Genres: New Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Romance, Paranormal / Supernatural

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Competent Heroine, Sweet/Gentle Hero, Magic 

I struggled a little bit with rating this one. Like the first book, I loved the world-building, the writing, the intricate plotting that came together in the end. That part was all phenomenal, and I can’t wait to see more from this author.

That being said, I actually rated this one a little lower than the first book, which was a five-star read for me.

I loved Elspeth as a character in book one, and as much as I loved Elm being added to the mix, I missed having Elspeth being front and center the way she was in book one. And I was really frustrated with the fact that for some reason, we are never given Ione’s POV. Her story should be empowering–she goes from being objectified and abused to embracing her independence and emotions. But for some reason, we only ever get to see her through Elm’s eyes. Why? 

Yes, she tells Elm (and by extension the reader) her thoughts and feelings, but that doesn’t feel the same to me. We were able to get close to Elspeth and see her as fully developed character in book one. I wanted the same thing for Ione, and I’m disappointed that we never got it. 

I’m also disappointed that Elspeth and Ravyn’s ending was just a HFN, yet Elm and Ione were married. I get that a marriage was necessary in practical terms for Ione to become queen, but it felt like a lackluster conclusion for our couple from book one.

Safety Stats:

Ages:

Both Ione and Elm are presumably in their early 20s, but it’s never directly stated.

Cheating:

None.

Other OM/OW:

None.

Separation:

Elm and Ione are separated in the 3rd act by Hauth, Elm’s brother, but are reunited.

Triggers:

Some descriptions of violence, including domestic violence/assault by Hauth directed at Ione.

HEA/HFN?:

HEA for Ione and Elm who get married, HFN for Ravyn and Elspeth.