Thief of Souls

Court of Dreams #2

by Bec McMaster

What cost will she pay to save her soul?

After failing to return with the Dragon’s Heart, Zemira is sent by her father to infiltrate the Court of Blood, in search of the mythical cauldron that contains the power of the long-lost dragon kings.

But her deal with Prince Keir bears dangerous consequences—for Keir is determined to gain the cauldron himself. Caught between two deadly enemies, can Zemira save herself? And will Keir ever forgive her for the deception she played upon him?

Join USA Today bestselling author, Bec McMaster, on a dangerous quest with a heroine determined to forge her own fate—though Zemira never counted on a wickedly alluring prince who may or may not be her ally. Pre-order this epic fantasy filled with magic and breathtaking romance today!

Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romance, Fae, Dragons, Magic, Enemies To Lovers

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2021

About the author

Kidnapped by a dread pirate when she was a child, USA Today Bestselling Author Bec McMaster was raised on myth and legend, and offered her younger siblings to the goblin king many a time. Unfortunately, he did not accept.

Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.

Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.

Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com

Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.

Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)

Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)

Where to start?

If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.

For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.

Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.

Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.

For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.

Reviews

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 2 out of 5]

⤅ Definition of bland.

This book is actually the second in the series, but the first is a novella, so skipping it didn't disadvantage me too much because it was clear what had previously happened to the couple. I have fairly good memories of what went down (surprisingly good, considering how boring I found this book) but the main couple just cannot inspire any interest or investment from me.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

This book (and the previous) took me on a rollercoaster. McMaster was always good at creating a new world to dive into. The plot was engaging and I can’t wait for the next book!

I liked that Zemira was more hopeful and kind than other people from her Court. Even though her father was a monster and her sister was a backstabber, she still was a little soft inside. She thought she could trust her sister but even though her sister betrayed her a million times, Zemira cared for her. She was overall a nice person who tried to do the right thing.

She was adorable at times too with her fondness of food. She said her best heist was when she was hiding in a chocolate shop.

I did find her constant lying to Keir, especially in the last quarter of this book, a little silly. I understood why she lied when she was planning to betray him and follow her dad’s plan. However, even after she betrayed him and he realized that she did twice, she still hid about her father having her soul and still slipped off to give her father the horn. It didn’t make sense to me because she already told him that her father have control of her, so what difference did it make to know about the soul par? And he already knew she planned on giving the horn to her dad, so why did she slip off to give it to her father in secret? I felt like she was being purposely obtuse and just kept on lying even though it kinda had no point anymore. And it contradicted her line at the end that she truly did trust Keir (but he couldn’t trust her). I mean if she did trust him, she wouldn’t be withholding truths and slipping away so much. I didn’t even blame her for betraying him both times because it made sense why – her father had her soul and she wanted to protect her sister – it made perfect sense and I applauded her caring heart. Plus, Keir knew that and told it was okay too. I just didn’t understand why even after Keir found out the truth about the soul and horn, she still kept on lying and hiding? It felt redundant. Especially when he made it clear that they could find a solution together and that he didn’t care that she betrayed him. Ultimately, I really liked Zemira in Book 1 and most of Book 2, but the last quarter of this book had me scratching my head. Even if she didn’t fully trust Keir to find a solution to the two issues above, it was one thing to have actual, earnest reasons for her betrayal, and another thing entirely to make things unnecessarily more complicated. If I had to make sense of her actions at the end, I guess her flaw would be that even though she had a soft heart and wanted to protect other people, she never allowed – never even considered to allow – anyone to care and protect for her. A little ironic, but I guess would make sense.

On the other hand, my liking of Soraya went in the opposite direction. I didn’t care for her in Book 1 and most of Book 2, but by the end of the book, I respected her. It even made sense by the end of this book why she was a backstabber. She betrayed Zemira during the trials because she knew Zemira was holding back for her. Even though it initially seemed like Soraya let Zemira go for her own selfish reasons to make it to the finish line without Zemira’s baggage – it turned out that her leaving behind Zemira was so that Soraya was no longer holding Zemira back. And in general, she was trying to teach her sister a lesson and get her to protect herself more. I guess this somewhat went back to my above paragraph’s point – Zemira gave her everything for those she loved, but she never protected herself or let anyone do it for her.

And it made sense why she had such a cold approach, why she refused love from both her sister and Mistmark. We found out at the end of the book that her mother was killed right in front other while they were trying to escape from Soraya’s father. It made sense why she feared love. Soraya could be mean and selfish most of the times, but she did care for her sister. I also really hope we get a book for her and Mistmark. They sounded interesting.

And a book for Falion would be fantastic. I adored his honest and somewhat sassy remarks. He was like a grumpy bear who could be surprisingly loyal and nice too.

Keir was bold, determined, and kind. I liked how he was good to Zemira and even Soraya even though the same could not be said the other way around. He was a good guy and I hope in the next book, Zemira can finally give him a break.

Overall, this book (and the previous) introduced some good characters. I felt invested in them and can’t wait to find out what will happen in the next. 4 stars

Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending? No, cliffhanger, not the last book
Favorite scenes? When Keir reveals that he knew Zemira saved the servant from being raped, and he told her he knew she was not without honor. When he told her that what he hated the most was that all of this was a pretense for her and she finally revealed to him that it wasn’t. When Falion found out that Zemira was his sister and both she and Mistmark teased him for his weird way of showing his concerns.

[Kiarna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my most anticipated releases this year and my God! Bec did not disappoint!

Keir and Zemira are becoming my new favourite couple. I love a man who isn't afraid to be vulnerable and express his feelings and Keir knows what he wants.

As always the world building is phenomenal as well as the fight sequences. I'm dyslexic and I never struggle to read and/or picture anything in her books. They are so well written, they flow smoothly, not overly frilly with explanations and no overuse of adjectives and descriptives.

Perfectly executed writing and it's why I will always continue to buy her books without even reading the synopsis because I know I'll instantly like them 🥰

Can't wait for Thief of Hearts! 😩

[Marta Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five glorious stars for this one. It’s funny isn’t it that more often than not the middle book in a trilogy feels like filler well absolutely not this time ! This book took on a life if it’s own with revelations and numerous surprises to keep this reader well and truly entertained. I won’t waste your time with a length review but will say that I loved the thoroughly nasty, tricky Fae and if you want to read something that’s terribly grown up and pulls no punches than this is the book for you.
This voluntary take with my thoughts and comments is honest and I believe fair

[AliciaJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is getting so good! The suspense and romance between Keir and Zemira is so intense I couldn’t put the book down until I finished. I’m just bummed that the next book isn’t out yet!

[AlwaysV · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stunning final scene! What a magical love story! What heart pounding gripping non-stop actions! What an Epic conclusion it will be in Book #3 Thief of Hearts‼️

My emotions were all over the place while reading. I was yelling at Zemira for not being a kick ass heroine. I didn't realize she had no knowledge or no training on how to use the gift inherited from her mother. OMG! On the contrary, she was beyond amazing wielding whatever magic and abilities she had learned on her own just to stay alive! I was so mistaken in believing at first that she wasn't a perfect match for Keir, the Dragon Prince. But she truly was‼️ She was absolutely his true mate in every way!

It needed to be mentioned here, too, that their sensual scenes together were hotter and more explosive than ~ hmmmm ~ a volcanic eruption? or something along that line! Please pick up this book and experience it in person 🔥 And share your thoughts with other readers then?

I had no words to express how Keir just totally blew me away! The most fantastic feat he showed the entire book was to hide his true power‼️ We only witnessed the tip of the iceberg of his well hidden magic! My imagination wasn't that vast! So! I'm dying to be mesmerized by the Epic Finale in 2022 ‼️

Sharing one of my favorite scenes:

"I am done hiding," I whisper into the world, and my power carries those words across courts and kingdoms. "I have found my true mate. Don't interfere.

Their minds brush against me, curious and distant, and then, one by one, all six of them turn away. They will not interfere.

"But Asmeroth leaves me one last parting note. "You risk us all with this decision. They will sense the truth."

I risk nothing I'm not willing to pay.
I am Enkeirammon.
King of kings.
Heir to a throne that no longer exists.
And I have finally found the treasure I've spent my entire lifetime searching for.
Nothing is going to stop me from having it.

[Saly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stayed up till 3 last night finishing it, that is how good & addictive this book was. Bec McMaster is a master of writing, plot building and introducing so many secondary characters that you want the story of all of them. Now, before I delve deeper in the book, the reason I didn't give it full 5 stars was because I wanted the heroine to tell the hero why she couldn't choose him, instead of always saying no with words, but yes with her actions. Keir was fabulous and he allowed Zemira to shine. Zemira's sister Soraya was great too! All in all the book had romance, passion, intrigue, epic destiny, fabulous villains and everything you need for a great read.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thief of Souls is the second story in the Court of Dreams fantasy series. The story picks up three months after the conclusion of the previous novella with Zemira being tortured by her father, the of king of the wraiths, for failing to steal the Heart of the Dragon. When her father discovers another artifact that may be used to end the curse on the wraiths, he sends Zemira to the Court of Blood. Meanwhile, Keir searches for the same artifact, demanding Zemira’s help after bonding her to him in the previous book.

I have mixed feelings about Thief of Souls. It was slow moving at first and hard to follow at times. I was frustrated with Zemira and the depth of subterfuge needed to survive. At one point she was bound to complete tasks for three different fae. However, the overall mythology is interesting and complex. There is a strong romantic element and love story, but no HEA. Some of the best parts are when Zemira and Keir talk and confide in one another. And while there are sexy times, I wouldn’t label this a romance. Within the story, there is plot development, character development, and forward progression, but no real conclusion. It’s a little frustrating.

Narration: The story is primarily shared in the first person, present tense POV of Zemira. The female narrator reads with what sounds like to me a British accent, and I found it suited Zemira. The dialogue for each character is adjusted appropriately, making each character unique. The male characters are generally deeper, but sometimes sound off a bit. There is a change in the POV for a short while, and the narrator adjusts her performance perfectly. My biggest complaint is that I often had trouble distinguishing between Zemira’s internal discourse and actual dialogue.

In the end, I am enjoying the mythology despite my frustrations. I’ll probably listen to the next book, hoping it’s the last, or at least there is a solid conclusion and no cliffhanger ending.

My Ratings:
Story: B-
Narration: B-

Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basic Plot: Zemira is tasked with finding the horn that calls the Wild Hunt so her father can end the curse on his kingdom, which connects her back with Keir.

Holy smexy scenes, Batman. This was a scorcher. Zemira and Keir are a good match, though, in more than one way. I just wish she would frikking communicate better. This may be the one time, though, when I kind of get why she doesn't, even if it makes me want to scream. Growing up in a brutal, abusive household has an effect.

Overall, the book was another great offering from McMaster. I'm looking forward to seeing how this short series concludes.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bec has done it again!

I am always amazed at how Bec can write a world. The first book in this series, Thief of Dreams, was on the shorter end since it was part of an anthology, and the world was just introduced. In this book however, Bec makes the world EXPLOED. We have more characters, more plot, more relationship development, etc...

We get to dive deeper into Zemira's character and thoughts. She is stuck between duty and desire, and she learns throughout the book what it looks like to *possibly* balance the two. Keir is an great MMC and I love how we have a MMC that is the one "pining" (for lack of a better term) after the dark and broody FMC instead of the other way around. Also. I LOVED the sisterly relationship between Zemira and Soraya. I feel like sisterly bonds are a great addition to stories, and even though theirs's is definitely and up and down relationship, I really enjoyed the dynamic and can't wait to see where it is taken.

Besides the characters, the world in this books is so interesting. Bec has both a Fae only series (Dark Court Rising) and a dragon shifters only series (Legend of the Storm), yet even though this books has a mixture of both "types" it is still uniquely it's own with no overlap from the other series. The political intrigue was also well done, and I really enjoyed the "thief/assassin" aspect of this story. Also the little act of "sifting" has gabbed my attention and I want to learn ALL about it from Bec. Of course this wouldn't be a series by Bec without a cliffhanger, but if there is one thing you can count on is that Bec always gives her readers a HEA.

Overall, if you like fae and dragon mythology, political intrigue, thief/assassin themes, steamy scenes between the H and h, and sisterly relationships, this is definitely a book for you!

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying I love the story being told in this series, which may seem strange with a tepid rating, but hear me out: this book would be 4 without the sex. Let me explain.

I know, empirically, that Bec McMaster can write heat and write it really well, and do it in a way that serves the romance. Looking at you, London Steampunk series. I’m not missish about steam and prefer it to closed-door in 98% of romances. But sex in a romance that doesn’t feel romantic or like it even builds intimacy between the two characters is disappointing, especially with this level of description and from a reliable author, and frankly it takes away from the story. I guess Mira won’t know Keir wants to marry her forever if he’s not constantly borderline hate-boning her, and vice-versa. Lots of walls doing the heavy lifting here. Shout out to solid construction and Keir not skipping leg day. Or arm day. Or core day. He’s lucky Mira’s not real or he’d regret skipping foreplay; what works in this book would be like a fresh sneaker on a basketball court and make everyone really sad. I’m sad just writing that. Warm a girl up first, Keir. A smoldering glance can only do so much.

I also still find the first person narrative a little jarring. It gives it a YA feel with decidedly NOT YA content, but that’s on me. I just don’t especially care for this POV and it’s a rare book that makes me forget that.

Now, this is Book 2 in a trilogy so there’s a lot going on to build on the plot. We open with torture - as we do - and much mayhem and intrigue ensue. This plot has everything: magic, souls, dying, almost dying, half-death, bloodshed, murder, many descriptions of bodily fluids and the intermingling thereof, fae Ecstacy, existential angst, regular angst, misplaced rage, shadow people and a little light archery. The introduction of a few new characters, especially Falion, is important and I am looking forward to how that, plus the increasing development and role of Alaric “You have murdered me THRICE” Mistmark and Soraya, and (hopefully) the future painful death of a jackass in the Court of Shadows play out in the next book.

This review probably went too far but, you know, maybe that’s just what I’m meant to be. 3.75, with a quarter star off for unrealistic expectations of reproductive organs and their recovery/durability ratings all around.

[shelly.reads.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I loved this! It completely took me by surprise—has everything I want in my adult fantasy romance. A really tight story, with all the tropes I love ❤️. The FMC is the villain—she is essentially owned and her skills as a thief are used by others, so she is in a way villainous to survive—but it’s still great to read this kind of morally grey FMC.

Spice kicked up a notch in this one and was great, at least a 2.5🌶️ I’d say (probably 3 to others!)

I read this via audiobook but didn’t love the narration—the voice sounds great (and English accent which really fits the high fantasy vibes), but there are so so SO many errors and mispronunciation which take you out of the narrative. It speaks to the strength of the story itself that this was still a 4.5⭐️ for me as I could push through because I was captured by everything else!

OH NO 🫠 edited to add: I was just about to pick up book 3 but it isn’t out yet 😭😭😭 HOW DID I NOT NOTICE THAT 😭😭😭 nooooooo💀💀💀 cliffhanger AGONY

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

And another of Bec's books is added to my favorites list! This full length book totally makes up for the length in book 1! Trust me, A LOT has happened. This series, I've noticed has similar Dark Court Rising series vibes, which I loved. There is so much mystery still surrounding the main characters that I can't wait how it unfolds in the finale!

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Chris Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! This totally makes up for lack of chapters and events happening in book 1. This book was evenly paced and totally amazing! Zemira is one awesome character. I loved her internal monologues..she cracks me up every time she disses the male ego🤣 Keir is the epitome of book boyfriends!! A dark and mysterious fae prince, oozing charm and head over heels for Mira AND he's also an all powerful, sexy dragon king with an insatiable hunger🔥 Their banter is as awesome as ever but the sizzling chemistry is off the charts!! Keep in mind that this book is an adult fantasy and not YA, exactly my cup of tea🤭 Where do I sign up for a Keir of my own??!
Soraya is another amazing character and I would love to read a book on her and Prince Alaric!! All the secondary characters were awesome and had their own roles to play. Totally did not see those twists coming and that cliffhanger was unbearable!!!
So looking forward to the third and final book of this epic romance fantasy❤

100/5 'my love' stars💕

[bookedforromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blown!!! What a great start to the series. I freaking loved it but I am dying for the next installment. What a great idea to the series 👏👏👏

[Nicole Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize the third book wasn't released yet. *Cries*

[Bethany Lawrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite the errors in the writing I absolutely loved this and the chemistry between the main couple, so sad that the 3rd book isn’t available yet

[Sigrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need book 3😬😬😬

[Amy Braun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dramatic, spicy, and filled with betrayal and action, this is a good sequel to Bec McMaster’s Court of Dreams series. The story picks up shortly after where the first book left off as Zemira once again finds herself in the path of Keir, the dragon king.

Zemira is as stubborn and willful as she’s ever been, yet she remains torn between her heart, head, and duty. She is fierce and uncertain of her future, which leads to frequent clashes with the intense Keir. Their romance is passionate and ferocious, which makes for some great spice.

There were a lot of moving parts and some added POVs near the end that may not have been needed. There were complicated character relationships and visceral action scenes. The dialogue was good and the prose was dramatic.

All in all, this was a great spicy read that leaves the door open for more books and adventure!

[Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of typos in this one and I was confused at parts. I did still enjoy it a lot and it did come together but it ended on a cliff hanger and I have to wait until August for the next book 😩

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my most anticipated reads after novella Thief of Dreams, and it delivered in spades! I discovered Ms. Bec through her Dark Court books which are also so good, but this series is my new fave! Ms. Bec Mcmaster pls promise you'll write more of this rich fantasy world after the third book Thief of Hearts. I need more of these magical fae princes and their badass brides. After that cliffhanger ending, the wait is going to be so tough yet again.

I also get tired of the fated mates trope but I don't know...the way she introduced it way later in the game, made it not bother me at all. This book is just the right amount of court fae intrigue, magic, romance, and adventure. I always fail to get far along into popular fae fantasy books because of the slow start but this book just gets right into it. Hope more folks who love all things fae, romance, and fantasy will check this out.

One true test that I'm loving the story are all my bookmarks and I've almost bookmarked every page! I thought I'll just be all about the main couple but I love all the secondary couples and characters and can't wait to read all about them. Now back to a reread!

[Σελήνη · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟. Or 4 🌟 because I'm too obsessed with Keir, Zemira and this world in spite of it all

I want to scream. I want to throw my e-reader out the window. GOD WHY.

This was my most anticipated read of the year and the problem is, in part, that I probably had way too high expectations for them to be met. It's still a good book, one I mostly enjoyed, but it was supposed to be everything and instead was mainly good when it could have been great and that's why I'm so mad.
The cliffhanger sucks, the last quarter (especially) felt rushed, there is disappointment written all over my heart.

I really, really think that Thief of Souls (what does the title has to do with what actually happens in the book by the way?) would have benefitted from more work and editing and I wonder if McMaster did not rush the publication to avoid postponing the deadline a second time. And I'm so damn sad about it. Postpone it for a year if needed, I'll never complain. Creativity and inspiration cannot be summoned and to reach perfection some projects need more time than others. I'd rather suffer from waiting for months on end than sadness over what could have been.

The plot and the execution needed more work and something was off with the pacing. It was still an enjoyable read don't get me wrong but I'm being critical because the potential was through the roof and it really feels like a failed masterpiece in some way.
Nonetheless, I had a lot of fun and flew through the first half. I love love love the world and the main characters, although I have a few bones to pick with my girl Zemira, which most certainly will turn into a rant below, and I'm not warming up to Soraya (yes, ~slight spoiler~ in spite of the new information).

~Kinda spoilery I guess?~

The rest of this review should be a love letter to Keir. He deserves it tenfold. Mainly for his overall awesomeness and incredible prowess as lover (I'm barely recovering), but also for his patience. The man is a saint. I'd have lost it a while ago.
Oh Zemira, my dear Zemira. I love you dearly. But why, why, why must you be this way? Mira (I'm channeling my inner Keir)'s lack of communication got old pretty fast and worst, her whole commitment to blatantly ignoring reality to fit her views of "no one can love me boohoo" was soooo irritating oh my god I do not have Keir's patience bless him. I understand that her whole life has been hell and distrust and she doesn't believe that she is deserving of love and happiness and can't conceive that someone could truly love her but pleaaaase THERE IS A LIMIT to what I can endure. Your insecurities might make it hard or almost impossible to pick up on clues and subtle things but good lord we're talking freaking whole-ass declarations here. Very very very clear declarations. No hinting at shit, oh no, just plain and simple declarations of love and devotion that cannot be misinterpreted in any way. But nope, that certainly doesn't stop Zemira from putting on her "I do not hear I do not see" act for almost the entire book. Uuuuuuuugh. Maybe that's realistic (I mean??), but it got annoying and boring as fuck fast 😵 .
At some point, lying to him and choosing to not fully trust him with the truth (which regarding her soul literally made no difference at all what the hell) and to ignore the fact that she could simply work hand in hand with him and be so much more powerful and almost invincible that way, just stopped making any sense.

[jammaster_mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of a three book trilogy that is separate from Ms. McMaster's other series. This world has Fae and dragons and magic. There are different courts and many of the races are very long lived which is both a gift and a curse. The gift of a long life can lead to extremes of selfishness and hardness of heart or it can give the gift of centuries with the one that you care for deeply.

This book is filled with power plays, plots and objects of power. There are curses that some wish to break and there are others so tightly bound to another that they doubt they will ever be free. When you don't have anyone who truly cares for you this world is a treacherous place. In the first book Zimira was sent to set a relic of great power from the Prince of Dreams. He had sent a summons throughout the land for all Fae women of a certain age to visit his court and the one he chose would be his bride. Zimira was sent with the name of another and she is the best thief in the Wraithin court. What she walked away with was the betrothal to Keir and bound to him for a year and a day.

When Zimira returned empty handed to her Father he sent her for 3 months of torture. In his court you are only allowed 1 failure. When Keir and her Father both set her on the same mission looking for another relic of great power she isn't sure how to play this. Zimira finds herself fighting her feelings for Keir in an attempt to protect him. She isn't free to chose him or the life that he offers her no matter how much she may want to. As they dance through the power plays and deadly games at a wedding Zimira keeps her eyes on the relic. The only question is what is she going to do with it once she has it? Who will she give it to? Will her choice lead to war? Will she somehow figure out a way to have what she wants?

I enjoyed this book. The different names and relationships were a little bit tricky but it did flow well. I enjoyed the twists and turns with the different characters. This book is set up in a very different way from the first one but it had to be. The first book was very much a Fae version of The Bachelor. This book is a continuation but also takes a different turn....almost like when the show is over and the couple has to begin to figure out if they can do real life together or not:) This is a middle book so there are not answers and solutions to all the threads. I am looking forward to the next book to see where Zimira and Keir go from here.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I have read a book I didn't immensely enjoy by Bec McMaster. She is one of my favorite authors. Her characters are always well rounded with their strengths and weaknesses and she has a great way of balancing those traits in her heroine and hero seamlessly. Her world building is always thorough without being overwhelming and it is quite easy to immerse yourself in any of her stories.

I loved everything about this book except the very end. It ends with a somewhat cliffhanger, which I hate, but even if I knew that before I started the book 2 minutes after Amazon sent me my pre-order, I would have still read it as quickly as I did. And I would still sulk when after finishing the book, see that Ms McMaster won't have the next one out until early next year.

All the little details that went into the world building and having background info explained in a way that didn't come across as FYI to the reader was appreciated. Nothing worse than feeling like the author is writing a wiki page to you. There were a couple spots where it felt like certain things were repeated, but not enough to feel overly redundant or pull you from the story.

Zamira was her brash constantly-thinking self and Keir was appropriately arrogant and growly and possessive, which is what all good dragon lords should be. There were a couple twists, which were great, and I enjoyed where the story was going and was quite disappointed when it stopped. A few new characters, all which added some great depth and a few returning ones.

There were a handful of typos with a couple pulling me from the flow of the story as I tried to figure out what word was meant. But other than that, I felt the story and it's world were well done and I am sad I have to wait 8+ months for the next book.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thief of Souls, the second book in the Court of Dreams trilogy, absolutely delivered! It could have been a bunch of build-up and development, (hanging all my hopes on the final book) without feeling like it really gave me anything, which was not the case. Since the first book, Thief of Dreams, was novella length, I didn't get a good enough grasp on the world or enough from the characters to feel invested in them. Thief of Souls used that tiny steppingstone to launch a wider story with bigger consequences.

Zemira's failures in the first book have kept her out of the loop and in constant pain in her father's dungeons. When a new artifact is suspected in play and ripe for theft, both her father and Prince Keir separately task her with finding, stealing, and bringing them the horn that controls the Wild Hunt.

Zemira can't find a way to quickly gain access to her targets in the Court of Blood and enlists Keir to provide her entry and a cover to do her sleuthing. After the trouble her sister caused in the first book, Zemira isn't sure exactly where she stands with Keir. She finds him desirable, but knows her future is not hers to choose. The tension between them didn't feel forced or get annoying. I kept wondering who would break first, emotionally and physically.

The tiny taste of Zemira's world from Thief of Dreams made it easy to expand the world and its characters without being overwhelmed. You understand there is so much more going on, but aren't drowned in details unimportant to the current story. The various plots and games being played were enough to keep me guessing, so I appreciated that focus.

Thief of Souls is successful in that it expands the story and gives me a satisfying ending, even if it is a cliffhanger. The purpose of this second book wasn't just to serve the goals of the third.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Just Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔹ARC kindly provided from the author for an honest review.🔹

4.5 very impressed stars. Wauw.

This was incredibly action packed. Filled with intrigue, twist & turns. I loved that added Soraya chapter. #amazing
Loved that is showed growth. Not just in Zemira, but in Soraya too.
It was so clever.
Seriously, the story had so many clever moments. I loved the plot. Simply brilliant. And I loved how our two sisters “bonded” or like.. ohm not?😂.

One of my favorite quote because SWOON:

“And you?” I whisper.
“Me?”
“Would you fear me too?”
A dangerous glint comes into us eyes. “I fear nothing, my lady of starlight. Because I am Fire and Fury? And if I were to unleash myself from these mortal trappings, then the very world would burn.”

Read: 05/06/2021
1st rating: 4.5 stars
Genre/tropes: Fantasy/romance/dragons/Fae
Cover: 4 stars
POV’s: Multiple-1st person (Mainly Zamira though)
Will I recommend: YES

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything was improved in this second instalment, whereas book 1 could have been a novella this novel completely submerges us in more character development, world building and multiple plots. I was worried Zamira, although boasting she is the best thief, for much of the novel she did get into silly situations, but we see her grow into a completely badass heroine, whilst maintaining her devotion to her sister etc.
I did get fed up with the back and forth between her and Kier, her obtuseness that ‘I love you, but I can’t, but I still will even though I won’t admit it’s love’ back and forth got boring. Soraya I think was the star of the show I really loved her development and I hope we see more of her. Also I did like Fallion, maybe a spin off series could be made about him?
I am intrigued by all these courts and I was glad to see more mention of them. Overall the first book was a taster, this is the main course.

[Rox · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Book Review ✨

Thief of Souls is the second book of Bec McMaster's Court of Dreams series. Note that book one is a novella and is excellent - super tight storytelling and I loved the plot twists.

✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Secret Identity
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Fake Dating

-summary-
After failing her father's quest for her (see book 1), Zemira is given another chance to win his favor. Unfortunately, she will have to team up with (and maybe betray) Prince Keir, who she is hiding her feelings for.

-thoughts-

This was a fun one. It's got Mr and Mrs Smith vibes in a fantasy setting. I loved how both characters cared for each other but also couldn't fully trust - for good reason. While I'm a little meh on court stuff now, I didn't mind it so much here. The B storyline with Z's sister added extra enjoyment too.

Definitely start with book one, but this one is worth reading.

Steam 🔥🔥
Banter 🗣️🗣️🗣️
Swoon 💕💕💕💕

[Lauren | laurensmagicbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, was addicted to it, and I need to know what happened after that ending!

Thief of Souls follows the events of the first book and adds so much to the depth and nuance of the characters. There’s more worldbuilding and history provided for context- and plenty of flashbacks so we better understand the relationships as they change in real-time. The world gets bigger in this one and it is so cool to learn about! It’s a fast-paced read, with plenty of action, court intrigue, and romance. Lots of surprises are sprinkled in which makes for an absolute rollercoaster of emotions.

I fell in love with these characters- their situations get complicated fast and it is easy to root for them to succeed in their quest. And that tension? Dialed to an 11 and then it just broke spectacularly. It’s very spicy, so keep those headphones on if you're listening to the audiobook!

I’d recommend this one to fans of Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, Kingdom of the Wicked, and Ilona Andrews’ books.

[Kerry Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Combined review Thief of Dreams and Thief of Souls.

This is at least a 3 book story as book 2 ended on a cliffhanger. Books reside in a similar world as McMaster’s Dark Court Rising series though I did not notice any cross over characters.

I listened to the audiobooks and was disappointed. I just didn’t connect with the narrators (Ended up bumping the speed up to 1.75 just to get through the books. Felt like the readers drolled on.) It didn’t help that the plot felt drawn out. By the end of book 2 I was hoping for a conclusion only to have it abruptly pause for book 3. New concepts and plot points were scares as pages flew by. What I have read so far felt like it should have been chopped down to 1 book not two.

All in all loved McMasters Promise of Darkness. But may end with this series at book 2 skipping book 3 all together.