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Fae of the Saintlands #2
Heart of Thorns
The cruel fae queen won’t stop until Maia is captured … or dead.
Maia always knew Ismene was wicked, but her aunt is even more monstrous than she feared. Responsible for countless deaths, Ismene will stop at nothing to protect her reign. And Maia just made herself the queen’s most wanted foe.
To stay free, Maia will have to disappear. She’s taken refuge with Azrail—the Sapphire Knight—and in his home, she discovers a rare, unexpected joy: Jaromir, the sweet jaguar shifter who’s her fated mate. But being Jaro’s mate won’t save her if Azrail discovers the truth: she’s not just a librarian, she’s the princess of the Vassal Empire.
His sworn enemy.
As evil spreads across the City of Skies like a shadow, friends will become enemies and enemies will become friends - and ancient magic will be reborn.
If you love the badass magic of Throne of Glass and the sizzling romance of Serpent and Dove, you’ll love this fated mates, enemies to lovers series, with a kickass princess, a snarky fae lord, a seductive prince, and a sweet shifter.
This series is slow burn, and hot from this book onwards, and has multiple love interests added throughout the series. 60,000 words.
Maia always knew Ismene was wicked, but her aunt is even more monstrous than she feared. Responsible for countless deaths, Ismene will stop at nothing to protect her reign. And Maia just made herself the queen’s most wanted foe.
To stay free, Maia will have to disappear. She’s taken refuge with Azrail—the Sapphire Knight—and in his home, she discovers a rare, unexpected joy: Jaromir, the sweet jaguar shifter who’s her fated mate. But being Jaro’s mate won’t save her if Azrail discovers the truth: she’s not just a librarian, she’s the princess of the Vassal Empire.
His sworn enemy.
As evil spreads across the City of Skies like a shadow, friends will become enemies and enemies will become friends - and ancient magic will be reborn.
If you love the badass magic of Throne of Glass and the sizzling romance of Serpent and Dove, you’ll love this fated mates, enemies to lovers series, with a kickass princess, a snarky fae lord, a seductive prince, and a sweet shifter.
This series is slow burn, and hot from this book onwards, and has multiple love interests added throughout the series. 60,000 words.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2021
89 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Kelsey
110 books494 followersLeigh Kelsey is the author of romance and reverse harem books for anyone with a soft spot for steely women and the tortured men who love them. No matter what stories she's writing - vampires or shifters or bad boys - they all share a common thread of love, heart, and action. She is the author of the Lili Kazana series, the Moonlight Inn series, the Dead Space stand alone, and the Blacktower Prison for Supernaturals series, plus many more books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 28, 2021
Heart of Thorns - book 2 in this series picks up right where book 1 left off. Maia (FMC) whilst she recovers and hiding out shes staying with people who are distrustful of her and in general. With reason. I just loved Jaro. What a sweet guy but on the other hand Azrail needed a good slap. His attitude stank especially towards Maia. He was just bloody awful to her and it annoyed the hell out of me! Other than that im loving this series and this book was just fab. Action-packed, fast-paced, with a few laughs and a little bit of steam. As well as a jaw droppingly good cliffhanger ending. So good
Want to read
December 20, 2021🎁Books 1-3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (12/20/2021)! 🎁
February 14, 2022
That ending though...rude
June 27, 2021
What a fantastic 2nd book, Leigh took Maia's journey to new heights and I cant wait to see where this series goes because at the moment it's heading beyond this realm.
The character growth and development was fantastic for Maia, she is really going to be something truly astounding, I have my suspicions but only time will tell.
It was great to get more depth and detail about Jaro and to watch his relationship with Maia grow and their acceptance of each other was perfect. Az I am so disappointed pointed in him, he could and I'm sure will be so much but has yet to show or prove that at all. I especially loved how we got to see Maia build solid relationships with everyone in Az's family and them all come to see her worth!!
Leigh continued to build more into this amazing world, we got more information on the Saintlands and dark twist and turns hit you till the end.
This steam is rising and the darkness is closing in on the Sapphire Knight, his family and Maia... Will they they enough to beat what is coming... definitely not alone but can they unite in time ??
That question will hopefully be answered soon.
June 27, 2021
Maia managed to survive her aunt and her favorite assassin/torturer. She arrives barely alive at the home of Azrail, aka the Sapphire Knight, and her injuries are healed, but Az doesn't know who she really is and she knows that she can't survive without him and his friends. The people of the Vassal Empire are starving, not only that but many are disappearing, both fae and shifter. Az knows this is the queens doing and is determined to put an end to her cruel reign. Maia will discover that Jaromir, a jaguar shifter is her fated mate along with Az, and apparently at least one other man. Unfortunately, Az discovers her true identity and can't accept her or her connection with the queen that executed his parents for treason.
I love all these characters! They are well written, unique, compelling, and they are all determined to save their people from an evil queen. Exciting action, magical battles, plenty of surprising twists in the plot that keep a reader engrossed, and some sweet romance. Fantastic book, I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I love all these characters! They are well written, unique, compelling, and they are all determined to save their people from an evil queen. Exciting action, magical battles, plenty of surprising twists in the plot that keep a reader engrossed, and some sweet romance. Fantastic book, I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
June 28, 2021
Book 2 begins immediately after the cliffhanger ending of Book 1. It would be much better to start with Book 1 to know the storyline, the characters, and the world. This book moves along very quickly as exciting events unfold during this critical period in Vassalaer.
Enemies, allies, mates - Maia's three fated mates Jaro, Az, and Kheir have to share Maia, though Az still thinks he hates her. There is a lot of sexual and relationship tension, and some vigorous, hot, explicit sex. The team is augmented by Slo, Zamanya, and Ev. The queen is still hunting for the Sapphire Knight and Maia; they barely evade capture several times. There are forces kidnapping people with magic. The team finds where they are kept and plans a daring raid to free them. But as often happens to "The best laid schemes…", things go quite a-gley, leaving the story on a cliffhanger, made even more excruciating by the final chapter, where we learn what happens to the missing people, and why.
Enemies, allies, mates - Maia's three fated mates Jaro, Az, and Kheir have to share Maia, though Az still thinks he hates her. There is a lot of sexual and relationship tension, and some vigorous, hot, explicit sex. The team is augmented by Slo, Zamanya, and Ev. The queen is still hunting for the Sapphire Knight and Maia; they barely evade capture several times. There are forces kidnapping people with magic. The team finds where they are kept and plans a daring raid to free them. But as often happens to "The best laid schemes…", things go quite a-gley, leaving the story on a cliffhanger, made even more excruciating by the final chapter, where we learn what happens to the missing people, and why.
June 28, 2021
I want to start out by saying that I like the storyline of this series and characters. It's super interesting and has so much promise.
When I read book 1, I felt like we got a lot of set up (explanations, backstory, etc.) for the series as a whole and then the action started at about 60%. I was ready and super excited to continue that action into the beginning of this book. Unfortunately, I felt like this book did the exact same thing and I can't write that off as backstory/introduction again. Nothing really happened until like 75% in and just as the action started, we got the cliffhanger for book 3.
The cliffhanger at the end was definitely an intriguing twist so I know I will read the next book. I just hope that one contains starts moving the story forward in the beginning of the book.
When I read book 1, I felt like we got a lot of set up (explanations, backstory, etc.) for the series as a whole and then the action started at about 60%. I was ready and super excited to continue that action into the beginning of this book. Unfortunately, I felt like this book did the exact same thing and I can't write that off as backstory/introduction again. Nothing really happened until like 75% in and just as the action started, we got the cliffhanger for book 3.
The cliffhanger at the end was definitely an intriguing twist so I know I will read the next book. I just hope that one contains starts moving the story forward in the beginning of the book.
June 26, 2021
Wow book 2 just took off 😀 I read this in just a day I couldn’t put it down!
So we find out Maia has 3 mates and she discovers them all in this book which leads to some steamy stuff 🥵
Az turns out to be a grade A a**hole! But Maia creates a budding friendship the rest of his crew due to some escapades which is great to see!
I just love Maia, even after everything she’s gone through and lost, she’s sooo blunt and says it exactly as it is - she’s my idol 😍
Then comes the end last 2 chapters and wow we’ll talk about a big reveal for one character and then a right old heart wrench for Maia! 😮😥 right rollercoaster!
Praying book 3 isn’t far because I NEED to know what happens!
Definitely a series to continue with 💙
So we find out Maia has 3 mates and she discovers them all in this book which leads to some steamy stuff 🥵
Az turns out to be a grade A a**hole! But Maia creates a budding friendship the rest of his crew due to some escapades which is great to see!
I just love Maia, even after everything she’s gone through and lost, she’s sooo blunt and says it exactly as it is - she’s my idol 😍
Then comes the end last 2 chapters and wow we’ll talk about a big reveal for one character and then a right old heart wrench for Maia! 😮😥 right rollercoaster!
Praying book 3 isn’t far because I NEED to know what happens!
Definitely a series to continue with 💙
June 30, 2021
This book started right where book one left off. This book moved pretty fast paced story-wise and we finally got to learn about some of the relationships. A lot happened in this book although it was in a short period of time within the world. We got new information, there was a action, there was some drama and some romance.
I like how quick this book got into the story, most of the world building had been completed in the first book. There were some reminders to jog your memory about some of the different word aspects that occurred naturally in the story. I did enjoy this book more than the first, I like that we learned more, there was more story development and that it moved at a good pace.
I like how quick this book got into the story, most of the world building had been completed in the first book. There were some reminders to jog your memory about some of the different word aspects that occurred naturally in the story. I did enjoy this book more than the first, I like that we learned more, there was more story development and that it moved at a good pace.
February 13, 2022
They done it again! That cover is absolutely breathtaking! And if you look closer you see so many details its insane, and i could not be happier about that!
The blurb was promising and it didnt disapoint one bit!
The book ended with some answers to question we somehow needed/wanted and i was surprised by those and i liked that!
I also loved that we finally see Maia and the gang interact ive been waiting for that and was happy to see it happen!
This book was hard to put down it kept me thinking abouy it when not reading!
The story moves at a little faster pase and i did enjoy that more then in the first book!
So again im going with 4 stars as its a awesome book and i loved it!
Book 3 is already loaded up on my kindle ready to be devoured!
💜
The blurb was promising and it didnt disapoint one bit!
The book ended with some answers to question we somehow needed/wanted and i was surprised by those and i liked that!
I also loved that we finally see Maia and the gang interact ive been waiting for that and was happy to see it happen!
This book was hard to put down it kept me thinking abouy it when not reading!
The story moves at a little faster pase and i did enjoy that more then in the first book!
So again im going with 4 stars as its a awesome book and i loved it!
Book 3 is already loaded up on my kindle ready to be devoured!
💜
June 27, 2021
Heart of Thrones is the second book in the Fae of the Saintlands series and starts right where Heir of Ruin ended.
This book concentrates more on the relationship between Maia and Azrail, as well as his “family” and her mates. It’s dominated by themes of fear, acceptance, and angst/anger/jealousy. And although Maia has mates in this book, and she does have some sexy time with one of them, it’s still a slow burn. With that all being said, this was more of a filler book. There wasn’t as much depth or action as there was in the first book, however. There were a couple of heart-pumping scenes, but it isn’t until the last few chapters that the true story picks up, and then bam!
I’m still not seeing the Hades and Persephone connection in this story, and I’m disappointed in the lack of steam, but it was still a really good. And after the way it ended… I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
This book concentrates more on the relationship between Maia and Azrail, as well as his “family” and her mates. It’s dominated by themes of fear, acceptance, and angst/anger/jealousy. And although Maia has mates in this book, and she does have some sexy time with one of them, it’s still a slow burn. With that all being said, this was more of a filler book. There wasn’t as much depth or action as there was in the first book, however. There were a couple of heart-pumping scenes, but it isn’t until the last few chapters that the true story picks up, and then bam!
I’m still not seeing the Hades and Persephone connection in this story, and I’m disappointed in the lack of steam, but it was still a really good. And after the way it ended… I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
June 4, 2025
4.5⭐️ (But this series is shaping up to be a 5-star obsession!!)
Okay so… this book was short. Like, blink and it’s over short. Honestly, it could’ve easily been combined with Heir of Ruin and I wouldn’t have complained — but OMFG was it GOOD. I am HOOKED. Fully obsessed. Zero chill.
Our FMC? Strong, smart, loving, and just the kind of heroine I root for with my whole heart. The MMCs? Literal perfection. Like, swoon-level everything. The dynamics, the tension, the affection?? Ugh. So good.
And the conflict? Not annoying! Not dragged out! Just straight devourable drama with purpose. I finished this and immediately bought book 3 — because how could I not??
Okay so… this book was short. Like, blink and it’s over short. Honestly, it could’ve easily been combined with Heir of Ruin and I wouldn’t have complained — but OMFG was it GOOD. I am HOOKED. Fully obsessed. Zero chill.
Our FMC? Strong, smart, loving, and just the kind of heroine I root for with my whole heart. The MMCs? Literal perfection. Like, swoon-level everything. The dynamics, the tension, the affection?? Ugh. So good.
And the conflict? Not annoying! Not dragged out! Just straight devourable drama with purpose. I finished this and immediately bought book 3 — because how could I not??
June 29, 2021
Loved it!
I liked the first book, but this one was better!
I wish it was longer though, because it did end on a big cliffhanger. There's some great world building in this series, and hope we get plenty more books.
Maia, and Jaro were so great together in this one, but I can't wait to see more of the Prince, and maybe AZ will get his head out of his ass by the end of the next book. The friendships developing between the women were some of the funnier aspects, and I hope we get plenty more jokes next time.
Really fun read!
I liked the first book, but this one was better!
I wish it was longer though, because it did end on a big cliffhanger. There's some great world building in this series, and hope we get plenty more books.
Maia, and Jaro were so great together in this one, but I can't wait to see more of the Prince, and maybe AZ will get his head out of his ass by the end of the next book. The friendships developing between the women were some of the funnier aspects, and I hope we get plenty more jokes next time.
Really fun read!
April 12, 2022
I'm happy to be right: this second book in the "Fae of The Saintlands" series was just as good as the last few chapters of the first book. I loved the interactions between Maia and Jaro, but also the building friendships between Maia and the women in their group. This second book is a lot more focussed on the dynamics between all the characters, but there is also more action and plot development and I enjoyed it all.
This is definitely building up to a very interesting series, and I'm happy to be able to dive into the next book!
This is definitely building up to a very interesting series, and I'm happy to be able to dive into the next book!
April 9, 2024
Nesse livro a princesa descobre a liberdade e cai muito bem nela. O desenvolvimento dos sentimentos e do arco dos personagens é realmente bom, mas quando a fantasia começa a ter disputas internas de castelo fica tedioso.
O primeiro livro cheio de ação, o segundo com ação e MIGALHAS de romance, e me vem com disputa de poder pelo conselho? Fala sério.
Mata todo mundo, guerreia, mas não faz diplomacia entre inimigos em livro de fantasia.
A diplomacia fica interessante na busca de aliados, mas entre os maiores oponentes do livro? Desanimador.
O primeiro livro cheio de ação, o segundo com ação e MIGALHAS de romance, e me vem com disputa de poder pelo conselho? Fala sério.
Mata todo mundo, guerreia, mas não faz diplomacia entre inimigos em livro de fantasia.
A diplomacia fica interessante na busca de aliados, mas entre os maiores oponentes do livro? Desanimador.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2021
Heart of Thorns continues Maia's story, and wow does it give the reader a heck of a ride. There's drama and angst, secrets uncovered and lies exposed. There's love and heartache. Friendships are forged, mates are found, and yet in the end there's nothing to prepare the reader for the cliffhanger you're left with. But this story was so well executed that I've forgiven the cliffhanger because I know the next book will be well worth the wait. This series is just phenomenal!
June 24, 2021
I just finished reading and I can't stop thinking about it. Azriel is being super dense and downrigth awfull. Maia has lived her whole life with people who didn't love her, they just wanted her power and now her own mate is disgusted by her. Jaro is a beautiful Ray of light and we just want to hug him. Things have gonne really bad for them and very strange wierd and Impossible things are happening. I look forward to the next book.
June 27, 2021
This is an awesome read that hooked me from the very first page. I could not put this book down until I finished the last page and then I was needing more. It moves along at a really great pace making for an easy read. The characters are amazing and you cannot help but fall in love with them and you want to be there for them. The story will grab you and keep you reading till the end and then you are needing more. This book needs to be read, no doubt about it.
June 27, 2021
An intense and shocking ride!!! 😳
OMG this book is fantastic, even better than the first one 🤩
Maia is finally safe and reunited with her mates, she even has started to feel like she is at home 🤗🥰... but Az is being so stubborn and a total jer* to her 💔😩... And when she finally can't take his hateful words anymore, she runs only to... No, it can't be!!! 🤯😭
I need to know what will happen next, need the next book stat, love this series and its characters so much!!! 😍 ❤️
OMG this book is fantastic, even better than the first one 🤩
Maia is finally safe and reunited with her mates, she even has started to feel like she is at home 🤗🥰... but Az is being so stubborn and a total jer* to her 💔😩... And when she finally can't take his hateful words anymore, she runs only to... No, it can't be!!! 🤯😭
I need to know what will happen next, need the next book stat, love this series and its characters so much!!! 😍 ❤️
June 25, 2021
Holy smokes! What a ride! Heart pounding action and adventure! I loved it! The characters, the world building, ALL OF IT! This was the PERFECT second installment to this series! You get introduced to new characters, relationships are building with new and old, I can't wait to see where this story goes! I have my theories, but we will see. Leigh Kelsey did it again! Definitely a 5 star read!
June 26, 2021
Drawn in again with this series, loving Maia and the guys, though I could kick Azrail! I cannot wait for the next book there is so much going on and you are just starting to get information and find out some secrets and tidbits And trying to put it all together and then boom the end !you think it can’t get more interesting but it does !
June 29, 2021
Absolutely loved this second book in the series, can’t wait to see more! Book starts straight where we left off from in the last book where Maia is reunited with Azrail. This book has some major character developments in it which I’ve absolutely loved especially when it comes to Jaro. The plot also thickens full of angst and action it just keeps on giving you more and more.
June 30, 2021
SOOOOO GOOD
This book kept me up all night! It was my own fault though for starting it during the night time hours, Saints knows I couldn't put it down until I was done with it! I'm utterly enthralled with the lyricism of Maia and co story. There is so much beauty is Leigh Kelsey's writing, I get lost in every direction I look, until I realize hours have passed in her worlds.
This book kept me up all night! It was my own fault though for starting it during the night time hours, Saints knows I couldn't put it down until I was done with it! I'm utterly enthralled with the lyricism of Maia and co story. There is so much beauty is Leigh Kelsey's writing, I get lost in every direction I look, until I realize hours have passed in her worlds.
June 23, 2021
Full of action and angst, this installment takes off right where the previous one left off. We get to see harem members come to light, and relationships develop between Maia and her new friends. Ends on a heartbreaking cliffhanger, can't wait to find out what happens next!!
June 26, 2021
What an amazing chew your fingernails to the bone and page turning book this was! The world building, the dramatics, the emotions and of course the mystery! Holy cats Batman this was fantastic. The series just became so much more complex and left me with a ton of questions and frustrations! I really cannot wait to see what is to come next! I LOVED THIS!!!
August 17, 2021
Picks up right where it left off. Will the secrets kept be the end of a mate bond, before it even starts? Fighting, drama, romance, and self doubt add to make this a book you do not want to put down. Cannot wait to see how they solve the newest problem, and what comes of the information learned!
March 13, 2022
Action and Adventure
This book advances the plot in both good and in unexpected ways. There is so much darkness headed into this kingdom, especially since the happenings of the ending chapters. New evil is introduced as well.
This book advances the plot in both good and in unexpected ways. There is so much darkness headed into this kingdom, especially since the happenings of the ending chapters. New evil is introduced as well.
March 6, 2024
Obsessed
I am officially obsessed with this series. I absolutely love the world building. This is turning into one of the best series I've read. I'm so glad book 3 is out because the cliffhanger is brutal!
I am officially obsessed with this series. I absolutely love the world building. This is turning into one of the best series I've read. I'm so glad book 3 is out because the cliffhanger is brutal!
June 29, 2021
Loved loved loved it ❤😍💕💖♥
November 18, 2021
I don't like insta loves and it spoiled a very good storywise series :( but still I enjoyed the plot so much that it got 4* from me... Which is very rare for the most boring romance plots ever!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews