Fallow

The Green Princess #2

by H.L. Burke

Joined by magic. Separated by kings. United in love.

Two years ago, Kit's blossoming plant magic put a target on her back and forced her to flee for her life, leaving her beloved Prince Bryce behind. Now established as the leader of the rebel flora magi, she clings to hope that they can be reunited. However, the arrival of the charming and persistent Regyn, heir to the supposedly extinct quickened magi, challenges her fidelity.

The events surrounding Kit's flight broke Bryce's heart and damaged his faith in his family. Now he buries himself in his work as a Keeper, hunting bandits in the wilds. He longs to find Kit again, though his uncle's magic prevents him from seeking her. Then his manipulative cousin, Crown Prince Langstyn, offers him a chance at a truce, but only if Bryce agrees to a political marriage. Angering Langstyn could cost Bryce everything, but how can he betray the vows he made to Kit?

As powers within the kingdom fight for dominance, Kit and Bryce are caught in the currents of schemes not of their making. Schemes that could bring them together, or tear them apart forever.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2020

About the author

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .

Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com

http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...

Reviews

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was sooooooooo good!

It was packed full (and I mean FULL) of feels. Lots of action and political intrigue. Literally was so fun of anticipation about certain events that if I had read this in paperback, I totally would have been flipping through to see what happens.

There was definitely never a dull spot and cried a few times as well as cheered and considered even whooping in excitement.

New characters that you'll love, old ones that you'll want to hug and celebrate with, and of course, old enemies you can't stand the very presence of.

*(Many thanks to the author for providing me an ARC. I was not required to write a review or positive one. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*

[H.L. Burke]

Sometimes I think I add more books on here that I've written than otherwise ... but you got to fill up that Goodreads challenge somehow.

[Amber Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another foray into a well-developed world

I love the magic system in this world. The addition of the quickening Magi made it even more interesting. Love triangles are not my favorite, but as far as they go, it was well done and believable. By the end of the book, I had some sympathy for Regyn and hope he finds love elsewhere. Bryce's relationship with his uncle tugged at the heartstrings, and I was rooting for their reconciliation. My favorite element, however, was Wynna and the compulsion curse. That was absolutely hilarious. Though she was essentially powerless through the story, and her primary purpose was to show the reader what was happening in the enemy camp, her attempts to bypass the curse had me in stitches. "You won't pinprick fail wall. Ugh!"
So funny.

Fade-to/from-black romance, some language and innuendo.

[Sarah Ashwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fallow continues the story begun in Book 1 in an excellent way. Adding new characters to the original cast allows for more twists, turns, and bends you won't see coming. There is happiness, there is sorrow, there are reunions, there are deaths, and also new life. Throughout it all, Bryce and Kit struggle to carve out a place for themselves, her people, and other magical outcasts. Treachery and deceit threaten not only them but the throne itself. The book ends on a satisfying note, but I'm definitely going to have to finish the series to see how it all goes.

Referring to the audiobook edition--the narrator does a wonderful job voicing each character. She's very easy to listen to, but also very expressive. She knows how to hold your interest! Excellent fantasy audiobook.

[Denise]

I started with the word, "Wow", with the first one in this trilogy and I want to say it again. I was blown away by the second installment of this trilogy. It gets even more complicated and involved. I don't want to give spoilers, but major things happen in this story and that sets the stage for book three in this set. I can't wait for it to come out I do heartily recommend this book and series to those who love a well-developed story, plot, and world. The characters will endear themselves to your hearts. There be even rougher roads ahead, so prepare yourselves for the rocky ride.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Most trilogies suffer from what I call middle book syndrome. But not the Green Princess. This middle book delivers exactly what it should. A complete plot with a middle beginning and end.

I still really want the third book right now but if I have to wait at least this one didn't leave me hanging.

*I received an ARC of this story from the author and she didn't even expect a review in return. But I wrote one anyway because the book was that good. True story.*

[Katherine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read several good books this past month, but one of the best was Green Princess: Fallow by H.L. Burke, who gave me a free copy of her book for review purposes. Fallow picks up two years after the first book, Flower, ended. My review will contain some spoilers for Flower.
Prevented by a tracking spell from seeking out his beloved Kit, Bryce serves as a Keeper, hunting bandits and avoiding his uncle’s court whenever possible. Kit struggles to lead the rebel flora magi, trying to keep her people safe while preparing for the inevitable war.
Complications arise when a group of quickened magi stumble on Kit’s camp. Kit finds her fidelity to Bryce tested by charming, charismatic Regyn, and her leadership of the camp tested by his father. When the quickened magi bring back an unexpected prisoner, the resulting events threaten everything Kit holds dear.
I loved this book! I adore Kit; it’s been a long time since I connected so well with a main character. She still retains the sweetness-and flashes of temper- that marked her in Flower, but she’s matured into a strong leader. She genuinely cares for the people who follow her, listening to them without letting them push her around.
And Bryce-I love Bryce so much! He tries to serve his uncle and his people, despite his fury at Eamon’s actions, and he’s unfailingly loyal to Kit.
One character I hope to see more of in the third book is Wynna. Sister of Langstyn’s fiancé, she’s funny, sarcastic, and a genuinely good person. I would happily read an entire book from her point of view.
I loved the court intrigue and the steadily building action. The plot takes several twists and turns as warring factions within each court scheme against each other. I won’t say much more about the plot, but I recommend not starting the book unless you have time to sit down and read!

[Sharon Hughson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the trilogy started a little slow, but I enjoyed the character interactions enough that it still earns four stars. I had to keep reading to find out “how” it came together.
Kitrin feels too immature still even though a couple years have passed. And too idealistic. I do love her sense of responsibility to the flora magi. Meeting some quickened magi brought a nice twist into this story.
The romantic elements felt...off. I doubted whether Kitrin truly loved Bryce because they hadn’t spent that much time together and both were quite young, and Kit quite sheltered. Of course, I wanted to believe Regyn’s feelings were authentic but all of it happened so fast. These are definitely NOT books to read for the romantic elements. The adventure is quite well-crafted, so I recommend this for adventure fantasy readers who don’t mind if there’s some romance involved.

[Laurie Lucking · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I think I liked Fallow even better! I liked seeing how Kit and Bryce have matured and grown during their time apart and found places in their new communities. The uncertainty surrounding their relationship was easy to sympathize with, and I was intrigued by the additional tension introduced by Regyn. It seems I'm a sucker for a good love triangle :) Plus the quickened magi were a fascinating group to get to know. Things got really intense at the end, and I can't wait to see how it all plays out in the next book!

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.*

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second enthralling volume of the Green Princess trilogy, Kitrin and Bryce continue to struggle against the oppression of the Fire Magi. Bryce's relationship with King Eamon and Prince Langstyn comes front and center. Bryce is constantly missing Kitrin and looks for honorable ways to serve the king and avoid conflict with his cousin. Kitrin, in the meantime, finds herself with a new and unexpected ally. This emotionally charged and action-filled volume will keep you delightfully entertained and eager to turn the page to see what happens next. You won't be disappointed.

[Christina Morley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fallow, Book 2 in The Green Princess Trilogy, is even more exciting than the first book! There are more characters, more plot twists, and more romance. They face betrayal, unrequited love, and death, but there's also loyalty, love, and new life. Friendships are forged, while bonds are broken. Peace is falsely offered, while war is eminent. This story is appropriate for young adults and up, but the life experiences are especially suited for older teenagers and new adults.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to not be able to stop reading

This second book in The Green Princess Trilogy is action packed and full of feels. I've grown more attached to the characters as well as the new unexpected allies and of course dislike a certain Prince even more than I did in first book. Prepare to not be able to stop reading until the very end!

[Malinda Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner for HL Burke!
Sucked me right in and I had to finish it ASAP.
I wasn’t as big of a fan of the new POVs, but I can see where it added to world building and plot.
Looking forward to the third book next!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great sequel to Flower. It really amps up the tension and I can’t wait for the finale in Book 3.

[Elizabeth Lavender · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is ugliness that even the majesty of court robes cannot hide. Kit and Bryce have experienced firsthand the destruction and still can’t seem to escape its hold. Despite all his efforts, Bryce remains tethered to the crown with the tracking spell by his uncle, King Eamon. Yet, even as we abhor the despicable tactics of King Eamon, we’re far more horrified by his son, Prince Langstyn. We saw a piece of his cruelty, but as the journey continues we see the true nature of how bloody he’s willing to get his hands for his own purposes. Far more than even a King, to his heartbreak, realizes his son will plunge.

It's that terrifying guillotine, waiting to strike at any second that shadows Kit’s and Bryce’s world and keeps them apart but has made them stronger than they realize. Kit has emerged as a formidable leader, one whose first priority is keeping her people safe and under the royal radar. It’s a difficult balance for one that many consider their “youth.” And managing the differing opinions of what she should be doing, “going to war,” or “staying low with her people” turns out to be an equally challenging task. Frankly, I found the restraint she showed truly commendable of not strangling people in a twisty vine.

But Kit has a fire that will come forward if pushed hard enough:
“You don’t know me as well as you think, Regyn, but I know Bryce. He’s a good man, an honorable man, a man who when given the choice, between seeing me hurt and giving me up chose to step away… twice. You can say whatever you want about me, but if you say anything----anything----bad about him, you’re wrong.”

Her vehement defense of Bryce shows Kit has not lost any of her passion, even after two years of being apart from him. And it’s all true. For Bryce is everything that Kit says, and we love him for it. Seeing the royal craziness he’s been raised in, it’s a miracle he has a resemblance of goodness in him. Yet repeatedly we watch him choose what is right, what is noble, what is honorable over what is wrong, what is selfish, and dishonorable. His choice ends up being what is unimageable hard, what breaks his heart to shreds, and what means agonizing sacrifice on his part. It means choosing what is best for the other person rather than his own desires or wellbeing. It’s demonstrating mercy even when it’s not deserved, being a friend to someone that’s scorned his very presence, and forgiving an unforgivable lifetime of hurt. Together, perhaps Bryce and Kit are the healing hand a kingdom so desperately needs to recover from a history of bloodshed.