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Benevolence & Blood #2
The Bones of Benevolence
Reckoning, Retribution and Ruin
Petra’s entire life has just fallen apart and come together all in a single breath. Against her will, she’s been promised to the Rebel King, head of a bloodthirsty army amassed by force. But now that her true bloodline has been revealed, not everyone is content to sit idly by while her powers are abused in the name of conquest.
Meanwhile, King Belin struggles to reconcile a twisted past — and the part he played in it. As he moves forward from unimaginable grief, he realizes the only future he’s interested in is one with the woman he’s forbidden from loving.
As Petra uncovers what it means to be the daughter of the two most powerful beings in existence, she must learn to balance the weight of a crown she never asked for while learning to accept her life had never been her own to begin with.
Amid the chaos, the time looms near when Petra must come face to face with the force behind her life’s destruction — Lord Evarius Castemont.
Uncertain of what the future holds, Petra continues her crusade for the truth, praying to the Saints that salvation is waiting in the wings.
Unmask the thrilling second installment of the Benevolence & Blood Series
Petra’s entire life has just fallen apart and come together all in a single breath. Against her will, she’s been promised to the Rebel King, head of a bloodthirsty army amassed by force. But now that her true bloodline has been revealed, not everyone is content to sit idly by while her powers are abused in the name of conquest.
Meanwhile, King Belin struggles to reconcile a twisted past — and the part he played in it. As he moves forward from unimaginable grief, he realizes the only future he’s interested in is one with the woman he’s forbidden from loving.
As Petra uncovers what it means to be the daughter of the two most powerful beings in existence, she must learn to balance the weight of a crown she never asked for while learning to accept her life had never been her own to begin with.
Amid the chaos, the time looms near when Petra must come face to face with the force behind her life’s destruction — Lord Evarius Castemont.
Uncertain of what the future holds, Petra continues her crusade for the truth, praying to the Saints that salvation is waiting in the wings.
Unmask the thrilling second installment of the Benevolence & Blood Series
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Published July 11, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
June 30, 2023
5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I bow to no man. I serve no King. And though I may be seen as a weapon, I am the only one who can wield it.
Thank you Lauren M. Measure for gifting me with an eARC of one of my anticipated 2023 releases in exchange for an honest review.
The Bones of Benevolence opens with a jaw-dropping prologue that will have you pause by the end of it to process everything.
Not that this book will give you any space to breathe, I was left reeling after that one hell of a cliffhanger.
While I had a blast reading this anticipated sequel, but at what cost... I'm left in a state of misery until I get my hands on the next book (and the Miles novella).
This book is littered with revelations and answers we've been seeking. Hidden identities are revealed and known identities shed their false forms. Some I've predicted and some were a complete surprise.
Petra's grief and rage is so potent throughout the pages that it hurt my heart. She was fated to live through all this misery, guilt, anger, and sadness but she is also fated for something much greater than the entire realm.
The flashback chapters felt a tad long but the holes they filled in the story made up for it and I love that now I have the whole picture of a situation I presumed was a little rushed. But it all makes sense now.
I bet some readers are eager to learn who is endgame, and you will get a very clear answer in this book 👀 and yes... expect some romance and spice but that comes at no surprise.
To my own delight, Miles had a bigger presence in this book and I cannot wait to get my hands on his novella.
I can't conclude this review without mentioning the splendid lore of this world and I continue to be impressed by it. A dark fantasy romance will always win me over when it's enriched with its own unique lore.
I can't wait for the next book and all I know is my nerves will be in knots until then.
Disclaimer: As honored as I am to receive an early copy of this book, this in no way affects my rating as I rate books based on my own enjoyment.
Trigger warnings are included within the first pages of the book and please remember this is an adult dark fantasy romance series.
I bow to no man. I serve no King. And though I may be seen as a weapon, I am the only one who can wield it.
Thank you Lauren M. Measure for gifting me with an eARC of one of my anticipated 2023 releases in exchange for an honest review.
The Bones of Benevolence opens with a jaw-dropping prologue that will have you pause by the end of it to process everything.
Not that this book will give you any space to breathe, I was left reeling after that one hell of a cliffhanger.
While I had a blast reading this anticipated sequel, but at what cost... I'm left in a state of misery until I get my hands on the next book (and the Miles novella).
This book is littered with revelations and answers we've been seeking. Hidden identities are revealed and known identities shed their false forms. Some I've predicted and some were a complete surprise.
Petra's grief and rage is so potent throughout the pages that it hurt my heart. She was fated to live through all this misery, guilt, anger, and sadness but she is also fated for something much greater than the entire realm.
The flashback chapters felt a tad long but the holes they filled in the story made up for it and I love that now I have the whole picture of a situation I presumed was a little rushed. But it all makes sense now.
I bet some readers are eager to learn who is endgame, and you will get a very clear answer in this book 👀 and yes... expect some romance and spice but that comes at no surprise.
To my own delight, Miles had a bigger presence in this book and I cannot wait to get my hands on his novella.
I can't conclude this review without mentioning the splendid lore of this world and I continue to be impressed by it. A dark fantasy romance will always win me over when it's enriched with its own unique lore.
I can't wait for the next book and all I know is my nerves will be in knots until then.
Disclaimer: As honored as I am to receive an early copy of this book, this in no way affects my rating as I rate books based on my own enjoyment.
Trigger warnings are included within the first pages of the book and please remember this is an adult dark fantasy romance series.
February 2, 2024
3.90-4.00
The Bones of Benevolence was not the sequel I was hoping for it to be. That does not mean that it was bad, it just did not live up to my expectations because I loved her debut novel which is also the first in this series a lot and I know it isn't that popular of an opinion because many reviewers liked this one more but it just felt a little lackluster to me.
I loved how we got Cal's pov as well and I loved his in depth, flawed personality and I also loved Miles probably more than Cal and I am dying to read his novella but I did not like how the author tried to initiate a romance between petra and him because it just made it weird knowimg who tje endgame was. It felt unnecessary.
Petra, I love how outright she is and how bold she is but in this book she often got on my nerves and I did not appreciate that but I loved some of her moments and I enjoyed reading her story more than I did with Cal.
The plot and the worldbuilding thickened in this book and it was so enjoyable to read that it bumped the rating higher and I cannot wait to explore more of this world in the prequels and sequels.
Where this book really shined was the romance. I think it was very well done with a fine balance between smut and understanding and oh my god that smut was well written 😩
.
- Overall an entertaining yet slightly problematic sequel.
~~~
Waiting for Petra to go absolutely feral!
The Bones of Benevolence was not the sequel I was hoping for it to be. That does not mean that it was bad, it just did not live up to my expectations because I loved her debut novel which is also the first in this series a lot and I know it isn't that popular of an opinion because many reviewers liked this one more but it just felt a little lackluster to me.
I loved how we got Cal's pov as well and I loved his in depth, flawed personality and I also loved Miles probably more than Cal and I am dying to read his novella but I did not like how the author tried to initiate a romance between petra and him because it just made it weird knowimg who tje endgame was. It felt unnecessary.
Petra, I love how outright she is and how bold she is but in this book she often got on my nerves and I did not appreciate that but I loved some of her moments and I enjoyed reading her story more than I did with Cal.
The plot and the worldbuilding thickened in this book and it was so enjoyable to read that it bumped the rating higher and I cannot wait to explore more of this world in the prequels and sequels.
Where this book really shined was the romance. I think it was very well done with a fine balance between smut and understanding and oh my god that smut was well written 😩
.
- Overall an entertaining yet slightly problematic sequel.
~~~
Waiting for Petra to go absolutely feral!
August 16, 2023
I gotta say I was expecting more from this book idk?? it was pretty underwhelming after being so excited with the ending of TSOS
for one thing the alternating past and present chapters were done really well in TSOS but here... it wasnt alternating but rather done in parts so like part 2 was just all in cal's POV of his past and boy I'd that wasnt super random and felt out of place😭 I mean I did find it interesting in the end after I got used to it but it just felt like odd placement. I feel like also once that happened I'd originally started off the book super hyped but after finishing that part my excitement died and I got bored a lot🙊 idk! I truly think she shoudlve done alternating chapters instead because this was just ehhhh
but oh MILES LANDGRAVE YOU ARE MY ABSOLUTE FAV!! have to say petra annoyed me at times and ofc not because of her anger at cal (because that was justified) but some of her actions/thoughts? I cringed idk something felt off abt her that I found myself getting annoyed with her character
and speaking of which ... i genuinely dont care about cal and petras romance if I'm being honest😭😭 it's just there like I truly do not care. Now miles is a different story👀
I think I just done have the same amt of interest in this series as I previously did but I'm still curious enough to read the next book. I just feel like TBOB could've been better??? Oh well
for one thing the alternating past and present chapters were done really well in TSOS but here... it wasnt alternating but rather done in parts so like part 2 was just all in cal's POV of his past and boy I'd that wasnt super random and felt out of place😭 I mean I did find it interesting in the end after I got used to it but it just felt like odd placement. I feel like also once that happened I'd originally started off the book super hyped but after finishing that part my excitement died and I got bored a lot🙊 idk! I truly think she shoudlve done alternating chapters instead because this was just ehhhh
but oh MILES LANDGRAVE YOU ARE MY ABSOLUTE FAV!! have to say petra annoyed me at times and ofc not because of her anger at cal (because that was justified) but some of her actions/thoughts? I cringed idk something felt off abt her that I found myself getting annoyed with her character
and speaking of which ... i genuinely dont care about cal and petras romance if I'm being honest😭😭 it's just there like I truly do not care. Now miles is a different story👀
I think I just done have the same amt of interest in this series as I previously did but I'm still curious enough to read the next book. I just feel like TBOB could've been better??? Oh well
July 9, 2023
I have no words.
Just my jaw dropped.
Lauren’s done it again.
If you’re not reading this dark fantasy romance series… you’re truly missing out.
Just my jaw dropped.
Lauren’s done it again.
If you’re not reading this dark fantasy romance series… you’re truly missing out.
June 29, 2023
I had the honour of doing a beta read of this book (thank you Lauren!!!) and let. me. tell. you. This series has me in a CHOKEHOLD. Angst. Spice. Hidden identity. Top notch banter. The most BADASS FMC. It has it all. Reading and watching Petra find herself and come out of her shell is amazing. 10/10 character development.
The twists in the book keep you on your toes but aren’t too overwhelming or confusing, as fantasy books can sometimes be. So many questions are answered in such a smooth way and I found myself connecting so many dots from little things in the first book.
If you’re looking for a new fantasy book(s) to dive into, I HIGHLY recommend this series!!! I already can’t wait for the third book (and the novella), especially after that ending!! 😩
5+⭐️
The twists in the book keep you on your toes but aren’t too overwhelming or confusing, as fantasy books can sometimes be. So many questions are answered in such a smooth way and I found myself connecting so many dots from little things in the first book.
If you’re looking for a new fantasy book(s) to dive into, I HIGHLY recommend this series!!! I already can’t wait for the third book (and the novella), especially after that ending!! 😩
5+⭐️
July 8, 2023
I honestly don’t know what to write for this review. After some reflection, I’m not sure how I felt about this book. So I’m going to wing it. (Which I always do) While I still enjoyed this book overall, in my opinion it suffered slightly from 2nd book syndrome. While still intrigued, I felt like something was missing. I also felt like many things were too convenient? I still love Petra, but she was all over the place. One minute she’s weak and has no idea how to be a queen, and then the next she’s such a badass and knows exactly what to say and do.
After having Cal’s pov I think he’s kind of a little bitch. I’m not sure if any of his actions are justifiable. He was *this close* to killing Petra TWICE while having sex with her(he purposely chose moments of intimacy to unalive her because she would be more vulnerable)…idk seems cowardly and unforgivable to me. It was also very strange to have the middle of the book switch to just his pov. I would have preferred his pov’s to be like the first book-sprinkled in with “past” and “now”.
I’m very intrigued by Miles (I love when I have a theory and it’s right!) I was kind of hoping this would’ve turned into a love triangle and she picked one brother over the other 😅
Book 1 was a favorite of mine last summer. So i had high hopes/expectations and I was slightly let down. I will still read the next book in the series, as I want to find out what happens next and give the series a chance since I loved book 1 so much. *Thank you to the author for sending me an e-arc for an honest review*
After having Cal’s pov I think he’s kind of a little bitch. I’m not sure if any of his actions are justifiable. He was *this close* to killing Petra TWICE while having sex with her(he purposely chose moments of intimacy to unalive her because she would be more vulnerable)…idk seems cowardly and unforgivable to me. It was also very strange to have the middle of the book switch to just his pov. I would have preferred his pov’s to be like the first book-sprinkled in with “past” and “now”.
I’m very intrigued by Miles (I love when I have a theory and it’s right!) I was kind of hoping this would’ve turned into a love triangle and she picked one brother over the other 😅
Book 1 was a favorite of mine last summer. So i had high hopes/expectations and I was slightly let down. I will still read the next book in the series, as I want to find out what happens next and give the series a chance since I loved book 1 so much. *Thank you to the author for sending me an e-arc for an honest review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 6, 2025Well, she did it again! Author Lauren M. Leasure delivers another emotionally charged, epic fantasy adventure for Petra.
June 30, 2023
I have been so lucky to have been given not only a Beta but also an Alpha copy of this book and did it read it twice within a couple of weeks? Yes.
And Listen…. When I say that this series has it all.. I mean it. Has. It. All!
The betrayal…. We all know how that first book ended…
The enemies to lovers that we all love so much! (And yes, the spice!)
Character building! (We meet some new friends that grow on you from the first introduction) but Petras growing as a character was the most important character growth of all!
Hidden identity!!! (Yes I’m talking to you Miles… 😉)
Secrets will be revealed!!
and that World building!
Lauren once again nailed it with her story telling! I am still recovering and I don’t think I will ever be okay.
And Listen…. When I say that this series has it all.. I mean it. Has. It. All!
The betrayal…. We all know how that first book ended…
The enemies to lovers that we all love so much! (And yes, the spice!)
Character building! (We meet some new friends that grow on you from the first introduction) but Petras growing as a character was the most important character growth of all!
Hidden identity!!! (Yes I’m talking to you Miles… 😉)
Secrets will be revealed!!
and that World building!
Lauren once again nailed it with her story telling! I am still recovering and I don’t think I will ever be okay.
August 16, 2023
Book one was amazing. It raised so many questions, and put the reader through so much turmoil! There was genuine angst and agony to contend with, so many ups and downs, I couldn't wait to dig into book two!
And now we're here... the questions were mostly answered, but I found it unsatisfying. Petra's character arc is making me like her less, and the cliffhanger should have been a doozy! But I feel sadly apathetic. 😥 I wanted book two to grip me the way our introduction to the World of Saints did, but I just feel let down. I have lots of reasons - if I were a beta reader, I'd lay them all out and explain further, but I want this series to find its way into the hands of those who will love it the way the author does, so I'll keep my opinions to myself. 😬
As a reader I felt that book one deserved a better follow up. Book three is yet to be released and I'm not sure if I'll be reading it or not. 😔
And now we're here... the questions were mostly answered, but I found it unsatisfying. Petra's character arc is making me like her less, and the cliffhanger should have been a doozy! But I feel sadly apathetic. 😥 I wanted book two to grip me the way our introduction to the World of Saints did, but I just feel let down. I have lots of reasons - if I were a beta reader, I'd lay them all out and explain further, but I want this series to find its way into the hands of those who will love it the way the author does, so I'll keep my opinions to myself. 😬
As a reader I felt that book one deserved a better follow up. Book three is yet to be released and I'm not sure if I'll be reading it or not. 😔
March 31, 2024
I was gifted an arc copy from @laurenmleasure and I don't think I ever thanked her properly for allowing me to delve into her world. It took me a good minute to recover from this absolutely fabulous sequel to the Sin of Saints (hands down my favorite read of 2022) which literally had me yelling, "what the fuck!" At the end. Nevertheless, the writing style is magnificent and the story is epic, compelling, and heart wrenching all at once.
The opening chapter has all the right spice, drawing you all the way in before we face the rebel King. Petra has to be one of my favorite FMCs and her journey is positively intriguing and vastly entertaining. Her strength and resilience is what I love to see and root for. I wasn't 100 in all my theories, but I was close enough. I simply cannot wait for the third installment (um....Lauren?) like I need it now.... Also, I really dig Miles, as in, I ship him hard...I guess it's a good thing he's got a novella coming out soon. I think?
The opening chapter has all the right spice, drawing you all the way in before we face the rebel King. Petra has to be one of my favorite FMCs and her journey is positively intriguing and vastly entertaining. Her strength and resilience is what I love to see and root for. I wasn't 100 in all my theories, but I was close enough. I simply cannot wait for the third installment (um....Lauren?) like I need it now.... Also, I really dig Miles, as in, I ship him hard...I guess it's a good thing he's got a novella coming out soon. I think?
July 16, 2023
I don’t even know where to begin…… this book had all the components necessary to be a killer second book in the series. A feisty heroine with magic powers, a tall/dark/handsome MMC, side characters that added comedic relief to the overall storyline, and the ultimate evil villain.
But when you put all the pieces together they just didn’t fit quite right. There’s a lot of things about this book that I didn’t love, but I think I keep circling back to how rushed it all felt. I think it would have done wonders for the story if it had been done in two books. Or this book had done a bit better of a job of showing how much time was passing. Or made it longer? I don’t believe a book needs to be more pages to show the passing of time, but in this scenario it couldn’t have hurt. It just all felt so fast. And not in a good way.
The entirety of this story seems to have took a matter of days. Petra went from a slum rat to a queen. Had never wielded a sword, to being an expert swordsman, and forgave every single person who had done her wrong (including Calomyr) within quite literally, minutes. The pacing was just so off, and it made everything else feel lackluster because there wasn’t enough time to build up to any of it.
You could also see the plot twists from a mile away, and it didn’t give you enough time to ponder. As soon as you had a hunch about a twist in the story, it was confirmed pretty much in the next chapter of two.
I am curious to pick up the next book, simply because the last several chapters of this one. It felt like the beginning/middle of the book was extremely rushed and forced, in an effort to get to the ending. Which was the real star of the show, and absolutely kicked ass. I just wish it would’ve been more fun of a journey to get to.
But when you put all the pieces together they just didn’t fit quite right. There’s a lot of things about this book that I didn’t love, but I think I keep circling back to how rushed it all felt. I think it would have done wonders for the story if it had been done in two books. Or this book had done a bit better of a job of showing how much time was passing. Or made it longer? I don’t believe a book needs to be more pages to show the passing of time, but in this scenario it couldn’t have hurt. It just all felt so fast. And not in a good way.
The entirety of this story seems to have took a matter of days. Petra went from a slum rat to a queen. Had never wielded a sword, to being an expert swordsman, and forgave every single person who had done her wrong (including Calomyr) within quite literally, minutes. The pacing was just so off, and it made everything else feel lackluster because there wasn’t enough time to build up to any of it.
You could also see the plot twists from a mile away, and it didn’t give you enough time to ponder. As soon as you had a hunch about a twist in the story, it was confirmed pretty much in the next chapter of two.
I am curious to pick up the next book, simply because the last several chapters of this one. It felt like the beginning/middle of the book was extremely rushed and forced, in an effort to get to the ending. Which was the real star of the show, and absolutely kicked ass. I just wish it would’ve been more fun of a journey to get to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2023
Thank you so much for the ARC Lauren! I absolutely adored the first book of this trilogy and this continuation lived up to all my expectations and more! This book is the opposite of middle book syndrome, it was glorious!
I’ll start this review by saying I had a running count of how many times I’d have a mental break down or die if I was in this story.. I had to stop because the story took off, so I lost track of all the nonstop traumatic events. But I definitely had a ridiculous count going before I gave up.
This book continues the growth of Petra perfectly. She is such a strong character by the end, and is no longer that soft spoken girl from the first book. This is in part from the journey she’s forced on, but also the new friends that she meets along the way. And the reintroduction of older characters left behind. This whole story is really filled with compelling characters and a great found family. Nell and Miles are just so lovely and I wanted someone to give them a hug the whole time. The banter between them all was amusing and endearing.
Also, there was literally no good place to put this book down at. If it wasn’t a battle happening, it was a relationship growth moment or an important lore reveal. This story was so consuming that I forgot to put my kindle down, and somehow I read it in 12 hours…
But the amount of whiplash and emotional trauma I felt throughout this book was vast and felt unending. Mostly because it is since that ending is devastating… I’m so lost at what to do with myself now.
Be warned that these books contain cults, drug use, violence, amongst other dark themes, but Lauren handles them with a lot of thought and care.
But also, if you like prophecies, gods, lunatics, found family and spice this is the series for you.
I’ll start this review by saying I had a running count of how many times I’d have a mental break down or die if I was in this story.. I had to stop because the story took off, so I lost track of all the nonstop traumatic events. But I definitely had a ridiculous count going before I gave up.
This book continues the growth of Petra perfectly. She is such a strong character by the end, and is no longer that soft spoken girl from the first book. This is in part from the journey she’s forced on, but also the new friends that she meets along the way. And the reintroduction of older characters left behind. This whole story is really filled with compelling characters and a great found family. Nell and Miles are just so lovely and I wanted someone to give them a hug the whole time. The banter between them all was amusing and endearing.
Also, there was literally no good place to put this book down at. If it wasn’t a battle happening, it was a relationship growth moment or an important lore reveal. This story was so consuming that I forgot to put my kindle down, and somehow I read it in 12 hours…
But the amount of whiplash and emotional trauma I felt throughout this book was vast and felt unending. Mostly because it is since that ending is devastating… I’m so lost at what to do with myself now.
Be warned that these books contain cults, drug use, violence, amongst other dark themes, but Lauren handles them with a lot of thought and care.
But also, if you like prophecies, gods, lunatics, found family and spice this is the series for you.
June 29, 2023
Rating: 5/5*
Reckoning, retribution and ruin indeed. This book cured a reading slump only to have possibly triggered the next one. This book's angst, tension, drama and plotting were spectacularly orchestrated to deliver maximum emotional damage. The plot, pacing and character growth were excellent.
I loved this book. If you like fantasy, romance, action and adventure with a heaping load of angst, read this book. It is worth your time.
Reckoning, retribution and ruin indeed. This book cured a reading slump only to have possibly triggered the next one. This book's angst, tension, drama and plotting were spectacularly orchestrated to deliver maximum emotional damage. The plot, pacing and character growth were excellent.
I loved this book. If you like fantasy, romance, action and adventure with a heaping load of angst, read this book. It is worth your time.
July 5, 2024
Nothing better than finding out your love is alive and didn't tell you. 😬
Well, that first chapter, our dear Calomyr wanting to do that to Petra? Wow. We don't read much about morally grey heroines, much more about groomed heroes. Oh, Lauren, what are you doing to us?
This book felt like it had a different energy than the first one, angry Petra is a new Petra. She made Cal eat his heart out before she allowed him close to her, bearing in mind they didn't spend that much time together, only in the last third. However, I would consider her going over the top when it came to that. Castemont is such a headache, he has fingers in every pie and it shows. I had a few theories about the God of Pain, Miles, and Tyrek; some were true, and some were not. This cemented my opinion that this series is great for theorising.
Petra also somewhat found herself an army, so you definitely have the found family aspect here. I enjoyed the friendships that she has developed with Nell, Whit and Miles, but I did feel like there wasn't enough of her romance with Cal, as I mentioned, only in the last 30 % we have even space for it. I found myself loving Rhedoros and Katia bickering like a married couple inside Petra's head. We also have past and present chapters preset though this time set up differently; the first part is in the present with Petra and her band of followers, the second part is all about Cal's past and the third one is the one when they meet. Not sure I liked the separation into two instead of it being woven through. I liked seeing Cal's backstory, combined with someone else's, but not sure this way was the right way.
This also only had two spice scenes, one angry, and one calmer one, but still, they didn't do what they were supposed to because we don't see the romance develop. Their past entanglement has been tangled by all the scheming too. 😭
I would conclude this review in says few words. More war and action, an interesting ending, less romance and a wrong set-up of parts. That's my first inkling.
3.5 ✨ (3.25 would be perfect)
#84 in my book reviewing slump
Thank you, Lauren M. Leasure, for the ARC!
Well, that first chapter, our dear Calomyr wanting to do that to Petra? Wow. We don't read much about morally grey heroines, much more about groomed heroes. Oh, Lauren, what are you doing to us?
This book felt like it had a different energy than the first one, angry Petra is a new Petra. She made Cal eat his heart out before she allowed him close to her, bearing in mind they didn't spend that much time together, only in the last third. However, I would consider her going over the top when it came to that. Castemont is such a headache, he has fingers in every pie and it shows. I had a few theories about the God of Pain, Miles, and Tyrek; some were true, and some were not. This cemented my opinion that this series is great for theorising.
Petra also somewhat found herself an army, so you definitely have the found family aspect here. I enjoyed the friendships that she has developed with Nell, Whit and Miles, but I did feel like there wasn't enough of her romance with Cal, as I mentioned, only in the last 30 % we have even space for it. I found myself loving Rhedoros and Katia bickering like a married couple inside Petra's head. We also have past and present chapters preset though this time set up differently; the first part is in the present with Petra and her band of followers, the second part is all about Cal's past and the third one is the one when they meet. Not sure I liked the separation into two instead of it being woven through. I liked seeing Cal's backstory, combined with someone else's, but not sure this way was the right way.
This also only had two spice scenes, one angry, and one calmer one, but still, they didn't do what they were supposed to because we don't see the romance develop. Their past entanglement has been tangled by all the scheming too. 😭
I would conclude this review in says few words. More war and action, an interesting ending, less romance and a wrong set-up of parts. That's my first inkling.
3.5 ✨ (3.25 would be perfect)
#84 in my book reviewing slump
Thank you, Lauren M. Leasure, for the ARC!
August 18, 2023
This took a wrong turn for me. Who cares about Cal when there's Miles? This was a complete bait and switch. There was an underlying story between Miles and Petra. It was building towards something and then bam!, we get a reveal as to who Miles is when Cal abruptly appears. The author did a really good job casting Cal in a negative light so it was jarring to shove Miles out of the picture. I could care less about Cal. Cal was too much of an insta-love from the start and I was glad when he was gone.
As for the larger plot, I was on board with Petra gaining her power and getting her revenge. However, the book is mostly about Petra on the run and the plot lost intrigue, suspense, and mystery without Castemont front and center.
As for the larger plot, I was on board with Petra gaining her power and getting her revenge. However, the book is mostly about Petra on the run and the plot lost intrigue, suspense, and mystery without Castemont front and center.
July 17, 2023
My main issue with the book was the love interest. Just a big no for me and wish it would have gone a different route. The pov change in the middle of the book was way too long and felt like a novella. Found myself skimming that entire section. Not a lot happened plot wise till about 85% and it was all rushed at the end and I found that I just didn’t care.
July 26, 2023
I just want to say I still hate that one person and it's not the obvious one to hate. That's my hill to die on and the reason this book doesn't get 5 stars.
April 19, 2024
Wow I am so utterly disappointed in this book. It started out as a four-star read and the more the book kept going the more I got annoyed and disappointed by what was happening. It felt like halfway through part two when we had cals point of view it dragged on for way too long and then turned into a situation where everything and every reason just came back to oh it's castlemont's fault oh he did it oh he was the reason and it was just enough already. And then when we got back to Petra's point of view the more we got through the more red flags I started to see where there was no real character growth and certain things in the plot were happening without any explanation as if the author got kind of bored and just started inserting reasons why to explain things without telling much else. I had so much hope and expectations because the first book was amazing and I'm just so disappointed in how this book ended. I honestly don't think I'm going to be reading anymore of this series, I just don't care enough anymore about the people or the plot.
July 20, 2023
I’m keeping this spoiler free so I’m skipping a plot synopsis. This book has training sequences, found family, fighting, kissing, and twists. Book one ends on a cliffhanger and I was really excited to see where book two would go.
Now THIS is how you write book two of a series! Book one was a delicious slow burn, and I was hoping for great action and some romance in book two. Because of *choices*, book two also provided an excellent slow burn romance, and I was here for it!
The Bones of Benevolence had amazing action and character development. There’s a section of the book that gives us backstory that we didn’t have in book one, and I really loved the jumps through time to bring us back to the present.
This was a flawlessly executed fantasy story, and I am so excited for book three and a just announced novella!
Now THIS is how you write book two of a series! Book one was a delicious slow burn, and I was hoping for great action and some romance in book two. Because of *choices*, book two also provided an excellent slow burn romance, and I was here for it!
The Bones of Benevolence had amazing action and character development. There’s a section of the book that gives us backstory that we didn’t have in book one, and I really loved the jumps through time to bring us back to the present.
This was a flawlessly executed fantasy story, and I am so excited for book three and a just announced novella!
July 22, 2023
I can not, and do not, apologize to my friends for yelling at them daily to pick up this series and read it immediately. Just perfection, absolute perfection.
What an amazing adventure book 2 was, picking up right where we left off. Our girl Petra and her growth?! This girl has my heart. We see her crumble, fight, and repair herself over and over. We get to learn more about mysterious Miles and see Cal's very important side of the story. We see hearts break and heal, more layers to the growing mystery are added, and we are left with loads more questions to sort out. Oh, and yet again, a cliffhanger worthy of awards. My heart simultaneously applauds for and cries over it.
I can't get over how wonderful of a storyteller Lauren Leasure is. I'm so excited for her future works and the emotional turmoil they are sure to leave me in.
What an amazing adventure book 2 was, picking up right where we left off. Our girl Petra and her growth?! This girl has my heart. We see her crumble, fight, and repair herself over and over. We get to learn more about mysterious Miles and see Cal's very important side of the story. We see hearts break and heal, more layers to the growing mystery are added, and we are left with loads more questions to sort out. Oh, and yet again, a cliffhanger worthy of awards. My heart simultaneously applauds for and cries over it.
I can't get over how wonderful of a storyteller Lauren Leasure is. I'm so excited for her future works and the emotional turmoil they are sure to leave me in.
July 10, 2023
In this second installment of the Benevolence and Blood series, Lauren wastes no time in immersing readers into a world of unexpected surprises and thrilling twists. The prologue sets an exhilarating tone right from the start, leaving readers eager to uncover what lies ahead.
Picking up directly where the first book left off, readers will find themselves seamlessly reintegrated into the story. The continuation of the narrative ensures that the momentum is not lost, and readers are immediately thrown back into the captivating world created by the author.
With the intriguing events and enticing storyline in this second book, anticipation for the third installment builds. Readers will find themselves eagerly waiting to see how the story further unfolds and what new surprises await.
Picking up directly where the first book left off, readers will find themselves seamlessly reintegrated into the story. The continuation of the narrative ensures that the momentum is not lost, and readers are immediately thrown back into the captivating world created by the author.
With the intriguing events and enticing storyline in this second book, anticipation for the third installment builds. Readers will find themselves eagerly waiting to see how the story further unfolds and what new surprises await.
April 17, 2024
I think the story has potential but the execution left a lot to be desired.
The emotions in this didn’t get me and Petra’s character development wasn’t it. But that might also be personal preference in writing style.
The emotions in this didn’t get me and Petra’s character development wasn’t it. But that might also be personal preference in writing style.
July 28, 2023
5 ⭐️ / 🌶️
“But don’t let the easy way out keep you from your happiness.”
“But don’t let the easy way out keep you from your happiness.”
August 14, 2023
RTC 🤍🤍
such is life, petra
such is life, petra
July 12, 2025
4.5⭐️ - RTC!
July 26, 2023
Pacing was weirdly fast. CHOOSE a name for your characters jeez. No red herrings? No training montage? No powers training montage? I don’t know I am not attracted to Cal, he just does not do it for me and I don’t know what it is about him. Just meh
July 6, 2023
I will not rest until book three. I loved TSoS, but TBoB pulled me into the story and absolutely would not let me go. We get to see so much character development and come to understand so much more about the origins of the Saints and the politics of the world, that I genuinely forgot I was reading at times.
I would die for Petra.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC of this amazing story!!
I would die for Petra.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC of this amazing story!!
July 31, 2023
Enjoyed book 2 but not a favorite. A lot is happening and it is fast paced in a way where the characters are not a focus, so there's no emotional attachment to them. Lots of checking boxes that makes the story align but it all feels too easy
June 6, 2023
Loved every second!!
May 24, 2024
I thought the ending was pretty lame and they were all just fine after - and can’t believe there is a third one BUT enjoyed the plot and slight romance, even though I’m not fond of Belin
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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