He'll risk everything to save her...if he can remember. Lorcan: I nearly died saving Zosia's life. I signed on for this, knowing full well I might not survive. But she gave me every reason to live...and without her, I lost an essential part of myself.
The princess is missing.
Some believe she's hiding in the castle, waiting for the war to be over. It's up to me to drive out the invaders and rescue her. But while I'm out here risking my life - again - Zosia is sitting safe and warm alone on her throne.
Let her wait.
Let the spoiled, cowardly princess rot in her tower. I'm in no rush to get her back - until the questions about who I was before threaten to consume me.
I never expected to find her imprisoned, living a nightmare. Am I too late to save her?
Am I too late to save us?
Raina thinks so. I intend to try. The impossible has never stopped me before...
Eternal Knight is the second book in the Fallen Realm series; the trilogy should be read in order. Like Falling Princess, it ends on a cliffhanger. Start the journey with Falling Princess for the full experience; stay with the series for the sweet happy ever after in Queen Rising.
I received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
In my review of Falling Princess, I predicted that this book would be better. Not for the first time, my prediction was wrong. It wasn't that the story was bad, only that it featured one of my LEAST favorite tropes of all time, that's right: memory loss. I hate this trope for several reasons, the foremost being that it erases all character growth and development, creating unnecessary drama in relationships that had already worked themselves out. If I'm being honest, it's never necessary. If a narrative can't include character growth, then that narrative needs to change--the characters should never regress without emotional cause. If a plot doesn't work with fully developed characters, then the plot is the problem. Now, I could spend hours (and I do mean hours) picking apart memory loss in books, but since none of us have the time, I'll jump into the rest of the review.
My main issue (beyond the whole memory loss thing) was that the chapters from Lorcan's perspective made me hate him. And I'm fully aware that the audience isn't always supposed to like the main character, but I can't root for a romance when I hate a person involved in it. Especially considering how much I care about Zosia, Lorcan's betrayal felt irredeemable. Even when reunited, some of his actions felt borderline abusive, especially because other characters tried to justify them. That being said, once the POV switched back to Zosia, I enjoyed the story. Like book one, the first half was the weakest part. I could have done without Lorcan's chapters entirely and would have much preferred to focus on Zosia. I do have to give credit to the author: she certainly knows how to toy with readers' emotions.
I appreciated that the story took place on the magical island, but missed the tension and slowburn a forbidden college romance offered. The writing was nothing to scoff out, and some of the descriptions were stunning. While this book was more plot-heavy than its predecessor, it somehow lacked the same spark, even though the stakes were higher. I loved seeing more of Hallie and Raina, even if they didn't have the most well-developed characters. Sadly, Eternal Knight wasn't as good as Falling Princess, and while I carry the hope that book three will be better, I'm not holding my breath.
The second book has lots of pain, angst and betrayal.
Oh god, Zosia and Lorcan went through a lot but he did not experienced what she did in the castle. And what he did ?? he betrayed her and broke her trust. Uh, i hate him more than Zosia did. Now, he vowed to restore that trust in him again.
I don't know what to say, i wish he didn't betray her and conflict didn't happened between them. But the love and desire is there, still Zosia couldn't forgive him and almost left her to die after his promise.
I really want to see them together again in book 3 and seriously, if he hurt her again, I'll kill myself even if it's in my imagination.
Read this series if you like, ~Princess/ Bodyguard ~Possessive Knight ~Last line of goddess descendant ~Touch her, you die ~Love everyone but him ~Childhood crush ~Modern world building ~Enemies to Lovers ~Very slow burn ~Plenty of tensions ~Actions/ Secrets ~Protect Princess at all cost
Was this the best written book I’ve ever read…no ….did it hold my attention yes…did I finish it in one day…yes! The princess kinda gets on my nerves and Lorcan made some dumb choices but ultimately I loved it!
I am obsessed with this modern fantasy romance vibe. I think the alternating perspectives were so necessary here based on how the events of book one ended. I really enjoyed getting to see inside Lorcan's head and I like the role his character takes on in this installment. There was a lot of pain in this book both physically and mentally and I really felt the vulnerabilities. Zosia's sass, determination and fierceness is so great to see even if I thought she was a bit stubborn at times. I also loved how Raina's story developed and I think it's great to see her so happy. That being said, there was definitely unfinished business and I can't wait for Zosia and Lorcan to have their happy ending.
I wished Zosia came out stronger than be a pathetic Lorcan worshipper.
It’s also annoying how other characters justified Lorcan’s actions and essentially bully Zosia that he is not wrong.
“Go ahead and take every man left in Auralia to bed if that’s what you need to do to get past this. I’ll still be here. I’m never leaving your side again.” His eyes are narrowed slits. “Nothing you can do will drive me away.”
I wished Zosia had done this. Lorcan humiliated and disrespected her.
I need him and Zosia to get back together but I can’t conceive how it’s possible considering how things are between them in this book…
I was about to give four stars instead of five because I’m so MAD at Lorcan but I read this one in less than two days so guess that means this series is really really good:p
He wants to be with her for all time but things may not go the way they expect them to. He died trying to save her and now he has no memories of who she was. Their lives may just clash against the others again. What will happen this time? Can it get better? Will it all end in disaster again? See how they get on
Both this and the first book in the series are action packed but character driven stories that feel real. The flaws of these characters ensure a sense of identification that everyone young person will recognise. No one has it easy in love or life, no matter how it may look otherwise from the outside. These books are about following your heart to find your dreams.
This is the second book in the series and I could not stop reading it. Loved Zosia's character and everything she's going through. Eagerly anticipating the next book.
This book seemed to be a bit redundant than the first. It seems she said the same thing over and over not really getting to the point but stuck on a loop.
I read this book in hopes that it would give me the lore and character development I so desperately desired from the first. It did that and also worsened my depression.