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Dagger Of Ash & Gold
Dagger Of Ash And Gold is the second installment in the Black Banner series. The strength, love, and time I have put into the Black Banners has taught me more about myself than I could have ever imagined. I feel truly honored to be able to follow my dreams of publishing. With many more projects on the horizon, I can’t wait to continue my journey as an author and creator of worlds for my readers to dive into.
Dagger Of Ash And Gold Blurb:
A FORGOTTEN TREATY.
MISSING CHILDREN.
TESTED FAMILY BONDS.
Althea’s wedding ended in a massacre, leaving dozens of Incubo dead at the hands of a Fata rebellion. We escaped with our lives, but now Talos, Althea, and Amil will have to face the King and Queen of Incubo in Amples. The same city where Argo is being held for ransom. The consequences of putting my trust in Talos to retrieve him may cost me more than I have to give; my family.
Thrust into the icy depths of the Incubo society, Isa has to separate truth and lies of their clouded history to find the source of the mounting conflict between the Fata rebels and Incubo royals. The threat of war is only the start to the trouble Isa will face in the second installment of the Black Banners series Dagger Of Ash And Gold. Complicated feelings intertwine Isa, Talos, and Amil further in a lust triangle that is close to its breaking point. Will she be able to navigate through the passions of two Incubo men while negotiating with her brother’s captors?
Or will she find herself in too deep to claw her way out in time to save Argo’s life?
Dagger Of Ash And Gold Blurb:
A FORGOTTEN TREATY.
MISSING CHILDREN.
TESTED FAMILY BONDS.
Althea’s wedding ended in a massacre, leaving dozens of Incubo dead at the hands of a Fata rebellion. We escaped with our lives, but now Talos, Althea, and Amil will have to face the King and Queen of Incubo in Amples. The same city where Argo is being held for ransom. The consequences of putting my trust in Talos to retrieve him may cost me more than I have to give; my family.
Thrust into the icy depths of the Incubo society, Isa has to separate truth and lies of their clouded history to find the source of the mounting conflict between the Fata rebels and Incubo royals. The threat of war is only the start to the trouble Isa will face in the second installment of the Black Banners series Dagger Of Ash And Gold. Complicated feelings intertwine Isa, Talos, and Amil further in a lust triangle that is close to its breaking point. Will she be able to navigate through the passions of two Incubo men while negotiating with her brother’s captors?
Or will she find herself in too deep to claw her way out in time to save Argo’s life?
- GenresFantasy
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2022
18 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
K. Elle Morrison
21 books329 followersK. Elle Morrison lives outside Portland Oregon with her husband, children, and two cats. She is a podcaster, novice gardener, and avid watcher of tv shows and movies she’s seen a hundred times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 22, 2022
I was lucky enough to beta read Dagger of Ash and Gold and this book was NEXT LEVEL!! You are not ready for the spice, the action, and suspense! The ending had me screaming at my phone haha! A great second book in this series!
January 24, 2022
Did I stay up until 5am to finish this book? Yes.
Was I expecting that turn and ending? Fuck no.
There’s so much to be said when I go into a series not really expecting much but just wanting a nice time in a fantasy world, and end up crying and rereading the paragraphs multiple times because I don’t want those words to be real.
The way you think it’s gonna end, or that twist you think is gonna happen, you’re wrong and you’re not ready.
5/5 recommend
*ARC Review
Was I expecting that turn and ending? Fuck no.
There’s so much to be said when I go into a series not really expecting much but just wanting a nice time in a fantasy world, and end up crying and rereading the paragraphs multiple times because I don’t want those words to be real.
The way you think it’s gonna end, or that twist you think is gonna happen, you’re wrong and you’re not ready.
5/5 recommend
*ARC Review
January 30, 2022
I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of this book and I wasn’t sure how book two could meet or exceed book one, but it totally did. I love that the author puts trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. Protecting readers is super important!!
Now the book…. Talk about action packed page turner with A LOT OF SPICE 🥵🥵🥵. If I could compare it to anything, think James Bond meets the world of Fantasy Genre and then cover it with 50 shades of gray 🌶🔥🌶🔥.
So, if you like action and adventure, fantasy world with different beings surviving together and some extra special spice… I highly recommend this series!!
Now the book…. Talk about action packed page turner with A LOT OF SPICE 🥵🥵🥵. If I could compare it to anything, think James Bond meets the world of Fantasy Genre and then cover it with 50 shades of gray 🌶🔥🌶🔥.
So, if you like action and adventure, fantasy world with different beings surviving together and some extra special spice… I highly recommend this series!!
January 25, 2022
I was so lucky to get to read the ARC for this book and I was not prepared! The TWISTS. The BETRAYAL. The SPICE. Oh my god the spice…especially about 85-86% in! I was not ready and I didn’t expect any of it! Book 1 has had me in a choke hold for weeks now simply because I feel like everyone was playing everyone and the whole relationship/group dynamic was about to explode and I thought reading book 2 and seeing what happened to Isa, Amil, Althea, and even Talos (the toxic love I can’t ignore) would help ease the feeling but I was WRONG. I’m a *slut* for character development and chosen love/family and I loved Every. Single. Minute. This world and these characters have consumed far more of my mind and my work day than they should have and I’m not even sorry ❤️❤️
January 28, 2022
I received an eBook ARC of Dagger of Ash & Gold from the author for an honest review. This is the second book of Kate's debut series and I was impressed with the world and characters she created. I found this book to be more engaging and exciting than the first. There was some fantastic character growth, especially for Althea who has been put through a lot. I really enjoyed her! I also REALLY enjoyed the spice. 🥵
I will say I struggled with some of it. Certain storylines I hoped would be resolved or questions I hoped would be answered, weren't. It's possible they'll come in the third book. I also found it a bit slow and uneventful. I even skimmed through several chapters just to get to the end. If this wasn't an ARC, I likely would have DNF'd the series. I just needed more.
Please remember that this is one person's review. If this book sounds like something you'd enjoy, I encourage you to read it! Thank you Kate for the opportunity!
I will say I struggled with some of it. Certain storylines I hoped would be resolved or questions I hoped would be answered, weren't. It's possible they'll come in the third book. I also found it a bit slow and uneventful. I even skimmed through several chapters just to get to the end. If this wasn't an ARC, I likely would have DNF'd the series. I just needed more.
Please remember that this is one person's review. If this book sounds like something you'd enjoy, I encourage you to read it! Thank you Kate for the opportunity!
January 27, 2022
I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
WOW! Dagger of Ash & Gold lived up to all of the expectations I had for it and more!
Isa, Amil, Talos, and Althea are back and this time they are at the royal residence after a brief reprieve at Isa's Cinder apartment.
Isa's brother Argos is still being held in captivity and Talos has promised to get him back for Isa if she agrees to his terms.
Althea is grieving the loss of her love and is finding out that she may be made of sterner stuff.
Amil, Talos and Isa's romantic relationships get more heated (goodness, the spice y'all!!!)
Things are not always what they seem and there are some mind blowing moments that made me throw the book sitting next to me across the room. That ending had me going through all emotions at once and the last line of the book is promising to make book 3 interesting for sure!
WELL DONE K.Elle!
WOW! Dagger of Ash & Gold lived up to all of the expectations I had for it and more!
Isa, Amil, Talos, and Althea are back and this time they are at the royal residence after a brief reprieve at Isa's Cinder apartment.
Isa's brother Argos is still being held in captivity and Talos has promised to get him back for Isa if she agrees to his terms.
Althea is grieving the loss of her love and is finding out that she may be made of sterner stuff.
Amil, Talos and Isa's romantic relationships get more heated (goodness, the spice y'all!!!)
Things are not always what they seem and there are some mind blowing moments that made me throw the book sitting next to me across the room. That ending had me going through all emotions at once and the last line of the book is promising to make book 3 interesting for sure!
WELL DONE K.Elle!
January 30, 2022
I was so fortunate to get an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Ya’ll I was not ready. This book picks up after the intensity that was the first book and I was not ready for all the stuff that was jam packed into this book! THE SPICY SPICY LOVE TRIANGLE, THE BETRAYAL, THE CRAZINESS< THE TWISTS AND TURNS, THE SUSPENSE, THE DRAMA, THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, THE WORLD BUILDING!!!!!! All I can say(without giving away important plot points) is that I cant wait to see where this story is going next, and knowing the way Kate writes now after two books, I have a funny feeling it’ll be in a direction I least suspect. I’m so excited!
February 8, 2022
✨ 5 stars ✨
🌶 3.5 spice 🌶
“We do not fear, for we are the terror”
I’m in pain! That ending hurt my heart so much!
This was so good, even better than the first but my heart is aching because I am heartbroken.
I was having a good old time with the spicy scene then boom, emotional damage.
I cannot recommend this series enough, it will definitely play with your emotions. The characters were amazing and the plot is phenomenal and I cannot wait to be able to read the next book and pray for a happy ending 🥲
🌶 3.5 spice 🌶
“We do not fear, for we are the terror”
I’m in pain! That ending hurt my heart so much!
This was so good, even better than the first but my heart is aching because I am heartbroken.
I was having a good old time with the spicy scene then boom, emotional damage.
I cannot recommend this series enough, it will definitely play with your emotions. The characters were amazing and the plot is phenomenal and I cannot wait to be able to read the next book and pray for a happy ending 🥲
March 12, 2022
This was such a great book! I need the third one now!!!!!
February 3, 2022
I received this as an ARC read for my true and honest opinions.
Okay where do I even start with this review? Oh I know! This was a GREAT pick up from the first book, we start at the ending of the wedding chaos. This book did not disappoint! I loved the character growth from ISA and the tension build from AMIL! But who are we kidding we saw a lot of growth from TALOS, he....just he will always have a gold piece of my heart.
This book took me a on a roller coaster of emotions! I laughed, blushed, cried and gasped!
Please add both of the books in your TBR....PLEASE!
No to stare into the abyss until book comes out in December.
Okay where do I even start with this review? Oh I know! This was a GREAT pick up from the first book, we start at the ending of the wedding chaos. This book did not disappoint! I loved the character growth from ISA and the tension build from AMIL! But who are we kidding we saw a lot of growth from TALOS, he....just he will always have a gold piece of my heart.
This book took me a on a roller coaster of emotions! I laughed, blushed, cried and gasped!
Please add both of the books in your TBR....PLEASE!
No to stare into the abyss until book comes out in December.
February 1, 2022
Lucky enough to be an ARC Reader!
This book took me from one extreme to the next. When you thought there would be calm there was chaos. Althea became as strong as i thought she would become and Isa her conflicting emotions with herself and with Amil and Talos was hard but knew she would come to some terms eventually. I loved the development from both Amil and Talos. This has been such a wonderful book and it has destroyed my soul. I haven’t cried from a fantasy book ever. I am so happy to have the privilege to have read these books by such a talented author.
This book took me from one extreme to the next. When you thought there would be calm there was chaos. Althea became as strong as i thought she would become and Isa her conflicting emotions with herself and with Amil and Talos was hard but knew she would come to some terms eventually. I loved the development from both Amil and Talos. This has been such a wonderful book and it has destroyed my soul. I haven’t cried from a fantasy book ever. I am so happy to have the privilege to have read these books by such a talented author.
February 17, 2022
I read and reviewed an ARC copy of this book by request of the author. All thoughts and reviews are my own.
After a devastating loss at Althea’s wedding, which kind of put me in mind of the Red Wedding of Game of Thrones, Isa, Amil, Talos and Althea are still trying to come to terms with what has happened. Althea’s one true love has died; the price on her head has doubled but by who? And is Lawrence really dead? One would assume so but when his name isn’t listed in the body count, Amil, Talos and Isa must worry that there’s something even bigger going on.
For Althea’s safety and for her duty as well, she must return to the palace to officially accept her father’s place. Reluctantly agree with the promise of Argo’s safe return, Isa tags along for another mission. What she is not prepared for is the further espionage and secrets that lie deep within the palace walls. Can she survive while also keeping her sanity and her heart safe?
I honestly really enjoyed this book. It flowed perfectly from the end of Under the Black Banners into this book. The storyline seemed to flow pretty well as well but there were times when I felt like I missed a key point in the storyline. More of just little details on how things ended up where or maybe a piece of dialogue that was left out. But it wasn’t enough to completely take away from the storyline.
The character development was beautiful. Especially Althea’s. I appreciated so much how she did not let the murder of her fiancé and father to dictate her life and how she would feel. Yes, she grieved like anyone would do but she put on her big girl panties and stepped up to the plate. She wanted to hone her powers and to become a weapon so that she would be more helpful if something like the attack at her wedding happened again.
The spiciest scenes happened towards the end of the book. Throughout the book, we had plenty of Isa/Amil and Isa/Talos but it was hinted numerous times about an Isa/Amil/Talos. Never did I expect it to be as spicy as it was. All of the spicy scenes were very well written. Lord have mercy Amil is just….woooo….got me sweating over here.
The ending of the book? All I can say is have some tissues ready. As much as I may have had a dislike for this character, I respected this character and what they were doing and to see that happened, while it might have been poetic justice, it was still horrible to have it end like that. I’m interested to see how book 3 and I do believe it is the final book in the series will play out.
If you are a fan of Throne of Glass, Den of Vipers, and Game of Thrones, I do believe you will enjoy this book. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
After a devastating loss at Althea’s wedding, which kind of put me in mind of the Red Wedding of Game of Thrones, Isa, Amil, Talos and Althea are still trying to come to terms with what has happened. Althea’s one true love has died; the price on her head has doubled but by who? And is Lawrence really dead? One would assume so but when his name isn’t listed in the body count, Amil, Talos and Isa must worry that there’s something even bigger going on.
For Althea’s safety and for her duty as well, she must return to the palace to officially accept her father’s place. Reluctantly agree with the promise of Argo’s safe return, Isa tags along for another mission. What she is not prepared for is the further espionage and secrets that lie deep within the palace walls. Can she survive while also keeping her sanity and her heart safe?
I honestly really enjoyed this book. It flowed perfectly from the end of Under the Black Banners into this book. The storyline seemed to flow pretty well as well but there were times when I felt like I missed a key point in the storyline. More of just little details on how things ended up where or maybe a piece of dialogue that was left out. But it wasn’t enough to completely take away from the storyline.
The character development was beautiful. Especially Althea’s. I appreciated so much how she did not let the murder of her fiancé and father to dictate her life and how she would feel. Yes, she grieved like anyone would do but she put on her big girl panties and stepped up to the plate. She wanted to hone her powers and to become a weapon so that she would be more helpful if something like the attack at her wedding happened again.
The spiciest scenes happened towards the end of the book. Throughout the book, we had plenty of Isa/Amil and Isa/Talos but it was hinted numerous times about an Isa/Amil/Talos. Never did I expect it to be as spicy as it was. All of the spicy scenes were very well written. Lord have mercy Amil is just….woooo….got me sweating over here.
The ending of the book? All I can say is have some tissues ready. As much as I may have had a dislike for this character, I respected this character and what they were doing and to see that happened, while it might have been poetic justice, it was still horrible to have it end like that. I’m interested to see how book 3 and I do believe it is the final book in the series will play out.
If you are a fan of Throne of Glass, Den of Vipers, and Game of Thrones, I do believe you will enjoy this book. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
February 7, 2022
Dagger of Ash and Gold
I was given a free ARC by the author for an honest review. This review is detailed and contains spoilers. If you want to avoid those I suggest you don't read this. I will advise that 15% in there's a typo saying they are going to Arta when they are in fact headed to Amples. What follows are my thoughts while reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have definitely recommended it to friends.
This was an amazing 2nd part to a great story. I can't wait for book 3. I'm amazed that everything that happened did so in a week.
We pick up almost right where we left off. Our team of 4; Talos, Amil, Althea and Isa getting away from the massacre that happened. We stopped for the night last book and have now gotten a new car to finish the drive to Cinder.
I definitely feel for Althea. I can't imagine what she's feeling. Being a newly we'd 1 minute and a widow the next. I feel like there's something more than the Incubo magic going on with Isa and Amil. Like there's a spark. Maybe that's the flame she sees in his eyes?
The train ride to Amples was eventful. Good on Isa to confront Talos about Incubo-Fata halfings. The look he gave her and his reaction leads me to believe he knowingly lied to her about it. And for Amil to not even really try to stop Talos and his outburst. I would have locked his ass out of the room too.
Talos and his need to keep secrets. I get it the incubo and secretive but come on. You want her to work for you indefinitely and you want to keep having sex but you wanna keep her in the dark until she needs to know. Not cool. And Amil needs to get his head out of his ass.
GAAHHH!!!! Argo wasn't at the drop. Now they're back to square 1 trying to find him. And something is screaming st me that Ias isn't 100% mortal. Why make it a point that Lawrence is a halfling of Incubo and Fata. Could be that I read a lot of fantasy where our MC finds out they are something else or have power they didn't know about.
I'm so proud of Isa for helping Althea with the princesses escape. I understand why she told them where to find her. I'm also happy to see Talos kinda letting his guard down. To admit he loves her was amazing. And now he's dead by that damn dagger. It was nice of Althea to remake it with his ashes for Isa. And I KNEW mentioning her "womb" was leading to something. Now I have to wait for the next book to get proof she's pregnant and find out who daddy is. I think its Talos'.
Definitely a series worth reading.
I was given a free ARC by the author for an honest review. This review is detailed and contains spoilers. If you want to avoid those I suggest you don't read this. I will advise that 15% in there's a typo saying they are going to Arta when they are in fact headed to Amples. What follows are my thoughts while reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have definitely recommended it to friends.
This was an amazing 2nd part to a great story. I can't wait for book 3. I'm amazed that everything that happened did so in a week.
We pick up almost right where we left off. Our team of 4; Talos, Amil, Althea and Isa getting away from the massacre that happened. We stopped for the night last book and have now gotten a new car to finish the drive to Cinder.
I definitely feel for Althea. I can't imagine what she's feeling. Being a newly we'd 1 minute and a widow the next. I feel like there's something more than the Incubo magic going on with Isa and Amil. Like there's a spark. Maybe that's the flame she sees in his eyes?
The train ride to Amples was eventful. Good on Isa to confront Talos about Incubo-Fata halfings. The look he gave her and his reaction leads me to believe he knowingly lied to her about it. And for Amil to not even really try to stop Talos and his outburst. I would have locked his ass out of the room too.
Talos and his need to keep secrets. I get it the incubo and secretive but come on. You want her to work for you indefinitely and you want to keep having sex but you wanna keep her in the dark until she needs to know. Not cool. And Amil needs to get his head out of his ass.
GAAHHH!!!! Argo wasn't at the drop. Now they're back to square 1 trying to find him. And something is screaming st me that Ias isn't 100% mortal. Why make it a point that Lawrence is a halfling of Incubo and Fata. Could be that I read a lot of fantasy where our MC finds out they are something else or have power they didn't know about.
I'm so proud of Isa for helping Althea with the princesses escape. I understand why she told them where to find her. I'm also happy to see Talos kinda letting his guard down. To admit he loves her was amazing. And now he's dead by that damn dagger. It was nice of Althea to remake it with his ashes for Isa. And I KNEW mentioning her "womb" was leading to something. Now I have to wait for the next book to get proof she's pregnant and find out who daddy is. I think its Talos'.
Definitely a series worth reading.
January 29, 2022
THIS. BOOK. HAD. ME. SCREAMINNGGGGGGG!
This is the continuation of the first book in the series, Under the Black Banners. It picks up after the intense events of the last book, fleeing the scene of some craziness and trying to find which way is up. I found the beginning of this book to be a little slow, but it picked up pretty quickly heading into the middle third of the book. There was so much action packed excitement and suspense that I actually flew through the back half of the book pretty quickly. Reading this book, I was actually able to stay off tiktok because I was so invested.
There's one character in this book that I haven't really liked for all of the first book and half of this one. I hate books that rely on miscommunication to be the reason someone wasn't so bad. Morrison doesn't do this at all. She actually gives this character an amazing character arc that had me considering them one of my favorite characters heading into the final scenes.
This book is tragic and heartbreaking. It reminds me a lot of Throne of Glass in that, bad ass female assassin that can handle her own, but realizing there's more to life than how powerful she can be. Isa finds herself in the middle of a war between two supernatural races and nothing is as it seems. She has to let her heart be her guide when she's used to selling her soul to the highest bidder. You will pick up this book for the action and intrigue, but you will stay for the emotional damage. And also the fact that there is this one spice scene in particular that I will not be forgetting any. Time. Soon.
Amazing job on this book and you need to pick the first book and this one up the second it comes out!
This is the continuation of the first book in the series, Under the Black Banners. It picks up after the intense events of the last book, fleeing the scene of some craziness and trying to find which way is up. I found the beginning of this book to be a little slow, but it picked up pretty quickly heading into the middle third of the book. There was so much action packed excitement and suspense that I actually flew through the back half of the book pretty quickly. Reading this book, I was actually able to stay off tiktok because I was so invested.
There's one character in this book that I haven't really liked for all of the first book and half of this one. I hate books that rely on miscommunication to be the reason someone wasn't so bad. Morrison doesn't do this at all. She actually gives this character an amazing character arc that had me considering them one of my favorite characters heading into the final scenes.
This book is tragic and heartbreaking. It reminds me a lot of Throne of Glass in that, bad ass female assassin that can handle her own, but realizing there's more to life than how powerful she can be. Isa finds herself in the middle of a war between two supernatural races and nothing is as it seems. She has to let her heart be her guide when she's used to selling her soul to the highest bidder. You will pick up this book for the action and intrigue, but you will stay for the emotional damage. And also the fact that there is this one spice scene in particular that I will not be forgetting any. Time. Soon.
Amazing job on this book and you need to pick the first book and this one up the second it comes out!
June 25, 2022
LISTEN I'm gonna send this author all the hospital bills I'm about to incur learning to live without a fucking heart because it was brutally ripped out of my body.
I spent so much of this book annoyed and/or angry at the lowkey gaslighting and then THAT ENDING happened and I'm still sobbing. This series was fun until it wasn't. But I actually live for books that can tear me apart like this so props .
---
Anyway, ‼️SMALL SPOILERS‼️ from here on out because let's talk:
Ok THE betrayal? That was clear from book 1. What annoyed me was that she didn't see it? She believed she had no other choice ugh. I was screaming at her the entire time istg. And I'm not that guy's biggest fan, but if I twist things around enough, I can see how he was between a rock and a hard place, unable to disobey the orders of his king (who probably gave orders before they even met), while also needing to protect both her and the other girl in the only ways he knew how. His words at the end tore me to pieces.
Also this is minor, but she's already said that they don't share info about their assignments even along siblings because they know it's dangerous. Yet the moment she saw her siblings, she shared every single piece of information, including how to kill Incubo, even though it was dangerous to them AND she had signed an NDA. Furthermore, when she finds out their biggest and most well kept secret, she decides to ask them about it, letting them know the secret now too, to see if they have any info. It ended up not being a big deal ig but it wasn't consistent with what she had previously told us.
I spent so much of this book annoyed and/or angry at the lowkey gaslighting and then THAT ENDING happened and I'm still sobbing. This series was fun until it wasn't. But I actually live for books that can tear me apart like this so props .
---
Anyway, ‼️SMALL SPOILERS‼️ from here on out because let's talk:
Ok THE betrayal? That was clear from book 1. What annoyed me was that she didn't see it? She believed she had no other choice ugh. I was screaming at her the entire time istg. And I'm not that guy's biggest fan, but if I twist things around enough, I can see how he was between a rock and a hard place, unable to disobey the orders of his king (who probably gave orders before they even met), while also needing to protect both her and the other girl in the only ways he knew how. His words at the end tore me to pieces.
Also this is minor, but she's already said that they don't share info about their assignments even along siblings because they know it's dangerous. Yet the moment she saw her siblings, she shared every single piece of information, including how to kill Incubo, even though it was dangerous to them AND she had signed an NDA. Furthermore, when she finds out their biggest and most well kept secret, she decides to ask them about it, letting them know the secret now too, to see if they have any info. It ended up not being a big deal ig but it wasn't consistent with what she had previously told us.
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January 31, 2022I received this eARC for honest review.
I devoured the previous book in this series. I enjoyed the world and was ready for some more character growth in this one. I did get my character growth for Althea like I was anticipating. She still kept her sweet and fiercely loyal characteristics but she learned how to find her strength too. I love that she wanted to learn to defend herself but is still a soft person.
The escalated spice in here was expected and yet unexpected. so basically no complaints here. I like when books take me by surprise and some of the events that happened in the end did catch me by surprise.
I think this was a decent follow up to the first book but I can just tell that the next one will be more exciting. I feel as though this book was more of a set up for wrapping up the story in the third book. I find that with trilogies sometimes the second book can feel a bit dragging and I felt that way a bit about this. BUT I am so invested at this point that I need to know what happens to these characters.
Althea has been through so much in such a short amount of time, Isa is such an interesting character with flaws and I love it, Amil has my WHOLE heart.
I also need to know what that ending was all about ?!!!!
I devoured the previous book in this series. I enjoyed the world and was ready for some more character growth in this one. I did get my character growth for Althea like I was anticipating. She still kept her sweet and fiercely loyal characteristics but she learned how to find her strength too. I love that she wanted to learn to defend herself but is still a soft person.
The escalated spice in here was expected and yet unexpected. so basically no complaints here. I like when books take me by surprise and some of the events that happened in the end did catch me by surprise.
I think this was a decent follow up to the first book but I can just tell that the next one will be more exciting. I feel as though this book was more of a set up for wrapping up the story in the third book. I find that with trilogies sometimes the second book can feel a bit dragging and I felt that way a bit about this. BUT I am so invested at this point that I need to know what happens to these characters.
Althea has been through so much in such a short amount of time, Isa is such an interesting character with flaws and I love it, Amil has my WHOLE heart.
I also need to know what that ending was all about ?!!!!
March 3, 2023
3⭐️ - definitely still interested in the story, but this book took me a long time to get through, kept putting it down, couldn’t keep me interested like in the first book
Following the wedding day from hell, Isa, Talos, Amil, and Althea return to Cinder and hide out in Isra’s apartment to regroup. While plants are made for next steps, the Incubo and Isa travel to the residence of the King and Queen, Althea’s great aunt and uncle.
Upon arriving, Talos sticks to his agreement to help Isa be reunited with her Banner brother, only to have the plans thwarted when they get to the drop site. Her brother is nowhere to be found, Isa and Talos must come up with another plan to get her family back.
Isa is conflicted about her feelings towards the Incubo. Talos is clearly keeping things from her, and using his influence over her emotions to keep her distracted from the truth. Does she really have feelings for him? For Amil? Or is it all a manipulation?
Good book, confusing at times, cliff hanger at the end? This book says one of three but I can’t find a third book or a pending publishing date.
Following the wedding day from hell, Isa, Talos, Amil, and Althea return to Cinder and hide out in Isra’s apartment to regroup. While plants are made for next steps, the Incubo and Isa travel to the residence of the King and Queen, Althea’s great aunt and uncle.
Upon arriving, Talos sticks to his agreement to help Isa be reunited with her Banner brother, only to have the plans thwarted when they get to the drop site. Her brother is nowhere to be found, Isa and Talos must come up with another plan to get her family back.
Isa is conflicted about her feelings towards the Incubo. Talos is clearly keeping things from her, and using his influence over her emotions to keep her distracted from the truth. Does she really have feelings for him? For Amil? Or is it all a manipulation?
Good book, confusing at times, cliff hanger at the end? This book says one of three but I can’t find a third book or a pending publishing date.
February 1, 2022
This book demolished me.
Dagger of Ash & Gold picks up right where the first (Under The Black Banners) ended. Althea's wedding is now over, the group is on the run, and Isa still hasn't gotten her brother back.
This book dive's deeper into Isa's pulled allegiance between her brothers and sisters of the banner and her current contract, which is seemingly becoming more than just a job. In this book we see meek Althea begin her transformation into someone stronger, someone willing to stand up for those she loves. We see Amil grapple between his feelings for Isa and his duty, though I suspect he will 100% choose Isa if it came down to it. We see Talos in all his powerful and sometimes cruel glory plotting to keep those he cares about alive.
I cannot wait for the third book because I have so many questions and theories as to what is going to happen next.
Dagger of Ash & Gold picks up right where the first (Under The Black Banners) ended. Althea's wedding is now over, the group is on the run, and Isa still hasn't gotten her brother back.
This book dive's deeper into Isa's pulled allegiance between her brothers and sisters of the banner and her current contract, which is seemingly becoming more than just a job. In this book we see meek Althea begin her transformation into someone stronger, someone willing to stand up for those she loves. We see Amil grapple between his feelings for Isa and his duty, though I suspect he will 100% choose Isa if it came down to it. We see Talos in all his powerful and sometimes cruel glory plotting to keep those he cares about alive.
I cannot wait for the third book because I have so many questions and theories as to what is going to happen next.
June 21, 2022
This was an astounding follow-up in the Black Banners series. So many times, I found myself gasping at the events.
Possible spoilers exist beyond this point, although I will do my best to leave out details.
I literally cheered when Althea asked for training from Isa so that she could protect herself and not have to rely solely on others to save her. The constant back and forth in Isa's mind, the circular thoughts surrounding Amil and Talos, her desire to see that nothing more happens to Althea, and her obligation to her family is enough to tear a person apart.
But that ending! I am absolutely gutted by that ending. I listened to this on read-aloud while on a road trip, and I had to pull over at the nearest rest stop. My emotional involvement in these characters ripped me to shreds. I haven't been this gutted by a book since the Hunger Games Trilogy.
Possible spoilers exist beyond this point, although I will do my best to leave out details.
I literally cheered when Althea asked for training from Isa so that she could protect herself and not have to rely solely on others to save her. The constant back and forth in Isa's mind, the circular thoughts surrounding Amil and Talos, her desire to see that nothing more happens to Althea, and her obligation to her family is enough to tear a person apart.
But that ending! I am absolutely gutted by that ending. I listened to this on read-aloud while on a road trip, and I had to pull over at the nearest rest stop. My emotional involvement in these characters ripped me to shreds. I haven't been this gutted by a book since the Hunger Games Trilogy.
February 9, 2022
I was given a free ARC by the author for an honest review.
Did I plop myself on the couch to binge read this book and the first book, yes. Did I regret it at all, no. I absolutely enjoyed this series and I went into it without any idea at all! It's such a nice refresher to be able to read a book with no expectations and to completely fall in love with it! This book picks up right after the first book and wooh, what a roller coaster!
I love the character growth displayed throughout the second book and trust me, you're going to be in for a wild ride! I absolutely cannot wait for the third book!
Did I plop myself on the couch to binge read this book and the first book, yes. Did I regret it at all, no. I absolutely enjoyed this series and I went into it without any idea at all! It's such a nice refresher to be able to read a book with no expectations and to completely fall in love with it! This book picks up right after the first book and wooh, what a roller coaster!
I love the character growth displayed throughout the second book and trust me, you're going to be in for a wild ride! I absolutely cannot wait for the third book!
February 2, 2022
Isa is a highly trained Banner caught up in the lives and intrigue of Incubo Royalty. She’s learning plenty about the highly secretive Incubo in the process.
There’s a number of hot as F scenes but my favourite was near the end of the book.
I was glad to see Althea develop as a character, she seemed more confident and I enjoyed her so much. Overall the characters developed well from book 1, I completely changed my opinion on one of them and cried for them. I enjoyed the story, it flowed well and the spice really added to the plot. That ending though….what?!
There’s a number of hot as F scenes but my favourite was near the end of the book.
I was glad to see Althea develop as a character, she seemed more confident and I enjoyed her so much. Overall the characters developed well from book 1, I completely changed my opinion on one of them and cried for them. I enjoyed the story, it flowed well and the spice really added to the plot. That ending though….what?!
February 5, 2022
Y'all... this book... oh. my. goodness....
So this book is incredible. The story line draws you in and you don't want to put it down. I shooed my kids away while I was reading several times.
There are a few moments when you might need to take a break because it's very spicy. You feel the love between the characters. You feel the hatred between others.
The last chapter leaves you with a WHAT?!
Seriously, you will enjoy it. Can't wait to see what happens next.
So this book is incredible. The story line draws you in and you don't want to put it down. I shooed my kids away while I was reading several times.
There are a few moments when you might need to take a break because it's very spicy. You feel the love between the characters. You feel the hatred between others.
The last chapter leaves you with a WHAT?!
Seriously, you will enjoy it. Can't wait to see what happens next.
February 7, 2022
What a rollercoaster!
The book picks up where Under the Black Banners ended, with Althea’s wedding and her losing her husband and father. As the group is on the run and heads to the palace, the journey really begins. We see both Talos and Amil grapple for their feelings for Isa and begin accepting their love for her.
The end of the book absolutely demolished me…and left me with more questions that answers. I cannot wait for the third book and the fantastic end to this addicting series.
The book picks up where Under the Black Banners ended, with Althea’s wedding and her losing her husband and father. As the group is on the run and heads to the palace, the journey really begins. We see both Talos and Amil grapple for their feelings for Isa and begin accepting their love for her.
The end of the book absolutely demolished me…and left me with more questions that answers. I cannot wait for the third book and the fantastic end to this addicting series.
February 21, 2022
Chemistry between the main characters was like a sweet and sour candy that makes your salivary glands painfully go into overdrive that you just don't wanna spit out.... all in all, romantically messed up wanting more. The progression and the plot is clever and captivating. And the ending, gah! I can not wait for book #3.
This is not a stand alone. Book # 1 is a must and an excellent read.
@darlingtallent
This is not a stand alone. Book # 1 is a must and an excellent read.
@darlingtallent
March 3, 2023
3.5 stars
PROS: The plot and storytelling are well done, there is a very hot menage scene
CONS: Character development felt weak, perhaps it was because we never get to read things from the MMCs perspectives, but I felt like the reader is being told that the MMCs are in love with FMC, but without being given the reasons why or any description of the development of their relationships.
PROS: The plot and storytelling are well done, there is a very hot menage scene
CONS: Character development felt weak, perhaps it was because we never get to read things from the MMCs perspectives, but I felt like the reader is being told that the MMCs are in love with FMC, but without being given the reasons why or any description of the development of their relationships.
February 1, 2022
wonderful!
What a phenomenal follow up to Under the Black Banners! This book is even better than the first and will leave you gripping the edge of your seat wanting more! I will be patiently waiting for Book 3 to come!
What a phenomenal follow up to Under the Black Banners! This book is even better than the first and will leave you gripping the edge of your seat wanting more! I will be patiently waiting for Book 3 to come!
January 29, 2022
Have been impatiently waiting for this arc and man was I not disappointed.
My first message to Kate was I am so pissed at you right now.
Wow!!! I stayed up till 12 to finish reading this one. I couldn’t stop.
The spice in this book turned it up a notch. You are definitely going to want to read this one.
The continued world building, the friendship growth, the twists, the betrayal and the heartbreak.
My first message to Kate was I am so pissed at you right now.
Wow!!! I stayed up till 12 to finish reading this one. I couldn’t stop.
The spice in this book turned it up a notch. You are definitely going to want to read this one.
The continued world building, the friendship growth, the twists, the betrayal and the heartbreak.
May 28, 2022
Amazing! Kept me on my toes, especially the last few chapters. I was not expecting that ending 😫 also the spice was amazing 🔥 can’t wait to read book 3!
July 1, 2023
K. Elle my friend that ending was cruel, and it's not finished either. I am gonna have to hound you after you finish your rapid releases to finish this one!
February 9, 2022
This review is based of the ARC I received.
I just finished reading and the ending was so intense that I’m having a hard time putting my thoughts in to words. Really good read, even better than the first book.
I was not ready for that ending, it was an emotional roller coaster.
Book 2 added a lot of depth to my favorite characters: Isa, Amil, Talos, and Althea. I’m looking forward to what adventures they go on in book 3.
I just finished reading and the ending was so intense that I’m having a hard time putting my thoughts in to words. Really good read, even better than the first book.
I was not ready for that ending, it was an emotional roller coaster.
Book 2 added a lot of depth to my favorite characters: Isa, Amil, Talos, and Althea. I’m looking forward to what adventures they go on in book 3.
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