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Sweet Black Waves #2
Wild Savage Stars
Inspired by the legend of Tristan and Iseult, Wild Savage Stars is the spellbinding sequel to Sweet Black Waves.
Branwen has a secret powerful enough to destroy two kingdoms.
Her ancient magic led to a terrible betrayal by both her best friend, the princess Essy, and her first love, Tristan. Now this same magic is changing Branwen. Adrift in a rival court, Branwen must hide the truth from the enemy king by protecting the lovers who broke her heart―and finds herself considering a darker path.
Not everyone wants the alliance with Branwen’s kingdom to succeed―peace is balanced on a knife’s edge, and her only chance may be to embrace the darkness within…
Branwen has a secret powerful enough to destroy two kingdoms.
Her ancient magic led to a terrible betrayal by both her best friend, the princess Essy, and her first love, Tristan. Now this same magic is changing Branwen. Adrift in a rival court, Branwen must hide the truth from the enemy king by protecting the lovers who broke her heart―and finds herself considering a darker path.
Not everyone wants the alliance with Branwen’s kingdom to succeed―peace is balanced on a knife’s edge, and her only chance may be to embrace the darkness within…
448 pages, Hardcover
First published August 27, 2019
28 people are currently reading
3236 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Pérez
11 books313 followersKristina Pérez is the author of THE MYTH OF MORGAN LA FEY (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014). She holds a PhD in Medieval Literature from the University of Cambridge.
She is also the author of the YA Fantasy SWEET BLACK WAVES trilogy (Macmillan) and writing as K.K. Pérez, a YA Sci-Fi, THE TESLA LEGACY (Tor Teen).
Her debut adult novel, THE MANY LIES OF VERONICA HAWKINS is due out in 2024 from Little, Brown UK.
She is the Managing Director of Pérez Literary & Entertainment, an agency based in London, representing fiction and non-fiction.
She is also the author of the YA Fantasy SWEET BLACK WAVES trilogy (Macmillan) and writing as K.K. Pérez, a YA Sci-Fi, THE TESLA LEGACY (Tor Teen).
Her debut adult novel, THE MANY LIES OF VERONICA HAWKINS is due out in 2024 from Little, Brown UK.
She is the Managing Director of Pérez Literary & Entertainment, an agency based in London, representing fiction and non-fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
November 9, 2019
I received an ARC of this book for free from BookSparks for promotional purposes.
I give this book 4.5 stars which rounds up to 5.
I absolutely loved the first book in the trilogy but um okay wow this book was even more insane. It was a roller coaster of emotions. This book picks up right where the last book left off and from then on just continues all the craziness.
At first I was a little intimidated to read this because I saw the massive character list in the beginning and was a bit overwhelmed (there’s a ton of new characters compared to the first book). But it ended up being so easy to follow.
As for the new characters, they just added to the drama of the whole story and I loved it. I particularly liked the dynamics and politics between the characters.
Like the first book, the ending was just wild. What a cliffhanger. The author really outdid herself with that one.
I didn’t give this book a full 5 stars because it is on the slow side. Since this is the second book in the trilogy, I was expecting a little more excitement than what I got. Nevertheless, the book was still a page turner.
Overall, if you loved the first book, then you’ll love this one! Now the wait for the next book begins!
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I give this book 4.5 stars which rounds up to 5.
I absolutely loved the first book in the trilogy but um okay wow this book was even more insane. It was a roller coaster of emotions. This book picks up right where the last book left off and from then on just continues all the craziness.
At first I was a little intimidated to read this because I saw the massive character list in the beginning and was a bit overwhelmed (there’s a ton of new characters compared to the first book). But it ended up being so easy to follow.
As for the new characters, they just added to the drama of the whole story and I loved it. I particularly liked the dynamics and politics between the characters.
Like the first book, the ending was just wild. What a cliffhanger. The author really outdid herself with that one.
I didn’t give this book a full 5 stars because it is on the slow side. Since this is the second book in the trilogy, I was expecting a little more excitement than what I got. Nevertheless, the book was still a page turner.
Overall, if you loved the first book, then you’ll love this one! Now the wait for the next book begins!
Connect with me!
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
November 10, 2019
I received an ARC through my job at a library.
Quick review: if authors could stop making me feel emotions of intense love that I reserve for my dogs and my dogs only, that's be great. (Context, I like dogs more than humans.) If you liked Sweet Black Waves, I'd honestly be floored if you didn't like this. Consistent characters & writing, development of the new land and it's politics, and the lingering feeling from Sweet Black Waves that "something's not quite right."
I feel so empty! Why did I read this like 3 months before publication?! Now I have to wait FOREVER for the third book. Basically everyone but Marc and Branwen can go screw their selfish selves! This whole romance soap opera Pentagon is giving me feels and migraines! I can't for the life of me explain the magic shit but I FUCKING LOVE THIS SERIES. Also, Kristina Perez needs to cool it with the endings created specifically to hurt people!
I read this over the course of 2 1/2 days while at a conference. I literally skipped out on an end of the event party so I could finish this damn thing. It hurt my soul, I hate the author and I need book 3 now please.
Quick review: if authors could stop making me feel emotions of intense love that I reserve for my dogs and my dogs only, that's be great. (Context, I like dogs more than humans.) If you liked Sweet Black Waves, I'd honestly be floored if you didn't like this. Consistent characters & writing, development of the new land and it's politics, and the lingering feeling from Sweet Black Waves that "something's not quite right."
I feel so empty! Why did I read this like 3 months before publication?! Now I have to wait FOREVER for the third book. Basically everyone but Marc and Branwen can go screw their selfish selves! This whole romance soap opera Pentagon is giving me feels and migraines! I can't for the life of me explain the magic shit but I FUCKING LOVE THIS SERIES. Also, Kristina Perez needs to cool it with the endings created specifically to hurt people!
I read this over the course of 2 1/2 days while at a conference. I literally skipped out on an end of the event party so I could finish this damn thing. It hurt my soul, I hate the author and I need book 3 now please.
September 10, 2019
Here I am again torn on what to rate this book. In fact, this one had soooo much more drama and angst than the first one.
To be honest, about half way through the book, I was so tempted to put it down and try another time because between being so depressed and gut wrenching pissed...I believe it was bad for my stress levels to continue.
I asked the same question over and over again... "Why the hell does Brenwan continue to put Essy first when it only ends up hurting herself?" I was pissed and was screaming in my head to Brenwan to STOP trying to make everything right and just worry about herself.
I hate Tristan, I hate...hate...hate Essy, and this one and that one.
And just wait...I know Roan will end up hurting Brenwan in the next book. She just needs to count her losses and run away to a deserted island somewhere. Or much better...her and Marc should just flatten the kingdom.
Ugh...I don't think I have ever felt more pissed or more depressed about a character.
There had better be a happy ending for her in the next book.
To be honest, about half way through the book, I was so tempted to put it down and try another time because between being so depressed and gut wrenching pissed...I believe it was bad for my stress levels to continue.
I asked the same question over and over again... "Why the hell does Brenwan continue to put Essy first when it only ends up hurting herself?" I was pissed and was screaming in my head to Brenwan to STOP trying to make everything right and just worry about herself.
I hate Tristan, I hate...hate...hate Essy, and this one and that one.
And just wait...I know Roan will end up hurting Brenwan in the next book. She just needs to count her losses and run away to a deserted island somewhere. Or much better...her and Marc should just flatten the kingdom.
Ugh...I don't think I have ever felt more pissed or more depressed about a character.
There had better be a happy ending for her in the next book.
December 31, 2019
I’ve had so many thoughts whilst reading this book, but the most prominent is this: this series would have really thrived as an intricate, politically complex adult fantasy, and it becomes really obvious in this second book.
(Or maybe I just want these books to be longer.)
There’s nothing wrong with this book being YA at all, but if given a longer word count like an adult fantasy, this story could really thrive and develop. Looking into some of the narrative events and themes presented in this book, you might notice they’re more common in adult fantasy than YA, and given space they could have become even more interesting than they already are.
This second book will really play with the reader’s emotions, and whether they like it will depend upon what kind of romance they want to read - and how much they can take if things aren’t somewhat happy. WSS is YA, but the “one true love” that is common within YA and established within book one is stamped upon and thrown out the window - and that will upset some. But despite that, this book gives us a Branwen in control of herself. Branwen’s relationships with men become complex here, and she demonstrates own sexual agency. Book one had this very sweet pure first love which is common within YA, but book two had a “I’m not really in love with you but I desire you” thing which is more common with adult fantasy novels because it’s an outlook that tends coincide with maturity (also because it’s more to do with sex than love.) But it’s wonderful to see it in YA, to be completely honest. I do think if this was adult, that sexual agency and how it empowers her definitely could have been explored more, though. Especially considering that whilst it is obvious that Branwen is sleeping with Ruan, it can’t be deeply explored due to the expected restriction of sexual content in YA.
The tricky romances also lead into the fact that readers may not feel rewarded with what they’re reading, which then leads to betrayal and sadness. I will admit that I love Ruan, the new love interest, but I miss Tristan. I miss what Branwen and Tristan had. This book isn’t as easy to love because of the way the readers are denied a happy solution of Tristan and Branwen’s romance, something that was initially a big draw of the first book. This denial of a happy ending for a couple we were invested in is especially unusual in YA fantasy. This is a retelling and a simple wiki search reveals the story, but the truth still hurts. This book essentially confirms that Branwen and Tristan are over, and they are never ever ever getting back together.
Another amazing thing about this book was the implication of an antiheroine arc for Branwen. She has continually put the needs of others above her own, and this has led to heartbreak for her. And that heartbreak leads to anger, and in this book you see her emotions coil up into more negative energy. There are scenes where it’s so easy to see that she could burn it all up and end the trilogy in a little hovel in the woods as some kind of witch. Her decisions to play her cards close to her chest and not confide her plans to others leads to disastrous consequences. But she always believes she’s doing the right thing, and that’s a compelling motivation in an antiheroine. You will take her side against Essy and Tristan, because in this book they become so annoying you want to throttle them. Maybe all of Branwen’s heartbreak could have been averted if she hadn’t acted in a certain way, but you never really know. Maybe she would have still been the same way in the end. As a reader, I can’t say I would have done differently. I relate a lot to her, and her rather noble desire for peace above all, even at the cost of her happiness, is one I understand.
Honestly, I don’t know how this trilogy will end. Will it subvert the original story of Tristan and Iseult? Will it not? All I want is for Branwen to be happy, which is something she is CONSTANTLY denied in this book and which actually sent me into a small depressive spiral. She and Marc deserve a good ending, please. Their positive friendship is like the lone constant in her life. I like Ruan too, but I have a feeling that something will happen to him in the last book based off something indicated at the end of this book. Honestly, this series has got me STRESSED. Kudos to Kristina Perez but my god please can she cut Branwen and her readers some slack.
(Or maybe I just want these books to be longer.)
There’s nothing wrong with this book being YA at all, but if given a longer word count like an adult fantasy, this story could really thrive and develop. Looking into some of the narrative events and themes presented in this book, you might notice they’re more common in adult fantasy than YA, and given space they could have become even more interesting than they already are.
This second book will really play with the reader’s emotions, and whether they like it will depend upon what kind of romance they want to read - and how much they can take if things aren’t somewhat happy. WSS is YA, but the “one true love” that is common within YA and established within book one is stamped upon and thrown out the window - and that will upset some. But despite that, this book gives us a Branwen in control of herself. Branwen’s relationships with men become complex here, and she demonstrates own sexual agency. Book one had this very sweet pure first love which is common within YA, but book two had a “I’m not really in love with you but I desire you” thing which is more common with adult fantasy novels because it’s an outlook that tends coincide with maturity (also because it’s more to do with sex than love.) But it’s wonderful to see it in YA, to be completely honest. I do think if this was adult, that sexual agency and how it empowers her definitely could have been explored more, though. Especially considering that whilst it is obvious that Branwen is sleeping with Ruan, it can’t be deeply explored due to the expected restriction of sexual content in YA.
The tricky romances also lead into the fact that readers may not feel rewarded with what they’re reading, which then leads to betrayal and sadness. I will admit that I love Ruan, the new love interest, but I miss Tristan. I miss what Branwen and Tristan had. This book isn’t as easy to love because of the way the readers are denied a happy solution of Tristan and Branwen’s romance, something that was initially a big draw of the first book. This denial of a happy ending for a couple we were invested in is especially unusual in YA fantasy. This is a retelling and a simple wiki search reveals the story, but the truth still hurts. This book essentially confirms that Branwen and Tristan are over, and they are never ever ever getting back together.
Another amazing thing about this book was the implication of an antiheroine arc for Branwen. She has continually put the needs of others above her own, and this has led to heartbreak for her. And that heartbreak leads to anger, and in this book you see her emotions coil up into more negative energy. There are scenes where it’s so easy to see that she could burn it all up and end the trilogy in a little hovel in the woods as some kind of witch. Her decisions to play her cards close to her chest and not confide her plans to others leads to disastrous consequences. But she always believes she’s doing the right thing, and that’s a compelling motivation in an antiheroine. You will take her side against Essy and Tristan, because in this book they become so annoying you want to throttle them. Maybe all of Branwen’s heartbreak could have been averted if she hadn’t acted in a certain way, but you never really know. Maybe she would have still been the same way in the end. As a reader, I can’t say I would have done differently. I relate a lot to her, and her rather noble desire for peace above all, even at the cost of her happiness, is one I understand.
Honestly, I don’t know how this trilogy will end. Will it subvert the original story of Tristan and Iseult? Will it not? All I want is for Branwen to be happy, which is something she is CONSTANTLY denied in this book and which actually sent me into a small depressive spiral. She and Marc deserve a good ending, please. Their positive friendship is like the lone constant in her life. I like Ruan too, but I have a feeling that something will happen to him in the last book based off something indicated at the end of this book. Honestly, this series has got me STRESSED. Kudos to Kristina Perez but my god please can she cut Branwen and her readers some slack.
August 20, 2019
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy / Historical
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Wild Savage Stars is the second installment in author Kristina Perez's Sweet Black Waves trilogy. Sweet Black Waves is a retelling of the star-crossed tale of Tristan and Iseult, from the perspective of Branwen. The story is a tragedy about the adulterous love between the Cornish knight Tristan and the Irish princess Iseult who either on purpose or by mistake, drank a love potion. Wild Savage Stars begins shortly after the events of Sweet Black Waves.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy / Historical
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Wild Savage Stars is the second installment in author Kristina Perez's Sweet Black Waves trilogy. Sweet Black Waves is a retelling of the star-crossed tale of Tristan and Iseult, from the perspective of Branwen. The story is a tragedy about the adulterous love between the Cornish knight Tristan and the Irish princess Iseult who either on purpose or by mistake, drank a love potion. Wild Savage Stars begins shortly after the events of Sweet Black Waves.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
August 12, 2019
Read more of my reviews at Cornerfolds.com!
Last year I read Sweet Black Waves and was immediately pulled into the amazing world Kristina Pérez created. The retelling of Tristan and Iseult was unique and heartbreaking and I could not wait to dive back in, so of course I was thrilled when I received an early copy of Wild Savage Stars!
This story picks up immediately after Sweet Black Waves leaves off, with Branwen, Tristan, and Essy arriving in an enemy kingdom. Everything and everyone is a mess after the shocking ending of the first book and Branwen, despite knowing her role in Tristan and Essy's betrayal, cannot bring herself to move on.
I loved all most of the characters so much in the first book and was so utterly surprised when Essy and Tristan betrayed Branwen that this book was extra hard to read. I hated seeing Branwen at odds with both her cousin and Tristan, but I could completely understand why she felt the way that she did. Her desperation and pain was tangible throughout the book and I was rooting for her so hard to find a solution! I did find that, while I also sympathized with Tristan, I did not love him this time around (but maybe that's to be expected).
A new character, Ruan, is also introduced in this book. I had a lot of reservations about him at first, but really came to love him. It does create a bit of a love triangle situation, but it's one that absolutely works and I am here for it. King Marc was also a surprisingly great character!
Wild Savage Stars is full of political intrigue in addition to the fantasy and romance elements and I loved it! Politics can be hit or miss for me, but Kristina Pérez did a wonderful job of keeping my attention. I was constantly on the edge of my seat trying to guess what Branwen would do or what solutions she would come up with. She's the real queen here!
The ending of this book absolutely broke my soul! I don't know how I'm expected to make it another year until book three, but I guess I'll find a way. I can't say much more without spoilers, but if you enjoyed Sweet Black Waves you'll definitely want to get your hands on Wild Savage Stars immediately!
Last year I read Sweet Black Waves and was immediately pulled into the amazing world Kristina Pérez created. The retelling of Tristan and Iseult was unique and heartbreaking and I could not wait to dive back in, so of course I was thrilled when I received an early copy of Wild Savage Stars!
This story picks up immediately after Sweet Black Waves leaves off, with Branwen, Tristan, and Essy arriving in an enemy kingdom. Everything and everyone is a mess after the shocking ending of the first book and Branwen, despite knowing her role in Tristan and Essy's betrayal, cannot bring herself to move on.
I loved all most of the characters so much in the first book and was so utterly surprised when Essy and Tristan betrayed Branwen that this book was extra hard to read. I hated seeing Branwen at odds with both her cousin and Tristan, but I could completely understand why she felt the way that she did. Her desperation and pain was tangible throughout the book and I was rooting for her so hard to find a solution! I did find that, while I also sympathized with Tristan, I did not love him this time around (but maybe that's to be expected).
A new character, Ruan, is also introduced in this book. I had a lot of reservations about him at first, but really came to love him. It does create a bit of a love triangle situation, but it's one that absolutely works and I am here for it. King Marc was also a surprisingly great character!
Wild Savage Stars is full of political intrigue in addition to the fantasy and romance elements and I loved it! Politics can be hit or miss for me, but Kristina Pérez did a wonderful job of keeping my attention. I was constantly on the edge of my seat trying to guess what Branwen would do or what solutions she would come up with. She's the real queen here!
The ending of this book absolutely broke my soul! I don't know how I'm expected to make it another year until book three, but I guess I'll find a way. I can't say much more without spoilers, but if you enjoyed Sweet Black Waves you'll definitely want to get your hands on Wild Savage Stars immediately!
August 8, 2019
Last year I read Sweet Black Waves, which is a retelling of Tristan and Eseult myth, and fell in love with it. I was eagerly awaiting the second book, Wild Savage Stars. And, wow, it was so worth the wait, it did not disappoint. Wild Savage Stars is even better than Sweet Black Waves in my opinion.
This book is achingly romantic, brutal, lyrical, magical, and heart-wrenching. It was an emotional roller-coaster that I didn’t want to get off of. I couldn't stop thinking about it days after I finished reading it. I need the next book right now. I have to know how Bronwen, Tristan, and Eseult's story ends. I must say, after the events that took place in Wild Savage Stars, I am worried for them. Let's hope the author is a little kinder to her characters in the next book, especially Bronwen, because she deserves some happiness and love that's not tainted.
Please, please, please read this series. It's one of the best YA fantasies I've read and it deserves more hype and recognition than it's currently getting.
*ARC provided by the publisher and Booksparks
This book is achingly romantic, brutal, lyrical, magical, and heart-wrenching. It was an emotional roller-coaster that I didn’t want to get off of. I couldn't stop thinking about it days after I finished reading it. I need the next book right now. I have to know how Bronwen, Tristan, and Eseult's story ends. I must say, after the events that took place in Wild Savage Stars, I am worried for them. Let's hope the author is a little kinder to her characters in the next book, especially Bronwen, because she deserves some happiness and love that's not tainted.
Please, please, please read this series. It's one of the best YA fantasies I've read and it deserves more hype and recognition than it's currently getting.
*ARC provided by the publisher and Booksparks
February 18, 2022
A massive improvement on Sweet Black Waves - Wild Savage Stars introduces characters who have more depth and are consequently much more interesting. Eseult is less whiny and at times shows signs of a growing maturity (at times, I could even admire her); Branwen is less angsty and increasingly fuelled by an entirely understandable rage; and there's a step up in world-building and politics. While I'm not entirely invested in anyone (except perhaps Marc), I at least have some sympathies now. Wild Savage Stars does enough to convince me to read Bright Raven Skies (impressive, considering how much I disliked Sweet Black Waves) to see how Pérez plays out the familiar legend within her increasingly dark framework.
Full review
Full review
July 21, 2020
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.
Following on from the dramatic climax of Sweet Black Waves, Branwen and co have now landed in Kernyv, and Eseult is preparing to marry King Marc. Because of Eseult and Tristan's betrayal on board the ship, Branwen has to work extra hard to ensure that no one discovers what happened, and protect the tentative peace between their two nations. Meeting the Kernyv royal family, from King Marc, to the Dowager Queen Verica, to Princes' Ruan and Andred, Branwen finds both friends and enemies. With her magic developing and changing the longer she is in the kingdom, she is really struggling to come to terms with her own heartbreak, and hatred. With all the strings that Branwen is trying to control, will she manage to do so without hurting herself, or worse, her kingdoms?
When I read Sweet Black Waves back in October, I enjoyed the book, but found myself hating some of the characters, and not loving it. Now, we have numerous new characters, and I, for the most part, loved this book. Okay, Eseult was still a spoilt brat, if not more so, and I don't think she'll ever redeem herself in my eyes. Everything that Branwen was doing was for her, and she threw in back in her face, again and again. All moony-eyed over Tristan, making it plainly obvious to all that the True Queen did not love the True King, but rather the prince she had manoeuvred into being her own Champion, and not particularly caring what the fall out would be. Tristan just went along with it all, and even though he had the decency to acknowledge how he had hurt Branwen, he continued to be with Eseult as much as he could, helping to cement Branwen's pain, and making it more dangerous for them all. Branwen has improved so much and continued to develop throughout this book that I can't even imagine how wonderful she will be at the end of the next book! He strengths and vulnerabilities were on show again and again, and I loved seeing her find her feet in Kernyv, and truly come into her own!
King Marc, considering he was the person in charge of the kingdom that had terrorised Iveriu for so long, was a lovely character, and I really felt for him throughout the entire book. He truly believed in the peace, and wanted to be a good husband to Eseult, who treated him like rubbish. He was sweet with Branwen, and their camaraderie was perfect. The new princes, Ruan and Andred, were lovely too. Ruan was a bit pompous when we first meet him, but he cared about his kingdom, and his and Branwen's chemistry was fantastic. Tristan had completely betrayed Branwen, and was never good enough for her but Ruan could just be the person Branwen deserves. His younger brother, Andred, was Marc's cupbearer, who had an interest in healing, and worked as Branwen's apprentice. He was sweet, and showed how much he loved his family and just wanted to do what was right whenever he could to help those he cared about. I'm definitely looking forward to the final book in the series, Bright Raven Skies, and am so glad I continued with the series.
Following on from the dramatic climax of Sweet Black Waves, Branwen and co have now landed in Kernyv, and Eseult is preparing to marry King Marc. Because of Eseult and Tristan's betrayal on board the ship, Branwen has to work extra hard to ensure that no one discovers what happened, and protect the tentative peace between their two nations. Meeting the Kernyv royal family, from King Marc, to the Dowager Queen Verica, to Princes' Ruan and Andred, Branwen finds both friends and enemies. With her magic developing and changing the longer she is in the kingdom, she is really struggling to come to terms with her own heartbreak, and hatred. With all the strings that Branwen is trying to control, will she manage to do so without hurting herself, or worse, her kingdoms?
When I read Sweet Black Waves back in October, I enjoyed the book, but found myself hating some of the characters, and not loving it. Now, we have numerous new characters, and I, for the most part, loved this book. Okay, Eseult was still a spoilt brat, if not more so, and I don't think she'll ever redeem herself in my eyes. Everything that Branwen was doing was for her, and she threw in back in her face, again and again. All moony-eyed over Tristan, making it plainly obvious to all that the True Queen did not love the True King, but rather the prince she had manoeuvred into being her own Champion, and not particularly caring what the fall out would be. Tristan just went along with it all, and even though he had the decency to acknowledge how he had hurt Branwen, he continued to be with Eseult as much as he could, helping to cement Branwen's pain, and making it more dangerous for them all. Branwen has improved so much and continued to develop throughout this book that I can't even imagine how wonderful she will be at the end of the next book! He strengths and vulnerabilities were on show again and again, and I loved seeing her find her feet in Kernyv, and truly come into her own!
King Marc, considering he was the person in charge of the kingdom that had terrorised Iveriu for so long, was a lovely character, and I really felt for him throughout the entire book. He truly believed in the peace, and wanted to be a good husband to Eseult, who treated him like rubbish. He was sweet with Branwen, and their camaraderie was perfect. The new princes, Ruan and Andred, were lovely too. Ruan was a bit pompous when we first meet him, but he cared about his kingdom, and his and Branwen's chemistry was fantastic. Tristan had completely betrayed Branwen, and was never good enough for her but Ruan could just be the person Branwen deserves. His younger brother, Andred, was Marc's cupbearer, who had an interest in healing, and worked as Branwen's apprentice. He was sweet, and showed how much he loved his family and just wanted to do what was right whenever he could to help those he cared about. I'm definitely looking forward to the final book in the series, Bright Raven Skies, and am so glad I continued with the series.
December 27, 2018
I AM DEAD.
THIS BOOK KILLED ME.
WHY CAN'T I HAVE THE MANUSCRIPT TO THE 3RD BOOK NOW?!?
KRISTINA PEREZ TAKE PITY ON THIS READER.....TELL ME HOW IT ENDS!!! :)
I loved, loved, loved "Sweet Black Waves" but if I am being honest I have to say that this book is even better than the first. (And now I am silently crying because I need to know what happens to my beloved Branwen!!)
This novel picks right up where the previous one ends; Branwen, Tristen and Essy have landed and Essy is less than thrilled to meet her future husband. Tristan is heartbroken that he would do what he did to Branwen and Branwen is livid at both of them (although if we are being honest it is kinda her fault). Upon arriving in court, Branwen learns that her new full time job will be keep Essy and Tristan apart from each other (her away from her) to quell the rumors that begin to swirl. Branwen struggles to keep her magic hidden as well and pretty soon she realizes that if she is going to keep her home country safe maybe she needs to learn the darker side of her magic...but at what cost?
Kristina Perez has killed it...and all I can do now is whine and complain that I need the next one in the series to get over this book hangover she has graced me with.
Thanks to MacMillan for the ARC!
THIS BOOK KILLED ME.
WHY CAN'T I HAVE THE MANUSCRIPT TO THE 3RD BOOK NOW?!?
KRISTINA PEREZ TAKE PITY ON THIS READER.....TELL ME HOW IT ENDS!!! :)
I loved, loved, loved "Sweet Black Waves" but if I am being honest I have to say that this book is even better than the first. (And now I am silently crying because I need to know what happens to my beloved Branwen!!)
This novel picks right up where the previous one ends; Branwen, Tristen and Essy have landed and Essy is less than thrilled to meet her future husband. Tristan is heartbroken that he would do what he did to Branwen and Branwen is livid at both of them (although if we are being honest it is kinda her fault). Upon arriving in court, Branwen learns that her new full time job will be keep Essy and Tristan apart from each other (her away from her) to quell the rumors that begin to swirl. Branwen struggles to keep her magic hidden as well and pretty soon she realizes that if she is going to keep her home country safe maybe she needs to learn the darker side of her magic...but at what cost?
Kristina Perez has killed it...and all I can do now is whine and complain that I need the next one in the series to get over this book hangover she has graced me with.
Thanks to MacMillan for the ARC!
September 10, 2019
A deepening of the story that Perez so ably began in Sweet Black Waves. The character of Branwen continues to be compelling despite (or because of?) her flaws. The introduction of a sympathetic and admirable King Marc, the interesting mercurial Ruan, and the formidable queen mother makes this book a pleasure to read. The story kept me on the edge of my seat and I blew through it in just a few days! So curious about what will happen in the third book.
September 2, 2019
4-ish stars.
Change this book's title to “Emotional Torture Porn: The Book”
I'm so mad but so is Branwen, and so we were mad together and that made for a great finale. Reading this book was like pure agony until the final conflict and then it all paid off. I know it was all built up on purpose, but if you're like me and dislike downward spiral character development and more optimistic story angles, it'll be hard to get through Chef's kiss for when Branwen SNAPS.
HUFFS I will concede I was so ready to hate this because the world's just punching down on Branwen emotionally at 1000% full throttle, but I also love the moment where she FINALLY goes apeshit (the Darkness be like "aren't you tired of being nice? don't you wanna go apeshit?") YOU GOT ME, KRISTINA. "I hate and I love," is absolutely right and you must be proud.
I still hate Essy, but tbh I wish she had more development but I can't complain when that would actually give me more Essy which is NOT what I want so fine. I was right about this girl ALL ALONG and it FEELS GOOD TO HAVE BRANWEN SAY IT.
YOU KNOW I was
I was suspicious of Ruan at first but then I picked up what Kristina was putting down so I expected his tragic backstory to be as it was presented. You know... he's alright in my book now. I really like that he was able to see the good in Branwen and trust her with certain things when everyone else was screwing with Branwen's life with their uncommunicative asses (and Branwen herself is one of them). He's pretty resolute about his feelings @ Branwen which I can respect
SPEAKING OF GOOD MAN, MARC IS A GOOD MAN. IDK what Essy's deal (I DO know but I find Essy to be unreasonable as always) is she's tryna steal her cousin's man yet there is a perfectly good one right in front of her whom she is MARRIED TO. I know, I know the story is supposed to play out this way I'm just like why... why... why is this girl such a brat. Nothing but respect for my bisexual king Marc. I feel like outside of Branwen he was the most developed character. His friendship with Branwen was so interesting I wish they could finally play the board game... please... let them have actual conversations that are truthful.
I appreciated the hymen talk and how it shaded these crusty medicine men Seers for essentially only studying men and not knowing jack shit about women and yet have the gall to be like we control ur body. It's still true because they used to use men as the default group for medical studies and so there was less data on women. I appreciate this shade a lot.
Overall yeah this was painful to read for like 90% of the way through for me that I almost forgot there was a promise for the last 10% to be as it was.
Slides Kristina Perez $20
Change this book's title to “Emotional Torture Porn: The Book”
I'm so mad but so is Branwen, and so we were mad together and that made for a great finale. Reading this book was like pure agony until the final conflict and then it all paid off. I know it was all built up on purpose, but if you're like me and dislike downward spiral character development and more optimistic story angles, it'll be hard to get through Chef's kiss for when Branwen SNAPS.
HUFFS I will concede I was so ready to hate this because the world's just punching down on Branwen emotionally at 1000% full throttle, but I also love the moment where she FINALLY goes apeshit (the Darkness be like "aren't you tired of being nice? don't you wanna go apeshit?") YOU GOT ME, KRISTINA. "I hate and I love," is absolutely right and you must be proud.
I still hate Essy, but tbh I wish she had more development but I can't complain when that would actually give me more Essy which is NOT what I want so fine. I was right about this girl ALL ALONG and it FEELS GOOD TO HAVE BRANWEN SAY IT.
YOU KNOW I was
I was suspicious of Ruan at first but then I picked up what Kristina was putting down so I expected his tragic backstory to be as it was presented. You know... he's alright in my book now. I really like that he was able to see the good in Branwen and trust her with certain things when everyone else was screwing with Branwen's life with their uncommunicative asses (and Branwen herself is one of them). He's pretty resolute about his feelings @ Branwen which I can respect
SPEAKING OF GOOD MAN, MARC IS A GOOD MAN. IDK what Essy's deal (I DO know but I find Essy to be unreasonable as always) is she's tryna steal her cousin's man yet there is a perfectly good one right in front of her whom she is MARRIED TO. I know, I know the story is supposed to play out this way I'm just like why... why... why is this girl such a brat. Nothing but respect for my bisexual king Marc. I feel like outside of Branwen he was the most developed character. His friendship with Branwen was so interesting I wish they could finally play the board game... please... let them have actual conversations that are truthful.
I appreciated the hymen talk and how it shaded these crusty medicine men Seers for essentially only studying men and not knowing jack shit about women and yet have the gall to be like we control ur body. It's still true because they used to use men as the default group for medical studies and so there was less data on women. I appreciate this shade a lot.
Overall yeah this was painful to read for like 90% of the way through for me that I almost forgot there was a promise for the last 10% to be as it was.
Slides Kristina Perez $20
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2019
I absolutely loved Sweet Black Waves, so I was over the moon when I won an ARC of this book from the author’s instagram. I loved it just as much as the first and think this series will always be a favourite. I just love the setting and Celtic folklore so much!
I can’t say much without spoiling the first book, but Branwen’s life is very stressful. The wait to find out how her story ends will be agonising! I really enjoyed meeting new characters in this book, especially Ruan!
The discussions surrounding virginity & the way men use it as a way to have power over women was brilliant. I thought it was written about so well and I’m glad young teen readers will read stories with plots tacking issues like this!
I can’t say much without spoiling the first book, but Branwen’s life is very stressful. The wait to find out how her story ends will be agonising! I really enjoyed meeting new characters in this book, especially Ruan!
The discussions surrounding virginity & the way men use it as a way to have power over women was brilliant. I thought it was written about so well and I’m glad young teen readers will read stories with plots tacking issues like this!
August 27, 2019
oKAY IM FINE eVERYthinG IS FiNE
but in all seriousness, I am not fine :)
Branwen is so amazing I just can't. She's not one to bend, like, at all. She does what she believes is right, even though it may be dangerous, even if it may hurt someone, she does it wholeheartedly. She seems like an anti-hero almost at certain times, and I LOVE it. I read this in one sitting, one day before it officially comes out (Barnes and Noble had it in sale early thank God!) so I'm dying because I have to wait an entire year!!!! But at least I have a release date for the last book, so I'm kinda satisfied. Anyway, if you didn't get the gist of this review, I'm telling you to go read this book. Now!
but in all seriousness, I am not fine :)
Branwen is so amazing I just can't. She's not one to bend, like, at all. She does what she believes is right, even though it may be dangerous, even if it may hurt someone, she does it wholeheartedly. She seems like an anti-hero almost at certain times, and I LOVE it. I read this in one sitting, one day before it officially comes out (Barnes and Noble had it in sale early thank God!) so I'm dying because I have to wait an entire year!!!! But at least I have a release date for the last book, so I'm kinda satisfied. Anyway, if you didn't get the gist of this review, I'm telling you to go read this book. Now!
September 18, 2019
Let me just...
The book was utterly amazing. I loved every single word of it.
But Essy...let's talk about Essy. Branny made mistakes, I get it. But Essy is selfish and self-serving at every turn. She expects Branwen to clean up her every mess. Whenever something happens, she throws her hands in the air and wait for Branwen to come swooping in. I dislike Eseult with a burning passion. I really, really dislike her.
The book was utterly amazing. I loved every single word of it.
But Essy...let's talk about Essy. Branny made mistakes, I get it. But Essy is selfish and self-serving at every turn. She expects Branwen to clean up her every mess. Whenever something happens, she throws her hands in the air and wait for Branwen to come swooping in. I dislike Eseult with a burning passion. I really, really dislike her.
August 27, 2020
2-1/2 stars.
If I thought Sweet Black Waves broke my heart, Wild Savage Stars ripped it out and stomped on it. Multiple times.
This book picks up pretty much right after the end of book one. There will be spoilers from book one, but I'll try to keep what happens here on the down low. Branwen is of course devastated by what happened between Tristan and Essy, but she has to accept the blame as she is the one who made the potion that caused their actions. More importantly, Tristan is overcome with guilt. He's promised himself to Branwen and to protecting the kingdom and has betrayed his best friend and king, the land itself, and his true love. He doesn't understand what happened, why he would do that, and throughout the book, he struggles with his actions and his feelings, both for the new queen and Branwen.
Essy on the other hand, while she doesn't understand why she was with Tristan, she truly believes they love each other. It's really heartbreaking that both Eseult and Tristan are in such anguish but they have no idea the role that Branwen played in it all. She blames them that they can't break their connection when it's really all her doing. There's a lot going on here with the king and the politics, and of course the love triangle expands with the entrance of Tristan's handsome cousin, Ruan. I really liked him a lot, and Branwen does, too.
There is of course a lot going on in this book, with the kingdoms and secrets. And I liked some things, including this beautiful cover. I appreciated the relationship that Branwen had with King Marc.
We find out some information from him that I thought was completely unnecessary, almost a justification for everything that is happening, and I wish it wasn't there. That's all I'll say about it.
There was so much going on, and all the while there is Tristan and Queen Eseult fighting their connection as well as dealing with their guilt and keeping everything a secret, Tristan and Branwen's feelings for each other, and Branwen grappling with everything to do with courtly life and her magic.
Pérez really is a lyrical writer, stringing together words and worlds beautifully. There was some stuff going on within the court and in the sea that I didn't totally understand, but honestly, I was more interested in Tristan. He's totally heartbroken. He knows he's not the kind of person to do what he did, and he has no idea why he did it.
Basically every time Branwen didn't tell him the truth made me hate her more. And then, the ending happened.
And I'm so glad I waited until I could grab Bright Raven Skies to read this one. I really liked the first book, but I didn't like this one. I want to know what's going to happen to Tristan, and based on the original, I'm not holding out a lot of hope.
With a ton of drama--some totally unnecessary in my opinion--and a touch of magic, Wild Savage Stars continues the heartwrenching journey of Branwen, Tristan, Eseult, and some new characters.
If this were fic, Ruan would be Jacob. And Tristan would still be Edward.
If I thought Sweet Black Waves broke my heart, Wild Savage Stars ripped it out and stomped on it. Multiple times.
This book picks up pretty much right after the end of book one. There will be spoilers from book one, but I'll try to keep what happens here on the down low. Branwen is of course devastated by what happened between Tristan and Essy, but she has to accept the blame as she is the one who made the potion that caused their actions. More importantly, Tristan is overcome with guilt. He's promised himself to Branwen and to protecting the kingdom and has betrayed his best friend and king, the land itself, and his true love. He doesn't understand what happened, why he would do that, and throughout the book, he struggles with his actions and his feelings, both for the new queen and Branwen.
"My life is yours," Tristan whispered to Branwen, leaning in close as he walked toward the door. "Do with it what you will."
Essy on the other hand, while she doesn't understand why she was with Tristan, she truly believes they love each other. It's really heartbreaking that both Eseult and Tristan are in such anguish but they have no idea the role that Branwen played in it all. She blames them that they can't break their connection when it's really all her doing. There's a lot going on here with the king and the politics, and of course the love triangle expands with the entrance of Tristan's handsome cousin, Ruan. I really liked him a lot, and Branwen does, too.
Shaking his head, Ruan lifted a hand to her cheek. "What day is it?"
"My birthday."
"Why didn't you mention it?"
Her cousin had forgotten, and Tristan had never known. Branwen shrugged. "It didn't seem important," she said.
"How old are you?" Ruan's hand followed her cheekbone. He skimmed his thumb along her mouth. Branwen made a sound halfway between a moan and a sigh.
"Twenty summers."
His hand continued down the length of her neck. "And am I your present?"
Branwen trapped it against the swell of her breasts and stared Ruan in the eyes. "Only if you want to be," she said.
He snaked his other hand around her waist and pressed her flush against him. "You know I do, Branwen."
There is of course a lot going on in this book, with the kingdoms and secrets. And I liked some things, including this beautiful cover. I appreciated the relationship that Branwen had with King Marc.
We find out some information from him that I thought was completely unnecessary, almost a justification for everything that is happening, and I wish it wasn't there. That's all I'll say about it.
There was so much going on, and all the while there is Tristan and Queen Eseult fighting their connection as well as dealing with their guilt and keeping everything a secret, Tristan and Branwen's feelings for each other, and Branwen grappling with everything to do with courtly life and her magic.
"Darkness comes every evening, and it leaves every morning." The Wise Damsel lifted a shoulder, unperturbed.
"What if I'm the darkness?"
"You must choose to be the light."
Pérez really is a lyrical writer, stringing together words and worlds beautifully. There was some stuff going on within the court and in the sea that I didn't totally understand, but honestly, I was more interested in Tristan. He's totally heartbroken. He knows he's not the kind of person to do what he did, and he has no idea why he did it.
Basically every time Branwen didn't tell him the truth made me hate her more. And then, the ending happened.
And I'm so glad I waited until I could grab Bright Raven Skies to read this one. I really liked the first book, but I didn't like this one. I want to know what's going to happen to Tristan, and based on the original, I'm not holding out a lot of hope.
With a ton of drama--some totally unnecessary in my opinion--and a touch of magic, Wild Savage Stars continues the heartwrenching journey of Branwen, Tristan, Eseult, and some new characters.
If this were fic, Ruan would be Jacob. And Tristan would still be Edward.
June 11, 2019
Yeah...I'm going to need book 3 real soon.
Review to come.
Review to come.
January 20, 2021
Loved this! It is an easy read, I got swept up in it from the very beginning and couldn't put it down.
August 29, 2019
I read Kristina Pérez’s debut Sweet Black Waves last year and fell in love with her story. It’s one about love – love for your motherland and its people, love for your family, of the sister of your heart, and of love found unexpectedly. Pérez put her own spin on a legend that has been repeatedly told and romanticized over the centuries, breathing fresh life into it by focusing on a different character. It was an exciting start for a new series, and with the way it ended, I knew that I just have to get my hands on its sequel or else my curiosity will kill me.
Well, reader, I got my wish and boy, it was everything.
Brutal, magical, romantic and tragic – Wild Savage Stars was both the sequel I expected it to be and a surprising follow-up to its predecessor. It starts off almost immediately after the events of Sweet Black Waves with Branwen, Tristan and Eseult arriving at Iveriu’s enemy country of Kernyv. Pérez places her original trio in a new land, introduces new characters- both allies and foes – and ups the stakes in this installment.
Despite all these additions though, the story felt instantly familiar and I was quickly drawn back into this series’ world. Pérez’s writing is as strong as ever with lush descriptions and dramatic prose that is sure to coax an emotional response even from the most stoic of readers – be it anger, sadness or horror. Her scholarly knowledge of medieval legends, as it has done in her first book, continues to provide a solid foundation for her version of the story. It’s actually one of the things that originally pulled me to this series.
But it wasn’t why I stayed.
Read the full review on my blog In Between Book Pages.
Well, reader, I got my wish and boy, it was everything.
Brutal, magical, romantic and tragic – Wild Savage Stars was both the sequel I expected it to be and a surprising follow-up to its predecessor. It starts off almost immediately after the events of Sweet Black Waves with Branwen, Tristan and Eseult arriving at Iveriu’s enemy country of Kernyv. Pérez places her original trio in a new land, introduces new characters- both allies and foes – and ups the stakes in this installment.
Despite all these additions though, the story felt instantly familiar and I was quickly drawn back into this series’ world. Pérez’s writing is as strong as ever with lush descriptions and dramatic prose that is sure to coax an emotional response even from the most stoic of readers – be it anger, sadness or horror. Her scholarly knowledge of medieval legends, as it has done in her first book, continues to provide a solid foundation for her version of the story. It’s actually one of the things that originally pulled me to this series.
But it wasn’t why I stayed.
Read the full review on my blog In Between Book Pages.
August 5, 2021
This is quickly becoming one of my favourite YA series, although reading it is also so so frustrating!
I know it's a retelling and that it needs to stick to the backbone of the original story, but there were so many moments as I was reading, when I just wanted to shake the characters and talk some sense into them, haha. I think for the first time, I wish that the story could go a different way and not follow the original tale.
I still enjoyed it immensely but I decided to give it 4 stars, because there was a bit too much anger and drama here, not many "positive" moments. I'm excited to see how will the story finish, though!
I know it's a retelling and that it needs to stick to the backbone of the original story, but there were so many moments as I was reading, when I just wanted to shake the characters and talk some sense into them, haha. I think for the first time, I wish that the story could go a different way and not follow the original tale.
I still enjoyed it immensely but I decided to give it 4 stars, because there was a bit too much anger and drama here, not many "positive" moments. I'm excited to see how will the story finish, though!
June 30, 2020
I finished this last night and OH MY I need the third one! It’s been a bit since I’ve felt invested in a YA fantasy series and I’m so happy I chose to read this. I loved this sequel even more than the first. It’s beautifully written and introduces some amazing new characters. These books are a bit slower paced but they’re never boring. The drama! The angst!
October 8, 2019
**Originally posted on The Fandom**
There’s something especially haunting and stunning about reading Kristina Perez’s Sweet Black Waves series. Perhaps it’s because the original legend in which it finds its bearings– Tristan and Iseult— is a tragedy, and you anticipate that dark, destructive energy right down to your bones. Perhaps it’s because we see Branwen become the main character, giving her light and agency that gets you invested in her side of the story, even as life crumbles around her. Perhaps it’s because of the added mystery and magic that escalate the world to new levels. Personally, I vote all of the above!
Branwen’s best of intentions have landed her in a living hell: Unwittingly betrayed by her first love, obligated to serve her best friend (and future queen) who only tepidly shows remorse for her part in crushing Branwen’s dreams, and stuck in a foreign kingdom where her gifts are more scandalous than ever. There’s only one thing that remains: Peace between Iveriu and Kernyv. Branwen will do anything to convince the Kernyv people of Iveriu’s commitment to peace, even as Tristan and Eseult struggle under the spell of The Loving Cup. To save her people and her land, Branwen will sacrifice the very core of her existence… but will it be enough?
Perez starts out pretty fresh in this novel, despite it being a sequel. There’s a new setting, a new culture, new politics to consider, and given their journey, Branwen, Tristan, and Eseult are the only returning characters from book one. Still, I was perhaps even more intrigued this time around than I was with the first novel! The author has a talent for multi-faceted storytelling: She builds the world as she introduces the new characters and lays out fresh conflicts. The book is nearly 500 pages, but every scene has a worthy place.
The people of Kernyv really helped build Branwen’s story this time around. I especially loved King Marc, who could have easily been a brutish scapegoat to ease the validity of Tristan and Eseult’s relationship, but is instead a worthy king with complex layers who’s just doing the best he can. In close second is Ruan, a rival to his cousin Tristan who takes immediate interest in Branwen, much to the conflicted ex-hero’s chagrin. I also loved Andred, Branwen’s young accomplice with strong Kernyv ties and a heart of gold. Even the troublesome characters, like Countess Kensa and Seer Casek, had strong development that drove their actions well.
Above all, I’m Team Branwen. Kristina Perez does in this book what Marie Lu wanted to do in The Young Elites: Crafts a believable protagonist who, through a heart-wrenching mixture of bad luck, secrets, naïveté, sacrifice, and magic, morphs into an antagonist. The transition feels justified, not forced, and it is so very compelling. Mind you, I don’t know how much of the antagonist Branwen will be in the final book, Bright Raven Skies, but the knife’s edge battle between the dark and the light within her is what makes her so fascinating, and it definitely feels like she’s falling to the former.
My one issue with the novel was Branwen’s isolation. The character spends a lot of time alone in her secrets, sacrificing all and getting little in return. That feeling does ease a bit at certain points in the novel as Branwen makes new connections, but this is book two in a series, so as you’d expect, things only get harder for her in the long run. It’s engrossing– part soap opera, part political chess game– but sometimes, you just want your MC to be able to have a good things and keep them.
As is the case with all retellings, Perez has all the power to mold the story as she sees fit. I’m dying to see how she rounds out this trilogy in the final book. I’m expecting a massive book hangover from a massive hurricane of feels and I. cannot. wait!
There’s something especially haunting and stunning about reading Kristina Perez’s Sweet Black Waves series. Perhaps it’s because the original legend in which it finds its bearings– Tristan and Iseult— is a tragedy, and you anticipate that dark, destructive energy right down to your bones. Perhaps it’s because we see Branwen become the main character, giving her light and agency that gets you invested in her side of the story, even as life crumbles around her. Perhaps it’s because of the added mystery and magic that escalate the world to new levels. Personally, I vote all of the above!
Branwen’s best of intentions have landed her in a living hell: Unwittingly betrayed by her first love, obligated to serve her best friend (and future queen) who only tepidly shows remorse for her part in crushing Branwen’s dreams, and stuck in a foreign kingdom where her gifts are more scandalous than ever. There’s only one thing that remains: Peace between Iveriu and Kernyv. Branwen will do anything to convince the Kernyv people of Iveriu’s commitment to peace, even as Tristan and Eseult struggle under the spell of The Loving Cup. To save her people and her land, Branwen will sacrifice the very core of her existence… but will it be enough?
Perez starts out pretty fresh in this novel, despite it being a sequel. There’s a new setting, a new culture, new politics to consider, and given their journey, Branwen, Tristan, and Eseult are the only returning characters from book one. Still, I was perhaps even more intrigued this time around than I was with the first novel! The author has a talent for multi-faceted storytelling: She builds the world as she introduces the new characters and lays out fresh conflicts. The book is nearly 500 pages, but every scene has a worthy place.
The people of Kernyv really helped build Branwen’s story this time around. I especially loved King Marc, who could have easily been a brutish scapegoat to ease the validity of Tristan and Eseult’s relationship, but is instead a worthy king with complex layers who’s just doing the best he can. In close second is Ruan, a rival to his cousin Tristan who takes immediate interest in Branwen, much to the conflicted ex-hero’s chagrin. I also loved Andred, Branwen’s young accomplice with strong Kernyv ties and a heart of gold. Even the troublesome characters, like Countess Kensa and Seer Casek, had strong development that drove their actions well.
Above all, I’m Team Branwen. Kristina Perez does in this book what Marie Lu wanted to do in The Young Elites: Crafts a believable protagonist who, through a heart-wrenching mixture of bad luck, secrets, naïveté, sacrifice, and magic, morphs into an antagonist. The transition feels justified, not forced, and it is so very compelling. Mind you, I don’t know how much of the antagonist Branwen will be in the final book, Bright Raven Skies, but the knife’s edge battle between the dark and the light within her is what makes her so fascinating, and it definitely feels like she’s falling to the former.
My one issue with the novel was Branwen’s isolation. The character spends a lot of time alone in her secrets, sacrificing all and getting little in return. That feeling does ease a bit at certain points in the novel as Branwen makes new connections, but this is book two in a series, so as you’d expect, things only get harder for her in the long run. It’s engrossing– part soap opera, part political chess game– but sometimes, you just want your MC to be able to have a good things and keep them.
As is the case with all retellings, Perez has all the power to mold the story as she sees fit. I’m dying to see how she rounds out this trilogy in the final book. I’m expecting a massive book hangover from a massive hurricane of feels and I. cannot. wait!
June 3, 2019
Usually the second book in a trilogy is terrible compared to the first. I was surprised because this wasn't the case. Wild Savage Stars was immensely better than Sweet Black Waves.
It picked up right where Sweet Black Waves left off, with Branwen, Tristan, and Essy arriving in enemy territory where Essy will marry a king she doesn't know, love, or want to marry. Branwen transforms into Essy and Tristan's guardians since she dedicates all her time to keeping them away from each other before King Marc (or anyone else) catches whim that something is up between the two secret lovers. Not everyone at court is keen to welcome Branwen and Essy and with more obstacles presented, Branwen must make more sacrifices to ensure peace between their two nations.
I liked the romance between Branwen and Ruan, though it was rash and had no stability. I would like to see it grow in the third book, but then again, Branwen is an extremely strong character and I would also like to see her remain independent and dedicated to the Land and the Old Ones. Ruan wasn't the perfect beau, but I liked him much more than Tristan who was broody, whiny, and frustrating.
Eseult was more enjoyable this time around. She wasn't as bratty and immature so I have a tad more respect for her. Just a small degree. She and Tristan continuously made stupid decisions that very easily could have comprised their nations and poor Branwen had to fix the mess and scold them like a parent.
There was one turning point towards the end where I finally grew aggravated with Essy's self-absorption (and Tristan quickly followed) that I honestly wanted Branwen to kill them to finally be rid of their infinite web of headaches. That didn't happen unfortunately, but I rejoiced when Branwen endured a revelation and came to her senses by saying "screw you" to Essy, Tristan, Ruan, and King Marc at different intervals. That was a major pivotal point for her character since she refused to put others before herself anymore. She grew tired of cleaning up the messes from selfish, arrogant, and stupid individuals so she detached herself from everyone and focused on herself.
That cliffhanger tore me apart and now I have to wait another year to find out what happens next.
Thank you NetGalley for granting me an ARC.
It picked up right where Sweet Black Waves left off, with Branwen, Tristan, and Essy arriving in enemy territory where Essy will marry a king she doesn't know, love, or want to marry. Branwen transforms into Essy and Tristan's guardians since she dedicates all her time to keeping them away from each other before King Marc (or anyone else) catches whim that something is up between the two secret lovers. Not everyone at court is keen to welcome Branwen and Essy and with more obstacles presented, Branwen must make more sacrifices to ensure peace between their two nations.
I liked the romance between Branwen and Ruan, though it was rash and had no stability. I would like to see it grow in the third book, but then again, Branwen is an extremely strong character and I would also like to see her remain independent and dedicated to the Land and the Old Ones. Ruan wasn't the perfect beau, but I liked him much more than Tristan who was broody, whiny, and frustrating.
Eseult was more enjoyable this time around. She wasn't as bratty and immature so I have a tad more respect for her. Just a small degree. She and Tristan continuously made stupid decisions that very easily could have comprised their nations and poor Branwen had to fix the mess and scold them like a parent.
There was one turning point towards the end where I finally grew aggravated with Essy's self-absorption (and Tristan quickly followed) that I honestly wanted Branwen to kill them to finally be rid of their infinite web of headaches. That didn't happen unfortunately, but I rejoiced when Branwen endured a revelation and came to her senses by saying "screw you" to Essy, Tristan, Ruan, and King Marc at different intervals. That was a major pivotal point for her character since she refused to put others before herself anymore. She grew tired of cleaning up the messes from selfish, arrogant, and stupid individuals so she detached herself from everyone and focused on herself.
That cliffhanger tore me apart and now I have to wait another year to find out what happens next.
Thank you NetGalley for granting me an ARC.
August 24, 2019
I'd been intrigued by Wild Savage Stars since I met Kristina Pérez at the recent Comic-Con event put on by Tor. Her premise? The myth of Tristan and Isolde, retold in a YA format through the eyes of Isolde's handmaiden, Branwen. So when I requested this book on Netgalley- and it was accepted- I sat down to read it almost immediately.
I did this without realising it was the second in a series, but as it turns out, it didn't matter. This book was where all the juicy action lay, where all the character dynamics set up in the first instalment, Sweet Black Waves, paid off. The result was a gorgeous and messy explosion of magic, angst and thwarted love.
The mythology
I'm a sucker for good retellings, and this is definitely one of the best I've read recently. It's actually stunning that nobody has adapted the Tristan and Isolde legend before- forbidden love, the two conspiring and meeting under the nose of King Mark, Isolde's husband? Sign me up!- and Pérez does a great job updating the story for today's audiences, making Branwen the most powerful person in the room and introducing some complex politics to the story.
The (tortured!) relationships
Hooray for Branwen! She's by far the most complex person in Wild Savage Stars, and she's wrestling with her love for both Tristan and Eseult, and her self-loathing at having been the person that caused them to fall for each other. Branwen's slow descent into darkness and the lengths she's willing to go to in order to fix her mistakes is fascinating and warped, and it was that more than anything else that had me hooked.
As you can imagine, this is a book that's heavy on the angst. Wistful glances, heavy sighs and tortured outbursts abound, and while it's very satisfying watching Branwen lay into Tristan and Eseult with one hand and protect them with the other, the dynamic does grow a tad tired as it gets repeated again and again. It's hard to feel for the star-crossed lovers: they seem vapid and shallow, unable to see beyond their obsession for each other.
I also feel that a shout-out should be given to newcomer Ruan. But that's just because I think he's great, and that I want him and Branwen to work it out in the next book.
The worldbuilding
The final thing I want to ramble about is the worldbuilding in this book, because it's fantastic. I love how Pérez has put a spin on ancient Britain, including the complicated politics between Kernyv- or Ancient Cornwall- and Branwen and Essy's home. The politics of court is also given a significant amount of airtime, making for a book where everybody is a potential enemy and Branwen must scheme and plot to make sure that she, and the people closest to her, survive.
Finally, the magic. The magic in Wild Savage Stars is dark and malicious, and feels unique in the mythology behind it. Watching Branwen learning how to control it- and destroy with it- is something that I'd be really interested to see how Pérez develops in the next book.
This reader's thoughts
Dark, wistful and torn, Wild Savage Stars is a riot of broken relationships and broken promises. I loved it, it's easy to pick up, and it boasts a very compelling main character. For somebody looking for their next YA kick (with bonus cultural points for ancient mythology) this is it!
I did this without realising it was the second in a series, but as it turns out, it didn't matter. This book was where all the juicy action lay, where all the character dynamics set up in the first instalment, Sweet Black Waves, paid off. The result was a gorgeous and messy explosion of magic, angst and thwarted love.
The mythology
I'm a sucker for good retellings, and this is definitely one of the best I've read recently. It's actually stunning that nobody has adapted the Tristan and Isolde legend before- forbidden love, the two conspiring and meeting under the nose of King Mark, Isolde's husband? Sign me up!- and Pérez does a great job updating the story for today's audiences, making Branwen the most powerful person in the room and introducing some complex politics to the story.
The (tortured!) relationships
Hooray for Branwen! She's by far the most complex person in Wild Savage Stars, and she's wrestling with her love for both Tristan and Eseult, and her self-loathing at having been the person that caused them to fall for each other. Branwen's slow descent into darkness and the lengths she's willing to go to in order to fix her mistakes is fascinating and warped, and it was that more than anything else that had me hooked.
As you can imagine, this is a book that's heavy on the angst. Wistful glances, heavy sighs and tortured outbursts abound, and while it's very satisfying watching Branwen lay into Tristan and Eseult with one hand and protect them with the other, the dynamic does grow a tad tired as it gets repeated again and again. It's hard to feel for the star-crossed lovers: they seem vapid and shallow, unable to see beyond their obsession for each other.
I also feel that a shout-out should be given to newcomer Ruan. But that's just because I think he's great, and that I want him and Branwen to work it out in the next book.
The worldbuilding
The final thing I want to ramble about is the worldbuilding in this book, because it's fantastic. I love how Pérez has put a spin on ancient Britain, including the complicated politics between Kernyv- or Ancient Cornwall- and Branwen and Essy's home. The politics of court is also given a significant amount of airtime, making for a book where everybody is a potential enemy and Branwen must scheme and plot to make sure that she, and the people closest to her, survive.
Finally, the magic. The magic in Wild Savage Stars is dark and malicious, and feels unique in the mythology behind it. Watching Branwen learning how to control it- and destroy with it- is something that I'd be really interested to see how Pérez develops in the next book.
This reader's thoughts
Dark, wistful and torn, Wild Savage Stars is a riot of broken relationships and broken promises. I loved it, it's easy to pick up, and it boasts a very compelling main character. For somebody looking for their next YA kick (with bonus cultural points for ancient mythology) this is it!
January 24, 2025
∞★
𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭—𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧
(I’m so sorry for the person I’ve become while reading this book. I’m honestly ashamed of myself. I can’t believe I let myself have these wild emotional outbursts 🫂)
The sequel picks up where the first book left off, with Branwen, Tristan, and Eseult arriving in the enemy kingdom of Kernyv for the royal nuptials between King Marc and her cousin. The hopes for peace and Essy's happy marriage turn into disaster after both Tristan and Eseult make a grave mistake that could incite war between the kingdoms, and the guilt consumes Branwen, as she feels responsible for their treason. Branwen's journey begins as she strives to make things right after the disastrous night, in order to save the peace and protect her love ones.
Starting a new life in a foreign kingdom without the guidance of her aunt, with her magic growing stronger and no way to control it, must be incredibly daunting. I can only imagine how helpless she must feel in such a situation. Branny makes me both hate and love her at the same time. I love how she's so brave and sharp-witted, despite all the threats she faces from those who despise the Iveriu and look down on her for being a woman healer.
However!! I hate how she keeps putting the blame on Tristan, making him feel like a man without honor, despite knowing that she's the one responsible for his treason. It wrenched my heart every time she said or did something hurtful just to keep her distance from him 😭💔 And I hate that she finds solace in Ruan, she's lonely, I get it, but— 😭😭
Her character really puts me in turmoil of emotions. But reading Branny's outbursts toward her cousin the second time was truly satisfying, especially as Essy became more selfish throughout the story. I admire Branny for putting up with her cousin's spoiled behavior🧘🏻♀️
I’m still holding onto hope that Tristan and Branny can mend their broken relationship. Nothing could ever make me despise him. Honestly, he’s the real victim here. I can’t even imagine how devastating it must be for him, thinking he betrayed not only his uncle, King Marc, but Branny, the only woman he ever loves with all his heart. It’s painful to watch him beg for Branny’s forgiveness, especially when betraying her never crossed his mind. Every dream he had of being with her was shattered by the secrets she kept from him. She should’ve trusted him from the start. I mean, I get why she’s doubtful, considering Tristan's loyalty to his king, but still—it’s heartbreaking 😭❤️🩹
Despite everything, I love how this book throws me into a whirlwind of emotions—happy, sad, and even mad over the characters! I really love how Branny builds relationships with the royal family, especially with King Marc, Queen Mother Verica, and Prince Andred. It’s also amazing how Marc and the Queen Mother trust her, even though she keeps so many secrets to herself.
𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭—𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧
(I’m so sorry for the person I’ve become while reading this book. I’m honestly ashamed of myself. I can’t believe I let myself have these wild emotional outbursts 🫂)
The sequel picks up where the first book left off, with Branwen, Tristan, and Eseult arriving in the enemy kingdom of Kernyv for the royal nuptials between King Marc and her cousin. The hopes for peace and Essy's happy marriage turn into disaster after both Tristan and Eseult make a grave mistake that could incite war between the kingdoms, and the guilt consumes Branwen, as she feels responsible for their treason. Branwen's journey begins as she strives to make things right after the disastrous night, in order to save the peace and protect her love ones.
Starting a new life in a foreign kingdom without the guidance of her aunt, with her magic growing stronger and no way to control it, must be incredibly daunting. I can only imagine how helpless she must feel in such a situation. Branny makes me both hate and love her at the same time. I love how she's so brave and sharp-witted, despite all the threats she faces from those who despise the Iveriu and look down on her for being a woman healer.
However!! I hate how she keeps putting the blame on Tristan, making him feel like a man without honor, despite knowing that she's the one responsible for his treason. It wrenched my heart every time she said or did something hurtful just to keep her distance from him 😭💔 And I hate that she finds solace in Ruan, she's lonely, I get it, but— 😭😭
Her character really puts me in turmoil of emotions. But reading Branny's outbursts toward her cousin the second time was truly satisfying, especially as Essy became more selfish throughout the story. I admire Branny for putting up with her cousin's spoiled behavior🧘🏻♀️
I’m still holding onto hope that Tristan and Branny can mend their broken relationship. Nothing could ever make me despise him. Honestly, he’s the real victim here. I can’t even imagine how devastating it must be for him, thinking he betrayed not only his uncle, King Marc, but Branny, the only woman he ever loves with all his heart. It’s painful to watch him beg for Branny’s forgiveness, especially when betraying her never crossed his mind. Every dream he had of being with her was shattered by the secrets she kept from him. She should’ve trusted him from the start. I mean, I get why she’s doubtful, considering Tristan's loyalty to his king, but still—it’s heartbreaking 😭❤️🩹
Despite everything, I love how this book throws me into a whirlwind of emotions—happy, sad, and even mad over the characters! I really love how Branny builds relationships with the royal family, especially with King Marc, Queen Mother Verica, and Prince Andred. It’s also amazing how Marc and the Queen Mother trust her, even though she keeps so many secrets to herself.
July 24, 2024
Wild Savage Stars is a lush and dramatic novel, full of court intrigue, betrayal, and magic. As the sequel to Sweet Black Waves, Wild Savage Stars amps up the angst in this Tristian and Iseult retelling. Fans of romantic fantasy stories with court politics will love this series!
Wild Savage Starts begins shortly after the events of Sweet Black Waves and from there, the angst snowballs into glorious drama throughout the novel. We are introduced to many new characters and a whole new setting that brings lots of intriguing conflict. Branwen must navigate this new world of hers, while trying to come to terms with her magic and the betrayal of Tristan and Eseult.
Pérez brings to life the gloomy shores of Kernyvak and maintains an atmosphere of tension and drama. The world building is fantastic, and I loved being drawn into this world. Each character is well written and consistent. This story made me swoon, rage, and laugh. And after that ending, I CANNOT wait for book 3!
If you loved Sweet Black Waves, you’ll love Wild Savage Stars.
Wild Savage Starts begins shortly after the events of Sweet Black Waves and from there, the angst snowballs into glorious drama throughout the novel. We are introduced to many new characters and a whole new setting that brings lots of intriguing conflict. Branwen must navigate this new world of hers, while trying to come to terms with her magic and the betrayal of Tristan and Eseult.
Pérez brings to life the gloomy shores of Kernyvak and maintains an atmosphere of tension and drama. The world building is fantastic, and I loved being drawn into this world. Each character is well written and consistent. This story made me swoon, rage, and laugh. And after that ending, I CANNOT wait for book 3!
If you loved Sweet Black Waves, you’ll love Wild Savage Stars.
May 11, 2020
This is just not a book I enjoyed reading- though I do believe that's more to do with the topic matter then the writing itself.
As the writing must be pretty good to make me feel such levels of rage, anger and annoyance, that mange to affect my day 😅
I quite enjoy the politics and the world-building, and I love the different religions and how they're incorporated into the world.
But my GOD do I hate Eseult.
It's hard to enjoy a book when the subject matter is such a whiney selfish cow. I don't think I've ever wanted to slap a fictional character so much in my life. And I could rant for ages about her, but I feel that is unnecessary. No one want to read that rant 😅
Tristan doesn't do much of anything in this book and Branwen seems to be fighting a losing battle the whole way through the book which is very disheartening and frustrating to read.
I do however very much like King Marc's character, and some of the other new characters from Monwiku.
As the writing must be pretty good to make me feel such levels of rage, anger and annoyance, that mange to affect my day 😅
I quite enjoy the politics and the world-building, and I love the different religions and how they're incorporated into the world.
But my GOD do I hate Eseult.
It's hard to enjoy a book when the subject matter is such a whiney selfish cow. I don't think I've ever wanted to slap a fictional character so much in my life. And I could rant for ages about her, but I feel that is unnecessary. No one want to read that rant 😅
Tristan doesn't do much of anything in this book and Branwen seems to be fighting a losing battle the whole way through the book which is very disheartening and frustrating to read.
I do however very much like King Marc's character, and some of the other new characters from Monwiku.
February 9, 2020
I AM DECEASED. THIS WAS FUCKING BRILLIANT AND I HAVE BEEN READING NON STOP THIS WEEKEND.
I mean I’ve read over 150 pages each day yesterday and today and I NEVER do that. This really shows how amazing the book is. It’s so much better than the first book and I understand everything Branwen is doing, I just wish she could confide in SOMEONE. Keeping so many secrets to yourself is not healthy nor good and I can definitely see the consequences of that in Branwen.
I’m loving Ruan and Branwen together and I hope they get a good ending. Also Branwen and Marc’s friendship is so nice and I love that it’s shown that Branwen can be close and care about a man without falling in love with him.
LIKE AHHHHH I LOVE IT SO GODDAMN MUCH WHY IS KRISTINA DOING THIS TO MEEEEEE. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL AUGUST PLEASE😭😭😭😭😭
I mean I’ve read over 150 pages each day yesterday and today and I NEVER do that. This really shows how amazing the book is. It’s so much better than the first book and I understand everything Branwen is doing, I just wish she could confide in SOMEONE. Keeping so many secrets to yourself is not healthy nor good and I can definitely see the consequences of that in Branwen.
I’m loving Ruan and Branwen together and I hope they get a good ending. Also Branwen and Marc’s friendship is so nice and I love that it’s shown that Branwen can be close and care about a man without falling in love with him.
LIKE AHHHHH I LOVE IT SO GODDAMN MUCH WHY IS KRISTINA DOING THIS TO MEEEEEE. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL AUGUST PLEASE😭😭😭😭😭
December 4, 2025
This is the first book in my entire life that I have dnfed. 53% through and I couldn’t do it anymore. The ending of the first book almost made me not read this book and I should have just trusted that instinct. As soon as Essy had to puke I shut the book and I will never return to it again. Like wtf. I get books need drama but I’m really not about that. Branwen gives so much just for nothing back. I don’t even care if the father of the child isn’t even Tristan in the end somehow, I just can’t put myself through reading this anymore 🥲. Update I read that she isn’t pregnant but I’m still not finishing this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2019
Inspired by the legend of Tristan and Iseult, Wild Savage Stars is the spellbinding sequel to Sweet Black Waves.
Branwen has a secret powerful enough to destroy two kingdoms.
Her ancient magic led to a terrible betrayal by both her best friend, the princess Essy, and her first love, Tristan. Now this same magic is changing Branwen. Adrift in a rival court, Branwen must hide the truth from the enemy king by protecting the lovers who broke her heart―and finds herself considering a darker path.
Not everyone wants the alliance with Branwen’s kingdom to succeed―peace is balanced on a knife’s edge, and her only chance may be to embrace the darkness within
Branwen has a secret powerful enough to destroy two kingdoms.
Her ancient magic led to a terrible betrayal by both her best friend, the princess Essy, and her first love, Tristan. Now this same magic is changing Branwen. Adrift in a rival court, Branwen must hide the truth from the enemy king by protecting the lovers who broke her heart―and finds herself considering a darker path.
Not everyone wants the alliance with Branwen’s kingdom to succeed―peace is balanced on a knife’s edge, and her only chance may be to embrace the darkness within
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