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Tempris #2
Acolyte
How far is too far when it comes to love?
In a matter of moments, everything Taly ever thought she knew came crashing down around her. Her mother's spells were broken, her powers unleashed. She's no longer mortal but fey, and every day serves as a reminder that her entire life has been a lie.
To make matters worse, Taly has been captured and imprisoned by a woman claiming to be the Time Queen. Her only way home is to play the Queen's game and train in the art of time magic. The Queen has commanded that she become an Acolyte -- a task that could take years to complete.
Meanwhile, Skye is left as the last line of defense to protect Tempris from an invading horde of walking dead. He still doesn't have a name or a face to put to his enemy, and there are traitors inside the city. Everyone keeps saying that Taly is dead, but he can't accept it. He won't. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back -- even if it costs him everything.
A renegade queen, forbidden magic, and a love that reaches across time and space -- Taly and Skye will be tested, their loyalties pushed to the point of breaking, as war looms on the horizon.
In a matter of moments, everything Taly ever thought she knew came crashing down around her. Her mother's spells were broken, her powers unleashed. She's no longer mortal but fey, and every day serves as a reminder that her entire life has been a lie.
To make matters worse, Taly has been captured and imprisoned by a woman claiming to be the Time Queen. Her only way home is to play the Queen's game and train in the art of time magic. The Queen has commanded that she become an Acolyte -- a task that could take years to complete.
Meanwhile, Skye is left as the last line of defense to protect Tempris from an invading horde of walking dead. He still doesn't have a name or a face to put to his enemy, and there are traitors inside the city. Everyone keeps saying that Taly is dead, but he can't accept it. He won't. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back -- even if it costs him everything.
A renegade queen, forbidden magic, and a love that reaches across time and space -- Taly and Skye will be tested, their loyalties pushed to the point of breaking, as war looms on the horizon.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published April 16, 2020
327 people are currently reading
2960 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Fisher
3 books856 followersI live in Austin, Texas with my husband and three dogs, and my favorite things (in no particular order) are ramen, bad karaoke, and Mass Effect (seriously, it's an obsession). My stories derive elements from pretty much everywhere, blending action, romance, and a healthy dose of worldbuilding. Growing up in a small Texas town, the stories I loved the most were the ones that were able to transport me to somewhere else entirely, fantastic other worlds painted on the page so vividly they just had to be real. So, reader beware and make sure to bring your passport.
Shardless is my first novel, and the first in a five book series. If you'd like more news from the island of Tempris, you can find me here:
https://www.facebook.com/sfisherbooks/
https://www.patreon.com/stephaniefisher
Shardless is my first novel, and the first in a five book series. If you'd like more news from the island of Tempris, you can find me here:
https://www.facebook.com/sfisherbooks/
https://www.patreon.com/stephaniefisher
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 494 reviews
December 16, 2024
i’m utterly obsessed with this series (and you should be too dammit)
fully existing off of book three snippets for the last four years from stephanie’s patreon but a source on the inside tells me book three is incoming!
Bookstagram | Blog
fully existing off of book three snippets for the last four years from stephanie’s patreon but a source on the inside tells me book three is incoming!
Bookstagram | Blog
May 23, 2025
✩ 3.5 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Time Magic
➼ Far Nobility
➼ Special Snowflake
➼ FMC held captive by an ally
➼ FMC in training/being tested
➼ Zombie Hoards
➼ Slow Burn
➼ FMC & MMC in separate locations
➼ Third Person POV
It’s rare for a second book to be as good as the first and unfortunately this was not the exception. Don’t get wrong, I did enjoy this, but I can’t claim to be quite as obsessed with it as I was with book one. (FYI, I was VERY obsessed 🤪.)
Taly spends most of the book held captive by the Time Queen and separated from the MMC. 🥱 The Queen will only allow her to leave when she can prove that she is proficient in using her newly unbound Time Magic. While she is away, Skye fears the worst and desperately wishes to go out in search of her. His friends and family believe that she has died and work hard to convince him to accept that she is gone. Since they are soul bound, Taly and Skye are able to communicate through their dreams. Neither quite believe that these dreams are real, but these interactions give them both hope that they will find their way back to each other. Skye remained unwaveringly loyal to Taly throughout the book no matter what doubt others tried to throw at him. He solidified himself as a truly elite book boyfriend in my eyes. 🙌🏻 This has been a VERY sloooow burn and I am ready for some action. Really hoping the author delivers in the next book!
Books where the main characters are separated are never my favorite and the whole training/challenge sequence has been painfully overdone. Unfortunately, I think this is a stage you just have to get through with any series that includes a chosen one/special snowflake character. This author did a better job of keeping it interesting than a lot of authors out there. It definitely could have been worse!
I still adore both main characters, and after learning his backstory, I love his brother even more. 🥰 I would gladly read an entire spin off series about him. Any chance Taly can bend time and get him back his girl?? 😏 Still waiting on the book three release date… I really hope she doesn’t keep us waiting too much longer! 🤞🏻
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: YESSS LET’S GOOOOO! 🤸♀️🤸♀️🤸♀️
Equal parts excited and terrified to read this! I loved book one so much and this one better not let me down. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
What to Expect:
➼ Time Magic
➼ Far Nobility
➼ Special Snowflake
➼ FMC held captive by an ally
➼ FMC in training/being tested
➼ Zombie Hoards
➼ Slow Burn
➼ FMC & MMC in separate locations
➼ Third Person POV
It’s rare for a second book to be as good as the first and unfortunately this was not the exception. Don’t get wrong, I did enjoy this, but I can’t claim to be quite as obsessed with it as I was with book one. (FYI, I was VERY obsessed 🤪.)
Taly spends most of the book held captive by the Time Queen and separated from the MMC. 🥱 The Queen will only allow her to leave when she can prove that she is proficient in using her newly unbound Time Magic. While she is away, Skye fears the worst and desperately wishes to go out in search of her. His friends and family believe that she has died and work hard to convince him to accept that she is gone. Since they are soul bound, Taly and Skye are able to communicate through their dreams. Neither quite believe that these dreams are real, but these interactions give them both hope that they will find their way back to each other. Skye remained unwaveringly loyal to Taly throughout the book no matter what doubt others tried to throw at him. He solidified himself as a truly elite book boyfriend in my eyes. 🙌🏻 This has been a VERY sloooow burn and I am ready for some action. Really hoping the author delivers in the next book!
Books where the main characters are separated are never my favorite and the whole training/challenge sequence has been painfully overdone. Unfortunately, I think this is a stage you just have to get through with any series that includes a chosen one/special snowflake character. This author did a better job of keeping it interesting than a lot of authors out there. It definitely could have been worse!
I still adore both main characters, and after learning his backstory, I love his brother even more. 🥰 I would gladly read an entire spin off series about him. Any chance Taly can bend time and get him back his girl?? 😏 Still waiting on the book three release date… I really hope she doesn’t keep us waiting too much longer! 🤞🏻
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: YESSS LET’S GOOOOO! 🤸♀️🤸♀️🤸♀️
Equal parts excited and terrified to read this! I loved book one so much and this one better not let me down. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
August 6, 2023
^~^5⭐️
I’ll stop breathing until book 3 is out
Reading updates:
29% in: the MC found a cute creature and it's now her best friend. She called it CALCIFER!!! My Howl's Moving Castle heart giggles
5% in: Oh ow. We have a hot villain
I’ll stop breathing until book 3 is out
Reading updates:
29% in: the MC found a cute creature and it's now her best friend. She called it CALCIFER!!! My Howl's Moving Castle heart giggles
5% in: Oh ow. We have a hot villain
June 3, 2024
I’m in desperate need of book 3
January 24, 2022
This book defiantly expanded the world building, and we got some more multiple POVS.
We also got a bit more backstory on the Big Bad, his associates, motivations, and the beginnings of the war heating up.
So, I like Skye a hell of a lot more in this book than the last. In fact I kind of liked reading from his POV more than Taly's which is kind of saying something because she got the learning to control your powers- and look how cool Time Mages are story line.
However, even though Taly's plot was interesting I found myself not being as excited for her chapters- maybe it was because of her contrary and mysterious mentor. Reading their scenes left me feeling as frustrated as Taly probably was.
I'm also glad Taly is growing into herself and gaining more confidence- and if what her mentor suggested is true- she will become a serious force to be reckoned with in the upcoming books! Also, I'm interested in the hint that she
We also got a bit more backstory on the Big Bad, his associates, motivations, and the beginnings of the war heating up.
So, I like Skye a hell of a lot more in this book than the last. In fact I kind of liked reading from his POV more than Taly's which is kind of saying something because she got the learning to control your powers- and look how cool Time Mages are story line.
However, even though Taly's plot was interesting I found myself not being as excited for her chapters- maybe it was because of her contrary and mysterious mentor. Reading their scenes left me feeling as frustrated as Taly probably was.
I'm also glad Taly is growing into herself and gaining more confidence- and if what her mentor suggested is true- she will become a serious force to be reckoned with in the upcoming books! Also, I'm interested in the hint that she
September 8, 2020
I read a lot of books, probably 1-2 a day. There are probably only 3 book series I have ever read twice. I think I have read the first book around 20 times. I am hooked like a strung out junkie eyeballing nana's pearls....hard!
This book was fantastic. It cleared up some things and created so much more. So I’m back to being strung out for my next fix...book 3. Is stalking a book series socially acceptable?
The audiobook for the 1st book was better than my reading it. The first time that has ever happened. I hope the same narrator does this book.
This book was fantastic. It cleared up some things and created so much more. So I’m back to being strung out for my next fix...book 3. Is stalking a book series socially acceptable?
The audiobook for the 1st book was better than my reading it. The first time that has ever happened. I hope the same narrator does this book.
October 10, 2025
Re-read September 2025 - Really, really good. On to the next book!
_________________
I cannot believe that this book has been rated by less than 400 people on Goodreads. Stephanie Fisher has created a fascinating, complex world full of mystery and magic and I cannot wait for her next book to come out.
If you're a fan of Sarah J Maas or of Holly Black - this series is a must read.
_________________
I cannot believe that this book has been rated by less than 400 people on Goodreads. Stephanie Fisher has created a fascinating, complex world full of mystery and magic and I cannot wait for her next book to come out.
If you're a fan of Sarah J Maas or of Holly Black - this series is a must read.
February 21, 2021
whew, that was an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every second of it.
April 13, 2020
Wow.
Where do I start?
This series is a masterpiece. I'm not sure how else to describe it. This book, 2nd of the series brought me to so many places: places of growth, of grief, and of love. Every character is so well thought-out, with backstories of their own that created who they are. This book does change POV several times, and I usually dislike that in books but I loved it this time around. The changing POV's were always timed appropriately with characters that you missed. Kato grows every time you read him - snarky, hilarious and complex. Skye is such a heartthrob.
I think the greatest compliment I can give this series is the world building. I love learning about the families, how they are all related and how magic works in this world. It is so beautiful written and thoughtful that I can't wait to find out more. I literally have notes on my phone so I can keep track of how everyone is related and how magic is processed for each type of mage.
I CANNOT wait for the next book. I read this book in probably 14 hours - all in one long sitting. I need to find out what happens next - I need to see that reunion (I won't go into more detail than that), I need to learn more about Talya's family. And I need to Talya and Skye kick some ass. I am so excited.
Please, if you haven't read this series give it a try. It's a gem, and I'm shocked that it's not more popular.
Where do I start?
This series is a masterpiece. I'm not sure how else to describe it. This book, 2nd of the series brought me to so many places: places of growth, of grief, and of love. Every character is so well thought-out, with backstories of their own that created who they are. This book does change POV several times, and I usually dislike that in books but I loved it this time around. The changing POV's were always timed appropriately with characters that you missed. Kato grows every time you read him - snarky, hilarious and complex. Skye is such a heartthrob.
I think the greatest compliment I can give this series is the world building. I love learning about the families, how they are all related and how magic works in this world. It is so beautiful written and thoughtful that I can't wait to find out more. I literally have notes on my phone so I can keep track of how everyone is related and how magic is processed for each type of mage.
I CANNOT wait for the next book. I read this book in probably 14 hours - all in one long sitting. I need to find out what happens next - I need to see that reunion (I won't go into more detail than that), I need to learn more about Talya's family. And I need to Talya and Skye kick some ass. I am so excited.
Please, if you haven't read this series give it a try. It's a gem, and I'm shocked that it's not more popular.
April 22, 2020
***YES!***
This book did not disappoint. When I love the first book of a series I always start off the second book with a bit of nerves, I find that the second book is often make or break and can set the tone for what to expect for the rest of the series. Once again I'm left desperate for the next book, if only I had more self-control and could wait for an entire series to be published before diving in. Alas, when reading a synopsis like Shardless' all self-control goes out the window and I find myself pestering the author for the release date of the next book.
I am astounded by the talent of this author, I am equally mind-blown by the fact that this is her first series- a series that has fast become my favourite, above that of well-known and bestselling authors.
My, oh my, where to begin. This book was fast-paced, intense, and full of action. It picks up pretty much exactly where Shardless ends off, and dives straight in without hesitancy. We see some pretty major character development in our two MC's, Taly and Skye, and we are also introduced to some absolutely amazing new characters. Stephanie Fisher has a great talent at creating well-rounded, interesting characters, ones that are not just black and white in their morality. It is my absolute favourite thing when an author can pull off complex characters, and not just for the MCs, but also for all of the supporting and minor characters. Every character has a story, and it's never a case of one being inherently good or evil, there is always another story to be considered. The world Fisher has created feels so authentic and believable, it makes you wonder if perhaps Fisher herself has taken a trip through the Aion Gate, haha.
Fisher also conveys the emotions of the characters so well. It has me laughing out loud, holding my breath at the suspense, shouting in frustration... I could just feel Skye's absolute desperation, I could feel Taly's frustration and triumph. This is not a light read. This is a book that will have you invested from page one, you will be holding your breath at the intensity. You will be sacrificing a whole lot of sleep (if you're a night reader like me), because you won't be able to put it down for a second.
Acolyte continues the wonderfully intricate and well-thought out story that began in Shardless. The action, the adventure, and the romance all play out in such a well-balanced and carefully considered way... You are never left wanting more or less of one or the other, but you are always left wanting more to read. This is one of those series which I will end up reading countless times for the rest of my life.
This book did not disappoint. When I love the first book of a series I always start off the second book with a bit of nerves, I find that the second book is often make or break and can set the tone for what to expect for the rest of the series. Once again I'm left desperate for the next book, if only I had more self-control and could wait for an entire series to be published before diving in. Alas, when reading a synopsis like Shardless' all self-control goes out the window and I find myself pestering the author for the release date of the next book.
I am astounded by the talent of this author, I am equally mind-blown by the fact that this is her first series- a series that has fast become my favourite, above that of well-known and bestselling authors.
My, oh my, where to begin. This book was fast-paced, intense, and full of action. It picks up pretty much exactly where Shardless ends off, and dives straight in without hesitancy. We see some pretty major character development in our two MC's, Taly and Skye, and we are also introduced to some absolutely amazing new characters. Stephanie Fisher has a great talent at creating well-rounded, interesting characters, ones that are not just black and white in their morality. It is my absolute favourite thing when an author can pull off complex characters, and not just for the MCs, but also for all of the supporting and minor characters. Every character has a story, and it's never a case of one being inherently good or evil, there is always another story to be considered. The world Fisher has created feels so authentic and believable, it makes you wonder if perhaps Fisher herself has taken a trip through the Aion Gate, haha.
Fisher also conveys the emotions of the characters so well. It has me laughing out loud, holding my breath at the suspense, shouting in frustration... I could just feel Skye's absolute desperation, I could feel Taly's frustration and triumph. This is not a light read. This is a book that will have you invested from page one, you will be holding your breath at the intensity. You will be sacrificing a whole lot of sleep (if you're a night reader like me), because you won't be able to put it down for a second.
Acolyte continues the wonderfully intricate and well-thought out story that began in Shardless. The action, the adventure, and the romance all play out in such a well-balanced and carefully considered way... You are never left wanting more or less of one or the other, but you are always left wanting more to read. This is one of those series which I will end up reading countless times for the rest of my life.
March 25, 2021
[7.40/10]
This was a fun follow-up to the first book. This series continues to use some very tropey and well-trodden ground for fantasy romance e.g. attempting to maintain the romantic tension by geographically separating the romantic pairing for the majority of the book. The character arcs in both books have been quite predictable, I saw each major character beat coming a mile off. But, it was predictable in an extremely comforting way - these are the kind of easy reads that sit right in my wheelhouse. I thought the writing was still great, if not better than the first book and there were some elements of the plot that I didn't find predictable at all. The magic system and worldbuilding are super intriguing and I am really into the exploration of Taly's power.
My favourite thing has to be the relationship between Taly and Skye though, I love how Stephanie Fisher has really held onto the elements of their friendship that made them a duo I wanted to root for, whilst transitioning their bond into a more romantic territory. There are plenty of authors who would have and have rushed that type of thing but I really appreciate the way that this particular relationship is given time to properly develop.
I think I saw somewhere that this is a planned 5 book series and I'm super on board for all of that and anything else this author releases!
This was a fun follow-up to the first book. This series continues to use some very tropey and well-trodden ground for fantasy romance e.g. attempting to maintain the romantic tension by geographically separating the romantic pairing for the majority of the book. The character arcs in both books have been quite predictable, I saw each major character beat coming a mile off. But, it was predictable in an extremely comforting way - these are the kind of easy reads that sit right in my wheelhouse. I thought the writing was still great, if not better than the first book and there were some elements of the plot that I didn't find predictable at all. The magic system and worldbuilding are super intriguing and I am really into the exploration of Taly's power.
My favourite thing has to be the relationship between Taly and Skye though, I love how Stephanie Fisher has really held onto the elements of their friendship that made them a duo I wanted to root for, whilst transitioning their bond into a more romantic territory. There are plenty of authors who would have and have rushed that type of thing but I really appreciate the way that this particular relationship is given time to properly develop.
I think I saw somewhere that this is a planned 5 book series and I'm super on board for all of that and anything else this author releases!
August 12, 2021
So this one is definitely not as good as the first. ALOTTTTTTTT of info dumping so be read.
But I STILLLLLLL love the magic system. Its so unique! Cant wait until the next one.
But I STILLLLLLL love the magic system. Its so unique! Cant wait until the next one.
July 7, 2025
When there’s a book in a series that involves the main couple being separated for most of a book, it’s generally not going to be my favorite in the series (even when I know it’s necessary for character/plot development). ALTHOUGH, it was done well in this, and Azura was a wonderful character addition. The main focus of this book was developing Taly’s magic and making her grow as a character because of all the massive changes she’s gone through. I loved getting to learn more about time magic in this world, and Azura was an entertaining teacher.
Since Taly and Skye were apart for most of the book, there was amazing yearning. Look, I LOVE yearning, and it was done so well in this. I’m excited to start the next book now that they’re finally together again.
Since Taly and Skye were apart for most of the book, there was amazing yearning. Look, I LOVE yearning, and it was done so well in this. I’m excited to start the next book now that they’re finally together again.
April 18, 2020
I was absolutely on the edge of my seat throughout this entire book!
Beautifully and smoothly written it's very easy to lose hours reading these books, all the characters feel so rich and real and individual and I find myself caring about all of them equally. I am both dreading and eagerly anticipating the rest of this series as I'm sensing things are going to get much worse before they get better and I'm not sure my heart can cope 😭
If certain people die, I will riot.
But also hurry up because I can't wait to delve back into the world of Tempris!
Beautifully and smoothly written it's very easy to lose hours reading these books, all the characters feel so rich and real and individual and I find myself caring about all of them equally. I am both dreading and eagerly anticipating the rest of this series as I'm sensing things are going to get much worse before they get better and I'm not sure my heart can cope 😭
If certain people die, I will riot.
But also hurry up because I can't wait to delve back into the world of Tempris!
May 9, 2025
Wow, I can’t wait to see book 3. The amount of crying that I did. The pain Skye was put though oh my goddess! I feel for him. He thought he was going crazy. The amount of the past you learn about Taly. It’s an amazing book that will leave you wanting more. It is a book so well written that you will feel it for days...... I’ve been broken for probably a good while before I continue with what I need to read.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2025
Oh how I have missed reading a really good series.
I love Sarah J Maas and I will say this is very much up there. I love the main character and the different magic systems each mage has. This whole story is flushed out and has a great history.
I love Sarah J Maas and I will say this is very much up there. I love the main character and the different magic systems each mage has. This whole story is flushed out and has a great history.
December 24, 2020
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! I need the 3rd book and I NEED it on audible at the same time the book is released.
December 28, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up. A bit long but a good second book with a great setup for the conclusion. Can’t wait to read Dawnbringer.
September 2, 2020
I really enjoyed Acolyte.
I was fully invested in this story after the first instalment and while this could have been a filler book it didn’t feel like it. This was a book of journeying, of self discovery and I really loved the development of all the characters, both main and side characters. Kato and Aimee where my favourite character developments, they both have a special place in my heart!
I liked Taly’s journey, her growth and her new relationship with Azura, and Leto. Skye was a reckless mess but I totally understand it, and I won’t hold it against him. All in all I need the next book. Like now. I need it. Please!
I was fully invested in this story after the first instalment and while this could have been a filler book it didn’t feel like it. This was a book of journeying, of self discovery and I really loved the development of all the characters, both main and side characters. Kato and Aimee where my favourite character developments, they both have a special place in my heart!
I liked Taly’s journey, her growth and her new relationship with Azura, and Leto. Skye was a reckless mess but I totally understand it, and I won’t hold it against him. All in all I need the next book. Like now. I need it. Please!
May 10, 2020
What an incredible series. Other reviewers here are better and more thorough writers, but this is a wonderful and addicting sequel that helps fill in lots of knowledge gaps from the first one. You get to see the characters grow and I am so excited for book 3. Such a page turner it was well written and motivating the whole way through. I read both books this week and am dying for more. A definite must read.
June 6, 2021
4.5 Stars
Such an enjoyable 2nd book in the series. Even though Tayla isn't with her crew in this book, we get insight into her training and how the magic of time mages work.
Now that we find out who is behind the shades and the war, I can't wait to find out what is going to happen in the next book.
Such an enjoyable 2nd book in the series. Even though Tayla isn't with her crew in this book, we get insight into her training and how the magic of time mages work.
Now that we find out who is behind the shades and the war, I can't wait to find out what is going to happen in the next book.
August 8, 2021
Amazing! That one scene......THAT ONE SCENE had me in tears!!!! Ok, this book doesnt have a ton of action ok.....it can feel like a filler book at times. Again no spice, but this is a new fav series.
Read Via Audiobook
Read Via Audiobook
May 2, 2020
Even better than the first. Writing is sharper, action flowed faster, better character development including the secondary characters. Eager for book 3.
January 25, 2025
This is one of the best books I’ve read since Throne of Glass. I need book 3 now! 🤪
May 2, 2020
Wow!! Mind blown!! This book answered so many questions, but made so many more!! I absolutely LOVE finding books that are hidden gems, that I actually can’t guess what is going to happen next!!! I don’t want to give anything away, but if you love strong females, mystery, friendship, romance and adventure!! Please start this series!!
June 24, 2022
Honestly the general premise is pretty cool, but I wish Acolyte would have been more compact. At times it reminded me of JLA’s writing style (I said *style* - not content haha…Tempris is DEF PG-13 unlike FBAA where the MC basically gets fingered every other chapter lol) BUT the similarities lie in the narrative being overly drawn out in excruciating detail - making the pace feel unnecessarily slow. To give some context, I think SJM could have written this story and packed a better punch in under 300 pages. Just not enough happens to warrant 650+ pages.
I’ll try and go with a general pros and cons list:
❌ Long-ass chapters. For each chap, I felt like only certain parts were super relevant/interesting and the rest often felt like filler. It just chaps my ass when there’s unnecessary/mundane detail taking up page space with random chit-chat or characters walking from point A to B that aren’t value-add. Going to do the SJM comparison again…but she’s really mastered the art of cutting out filler & keeping most chapters short n’ sharp without detracting from the plot.
❌ Too much “training-montage” crap. I do think it was important for the readers to grasp that Taly is with the Queen for a *long-ass time*, and how time moves differently at the palace. She didn’t master her power overnight, got it - Mastering Time Takes Time. But…it was overkill. Honestly I think there were legit 200-pages dedicated to the “fairy-tag” test shit and I found it super redundant after a while. We get it, the Queen has put her up to an impossible task. But it loses it’s excitement because it goes on FOREVERRRR!! Can you imagine if there had been an entire book in The Hunger Games series devoted solely to the pre-games training bit…? yeah we don’t need that. Just too much of the same thing.
❌ MC love interests separated for pretty much the entire book, which made it seem wayyyyy too light on the romance (even though there’s lotsa focus on how much they miss each other and are driven to find each other). But due to the length it just took too damn long to get there. Zero smut FYI and generally PG AF (which is fine, but just something to be aware of). I think we’re all hoping for some spice escalation though, however I can’t see things getting super smutty down the road…but maybe?
❌With the exception of the end (which I enjoyed) I don’t think the action-scenes are particularly well-written, however it was an improvement on Shardless (because overall there’s less action in general I guess). I personally didn’t enjoy the action sequences w/ the shades or Vaughn in Book 1 very much. It just doesn’t flow.
✅ time-manipulation concept 👍🏻
✅ worldbuilding and certain details DID make a lot more sense to me in this one, maybe since we had some of the foundation built already in Shardless. I felt WAY less confused in this one, A LOT of interesting pieces of the puzzle clicked into place and I def felt like I was able to start tracking the “larger plot” in a sense. Though still many unanswered q’s ofc considering it’s only Book 2. The story definitely expanded in a meaningful way, but weirdly it STILL felt like *not enough actually happened* to justify how freaking long it was
Meh - Taly. I did love her reunion with Skye and how they interact with one another (always arguing but it’s cute). As standalone characters, tbh sometimes Taly is OTT whiny and stubborn. It felt overdone. I’m excited to see her character develop tho - she def has badass potential, but she comes off the page as 15 rather than 21 which is prob my biggest complaint. I do love me some Skye, not many complaints there.
Overall this series has some really cool elements, and you can tell it’s the kind of story that has been plotted out from start to end w/ some fun variables thrown in there. However it def feels like we are still in the early stages of the saga. If I had one wish, I’d beg for punchier writing and a faster pace going forward…but tbh I’m not expecting the writing style to change. Basically we’re going to get a 5-book series with the same amount of content/action you’d find in one Crescent City book.
I’ll try and go with a general pros and cons list:
❌ Long-ass chapters. For each chap, I felt like only certain parts were super relevant/interesting and the rest often felt like filler. It just chaps my ass when there’s unnecessary/mundane detail taking up page space with random chit-chat or characters walking from point A to B that aren’t value-add. Going to do the SJM comparison again…but she’s really mastered the art of cutting out filler & keeping most chapters short n’ sharp without detracting from the plot.
❌ Too much “training-montage” crap. I do think it was important for the readers to grasp that Taly is with the Queen for a *long-ass time*, and how time moves differently at the palace. She didn’t master her power overnight, got it - Mastering Time Takes Time. But…it was overkill. Honestly I think there were legit 200-pages dedicated to the “fairy-tag” test shit and I found it super redundant after a while. We get it, the Queen has put her up to an impossible task. But it loses it’s excitement because it goes on FOREVERRRR!! Can you imagine if there had been an entire book in The Hunger Games series devoted solely to the pre-games training bit…? yeah we don’t need that. Just too much of the same thing.
❌ MC love interests separated for pretty much the entire book, which made it seem wayyyyy too light on the romance (even though there’s lotsa focus on how much they miss each other and are driven to find each other). But due to the length it just took too damn long to get there. Zero smut FYI and generally PG AF (which is fine, but just something to be aware of). I think we’re all hoping for some spice escalation though, however I can’t see things getting super smutty down the road…but maybe?
❌With the exception of the end (which I enjoyed) I don’t think the action-scenes are particularly well-written, however it was an improvement on Shardless (because overall there’s less action in general I guess). I personally didn’t enjoy the action sequences w/ the shades or Vaughn in Book 1 very much. It just doesn’t flow.
✅ time-manipulation concept 👍🏻
✅ worldbuilding and certain details DID make a lot more sense to me in this one, maybe since we had some of the foundation built already in Shardless. I felt WAY less confused in this one, A LOT of interesting pieces of the puzzle clicked into place and I def felt like I was able to start tracking the “larger plot” in a sense. Though still many unanswered q’s ofc considering it’s only Book 2. The story definitely expanded in a meaningful way, but weirdly it STILL felt like *not enough actually happened* to justify how freaking long it was
Meh - Taly. I did love her reunion with Skye and how they interact with one another (always arguing but it’s cute). As standalone characters, tbh sometimes Taly is OTT whiny and stubborn. It felt overdone. I’m excited to see her character develop tho - she def has badass potential, but she comes off the page as 15 rather than 21 which is prob my biggest complaint. I do love me some Skye, not many complaints there.
Overall this series has some really cool elements, and you can tell it’s the kind of story that has been plotted out from start to end w/ some fun variables thrown in there. However it def feels like we are still in the early stages of the saga. If I had one wish, I’d beg for punchier writing and a faster pace going forward…but tbh I’m not expecting the writing style to change. Basically we’re going to get a 5-book series with the same amount of content/action you’d find in one Crescent City book.
March 15, 2021
2.5 stars
This was an irritating read for me. I oddly enjoyed reading the book. I enjoyed the development of the time-based magic but, the overall system is a bit weak. The plot twists and story-line felt predictable. Overall this felt like a book-long pit stop entirely focused on character and world development without much progression in the actual story arc. I feel invested and plan to read the third but, hope that the series picks up from here.
This was an irritating read for me. I oddly enjoyed reading the book. I enjoyed the development of the time-based magic but, the overall system is a bit weak. The plot twists and story-line felt predictable. Overall this felt like a book-long pit stop entirely focused on character and world development without much progression in the actual story arc. I feel invested and plan to read the third but, hope that the series picks up from here.
October 21, 2020
Loving this series!
This series feels unique and has great world building. I actually had to make myself go to bed so I would stop reading it. Can’t wait for #3!
This series feels unique and has great world building. I actually had to make myself go to bed so I would stop reading it. Can’t wait for #3!
August 19, 2023
4.5 stars. I loved book 1. I liked this book too. I needed more of Skye and Taly actually together. I need more answers. I need book 3, dang it! 😏
April 30, 2025
2.5/5.0
My goodness this book is BORING!!! What started with a very promising and hugely intriguing storyline, fell into absolute nothing. It is 562 pages of wading through every.single.moment of Taly’s instructions to learn how to use her Time magic. Then, enduring poor Skye’s frantic yearning and trying to figure a way to find her. Over FIVE HUNDRED pages of it!!! The very, very last part was the only thing that even held interest. The end.
Sadly, the overall idea, world and plot are still very good. *sigh* Just not sure I can slog through another attempt at a next book.
My goodness this book is BORING!!! What started with a very promising and hugely intriguing storyline, fell into absolute nothing. It is 562 pages of wading through every.single.moment of Taly’s instructions to learn how to use her Time magic. Then, enduring poor Skye’s frantic yearning and trying to figure a way to find her. Over FIVE HUNDRED pages of it!!! The very, very last part was the only thing that even held interest. The end.
Sadly, the overall idea, world and plot are still very good. *sigh* Just not sure I can slog through another attempt at a next book.
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