What do you think?
Rate this book
The Immortal Orders #2
Beneath the Alabaster Spire
Beware what lies beneath the Alabaster Spire…
Harlow Krane and Finn McKay have been trying their best to enjoy their seaside summer in Nea Sterlis. As they fall deeper in love, surrounded by their friends and family, that should be easy.
But as the summer begins to wind down, it’s clear that the problems they left behind in Nuva Troi have followed them to the beach. Between the paparazzi and the elder Illuminated, someone is always watching Harlow and Finn—recording their every move. As a storm of rebellion brews in far-off Falcyra, new secrets about the Illuminated are revealed.
With tensions mounting, Harlow and Finn must become the storm to survive what’s coming for them. Their love will be tested beyond their wildest imagination. Just how far will they go to save one another?
Return to the world of The Immortal Orders In the blazing hot sequel to Dark Night Golden Dawn.
Harlow Krane and Finn McKay have been trying their best to enjoy their seaside summer in Nea Sterlis. As they fall deeper in love, surrounded by their friends and family, that should be easy.
But as the summer begins to wind down, it’s clear that the problems they left behind in Nuva Troi have followed them to the beach. Between the paparazzi and the elder Illuminated, someone is always watching Harlow and Finn—recording their every move. As a storm of rebellion brews in far-off Falcyra, new secrets about the Illuminated are revealed.
With tensions mounting, Harlow and Finn must become the storm to survive what’s coming for them. Their love will be tested beyond their wildest imagination. Just how far will they go to save one another?
Return to the world of The Immortal Orders In the blazing hot sequel to Dark Night Golden Dawn.
Unknown Binding
Published October 18, 2022
453 people are currently reading
3026 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
January 13, 2023
i so very nearly DNF’d this. i have no clue what happened between finishing the first book a few months ago and now, but i just could not get into this and was pretty checked out from the beginning.
but then i read a review saying “THE TWIST!! OMGGG” and that made me want to finish it, just so i could find out what the twist was. aaaaand it wasnt worth it. lol.
the characters no longer excite me, the plot feels soooo dragged out, and the world-building is just too convoluted. i will say the relationship between harlow and finn does feel very genuine, which i greatly appreciate. but it wasnt enough to save the story for me.
so while i finished the previous book looking forward to picking up the next one, i cant say i have the same feelings now, unfortunately. but i know i am in the minority with my feelings, so take that for what you will.
↠ 2.5 stars
but then i read a review saying “THE TWIST!! OMGGG” and that made me want to finish it, just so i could find out what the twist was. aaaaand it wasnt worth it. lol.
the characters no longer excite me, the plot feels soooo dragged out, and the world-building is just too convoluted. i will say the relationship between harlow and finn does feel very genuine, which i greatly appreciate. but it wasnt enough to save the story for me.
so while i finished the previous book looking forward to picking up the next one, i cant say i have the same feelings now, unfortunately. but i know i am in the minority with my feelings, so take that for what you will.
↠ 2.5 stars
October 20, 2022
4.5✨
The world between worlds lies just beyond knowledge. Beware what lies beneath the Alabaster Spire, for all reward comes at a price.
I’m angry. I’m sad. I’m every emotion under the sun because of this damn book. Beneath the Alabaster Spire takes place almost immediately after the events of book 1, Dark Night Golden Dawn. I really enjoyed book 1, but book 2 really solidified my love for this series. Harlow grew so much after the abusive relationship of her past, and learning to believe and trust not only others around her, but herself as well, was such an enjoyable reading experience.
The betrayals and plot twists truly have my head spinning right now. And respectfully to the author, I need book 3 asap.
This book has everything
✨ romantasy with sci-fi vibes
✨ found family
✨ an epic plot with immersive world building
✨ secret societies and political games
✨ empowering character arcs
✨ diverse characters
✨ smut (🤭)
The world between worlds lies just beyond knowledge. Beware what lies beneath the Alabaster Spire, for all reward comes at a price.
I’m angry. I’m sad. I’m every emotion under the sun because of this damn book. Beneath the Alabaster Spire takes place almost immediately after the events of book 1, Dark Night Golden Dawn. I really enjoyed book 1, but book 2 really solidified my love for this series. Harlow grew so much after the abusive relationship of her past, and learning to believe and trust not only others around her, but herself as well, was such an enjoyable reading experience.
The betrayals and plot twists truly have my head spinning right now. And respectfully to the author, I need book 3 asap.
This book has everything
✨ romantasy with sci-fi vibes
✨ found family
✨ an epic plot with immersive world building
✨ secret societies and political games
✨ empowering character arcs
✨ diverse characters
✨ smut (🤭)
February 14, 2023
"I am so proud of you."
"What did I do to deserve that kind of love?"
"Nothing. You never had to do anything for me to love you this way. It´s not something you can earn. It´s not something you can lose, either."
This is a one POV book, told by the POV of Harlow.
I loved the journey Harlow went through in this book and what she learned and how she also never lost her true fierceful and brave self. I loved her and Finns relationship and how they were struggeling a bit sometimes with everything thrown at them made it feel more "real" to me instead of the "happy couple all the time" if that makes sense. I also loved how they were able to openly communicate those things and the smut was pretty good in this book. Although sometimes the timing of it felt a bit...off.
Loved the side characters, especially Larkin, I just adore her. I love the friendship group around Harlow and Finn and how each of them are getting there own side story and their own relationships and little side plots as well. They felt well thought out and they had depth to them.
Plotwise this one felt sometimes like it was suffering a bit from second book syndrom to be honest, which made certain parts of the book feel slower paced to me. That could also be based on the fact that this is more of a character development focused book and not that action packed. Most of the action happens in the last 10-15% of the book. That said I would have also loved a bit more action scenes and to see a bit more of the magic system/new magic. What I loved was the whole secrecy and intrigues part and them slowly finding out about things on statues and in books etc. It felt a bit like a Lara Croft adventure or a mystery side plot.
Overall it was a great book that I truly enjoyed and I can´t wait for the third book in the series to be released.
trigger warnings: abuse, mentions of war and killing, terrorism
"What did I do to deserve that kind of love?"
"Nothing. You never had to do anything for me to love you this way. It´s not something you can earn. It´s not something you can lose, either."
This is a one POV book, told by the POV of Harlow.
I loved the journey Harlow went through in this book and what she learned and how she also never lost her true fierceful and brave self. I loved her and Finns relationship and how they were struggeling a bit sometimes with everything thrown at them made it feel more "real" to me instead of the "happy couple all the time" if that makes sense. I also loved how they were able to openly communicate those things and the smut was pretty good in this book. Although sometimes the timing of it felt a bit...off.
Loved the side characters, especially Larkin, I just adore her. I love the friendship group around Harlow and Finn and how each of them are getting there own side story and their own relationships and little side plots as well. They felt well thought out and they had depth to them.
Plotwise this one felt sometimes like it was suffering a bit from second book syndrom to be honest, which made certain parts of the book feel slower paced to me. That could also be based on the fact that this is more of a character development focused book and not that action packed. Most of the action happens in the last 10-15% of the book. That said I would have also loved a bit more action scenes and to see a bit more of the magic system/new magic. What I loved was the whole secrecy and intrigues part and them slowly finding out about things on statues and in books etc. It felt a bit like a Lara Croft adventure or a mystery side plot.
Overall it was a great book that I truly enjoyed and I can´t wait for the third book in the series to be released.
trigger warnings: abuse, mentions of war and killing, terrorism
January 21, 2023
I want to start off by saying that I was very excited for Beneath the Alabaster Spire. I loved Dark Night, Golden Dawn, which featured compelling characters, a swoony second-chance romance, an interesting combination of tropes and world building, and assured writing that made me think that the Immortal Orders would be a trilogy for the ages.
Then I started reading Beneath the Alabaster Spire, and I found myself very quickly disappointed. Despite that, I read the whole novel, hoping I would change my mind. I didn’t.
All that juicy conflict that’s set up at the end of Dark Night, Golden Dawn? It’s largely ignored, swept aside on a tide of endless exposition.
I think that, while the first book in a fantasy trilogy will have a lot of exposition, the second and third books should keep exposition down to a minimum. The world should be established and we as readers should be able to enjoy it without handholding or detailed explanations. However, this book has pages and pages of complicated world building that complicate the story and the stakes. Previously interesting characters are reduced to vehicles for exposition. And even worse is the fact that this exposition does not logically build, so characters will have revelations that seemingly spring out of nowhere. After finishing this book, I am more confused about this world than I was when I started.
The tender, complex, supportive relationship between Harlow and Finn? It’s largely about sex in this book. I love smut when it’s done well, but I am a reader who needs emotional stakes in her romance, and here, when they existed, they were confusing and contradictory.
The characters that made Dark Night, Golden Dawn feel so fully realized? Here, the sprawling cast is rendered largely forgettable. Characters who were standouts in Dark Night, Golden Dawn get forgotten, appearing only to talk about their significant others or deliver exposition. We do get to spend more time with Larkin, learning more about her abilities, but I am concerned that she will be similarly shelved in Book Three of the series. While some novels can sustain a sprawling cast, this novel barely bothers to differentiate its characters, making me think that the book would have been stronger with a much smaller cast.
The action and self-discovery and reflection that made Dark Night, Golden Dawn so incredible? It all disappears. The plot of Beneath the Alabaster Spire literally keeps Harlow sidelined in her own novel. I understand that Beneath the Alabaster Spire has a large cast, but if others are driving the action, then the book should have been written from multiple perspectives. Instead, we spend 80% of the novel seeing Harlow be told things and have sex with Finn. That actually sounds like a great life, but it is a very boring way to spend a novel.
In fact, this novel seems bent on avoiding as much conflict as possible. In that first 80% of the novel, we largely see Harlow with her friends and family, not doing much of plot significance. Over and over, there are moments where seemingly conflict should happen—for example, some disturbing reveals or petty jealousies surface—and a whole scene will be spent on essentially saying “it’s fine because we’re close”. I get that Harlow has a good, and very big, support system, but over and over I would finish reading scenes wondering why they were included in the first place, because they contributed nothing to the overall narrative.
While there is, in fact, a big ending, there was literally nothing leading up to it other than chill hangs, sex, and exposition. (Again, this sounds like a great life, but it’s very boring to read.) Dark Night, Golden Dawn had interesting subplots, but it felt as if here, the author had forgotten that subplots, particularly in a second book, are what makes second books great. Now that readers understand the world, they can explore it, grow close to new characters, and generally enjoy and move around. Here, we get none of that sense of exploration.
Finally, I want to address the way representation is handled in this book. It’s clear that normalizing the whole gender and LGBTQIA+ spectrum is a priority for The Immortal Orders series. This is a great goal, and one that I wish more authors would embrace. However, this representation is done quite poorly in this book. Because the cast is so big and the characters’ genders and sexualities are so emphasized, I ended up remembering the characters only by those qualities, not their abilities or talents or Orders or even their appearances, which were pushed far into the background. I have loved many fantasy novels which focus on non-cis gender identities and non-straight sexualities, and one thing I love is the way that great writers show the richness of the humanity in their characters, making it clear to readers that while gender identity and sexuality are important parts of any person’s life and experience, and no one should ever experience harm or stigma for those facets of their identity, their selves are much more rich and complicated than these two characteristics. I am disappointed by the way that Beneath the Alabaster Spire reduces nonbinary and LGBTQIA+ characters to only these identities. This is a failure of representation.
I was truly so excited for this book, and part of the reason I feel so disappointed is because I keep thinking about what could have been. I don’t know if this was a failure of editing, a book written too quickly, or perhaps a trilogy arc that left too much exposition and too little plot for the second book, but whatever the reason, this book did not succeed in carrying the trilogy forward. Coming after Dark Night, Golden Dawn, Beneath the Alabaster Spire could have been great, and it simply wasn’t. I’m not sure if I’ll bother to find out what happens in the final installment.
Note: this review has been edited slightly to correct a typo.
Then I started reading Beneath the Alabaster Spire, and I found myself very quickly disappointed. Despite that, I read the whole novel, hoping I would change my mind. I didn’t.
All that juicy conflict that’s set up at the end of Dark Night, Golden Dawn? It’s largely ignored, swept aside on a tide of endless exposition.
I think that, while the first book in a fantasy trilogy will have a lot of exposition, the second and third books should keep exposition down to a minimum. The world should be established and we as readers should be able to enjoy it without handholding or detailed explanations. However, this book has pages and pages of complicated world building that complicate the story and the stakes. Previously interesting characters are reduced to vehicles for exposition. And even worse is the fact that this exposition does not logically build, so characters will have revelations that seemingly spring out of nowhere. After finishing this book, I am more confused about this world than I was when I started.
The tender, complex, supportive relationship between Harlow and Finn? It’s largely about sex in this book. I love smut when it’s done well, but I am a reader who needs emotional stakes in her romance, and here, when they existed, they were confusing and contradictory.
The characters that made Dark Night, Golden Dawn feel so fully realized? Here, the sprawling cast is rendered largely forgettable. Characters who were standouts in Dark Night, Golden Dawn get forgotten, appearing only to talk about their significant others or deliver exposition. We do get to spend more time with Larkin, learning more about her abilities, but I am concerned that she will be similarly shelved in Book Three of the series. While some novels can sustain a sprawling cast, this novel barely bothers to differentiate its characters, making me think that the book would have been stronger with a much smaller cast.
The action and self-discovery and reflection that made Dark Night, Golden Dawn so incredible? It all disappears. The plot of Beneath the Alabaster Spire literally keeps Harlow sidelined in her own novel. I understand that Beneath the Alabaster Spire has a large cast, but if others are driving the action, then the book should have been written from multiple perspectives. Instead, we spend 80% of the novel seeing Harlow be told things and have sex with Finn. That actually sounds like a great life, but it is a very boring way to spend a novel.
In fact, this novel seems bent on avoiding as much conflict as possible. In that first 80% of the novel, we largely see Harlow with her friends and family, not doing much of plot significance. Over and over, there are moments where seemingly conflict should happen—for example, some disturbing reveals or petty jealousies surface—and a whole scene will be spent on essentially saying “it’s fine because we’re close”. I get that Harlow has a good, and very big, support system, but over and over I would finish reading scenes wondering why they were included in the first place, because they contributed nothing to the overall narrative.
While there is, in fact, a big ending, there was literally nothing leading up to it other than chill hangs, sex, and exposition. (Again, this sounds like a great life, but it’s very boring to read.) Dark Night, Golden Dawn had interesting subplots, but it felt as if here, the author had forgotten that subplots, particularly in a second book, are what makes second books great. Now that readers understand the world, they can explore it, grow close to new characters, and generally enjoy and move around. Here, we get none of that sense of exploration.
Finally, I want to address the way representation is handled in this book. It’s clear that normalizing the whole gender and LGBTQIA+ spectrum is a priority for The Immortal Orders series. This is a great goal, and one that I wish more authors would embrace. However, this representation is done quite poorly in this book. Because the cast is so big and the characters’ genders and sexualities are so emphasized, I ended up remembering the characters only by those qualities, not their abilities or talents or Orders or even their appearances, which were pushed far into the background. I have loved many fantasy novels which focus on non-cis gender identities and non-straight sexualities, and one thing I love is the way that great writers show the richness of the humanity in their characters, making it clear to readers that while gender identity and sexuality are important parts of any person’s life and experience, and no one should ever experience harm or stigma for those facets of their identity, their selves are much more rich and complicated than these two characteristics. I am disappointed by the way that Beneath the Alabaster Spire reduces nonbinary and LGBTQIA+ characters to only these identities. This is a failure of representation.
I was truly so excited for this book, and part of the reason I feel so disappointed is because I keep thinking about what could have been. I don’t know if this was a failure of editing, a book written too quickly, or perhaps a trilogy arc that left too much exposition and too little plot for the second book, but whatever the reason, this book did not succeed in carrying the trilogy forward. Coming after Dark Night, Golden Dawn, Beneath the Alabaster Spire could have been great, and it simply wasn’t. I’m not sure if I’ll bother to find out what happens in the final installment.
Note: this review has been edited slightly to correct a typo.
October 31, 2022
After loving so much the first book, Dark Night Golden Dawn, I was super hyped to dig in to this one 😍 This is the second book in a hot fantasy romance series, if you haven't read book 1 watch out for spoilers below!
The story kicks off after the events of book 1: Finn and Harlow have a lot of ground to cover regarding their relationship. They are trying to comprehend the implications of a Knight and a Strider being together and what it could cause, and at the same time postponing the Claiming. The problem is...they can't keep their hands off each other (gods the smut is incredible!) 🔥
Finn keeps many dark secrets about his life as an illuminated and his past, a burden he doesn't want to bestow upon Harlow. But danger keeps surfacing and keeping these secrets might cost them dearly...
To top it off, Harlow is no longer able to trigger her shifting into the Feriant, which might be their only salvation against Alain Easton. As Harlow looks for information, she uncovers dark secrets that will change everything. You guys will have to read to find out! 😍❤️
The story kicks off after the events of book 1: Finn and Harlow have a lot of ground to cover regarding their relationship. They are trying to comprehend the implications of a Knight and a Strider being together and what it could cause, and at the same time postponing the Claiming. The problem is...they can't keep their hands off each other (gods the smut is incredible!) 🔥
Finn keeps many dark secrets about his life as an illuminated and his past, a burden he doesn't want to bestow upon Harlow. But danger keeps surfacing and keeping these secrets might cost them dearly...
To top it off, Harlow is no longer able to trigger her shifting into the Feriant, which might be their only salvation against Alain Easton. As Harlow looks for information, she uncovers dark secrets that will change everything. You guys will have to read to find out! 😍❤️
October 15, 2022
“It had taken her a bit to recognise how overstimulating it was to be with everyone nonstop, but quiet moments like these reminded her she needed alone time to recharge and think.”
I was incredibly lucky to have received an ARC of BTAS and due to some travel, I didn’t get to dive into it as quickly as I wanted!
I need to start this review off with a note: the first 50% of this book challenged me, a lot. I struggled to understand the various plot points, the character connection and the characters themselves. It felt a lot different to the characters I grew to love in the first book.
Now, having said that, after I passed the 50% mark, I felt we all got into a better rhythm. Not just my connection to the characters, but the story itself.
There was still a lot of the plot points I had to work harder on to piece together but it felt a lot more like the world I fell in love with in DNGD. Please do not take this as a negative point! I still, very much, recommend this series. The characters are so unbelievably relatable, the world is intricate with various levels of magic that I love and all around, it is a really original story.
I absolutely adored getting more time with Larkin. There is something about the relationships she has that really pulls me in.
The twists were completely unexpected. The spice was delicious. The new city was intriguing.
I must warn, this does end on one hell of a cliffhanger BUT I am so committed to where this could be going and Harlow’s growth continues to engross me, fully.
I will take book 3 now!
I was incredibly lucky to have received an ARC of BTAS and due to some travel, I didn’t get to dive into it as quickly as I wanted!
I need to start this review off with a note: the first 50% of this book challenged me, a lot. I struggled to understand the various plot points, the character connection and the characters themselves. It felt a lot different to the characters I grew to love in the first book.
Now, having said that, after I passed the 50% mark, I felt we all got into a better rhythm. Not just my connection to the characters, but the story itself.
There was still a lot of the plot points I had to work harder on to piece together but it felt a lot more like the world I fell in love with in DNGD. Please do not take this as a negative point! I still, very much, recommend this series. The characters are so unbelievably relatable, the world is intricate with various levels of magic that I love and all around, it is a really original story.
I absolutely adored getting more time with Larkin. There is something about the relationships she has that really pulls me in.
The twists were completely unexpected. The spice was delicious. The new city was intriguing.
I must warn, this does end on one hell of a cliffhanger BUT I am so committed to where this could be going and Harlow’s growth continues to engross me, fully.
I will take book 3 now!
September 29, 2022
“It is a choice to be good - to do good - one you make every single day despite them.”
Dark Night Golden Dawn caught my eye thanks to @charliesbookrecs And when I read it I practically begged Allison Carr Waechter to include me in her ARC team. I would’ve begged on my knees, sold a part of my soul, etc — you know, all the things — to get an ARC of book 2 because DNGD had easily won my heart. And now, I must continue begging because I don’t know what I will do if I don’t get my hands on book 3 as soon as possible.
“She will. And I won’t blame her for it,” Cian says.
Now, you might have some questions. Let me answer them for you:
🦦Do you need this series?
🍂Yes.
🦦Do you need it now?
🍂Yes.
🦦Should you stop reading whatever you’re reading to pick up DNGD?
🍂Yes.
🦦Should you mark on your calendar the release date for this one (October 18)?
🍂Yes.
I can’t give too much away but book 2 brings us a better understanding of the world and the huge problems they’re facing. It brings us epic romance and amazing friendships. It brings us a deep sense of family and betrayal. And it brings us very 🥵 🌶. Soooooo, you can see why you absolutely, 💯 NEED this.
Finn, she will.
Harlow (who I absolutely see as Iskra Lawrence), you must.
This book is perfect for those who love:
🖤character driven books
🖤world expansion
🖤fake breakup
🖤can’t keep my hands off of you
🖤a cliffhanger
Adult. 5 stars ⭐️ Thank you so much for this ARC. I can't wait to hold the physical book in my arms. 😌
Dark Night Golden Dawn caught my eye thanks to @charliesbookrecs And when I read it I practically begged Allison Carr Waechter to include me in her ARC team. I would’ve begged on my knees, sold a part of my soul, etc — you know, all the things — to get an ARC of book 2 because DNGD had easily won my heart. And now, I must continue begging because I don’t know what I will do if I don’t get my hands on book 3 as soon as possible.
“She will. And I won’t blame her for it,” Cian says.
Now, you might have some questions. Let me answer them for you:
🦦Do you need this series?
🍂Yes.
🦦Do you need it now?
🍂Yes.
🦦Should you stop reading whatever you’re reading to pick up DNGD?
🍂Yes.
🦦Should you mark on your calendar the release date for this one (October 18)?
🍂Yes.
I can’t give too much away but book 2 brings us a better understanding of the world and the huge problems they’re facing. It brings us epic romance and amazing friendships. It brings us a deep sense of family and betrayal. And it brings us very 🥵 🌶. Soooooo, you can see why you absolutely, 💯 NEED this.
Finn, she will.
Harlow (who I absolutely see as Iskra Lawrence), you must.
This book is perfect for those who love:
🖤character driven books
🖤world expansion
🖤fake breakup
🖤can’t keep my hands off of you
🖤a cliffhanger
Adult. 5 stars ⭐️ Thank you so much for this ARC. I can't wait to hold the physical book in my arms. 😌
June 23, 2024
I absolutely LOVED the first book in this series. I related to the characters, it was a fun plot, and the discussion of truama and and mental illness was something I adored.
But nothing happened in this book? There was way too much smut and not enough of a storyline to actually further the plot. I'm hoping this is a case of a middle book slump, but it was a big disappointment
But nothing happened in this book? There was way too much smut and not enough of a storyline to actually further the plot. I'm hoping this is a case of a middle book slump, but it was a big disappointment
September 26, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this and WOW. This joined Dark Night Golden Dawn on my top reads of the year list.
The story completely opened up in this book with more history, lore and impressive world building. It all weaves a complicated web, and I found myself highlighting and referring back to those highlights to make connections and keep everything straight in my head. This is not a mindless read (in the best way!). It could be hard to follow at times because of all the moving pieces, but it all came together in the end.
Harlow had some great character growth in this. I was relieved to see her shed her sad girl persona and really start to come into her own. She does a lot of internal work and something I've loved about this series is the emphasis on mental health.
I loved how Harlow and Finn's relationship really grew and deepened in this book through the obstacles, past secrets and issues they had to overcome.
I truly did not see any of the twists coming. Even if I had suspicions about certain characters, I could never have guessed these twists and betrayals. It has been a few hours since I finished and I'm still pretty stunned.
Big thanks to Allison Carr Waechter for the ARC of BTAS in exchange for an honest review!
The story completely opened up in this book with more history, lore and impressive world building. It all weaves a complicated web, and I found myself highlighting and referring back to those highlights to make connections and keep everything straight in my head. This is not a mindless read (in the best way!). It could be hard to follow at times because of all the moving pieces, but it all came together in the end.
Harlow had some great character growth in this. I was relieved to see her shed her sad girl persona and really start to come into her own. She does a lot of internal work and something I've loved about this series is the emphasis on mental health.
I loved how Harlow and Finn's relationship really grew and deepened in this book through the obstacles, past secrets and issues they had to overcome.
I truly did not see any of the twists coming. Even if I had suspicions about certain characters, I could never have guessed these twists and betrayals. It has been a few hours since I finished and I'm still pretty stunned.
Big thanks to Allison Carr Waechter for the ARC of BTAS in exchange for an honest review!
October 25, 2022
My heart hasn’t stopped aching since this morning when I finished reading this book. I need a hug. Better yet, I need Finn.
Before I get into my review, this book is the second book in The Immortal Orders series, which is a series that shines for its representation of LGBTQIA+ characters, for the mid-size rep, and for the portrayal of mental health. If this is the first time you hear of it (we need to fix that!), check out the page for book 1 Dark Night Golden Dawn, where you'll also find my review.
Beneath the Alabaster Spire was one of my most anticipated sequels and it did not disappoint! Like its predecessor, this book stood out for its worldbuilding, incredible and diverse cast of characters, and most importantly for the character relationships—and I’m not just talking about the romance. This book is brimming with friendship and family bonds so pure that my heart aches happily just at the thought. (Can a heart ache from happiness? Mine sure does!) Harlow’s relationship with her sisters is perfection, and I especially adore Thea and Larkin, who once again stand out among the large brood of Krane witches. And as I mentioned, the friendships are goals. My personal favorite character among the friends is Cian. I love how they combine both the old and the new. They’re such a fresh and forward-thinking character, yet they have moments where they act like everyone’s favorite old aunt.
The romance in this one was perfection. Finn and Harlow are the best, the most beautiful, the healthiest, most passionate couple. Their every interaction was pure perfection. I just…I need a Finn in my life. Everyone deserves a Finn in their lives. He’s not your typical brooding hero with a dark past. Sure, he has his demons, but he remains a man with a good heart and soul. The darkness of his past hasn’t transformed him into a monster. He has his values. He respects those around him, and he loves with all his heart. And Harlow, well…she’s incredible. She’s perhaps the female protagonist I relate to the most above all. I see myself in her, in body and spirit. I also love how the author writes the spicy scenes. They’re hot but never vulgar, objectifying or degrading. Even their teasing, banter and dirty talk is perfection.
I am so looking forward to the next book! I seriously need it now to mend my heart!
Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC. Opinions are my own.
Before I get into my review, this book is the second book in The Immortal Orders series, which is a series that shines for its representation of LGBTQIA+ characters, for the mid-size rep, and for the portrayal of mental health. If this is the first time you hear of it (we need to fix that!), check out the page for book 1 Dark Night Golden Dawn, where you'll also find my review.
Beneath the Alabaster Spire was one of my most anticipated sequels and it did not disappoint! Like its predecessor, this book stood out for its worldbuilding, incredible and diverse cast of characters, and most importantly for the character relationships—and I’m not just talking about the romance. This book is brimming with friendship and family bonds so pure that my heart aches happily just at the thought. (Can a heart ache from happiness? Mine sure does!) Harlow’s relationship with her sisters is perfection, and I especially adore Thea and Larkin, who once again stand out among the large brood of Krane witches. And as I mentioned, the friendships are goals. My personal favorite character among the friends is Cian. I love how they combine both the old and the new. They’re such a fresh and forward-thinking character, yet they have moments where they act like everyone’s favorite old aunt.
The romance in this one was perfection. Finn and Harlow are the best, the most beautiful, the healthiest, most passionate couple. Their every interaction was pure perfection. I just…I need a Finn in my life. Everyone deserves a Finn in their lives. He’s not your typical brooding hero with a dark past. Sure, he has his demons, but he remains a man with a good heart and soul. The darkness of his past hasn’t transformed him into a monster. He has his values. He respects those around him, and he loves with all his heart. And Harlow, well…she’s incredible. She’s perhaps the female protagonist I relate to the most above all. I see myself in her, in body and spirit. I also love how the author writes the spicy scenes. They’re hot but never vulgar, objectifying or degrading. Even their teasing, banter and dirty talk is perfection.
I am so looking forward to the next book! I seriously need it now to mend my heart!
Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC. Opinions are my own.
October 8, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review so here we go...
I had such high hopes for book 2 in this series because of how much I liked book 1. I was ready for questions to be answered, action to move the plot forward, inconsistencies, and clarification on many of the side characters. I think it fell victim to the Middle Book of a Trilogy flop where Nothing Happens and We Hope Book 3 Ends Better.
Not only were more characters were introduced, but they were not impactful to the overall story. There are 25+ characters in a mile-wide-inch-deep way. I could not keep any of them straight in my mind because of the sheer volume and lack of depth of each one. The limited single POV from Harlow did not let the reader get to know any other characters outside of her, Finn (again, barely), and a little bit of Larkin. Everyone else was almost just an "acquaintance" to Harlow.
In terms of plot...what even happens? The pivotal events in book 1 (Mark, his missing dad, the vampire orders attacking people) seem to not matter anymore and then we have entirely new subplots/characters whose purpose appears to solely be to set up for spin-off books. Harlow is left behind and does...what?
There were inconsistencies in terms of conversations about one thing (the claiming) only to have the characters completely go against everything said several chapters later...as if convo #1 didn't happen. This was a huge plot point in book 1 and 2 and it just fizzled.
In my opinion, the epilogue undermined the entire cliffhanger ending. Instead of completing the book with this huge moment to drive readers to want to immediately start the next book, we have a 2 month time jump? Where not much has happened except a "training montage". Why?? The epilogue felt more like it should have been chapter 1 of the next book. I was no longer left "wanting more" and can sadly say I have no desire to finish this trilogy.
My overall thoughts: I was bored. Confused. Noted several words used incorrectly. Needs some decent editing. Annoyed at the inconsistencies. Left wanting more but not confident that that would solve anything. I would not recommend. Book 1 was good...book 2 was not.
I had such high hopes for book 2 in this series because of how much I liked book 1. I was ready for questions to be answered, action to move the plot forward, inconsistencies, and clarification on many of the side characters. I think it fell victim to the Middle Book of a Trilogy flop where Nothing Happens and We Hope Book 3 Ends Better.
Not only were more characters were introduced, but they were not impactful to the overall story. There are 25+ characters in a mile-wide-inch-deep way. I could not keep any of them straight in my mind because of the sheer volume and lack of depth of each one. The limited single POV from Harlow did not let the reader get to know any other characters outside of her, Finn (again, barely), and a little bit of Larkin. Everyone else was almost just an "acquaintance" to Harlow.
In terms of plot...what even happens? The pivotal events in book 1 (Mark, his missing dad, the vampire orders attacking people) seem to not matter anymore and then we have entirely new subplots/characters whose purpose appears to solely be to set up for spin-off books. Harlow is left behind and does...what?
There were inconsistencies in terms of conversations about one thing (the claiming) only to have the characters completely go against everything said several chapters later...as if convo #1 didn't happen. This was a huge plot point in book 1 and 2 and it just fizzled.
In my opinion, the epilogue undermined the entire cliffhanger ending. Instead of completing the book with this huge moment to drive readers to want to immediately start the next book, we have a 2 month time jump? Where not much has happened except a "training montage". Why?? The epilogue felt more like it should have been chapter 1 of the next book. I was no longer left "wanting more" and can sadly say I have no desire to finish this trilogy.
My overall thoughts: I was bored. Confused. Noted several words used incorrectly. Needs some decent editing. Annoyed at the inconsistencies. Left wanting more but not confident that that would solve anything. I would not recommend. Book 1 was good...book 2 was not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2023
~ Plot Twist
~ Healthy relationships
~ Fast paced
✨ My Thoughts ✨
Oh dang... Allison does it again. I absolutely lovde Dark Night Golden Dawn and was excited to get into Beneath the Alabaster Spire. I truly loved this one. I enjoyed the plot of the story so much. I loved reading about the new location. I loved Harlow and Finn's relationship. I loved seeing how they work through their struggles. I enjoyed seeing the other characters too. Finn's backstory has my heart breaking. Harlow is still a badass and I love seeing her journey of self growth. The spice was perfection. The ending still has me in shock. I can't wait for book 3.
Beneath the Alabaster Spire is book 2 in The Immortal Orders series. It is recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading. This book is not dark but there are topics that could trigger some people. I truly can't recommend this series enough.
✨ I received this copy as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Allison for this opportunity. It was truly an honor to be back into this world. ✨
~ Healthy relationships
~ Fast paced
✨ My Thoughts ✨
Oh dang... Allison does it again. I absolutely lovde Dark Night Golden Dawn and was excited to get into Beneath the Alabaster Spire. I truly loved this one. I enjoyed the plot of the story so much. I loved reading about the new location. I loved Harlow and Finn's relationship. I loved seeing how they work through their struggles. I enjoyed seeing the other characters too. Finn's backstory has my heart breaking. Harlow is still a badass and I love seeing her journey of self growth. The spice was perfection. The ending still has me in shock. I can't wait for book 3.
Beneath the Alabaster Spire is book 2 in The Immortal Orders series. It is recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading. This book is not dark but there are topics that could trigger some people. I truly can't recommend this series enough.
✨ I received this copy as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Allison for this opportunity. It was truly an honor to be back into this world. ✨
October 24, 2022
I'm biased, so take my 5 stars with a grain of salt. Finbar McKay owns my heart and he in himself deserves the rating, but if I want to be honest with myself, it actually was probably in the 3.5 - 4 star range for me, which is still good.
I love every element of this story, but after seeing this plot play out a few times now, I kind of have the feeling there's no way of telling it in a way that makes sense. Or rather, it's the balancing of events and plot points. I feel it requires too much background worldbuilding that doesn't really leave additional space to focus on the romance plot as well. It's either this or that. I love the romance between Harlow and Finn, I'm mainly here for them, but they did very little here in regard to the big plot.
If I ignore this, this book was everything I needed it to be. We saw Harls and Finn bond deeper, solve mysteries with their families, and get hit by some serious big bombs at the end. And don't even get me started on the end arc.. it broke my heart and I just need my babies to be together and safe again. I think we just scratched the surface of what is actually coming and I can't wait to see where the next book will take us. I know, I will count the days until it drops.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Smut Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I love every element of this story, but after seeing this plot play out a few times now, I kind of have the feeling there's no way of telling it in a way that makes sense. Or rather, it's the balancing of events and plot points. I feel it requires too much background worldbuilding that doesn't really leave additional space to focus on the romance plot as well. It's either this or that. I love the romance between Harlow and Finn, I'm mainly here for them, but they did very little here in regard to the big plot.
If I ignore this, this book was everything I needed it to be. We saw Harls and Finn bond deeper, solve mysteries with their families, and get hit by some serious big bombs at the end. And don't even get me started on the end arc.. it broke my heart and I just need my babies to be together and safe again. I think we just scratched the surface of what is actually coming and I can't wait to see where the next book will take us. I know, I will count the days until it drops.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Smut Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
October 14, 2022
3.5
Thank you endlessly to Allison Carr Waechter for an eARC of this forthcoming release in exchange for an honest review!
Upfront, I will say I am someone who notably has misgivings about the second book in a series. See my reflections on ADOW and FBAA, to name a few. This rating is rounded up to four stars—much like my reviews for other beloved series—because of the author and cast of characters. The official rating is in NO way meant to disuade readers. As always, I simply aim to provide holistic, honest reviews.
Beneath the Alabaster Spire continues the mystery started in Dark Night Golden Dawn. The prologue opens but does NOT directly begin after the closing pages of its predecessor. While I have no qualms about this, it’s important to raise for readers who are used to book to book transitions a la Raven Kennedy or JLA.
ACW created such a rich panoply of characters ranging from human to supernatural. Once again, the LGBTQIA+ community is represented throughout the novel. ACW is keenly aware of toeing the line between truth and tokenization; the story feels personal and reflective of a myriad of journeys.
Unfortunately, the whimsy and warmth of the first book has seemingly disappeared. There is a distinct tonal shift in Beneath the Alabaster Spire, one that is very clearly adult (yes, I am aware this is as the genre suggests). Perhaps my confusion stems from the upper YA, NA feeling of Dark Night Golden Dawn. Maybe I just didn’t expect the book to begin with so much profanity and misplaced sexual innuendo.
I say all this as an avid reader of adult and new adult fiction. It is what I’ve built my entire platform on, so please do not read this as me “yucking someone’s yum” or claiming anything has “too much” smüt. I’m merely anchoring readers in my perspective and expectations going from book one to book two.
The plot remains intriguing, blending history, science, and mysticism to ground the world of The Immortal Orders. But the worldbuilding often went over my head, making me question how various creatures and concepts related to book one.
In the end, ACW’s sequel is steamy and full to the brim with secrets and sacrifices. But the book is also rooted in relationships, both platonic and romantic. In the end, the bonds between family—the ones born into, chosen, and found—will have the most resounding impact on readers. And brace for impact, because a cliffhanger is coming your way….
Thank you endlessly to Allison Carr Waechter for an eARC of this forthcoming release in exchange for an honest review!
Upfront, I will say I am someone who notably has misgivings about the second book in a series. See my reflections on ADOW and FBAA, to name a few. This rating is rounded up to four stars—much like my reviews for other beloved series—because of the author and cast of characters. The official rating is in NO way meant to disuade readers. As always, I simply aim to provide holistic, honest reviews.
Beneath the Alabaster Spire continues the mystery started in Dark Night Golden Dawn. The prologue opens but does NOT directly begin after the closing pages of its predecessor. While I have no qualms about this, it’s important to raise for readers who are used to book to book transitions a la Raven Kennedy or JLA.
ACW created such a rich panoply of characters ranging from human to supernatural. Once again, the LGBTQIA+ community is represented throughout the novel. ACW is keenly aware of toeing the line between truth and tokenization; the story feels personal and reflective of a myriad of journeys.
Unfortunately, the whimsy and warmth of the first book has seemingly disappeared. There is a distinct tonal shift in Beneath the Alabaster Spire, one that is very clearly adult (yes, I am aware this is as the genre suggests). Perhaps my confusion stems from the upper YA, NA feeling of Dark Night Golden Dawn. Maybe I just didn’t expect the book to begin with so much profanity and misplaced sexual innuendo.
I say all this as an avid reader of adult and new adult fiction. It is what I’ve built my entire platform on, so please do not read this as me “yucking someone’s yum” or claiming anything has “too much” smüt. I’m merely anchoring readers in my perspective and expectations going from book one to book two.
The plot remains intriguing, blending history, science, and mysticism to ground the world of The Immortal Orders. But the worldbuilding often went over my head, making me question how various creatures and concepts related to book one.
In the end, ACW’s sequel is steamy and full to the brim with secrets and sacrifices. But the book is also rooted in relationships, both platonic and romantic. In the end, the bonds between family—the ones born into, chosen, and found—will have the most resounding impact on readers. And brace for impact, because a cliffhanger is coming your way….
September 27, 2022
Wow… absolutely blown away by this sequel… yet again I COULDNT PUT IT DOWN!
Firstly it was so nice to be back in this amazing world & even better to be with the beautiful cast of characters that the author has created.
They all have such amazing light & shade written into them and woven through out the story. I loved being back in their world.
Seeing Harlows growth from everything she went through in book one also made me so extremely happy 🥹 amongst all crazy shit that happened!
The expansion of the plot, the TWISTS 🫠 the ending 😭😭�� I don’t think I can form coherent words at this stage… but just know that I am HANGING for b3 🙏🏽
The spice in this book also really went up a notch! ❤️🔥 there was a lot… and it was good 🥵
Overall where the story is heading is phenomenal!
I will say that the first 30% had a lot of information & I wish it had some more dynamic scenes to explore all of this rather than the characters being in one spot & discussing it. There is also a lot of characters to keep a track of… but because I LOVE the world & characters I still enjoyed reading it all, but I felt some more action could have been explored.
But honestly… the clues, the twists, the extra characters introduced… The secrets! the deceptions!!! 🫣 It was all there & more! This series is fast becoming one of my all time favourites.
Now excuse me while I go & read everything else Allison has ever written…. 🫠
4.75⭐️
3.5 🌶
I was gifted an ARC for an honest review
Firstly it was so nice to be back in this amazing world & even better to be with the beautiful cast of characters that the author has created.
They all have such amazing light & shade written into them and woven through out the story. I loved being back in their world.
Seeing Harlows growth from everything she went through in book one also made me so extremely happy 🥹 amongst all crazy shit that happened!
The expansion of the plot, the TWISTS 🫠 the ending 😭😭�� I don’t think I can form coherent words at this stage… but just know that I am HANGING for b3 🙏🏽
The spice in this book also really went up a notch! ❤️🔥 there was a lot… and it was good 🥵
Overall where the story is heading is phenomenal!
I will say that the first 30% had a lot of information & I wish it had some more dynamic scenes to explore all of this rather than the characters being in one spot & discussing it. There is also a lot of characters to keep a track of… but because I LOVE the world & characters I still enjoyed reading it all, but I felt some more action could have been explored.
But honestly… the clues, the twists, the extra characters introduced… The secrets! the deceptions!!! 🫣 It was all there & more! This series is fast becoming one of my all time favourites.
Now excuse me while I go & read everything else Allison has ever written…. 🫠
4.75⭐️
3.5 🌶
I was gifted an ARC for an honest review
November 13, 2022
I’m just not digging the storyline or the world building (or lack thereof).
I won’t be continuing with the series.
I won’t be continuing with the series.
October 25, 2022
Read my review of Dark Night Golden Dawn here.
BENEATH THE ALABASTER SPIRE was one of my most anticipated sequels, and it delivered exactly what I expected from it: more romance, more rep, more incredible world-building! This series is truly a must read for fantasy romance fans, especially if you love Crescent City and A Discovery of Witches.
Finn and Harlow’s relationship was a big part of this sequel, and while I did love them in the first book (a lot), they’ve now truly cemented themselves as one of my favorite couples. If you enjoy this pairing, you can look forward to some amazing steamy scenes—which I deeply enjoyed—but also to an incredibly healthy and balanced relationship. I love the way these two listen and understand one another, the trust that unites them, and the room they give each other to grow as individuals and as a unit. Relationship goals right here!
Like in the first book, the author also didn’t shy away from getting deep and personal with Harlow’s character. Despite her being in a much happier place here than she was in DNGD, her insecurities didn’t magically vanish with her growing confidence. Her character resonates with me so deeply, and I’m sure many readers will feel the same.
Apart from my babies Finn and Harlow, I once again found myself loving the secondary characters. The ones that joined the cast toward the end of DNGD had a lot more page time now, and unsurprisingly, Cian became one of my favorites! Every character plays a pivotal role in the plot, which takes huge steps forward with plenty of reveals, unexpected twists and even a betrayal or two that had my heart shattering. The build-up to the climax was exquisite and shocking! I think I’ve seen this film before when I finished reading DNGD, but I cannot wait for the next installment of this series. This author is a gift that keeps on giving!
Thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC. All opinions are my own.
BENEATH THE ALABASTER SPIRE was one of my most anticipated sequels, and it delivered exactly what I expected from it: more romance, more rep, more incredible world-building! This series is truly a must read for fantasy romance fans, especially if you love Crescent City and A Discovery of Witches.
Finn and Harlow’s relationship was a big part of this sequel, and while I did love them in the first book (a lot), they’ve now truly cemented themselves as one of my favorite couples. If you enjoy this pairing, you can look forward to some amazing steamy scenes—which I deeply enjoyed—but also to an incredibly healthy and balanced relationship. I love the way these two listen and understand one another, the trust that unites them, and the room they give each other to grow as individuals and as a unit. Relationship goals right here!
Like in the first book, the author also didn’t shy away from getting deep and personal with Harlow’s character. Despite her being in a much happier place here than she was in DNGD, her insecurities didn’t magically vanish with her growing confidence. Her character resonates with me so deeply, and I’m sure many readers will feel the same.
Apart from my babies Finn and Harlow, I once again found myself loving the secondary characters. The ones that joined the cast toward the end of DNGD had a lot more page time now, and unsurprisingly, Cian became one of my favorites! Every character plays a pivotal role in the plot, which takes huge steps forward with plenty of reveals, unexpected twists and even a betrayal or two that had my heart shattering. The build-up to the climax was exquisite and shocking! I think I’ve seen this film before when I finished reading DNGD, but I cannot wait for the next installment of this series. This author is a gift that keeps on giving!
Thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 19, 2022
THIS BOOK.
Okay I really enjoyed book one…BUT BOOK TWO. Book two, I was not prepared for you.
Things I loved outside of the actual story/plot:
- the cover (have you ever seen a more gorgeous cover? Nope)
- the dedication 😭😭
- the content warnings right at the front of the book. I always appreciate this and think it should be including in every single book.
- THE GLOSSARY. Omg every fantasy book needs a glossary. This was perfect.
Now let’s talk about the actual content of the book 😍😍
I can’t get enough of Harlow and Finn…and I’m obviously in good company because they clearly can’t get enough of each other either, if you know what I mean 👀😂 their romance is so sweet and precious and their friendship is beautiful…but don’t let that fool you into believing that there isn’t equal amount of steam and spice in their love story.
I also love that other side characters found some romance! I won’t go into detail because spoilers, but I did enjoy the little addition of some characters from book one connecting in book two.
Probably the most insane part of book two though was THE TWIST. 😱 maybe I’m alone on this island, but it completely took me by surprise and I was HERE FOR IT. I mean, other than the fact that I really desperately need book three, like, yesterday. I am also in love with that epilogue. THAT is how you do a solid epilogue. Cannot wait to see my girl Harlow take on some baddies in book three!
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Okay I really enjoyed book one…BUT BOOK TWO. Book two, I was not prepared for you.
Things I loved outside of the actual story/plot:
- the cover (have you ever seen a more gorgeous cover? Nope)
- the dedication 😭😭
- the content warnings right at the front of the book. I always appreciate this and think it should be including in every single book.
- THE GLOSSARY. Omg every fantasy book needs a glossary. This was perfect.
Now let’s talk about the actual content of the book 😍😍
I can’t get enough of Harlow and Finn…and I’m obviously in good company because they clearly can’t get enough of each other either, if you know what I mean 👀😂 their romance is so sweet and precious and their friendship is beautiful…but don’t let that fool you into believing that there isn’t equal amount of steam and spice in their love story.
I also love that other side characters found some romance! I won’t go into detail because spoilers, but I did enjoy the little addition of some characters from book one connecting in book two.
Probably the most insane part of book two though was THE TWIST. 😱 maybe I’m alone on this island, but it completely took me by surprise and I was HERE FOR IT. I mean, other than the fact that I really desperately need book three, like, yesterday. I am also in love with that epilogue. THAT is how you do a solid epilogue. Cannot wait to see my girl Harlow take on some baddies in book three!
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 22, 2022
Hello Goodreads! I’m so excited and thankful to have gotten an ARC of this book—thank you Allison!
First of all—Harlow & Petra’s friendship is so beautiful 🥺
Otherwise I just almost can’t put into words how wonderful book 2 was. Essentially, it was so amazing I wanted to highlight the whole thing. The way relationships of all kinds are discussed and relationship issues dealt with is refreshing. People love to read fantasy and ignore the idea of thinking through things in a healthy manner but I really enjoy that you can tell that Harlow has been to therapy. I love it. I love healthy Harlow and getting to watch her work through all these truly wild things happening to her was so healing really. I love Finlow obviously, their relationship is beautiful. But gosh Harlow is just SO relatable. I don’t want to spoil the plot of course but I was on the edge of my seat for so many parts of the book—it was definitely action packed (but not too heavy that you can’t digest it in my opinion).
Here are some of my favorite quotes—read at your own risk of course 😂
🧙🏻♀️☕️👗
“ɪ ʜᴇʟᴅ ɪᴛ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴇᴀʀꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ᴄᴀʀᴇᴅ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛᴏ ᴛᴀᴋᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴏꜱᴘɪᴛᴀʟ. ɪ ᴜꜱᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴀᴄᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛ ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴡᴏʀᴛʜ ꜱᴀᴠɪɴɢ ᴀꜱ ᴀʀᴍᴏʀ ᴀɢᴀɪɴꜱᴛ ᴛʀʏɪɴɢ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴛɪᴍᴇꜱ ᴛʜᴀɴ ɪ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ ʙᴀᴄᴋ ᴛʜᴇɴ.”
𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘫𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘱, 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮. 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦.
“𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒎,” 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒓𝒎𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒖𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆. “𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒊𝒇 𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆.”
First of all—Harlow & Petra’s friendship is so beautiful 🥺
Otherwise I just almost can’t put into words how wonderful book 2 was. Essentially, it was so amazing I wanted to highlight the whole thing. The way relationships of all kinds are discussed and relationship issues dealt with is refreshing. People love to read fantasy and ignore the idea of thinking through things in a healthy manner but I really enjoy that you can tell that Harlow has been to therapy. I love it. I love healthy Harlow and getting to watch her work through all these truly wild things happening to her was so healing really. I love Finlow obviously, their relationship is beautiful. But gosh Harlow is just SO relatable. I don’t want to spoil the plot of course but I was on the edge of my seat for so many parts of the book—it was definitely action packed (but not too heavy that you can’t digest it in my opinion).
Here are some of my favorite quotes—read at your own risk of course 😂
🧙🏻♀️☕️👗
“ɪ ʜᴇʟᴅ ɪᴛ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴇᴀʀꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ᴄᴀʀᴇᴅ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛᴏ ᴛᴀᴋᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴏꜱᴘɪᴛᴀʟ. ɪ ᴜꜱᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴀᴄᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛ ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴡᴏʀᴛʜ ꜱᴀᴠɪɴɢ ᴀꜱ ᴀʀᴍᴏʀ ᴀɢᴀɪɴꜱᴛ ᴛʀʏɪɴɢ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴛɪᴍᴇꜱ ᴛʜᴀɴ ɪ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ ʙᴀᴄᴋ ᴛʜᴇɴ.”
𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘫𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘱, 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮. 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦.
“𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒎,” 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒓𝒎𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒖𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆. “𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒊𝒇 𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆.”
February 2, 2023
Too much unnecessary filler. Way too much explaining. A lot of world building that should have been addressed in the first book.
Too many characters- not enough personality to distinguish or separate/care about them.
Breaking the 4th wall was absolutely cringy, for me.
Loathed the pet names, the 0-60 relationship, and the FMC just bugged me. Hated the third person narrative.
I cannot stand blatantly avoidable drama & characters who make obviously stupid decisions. Makes me irate. I LOATHE this kind of plot. Hated it!
Yes, there’s some good spice. That didn’t make up for the snooze fest in between. Took me about 40% to even gain interest or figure out what the hell the point was! So annoying! 😑 Ugh and the absolutely vapid side notes?? I just CAN’T!! 🙅🏼♀️
The first book was “meh”- but I was curious enough about the magic system & the world to keep going. After this, I’m out. Hated it. Over it. Not for me. DNR.
I think this world had potential but there are SO many kinks that need to be worked out. C- at best, imo.
Too many characters- not enough personality to distinguish or separate/care about them.
Breaking the 4th wall was absolutely cringy, for me.
Loathed the pet names, the 0-60 relationship, and the FMC just bugged me. Hated the third person narrative.
I cannot stand blatantly avoidable drama & characters who make obviously stupid decisions. Makes me irate. I LOATHE this kind of plot. Hated it!
Yes, there’s some good spice. That didn’t make up for the snooze fest in between. Took me about 40% to even gain interest or figure out what the hell the point was! So annoying! 😑 Ugh and the absolutely vapid side notes?? I just CAN’T!! 🙅🏼♀️
The first book was “meh”- but I was curious enough about the magic system & the world to keep going. After this, I’m out. Hated it. Over it. Not for me. DNR.
I think this world had potential but there are SO many kinks that need to be worked out. C- at best, imo.
October 27, 2022
I finished this book a few days ago, and I’m still struggling to put into words just how much I loved this book and the series thus far.
TROPESSSS
➕ second chance romance (book 1 enemies to lovers 🤌🏽)
➕ found family
➕ found powers
➕ self empowerment/healing journey
➕ LGBTQ rep
➕ diverse cast/easy to keep up with
➕ mid/plus MC
➕ FLAWED but growing MC
This book takes place just a few weeks after book 1 ends. The beginning is calmer waters over what we’ve been dealing with - and what we deal with at the end. 🫠
Harlow and Finn’s relationship continues to grow and is the most realistic representation of a new romance I’ve seen on pages. To say I’m obsessed would be an understatement. Finn is complex and has layers and so does Harlow, but together they grow and help each other to heal and learn.
We get to see Harlow struggle with her new powers and learn how to handle them, and she even learns new things!!
The Illuminated are fascinating to me, and learning more about their kind - I couldn’t get enough!
We are introduced to new characters in this book, but they were all great additions and added new layers to the story.
New places/lore is explored in an easy to understand way that didn’t make my two brain cells hurt.
The spice while SUPER hot is so incredibly sweet and tbh I’m probably gonna make y’all sick of me saying it but I am OBSESSED with Finn and Harlow, sorry not sorry.
Tbh I don’t know why this book isn’t as wildly popular as ACOTAR. I felt so many of the same feelings reading this when I read that. I love a self-saving, recovering heroine and I felt like a proud mama bird (👀) watching Harlow spread her wings and fly after her trauma nearly crippled her. She overcame her anxiety and pain to rise from those ashes like a dang phenix and I am HERE FOR IT!!
If you’re still on the fence about starting this book, pretend I am right behind you shoving your ass off of it to pick it up already ( CHRISTY, IM LOOKING AT YOU 😠) and read it. You will never be the same, but in a good way.
TROPESSSS
➕ second chance romance (book 1 enemies to lovers 🤌🏽)
➕ found family
➕ found powers
➕ self empowerment/healing journey
➕ LGBTQ rep
➕ diverse cast/easy to keep up with
➕ mid/plus MC
➕ FLAWED but growing MC
This book takes place just a few weeks after book 1 ends. The beginning is calmer waters over what we’ve been dealing with - and what we deal with at the end. 🫠
Harlow and Finn’s relationship continues to grow and is the most realistic representation of a new romance I’ve seen on pages. To say I’m obsessed would be an understatement. Finn is complex and has layers and so does Harlow, but together they grow and help each other to heal and learn.
We get to see Harlow struggle with her new powers and learn how to handle them, and she even learns new things!!
The Illuminated are fascinating to me, and learning more about their kind - I couldn’t get enough!
We are introduced to new characters in this book, but they were all great additions and added new layers to the story.
New places/lore is explored in an easy to understand way that didn’t make my two brain cells hurt.
The spice while SUPER hot is so incredibly sweet and tbh I’m probably gonna make y’all sick of me saying it but I am OBSESSED with Finn and Harlow, sorry not sorry.
Tbh I don’t know why this book isn’t as wildly popular as ACOTAR. I felt so many of the same feelings reading this when I read that. I love a self-saving, recovering heroine and I felt like a proud mama bird (👀) watching Harlow spread her wings and fly after her trauma nearly crippled her. She overcame her anxiety and pain to rise from those ashes like a dang phenix and I am HERE FOR IT!!
If you’re still on the fence about starting this book, pretend I am right behind you shoving your ass off of it to pick it up already ( CHRISTY, IM LOOKING AT YOU 😠) and read it. You will never be the same, but in a good way.
October 10, 2022
Good GODS. This was PHENOMENAL!
I am utterly blown away. I ADORED Dark Night Golden Dawn earlier this year, and Allison has absolutely done it again.
This book series has everything. It’s an intricately built urban fantasy world that is so vivid and real, it feels like you could actually exist there. Allison is a master at world building. Every little detail unfolds organically, and the magic system and hierarchy of the immortal orders is fascinating and unique.
Harlow is an absolute gem of an MC. She is so incredibly strong, and also extraordinarily soft and sentimental. It’s so nice to see an MC who embodies both sides of this. She has been hurt, she has struggled with her mental health, she has reflected and learned about the effects of trauma on her life. Much of Harlow’s internal monologue is like attending a therapy session (and I say this as an actual, licensed therapist lol). Harlow is such an amazing example of what it can look like to work through the harmful after effects of an abusive, toxic relationship. We get an inside view of all of the little ways her ex-partner has messed with her self-image, and we also see her work through the feelings of jealousy and inferiority as they come. She realizes when these feelings are acting as barriers in her relationship with Finn, and she reflects on these and challenges them in real time. It’s such an important and unique point of view, and one i so wish we got more of in fiction. I am continually blown away by the representation of mental health.
I am also so happy with the queer representation. There are so many main and side characters with so many varying identities and sexualities. I can tell that Allison put time and love into the crafting of each character, no matter how small. I adore every scene with the cast of this story, and the way they all interact creates such a comforting found family feel.
This book was perfectly balanced in the way of heart pounding action as well as quiet, cozy moments where the story is unfolding and our characters are learning. And the ROMANCE 😍 Finn & Harlow have chemistry that is bar none, and spice to match.
The ending of this book has absolutely broken me and left me scrambling to get my hands on the next installment. I LOVE where this story is going, and I cannot WAIT to learn what Harlow and co. get up to next. Thank you SO much to Allison Carr Waechter for the arc of this! The only downside to reading early is that now I have to wait longer 🥲
I am utterly blown away. I ADORED Dark Night Golden Dawn earlier this year, and Allison has absolutely done it again.
This book series has everything. It’s an intricately built urban fantasy world that is so vivid and real, it feels like you could actually exist there. Allison is a master at world building. Every little detail unfolds organically, and the magic system and hierarchy of the immortal orders is fascinating and unique.
Harlow is an absolute gem of an MC. She is so incredibly strong, and also extraordinarily soft and sentimental. It’s so nice to see an MC who embodies both sides of this. She has been hurt, she has struggled with her mental health, she has reflected and learned about the effects of trauma on her life. Much of Harlow’s internal monologue is like attending a therapy session (and I say this as an actual, licensed therapist lol). Harlow is such an amazing example of what it can look like to work through the harmful after effects of an abusive, toxic relationship. We get an inside view of all of the little ways her ex-partner has messed with her self-image, and we also see her work through the feelings of jealousy and inferiority as they come. She realizes when these feelings are acting as barriers in her relationship with Finn, and she reflects on these and challenges them in real time. It’s such an important and unique point of view, and one i so wish we got more of in fiction. I am continually blown away by the representation of mental health.
I am also so happy with the queer representation. There are so many main and side characters with so many varying identities and sexualities. I can tell that Allison put time and love into the crafting of each character, no matter how small. I adore every scene with the cast of this story, and the way they all interact creates such a comforting found family feel.
This book was perfectly balanced in the way of heart pounding action as well as quiet, cozy moments where the story is unfolding and our characters are learning. And the ROMANCE 😍 Finn & Harlow have chemistry that is bar none, and spice to match.
The ending of this book has absolutely broken me and left me scrambling to get my hands on the next installment. I LOVE where this story is going, and I cannot WAIT to learn what Harlow and co. get up to next. Thank you SO much to Allison Carr Waechter for the arc of this! The only downside to reading early is that now I have to wait longer 🥲
October 18, 2022
✦First, I was soooooo excited about this second installment to The Immortal Orders series. I loved the first book Dark Night Golden Dawn! Now, this book is entirely different than the first book. Allison builds a new world for us in Nea Sterlis. Think of Greece vibes, summertime, and beautiful beaches, where humans, witches, shifters, and vampires coexist. Allison adds a glossary so if you get confused by the different shifters and paranormal races, it will help you. 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻’𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸, 𝗜 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁! 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘀���𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗡𝗥. 𝗦𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘁!
✦The second book takes place right after the first book. In Nea Sterlis where Harlow, her family, friends, and Finn 😏 are trying to enjoy the summer together, all while avoiding Finn’s parents and the Illuminated. Finn’s parents have big plans for Harlow and Finn, and it’s not anything they will like.
✦
4⭐/5
2.5🌶️/5
✦
✦I usually get lost when there are a lot of characters to keep track of, somehow Allison created so many unique and memorable ones, that I never felt lost or forgot who they were. I loved Larkin in this book, and I enjoyed her proving to her friends and family that she is stronger than she has seemed in the past. She is probably my favorite character right now. I love the plus size, LGBTQIA+, and neurodiversity representation in Allison’s books.👏👏👏 Not only does she provide us with amazingly unique characters, but she also, created this beautiful world that I can picture in my head, and want to go to. I want to sit on the beach and eat those delicious-sounding pastries. 😂And of course, I love Harlow and Finn, Finlow if you will. Their relationship was def tested in this book. I can only hope in the next book it’s stronger. 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴!!! 𝗜𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗿. 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗵!𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸, 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴!! 𝗔𝗮𝗵𝗵𝗵!!
✦𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗥𝗖! 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸!✦
✦The second book takes place right after the first book. In Nea Sterlis where Harlow, her family, friends, and Finn 😏 are trying to enjoy the summer together, all while avoiding Finn’s parents and the Illuminated. Finn’s parents have big plans for Harlow and Finn, and it’s not anything they will like.
✦
4⭐/5
2.5🌶️/5
✦
✦I usually get lost when there are a lot of characters to keep track of, somehow Allison created so many unique and memorable ones, that I never felt lost or forgot who they were. I loved Larkin in this book, and I enjoyed her proving to her friends and family that she is stronger than she has seemed in the past. She is probably my favorite character right now. I love the plus size, LGBTQIA+, and neurodiversity representation in Allison’s books.👏👏👏 Not only does she provide us with amazingly unique characters, but she also, created this beautiful world that I can picture in my head, and want to go to. I want to sit on the beach and eat those delicious-sounding pastries. 😂And of course, I love Harlow and Finn, Finlow if you will. Their relationship was def tested in this book. I can only hope in the next book it’s stronger. 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴!!! 𝗜𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗿. 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗵!𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸, 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴!! 𝗔𝗮𝗵𝗵𝗵!!
✦𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗥𝗖! 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸!✦
November 4, 2022
This was definitely one of my most anticipated reads, and I am so happy it didn't disappoint! I absolutely loved all that came with it. ACW is huge on giving us all the representation, we have mental health inclusion, mid-size rep, LGBTQ+ characters ....it all warms up my heart. If you're looking for a series that's focused on all of these, then this is for you.
OK so lets talk about the romance, yup we have a cute/badass Harlow and Finn have a great development in this book. They establish how they feel and how they want to move forward. It's swooning. I absolutely fell in love with the worldbuilding, ACW gives us beautiful scenery and a plot that is easily followed. The diversity of the characters was something that hit home, it's always wonderful to see diversity in books. Representation always matters.
Not only is there romance and magic, but there is also the strong connection of family. Its beautiful to see a character have that support from loved ones. Harlow and her sisters give us that. They stand up for each other and protect their bloodline.
oh! Umm excuse me, a glossary? yes please. This was so helpful throughout the book. I wish all authors would do this!
It's safe to say I am excited for Book 3! Huge thanks to ACW for gifting me a gorgeous copy!
OK so lets talk about the romance, yup we have a cute/badass Harlow and Finn have a great development in this book. They establish how they feel and how they want to move forward. It's swooning. I absolutely fell in love with the worldbuilding, ACW gives us beautiful scenery and a plot that is easily followed. The diversity of the characters was something that hit home, it's always wonderful to see diversity in books. Representation always matters.
Not only is there romance and magic, but there is also the strong connection of family. Its beautiful to see a character have that support from loved ones. Harlow and her sisters give us that. They stand up for each other and protect their bloodline.
oh! Umm excuse me, a glossary? yes please. This was so helpful throughout the book. I wish all authors would do this!
It's safe to say I am excited for Book 3! Huge thanks to ACW for gifting me a gorgeous copy!
October 22, 2022
Actual rating 4.5!
If the cover of this book doesn’t draw you in, I highly suggest looking at it again. It is stunning.
This was a great follow up to book one and much more character driven. If you are a fan of Harlow and Finn’s relationship, then you are going to devour this book. We really get to see the two of them struggle and love one another. I brought a certain humanistic quality to the book and made the characters seem real.
This book ends on a cliff hanger and I’m in desperate need to know the fate of a few characters! Luckily we don’t have to wait long.
If the cover of this book doesn’t draw you in, I highly suggest looking at it again. It is stunning.
This was a great follow up to book one and much more character driven. If you are a fan of Harlow and Finn’s relationship, then you are going to devour this book. We really get to see the two of them struggle and love one another. I brought a certain humanistic quality to the book and made the characters seem real.
This book ends on a cliff hanger and I’m in desperate need to know the fate of a few characters! Luckily we don’t have to wait long.
January 20, 2023
Almost nothing happens in this book until the last 70 pages and I was thoroughly confused the entire book. I really wanted to like this series hence why I read the second book. I do not understand the plot and that's mainly because I don't even think the author knows what is going on in the plot. It's hard to follow and does not flow well in my opinion. I also do believe there are too many characters in the "inner circle", I found myself forgetting who certain characters were in relation to the main ones. I will say that I appreciate the inclusiveness of this book. As I said nothing happens in this book it was really hard for me to finish it but I finished it for the sake of this review.
August 29, 2022
i was very lucky to receive an advance review copy of this lovely book! it’s as lush and gorgeous as the cover itself. i adore the light academia setting — whitewashed stone, tumbling flowering vines, seaside gardens. the plot is very delicately wrought, layers and layers of increasing tension balanced on each other. it’s a very satisfying continuation of the first book, as well as a tantalizing dive into what is still to come.
March 5, 2023
I loved the new setting and how fun but also intense this book was. Both Finn and Harlow have been keeping a lot of secrets and are slowly starting to share them with each other. Finn and Harlow’s relationship was a highlight of this book for me. I adore the way they tease each other and how they understand each other because of their past. They also have such great communication which is so refreshing because I do not like miscommunication at all. The spice really ramps up and it’s so hot. I love my cat dad extraordinaire Finn, he has had such a complicated past but is still such an amazing person and is so sweet.
I’m so intrigued by Harlow powers, she’s such anomaly and I was excited to learn more about her magic. We also discover more about the history of the world and especially the Illuminated. There isn’t a lot of action but I was so invested in the story and finding out more about the world and their quest. Honestly I am amazed at how complex this world is but it’s still so easy for the reader to comprehend.
I love the big cast of unique characters. I’m in awe at how much depth these characters, even the side ones. And even the villains have so much depth and I’m so interested to know why they do what they do. We know who the villains are but it’s not so cut and dry.
What just happened at the end?? I am NOT OKAY and I need time to process. That ending was absolutely amazing but so brutal. I honestly was not expecting anything that happened in this book and I LOVED IT. I’m officially obsessed with this series and it’s a MUST READ.
I’m so intrigued by Harlow powers, she’s such anomaly and I was excited to learn more about her magic. We also discover more about the history of the world and especially the Illuminated. There isn’t a lot of action but I was so invested in the story and finding out more about the world and their quest. Honestly I am amazed at how complex this world is but it’s still so easy for the reader to comprehend.
I love the big cast of unique characters. I’m in awe at how much depth these characters, even the side ones. And even the villains have so much depth and I’m so interested to know why they do what they do. We know who the villains are but it’s not so cut and dry.
What just happened at the end?? I am NOT OKAY and I need time to process. That ending was absolutely amazing but so brutal. I honestly was not expecting anything that happened in this book and I LOVED IT. I’m officially obsessed with this series and it’s a MUST READ.
May 8, 2023
The world between worlds waits just beyond knowledge. Beware what lies beneath the Alabaster Spire, for all reward comes at a price. Awaken the Fifth Order and find freedom unraveling.
What to expect 🌬️
- Spicy pulse pounding fantasy romance
- Soul mated fated mates
- Fake breakup
- Lot of mysteries
- Secrets, lies & betrayal (DAMN)
- Amazing supportive friends
- LGBTQIA+ rep
This series is
✨OFF THE CHARTS ✨
It’s romantic, real af, emotional, complex, atmospheric, and utterly immersive.
It gives you everything you could possibly want and more 🙌🏻
The world opens up greatly from the first book and I KNOW in my heart the last book will be jaw dropping 🌅
World-building ?
Magnificent.
Plot ?
Mind-bending.
Romance ?
To melt for. Literally. It’s hotter than blazes 🔥
Character development ?
Simply inspiring and breathtaking. I have no tears left to cry.
Banter ?
Spontaneous, heartwarming and hilarious.
Yes, she was a goddess. Whatever this was between them, it was no less than divinity.
This wild desire drove her nearly out of her mind, but the love… the love grounded her in a way nothing ever had.
I predicted several major plot twists, so let’s admit I’m proud of myself haha 🔍
It was cleverly thought and the hints were subtly sprinkled throughout the beautiful writing ✨
”Tell him I will find him. Tell him I will destroy worlds to find him if he doesn’t come back to me.”
This second book has kind of the same vibe as Deborah Harkness’ All Souls trilogy and I LOVE IT !!
What to expect 🌬️
- Spicy pulse pounding fantasy romance
- Soul mated fated mates
- Fake breakup
- Lot of mysteries
- Secrets, lies & betrayal (DAMN)
- Amazing supportive friends
- LGBTQIA+ rep
This series is
✨OFF THE CHARTS ✨
It’s romantic, real af, emotional, complex, atmospheric, and utterly immersive.
It gives you everything you could possibly want and more 🙌🏻
The world opens up greatly from the first book and I KNOW in my heart the last book will be jaw dropping 🌅
World-building ?
Magnificent.
Plot ?
Mind-bending.
Romance ?
To melt for. Literally. It’s hotter than blazes 🔥
Character development ?
Simply inspiring and breathtaking. I have no tears left to cry.
Banter ?
Spontaneous, heartwarming and hilarious.
Yes, she was a goddess. Whatever this was between them, it was no less than divinity.
This wild desire drove her nearly out of her mind, but the love… the love grounded her in a way nothing ever had.
I predicted several major plot twists, so let’s admit I’m proud of myself haha 🔍
It was cleverly thought and the hints were subtly sprinkled throughout the beautiful writing ✨
”Tell him I will find him. Tell him I will destroy worlds to find him if he doesn’t come back to me.”
This second book has kind of the same vibe as Deborah Harkness’ All Souls trilogy and I LOVE IT !!
January 17, 2023
Give me book 3 NOW. Wow. The world building in this one just explodes. So many threads to follow. If you liked DNGD, this one is even crazier. Also Harlow Krane is a PERFECT MC, relatable, flawed, insecure, strong, smart, etc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews