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jadeandherbunny's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Grief, Pregnancy, and War
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I loved this follow up to Trial of the Sun Queen, where we spend time in the Aurora Kingdom with the Aurora Prince, Nadir, and Lor is finally reunited with her siblings from Nostraza! Nadir spends the entire book pretending that Lor is just another random hookup that he is keeping in his area of the court, hiding her true identity from his father because of his elusiveness surrounding his motivations to find Lor in the first book.
Most of the book is spent in character and romance exploration between Lor and Nadir, as Lor wrestles with what Atlas tried to do to her with the bond in the last book. They decide “it’s just sex, right?” and play around with the idea of actually hooking up, but denying that there’s anything beyond this sexual tension. I actually really enjoy that setup because at least they’re acknowledging their attraction, and now are just avoiding their romantic feelings hahaha. It’s very entertaining!
I forgot that these people are fae and that they can fly, so when Nadir flew with Lor in his arms, I giggled because I forgot this is fantasy because there has been such a huge focus on the romance, which I am a sucker for. But then!!!! Big big big spoiler
A lot of the plot movement happens in the last 15% of the book, with another ending that entices readers to get oh so excited for the next book!
Honorable mention to some sapphic romance developing between the side characters Amya (Nadir’s younger sister) & Willow (Lor’s sister, can’t remember if she’s younger or older lol forgive me!)
steam rating: 3 or 4/5 — it’s a lot steamier than the first book because Nadir and Lor’s tension is so much better than her and the Sun King’s!!!!! You also get a BJ scene from Nadir’s POV if you sign up for NJT’s newsletter👀 uhhhhh done and done ✅ 🤭
see content warnings below — a lot of Nadir’s mom’s backstory really got to me, so fucking sad & she deserves better 😭
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
Minor: Sexual violence, Torture, and War
xapoptosisx's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Pregnancy, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Rape and Vomit
eventualghost's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
It’s an okay book, but it does focus on the main love story above anything else. The writing could be better. The steam took away from an actual plot line. My guess is they will end up with a “fated mates” trope, but I found it hard to believe the main characters motivations for the relationship. It’s a bit repetitive in terms of the characters, and they don’t really have a lot of growth. I hope the third book provides a better arc. I do love the constant cursing at comically timed moments. Not a lot of authors can get away with that.
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Rape, Slavery, and Torture
booksalacarte's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
izzymannellasbookshelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
The main character Lor was just broken out of Ophelion and she has one thing on her mind: find the crown that is her birthright and her destiny. She’s a sassy but strong main character with a stubbornness I relate to a little too well, and she’s feeling too many unwanted things for the Aurora Prince, Nadir.
The central relationship—whatever was going on between Lor and Nadir, that is—was very entertaining and fun in the best way. They don’t automatically like each other, which I appreciated. In fact, even after realizing they have such heavy attractions towards each other, they keep it as just that. Their back and forth was fun, and the fact they didn’t pull a Feyre and Rhys was satisfying and refreshing, honestly (not that I have anything against them, but I like what Lor and Nadir had better).
Speaking of which, fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses and These Hollow Vows would go feral for this series. I loved ACOTAR and THV, and I loved this one, too. I’m looking forward for book number three.
Thank you so much to the author for an eARC of this book in exchange for a review. I genuinely really enjoyed this book.
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
bellebookcorner's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“I have my own family. And I am my own fucking castle.”
This sequel definitely didn't disappoint me!
I absolutely love it and highly recommended for you guys to try this NA fantasy romance if you like;
• Enemies-to-lovers
• Forced proximity
• One bed
• Badass FMC
• Touch her and Die
• Fated Mates
• Strong sibling relationship
The plot started right after the ending of the first book, now we get to see more of Nadir - the Aurora Prince from the first book through his POV.
Not just Lor and Nadir's POV, we also got a new POV that takes us back in time to better understand Lor's past.
Gorgeous writing style, well-paced, short chapters and loveable characters makes this book so hard to put down. Moreover, the plot also flows smoothly and easy to understand.
I love the sparks between the two main characters - how their relationship develop throughout the story. I love the tension and banter between the two of them, the spicy scenes are sooo good!
The progress is a bit slow between Lor and Nadir because of what Lor been through from the first book. It was very understandable, but I’m hoping to see more about them being a powerful couple in the next book.
Overall, this is a great addition to the series, the plot thickens and where one problem is over, another rise.
The ending has a cliff-hanger in it which makes me wish I have the next book with me so I could continue Lor’s journey. I’m really looking forward to read the third book!!!
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Death, Sexual assault, and Blood