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Court of the Sea Fae #2
Fallen King
Aenor's adventures continue...Life in a fae castle should be pretty sweet. Except, my lover wants to take my magic from me, and I made a deal with the devil. Literally. Salem is the light-bringer, gorgeous as sin and just as evil. Some call him Lucifer. What do I call him? Whatever he tells me to, because he's cast a mind-control spell over me. He hates me, but I have a plan. I'll lead him to a sorcerer who can kill him.But as I journey with the fallen god, I see him watching me, wanting me. And it's mutual. Turns out fate has a sick sense of humor, because my destiny ties me to Salem. Still, I have to stop him before he gets what he wants. Because if I fail, he will unleash hell on earth.
270 pages, Paperback
First published November 18, 2019
2567 people are currently reading
4413 people want to read
About the author
C.N. Crawford
80 books8,762 followersTo get sneak peaks at the next book, sales, and news about releases, Sign up here.
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C.N. Crawford are Wall Street Journal bestselling authors of romantasy books, including books with fae, demons, and magical academies.
We write fantasy romance, urban fantasy, and portal romance. Our books often include trials, banter, and enemies to lovers stories.
CN Crawford’s books are perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, K.F. Breene, and Laura Thalassa.
Note: We are actually two people--a former biologist (Nick) and a former school psychologist (Christine).
To join C.N. Crawford's fan group and chat to the authors, Click here.
To stalk on instagram, Click here.
For a free standalone novel, Sign up here.
C.N. Crawford are Wall Street Journal bestselling authors of romantasy books, including books with fae, demons, and magical academies.
We write fantasy romance, urban fantasy, and portal romance. Our books often include trials, banter, and enemies to lovers stories.
CN Crawford’s books are perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, K.F. Breene, and Laura Thalassa.
Note: We are actually two people--a former biologist (Nick) and a former school psychologist (Christine).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 441 reviews
April 22, 2020
2.5 stars
I had some serious issues with this book.
I come from a romance background and while I was aware this book was urban fantasy, generally the rules of romance inside that genre still apply. Rules like...you don't ditch the hero of book one and simply replace him with a different hero to give the heroine a new HEA in book two.
Lyr and Aenor weren't the most epic couple I've ever read, but I spent an entire book investing in them. Only for Lyr to be turned into a dick for convenience sake so Aenor had reason to dump him at the beginning of the book. I'm all for redeeming a villain but this felt like a cheap bait and switch to me and I still kind of resent it.
I forged on, though, because the reviews were so good.
And...eh. These two basically hate each other for 90% of the book--only to find out they can't kill each other like they'd planned because they are mates. A fact they conveniently forgot/overlooked up until now. Salem uses mind control on Aenor --which I hated-- and I didn't see any character development at all from either of them.
It had some decent moments, including an ending which makes me curious enough about the conclusion to read it.
But overall, I'm kind of cheezed off about the whole thing. If I'd know this was the direction the series would take, I probably wouldn't have started it, but with the blurb in first person, I couldn't tell it was the same heroine with a different hero.
I had some serious issues with this book.
I come from a romance background and while I was aware this book was urban fantasy, generally the rules of romance inside that genre still apply. Rules like...you don't ditch the hero of book one and simply replace him with a different hero to give the heroine a new HEA in book two.
Lyr and Aenor weren't the most epic couple I've ever read, but I spent an entire book investing in them. Only for Lyr to be turned into a dick for convenience sake so Aenor had reason to dump him at the beginning of the book. I'm all for redeeming a villain but this felt like a cheap bait and switch to me and I still kind of resent it.
I forged on, though, because the reviews were so good.
And...eh. These two basically hate each other for 90% of the book--only to find out they can't kill each other like they'd planned because they are mates. A fact they conveniently forgot/overlooked up until now. Salem uses mind control on Aenor --which I hated-- and I didn't see any character development at all from either of them.
It had some decent moments, including an ending which makes me curious enough about the conclusion to read it.
But overall, I'm kind of cheezed off about the whole thing. If I'd know this was the direction the series would take, I probably wouldn't have started it, but with the blurb in first person, I couldn't tell it was the same heroine with a different hero.
December 27, 2023
I have to admit I was looking forward to rant about this (I know I am terrible).
What I said about the first book I am going to say again that it reminds me of ACOTAR (what a “shock”!).
Like really, it’s the same stupid thing! Woman meets a guy and she falls in a love then she meets even hotter, weirder and more arrogant guy and what will happen? Of course she is going to dump the first guy who turns out to be a jerk (“very surprising”) and then she kind of runs away to the other guy who is secretly “a nice, sensitive, good, honorable” guy deep deep down inside his cold heart.
What a rubbish.
I really didn’t even have to read this to know how this is going to end.
I mean it’s not like I didn’t like it just because it was similar to ACOTAR but also because it was boring to me and I didn’t care about the characters (at all). Sorry.
The only positive thing is the cover though (and Elvis - if you read this you know what I mean).
Okay, I’m done, you can eat me alive for this now.
What I said about the first book I am going to say again that it reminds me of ACOTAR (what a “shock”!).
Like really, it’s the same stupid thing! Woman meets a guy and she falls in a love then she meets even hotter, weirder and more arrogant guy and what will happen? Of course she is going to dump the first guy who turns out to be a jerk (“very surprising”) and then she kind of runs away to the other guy who is secretly “a nice, sensitive, good, honorable” guy deep deep down inside his cold heart.
What a rubbish.
I really didn’t even have to read this to know how this is going to end.
I mean it’s not like I didn’t like it just because it was similar to ACOTAR but also because it was boring to me and I didn’t care about the characters (at all). Sorry.
The only positive thing is the cover though (and Elvis - if you read this you know what I mean).
Okay, I’m done, you can eat me alive for this now.
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September 3, 2024
RATING: 3 stars to Fallen King ★ ★ ★
Dark king (opener to the series) courted a moreish sense of thrill in me. I already had its sequel prepared to launch myself into immediately after. The first book did have its foundational shortcomings but I was delighted enough by the impression that I easily saw myself ready to plow through the remaining books in this trilogy. The plot continued with interest, excitement and mystery, the suspense and foreboding enmeshed in its atmosphere, the movements were swift, seductive, sultry and actionable, the thrill of having Aenor and Salem in the same room again set my veins abuzz and I looked forward to the relatable wit that made book one the fun adventure it was. As enthused as I was for another urban fantasy fae adventure, I confess that while entertaining and imaginative, I wasn't as impressed by the outcome of Fallen King. The flaws of book one did what I didn't want them to do: they perpetuated with book two. The follow up is productive, targeted, pointed, fast-moving and very sexy but the elements that anchored this continuation still felt fairly shallow. Perhaps the authors have cemented a deliberately stylistic choice in the way they've concocted their storytelling voice but what we often get in heaps and hills with action, pace and suspense, we lack in narrative depth, character depth and meaningful integration. To approximate a likeness to a well known phrase, it seemed to thrill in swiftness, atmosphere, activity and sensuality over a balance with substance. As soon as something happens it's swiftly suppressed with imminent developments without a thought to the gravity of any one particular thing. The authors could likely benefit from curbing some plot activity in favour of slowing down with some character development. Or, at least, creating some parallelism between outward action and inner depth. As much as I enjoyed the character personalities on page - the dark, devious and downright unrepentant Salem and the driven, independent protector of the seas that is Aenor - there really isn't a palpable sense of character building or character connection either. I have to say that I was disappointed by that, but by looking to book one by example, I should have assumed the same for Fallen King.
Even with a clear goal, the story developments lean more into the abstract as opposed to a wider, well-handled orchestration. It's more a case of one conflict arising immediately after another, forming a sequence of energised movement which is the primary driver that forces Aenor to take immediate action where the situation demands it. And since it's a world-changing, world-bending, lives-at-stake kind of engagement, it's a lot for a one-woman effort. Even still, the story does make for entertaining reading with likeable elements, and there's a reason I've made it a point to remain open to the author's backlog of urban fantasy. I just feel less enthusiastic to read the trilogy closer than I was to read the sequel due to the flaws that marred this experience. Whether I make the decision to finish the series is up in the air for now. This might be disturbing to admit to some readers but I'm rarely averse to the idea of a love interest swap, moreso because Lyr and Aenor didn't have the deepest connection bar the sexual intensity of their attraction to begin with. I was thirsting for it as soon as Salem entered the dynamic in book one. That being said, I wasn't particularly impressed with the way the writers navigated the love triangle swap. Had the shift in romantic interest been tactical, well-handled and interestingly orchestrated I would have loved it. In truth? It very advantageously buried any interest between them as soon as the book begins without an adequate need for explanation. And whatever feelings may have been there between our couple of book one, were abandoned as if the relationship they had wasn't worth the scrutiny of a more considerate etiquette. If it was the intent to distance Lyr from Aenor with a gesture of mistrust, the apparently widening gulf between them conveniently in place, the transition should have mattered more than it seemed to. As it was, Lyr's withdrawal was vague and suspicious, even if some suggestion can be implied. As a personal opinion though? As sultry, thrilling and forbidden her relationship with Salem was, I can't say it felt superior to her relationship with Lyr. That might be a bold thing to confess but I also use the term 'relationship' very loosely. . Book one burned with the potent seduction attraction-wise (I still remember how I felt reading the sizzling intimacy scenes) but book two had a different kind of heat in translation for Salem and Aenor. In so many words, I'm just going to say that I expected a superior sexual - and otherwise - connection to that of book one and this did suffer on that front. .
What C.N. Crawford does very well? Imbuing their protagonists with a powerfully palpable presence, of fierce purpose and intention. The descriptions of magic, power and desire are burnt to the page like the marks of a fingerprint. Our anti-hero in particular received the best of this quality, the essence of their gifts brought to life with a divine supernaturalism. Whether it be cutting visions of doom, the visage of a world on fire, the burden of a great power, or a lust for the forbidden, the story burns with a longing for sensation and desire, of every kind. This isn't a series about love, romance nor even relationships forged I'm coming to realise. The only yearning you'll find in this series of Fae authority is that for lust, desire, destruction and possession; of powers, of long awaited fates, cravings and a return for stolen things. The writing superbly stokes up a smut scene with a searingly sexual impact, and I was not unaffected by it. Whether it be the disturbingly deviant history of Salem and the visions of a fiery doom his presence prophesises or Aenor, as a fierce fae of the sea, with a great desire to safeguard the very element that is the life source of her magic from him, the writing enlivens the sensations with a palpable delicacy. More than anything, Aenor wants to be reunited with her magic. Slaying Salem is a close second though since she's convinced that her captor is set to burn the world. But he's just as determined to return the favour. There's a lot of fun tension to be had in two people silently prepared to kill the other, couldn't be more different in desire for their lives and fates and whose fated pairing could mean utter annihilation in facing the worst imaginable that could come to pass.
The foreboding visage of a world on fire; that's what Salem's presence shall deliver should be meet his destiny. Everything Aenor is trying to prevent. When Aenor runs into a breed of Fae she's never seen before, she knows that this encounter can only mean doom. And that the Evening Star - none other than Salem, her soon to be captor - is responsible. He has life changing, world changing plans, and Aenor's bound by an unbreakable enchantment to help him get what he wants by any means necessary. And potentially set fire to it all. Her mission remains the same: Salem has to die, only faster now that recent discoveries have revealed the kind of damnation he intends to enforce, knowingly or unknowingly. To carry forth this series we have a new love interest, a Fae legend who burns like smoke, flame and ash with a disturbingly devious history, more prophesies and predictions, visions of world damnation, a very likely catastrophic pairing who could fall to either extremes and forbidden intimacy that shifts from enemies to lovers to I-still-may-have-to-kill you. An interesting, action-packed follow up but the lack of depth and reasoning can alienate a reader's experience. Which did mar my own unfortunately. But that's not to say that readers won't enjoy this sequel since I'm sure it'll prove plenty entertaining for other readers. If you liked book one, you'll likely enjoy this instalment as well! But Fallen King still gets a solid three stars from me. Maybe a stronger integration of book one's humour and pop culture references might have enhanced the experience to some degree, but as it is, I can't say I feel as confident for the trilogy closer since it fell short on the fulfillment factor.
EXTRA THOUGHTS (WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS!):
1) I'm very familiar with the mythology of fated mates and fated pairings but I have to admit that cosmically matched or not, the concept loses its credibility when two love interests (determined to end the other for most of the story) are only thwarted by those killer desires because of the baser instincts of their mated destiny. I wanted more intricacy and nuance in the development of Salem and Aenor's 'relationship'. Sure, they're not going to want to hurt or harm the other, and there's a nice play between an intense inner conflict when desires are wholly unmatchable to the force of instinct, but it bothers me when that's used as a way to pair two people together when necessary development is also needed to foundation that. Just because a bond is preventing you from harming someone, you'd likely harm them anyway were any bond not in place, so on that front - and referring back to my earlier point about character connections - their attachment felt underdeveloped. Salem may very well have killed her if that wasn't the case, and Aenor may very well have killed Salem had the bond influenced her not to.
2) Just to pick on something other readers have commented on, I wanted to point out that I personally didn't experience any likeness to ACOTAR with this series, bar the swapping of a love interest and some Tamlin vibes courtesy of Lyr. The series, the worldbuilding, the characters, the tone and developments are completely different.
Content warning/Listing: general warnings for violence, conflict and blood. Some profanity. Mentions the (past) intentional killings of children as sacrifices. Depravity, Imprisonment, enslavements, mentions starved emaciated bodies. Smut scenes (imagined, hallucinated and one sex scene on page).
________________________________
Visit my blog: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @TheVicarious1
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
________________________________
Dark king (opener to the series) courted a moreish sense of thrill in me. I already had its sequel prepared to launch myself into immediately after. The first book did have its foundational shortcomings but I was delighted enough by the impression that I easily saw myself ready to plow through the remaining books in this trilogy. The plot continued with interest, excitement and mystery, the suspense and foreboding enmeshed in its atmosphere, the movements were swift, seductive, sultry and actionable, the thrill of having Aenor and Salem in the same room again set my veins abuzz and I looked forward to the relatable wit that made book one the fun adventure it was. As enthused as I was for another urban fantasy fae adventure, I confess that while entertaining and imaginative, I wasn't as impressed by the outcome of Fallen King. The flaws of book one did what I didn't want them to do: they perpetuated with book two. The follow up is productive, targeted, pointed, fast-moving and very sexy but the elements that anchored this continuation still felt fairly shallow. Perhaps the authors have cemented a deliberately stylistic choice in the way they've concocted their storytelling voice but what we often get in heaps and hills with action, pace and suspense, we lack in narrative depth, character depth and meaningful integration. To approximate a likeness to a well known phrase, it seemed to thrill in swiftness, atmosphere, activity and sensuality over a balance with substance. As soon as something happens it's swiftly suppressed with imminent developments without a thought to the gravity of any one particular thing. The authors could likely benefit from curbing some plot activity in favour of slowing down with some character development. Or, at least, creating some parallelism between outward action and inner depth. As much as I enjoyed the character personalities on page - the dark, devious and downright unrepentant Salem and the driven, independent protector of the seas that is Aenor - there really isn't a palpable sense of character building or character connection either. I have to say that I was disappointed by that, but by looking to book one by example, I should have assumed the same for Fallen King.
Even with a clear goal, the story developments lean more into the abstract as opposed to a wider, well-handled orchestration. It's more a case of one conflict arising immediately after another, forming a sequence of energised movement which is the primary driver that forces Aenor to take immediate action where the situation demands it. And since it's a world-changing, world-bending, lives-at-stake kind of engagement, it's a lot for a one-woman effort. Even still, the story does make for entertaining reading with likeable elements, and there's a reason I've made it a point to remain open to the author's backlog of urban fantasy. I just feel less enthusiastic to read the trilogy closer than I was to read the sequel due to the flaws that marred this experience. Whether I make the decision to finish the series is up in the air for now. This might be disturbing to admit to some readers but I'm rarely averse to the idea of a love interest swap, moreso because Lyr and Aenor didn't have the deepest connection bar the sexual intensity of their attraction to begin with. I was thirsting for it as soon as Salem entered the dynamic in book one. That being said, I wasn't particularly impressed with the way the writers navigated the love triangle swap. Had the shift in romantic interest been tactical, well-handled and interestingly orchestrated I would have loved it. In truth? It very advantageously buried any interest between them as soon as the book begins without an adequate need for explanation. And whatever feelings may have been there between our couple of book one, were abandoned as if the relationship they had wasn't worth the scrutiny of a more considerate etiquette. If it was the intent to distance Lyr from Aenor with a gesture of mistrust, the apparently widening gulf between them conveniently in place, the transition should have mattered more than it seemed to. As it was, Lyr's withdrawal was vague and suspicious, even if some suggestion can be implied. As a personal opinion though? As sultry, thrilling and forbidden her relationship with Salem was, I can't say it felt superior to her relationship with Lyr. That might be a bold thing to confess but I also use the term 'relationship' very loosely. . Book one burned with the potent seduction attraction-wise (I still remember how I felt reading the sizzling intimacy scenes) but book two had a different kind of heat in translation for Salem and Aenor. In so many words, I'm just going to say that I expected a superior sexual - and otherwise - connection to that of book one and this did suffer on that front. .
What C.N. Crawford does very well? Imbuing their protagonists with a powerfully palpable presence, of fierce purpose and intention. The descriptions of magic, power and desire are burnt to the page like the marks of a fingerprint. Our anti-hero in particular received the best of this quality, the essence of their gifts brought to life with a divine supernaturalism. Whether it be cutting visions of doom, the visage of a world on fire, the burden of a great power, or a lust for the forbidden, the story burns with a longing for sensation and desire, of every kind. This isn't a series about love, romance nor even relationships forged I'm coming to realise. The only yearning you'll find in this series of Fae authority is that for lust, desire, destruction and possession; of powers, of long awaited fates, cravings and a return for stolen things. The writing superbly stokes up a smut scene with a searingly sexual impact, and I was not unaffected by it. Whether it be the disturbingly deviant history of Salem and the visions of a fiery doom his presence prophesises or Aenor, as a fierce fae of the sea, with a great desire to safeguard the very element that is the life source of her magic from him, the writing enlivens the sensations with a palpable delicacy. More than anything, Aenor wants to be reunited with her magic. Slaying Salem is a close second though since she's convinced that her captor is set to burn the world. But he's just as determined to return the favour. There's a lot of fun tension to be had in two people silently prepared to kill the other, couldn't be more different in desire for their lives and fates and whose fated pairing could mean utter annihilation in facing the worst imaginable that could come to pass.
The foreboding visage of a world on fire; that's what Salem's presence shall deliver should be meet his destiny. Everything Aenor is trying to prevent. When Aenor runs into a breed of Fae she's never seen before, she knows that this encounter can only mean doom. And that the Evening Star - none other than Salem, her soon to be captor - is responsible. He has life changing, world changing plans, and Aenor's bound by an unbreakable enchantment to help him get what he wants by any means necessary. And potentially set fire to it all. Her mission remains the same: Salem has to die, only faster now that recent discoveries have revealed the kind of damnation he intends to enforce, knowingly or unknowingly. To carry forth this series we have a new love interest, a Fae legend who burns like smoke, flame and ash with a disturbingly devious history, more prophesies and predictions, visions of world damnation, a very likely catastrophic pairing who could fall to either extremes and forbidden intimacy that shifts from enemies to lovers to I-still-may-have-to-kill you. An interesting, action-packed follow up but the lack of depth and reasoning can alienate a reader's experience. Which did mar my own unfortunately. But that's not to say that readers won't enjoy this sequel since I'm sure it'll prove plenty entertaining for other readers. If you liked book one, you'll likely enjoy this instalment as well! But Fallen King still gets a solid three stars from me. Maybe a stronger integration of book one's humour and pop culture references might have enhanced the experience to some degree, but as it is, I can't say I feel as confident for the trilogy closer since it fell short on the fulfillment factor.
EXTRA THOUGHTS (WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS!):
1) I'm very familiar with the mythology of fated mates and fated pairings but I have to admit that cosmically matched or not, the concept loses its credibility when two love interests (determined to end the other for most of the story) are only thwarted by those killer desires because of the baser instincts of their mated destiny. I wanted more intricacy and nuance in the development of Salem and Aenor's 'relationship'. Sure, they're not going to want to hurt or harm the other, and there's a nice play between an intense inner conflict when desires are wholly unmatchable to the force of instinct, but it bothers me when that's used as a way to pair two people together when necessary development is also needed to foundation that. Just because a bond is preventing you from harming someone, you'd likely harm them anyway were any bond not in place, so on that front - and referring back to my earlier point about character connections - their attachment felt underdeveloped. Salem may very well have killed her if that wasn't the case, and Aenor may very well have killed Salem had the bond influenced her not to.
2) Just to pick on something other readers have commented on, I wanted to point out that I personally didn't experience any likeness to ACOTAR with this series, bar the swapping of a love interest and some Tamlin vibes courtesy of Lyr. The series, the worldbuilding, the characters, the tone and developments are completely different.
Content warning/Listing: general warnings for violence, conflict and blood. Some profanity. Mentions the (past) intentional killings of children as sacrifices. Depravity, Imprisonment, enslavements, mentions starved emaciated bodies. Smut scenes (imagined, hallucinated and one sex scene on page).
________________________________
Visit my blog: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @TheVicarious1
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
________________________________
February 23, 2020
Literally just finished this book and feeling like Kermit here:
In Book One we learned that Salem was the bad guy who stole Aenor's power and drowned her kingdom. Salem tricked Aenor into eating an enchanted fruit that allowed Salem to track Aenor anywhere in the world. This same enchanted fruit also gave Salem the ability to mind-control Aenor any time he wants. He warns Aenor that he will need her for something very important at a later date.
In this book - Fallen King - Salem is back and he's cashing in. Aenor has no choice but to go to him and do his evil bidding, whatever it may be. But a part of Aenor *wants* to go because Salem has her power and she wants it back. She's determined to get her powers back and figure out a way to kill him before he kills her -- or worse, the world.
But things are never as they seem in this series.
Aenor soon learns the truth: She and her mother the queen committed a horrible crime over 100 years ago. Their crime? They imprisoned a powerful yet innocent fae at the bottom of the ocean. And this wrongfully trapped fae was someone very important to Salem. Salem destroyed Aenor's kingdom back then because he believed this person dead. But an anonymous tip has alerted Salem to the fact the the captured fae is in fact still alive at the bottom of the sea and he will stop at nothing to see this person return to him.
Salem is prepared to use Aenor and her powers to get what he wants - consequences be damned.
There's just one tiny problem ... Salem can never truly harm Aenor because she is his soulmate.
Prophecies and warnings that span a spectrum of negative outcomes have been foretold about this coupling. Some say Salem will burn the wold down. Some say Aenor will drown the earth in a tomb of ice. What will it be? Can fire and water tame each other? Will one kill the other? Or will a volcano and a hurricane destroy the world together?
The truth is even more tricky. But to find out, you'll have to read this series that is very quickly becoming one of my all-time favorites!
Also, I am totally #teamSalem!!! That man is sex on a stick and HOT AS HELL both literally and figuratively LOL.
And Aenor with her powers back? OH. MY. WORD.
She was a badass without them. Now? Talk about Sea Queen! That woman kicks ass!
I won't spoil that heart-wrencher of an ending. I'll just say that I cannot wait for book three!!! C.N. Crawford rules at keeping me on the edge of my seat from the first sentence to the last. *phew!* I need an emotional nap.
************************
Reviewed on behalf of ILOVEVAMPIRENOVELS.COM
Video review coming soon on YouTube.
In Book One we learned that Salem was the bad guy who stole Aenor's power and drowned her kingdom. Salem tricked Aenor into eating an enchanted fruit that allowed Salem to track Aenor anywhere in the world. This same enchanted fruit also gave Salem the ability to mind-control Aenor any time he wants. He warns Aenor that he will need her for something very important at a later date.
In this book - Fallen King - Salem is back and he's cashing in. Aenor has no choice but to go to him and do his evil bidding, whatever it may be. But a part of Aenor *wants* to go because Salem has her power and she wants it back. She's determined to get her powers back and figure out a way to kill him before he kills her -- or worse, the world.
But things are never as they seem in this series.
Aenor soon learns the truth: She and her mother the queen committed a horrible crime over 100 years ago. Their crime? They imprisoned a powerful yet innocent fae at the bottom of the ocean. And this wrongfully trapped fae was someone very important to Salem. Salem destroyed Aenor's kingdom back then because he believed this person dead. But an anonymous tip has alerted Salem to the fact the the captured fae is in fact still alive at the bottom of the sea and he will stop at nothing to see this person return to him.
Salem is prepared to use Aenor and her powers to get what he wants - consequences be damned.
There's just one tiny problem ... Salem can never truly harm Aenor because she is his soulmate.
Prophecies and warnings that span a spectrum of negative outcomes have been foretold about this coupling. Some say Salem will burn the wold down. Some say Aenor will drown the earth in a tomb of ice. What will it be? Can fire and water tame each other? Will one kill the other? Or will a volcano and a hurricane destroy the world together?
The truth is even more tricky. But to find out, you'll have to read this series that is very quickly becoming one of my all-time favorites!
Also, I am totally #teamSalem!!! That man is sex on a stick and HOT AS HELL both literally and figuratively LOL.
And Aenor with her powers back? OH. MY. WORD.
She was a badass without them. Now? Talk about Sea Queen! That woman kicks ass!
I won't spoil that heart-wrencher of an ending. I'll just say that I cannot wait for book three!!! C.N. Crawford rules at keeping me on the edge of my seat from the first sentence to the last. *phew!* I need an emotional nap.
************************
Reviewed on behalf of ILOVEVAMPIRENOVELS.COM
Video review coming soon on YouTube.
April 5, 2020
Well, I enjoyed reading this one, but I didn't quite feel the spark or snark from the first novel.
This book starts with Aenor back in the castle awaiting Salem's summons to help him complete his dastardly plans- and while I was side eyeing Lyr from the first book- he just completely disappeared in this one. His only role in this novel was
So never really liked him- but I wanted a little more there than just Aenor paying him dust so soon in the book.
That being said I liked Salem as a romantic interest- but Also what bothered me was the schmexy scenes felt like they were the same thing over and over again- disreguarding they were mostly dream/imaginary- I wanted a little variety..it felt like I was reading the same scene once or twice.
Spoiler questions:
Also, I did like the plot, but i'm wondering why that random nymph new about the entire Fomorian plot, and how Aenor and Salem were connected? If she did then why didn't the knights? If Merrow had accomplices couldn't they have just gone and told them? Inform them to know what to expect so there wasn't all this confusion? How long was he in that prison? If he had enough time couldn't one of his helpers gone straight to Aenor to tell her considering that mad King had been planning this for a while and had the forethought to get Salem to do his dirty work?
Also, I mean screw Lyr.
So this is a bit of a cliffhanger, but I don't know if I'm as interested to read the next one.
This book starts with Aenor back in the castle awaiting Salem's summons to help him complete his dastardly plans- and while I was side eyeing Lyr from the first book- he just completely disappeared in this one. His only role in this novel was
So never really liked him- but I wanted a little more there than just Aenor paying him dust so soon in the book.
That being said I liked Salem as a romantic interest- but Also what bothered me was the schmexy scenes felt like they were the same thing over and over again- disreguarding they were mostly dream/imaginary- I wanted a little variety..it felt like I was reading the same scene once or twice.
Spoiler questions:
Also, I did like the plot, but i'm wondering why that random nymph new about the entire Fomorian plot, and how Aenor and Salem were connected? If she did then why didn't the knights? If Merrow had accomplices couldn't they have just gone and told them? Inform them to know what to expect so there wasn't all this confusion? How long was he in that prison? If he had enough time couldn't one of his helpers gone straight to Aenor to tell her considering that mad King had been planning this for a while and had the forethought to get Salem to do his dirty work?
Also, I mean screw Lyr.
“If you can control your power, you can keep it.” I narrowed my eyes at him. Like it’s your decision.
So this is a bit of a cliffhanger, but I don't know if I'm as interested to read the next one.
April 6, 2020
Dragged a bit, boring at times, characters from the first book pretty much disappeared and i really wanted revenge or for her to show em who is boss, so eh. Thankfully, Lyr isn't her love interest anymore, so that is great. Salem and their chemistry is way better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2020
An entertaining read.
Didn’t love it as much as the first book, but there are more than enough enjoyable elements in it, that have me wanting to read more in the series. A really fun in between read!
Fae, magic, demons, gods. Action, adventure and some sexy time! If you like those words, you should definitely consider this book and the prior written book, Dark King!
Didn’t love it as much as the first book, but there are more than enough enjoyable elements in it, that have me wanting to read more in the series. A really fun in between read!
Fae, magic, demons, gods. Action, adventure and some sexy time! If you like those words, you should definitely consider this book and the prior written book, Dark King!
January 10, 2024
BEWARE SPOLIER AHEAD !!!!
Loved this second book so much though I'm glad I didn't realise what was coming as I don't think I'd have picked this up I don't do love triangles and though this wasn't quite that as there's no choosing or back and forth fickleness it's just not my thing it all just ends up with me feeling bad for someone and my nerves can't take it. I now realise why book one was only Aenor's POV as they didn't want us to get too attached to Lyr when they switched him out for Salem.
Now I must admit I did find Lyr rather sanctimonious and judgy so I wasn't too upset as Salem is a much more intriguing prospect but I also couldn't help thinking Lyr got a bit of a raw deal and he was made into this total dick to give Aenor a free pass going forward.
Whatever it is what it is and I did actually prefer Salem and Aenor as a couple. They had the real enemies-to-lovers vibe that I go for and he is definitely a morally grey character and if he's on your side he really doesn't care about who he hurts to keep you safe the total opposite to Lyr.
This was action-filled and an easy read it's slow burn as these two literally want to kill each other which is understandable considering their shared history. There was plenty of bubbling tension and chemistry, this is also dual POV so you get to see inside Salem's head as well as Aenor and the ending was so good. I'm loving this trilogy and can't wait to discover how it all concludes.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2019
4.5 stars
Ok so I’m going to try to write this review without spoilers but no promises. If you don’t want anything spoiled stop reading now! Also I received this book early for an honest review.
This is hands down my favorite book by Crawford! I really enjoyed reading the book from Salem’s perspective and I hope Crawford continues to do this in future books and series. I’m a huge sucker for a misunderstood bad boy and Salem definitely fits the bill. I thought Dark King was steamy, this book takes it up a whole notch. I cried at least twice and laugh a ton. I’m really excited about the direction this series is taking and I can’t wait for book 3!
Normally I post my favorite quotes but I think I’ll wait until after the book is released.
Ok so I’m going to try to write this review without spoilers but no promises. If you don’t want anything spoiled stop reading now! Also I received this book early for an honest review.
This is hands down my favorite book by Crawford! I really enjoyed reading the book from Salem’s perspective and I hope Crawford continues to do this in future books and series. I’m a huge sucker for a misunderstood bad boy and Salem definitely fits the bill. I thought Dark King was steamy, this book takes it up a whole notch. I cried at least twice and laugh a ton. I’m really excited about the direction this series is taking and I can’t wait for book 3!
Normally I post my favorite quotes but I think I’ll wait until after the book is released.
February 21, 2020
I have difficulties with this read as I very much hate love triangles and now I also hate when the heroine changes her love interest. How can she be all over one guy in the book no 1 and then conveniently he changes into an asshole so she finds a new one. I know hate is a strong feeling too and can quickly be turned into passion but I'd rather her not jumping Lyr at all and then get into Salem.
Other than that the plot and adventures were interesting enough to read in one night :)
I still love C.N. Crawford but let's just say this was my less liked series so far.
Other than that the plot and adventures were interesting enough to read in one night :)
I still love C.N. Crawford but let's just say this was my less liked series so far.
April 14, 2020
I feel like like this is an ACOMAF retelling, but SJM did it better. It’s predictable and there were a few typos but i’m along for the ride while my trial of KU lasts
September 7, 2020
With Lyr’s help, Aenor has claimed her rightful title as princess of Ys and also wields her mother’s athame. But sexy Fae Salem still holds her sea powers, and because he forced Aenor to eat the magical fruit, Salem can track her wherever she goes.
And now he’s coming for her - Salem, aka Lucifer.
Aenor learns she is the only one who is able to kill Salem, but the enchanted fruit also allows him to control Aenor completely. Lyr wants Aenor to allow him to hold her powers so she doesn’t, through Salem, usher in death and destruction. But Lyr has changed and blames Aenor for the part of his soul he lost while saving her.
Now, however, the captor is is desiring his captive. And Aenor is having trouble resisting Salem’s heat, as well.
Wow, this book was better than even the first! Let me go on record to say I am wholly Team Salem!
This is Aenor and Salem’s book, and it was marvelous. The chapters alternate between the characters’ POVs, which really helps you see the method behind their madness. Or the madness behind their methods, more accurately.
The steaminess factor jumps here, and the sexual tension between the two is flaming. I love Salem so much more than Lyr, and I feel that’s exactly what the authors intended.
Book two ends on a major cliffy, so don’t waste too much time moving on to book three!
And now he’s coming for her - Salem, aka Lucifer.
Aenor learns she is the only one who is able to kill Salem, but the enchanted fruit also allows him to control Aenor completely. Lyr wants Aenor to allow him to hold her powers so she doesn’t, through Salem, usher in death and destruction. But Lyr has changed and blames Aenor for the part of his soul he lost while saving her.
Now, however, the captor is is desiring his captive. And Aenor is having trouble resisting Salem’s heat, as well.
Wow, this book was better than even the first! Let me go on record to say I am wholly Team Salem!
This is Aenor and Salem’s book, and it was marvelous. The chapters alternate between the characters’ POVs, which really helps you see the method behind their madness. Or the madness behind their methods, more accurately.
The steaminess factor jumps here, and the sexual tension between the two is flaming. I love Salem so much more than Lyr, and I feel that’s exactly what the authors intended.
Book two ends on a major cliffy, so don’t waste too much time moving on to book three!
April 29, 2020
Well, well.
What a strange sharp left and change of direction.
So, things change in book two and not.... in the direction... I had guessed?
I mean yeah it mentions Salem is attractive in book two but LOW AND BEHOLD
Lyr is actually NOT the love interest
And Salem is Aenor’slove interest mate.
PLOT TWIST.
Unless y’all saw something in book one that I didn’t see, because honestly book one was less interesting compared to book two, I didn’t see this coming at all???
I liked this book better.
Salem is intense (I didn’t find him evil), hot (Henry Cavill with his normal black hair), and secretly a total lovey-dovey. AND HE HAS A CAT
*gush* I’m swooning.
I love cats
We kinda get a change in plot to something a little more intriguing where it turns into the usual trope of two people that hate each other go on some long journey together where they fall in love (or discover that they are mates).
Book 3 is gonna be about Aenor being a good little mate and fixing the shit ending that was the end of this book.
I’m game, I’ll read it
What a strange sharp left and change of direction.
So, things change in book two and not.... in the direction... I had guessed?
I mean yeah it mentions Salem is attractive in book two but LOW AND BEHOLD
Lyr is actually NOT the love interest
And Salem is Aenor’s
PLOT TWIST.
Unless y’all saw something in book one that I didn’t see, because honestly book one was less interesting compared to book two, I didn’t see this coming at all???
I liked this book better.
Salem is intense (I didn’t find him evil), hot (Henry Cavill with his normal black hair), and secretly a total lovey-dovey. AND HE HAS A CAT
*gush* I’m swooning.
I love cats
We kinda get a change in plot to something a little more intriguing where it turns into the usual trope of two people that hate each other go on some long journey together where they fall in love (or discover that they are mates).
Book 3 is gonna be about Aenor being a good little mate and fixing the shit ending that was the end of this book.
I’m game, I’ll read it
December 10, 2024
4.25 stars
Morally grey men for the win
I’ll just be sitting over here, swooning over a fae wanting to kill our FMC and then…well, spoilers.
Morally grey men for the win
I’ll just be sitting over here, swooning over a fae wanting to kill our FMC and then…well, spoilers.
January 21, 2024
This was a painfully obvious read, which could work for you if that's what you're looking for, but it just made me frustrated. Reading this was like pulling teeth and there's a bunch of plot holes. I'm not big on the writing, the characters, or the romance.
Another installment read to further solidify the fact that I am not enjoying this series...
but I am going to persevere and finish it anyways. See you in the finale.
Another installment read to further solidify the fact that I am not enjoying this series...
but I am going to persevere and finish it anyways. See you in the finale.
November 18, 2019
This is the second book in this series, and boy is it a game-changer! Full of great writing and epic hotness, this book keeps your attention from beginning to end. I can’t believe how hot this book even when…well, you’ll have to see for yourself what I’m trying to say. LOL! I was such a fan of Lyr in the first book, but after the events of this one, I’m now a Salem fan. Although, I do admit to a being taken aback a tad about the abruptness of her change of heart even though I agree with it. There were many twists and turns to this book, and the end was such a shocker. I can’t wait to find out how they will get out of this mess. Recommend! I received a complimentary copy, and I voluntarily reviewed it.
November 27, 2019
Very good.
I think I like everything I have ever read by this author.
All of the right ingredients in the right amounts and mixtures make for a perfect recipe, and her books are never bland.
I hope the third book in this series comes out soon and is even better than the first two. Will we get a reverse harem as some have mentioned? This author doesn’t seem to favor that genre, but I have wondered about how this story ends. Heartbreak, so far.
I DO much prefer Salem to Lyr. Lyr seems empty inside. Perhaps it’s those pieces of his soul that are missing. Salem isn’t what he has led others to believe, not anymore. Hmm. What to do?
I think I like everything I have ever read by this author.
All of the right ingredients in the right amounts and mixtures make for a perfect recipe, and her books are never bland.
I hope the third book in this series comes out soon and is even better than the first two. Will we get a reverse harem as some have mentioned? This author doesn’t seem to favor that genre, but I have wondered about how this story ends. Heartbreak, so far.
I DO much prefer Salem to Lyr. Lyr seems empty inside. Perhaps it’s those pieces of his soul that are missing. Salem isn’t what he has led others to believe, not anymore. Hmm. What to do?
November 19, 2019
Oh no you can’t end this book that way!!!
I couldn’t put this book down and god damn it that ending! I was waiting to turn the page to see what happens next and then it just ended!!!
CN Crawford you better be almost finished with the next book or I’m going to freak!
Sexual tension galore and hilarious inner monologues of two characters who despise each other made this book so much fun to read in one sitting.
I couldn’t put this book down and god damn it that ending! I was waiting to turn the page to see what happens next and then it just ended!!!
CN Crawford you better be almost finished with the next book or I’m going to freak!
Sexual tension galore and hilarious inner monologues of two characters who despise each other made this book so much fun to read in one sitting.
November 22, 2019
That was a hell of a turn from the 1st book and i liked it!!
I'm a sucker for dark, broody, sexy bad guys and Salem is all that and has a cat!!!
Aenor changed for better in this book!!
The sexy time was slow burn, hot hot HOT!!
The thing i would like to be more explored was Lyr and Aenor falling apart. Maybe because i just read the epilogue from Lyr POV before starting this book and he is so smitten by her that felt strange.
I'm a sucker for dark, broody, sexy bad guys and Salem is all that and has a cat!!!
Aenor changed for better in this book!!
The sexy time was slow burn, hot hot HOT!!
The thing i would like to be more explored was Lyr and Aenor falling apart. Maybe because i just read the epilogue from Lyr POV before starting this book and he is so smitten by her that felt strange.
March 15, 2020
That was so good
I understand now why I could connect with MC in the first book. This story was intriguing and I finished it so quickly. The h is strong and the H is an alphahole for sure. Definitely a great PNR read.
I understand now why I could connect with MC in the first book. This story was intriguing and I finished it so quickly. The h is strong and the H is an alphahole for sure. Definitely a great PNR read.
November 27, 2019
Such a Good Book!
This is such a good book! I don’t want to spoil it but these plots are my favorite. I can’t wait still the next book now.
This is such a good book! I don’t want to spoil it but these plots are my favorite. I can’t wait still the next book now.
July 22, 2021
Este libro me siguió dando altas vibras de ACOTAR pero a diferencia de esos libros estos no me terminan de convencer la relación de los protagonistas nunca se siente real, no me convence su relación, ni su pelea todo me parece muy superficial aún así quiero saber cómo termina.
January 19, 2023
Awwww I love this story so much!!
priority-tbr
February 7, 2020BITCH LOOK AT THIS COVER I NEED IT
GIVE ME THE PRECIOUS
GIVE ME THE PRECIOUS
May 26, 2020
I loved it. I knew there was a reason I liked Salem better than Lyr. The only thing that kinda bothered me was that Aenor seemed less kickass than in the prequel.
October 20, 2020
3.5 stars. Better than the first, but still not 4 stars.
August 28, 2021
2⭐️
Solo por los POV de Salem.
🙁
Solo por los POV de Salem.
🙁
May 6, 2020
May 6, 2020
2.5/5
I didn’t really like this book. Besides the whole Lyr and Salem (can I just say his name reminds me of Sabrina’s cat Salem. The talking one) thing. One of the reason I wanted to read this after so long is so that I could get the details of Lyr and Aenor’s relationship out of my head. I thought it was out, but it still kept bugging me while I was reading this. I felt like there was no depth in the relationship development between Aenor and Salem. Yeah, she’s his mate and he’s protective of her but she seems to be batting these emotions and is intent on killing him. The sex scene was kinda abrupt. Aenor wasn’t THAT attracted to him. And now that he’s sacrificed himself, she feels obligated to save him because she found out he’s her mate. Not because she really cares or anything, but because he’s her mate.
I definitely wasn’t a fan of this book. It was downright boring in some parts.
January 8, 2020
I’m a little wary of reading this book. I’m not really a fan of multiple lovers in a series (or love triangles tbh) It’s why I didn’t finish the Stephanie Plum series, why I haven’t read A Court of Thrones and Roses and Throne of Glass. Its why I didn’t finish the Infernal Devices series (she somehow ends up with both. How convenient 😑😑😑). Its also why It’s also why I’m hesitant to start on the Witcher series as well.
I don’t know, it’s something about being invested in a couple and then them not being together. It’s especially hard when you have love scenes with a love interest besides the HEA (as is the case here). You’ve seen this relationship bloom between the protagonist and their interest but then... it doesn’t mean anything because they move on with another person.
2.5/5
I didn’t really like this book. Besides the whole Lyr and Salem (can I just say his name reminds me of Sabrina’s cat Salem. The talking one) thing. One of the reason I wanted to read this after so long is so that I could get the details of Lyr and Aenor’s relationship out of my head. I thought it was out, but it still kept bugging me while I was reading this. I felt like there was no depth in the relationship development between Aenor and Salem. Yeah, she’s his mate and he’s protective of her but she seems to be batting these emotions and is intent on killing him. The sex scene was kinda abrupt. Aenor wasn’t THAT attracted to him. And now that he’s sacrificed himself, she feels obligated to save him because she found out he’s her mate. Not because she really cares or anything, but because he’s her mate.
I definitely wasn’t a fan of this book. It was downright boring in some parts.
January 8, 2020
I’m a little wary of reading this book. I’m not really a fan of multiple lovers in a series (or love triangles tbh) It’s why I didn’t finish the Stephanie Plum series, why I haven’t read A Court of Thrones and Roses and Throne of Glass. Its why I didn’t finish the Infernal Devices series (she somehow ends up with both. How convenient 😑😑😑). Its also why It’s also why I’m hesitant to start on the Witcher series as well.
I don’t know, it’s something about being invested in a couple and then them not being together. It’s especially hard when you have love scenes with a love interest besides the HEA (as is the case here). You’ve seen this relationship bloom between the protagonist and their interest but then... it doesn’t mean anything because they move on with another person.
March 30, 2020
All of the feels! ♥️
This book has it all! I’m not even kidding; humor, emotion, smexy times, C.N. Crawford’s exceptional dialogue, and an emotionally damaged bad-boy with a slightly dirty mouth. The only bad thing about this book is that I couldn’t wait to read it and I finished it all in one sitting. Even though it didn’t end on a traditional cliff-hanger, it left the me very anxious to read the next book.
I don’t want to give away too much with the review so I will just say that the writing is excellent, with few (if any) grammatical errors, the dialogue is always fantastic, and the characters are beautifully broken. There is humor and silliness without it being forced and overdone, and conversely, there is a depth of emotion with these characters that has left a bit of a hole in my heart after reading. They have successfully pulled me into their story and I am invested in their HEA. That being said, I will be impatiently waiting for the next installment of this series!
This book has it all! I’m not even kidding; humor, emotion, smexy times, C.N. Crawford’s exceptional dialogue, and an emotionally damaged bad-boy with a slightly dirty mouth. The only bad thing about this book is that I couldn’t wait to read it and I finished it all in one sitting. Even though it didn’t end on a traditional cliff-hanger, it left the me very anxious to read the next book.
I don’t want to give away too much with the review so I will just say that the writing is excellent, with few (if any) grammatical errors, the dialogue is always fantastic, and the characters are beautifully broken. There is humor and silliness without it being forced and overdone, and conversely, there is a depth of emotion with these characters that has left a bit of a hole in my heart after reading. They have successfully pulled me into their story and I am invested in their HEA. That being said, I will be impatiently waiting for the next installment of this series!
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