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Secrets of the Sorrowood #2
The Drowning Kingdom
“You, Lydia Reyes, should be the next High Queen of this fey court.”
When Lydia Reyes accepted the crown of the Northwestern Court, she knew nothing would be easy. She was not only a human, but the partner to a king who had spent most of his life hiding from those who usurped his family from the throne.
A tragedy was almost inevitable, and this time, it was her fault. When Lydia fled, she left everything behind. Her palace. Her duties. Her mate.
But a new threat is rising. The Wild Hunt—a malevolent force that seeks to destroy everything in its path—has returned from their watery graves.
As the Hunt draws near, Lydia must reunite with Quinn to stop the impending devastation and keep their court from drowning in the rising waters. And this time, their love may not be enough to save them both.
Follow their perilous journey through the Green Country in this heart-racing fantasy romance perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black.
When Lydia Reyes accepted the crown of the Northwestern Court, she knew nothing would be easy. She was not only a human, but the partner to a king who had spent most of his life hiding from those who usurped his family from the throne.
A tragedy was almost inevitable, and this time, it was her fault. When Lydia fled, she left everything behind. Her palace. Her duties. Her mate.
But a new threat is rising. The Wild Hunt—a malevolent force that seeks to destroy everything in its path—has returned from their watery graves.
As the Hunt draws near, Lydia must reunite with Quinn to stop the impending devastation and keep their court from drowning in the rising waters. And this time, their love may not be enough to save them both.
Follow their perilous journey through the Green Country in this heart-racing fantasy romance perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2023
66 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 23, 2023
Ultimately, I had a good time reading and that's what I appreciate about this series. They were fun. They did what they needed to do. Was it the best story I've ever read? No... Characters? No... but you know what? One thing I appreciated about this series is how the romance was done. Like I said in the last one, it was a bit of insta-love, but it was done well. This book also just did the reconnection and re-falling in love really well. The author knows how to write good relationships and even with the plot point of Lydia not forgiving herself like... the whole situation between her and the kingdom and her relationship with Quinn I think was done well and realistic. I really appreciated that.
The plot... oh I don't know. I mean I kind of got it. I got lost a bit on the reasoning behind everything and who the villains were and the fighting scenes got me a bit lost but that could have been reader error as well. I was a bit lost overall. I didn't love the plot. I think it was pretty short and we could've learned more about the world and the characters, but I will say I think the supporting characters were flushed out enough that I kind of cared about them. I kind of hate that Rai was there??? Hahaha I don't know why, but that seemed a bit unbelievable. The ending was okay. I'm glad they got what they wanted but also they were just floating away... escaping their problems. It was eh.
I think my thoughts overall is that this book was fine. It did the job. The romance was great. I loved the inclusion of the human world. I think the book did great with the pages that it had. Like this was a shorter book and series and it was fun! I'm not gonna complain. It's three stars.
The plot... oh I don't know. I mean I kind of got it. I got lost a bit on the reasoning behind everything and who the villains were and the fighting scenes got me a bit lost but that could have been reader error as well. I was a bit lost overall. I didn't love the plot. I think it was pretty short and we could've learned more about the world and the characters, but I will say I think the supporting characters were flushed out enough that I kind of cared about them. I kind of hate that Rai was there??? Hahaha I don't know why, but that seemed a bit unbelievable. The ending was okay. I'm glad they got what they wanted but also they were just floating away... escaping their problems. It was eh.
I think my thoughts overall is that this book was fine. It did the job. The romance was great. I loved the inclusion of the human world. I think the book did great with the pages that it had. Like this was a shorter book and series and it was fun! I'm not gonna complain. It's three stars.
August 14, 2023
2.8✨️
Honestly, I didn't get half the action but I love Quinn so
Honestly, I didn't get half the action but I love Quinn so
May 31, 2023
The Drowning Kingdom continues some time after the conclusion of The Dreaming Forest. After making a grave error, Lydia has disappeared to the human world for months, abandoning Quinn and her queenly duties. When she catches the Wild Hunt abducting children in Portland, she is forced to return to the Green Country and is reunited with Quinn who is similarly addressing the new threat to the kingdom. The Wild Hunt is planning on releasing an ancient being, Adione, who will drown the whole world in revenge against Quinn’s ancestors. As Lydia and Quinn scramble to restrain Adione and find the missing children, they have to address their responsibilities to their kingdom as well as their bond to each other.
Quinn and Lydia continue to make excellent reluctant heroes. While they’ve learned from their trials in the first book, the fall out from their heroics is they’ve been pushed into positions of power that they are neither interested in, nor prepared for. It makes an interesting starting point of the book, as while our protagonists’ hearts are in the right place, their inexperience creates tension and problems. The theme of drowning creates an angsty feel to the book as our heroes are drowning in their expectations, their sorrows, their regrets, their responsibilities and of course, the imminent threat of actually drowning. My only complaint is I had a harder time connecting to this book compared to the first, though I can’t figure out exactly why that is. Perhaps Lydia’s waffling caused the disconnect, though it’s understandable that she would be tentative to take control and re-engage. Despite this, I still found the book to be an atmospheric fairy tale that makes a satisfying continuation of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Quinn and Lydia continue to make excellent reluctant heroes. While they’ve learned from their trials in the first book, the fall out from their heroics is they’ve been pushed into positions of power that they are neither interested in, nor prepared for. It makes an interesting starting point of the book, as while our protagonists’ hearts are in the right place, their inexperience creates tension and problems. The theme of drowning creates an angsty feel to the book as our heroes are drowning in their expectations, their sorrows, their regrets, their responsibilities and of course, the imminent threat of actually drowning. My only complaint is I had a harder time connecting to this book compared to the first, though I can’t figure out exactly why that is. Perhaps Lydia’s waffling caused the disconnect, though it’s understandable that she would be tentative to take control and re-engage. Despite this, I still found the book to be an atmospheric fairy tale that makes a satisfying continuation of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2023
I really enjoyed book 1, The Dreaming Forest, and I enjoyed this instalment too, just nowhere near as much. I struggled at the beginning....too much had happened between the end of book 1 and the beginning of book 2 and my brain was spinning trying to make sense of things. Because of this, I struggled to get into it. At about the 50% mark things started to really make more sense, and the pace picked up nicely, then I couldn't put it down and finished it in a few hours, but the first half took several days of pushing through. I still love Quinn, he is just so sweet, but I wish Lydia could have figured out her worth a bit earlier on. I would still recommend this instalment, as well as the whole series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 27, 2023
Enjoyed the further development of the characters although I felt the beginning of the book was a bit confusing from the end of book one and I wasn’t really sure why Lydia was not with Quinn.
Fragments of the tale were explored later but it started the second book off in a confusing manner.
Didn’t really understand given everything that had occurred within the story why the citizens of Astoria were not more supportive of Lydia and Quinn, this just made no sense to me.
The sex scenes were just a bit cringe especially with the odd swear word thrown in, these definitely need reworking.
I loved the fact author managed to include Ginny green teeth in the story, this was something I was told as a child to keep me away from the canal but never heard it anywhere else so thank you for that.
Looking forward to reading more info think these books would benefit from more backstory from the other main characters but I still found it enjoyable to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fragments of the tale were explored later but it started the second book off in a confusing manner.
Didn’t really understand given everything that had occurred within the story why the citizens of Astoria were not more supportive of Lydia and Quinn, this just made no sense to me.
The sex scenes were just a bit cringe especially with the odd swear word thrown in, these definitely need reworking.
I loved the fact author managed to include Ginny green teeth in the story, this was something I was told as a child to keep me away from the canal but never heard it anywhere else so thank you for that.
Looking forward to reading more info think these books would benefit from more backstory from the other main characters but I still found it enjoyable to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2023
After loving book one, it didn't take me long to get started on book two! I just adore the two main characters, Quinn and Lydia, this book focuses more on their relationship and turmoil, with certain emotions and guilt holding poor Lydia back. But Quinn is so patient with her and allows her time to flourish as an independent woman as well as allowing her to discover in her own time to forgive herself. The way he guides her just gives me all the feels! I love them together, separately, and as characters in the continuation of this fae adventure.
The stakes have definitely increased in this book, I really enjoyed the drowned creatures, the Ladies of the Lower World, The Herne, and Adione as their foe. The interactions were written so well that it's creepy and full of suspense! We spend more time in the human world in this book, too. Lydia calls in help from her friends and fellow changelings in order to defeat an ancient, angry goddess. It also has a happy (somewhat spicy) ending ✨️ what a great duology!
The stakes have definitely increased in this book, I really enjoyed the drowned creatures, the Ladies of the Lower World, The Herne, and Adione as their foe. The interactions were written so well that it's creepy and full of suspense! We spend more time in the human world in this book, too. Lydia calls in help from her friends and fellow changelings in order to defeat an ancient, angry goddess. It also has a happy (somewhat spicy) ending ✨️ what a great duology!
July 10, 2023
This book is filled with tension, responsibility, and a fantasy world with a looming threat. The story doesn't pick up right after the end of book 1, but takes a bit of catching up by reminiscing within the storyline. Lydia disappears to the human world, leaving Quinn and her queenly duties behind. When the Wild Hunt begins, Lydia is compelled to return to the Green Country. Here, she reunites with Quinn, who is also grappling with the new threat to the kingdom. They are ill-prepared for the weight of their responsibilities, and this inexperience creates obstacles and challenges but adds depth to their character development. Drowning encompasses a multitude of meanings, and our characters grapple with these challenges as they strive to overcome them collectively. I think it's a satisfying continuation of the series, but I enjoyed book 1 more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2023
A beautiful, soft fae story. Yes, there is at times violence, but it isn't so vicious as some that is out there today. Lydia and Quinn must find a way to defeat the Wild Hunt and rescue the missing human children that have been taken. Lydia has been hiding out in the human world but returns when she sees the Wild Hunt kidnap a child and gives chase and so reconnect with Quinn. They are both a bit battered from the previous battle and Quinn is still trying to put the kingdom that they inherited back together when this new nightmare lands in their laps. To fight this foe, they will need all their skills and the help of their human friends and the knowledge of the defeated Mapmaker . The reader is in for quite the Wild ride!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2023
This book starts a few months after book one ends. Quinn and Lydia both ended up in positions of power that they didn‘t wanted and aren’t prepared for. Quinn is still trying to put the kingdom on sure footing and Lydia is still trying to work through the trauma of an accidental death she caused when an ancient creature is on the verge of being resurrected. They have to reconnect and work together with lots of help from people from both sides in order to save their worlds.
I highly recommend L.B. Black's books to anyone that loves strong female MCs, magical realms and the books of Sarah J. Maas or Holly Black's writing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I highly recommend L.B. Black's books to anyone that loves strong female MCs, magical realms and the books of Sarah J. Maas or Holly Black's writing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 15, 2024
Book one was great and book two takes the story of Quinn and Lydia further. Their relationship is in a tight spot. Lydia is torn by emotion and Quinn is patiently waiting for her to find some confidence again.
But this al intensifies when the wild hunt returns. The wild hunt is a legend of all times, but this time with a great twist. Characters like the Herne and Adione are much more than just the average foe. There's a deeper layer in both of them.
With the help of friends from the human world they manage to defeat the foes that threaten their existence.
A good story with great character building and a great storyline. I enjoyed this book.
I received an ARC from the writer and offer my opinion freely.
But this al intensifies when the wild hunt returns. The wild hunt is a legend of all times, but this time with a great twist. Characters like the Herne and Adione are much more than just the average foe. There's a deeper layer in both of them.
With the help of friends from the human world they manage to defeat the foes that threaten their existence.
A good story with great character building and a great storyline. I enjoyed this book.
I received an ARC from the writer and offer my opinion freely.
May 26, 2023
When I started reading The Drowning Kingdom, I thought I must have missed a book between as Lydia was back in the human realm. It does later become apparent that she fled Quinn and her role as High Queen for a reason revealed later in the book. They are, thankfully, soon reunited to battle another enemy which threatens both their realms. This was, like the first book, another action packed, fast paced story. I like how Lydia remains a fierce but compassionate warrior prepared to battle until the end for both the human realm and her changing friends as well as the green country and her new friends there. I will be looking into reading more books from L.B. Black.
June 4, 2023
Dynamite Conclusion with wonderful characters
Oh, what a beautiful conclusion to this duology! I loved Book 1 and I was wondering how the author would match it and lo and behold, they did!
Our main couple continues to be their adorable selves. I love how the theme is woven into the plot so seamlessly. Drowning refers to so many different things and our characters struggle to over them together.
I still love the setting! The author continues to reference some old-school myths and they aren’t well known ones! I love seeing these pop up!
Ultimately, this is a story of growth, of discovery and it would pay for you to be an explorer and dive into it!
Oh, what a beautiful conclusion to this duology! I loved Book 1 and I was wondering how the author would match it and lo and behold, they did!
Our main couple continues to be their adorable selves. I love how the theme is woven into the plot so seamlessly. Drowning refers to so many different things and our characters struggle to over them together.
I still love the setting! The author continues to reference some old-school myths and they aren’t well known ones! I love seeing these pop up!
Ultimately, this is a story of growth, of discovery and it would pay for you to be an explorer and dive into it!
May 22, 2023
I'm so glad to be back with Lydia and Quinn.
I was worried for them but the beginning of the book brought them back to where they belonged with each other.
A new enemy was introduced and it is a race to defeat them before they destroyed both worlds. It is up to Lydia with Quinn at her side to save everyone again.
I really enjoyed it, it was engaging and pulled you in from page one and didn't let you go until the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was worried for them but the beginning of the book brought them back to where they belonged with each other.
A new enemy was introduced and it is a race to defeat them before they destroyed both worlds. It is up to Lydia with Quinn at her side to save everyone again.
I really enjoyed it, it was engaging and pulled you in from page one and didn't let you go until the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 28, 2023
Well this book was very different from the 1st one. This book read much slower and was considerably darker. It stayed in the deeper darker emotions of life and kept trying to get bogged down but there was a note of brightness that the characters hung on to. All of the changlings, both sets,were found and returned back to the proper side of the window and Lydia and Quinn finally got their happy ever after so all’s we’ll that ends well.
ARC copy with voluntary review.
ARC copy with voluntary review.
June 11, 2023
Magical
Lydia and Quinn’s story continues in this sequel and I cannot express how fantastic this is!! There is so much packed into the over 200 pages of this book, but there are no shortage of details and twists and turns. Everything is pieced together so beautifully that I literally could not put this down. ♥️ I finished this within a few hours and is definitely going on my “to read again” list. Thank you L.B. Black for bringing this world and the characters to life. ♥️🫶🏻
Lydia and Quinn’s story continues in this sequel and I cannot express how fantastic this is!! There is so much packed into the over 200 pages of this book, but there are no shortage of details and twists and turns. Everything is pieced together so beautifully that I literally could not put this down. ♥️ I finished this within a few hours and is definitely going on my “to read again” list. Thank you L.B. Black for bringing this world and the characters to life. ♥️🫶🏻
July 3, 2023
As I finished reading the last page, I felt like I was losing a friend. This series immediately drew me in and let me live such a wonderful adventure. I fell in love with all the different characters. They're irresistible. I would've loved a third book but I'll have to be content with two. The author's choice of book covers and titles is perfect in my opinion. All in all, a really excellent read and one I shall remember.
August 7, 2023
Not on par with book 1
I had such high hopes for this book because the first book was so great. Unfortunately, it just didn't live up to it. The story started out oddly and completely disjointed from how book 1 ended, with no explanation until about 100 pages in. There were countless grammatical mistakes and a lot of places where it seemed like a word had just been left out? It was a fine way to end the series but just wasnt what I had hoped for or expected.
I had such high hopes for this book because the first book was so great. Unfortunately, it just didn't live up to it. The story started out oddly and completely disjointed from how book 1 ended, with no explanation until about 100 pages in. There were countless grammatical mistakes and a lot of places where it seemed like a word had just been left out? It was a fine way to end the series but just wasnt what I had hoped for or expected.
June 17, 2023
I enjoyed this new adventure Lydia and Quinn embarked on. Dark, mysterious and spicy in places. I'm hoping there is another book in this series as it would be interesting to see where it could go. A must read for any fae fantasy fans.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 20, 2023
The Drowning Kingdom was a fitting sequel to The Dreaming Forrest. You get to see the relationships deepen and the complexities the occur when you get your ‘happily ever after’.
The Drowning Kingdom offers adventure, romance and risk. It is well written and absorbing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Drowning Kingdom offers adventure, romance and risk. It is well written and absorbing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 12, 2023
Slow and a tad confusing start. But wonderful to be back in the green country with all its beautiful, strange, scary, awe-inspiring people and creatures. And wonderful to see Lydia and Quinn again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 21, 2024
It was fine. We start with our MCs separated but no real explanation as to why until ~30% in. The best explanation stands at "it was fine".
Also, I hate how long the chapters are. 30-45 minutes a piece. 👎
Also, I hate how long the chapters are. 30-45 minutes a piece. 👎
July 1, 2023
What a lovely ending, thank you for writing this world 🫶
March 21, 2024
Significantly Better Than The First One
Not much more to say. The worlds were better fleshed out and i enjoyed myself fully. Read in one day
Not much more to say. The worlds were better fleshed out and i enjoyed myself fully. Read in one day
July 6, 2023
I enjoyed the continued mythology of this world. Although some time since book one the story stayed with me to be able to jump right into this one.
I received this ARC from BookSirens and am happy to leave this reveiw.
I received this ARC from BookSirens and am happy to leave this reveiw.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews