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A Kingdom of Nomads
As the darkness grows, so must the light…
Branded as enemies of the fae kingdom, Serena and her friends are on the run from the witch queen, Morgan. They reach sanctuary, only to discover shocking secrets that separate them.
Serena’s newfound destiny takes her to a land plagued by endless war. To survive there, she is forced to bloody her sword, escape an evil king, and confront a god.
But when her brother is captured, she faces her greatest challenge yet. She must harness a deadly magic and embrace the wild witch within. Not only to free her kin, but to save her mate and protect the realm from a queen who’d murder the world just to wear a crown.
Branded as enemies of the fae kingdom, Serena and her friends are on the run from the witch queen, Morgan. They reach sanctuary, only to discover shocking secrets that separate them.
Serena’s newfound destiny takes her to a land plagued by endless war. To survive there, she is forced to bloody her sword, escape an evil king, and confront a god.
But when her brother is captured, she faces her greatest challenge yet. She must harness a deadly magic and embrace the wild witch within. Not only to free her kin, but to save her mate and protect the realm from a queen who’d murder the world just to wear a crown.
767 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2023
287 people are currently reading
3185 people want to read
About the author
S.B. Nova
8 books883 followersI’m a fantasy writer. I imagine places that don’t exist. I love to create weird and wonderful characters. I drink entirely too much tea.
Here's a longer, more official sounding version:
S.B. Nova is an English author of epic fantasy novels that focus on themes of found family, courage in the face of adversity, power and violence, oppressive authority figures, confining social norms, and sexual awakening. In other words, the horrors of growing up and the difficulties involved in finding one’s way in the world. The magic, ogres, dragons, and possessive fae are all just for fun.
Nova spends her time reading, writing, and dancing. She enjoys watching tarot pick-a-cards, wrestling matches, wuxia and xianxia shows, and street dance battles. The soundtracks to her life as a writer are heavy metal, hip-hop, and classical music. If she could be better at anything, it would be surfing.
The best way to stay in touch and learn about book updates is via her newsletter. Alternatively, you can visit her social media pages.
Here's a longer, more official sounding version:
S.B. Nova is an English author of epic fantasy novels that focus on themes of found family, courage in the face of adversity, power and violence, oppressive authority figures, confining social norms, and sexual awakening. In other words, the horrors of growing up and the difficulties involved in finding one’s way in the world. The magic, ogres, dragons, and possessive fae are all just for fun.
Nova spends her time reading, writing, and dancing. She enjoys watching tarot pick-a-cards, wrestling matches, wuxia and xianxia shows, and street dance battles. The soundtracks to her life as a writer are heavy metal, hip-hop, and classical music. If she could be better at anything, it would be surfing.
The best way to stay in touch and learn about book updates is via her newsletter. Alternatively, you can visit her social media pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
August 23, 2024
✅ Multiple POVs
✅ Expansion of the world-building
✅ Magic system
🆗 Plot
🆗 Pace
🆗 Banter and flirting
🆗 Characters
🆗❌ Main character
🆗❌ Romance
❌ Kind of love triangle
❗️❗️Mild spoiler about the romance in the review
Well, while this is not the worse book I’ve read so far this year, it is probably the most disappointing, because I’ve been waiting for this book for close to 5 years now, and it was not worth the wait.
Honestly, this book felt way too long for what little relevant things happened in it. After waiting for so long to read it, it feels even more disappointing. By the time there was more action I was just not engaged in the plot anymore so I didn’t really care. I skimmed the last part of the book so be honest.
The fact that Serena’s pack is separated into two smaller groups for over half of the book didn’t help either. I don’t mind the main characters being apart from each other for a short period, but it felt too long in this book. Especially since for the first half, we only followed Serena, Adrianna, and Liora, and we had no idea about what the guys were doing and how they were holding on. I missed Frazer and Cai… We got a recap of what happened to them once the pack got reunited, but it was a very swift “here is what happened to us in the past weeks” and then it was over and done with. I wanted more of them.
I have two main issues with this book. The first one is that Serena became way too powerful, way too quickly. First, she became a fae, which was already a big upgrade, then she was gifted with wings, and all 4 light magic types when faes are usually lucky if they get one. Of course, all the members of her pack are also gifted new abilities, because Ena being able to do anything she wants was not enough. As if that was not enough, Serena learns some shocking information about her ancestry which means she is even more powerful and important than we all thought. I do love the concept of light magic, elementals, and all the different magic they are using, but I just find that they all became too powerful all at once. I mean, I don’t think there is anything they can’t do right now, and I understand that the odds are stacked against them, but it was just too big a change and too suddenly too, the way it was done bothered me (if you are a fan of FBAA, imagine if Poppy got all of her upgrades and powers and the revelations about her family in the span of a few days instead of a few books)...
There is also the fact that every power player seems to be related to her or her crew in some way. By the 50% mark, I was just rolling my eyes every time Ena was told that she had yet another power that she didn’t know about, or that someone else was connected to her somehow. It was just getting ridiculous, especially since it’s on her mother’s and her father’s side, it’s not just the odd one ancestor that was a badass. She is related to gods and goddesses on every freaking branch of her family tree.
The second thing that really annoyed me is how every relevant information was just given freely to Serena and her pack. Whether it’s a ghost, a dream, a magical being, or a stranger that they conveniently just met, Ena always gets told everything relevant that is happening and that she needs to know. Someone is planning a secret attack? She will find out one way or another. She is looking for a well-hidden object? She will be told how and where to access it somehow. She needs information on someone? She will meet somebody who will tell her all about it with little to no prompting. She wonders about her heritage? She will be told everything in an info-dump.
Overall, it made everything seem too easy for Ena and her group, even though there is plenty of action, fighting, and running for their life. It felt like a lot of telling and not much showing overall. They were being told where to go and what to do and they simply went along with it. They even followed a freaking talking raven’s instruction at one point.
Serena didn’t impress me in this book. The way the dialogues are written makes them rather stilted, and it makes Ena appears really blunt and too direct whenever she speaks to someone. Also, there always seems to be someone that knows all the information around Ena to tell her everything she needs to know. She gains a shit ton of powers, but she has 2 people that stick with her to tell her everything she needs to do step by step. There is no exploration of her powers, she just follows the instructions she is given whenever a situation arises where she needs her magic.
**Mild spoiler about the romance in the next paragraph**
Because of the stilted and weirdly written dialogues, the banter also fell flat, whether Ena was involved in it or not… And what can I say about the flirting… It was just cringy and painful at one point, and I rolled my eyes so many times! There is even a kind of love-triangle between Ena, her mate, and Wilder, even though Serena met her mate (who is very very very powerful, of course) and feels the pull toward him. It’s clear that she is more attracted to her mate, and it’s supposed to be a sacred bond that is to be revered and taken very seriously, yet the other male insists on “staying in the run” until she makes her final choice, which she seems to make after 1 or 2 days, but then she says that she hasn’t made a final decision yet, just that she needed to take it one step further with her mate because it was more convenient for them to get closer. I think the goal was to add some romantic drama and some tension maybe, but it just made Serena appear like a brat that’s stringing them along, and I just was expecting more maturity and understanding from Wilder considering his age. He knows it’s pointless for him to hope Serena will fight off the mate pull for him.
I think I will stop my rant now. As I said at the beginning of my review, this is not a horrible book, but I was expecting something more intricate, and engaging, and I was just so annoyed and disappointed by Serena, I couldn’t stand her by the end of the book. I do not think I will read the next book, especially if it is as long as this one and the previous one are.
1. A Kingdom of Exiles ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Expansion of the world-building
✅ Magic system
🆗 Plot
🆗 Pace
🆗 Banter and flirting
🆗 Characters
🆗❌ Main character
🆗❌ Romance
❌ Kind of love triangle
❗️❗️Mild spoiler about the romance in the review
Well, while this is not the worse book I’ve read so far this year, it is probably the most disappointing, because I’ve been waiting for this book for close to 5 years now, and it was not worth the wait.
Honestly, this book felt way too long for what little relevant things happened in it. After waiting for so long to read it, it feels even more disappointing. By the time there was more action I was just not engaged in the plot anymore so I didn’t really care. I skimmed the last part of the book so be honest.
The fact that Serena’s pack is separated into two smaller groups for over half of the book didn’t help either. I don’t mind the main characters being apart from each other for a short period, but it felt too long in this book. Especially since for the first half, we only followed Serena, Adrianna, and Liora, and we had no idea about what the guys were doing and how they were holding on. I missed Frazer and Cai… We got a recap of what happened to them once the pack got reunited, but it was a very swift “here is what happened to us in the past weeks” and then it was over and done with. I wanted more of them.
I have two main issues with this book. The first one is that Serena became way too powerful, way too quickly. First, she became a fae, which was already a big upgrade, then she was gifted with wings, and all 4 light magic types when faes are usually lucky if they get one. Of course, all the members of her pack are also gifted new abilities, because Ena being able to do anything she wants was not enough. As if that was not enough, Serena learns some shocking information about her ancestry which means she is even more powerful and important than we all thought. I do love the concept of light magic, elementals, and all the different magic they are using, but I just find that they all became too powerful all at once. I mean, I don’t think there is anything they can’t do right now, and I understand that the odds are stacked against them, but it was just too big a change and too suddenly too, the way it was done bothered me (if you are a fan of FBAA, imagine if Poppy got all of her upgrades and powers and the revelations about her family in the span of a few days instead of a few books)...
There is also the fact that every power player seems to be related to her or her crew in some way. By the 50% mark, I was just rolling my eyes every time Ena was told that she had yet another power that she didn’t know about, or that someone else was connected to her somehow. It was just getting ridiculous, especially since it’s on her mother’s and her father’s side, it’s not just the odd one ancestor that was a badass. She is related to gods and goddesses on every freaking branch of her family tree.
The second thing that really annoyed me is how every relevant information was just given freely to Serena and her pack. Whether it’s a ghost, a dream, a magical being, or a stranger that they conveniently just met, Ena always gets told everything relevant that is happening and that she needs to know. Someone is planning a secret attack? She will find out one way or another. She is looking for a well-hidden object? She will be told how and where to access it somehow. She needs information on someone? She will meet somebody who will tell her all about it with little to no prompting. She wonders about her heritage? She will be told everything in an info-dump.
Overall, it made everything seem too easy for Ena and her group, even though there is plenty of action, fighting, and running for their life. It felt like a lot of telling and not much showing overall. They were being told where to go and what to do and they simply went along with it. They even followed a freaking talking raven’s instruction at one point.
Serena didn’t impress me in this book. The way the dialogues are written makes them rather stilted, and it makes Ena appears really blunt and too direct whenever she speaks to someone. Also, there always seems to be someone that knows all the information around Ena to tell her everything she needs to know. She gains a shit ton of powers, but she has 2 people that stick with her to tell her everything she needs to do step by step. There is no exploration of her powers, she just follows the instructions she is given whenever a situation arises where she needs her magic.
**Mild spoiler about the romance in the next paragraph**
Because of the stilted and weirdly written dialogues, the banter also fell flat, whether Ena was involved in it or not… And what can I say about the flirting… It was just cringy and painful at one point, and I rolled my eyes so many times! There is even a kind of love-triangle between Ena, her mate, and Wilder, even though Serena met her mate (who is very very very powerful, of course) and feels the pull toward him. It’s clear that she is more attracted to her mate, and it’s supposed to be a sacred bond that is to be revered and taken very seriously, yet the other male insists on “staying in the run” until she makes her final choice, which she seems to make after 1 or 2 days, but then she says that she hasn’t made a final decision yet, just that she needed to take it one step further with her mate because it was more convenient for them to get closer. I think the goal was to add some romantic drama and some tension maybe, but it just made Serena appear like a brat that’s stringing them along, and I just was expecting more maturity and understanding from Wilder considering his age. He knows it’s pointless for him to hope Serena will fight off the mate pull for him.
I think I will stop my rant now. As I said at the beginning of my review, this is not a horrible book, but I was expecting something more intricate, and engaging, and I was just so annoyed and disappointed by Serena, I couldn’t stand her by the end of the book. I do not think I will read the next book, especially if it is as long as this one and the previous one are.
1. A Kingdom of Exiles ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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February 24, 2025
I’m glad to see this book has finally dropped. I absolutely loved the first book in the series, and I am excited by the chance to continue this series after such a long wait.
I will update this review again when I have had a chance to read this book!
***********************************************************************************
At this point I don't think it's too much to ask for some sort of update from someone about this series.
I was and still am supportive of the fact that she was having health issues. Your health comes first. I understand that.
But at the same time, it's been 3 years since the first book.
This book was supposed to be out in 2019. It's now 2022.
I find it hard to believe that the author, or a friend, or a family member even, can't find the time to just hop on here or her FB page and give the fans an update. Just tell us it's over and done with, and that we'll never see this book. Some sort of update would be better than the radio silence.
I'm now done checking on this book. I used to actively look for updates, only to be disappointed yet again. I will no longer look for updates. I'm officially over it.
I wish the author all the best in her future endeavors, and wish her well with her health.
I will update this review again when I have had a chance to read this book!
***********************************************************************************
At this point I don't think it's too much to ask for some sort of update from someone about this series.
I was and still am supportive of the fact that she was having health issues. Your health comes first. I understand that.
But at the same time, it's been 3 years since the first book.
This book was supposed to be out in 2019. It's now 2022.
I find it hard to believe that the author, or a friend, or a family member even, can't find the time to just hop on here or her FB page and give the fans an update. Just tell us it's over and done with, and that we'll never see this book. Some sort of update would be better than the radio silence.
I'm now done checking on this book. I used to actively look for updates, only to be disappointed yet again. I will no longer look for updates. I'm officially over it.
I wish the author all the best in her future endeavors, and wish her well with her health.
Want to read
August 15, 2019I am done waiting for all the books that aren't out yet, without a release date!!!
I want it now!! NOW!!!
8/16/2019
_____________________________
I want it now!! NOW!!!
8/16/2019
_____________________________
Want to read
January 3, 2020I literally cannot stand this wait any longer! I feel like everytime I go to check to see if there's any news, it's either radio silence or more bad news :/
Read
October 30, 2021I have finally given up on this series. If this had been the final book, I would keep it on my TBR list, but it isn’t. The author has stated this series will be at least 4 books long. After reading the first book back in early 2018, I was really excited to continue the series, so I followed the author on Facebook. I was understanding about the delays because of her health issues, but after delaying the expected release several times, the author literally promised the book would be released in 2020 no matter what. Now I don’t expect or want her to release a half-assed book that isn’t ready, but after saying that, she literally went completely silent (other than a single random post in Sept 2020 that she was working long hours on the editing). Completely ignored fans asking for an update. If it takes more than 2 and a half years to edit a book with no end in sight, I would have to conclude there are serious issues with the quality of the book. My excitement for the book has completely faded. The series wasn’t exciting enough to stay invested for the next decade waiting for it to be finished. I wish her the best, but I’m done tracking this series. If I come across as bitter, I guess I am, a little. There was a period of time in 2020 that I checked her Facebook page daily expecting she would post a release date any day (you know, since she promised and never updated anyone that her plans/expectations had changed).
Want to read
July 20, 2021Been waiting for this book for 3 years now... it was originally supposed to come out in 2019. Hopefully 2021????
Want to read
January 1, 2022I've given up waiting for this book now. We were told it'd be out in 2019. Now in 2022 I've completely forgotten the plot of the book and what I was waiting for and there's been no update since September 2021 to say it was over 800 pages and needed editing.
I am aware the author has had health issues but I think it's time I put this aside.
I am aware the author has had health issues but I think it's time I put this aside.
December 21, 2023
Any idea if this book will ever come out? I loved the first one but I’m getting the feeing it’s not going to ever get published.
Did I miss any updates?
Did I miss any updates?
February 1, 2023
“Aruk valo myrskei ja tivita tahde”
“Let the stars guide you to safer shores”
100 stars! ⭐️ I just love this series so much. Definitely read if you are a fan of ACOTAR (although I personally enjoy this one more).
Wow! Wow! I freaking loved this book. I know we waited for it but MAN I am so glad it is finally out. I just devoured it! (Forewarning, please read A KINDGOM OF EXILES before this one - it’s soooo good and let’s you know what the hell is happening 😂😂).
Perfect if you like epic adventures filled with battles, magic, plot twists upon plot twists, and clever banter to help break up the dark times. There is a love triangle slow burn as well (too slow for me! I want to see how big those.. wings are 😂).
Ok so this book has it all. I’m talking fae, witches, jinns, curses, bonds, shifters, fighting, magic, gods and goddesses, familiars… so much in one book! Each character has their own trials and you just feel for each and every one. And I thought Wilder was sexy, but man oh man was I wrong. There is nothing like dominating alpha fae fighting over someone 😏. There really isn’t a lull in the story, they were having to move constantly and battle at every turn. Personally, I enjoyed the arrogance of the men who knew they were amazing, the humor from the siren, and seeing the bonds grow stronger within Ena.
I seriously could not put this book down. My poor husband would start a conversation and I am completely oblivious. I cannot wait for the next one. 🖤🖤🖤
“Let the stars guide you to safer shores”
100 stars! ⭐️ I just love this series so much. Definitely read if you are a fan of ACOTAR (although I personally enjoy this one more).
Wow! Wow! I freaking loved this book. I know we waited for it but MAN I am so glad it is finally out. I just devoured it! (Forewarning, please read A KINDGOM OF EXILES before this one - it’s soooo good and let’s you know what the hell is happening 😂😂).
Perfect if you like epic adventures filled with battles, magic, plot twists upon plot twists, and clever banter to help break up the dark times. There is a love triangle slow burn as well (too slow for me! I want to see how big those.. wings are 😂).
Ok so this book has it all. I’m talking fae, witches, jinns, curses, bonds, shifters, fighting, magic, gods and goddesses, familiars… so much in one book! Each character has their own trials and you just feel for each and every one. And I thought Wilder was sexy, but man oh man was I wrong. There is nothing like dominating alpha fae fighting over someone 😏. There really isn’t a lull in the story, they were having to move constantly and battle at every turn. Personally, I enjoyed the arrogance of the men who knew they were amazing, the humor from the siren, and seeing the bonds grow stronger within Ena.
I seriously could not put this book down. My poor husband would start a conversation and I am completely oblivious. I cannot wait for the next one. 🖤🖤🖤
February 3, 2023
Justice for Wilder
I’ll get straight to the point. I absolutely hate who her mate is. I knew going in it wasn’t who I wanted it to be, but I wanted to give it a chance. Personally I don’t think I can get over how wronged Wilder was this entire book. He needs to remove himself from this “love triangle” he thinks he’s apart of but the poor guy is only there to add angst to the mates. While I won’t be reading the next book, I hope Wilder gets his happy ending FAR AWAY from these schmucks.
I’ll get straight to the point. I absolutely hate who her mate is. I knew going in it wasn’t who I wanted it to be, but I wanted to give it a chance. Personally I don’t think I can get over how wronged Wilder was this entire book. He needs to remove himself from this “love triangle” he thinks he’s apart of but the poor guy is only there to add angst to the mates. While I won’t be reading the next book, I hope Wilder gets his happy ending FAR AWAY from these schmucks.
March 6, 2023
While I enjoyed many aspects of the book it felt very dragged out. I don't believe it needed to be nearly as long as it was. I was also surprised with how many similarities it shared with Throne of Glass. I know that the fantasy genre has many reoccurring tropes but there were times when it felt like lines were identical. "To whatever end"
Want to read
June 12, 2020At this point is anyone hoping this book will see the light of day or will the author pull George R.R. Martin on us?
May 1, 2023
2.5?
I don’t think this book needed to be as long as it was, and my main issue with the book is that the majority of main plot points were told to Ena:
- Sandrine tells Ena that Abel/Abraxus knows where the sunstone is so she’s gotta go to Asitar to talk to him, but Fraser needs to go to Mysaya to figure out the location of the moonstone and starstone.
- Abraxos tells Ena about her heritage, that she has chaos magic, and that she’ll need to go to the Crescent and challenge Morgan for the right to rule as high witch.
- Danu (Abraxos’s familiar) tells Ena that the only way to stop the fighting at Mysaya is to use the sunstone’s power
- Sandrine sends a message to Ena also saying that she needs to go to the Crescent. She also says that Ena should target officers at Morgan’s outposts in order to free people.
- Dain tells Ena that she almost burned out and she’ll need to call on water magic in order to “wake up” and maintain magic balance.
And Ena (and company) do exactly what everyone tells them to do. (Except for some of the later things, I’m assuming they’ll be main plot points of the next book.) But this book seemed like 700+ pages of Ena being told to go somewhere, going to that place, then being told what her next steps should be, and then her doing exactly that.
Aside from that, I think my second issue was with Ena being very emotional about John and Viola. This might be my own fault for not re-reading the first book, but I don’t remember them having a large presence. I understand that they raised Ena and I understand that of course Ena would be emotional about their deaths, but as a reader I felt very disconnected from Ena’s grief because I didn’t feel connected to John and Viola. (And sort of the same issue when Ena gets very angry when she’s told that Abraxus is her grandfather - as a reader I had only been told that Ena’s grandfather was someone else so when it turned out Abraxus was her grandfather I was like “okay cool?” But we didn’t witness any of the bad that he may have done in the past, so I again felt disconnected from Ena’s anger.)
I’m not sure what to do with the Ena/Lynx/Wilder situation. I remember the connection between Ena and Wilder in the first book being a main plot point, especially with the question of Ena’s mate. But they didn’t really do any talking in this book? (And I’ve read a few reviews denouncing Wilder because he still calls her “Serena” - which I am also not a fan of, but it’s not like anyone actually told him that she now goes by “Ena”? 🤣
Ena and Lynx appear to be more compatible, but Lynx almost seems like he’s not a fully-formed character. He’s has trauma, but it’s not really talked about, he is territorial, but he mostly makes childish remarks about Wilder, his mom heard voices/ghosts and he does too but he has one nightmare and that’s all we hear about it, etc. I do think he’s probably the better match for Ena, I’d just like there to be more to work with.
I’m hoping the holes are filled and questions are answered in the next book.
I don’t think this book needed to be as long as it was, and my main issue with the book is that the majority of main plot points were told to Ena:
- Sandrine tells Ena that Abel/Abraxus knows where the sunstone is so she’s gotta go to Asitar to talk to him, but Fraser needs to go to Mysaya to figure out the location of the moonstone and starstone.
- Abraxos tells Ena about her heritage, that she has chaos magic, and that she’ll need to go to the Crescent and challenge Morgan for the right to rule as high witch.
- Danu (Abraxos’s familiar) tells Ena that the only way to stop the fighting at Mysaya is to use the sunstone’s power
- Sandrine sends a message to Ena also saying that she needs to go to the Crescent. She also says that Ena should target officers at Morgan’s outposts in order to free people.
- Dain tells Ena that she almost burned out and she’ll need to call on water magic in order to “wake up” and maintain magic balance.
And Ena (and company) do exactly what everyone tells them to do. (Except for some of the later things, I’m assuming they’ll be main plot points of the next book.) But this book seemed like 700+ pages of Ena being told to go somewhere, going to that place, then being told what her next steps should be, and then her doing exactly that.
Aside from that, I think my second issue was with Ena being very emotional about John and Viola. This might be my own fault for not re-reading the first book, but I don’t remember them having a large presence. I understand that they raised Ena and I understand that of course Ena would be emotional about their deaths, but as a reader I felt very disconnected from Ena’s grief because I didn’t feel connected to John and Viola. (And sort of the same issue when Ena gets very angry when she’s told that Abraxus is her grandfather - as a reader I had only been told that Ena’s grandfather was someone else so when it turned out Abraxus was her grandfather I was like “okay cool?” But we didn’t witness any of the bad that he may have done in the past, so I again felt disconnected from Ena’s anger.)
I’m not sure what to do with the Ena/Lynx/Wilder situation. I remember the connection between Ena and Wilder in the first book being a main plot point, especially with the question of Ena’s mate. But they didn’t really do any talking in this book? (And I’ve read a few reviews denouncing Wilder because he still calls her “Serena” - which I am also not a fan of, but it’s not like anyone actually told him that she now goes by “Ena”? 🤣
Ena and Lynx appear to be more compatible, but Lynx almost seems like he’s not a fully-formed character. He’s has trauma, but it’s not really talked about, he is territorial, but he mostly makes childish remarks about Wilder, his mom heard voices/ghosts and he does too but he has one nightmare and that’s all we hear about it, etc. I do think he’s probably the better match for Ena, I’d just like there to be more to work with.
I’m hoping the holes are filled and questions are answered in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2023
Fantastic
I really enjoyed this second installment. I love SB Nova’s writing style. Her descriptions verge on the poetic, just gorgeous. Interesting development of character dynamics. Love her and Frazer the most. I love that the kin bond remains central, more so than mate or guardian. We visited new lands, met new characters… I’m fascinated by the world of the gods and the insight into their politics. Thanks SB for writing such an amazing work!
I really enjoyed this second installment. I love SB Nova’s writing style. Her descriptions verge on the poetic, just gorgeous. Interesting development of character dynamics. Love her and Frazer the most. I love that the kin bond remains central, more so than mate or guardian. We visited new lands, met new characters… I’m fascinated by the world of the gods and the insight into their politics. Thanks SB for writing such an amazing work!
February 9, 2023
Huge disappointment
I waited years for this to come out and was so excited. Until I started reading it and noticed all the similarities between Throne of Glass. Spoilers below:
Serena/Ena - Celena/Aelin. Massive amounts of power - especially fire, related to everyone, hidden royalty, befriends woodland type sprites, stupidly self-sacrifing
Wilder - Chaol and a little bit of Tamlin. He keeps her locked up at one point for her safety.
Lynx - Rhysand (ACOTAR), they can mind speak
Cai - underdeveloped Dorian
Liona - combination of Lysandra and Yrene
Adrianna - Nesryn
Frazer - Aelin's cousin whose name I can't remember
Morgan - Maeve, even has the whole spider thing going on, forcing people to be her guardians. Also maybe a bit of Amarantha in that she rapes the males in her court. She keeps both Wilder and Lynx under her control just like Tamlin and Rhysand.
The author pulls lines straight from TOG "to whatever end", "territorial fae males", wingspan jokes. Lots of scenes are very similar just in a different order. For example Ena takes down a bunch of soldiers using a ton of sun/fire power then has a burnout. It was JUST like that scene from TOG when Aelin uses her power to try and take out ships.
I don't know if the author realized what she was doing or thought she made it different enough but it was a big let down.
I waited years for this to come out and was so excited. Until I started reading it and noticed all the similarities between Throne of Glass. Spoilers below:
Serena/Ena - Celena/Aelin. Massive amounts of power - especially fire, related to everyone, hidden royalty, befriends woodland type sprites, stupidly self-sacrifing
Wilder - Chaol and a little bit of Tamlin. He keeps her locked up at one point for her safety.
Lynx - Rhysand (ACOTAR), they can mind speak
Cai - underdeveloped Dorian
Liona - combination of Lysandra and Yrene
Adrianna - Nesryn
Frazer - Aelin's cousin whose name I can't remember
Morgan - Maeve, even has the whole spider thing going on, forcing people to be her guardians. Also maybe a bit of Amarantha in that she rapes the males in her court. She keeps both Wilder and Lynx under her control just like Tamlin and Rhysand.
The author pulls lines straight from TOG "to whatever end", "territorial fae males", wingspan jokes. Lots of scenes are very similar just in a different order. For example Ena takes down a bunch of soldiers using a ton of sun/fire power then has a burnout. It was JUST like that scene from TOG when Aelin uses her power to try and take out ships.
I don't know if the author realized what she was doing or thought she made it different enough but it was a big let down.
September 3, 2024
WAY TOO LONG.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I don’t think I would have gotten through this if it wasn’t for buddy reading it and listening to it on audio. I just don’t know why this needed to be nearly 1,000 pages long? It’s basically one very long-winded travel story with out a whole lot happening until the last 20%.
Not to mention, I waited WAY TOO FLIPPIN’ LONG to find out more about how the romance is working out. I won’t say details for spoiler reasons. But I’m very conflicted and was hoping for a different angle. I don’t know, maybe book three will work this issue out.
There’s some good moments throughout. The plot did eventually move forward at a glacial pace. I still needed more action and more general things happening. There’s random POV’s of some of the side characters thrown in and I also don’t think this added to the story.
I have been waiting for this sequel for years and I really wish it had worked out as a better read for me. Will I read book three? Probably so.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy + Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 2-3 open door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: battle scenes, blood/gore depiction, sexual assault, murder, physical and weapons violence, loss of loved ones
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I don’t think I would have gotten through this if it wasn’t for buddy reading it and listening to it on audio. I just don’t know why this needed to be nearly 1,000 pages long? It’s basically one very long-winded travel story with out a whole lot happening until the last 20%.
Not to mention, I waited WAY TOO FLIPPIN’ LONG to find out more about how the romance is working out. I won’t say details for spoiler reasons. But I’m very conflicted and was hoping for a different angle. I don’t know, maybe book three will work this issue out.
There’s some good moments throughout. The plot did eventually move forward at a glacial pace. I still needed more action and more general things happening. There’s random POV’s of some of the side characters thrown in and I also don’t think this added to the story.
I have been waiting for this sequel for years and I really wish it had worked out as a better read for me. Will I read book three? Probably so.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy + Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 2-3 open door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: battle scenes, blood/gore depiction, sexual assault, murder, physical and weapons violence, loss of loved ones
September 5, 2023
This book was good for a lot of reasons. I have SO been looking forward to its release after loving book 1, and was glad to be back in the world with Serena & co. There’s some great progress and/or resolutions for several characters that seemed very fitting. The world expands to introduce new characters outside of those in the pack, and there’s some scenes that will really rip your heart out.
However, it felt waaaay too long in the middle. The journey they go on was so long and I was ready to get back to the action. Yes, a lot of important things happen that were crucial to the plot, but I had a hard time plugging in to the story and characters. The group splits up on separate quests for a while and I was just so desperate for them to get back together.
Now, the ending saved the book. I can’t say more because (spoilers), but I will absolutely be continuing the series when book 3 comes out. I need to see what happens with Serena and a certain character!!!
However, it felt waaaay too long in the middle. The journey they go on was so long and I was ready to get back to the action. Yes, a lot of important things happen that were crucial to the plot, but I had a hard time plugging in to the story and characters. The group splits up on separate quests for a while and I was just so desperate for them to get back together.
Now, the ending saved the book. I can’t say more because (spoilers), but I will absolutely be continuing the series when book 3 comes out. I need to see what happens with Serena and a certain character!!!
February 26, 2023
Finally! Unlike other reviewers, I'm happy with the events that took place. I think the author thoroughly paved the path for what was going to happen here, and continues doing so for what will happen in book 3.
A lot happened plot-wise, but I think the book could have been condensed a bit by summarizing dialogues and jumping over down times a bit.
I had to constantly go back to book 1 and search names to refresh my memory. I wish there'd been a family tree or at least a short guide with character names, places, and terms.
I can't believe these books aren't more popular. The world she created is intricate and fascinating.
A lot happened plot-wise, but I think the book could have been condensed a bit by summarizing dialogues and jumping over down times a bit.
I had to constantly go back to book 1 and search names to refresh my memory. I wish there'd been a family tree or at least a short guide with character names, places, and terms.
I can't believe these books aren't more popular. The world she created is intricate and fascinating.
February 6, 2023
I loved it. So worth the wait. Love the new characters and I'm so happy with who her mate is.
July 5, 2023
ESP/ENG
Así que, siento que espere tanto por este libro solo para quedar decepcionada.
Deseaba mucho esta secuela ya que el primer libro me había gustado mucho. Y, sin embargo, fue terrible. Mucho con demasiado. Lo sentí desordenado. Me siento estafada. Pensé que era el último libro y al llegar al final descubro que va a haber un tercer libro. Diosito, no dejes que haya un cuarto. Termínalo en el tercero por favor.
Lo único que rescato es a Lynx y a Frazer. Frazer que desde el primer libro me encanto y Lynx que en este me ha cautivado y quiero que me siga enamorando.
En este libro, Ena debe descubrir su poder y proteger a los que ama de Morgan y sus planes malévolos. Con Wilder capturado y con el deber de buscar a su hermana. Se embarca en un viaje que le debería de haber tomado mucho tiempo y siento que solamente sucedió en un mes.
Ena fue un personaje al que le impusieron muchas responsabilidades y mucho poder. Mucho estaba en su historia. Desde su pasado hasta su futuro. Quería matarla cada vez que se descubría algo nuevo sobre ella. Salía de una para entrar en otra. Humana, Fae, casi Diosa. Fue muy molesto leer todo esto. Parecía que la autora la quería hacer como muy poderosa, pero se le ocurrieron terribles maneras de hacerla ver poderosa. La hizo molesta y terriblemente indecisa. Por Dios, como no se va a decidir la mujer. Como no va a terminar el libro dándonos una resolución sobre ese problemita del “triangulo amoroso”. Estoy muy molesta con ese final.
Me encanto que tuviera varios puntos de vista. Tercera razón para no darle una estrella.
Frazer mi amor. Yo solo quiero que él termine bien. Que encuentre a una compañera que lo cuide, que lo desafié, que lo respete, que lo quiera, alguien a quien él quiera de manera sincera. Por favor Diosito, dale una buena compañera.
Lynx. Desde el primer momento, supe cual era su destino. Me intrigo en sobremanera. Y no me decepciono. También quiero que sea feliz, Diosito aléjalo de esa tonta insulsa que no lo sabe valorar.
Wilder, por mi te puedes morir. Jajajaja. Se merecen el uno al otro.
Cai, Lyora, Adri. Cai me da mucha penita, ay mi niño. También quiero que sea feliz.
---
So, I feeI I´ve waited so long for this book only to be disappointed.
I wanted this sequel so badly since I had really liked the first book. And yet, it was terrible. A lot with too much. I felt it cluttered. I felt ripped off. I thought it was the last book and when I get to the end I find out there is going to be a third book. Goodness gracious, don't let there be a fourth. End it on the third please.
The only thing I rescue is Lynx and Frazer. Frazer who from the first book charmed me and Lynx who in this one has captivated me and I want to keep falling in love with him.
In this book, Ena must discover her power and protect the ones she loves from Morgan and his evil plans. With Wilder captured and duty bound to find her sister. She embarks on a journey that should have taken her a long time and I feel like it only happened in a month.
Ena was a character that had a lot of responsibilities and a lot of power thrust upon her. A lot was in her story. From her past to her future. I wanted to kill her every time something new was discovered about her. She was stepping out of one to step into another. Human, Fae, almost Goddess. It was very annoying to read all of this. It seemed like the author wanted to make her as very powerful, but came up with terrible ways to make her look powerful. It made her annoying and terribly indecisive. Good grief, how can the woman not make up her mind. How can she not end the book by giving us a resolution to that little "love triangle" problem. I'm so annoyed with that ending.
I loved that it had several points of view. Third reason not to give it one star.
Frazer my love. I just want him to end well. I want him to find a partner who cares for him, who challenges him, who respects him, who loves him, someone he truly loves. Please God, give him a good girl.
Lynx. From the first moment, I knew what his destiny was. It intrigued me to no end. And I am not disappointed. I also want him to be happy, God, take him away from that silly bimbo who doesn't know how to value him.
Wilder, you can die for me. Hahahaha. You deserve each other.
Cai, Lyora, Adri. Cai gives me a lot of grief, oh my child. I also want him to be happy.
Así que, siento que espere tanto por este libro solo para quedar decepcionada.
Deseaba mucho esta secuela ya que el primer libro me había gustado mucho. Y, sin embargo, fue terrible. Mucho con demasiado. Lo sentí desordenado. Me siento estafada. Pensé que era el último libro y al llegar al final descubro que va a haber un tercer libro. Diosito, no dejes que haya un cuarto. Termínalo en el tercero por favor.
Lo único que rescato es a Lynx y a Frazer. Frazer que desde el primer libro me encanto y Lynx que en este me ha cautivado y quiero que me siga enamorando.
En este libro, Ena debe descubrir su poder y proteger a los que ama de Morgan y sus planes malévolos. Con Wilder capturado y con el deber de buscar a su hermana. Se embarca en un viaje que le debería de haber tomado mucho tiempo y siento que solamente sucedió en un mes.
Ena fue un personaje al que le impusieron muchas responsabilidades y mucho poder. Mucho estaba en su historia. Desde su pasado hasta su futuro. Quería matarla cada vez que se descubría algo nuevo sobre ella. Salía de una para entrar en otra. Humana, Fae, casi Diosa. Fue muy molesto leer todo esto. Parecía que la autora la quería hacer como muy poderosa, pero se le ocurrieron terribles maneras de hacerla ver poderosa. La hizo molesta y terriblemente indecisa. Por Dios, como no se va a decidir la mujer. Como no va a terminar el libro dándonos una resolución sobre ese problemita del “triangulo amoroso”. Estoy muy molesta con ese final.
Me encanto que tuviera varios puntos de vista. Tercera razón para no darle una estrella.
Frazer mi amor. Yo solo quiero que él termine bien. Que encuentre a una compañera que lo cuide, que lo desafié, que lo respete, que lo quiera, alguien a quien él quiera de manera sincera. Por favor Diosito, dale una buena compañera.
Lynx. Desde el primer momento, supe cual era su destino. Me intrigo en sobremanera. Y no me decepciono. También quiero que sea feliz, Diosito aléjalo de esa tonta insulsa que no lo sabe valorar.
Wilder, por mi te puedes morir. Jajajaja. Se merecen el uno al otro.
Cai, Lyora, Adri. Cai me da mucha penita, ay mi niño. También quiero que sea feliz.
---
So, I feeI I´ve waited so long for this book only to be disappointed.
I wanted this sequel so badly since I had really liked the first book. And yet, it was terrible. A lot with too much. I felt it cluttered. I felt ripped off. I thought it was the last book and when I get to the end I find out there is going to be a third book. Goodness gracious, don't let there be a fourth. End it on the third please.
The only thing I rescue is Lynx and Frazer. Frazer who from the first book charmed me and Lynx who in this one has captivated me and I want to keep falling in love with him.
In this book, Ena must discover her power and protect the ones she loves from Morgan and his evil plans. With Wilder captured and duty bound to find her sister. She embarks on a journey that should have taken her a long time and I feel like it only happened in a month.
Ena was a character that had a lot of responsibilities and a lot of power thrust upon her. A lot was in her story. From her past to her future. I wanted to kill her every time something new was discovered about her. She was stepping out of one to step into another. Human, Fae, almost Goddess. It was very annoying to read all of this. It seemed like the author wanted to make her as very powerful, but came up with terrible ways to make her look powerful. It made her annoying and terribly indecisive. Good grief, how can the woman not make up her mind. How can she not end the book by giving us a resolution to that little "love triangle" problem. I'm so annoyed with that ending.
I loved that it had several points of view. Third reason not to give it one star.
Frazer my love. I just want him to end well. I want him to find a partner who cares for him, who challenges him, who respects him, who loves him, someone he truly loves. Please God, give him a good girl.
Lynx. From the first moment, I knew what his destiny was. It intrigued me to no end. And I am not disappointed. I also want him to be happy, God, take him away from that silly bimbo who doesn't know how to value him.
Wilder, you can die for me. Hahahaha. You deserve each other.
Cai, Lyora, Adri. Cai gives me a lot of grief, oh my child. I also want him to be happy.
December 30, 2024
This book haunted my life for so many years. I read the first one when I was 15 and I loved it so so much, but now I'm an aged creature who still reads the same books. But I don't think its just me aging that made my opinion of this book different to 15 year old Sarah's opinion of the first book.
The good stuff!
There is a reason I loved the first book and gobbled this one down quickly - I find Nova's writing style easy to digest and I think they have made a great ensemble of characters and have done some good world building!!
The gripes:
- This book is simply too long for the amount that happens in it.
- There is an absolutely, completely, wholeheartedly unnecessary love triangle (please free me from this pain, I'm having twilight flashbacks).
- The mc is not showing much character growth, I just want her to stand up for herself.
- It bears many similarities to Throne of Glass so it is hard to not compare them, especially in reference to the above point.
But it really isn't a bad book! I would recommend for some escapism into a well crafted world with mostly likeable characters! Looking forward to seeing what the next one brings.
The good stuff!
There is a reason I loved the first book and gobbled this one down quickly - I find Nova's writing style easy to digest and I think they have made a great ensemble of characters and have done some good world building!!
The gripes:
- This book is simply too long for the amount that happens in it.
- There is an absolutely, completely, wholeheartedly unnecessary love triangle (please free me from this pain, I'm having twilight flashbacks).
- The mc is not showing much character growth, I just want her to stand up for herself.
- It bears many similarities to Throne of Glass so it is hard to not compare them, especially in reference to the above point.
But it really isn't a bad book! I would recommend for some escapism into a well crafted world with mostly likeable characters! Looking forward to seeing what the next one brings.
February 8, 2023
AKON ❤️
A beautiful way to continue the story. It’s far from over, but this story is complex. I appreciate the length and the attention to detail to make sure all of the characters and their stories are told fully. I love how she doesn’t shy away from telling a painful story but also sprinkles in enough joy to outshine the gloom. Happily looking forward to continuing this adventure when it’s ready.
A beautiful way to continue the story. It’s far from over, but this story is complex. I appreciate the length and the attention to detail to make sure all of the characters and their stories are told fully. I love how she doesn’t shy away from telling a painful story but also sprinkles in enough joy to outshine the gloom. Happily looking forward to continuing this adventure when it’s ready.
July 2, 2023
Honestly, I love this series, and I can’t wait for the next book. This one was a really enjoyable read. Got very good towards the end. Personally I enjoy more romantic tension, which this one was lacking, but it was well done and I can tell the next book will be great!
September 29, 2024
It’s honestly crazy how much better this book was than the first. The world building, the twists and turns, the war. I was on the edge of my seat! I can’t wait for book 3.
February 5, 2023
An a absolute masterpiece! The wait for this book was very long but it was worth it. I can’t wait for book 3.
EDIT: I have a little more time to write a longer review now.
I still can’t quite believe we finally got the second book. I read the first when it was just released back in 2018 and was chomping at the bit for the second and got to the point of thinking it would never be released then BAM here we are. It was everything I hoped for and more. There are many wonderful things about this series but what stands out to me is the relationship/friendship dynamics between the pack. I was also SO HAPPY about who her mate ended up being and I can’t wait to see that relationship unfold more in the next books. I tried my best to savor this one but it was really hard and I couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing in 2 days *Sigh*. Bravo to you S.B. Nova, the second installment was even better than the first. I only ask that you don’t make us wait to long for book 3 or I may cry.
EDIT: I have a little more time to write a longer review now.
I still can’t quite believe we finally got the second book. I read the first when it was just released back in 2018 and was chomping at the bit for the second and got to the point of thinking it would never be released then BAM here we are. It was everything I hoped for and more. There are many wonderful things about this series but what stands out to me is the relationship/friendship dynamics between the pack. I was also SO HAPPY about who her mate ended up being and I can’t wait to see that relationship unfold more in the next books. I tried my best to savor this one but it was really hard and I couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing in 2 days *Sigh*. Bravo to you S.B. Nova, the second installment was even better than the first. I only ask that you don’t make us wait to long for book 3 or I may cry.
February 6, 2023
The wait is over
I have waited years for this, and I can say I loved the growth of the story. I loved some characters got a little but more bolder and are starting to grow more. Wish I didn't not finish this book so fast. It might have felt long but I think everything needed to be said in order for the writer to talk about it in the next book. Frazer is one of my favorite characters and I'm glad he got his wings back! I was worried for a min. Overall all I will be waiting patiently for the next book. #teamLynx
I have waited years for this, and I can say I loved the growth of the story. I loved some characters got a little but more bolder and are starting to grow more. Wish I didn't not finish this book so fast. It might have felt long but I think everything needed to be said in order for the writer to talk about it in the next book. Frazer is one of my favorite characters and I'm glad he got his wings back! I was worried for a min. Overall all I will be waiting patiently for the next book. #teamLynx
February 8, 2023
Needing new characters to swoon over? You've got several options here. All the stars!!! I am so happy to be back in this world. I love the magic and the characters. An all around exciting journey. I cannot wait for what's next!!!!
August 29, 2023
Struggling to give it a 3. Was it great? No. Will I keep reading the rest, eventually? Yes.
February 28, 2023
There’s too many good things to say about this book. The second in the series continues great character building. New twists will reveal themselves. I love this book!
February 4, 2023
This book was worth the five year wait.
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