Rating: 3.5/5 Stars**
Synopsis: This story begins where the last one ends, with Astrid losing the Challenge battle with Ryken in her attempt to win back the Day Court for Castiel. This sequel follows Astrid as she tries to adapt to her new circumstances living with the Dark Court and plan her escape and eventual plot to protect Asteria from Valerius. We learn more about the history and politics of Asteria, including Astrid herself, along with learning about what the dark fae siblings truly seek by taking over another court.
Review/Thoughts: This book was an enjoyable sequel in the Asteria Chronicles series. Dare I say I enjoyed it more than the first. Part of that could be because what I wanted from the first was more development, and that was done in a much better way in this book. I still think there could be more, but I found this one to be an improvement from the first. With time and more experience in writing, I think Aubrey will get better at this.
First, we see more development of the world and plot in this story. It's clearer to see and understand the selfishness of the faeries, which helps explain some things from the first book. This also helps to set Astrid apart as different from normal faeries as she shows more empathy to others, even to those she considers her enemy. This happens through Astrid getting to know those in the Dark Court and comparing their lives with how she grew up. It's a great way to develop the background for the courts without just her telling the reader by breaking the fourth wall. It's more of an internal monologue she has while learning about the Dark Court.
I found the character development to have improved here too. I enjoyed the portion with Ryken and Astrid and seeing them form their bond, trading healing with questions. They had great banter that was fun to read. This was also a great way to teach us about the Dark Court and their history and people, without just being straight up told like we got in the first book. This also was a fun way to create a little bit of a love triangle, although it was not equilateral as we definitely saw one of those relationships as much more of a reality to happen. The development of relationships really shone in the book and was one of my favorite parts of it. Also, waiting through the slow burn of the first two books for that moment near the end?! What a way to get the Vorukael to appear!
We also saw a lot of personal growth for Astrid. We begin the book with her magic being suppressed, and soon come to find that her magic has changed. She spends the book learning more about herself and embracing who she truly is, including realizations about her heritage. I loved the exploration Astrid has in finding out what this revelation means for her and doing what she can to process it. We see her come to terms and accept herself and see her kindness and empathy as strengths and not weaknesses.
It's still hard to compare the story to ACOTAR, and I think a bit unfair to do so. She is a new author, so comparing to these fully developed series I think just can't happen right now. However, when comparing and viewing this as an indie, self-published work, I think it's good. **I gave this book 3.5 stars because I do really think it was an improvement from the first and was an enjoyable book. I found this book to be better developed and with less inconsistencies than the first. The writing and story telling was well done. It still needs work to compare to anything of ACOTAR caliber. There were some questions still and parts that could have been given more detail, but as a new author, I would rate it well.
Again, this book is short and easy to get through. I'm thoroughly excited to keep an eye on this author and read the next in the series along with seeing what she comes up with in the future. I think with some more writing and experience, she's could put out some excellent works.
Also. I forgot to mention with the first review, but I LOVE Rowan. I need one of him in my life.
Borrow or Buy: Borrow (free on KU)
Would I reread: Yes, I would love to see this series “refreshed” by Aubrey in the future. I would reread this series if/when it has more development to see what has changed and what more we learn about Asteria.
Would I recommend: Aubrey has talent in writing and is a new author, which admittedly shows in her writing. However, if you like to support new, independent authors, I suggest checking out her books. They're short, and while this leaves me wanting more detail, they are easy to read through in a matter of hours.