches an all-time critical level while Prince Siv is thrust onto the throne by circumstances and is now the very ill-prepared king.
Now that he is king, however, his option to marry for love has been extinguished and he stars to find his significant other. Not only this, but he becomes aware of rumours of an assassination plot on his life.
A bit slow than the first and a bit heavier on the politics
April 20, 2020
Siv is now king, and uneasy is the head that wears the crown. Especially when there are enemies on every side, including in his own people.
Ack! This book is so good! I was so tense wondering what would happen and if the main characters would survive. This whole series keeps building and building, and I'm so glad I'm reading this now that all of the books have released. The ending of this book must have been torture for those reading as they were releasing!
So good and can't wait for the next book!
Ack! This book is so good! I was so tense wondering what would happen and if the main characters would survive. This whole series keeps building and building, and I'm so glad I'm reading this now that all of the books have released. The ending of this book must have been torture for those reading as they were releasing!
So good and can't wait for the next book!
April 10, 2022
Definitely better than the first book as the plot finally unfolds, the first book was really an introduction to this series and was unfortunately weak, I am glad I decided to pick the next book or I would have missed out on such an intriguing series. // KU
November 30, 2023
4 Stars ✨
Clean YA Fantasy
King of Mist was just as good as book 1 Duel of Fire! Characters continue to be engaging and the plot definitely thickens! Was not expecting some of the twists that this one took, or for those twists to sucker punch my heart 💔!! Needless to say, I’m here for the long haul I believe- unless things just go downhill- I’m invested in these characters and their growth. Looking forward to the next one!
Clean YA Fantasy
King of Mist was just as good as book 1 Duel of Fire! Characters continue to be engaging and the plot definitely thickens! Was not expecting some of the twists that this one took, or for those twists to sucker punch my heart 💔!! Needless to say, I’m here for the long haul I believe- unless things just go downhill- I’m invested in these characters and their growth. Looking forward to the next one!
February 2, 2019
Hmm this book was ok, but I kinda lost interest at about midway through.
This could be because I had a lot going on and didn't really have time for this book or it just didn't hold my attention like the first. In my defence, I did power through until the end and there was a huge lag in the middle where nothing really substantial takes place... this was also around the time I lost interest.
It was just ok.
Will I read the next book? *shakes magic eight ball* = It Looks Doubtful
Sorry!
This could be because I had a lot going on and didn't really have time for this book or it just didn't hold my attention like the first. In my defence, I did power through until the end and there was a huge lag in the middle where nothing really substantial takes place... this was also around the time I lost interest.
It was just ok.
Will I read the next book? *shakes magic eight ball* = It Looks Doubtful
Sorry!
April 28, 2018
Much like the first book, this was great. I really enjoyed it. Dara and Siv took a few steps backwards towards the end but I'm sure the next book will fix that right up. Mostly though, Dara and Siv work really well together to hold the Kingdom together and to help Siv retain his crown. The dueling took a bit of a backstage in this one which I understood but also missed - that was one of my favourite parts of the first book. I also missed not seeing more of Sel and Sora but I'm sure the next few books will fix that as well. Siv really grew up and became a much more responsible young adult. That's another thing I really liked about this series, is the age of the characters. I like that they're young and still prone to making mistakes but they're also old enough to be at that stage where they have to be responsible for themselves. It's something I feel isn't addressed in young adult fiction as much. Further to that, I found the struggle Dara has between her own ideas of right and wrong, her feelings for Siv and her feelings for her parents fascinating. It's really hard to realise that your parents are people too and can make mistakes and may do things that you don't agree with or believe in. I'm interested to see where this series goes. On to the next one.
July 19, 2018
Fire
This story isn't terrible. It did drag alot . Siv tries to gain his focus as the new King. He is still young and has a hard time ruling. Dara is still keeping a lot of secrets that promise to crash in the worst way. As they both try to deny there feelings and protect the kingdom from a coup. The ending is very action paced. I found myself predicting a lot but the ending shoot me through a loop. I'm ready to see what will happen next to our couple!
This story isn't terrible. It did drag alot . Siv tries to gain his focus as the new King. He is still young and has a hard time ruling. Dara is still keeping a lot of secrets that promise to crash in the worst way. As they both try to deny there feelings and protect the kingdom from a coup. The ending is very action paced. I found myself predicting a lot but the ending shoot me through a loop. I'm ready to see what will happen next to our couple!
Read
December 29, 20163.5
Less predictable than the first, with a nice twist in the epilogue. People still far too often failed to listen to good advice (Dara didn't listen to her *own*). I haven't got around to reading the third, but will at some point.
Less predictable than the first, with a nice twist in the epilogue. People still far too often failed to listen to good advice (Dara didn't listen to her *own*). I haven't got around to reading the third, but will at some point.
December 6, 2017
The political unreality of the story finally got to me, making it impossible to finish. We know who murdered the king? Don't bother arresting them. We know who is plotting a coup? Ignore them. We know which member of the army staff are disloyal? We won't fire them.
September 14, 2016
I think my biggest disappointment about these books is the small, minuscule role the cur-dragons actually play. That bummed me out so much, okay?
May 25, 2022
I LOVED BOOK 1, MAYBE BOOK 2 IS SUFFERING FROM 'MIDDLE-BOOK' FOR ME?
I was so excited for this book given how much I not only loved book 1 but loved how it ended and truth be known it started out really well!
Then from about the beginning of the 2nd 3rd I started feeling a bit funny about the book. By the time I got to the final 3rd I was suprised with the direction the book was heading.
The ending of this book had the opposite effect on me that book 1 did. I'm kind of going to be trepedatious going into book 3 as it seems we'll be heading into a trope I don't like.
Time will tell.
Book 1 received 5 Stars from me.
For Book 2?
3.5 Stars
xoxo.
I was so excited for this book given how much I not only loved book 1 but loved how it ended and truth be known it started out really well!
Then from about the beginning of the 2nd 3rd I started feeling a bit funny about the book. By the time I got to the final 3rd I was suprised with the direction the book was heading.
The ending of this book had the opposite effect on me that book 1 did. I'm kind of going to be trepedatious going into book 3 as it seems we'll be heading into a trope I don't like.
Time will tell.
Book 1 received 5 Stars from me.
For Book 2?
3.5 Stars
xoxo.
August 2, 2021
Siv and Dara are trying to adjust to their new lives. Dara trying to keep her secret, Siv having to do things he isn't prepared for. They tend to bump heads a few times, but work together for the best of the kingdom
I don't usually read what I call fluffy books, but for some reason, I'm hooked on these two main characters. Yes, there are a few roll my eyes moments, but that doesn't take away from the story. It is a twisty, bumpy ride of events.
October 13, 2022
This book series is a good time. It's well paced, the story is well structured, the world building has been really well done, the characters well written , it has an interesting magic system and it left me immediately wanting to read the next instalment by the end. It's the second book in the Steel and Fire series, it's YA and I'm pleasantly surprised with how much I'm enjoying it....4 stars
December 31, 2017
I like the premise of this series, it makes me continue reading it despite its shortcomings.
August 14, 2020
I didn't like King of Mist quite as much as Duel of Fire... and I was rather less forgiving about its flaws than I was for its predecessor.
I quite enjoy the read and found myself entertained, and forgive this one for being the "middle book" that is generally not enjoyed. But I feel like what I enjoyed about Duel of Fire disappeared in this one. Dara as a dedicated duelist, the birth of the romance with Siv, the overall atmosphere and light-heartedness. Of course, it made sense to lose them and move on; the characters lost more than a King, they lost their life as they knew it, and had to create a new one.
The pacing was still off, and soooo slow. It's like one or two things worthy of attention happened during 70/75% of the novel , and then bang. The climax, and the ending.
Don't get me wrong, Jordan Rivet is amazing at writing conflict and climax during the last part of the novel. Boy is it filled with events, mystery, stakes, and did it keep me on my toes. Amazing. And it's quite clever as it's the part that keeps me reading on and start the next one, hoping that the next book will start off as amazingly as this one ended... but it didn't happen for this one, and I'm not sure it will for the next one.
I had during this novel the same problem as with Duel of Fire: the overall predictability of the plot. Tull's decision, the Rollendars' plans, Rafe Ruminor's... fair enough, I hadn't guessed the Ring of Fire. And what happened to Berg? Unless he was one of the missing duelists (I guess I must have stopped focusing when we got to the part about them cause... I don't remember Siv and Dara talking about missing duelists?) he disappeared during the mission right at the beginning, appeared here and there for training, but he was nowhere to be found during the Feast and climax. The guy has Siv's protection at heart and doesn't even help organising his protection? What happened to him?
Dara and Siv's relationship followed the exact same construction as the previous novel: they get closer and closer, with parallels being drawned between Duel of Fire and King of Mist and suddenly, a fight. Which is as annoying as in Duel of Fire. A fight where a single conversation should and did solve the conflict. Except this time, it didn't feel right. Siv had every right to be mad at Dara , and he was with good reason. Their fight was heartbreaking and each of their interaction afterward painful because you want them to work on it and get over it. And that's the problem. Dara just had to touch his face and tell him "I'm so, so sorry" and that's it. Forgiven. As if nothing happened. I wish he would've told her something like "I understand" and left her there with the promise of trying to forgive her, and then realise during the climax how much she meant to him, and how much he means to her. I wish they could've escaped together and he would've told her to give him time but he was going to get over it. This way their relationship would've truly been affected by her silences, they would've come out of it changed, they would've learned and grown from it. But instead of an opportunity for character development, we fell right back into what where we were. And I'm disappointed.
Despite those criticisms, I still enjoyed my read. Not the best book and not as exciting as Duel of Fire, but still nice.
I quite enjoy the read and found myself entertained, and forgive this one for being the "middle book" that is generally not enjoyed. But I feel like what I enjoyed about Duel of Fire disappeared in this one. Dara as a dedicated duelist, the birth of the romance with Siv, the overall atmosphere and light-heartedness. Of course, it made sense to lose them and move on; the characters lost more than a King, they lost their life as they knew it, and had to create a new one.
The pacing was still off, and soooo slow. It's like one or two things worthy of attention happened during 70/75% of the novel , and then bang. The climax, and the ending.
Don't get me wrong, Jordan Rivet is amazing at writing conflict and climax during the last part of the novel. Boy is it filled with events, mystery, stakes, and did it keep me on my toes. Amazing. And it's quite clever as it's the part that keeps me reading on and start the next one, hoping that the next book will start off as amazingly as this one ended... but it didn't happen for this one, and I'm not sure it will for the next one.
I had during this novel the same problem as with Duel of Fire: the overall predictability of the plot. Tull's decision, the Rollendars' plans, Rafe Ruminor's... fair enough, I hadn't guessed the Ring of Fire. And what happened to Berg? Unless he was one of the missing duelists (I guess I must have stopped focusing when we got to the part about them cause... I don't remember Siv and Dara talking about missing duelists?) he disappeared during the mission right at the beginning, appeared here and there for training, but he was nowhere to be found during the Feast and climax. The guy has Siv's protection at heart and doesn't even help organising his protection? What happened to him?
Dara and Siv's relationship followed the exact same construction as the previous novel: they get closer and closer, with parallels being drawned between Duel of Fire and King of Mist and suddenly, a fight. Which is as annoying as in Duel of Fire. A fight where a single conversation should and did solve the conflict. Except this time, it didn't feel right. Siv had every right to be mad at Dara , and he was with good reason. Their fight was heartbreaking and each of their interaction afterward painful because you want them to work on it and get over it. And that's the problem. Dara just had to touch his face and tell him "I'm so, so sorry" and that's it. Forgiven. As if nothing happened. I wish he would've told her something like "I understand" and left her there with the promise of trying to forgive her, and then realise during the climax how much she meant to him, and how much he means to her. I wish they could've escaped together and he would've told her to give him time but he was going to get over it. This way their relationship would've truly been affected by her silences, they would've come out of it changed, they would've learned and grown from it. But instead of an opportunity for character development, we fell right back into what where we were. And I'm disappointed.
Despite those criticisms, I still enjoyed my read. Not the best book and not as exciting as Duel of Fire, but still nice.
June 29, 2018
Must read
I thought the first of the series was exceptional but this one goes way beyond...full of intrigue and espionage. Who is plotting against the young king? Who can he trust? Still reeling from his father's death and caught in doing what is best for his people....dilemmas arise
I thought the first of the series was exceptional but this one goes way beyond...full of intrigue and espionage. Who is plotting against the young king? Who can he trust? Still reeling from his father's death and caught in doing what is best for his people....dilemmas arise
January 9, 2017
Just WOW!!
This book was even more awesome than the first one. How come I've never heard of this amazing author before?
King of mist is so full of action and suspense that you will find yourself without any fingernails in the last chapter. I bit mine off already in the first chapter;)
The friendship takes a bad turn between Dara and king Siv after what happened in the first book. I found myself yelling at them both for being so darn stubborn and full of pride. They should try and work out their issues instead. Although I completely understand Siv's reaction to many of the things that happened to him in this book. I found myself questioning a lot of Dara's decisions in this book and I don't agree with her on a lot but I can't wait to see how they solve everything in the next-coming books.
I still have some troubles understanding exactly how the fire system works but that's the only negative thing I can find about this book!
The ending was so great and I'm sure I got whiplash injuries from all the twist and turns that I did not see coming.
Seriously, you should read this series. You will not regret it!!
This book was even more awesome than the first one. How come I've never heard of this amazing author before?
King of mist is so full of action and suspense that you will find yourself without any fingernails in the last chapter. I bit mine off already in the first chapter;)
The friendship takes a bad turn between Dara and king Siv after what happened in the first book. I found myself yelling at them both for being so darn stubborn and full of pride. They should try and work out their issues instead. Although I completely understand Siv's reaction to many of the things that happened to him in this book. I found myself questioning a lot of Dara's decisions in this book and I don't agree with her on a lot but I can't wait to see how they solve everything in the next-coming books.
I still have some troubles understanding exactly how the fire system works but that's the only negative thing I can find about this book!
The ending was so great and I'm sure I got whiplash injuries from all the twist and turns that I did not see coming.
Seriously, you should read this series. You will not regret it!!
June 24, 2018
Unexpected
Poor Siv, Dara, and Sora! These characters are made of strong stuff. Sometimes you meet a character the just needs to be killed off just because they are horrible, evil people. The author is extremely skilled at her character development on this note for sure. The editing is superb and the story is gripping. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Poor Siv, Dara, and Sora! These characters are made of strong stuff. Sometimes you meet a character the just needs to be killed off just because they are horrible, evil people. The author is extremely skilled at her character development on this note for sure. The editing is superb and the story is gripping. I can’t wait to read the next book!
November 2, 2017
Honestly, I was riveted.
This is turning out to be a very nicely woven story, tightly worked and well thought-out. Realistic character development, excellent political intrigue, great world-building. The pacing was excellent, the action was enticing, and the writing itself was highly engaging.
I am now ready to devour Book Three!
This is turning out to be a very nicely woven story, tightly worked and well thought-out. Realistic character development, excellent political intrigue, great world-building. The pacing was excellent, the action was enticing, and the writing itself was highly engaging.
I am now ready to devour Book Three!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews