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Twisted Pages #2
Of Beasts and Vengeance
Zaina thought she could run from her secrets, but they have finally caught up to her.
She’s willing to risk her life for those she loves, but even that might not be enough to stop what’s coming.
Einar has finally let down his guard, but when the woman he trusts takes off in the middle of the night with his people's only hope for a cure, he realizes what a mistake that was.
They have been living under the shadow of the same monster for longer than either of them realize. But it’s up to them to decide whether that makes them enemies or allies.
You’ve heard it asked, who could ever learn to love a beast? But this time, the question is, could a beast ever learn to love?
She’s willing to risk her life for those she loves, but even that might not be enough to stop what’s coming.
Einar has finally let down his guard, but when the woman he trusts takes off in the middle of the night with his people's only hope for a cure, he realizes what a mistake that was.
They have been living under the shadow of the same monster for longer than either of them realize. But it’s up to them to decide whether that makes them enemies or allies.
You’ve heard it asked, who could ever learn to love a beast? But this time, the question is, could a beast ever learn to love?
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2021
241 people are currently reading
2022 people want to read
About the author
Elle Madison
33 books675 followersElle Madison is a faerie disguising herself as an author in the human world.
When she isn't wrestling her children, she's busy baking cookies for her husband and becoming a regular at every taco shop she comes across.
After hours, when she puts the kiddos to bed, you can usually find Elle working on creating new fantastical worlds, reading about them or playing Stardew Valley like the child she is.
Elle enjoys watching the sunset, trying new wines, the occasional raccoon or two, and being with people who make her laugh.
When she isn't wrestling her children, she's busy baking cookies for her husband and becoming a regular at every taco shop she comes across.
After hours, when she puts the kiddos to bed, you can usually find Elle working on creating new fantastical worlds, reading about them or playing Stardew Valley like the child she is.
Elle enjoys watching the sunset, trying new wines, the occasional raccoon or two, and being with people who make her laugh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
February 8, 2021
After all, the queen is the most powerful piece on the board.
Ladies and gents, Elle Madison and Robin D. Mahle have done it again. What a ride.
Of Beasts and Vengeance picks up right after Of Thorns and Beauty, so much so, that I would recommend re-reading OTAB right before OBAV or you might be a little confused if you've forgotten some of the smaller details.
As with the first book, the story is fast-paced and the character progression is wholesome, however, I find that this time around we didn't get much more world-building except for a few more details on the Eastern Lands through Einar's books. It's a shame because I find the different lands we get a glimpse of throughout the story to be really interesting.
I'm hoping that as the series progresses and we meet Zaina's sisters, we'll get to know better each of the lands, which by the way, I love how they seem to resemble real-life places such as India or Scandinavia. I can't wait to see more of this.
Of Beasts and Vengeance ends with a bang when we finally meet Aika, who will likely be the protagonist in the upcoming Of Glass and Ashes, which screams to me of Cinderella. Can't wait.
Ladies and gents, Elle Madison and Robin D. Mahle have done it again. What a ride.
Of Beasts and Vengeance picks up right after Of Thorns and Beauty, so much so, that I would recommend re-reading OTAB right before OBAV or you might be a little confused if you've forgotten some of the smaller details.
As with the first book, the story is fast-paced and the character progression is wholesome, however, I find that this time around we didn't get much more world-building except for a few more details on the Eastern Lands through Einar's books. It's a shame because I find the different lands we get a glimpse of throughout the story to be really interesting.
I'm hoping that as the series progresses and we meet Zaina's sisters, we'll get to know better each of the lands, which by the way, I love how they seem to resemble real-life places such as India or Scandinavia. I can't wait to see more of this.
Of Beasts and Vengeance ends with a bang when we finally meet Aika, who will likely be the protagonist in the upcoming Of Glass and Ashes, which screams to me of Cinderella. Can't wait.
January 27, 2021
I have many many many thoughts, but they are good thoughts and I don't even know if I can convey all said thoughts.
First off, this was everything I hoped the sequel would be. It was hard, yes, but it was extremely powerful and that middle made me almost sob. (I for sure cried, but not quite full-blown sob, but just barely.) Zaina has been on an adventure like no other character I've read and I honestly did not know what to expect. These authors can write a tell that grips you so hard that your brain refuses to not let you do anything else except binge read. (Seriously, I think I’ve binge read every book these authors have published at this point.)
Second, Zaina’s overall journey was amazing. Her character growth was something I could read again and again because who she was in the beginning is definitely not who she is in the end. It was a beauty to behold and absolutely LOVED that last sentence of the final chapter (not the epilogue)! I loved how Einar helped her break down the walls she built up. I loved her heart in how she boldly gave herself up for everyone she loves. But ultimately, I love how she opened herself up without being untrue to who she is. I think sometimes as people we can feel we NEED to change in order to be a better version of ourselves. And yes, I suppose we do (Zaina DOES show not all change is bad), but not at the sake of completely changing our personalities and who we are as whole. Zaina was still Zania at the end. Yes, she learned and grew and became a more powerful version of herself (confidence looks 100% amazing on her), but Einar never wanted her to be anyone else but herself and just open up.
Thirdly, this series might have a little more heat than I am use to, but I must give mad props to both ladies in how they showed a REAL marriage. Marriage isn’t easy, but seeing Zaina and Einar’s relationship grow to be something real hit me really hard. They had to come to a place of absolute trust despite the lies, hurt, and pain between them. I cannot get over just how incredibly well done their relationship is as whole, but specifically this book. They came to lift one another up rather than tear each other down and came to really see how they were their other half.
I am nervously excited as to where things will go from here. I have zero doubts it will be gripping and I might feel I want to pull my hair out (because seriously, their characters are SO stubborn LOL), but it will be 100% worth it. These authors have proven time and time again that they can be trusted to maybe break our reader heart for a moment, but stitch it right back together in a powerful way just like they do with their characters.
Looking forward to seeing what they will share next!
*(I received an ARC from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
First off, this was everything I hoped the sequel would be. It was hard, yes, but it was extremely powerful and that middle made me almost sob. (I for sure cried, but not quite full-blown sob, but just barely.) Zaina has been on an adventure like no other character I've read and I honestly did not know what to expect. These authors can write a tell that grips you so hard that your brain refuses to not let you do anything else except binge read. (Seriously, I think I’ve binge read every book these authors have published at this point.)
Second, Zaina’s overall journey was amazing. Her character growth was something I could read again and again because who she was in the beginning is definitely not who she is in the end. It was a beauty to behold and absolutely LOVED that last sentence of the final chapter (not the epilogue)! I loved how Einar helped her break down the walls she built up. I loved her heart in how she boldly gave herself up for everyone she loves. But ultimately, I love how she opened herself up without being untrue to who she is. I think sometimes as people we can feel we NEED to change in order to be a better version of ourselves. And yes, I suppose we do (Zaina DOES show not all change is bad), but not at the sake of completely changing our personalities and who we are as whole. Zaina was still Zania at the end. Yes, she learned and grew and became a more powerful version of herself (confidence looks 100% amazing on her), but Einar never wanted her to be anyone else but herself and just open up.
Thirdly, this series might have a little more heat than I am use to, but I must give mad props to both ladies in how they showed a REAL marriage. Marriage isn’t easy, but seeing Zaina and Einar’s relationship grow to be something real hit me really hard. They had to come to a place of absolute trust despite the lies, hurt, and pain between them. I cannot get over just how incredibly well done their relationship is as whole, but specifically this book. They came to lift one another up rather than tear each other down and came to really see how they were their other half.
I am nervously excited as to where things will go from here. I have zero doubts it will be gripping and I might feel I want to pull my hair out (because seriously, their characters are SO stubborn LOL), but it will be 100% worth it. These authors have proven time and time again that they can be trusted to maybe break our reader heart for a moment, but stitch it right back together in a powerful way just like they do with their characters.
Looking forward to seeing what they will share next!
*(I received an ARC from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
Want to read
September 28, 2020No cover. No Blurb. DON'T CARE! Give this to me right now! #IWANTSITPRECIOUS
July 18, 2024
4 stars★★★★☆
☞ Trigger warnings: **contains spoilers** .
Twisted Pages reviews:
#1 Of Thorns and Beauty: ★★★★★
#2 Of Beasts and Vengeance: ★★★★☆
#3 Of Glass and Ashes: not interested in reading (at the moment)
#4 Of Thieves and Shadows: not interested in reading (at the moment)
First read: February 2022
Second read: July 2024
Would I recommend this book?
I would recommend this book if you like dark fantasy retellings.
It is similar to Beauty and the Beast, Stain and An Enchantment Of Thorns.
Will I continue reading this series?
They switch sisters and I am uninterested in Aika in Of Glass and Ashes or the future Melodi stories. I might change my mind one day but at the moment I will leave there series with this book. I love a beauty and beast retelling, and other retellings have to work twice as hard to capture my attention.
Will I re-read this book?
Maybe. I liked this book and the romance and might pick it up if I want a quick comfort re-read.
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April 29, 2021
I received a copy of this book from Elle and Robin. This is my honest review.
This was an absolute masterpiece. It was action-packed, filled with love, hate, passion, and a little bit of violence. I couldn’t get enough of this book. I wanted to spend every minute of my days reading it, and it pained me every time I had to put it down! It was mesmerising, and every part of me didn’t want to see it end!
Zaina was always a very strong character, but this book she really came into her own. She was determined, brave, infuriating, and just the right about of overly critical.
There are no word la to describe Einar in this book. I have a soft spot for Vikings, so to me Einar is just perfection.
These two are a power couple who will rule the world, and I cannot wait to see them take down all their enemies in true Vikings style.
Perfection. Everything is perfection with this series. Cannot recommend enough!
This was an absolute masterpiece. It was action-packed, filled with love, hate, passion, and a little bit of violence. I couldn’t get enough of this book. I wanted to spend every minute of my days reading it, and it pained me every time I had to put it down! It was mesmerising, and every part of me didn’t want to see it end!
Zaina was always a very strong character, but this book she really came into her own. She was determined, brave, infuriating, and just the right about of overly critical.
There are no word la to describe Einar in this book. I have a soft spot for Vikings, so to me Einar is just perfection.
These two are a power couple who will rule the world, and I cannot wait to see them take down all their enemies in true Vikings style.
Perfection. Everything is perfection with this series. Cannot recommend enough!
February 17, 2021
This was a great sequal and sort of conclusion to Zaina and Einar's tale.
Again, there is nothing not to like in this series. Excellent characterisation, relationship development, pacing and great writing make this the sort of book you just devour without realising it.
After the angst ridden ending of the first I was concerned about how things would go with Zaina and Einar but I thought they're repairing and building upon their relationship was done really well.
I can't wait for the companion series with the characters in that is coming next, focusing on one of Zaina's sisters!
Now I'm off to look at what other books these authors have done.
Highly recommend.
Again, there is nothing not to like in this series. Excellent characterisation, relationship development, pacing and great writing make this the sort of book you just devour without realising it.
After the angst ridden ending of the first I was concerned about how things would go with Zaina and Einar but I thought they're repairing and building upon their relationship was done really well.
I can't wait for the companion series with the characters in that is coming next, focusing on one of Zaina's sisters!
Now I'm off to look at what other books these authors have done.
Highly recommend.
October 12, 2025
Zaina and Einar have gotten to know each other after their arranged marriage, and he's just started to trust her when she suddenly disappeares - with his people's only hope of a cure from the curse they live under.
This book continues right where "Of Thorns and Beauty" ended, and despite it being 3 years since I read the first book I had no trouble getting into the story and the world again. This is an old ARC I never had time to read, but to try to catch up I now listened to it. It was a pleasant experience so I'll probably continue the series that way.
Since this is the second book in the series it's not easy to avoid spoilers, but I can at least mention a couple of things. It's a retelling of The Beauty and the Beast. We get to know more about Zaina's tragic background and why she so desperately tries to protect her sisters. In the first book we only got Zaina's POV, but here we also get Einar's, so we learn more of the curse and how he's been trying to find a cure for 17 years.
I really like the world building. It feels very Scandinavian, with snow, cold and names like Einar, Leif, Gunnar and Sigrid (Zaina is from a whole other part of this world). I love how Zaina and Einar slowly builds their trust in each other and gradually share their secrets. There are some steamy scenes, but nothing really explicit, I would say. Besides, you can always skip those if you like!
This book continues right where "Of Thorns and Beauty" ended, and despite it being 3 years since I read the first book I had no trouble getting into the story and the world again. This is an old ARC I never had time to read, but to try to catch up I now listened to it. It was a pleasant experience so I'll probably continue the series that way.
Since this is the second book in the series it's not easy to avoid spoilers, but I can at least mention a couple of things. It's a retelling of The Beauty and the Beast. We get to know more about Zaina's tragic background and why she so desperately tries to protect her sisters. In the first book we only got Zaina's POV, but here we also get Einar's, so we learn more of the curse and how he's been trying to find a cure for 17 years.
I really like the world building. It feels very Scandinavian, with snow, cold and names like Einar, Leif, Gunnar and Sigrid (Zaina is from a whole other part of this world). I love how Zaina and Einar slowly builds their trust in each other and gradually share their secrets. There are some steamy scenes, but nothing really explicit, I would say. Besides, you can always skip those if you like!
March 22, 2021
4.25 - RTC
August 11, 2022
Just like Book 1, I finished this in two days, and I’m sure I would’ve done it in one if I had all the time in the world! I love this series so much and found that the two books complimented each other very well indeed. Nevertheless, I can’t help but remove a star because I craved more world building… However, there was still significantly more backstory added in this second book, which I was very happy with.
I loved both Einar and Zaina, and how they were true to themselves but also opened their own eyes towards the struggles of the other. The pacing was amazing, too, and the writing exquisite.
I loved both Einar and Zaina, and how they were true to themselves but also opened their own eyes towards the struggles of the other. The pacing was amazing, too, and the writing exquisite.
June 18, 2024
this one was as much fun as the first book in this series - it offers more details on Zaina's past and develops her relationship with Einar even more.
One more thing that I appreciated is how we got to see more of Zaina's skill set - aka scheming, fighting, etc
I also loved how we got more "screen time" for some of the secondary characters and I liked where the story went, I just wish the sequels didn't focus on other characters 😅
One more thing that I appreciated is how we got to see more of Zaina's skill set - aka scheming, fighting, etc
I also loved how we got more "screen time" for some of the secondary characters and I liked where the story went, I just wish the sequels didn't focus on other characters 😅
March 10, 2022
I love that we have Einar's POV in this book! It fills in so much information about why his actions have been the way they were, especially when he seemed to be completely insufferable.
The amount of growth and change Zaina goes through is amazing. Being able to keep chapters in her POV helps lay out the level of damage that has been to her in the past. Watching her slowly start to truly let Einar in is heartwarming because EM and RM allow her to take little steps - trusting little things, giving herself permission to start seeing that she might have other options for dealing with everything life throws her way than whatever she thinks of and that Einar can be the person she processes these things with.
Seeing friendships evolve and bonds with animals strengthen happen naturally in this book, and I still love the animals....so much. I actually wanted more scenes with Gideon🐴
I'm definitely excited about where the story will take place now that they're leaving Einar's kingdom - plus, having the final chapter be from Aika's POV tells us that we get to look forward to another strong female protagonist!
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - added March 9, 2022:
Oh my goodness. Literal goosebumps at times.
This pair of narrators for Zaina and Einar...just...wow. Their tone and pacing were fantastic. The panic of the characters that they bring out was SO well done, and never overdone. They were so consistent with the voices for various characters speaking and their accents were fabulous. You can hear the fire in their spirits, you can feel the love, the hate, the passion, and the desperation.
HIGHLY recommended. I adored the story when I read it as an eBook and getting to experience it again this was is amazing!
The amount of growth and change Zaina goes through is amazing. Being able to keep chapters in her POV helps lay out the level of damage that has been to her in the past. Watching her slowly start to truly let Einar in is heartwarming because EM and RM allow her to take little steps - trusting little things, giving herself permission to start seeing that she might have other options for dealing with everything life throws her way than whatever she thinks of and that Einar can be the person she processes these things with.
Seeing friendships evolve and bonds with animals strengthen happen naturally in this book, and I still love the animals....so much. I actually wanted more scenes with Gideon🐴
I'm definitely excited about where the story will take place now that they're leaving Einar's kingdom - plus, having the final chapter be from Aika's POV tells us that we get to look forward to another strong female protagonist!
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - added March 9, 2022:
Oh my goodness. Literal goosebumps at times.
This pair of narrators for Zaina and Einar...just...wow. Their tone and pacing were fantastic. The panic of the characters that they bring out was SO well done, and never overdone. They were so consistent with the voices for various characters speaking and their accents were fabulous. You can hear the fire in their spirits, you can feel the love, the hate, the passion, and the desperation.
HIGHLY recommended. I adored the story when I read it as an eBook and getting to experience it again this was is amazing!
June 9, 2022
This was a good end-ish to the love story of Zaina and Einar. There story continues in the next but is more focused on one of the sisters. I enjoyed this second book. Not a lot of action but lots of good moving bits. The love story is the main focus and that is what I love. They are naked so much in this book but no sex scenes. So an adult read. Some violence and death. This is one of those bad guys you just hate kind of books.
March 17, 2022
This. Book.
I don’t even know where to begin.
This is the second book in the Beauty and the Beast portion of this retelling series, and it was incredible. The tension between the characters, the build up of the story, everything was so well done. It’s no secret I adore these authors already, but they somehow continue to amaze me. Their stories are so easy to get sucked into, and they’re ridiculously difficult to put down once started.
Though the next two books focus on new main characters and will be Cinderella inspired, it is a clear continuation of this story. I will admit I was nervous seeing that each two books had new characters, but with the way this particular book ended, I completely get it and can’t wait to read more.
As always, this book was well written. The pacing was good, the descriptions were beautiful without slowing anything down, and I just adore Saina and Einar, as well as some of the side characters. They’re both so fierce and perfectly matched.
This series is a bit darker than the authors’ other books but not so much that it would deter their usual readers. It’s got a deep story with a lot of trauma in the characters’ past. Everything was handled well, in my opinion. And there were plenty of sweet and snarky moments to balance it all out.
If you enjoy fantasy, fairytale retellings, and kick-butt female leads, definitely check this series out. The books do need to be read in order.
I don’t even know where to begin.
This is the second book in the Beauty and the Beast portion of this retelling series, and it was incredible. The tension between the characters, the build up of the story, everything was so well done. It’s no secret I adore these authors already, but they somehow continue to amaze me. Their stories are so easy to get sucked into, and they’re ridiculously difficult to put down once started.
Though the next two books focus on new main characters and will be Cinderella inspired, it is a clear continuation of this story. I will admit I was nervous seeing that each two books had new characters, but with the way this particular book ended, I completely get it and can’t wait to read more.
As always, this book was well written. The pacing was good, the descriptions were beautiful without slowing anything down, and I just adore Saina and Einar, as well as some of the side characters. They’re both so fierce and perfectly matched.
This series is a bit darker than the authors’ other books but not so much that it would deter their usual readers. It’s got a deep story with a lot of trauma in the characters’ past. Everything was handled well, in my opinion. And there were plenty of sweet and snarky moments to balance it all out.
If you enjoy fantasy, fairytale retellings, and kick-butt female leads, definitely check this series out. The books do need to be read in order.
January 22, 2021
Raw and Captivating 🖤 I was so invested in this story that seem to grow and fall perfectly in the many questionable outcomes. So many lies and miss understandings. But to save the ones you love sometimes is making hard choices and sacrifices. I love the chemistry with our leads. The prince was finally able to really see Zania and the person she is underneath her “masks” and the same could be said for him. He retrieved those walls he built around him and was open with her. The outcome was beautiful and epic. This picks right after book one so you must read in order to understand. Must read!
August 22, 2024
I really am a sucker for a slow burn and this had me on edge for that "finally" moment.
That being said, the miscommunication could have been avoided if Zaina kept from bread crumbing Einar and Einar just used his head for a minute.
But I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the romance and their dynamic, the mystery of solving the antidote for the poison, and the conclusion.
That being said, the miscommunication could have been avoided if Zaina kept from bread crumbing Einar and Einar just used his head for a minute.
But I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the romance and their dynamic, the mystery of solving the antidote for the poison, and the conclusion.
July 5, 2024
I liked this more than the first one. I'm super excited for Aika's story next!
January 14, 2021
This book was wonderful, even better than the first in the series. The characters' broken parts, don't necessarily mend, but they fit together like jagged puzzle pieces.
So many beautiful and beautifully snarky moments. As always, these authors create the most quotable books.
A complete enough ending, but leaves you craving more from this world.
Recommended (but read book 1 first of course.)
So many beautiful and beautifully snarky moments. As always, these authors create the most quotable books.
A complete enough ending, but leaves you craving more from this world.
Recommended (but read book 1 first of course.)
September 28, 2020
Yes, please!!!! Hurry Elle and Robin...I neeeeeeeeeeed this!
February 3, 2021
I’m so sad about this book because I loved book one!
I don’t know what it was about it, maybe because nothing really happened in it or that I found both main characters frustrating, but something didn’t work.
- Nothing happens in this book until the last few chapters and I genuinely don’t even know how the author built this book up on nothing. If they weren’t kissing, they were arguing and it honestly got eye rollingly boring.
- I can’t review much more of this book because nothing happens in it. I don’t know if I’ll finish the series now but I’m so disappointed because book one was so good!
I don’t know what it was about it, maybe because nothing really happened in it or that I found both main characters frustrating, but something didn’t work.
- Nothing happens in this book until the last few chapters and I genuinely don’t even know how the author built this book up on nothing. If they weren’t kissing, they were arguing and it honestly got eye rollingly boring.
- I can’t review much more of this book because nothing happens in it. I don’t know if I’ll finish the series now but I’m so disappointed because book one was so good!
February 5, 2021
Initial Thoughts
Pretty much as soon as I finished writing my review of Of Thorns and Beauty, I started reading this book. I was desperate to find out what happens.
Some Things I Liked
Banter. I mentioned this in the first book, but it only got better in this book. I just adore the characters and Einar and Zaina have the best back and forth. They have amazing chemistry.
Focus on the romance. I loved that this book (as well as the first) were focused heavily on the relationship between the main characters. There was very much an over arching story but I loved the way we got to see so much of how their relationship evolved.
Einar’s POV. Again, I can’t even express what a welcome addition this was. I loved reading his inner monologue and I could definitely see myself rereading this and enjoying it even more.
That ending. I have a love/hate relationship with the ending. I loved it but I also desperately want more of the story. Luckily, it seems the story is moving toward a Cinderella retelling next and I really hope Zaina and Einar make appearances.
Series Value
I’m two books deep and desperate for more. I think it goes without saying, I see lots of series value here. I adore the writing style. I’m actually reading Elle Madison and Robin D. Mahle’s Lochlann Legacy series right now because I can’t get enough of their writing.
Final Thoughts
I loved this book. There were some dark themes but that’s to be expected with a NA novel. However, I found they were appropriate for the storyline and gave depth and realness to the dynamic between Zaina and Einar. I’m so glad I found this series and I can’t wait to continue reading it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Of Beast and Beauty by Chanda Hahn – if you’re looking for another witty and well written Beauty and the Beast retelling, look no further than the Daughters of Eville series.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – if you’re looking for a Beauty and the Beast retelling with more magic and fantasy elements, try this SJM series.
Pretty much as soon as I finished writing my review of Of Thorns and Beauty, I started reading this book. I was desperate to find out what happens.
Some Things I Liked
Banter. I mentioned this in the first book, but it only got better in this book. I just adore the characters and Einar and Zaina have the best back and forth. They have amazing chemistry.
Focus on the romance. I loved that this book (as well as the first) were focused heavily on the relationship between the main characters. There was very much an over arching story but I loved the way we got to see so much of how their relationship evolved.
Einar’s POV. Again, I can’t even express what a welcome addition this was. I loved reading his inner monologue and I could definitely see myself rereading this and enjoying it even more.
That ending. I have a love/hate relationship with the ending. I loved it but I also desperately want more of the story. Luckily, it seems the story is moving toward a Cinderella retelling next and I really hope Zaina and Einar make appearances.
Series Value
I’m two books deep and desperate for more. I think it goes without saying, I see lots of series value here. I adore the writing style. I’m actually reading Elle Madison and Robin D. Mahle’s Lochlann Legacy series right now because I can’t get enough of their writing.
Final Thoughts
I loved this book. There were some dark themes but that’s to be expected with a NA novel. However, I found they were appropriate for the storyline and gave depth and realness to the dynamic between Zaina and Einar. I’m so glad I found this series and I can’t wait to continue reading it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Of Beast and Beauty by Chanda Hahn – if you’re looking for another witty and well written Beauty and the Beast retelling, look no further than the Daughters of Eville series.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – if you’re looking for a Beauty and the Beast retelling with more magic and fantasy elements, try this SJM series.
January 21, 2021
Outstanding follow up to 'Of Thorns and Beauty'. I was really interested in the first book even though I didn't really like the main characters at first. Zaina seemed selfish and Einar was cold and uninterested in his new bride. Toward the end of the first book, and throughout the second book, the authors have carefully allowed the characters to grow, look outside of themselves, and allow their better instincts to prevail. We get bits and pieces of their past lives in this story and learn why they have the secrets they have and act the way they do. It's done in a way that's similar to learning about a new friend's background, a little bit at at time. We learn more of the secrets of the castle, yet the mystery deepens. Can Einar and Zaina learn to overcome their pasts and work together to save the people they love? Will Zaina even survive the plan she puts in motion to save her sisters? If you like good fantasy, engaging characters and wonderful story-telling, this book's for you!
November 28, 2025
This was such a quick and entertaining read! The first book in the series mostly followed the well known backbone of Beauty and the Beast, this book was still about solving the issues of the curse, but had an entirely different dynamic. What I loved about this book is that we slowly see how these two characters, who have hurt each other immensely, are slowly building up trust. In each other, in themselves, in doing this together, in finding a way. I really enjoyed watching them genuinely fall in love this time.
February 5, 2021
What a fabulous end to this story arc. These authors are so fantastic at writing raw emotions. The relationship between Einar and Zaina is both tender and heartbreaking. I can't wait to read Aika's story.
November 23, 2023
This book is WOW! It follows directly after the first book and this time we see Einar's pov too with Zaina. Full of action, we discover more secrets, the plot thickens! I was into it right from the beginning and I can't wait to read the rest!
March 15, 2025
2.5 ⭐️🎧
December 26, 2023
Kindle book
3.5 ⭐️
3.5 ⭐️
April 22, 2022
I found myself wanting to find out what happened to Einar and Zaina so I picked up the second book in the series. It still felt a bit slow, but I found myself happy to be back in this world. Shiromi Arserio's and Grant Cartwright's audio narration was absolutely excellent.
January 23, 2021
hmmm
Yes, I appreciate the intricate writing with the subtleties.
But there was nothing completely shocking about the whole plot, which I found to be immensely disappointing.
I was really looking forward to another layer of complexity being exposed- particularly about the Madame.
But I guess I'll have to just wait and see in the sequel
Yes, I appreciate the intricate writing with the subtleties.
But there was nothing completely shocking about the whole plot, which I found to be immensely disappointing.
I was really looking forward to another layer of complexity being exposed- particularly about the Madame.
But I guess I'll have to just wait and see in the sequel
May 14, 2023
Fantastic couldn't-be-better sequel to a great first part of an original Beauty and the Beast retelling.
The story of Zaina and Einar continues after a betrayal that was made to protect everyone she loves.
At the beginning of this book, Zaina and Einar their relationship is more of a hate-like one than it was at the end of the previous book. This made me a little hesitant at first, because in other books this always comes from a big misunderstanding that could easily be solved if the two characters would just talk and listen to eachother. It looks the same here, but soon you realise that both Zaina and Einar are really trying to protect their beloved ones and keep their walls up for this exact reason. Still they decide to keep talking to eachother, tentative at first but soon improving. So I definitely wasn't disappointed by the status of their relationship because they remain mature in their way of acting plus because of the intricately way it evolves and changes. The authors have done a fabulous job in capturing the complexity of the feelings of both Einar and Zaina. The characters also get a lot of room to remain true to themselves and evolve throughout the story.
In contrast to book 1, this one has alternating POV's. It is nice to get an insight into both Einar's and Zaina's being. The flashbacks therefore provide information about the history of both characters. I really appreciated that this time the flashbacks were present from the beginning of the book, in book 1 they appeared a bit too late in the story in my opinion.
One character that deserved more credits in my opinion is Sigrid. She is such a strong and interesting woman who notices everything and cares deeply. I get the feeling this is appreciated, but could have been appreciated a little bit more still.
The ending of this book won't disappoint you either, the straightforward yet detailed and thought out way it is plotted is truly a great finish. The way in which the lead-up to the next book is given at the very end is interesting too; you immediately notice the differences between Zaina and Aika and are stimulated to get to know her better and experience the dynamic between them yourself.
So I give this book a rating of 4,5 out of 5 stars and am really curious and excited to read the next installment of the series.
PS does somebody know where I can find a chalyx of my own? Khija is just truly amazing 😁
I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
The story of Zaina and Einar continues after a betrayal that was made to protect everyone she loves.
At the beginning of this book, Zaina and Einar their relationship is more of a hate-like one than it was at the end of the previous book. This made me a little hesitant at first, because in other books this always comes from a big misunderstanding that could easily be solved if the two characters would just talk and listen to eachother. It looks the same here, but soon you realise that both Zaina and Einar are really trying to protect their beloved ones and keep their walls up for this exact reason. Still they decide to keep talking to eachother, tentative at first but soon improving. So I definitely wasn't disappointed by the status of their relationship because they remain mature in their way of acting plus because of the intricately way it evolves and changes. The authors have done a fabulous job in capturing the complexity of the feelings of both Einar and Zaina. The characters also get a lot of room to remain true to themselves and evolve throughout the story.
In contrast to book 1, this one has alternating POV's. It is nice to get an insight into both Einar's and Zaina's being. The flashbacks therefore provide information about the history of both characters. I really appreciated that this time the flashbacks were present from the beginning of the book, in book 1 they appeared a bit too late in the story in my opinion.
One character that deserved more credits in my opinion is Sigrid. She is such a strong and interesting woman who notices everything and cares deeply. I get the feeling this is appreciated, but could have been appreciated a little bit more still.
The ending of this book won't disappoint you either, the straightforward yet detailed and thought out way it is plotted is truly a great finish. The way in which the lead-up to the next book is given at the very end is interesting too; you immediately notice the differences between Zaina and Aika and are stimulated to get to know her better and experience the dynamic between them yourself.
So I give this book a rating of 4,5 out of 5 stars and am really curious and excited to read the next installment of the series.
PS does somebody know where I can find a chalyx of my own? Khija is just truly amazing 😁
I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
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