With The Bloodless Princes, Charlotte Bond crafted a sequel to The Fireborne Blade that continued the successful elements of the first installment of the series while also delivering a fresh, new story. While the first novella deconstructed and subverted the conventions of the knight's quest, this one delves into a journey through the underworld. 

This sequel centers on knight Maddileh and the mage Saralene three years after the events of The Fireborne Blade. They are confronted with the fallout from the choices made in that novella, forcing them onto a new quest. Following those very different personalities as they navigated their shared and individual struggles was very engaging. As dual protagonists as well as slow burn love interests, they play off of each other extremely well. 

Just as the previous story rotated between the perspective of Maddileh and an in-universe text that provided world building, this one gives a narrative through the lenses of the two heroines along with a text about the in-universe mythology. The balance between the succinct plot and fanciful myths are perfect. The two blend into each other, explaining values and expectations the characters grew up with only to tear those expectations apart as the story unfolds.

This novella is a solid five stars. I hope Bond writes more in this universe.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!