To Steal a Throne by Gabi Burton

“Her magic feeds on lies.

His magic could destroy her.

Mira Kyler runs the court of Virdei from the shadows. Ever since she helped her half-brother Luc cheat his way into the role of Virdei's leader, she's used her lie-powered magic to collect secrets from members of court, then used them as blackmail to keep her brother in power.

But when newcomer Kaidren Vale shows up and challenges Luc's leadership, he threatens the stability Mira has worked so hard for. Kaidren also has magic-magic that can detect the precise nature of someone else's power with a single touch. If Kaidren so much as brushes against her, everyone will discover that Mira is the one who's been manipulating the court for years.

As Kaidren and Luc compete in three deadly challenges called The Trials, Mira realizes that no matter who wins, she'll be stuck serving a mediocre man who doesn't deserve to be in charge. She's done hiding in the shadows. She wants power of her own.

To get it, she'll have to betray both her own brother and Kaidren-but the fiercer the competition gets, the more Mira realizes that the one boy who could destroy everything is the one boy she might not be able to resist.” - taken from Goodreads.

This book sucked me right in and didn’t let me go until the last page. Mira has always been overlooked by everyone because of her scandalous birth and second class citizenship. Except when it comes to her hidden magical talents that keep her brother as the leader of the realm. When an upstart newcomer decides to challenge her brother as leader, Mira decides that she no longer wants to be controlled by others. But soon feelings for Kaidren begin to get in her way. What happens at the ending will completely take the reader by surprise and will leave them waiting for more.

After that ending, there has to be a second book on the horizon.

Visit Gabi Burton’s website.

The Thorn Queen by Sasha Peyton Smith (The Rose Bargain book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, The Rose Bargain, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Wed to one brother.
In love with the other.

Having won the hand of the faerie King Bram, Ivy is now Queen of England.

But with his ascension to the throne, Bram unleashed the fae into the human world. After hundreds of years of being kept from their favorite playthings, the Others are looking to make up for lost time—and they do, with wicked revelry that sweeps through the country.

To survive, Ivy acts the sweet, devoted wife. Behind the smile, she plots to banish her husband, save her sister Lydia, and reunite with the love of her life, Emmett.

Yet Emmet and Lydia are trapped in the Otherworld, where fae games are deadlier than ever—and a queen must play most viciously of all. Or see herself dethroned.” - taken from Goodreads.

Even though the first book in this duology ended in a cliffhanger, this book was a bit slow to start. Without giving too much away, Ivy, Lydia, and Emmett must find a way to get out from under Bram’s cruel reign of not only England but the Otherworld. The epilogue to the story was great, without giving too much away, I wish it hadn’t been so one sided.

Visit Sasha Peyton Smith’s website.

Carving Shadows Into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer (Forging Silver Into Stars book 2)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Forging Silver Into Stars, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Dangerous magic. Fateful choices. Broken promises.

The King's Courier Tycho has made a treacherous bargain. Now beholden to the magical scraver who saved King Gray's life, one false move could end everything.

Jax escaped his life in Briarlock and traveled with Tycho to Emberfall. But life outside his small village brings unexpected challenges--and unlikely adversaries.

After years of hating the royal family and their magic, Callyn never expected to be at the Queen's side, with magic on her fingertips. But at the royal court, she can't trust anyone--including the man she thought she loved.

Cast apart, Tycho, Jax, and Callyn must learn to wield the magic that is dividing their kingdom. As the magical scravers attack from the north and the king's rivals gain strength, time is running out.

War is looming. Love is tested. And magic could be the only answer. . .” - taken from Goodreads.

For some, this second book in the trilogy may drag out a bit, I did devour the entire book in just over one day. Even though our main characters are separated for most of the story, each provides a different aspect of the story that builds to the ending. And that ending! Readers will be invested to see how the story finally plays out.

Book three, Sparking Fire Out of Fate, is due out January 27, 2026.

Visit Brigid Kemmerer’s website.

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

 

“Every citizen of England is granted one bargain from their immortal fae queen.

High society girls are expected to bargain for qualities that will win them suitors: a rare talent for piano in exchange for one’s happiest childhood memory. A perfect smile for one’s ability to taste.

But Ivy Benton’s debut season arrives with a shocking twist: a competition to secure the heart of the Queen’s fae son, Prince Bram. A prize that could save Ivy’s family from ruin… and free her sister from the bargain that destroyed her.

Yet every glittering fae deal has a rotting heart—and at the center of this contest is a dark plot that could destroy everything Ivy knows.” - taken from Goodreads.

This book was pitched as The Cruel Prince meets The Selection and boy was that correct. It is also a twist on the history of English royalty where a fae queen sits on the throne. Ivy Benton is determined to find out what happened to her older sister Lydia during her disappearance. Fallen from society because of her sister, the family’s hopes are dependent on the match Ivy can make during her season. The stakes are raised substantially when the Queen announces that her son, Prince Bram, will be looking for a wife. Can Ivy survive the brutal season that she is about to face?

No word yet on a second book, but with that ending, there better be one on the horizon,

Visit Sasha Peyton Smith’s website.

The Scorpion Queen by Mina Fears

 

“Deep within the imperial palace at Timbuktu, Amie has suffered a devastating loss. Once the daughter of a prosperous salt merchant Amie’s life was cruelly overturned in a matter of months. At sixteen, Amie now finds herself disinherited, framed for a scandalous crime, and forced to serve Princess Mariama of Mali . Her father, Emperor Sulyeman, has created a series of impossible trials for his daughter's suitors. When they fail, he publicly boils them alive, littering Mariama’s path to marriage with ninety-nine corpses.

At first, Amie’s life at court is drudgery—the chores are difficult, the servants despise her, and Princess Mariama is prone to mood swings—but the more she learns about the princess's circumstances, the closer the two girls become. Amie and her intended, Kader, plan to escape Timbuktu and make a new life far away from the shadow of death that has fallen upon the emperor’s court, but she finds herself increasingly drawn to the princess in ways she doesn’t understand.

When a mysterious discovery forces her hand, she must choose between fleeing with the boy she loves or helping the princess to end the trials forever. Amie will need to draw on all of her strength and courage to make the perilous journey through the desert to seek the aid of an exiled god in a final, desperate attempt to take charge of her own destiny.” - taken from Goodreads.

Set in medieval Mali and based on a Malian fairy tale, Amie’s world comes crashing down when she is accused of infidelity and her engagement to her sweetheart is broken. Disowned by her parents, she becomes a lady in waiting for Princess Mariama. The two become close friends and Amie comes up with a plan to save Mariama's 100th suitor from certain death. Unfortunately, her newest suitor is Amie's beloved, Kader. Determined to save them both and create a future for themselves, Amie is forced to choose between Kader and Mariama.

This book had a great premise, but the ending felt a bit rushed for me.

The Darkness Within Us by Tricia Levenseller (Shadows Between Us book 2)

 

SPOILER ALERT! This book is a companion to The Shadows Between Us and is a continuation of the story.

“Chrysantha Stathos has won.

By hiding her intelligence and ambition behind the mask of a beautiful air-headed girl, she has gathered important secrets, earned her father’s constant care, and become a wealthy duchess—all by age nineteen. Now, she is only one elderly, dying duke away from having all the freedom, money, and safety she’s ever wanted.

Or so she thought.

Turns out her little sister somehow snatched the true victory away from her: Alessandra is wedding the Shadow King, the most powerful man in the world. Meanwhile, after the death of Chrysantha’s no-good, lecherous husband, a man claiming to be the duke’s estranged grandson turns up to inherit everything that should be hers.

Chrysantha is enraged. There is no way that she’s going to let some man take everything from her. Never mind that he’s extremely handsome and secretive and alluring with mysterious powers… No, Chrysantha wants Eryx Demos dead, and in the end, a Stathos girl always gets what she wants.” - taken from Goodreads.

Chrysantha thought she won but her younger sister Alessandra is about to wed the Shadow King. She is wed to an elderly duke that she hopes will soon die so that she can be free to live her life the way she wants. Her plans go awry when an unknown grandson shows up claiming Chrysantha's inheritance and freedom. Enraged that her chance at freedom is slipping away, she is determined to prove that Eryx is an impostor, no matter how handsome or mysterious he is. Alessandra and the Shadow King do make an appearance in this book 

Visit Tricia Levenseller’s website.

Destroy the Day by Brigid Kemmerer (Defy the Night book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Defy the Night, and Defend the Dawn, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Left for dead, but desperate to survive . . . they have one last chance to save their kingdom.

Prince Corrick is out of options. Held captive by the vicious Oren Crane, he’s desperate to reunite with Tessa, but will need to ally with the rebel leader Lochlan, who until now wished him dead. An unlikely but deadly pair, Corrick and Lochlan must plot their next moves carefully.

An island away, Tessa Cade is heartbroken and angry. Grieving Corrick, and unsure how to find a way back to Kandala, she doesn’t know who to trust. Until Rian—the man she trusts least—makes an offer: aid in a plot to finally oust Oren Crane and see what the future holds . . .

Meanwhile in Kandala, Harristan is dethroned and on the run. He’s struggling to unite the rebels in his fractured kingdom, but he finds support—and maybe more—in unexpected places.

Can Harristan be the king his people need? Can Corrick and Tessa find their way back to each other? As outside threats loom and the fires of revolution burn from within, time is running out to save their kingdom.” - taken from Goodreads.

This was a fantastic ending to this trilogy. Scattered from one another, each of our characters must fight their own battles to get back home. With non stop action and secrets uncovered, the last chapters of this book will bring all of the emotions to the forefront. I cannot wait to see what this author writes next.

Visit Brigid Kemmerer’s website.

Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz (The Anatomy Duology book 2)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Anatomy, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Hazel Sinnett is alone and half convinced the events of the year before—the immortality, Beecham’s vial—were a figment of her imagination. She doesn’t even know if Jack is alive or dead. All she can really do now is treat patients and maintain Hawthornden Castle as it starts to decay around her.

When saving a life leads to her arrest, Hazel seems doomed to rot in prison until a message intervenes: Hazel has been specifically requested to be the personal physician of Princess Charlotte, the sickly granddaughter of King George III. Soon Hazel is dragged into the glamour and romance of a court where everyone has something to hide, especially the enigmatic, brilliant members of a social club known as the Companions to the Death.

As Hazel’s work entangles her more and more with the British court, she realizes that her own future as a surgeon isn't the only thing at stake for her. Malicious forces are at work in the monarchy, and Hazel may be the only one capable of setting things right.” - taken from Goodreads.

With her family and Jack gone, Hazel is working as a female surgeon at her family's castle in Edinburgh. She has made a quiet life for herself until she saves the life of a young woman that causes her to end up in prison. Resigned to her fate, Hazel is shocked when she is released to become the personal physician of the ailing Princess Charlotte. Quickly immersed in society, Hazel soon learns her fair share of secrets and schemes surrounding the royal family. Will Hazel be able to survive the politics of the day and whatever happened to her beloved Jack? 

Visit Dana Schwartz’s website.

Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer (Defy the Night book 2)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Defy the Night, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“To save their kingdom, they must embark on a dangerous journey...

The kingdom of Kandala narrowly avoided catastrophe, but the embers of revolution still simmer. While King Harristan seeks a new way to lead, Tessa and Prince Corrick attempt to foster unity between rebels and royals.

But the consuls who control the Moonflower will not back down, and Corrick realizes he must find a new source for the lifesaving Elixir.

When an emissary from the neighboring kingdom of Ostriary arrives with an intriguing offer, Tessa and Corrick set out on an uncertain journey as they attempt to mend their own fractured relationship.

This could be their only chance to keep the peace and bring relief to the people of Kandala, but danger strikes during the journey to Ostriary, and no one is who they seemed to be. . .” - taken from Goodreads.

Tessa and Corrick are struggling to deal with their lives inside the palace rather than in the wilds. The situation with the Moonflower supply is still tenuous and hopes of a truce between the rebels and the royals is nonexistent. Rebellion looms on the horizon. When a strange ship with ties to Kandala arrives in port with a solution to the Moonflower supply, Harristan and Corrick have no choice but to work to establish trade with Ostriary. Corrick and Tessa will travel to Ostriary to see if they can make an alliance while Harristan stays in Kandala to try and keep the peace, Seperated for the first time since the assassination of their parents, the two soon learn that not everyone is who they seems and those they can trust grows smaller by the day.

With that heart-clinching ending, book three has yet to be announced.

Visit Brigid Kemmerer’s website.

Rivals by Katharine McGee (American Royals book 3)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, American Royals, and Majesty, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Beatrice is queen, and for the American royal family, everything is about to change.

Relationships will be tested.

Princess Samantha is in love with Lord Marshall Davis—but the more serious they get, the more complicated things become. Is Sam destined to repeat her string of broken relationships…and this time will the broken heart be her own?

Strangers will become friends.

Beatrice is representing America at the greatest convocation of kings and queens in the world. When she meets a glamorous foreign princess, she gets drawn into the inner circle…but at what cost?

And rivals will become allies.

Nina and Daphne have spent years competing for Prince Jefferson. Now they have something in common: they both want to take down manipulative Lady Gabriella Madison. Can these enemies join forces, or will old rivalries stand in the way?” - taken from Goodreads.

This book turned out to be so much more than I would have ever dreamed of. Queen Beatrice is trying to find her footing as the first queen of America. Princess Samantha is trying to figure out what her role in the Washington family will be once she is no longer Bea's heir. Prince Jefferson, third in line to the throne, is once again the object of every girl's wish to be a princess. I wasn't sure where the author was going to take this story line but she left readers desperately wishing that book four isn't a year away. 

Book four is due to be published in 2023.

Visit Katharine McGee’s website.

Forging Silver into Stars by Brigid Kemmerer (Forging Silver into Stars book 1)

 

POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT! This book takes place four years after the events in the Cursebreakers trilogy. Reading the early series isn’t necessary to enjoy this book but it would be very helpful. 

“When ancient magic tests a newfound love, a dark fate beckons . . .

Magic has been banished in the land of Syhl Shallow for as long as best friends Jax and Callyn can remember. They once loved the stories of the powerful magesmiths and mythical scravers who could conjure fire or control ice, but now they’ve learned that magic only leads to danger: magic is what killed Callyn’s parents, leaving her alone to raise her younger sister. Magic never helped Jax, whose leg was crushed in an accident that his father has been punishing him for ever since. Magic won’t save either of them when the tax collector comes calling, threatening to take their homes if they can't pay what they owe.

Meanwhile, Jax and Callyn are astonished to learn magic has returned to Syhl Shallow -- in the form of a magesmith who's now married to their queen. Now, the people of Syhl Shallow are expected to allow dangerous magic in their midst, and no one is happy about it.

When a stranger rides into town offering Jax and Callyn silver in exchange for holding secret messages for an anti-magic faction, the choice is obvious -- even if it means they may be aiding in a plot to destroy their new king. It’s a risk they’re both willing to take. That is, until another visitor arrives: handsome Lord Tycho, the King’s Courier, the man who’s been tasked with discovering who’s conspiring against the throne.

Suddenly, Jax and Callyn find themselves embroiled in a world of shifting alliances, dangerous flirtations, and ancient magic . . . where even the deepest loyalties will be tested.” - taken from Goodreads.

Can I just say that Brigid Kemmerer is one of my go-to authors? Four years have passed since the events of A Vow So Bold and Deadly. Even though the beloved characters from the Cursebreakers trilogy appear, this story is told from three points of view, Tycho who is now the King's Courier, Jax, and Callyn.

There are many in Syhl Shallow who don't approve of the fact their Queen married a msgesmith. Jax and Callyn are far removed from the royal family living in the outpost of Briarlock. When an opportunity to earn some money for their tax debt appears, they agree to pass on secret messages. But when Tycho arrives in Briarlock, he senses something is going on. Soon all three find their loyalties and beliefs tested when the conspiracy comes to Briarlock. 

The start of a new trilogy, book two is expected in 2023.

Visit Brigid Kemmerer’s website.

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer (Defy the Night book 1)

 

“The kingdom of Kandala is on the brink of disaster. Rifts between sectors have only worsened since a sickness began ravaging the land, and within the Royal Palace, the king holds a tenuous peace with a ruthless hand.

King Harristan was thrust into power after his parents' shocking assassination, leaving the younger Prince Corrick to take on the brutal role of the King's Justice. The brothers have learned to react mercilessly to any sign of rebellion--it's the only way to maintain order when the sickness can strike anywhere, and the only known cure, an elixir made from delicate Moonflower petals, is severely limited.

Out in the Wilds, apothecary apprentice Tessa Cade is tired of seeing her neighbors die, their suffering ignored by the unyielding royals. Every night, she and her best friend Wes risk their lives to steal Moonflower petals and distribute the elixir to those who need it most--but it's still not enough.

As rumors spread that the cure no longer works and sparks of rebellion begin to flare, a particularly cruel act from the King's Justice makes Tessa desperate enough to try the impossible: sneaking into the palace. But what she finds upon her arrival makes her wonder if it's even possible to fix Kandala without destroying it first.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This was an incredible start to a new fantasy series. Tessa Cade lives in a kingdom where people are dying and there's not enough medicine to go around. She witnessed her parents’ death by the King's Guard for distributing the much-needed medicine. Fortunately, she was kept from the same fate by Weston Lark, who is her new partner in “crime”. Together, they steal the needed moonflower petals to brew the elixir and distribute it to those who are in need. When Weston is caught and executed for his crimes, Tessa this determined to continue on even as sparks of a revolution swirl around the kingdom. When Tessa is caught sneaking into the palace, everything she thought she knew is turned upside down. 

I really cannot wait to see where this story will go. Book two’s publication date will be determined at a later date.

Visit Brigid Kemmerer’s website.

Majesty by Katharine McGee (American Royals book 2)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, American Royals, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Is America ready for its first queen?

Power is intoxicating. Like first love, it can leave you breathless. Princess Beatrice was born with it. Princess Samantha was born with less. Some, like Nina Gonzalez, are pulled into it. And a few will claw their way in. Ahem, we're looking at you Daphne Deighton.

As America adjusts to the idea of a queen on the throne, Beatrice grapples with everything she lost when she gained the ultimate crown. Samantha is busy living up to her "party princess" persona...and maybe adding a party prince by her side. Nina is trying to avoid the palace--and Prince Jefferson--at all costs. And a dangerous secret threatens to undo all of Daphne's carefully laid "marry Prince Jefferson" plans.

A new reign has begun.... “ - taken from Goodreads.com

The story picks up six weeks after the death of King George and Beatrice is now the first queen of America. Centered around Beatrice, Samantha, Nina, and Daphne, these for ladies grow and develop into their own over the course of the book. I was pleasantly surprised by where three of the ladies ended up but I do wish one girl had gotten her comeuppance. I guess in a way she did.

 Although there is not a third book, I would love to see a short story that takes place in the future.

Visit Katharine McGee’s website.

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black (The Folk of the Air book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first two books.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher of the first two books.

“He will be destruction of the crown and the ruination of the throne.

Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold onto. Jude learned this lesson when she released her control over the wicked king, Cardan, in exchange for immeasurable power.

Now as the exiled mortal Queen of Faerie, Jude is powerless and left reeling from Cardan’s betrayal. She bides her time determined to reclaim everything he took from her. Opportunity arrives in the form of her deceptive twin sister, Taryn, whose mortal life is in peril.

Jude must risk venturing back into the treacherous Faerie Court, and confront her lingering feelings for Cardan, if she wishes to save her sister. But Elfhame is not as she left it. War is brewing. As Jude slips deep within enemy lines she becomes ensnared in the conflict’s bloody politics.

And, when a dormant yet powerful curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity…” - taken from Goodreads.com

This book and the ending of the trilogy was absolutely perfect!! I really don’t want to give away any spoilers, so I am going to keep this short. Breathtaking and heart pounding with the action never slowing down. And that was an incredible epilogue. I hate to leave these characters behind.

Visit Holly Black’s website.

American Royals by Katharine McGee (American Royals book 1)

"What if America had a royal family?

When America won the Revolutionary War, its people offered General George Washington a crown. Two and a half centuries later, the House of Washington still sits on the throne.

As Princess Beatrice gets closer to becoming America's first queen regnant, the duty she has embraced her entire life suddenly feels stifling. Nobody cares about the spare except when she's breaking the rules, so Princess Samantha doesn't care much about anything, either . . . except the one boy who is distinctly off-limits to her. And then there's Samantha's twin, Prince Jefferson. If he'd been born a generation earlier, he would have stood first in line for the throne, but the new laws of succession make him third. Most of America adores their devastatingly handsome prince . . . but two very different girls are vying to capture his heart." - taken from Goodreads.com

I picked up this book knowing that I needed something completely frivolous to read next. The whole concept of George Washington becoming the first American King after the Revolution was completely unrealistic to this is history major but I did love how the author wove certain aspects and places of history into the story. This title was one that I knew I would either love it or hate it. Thank goodness I completely loved everything about the story. There is just something about royalty and romance that hooks me in. What I wasn't expecting was the ending and finding out that this is actually the first book and a new series. Now to wait for book two next fall. 

Book two is untitled but due out in the fall of 2020.

Visit Katharine McGee’s website.

The Wicked King by Holly Black (The Folk of the Air book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, The Cruel Prince, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first book.

“You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring.

The first lesson is to make yourself strong.

After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.

When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Five months have passed since the surprising betrayal and upheaval that occurred at the end of The Cruel Prince, Our girl Jude has placed herself in a precarious situation where she can trust very few. When Carden begins to take his role seriously and someone close to Jude double-crosses her, control slips from her grasp.

Holly Black’s Folk of the Fair Air trilogy is definitely not lacking. In fact, after enjoying the first book tremendously, I can honestly say this book is even better. Readers, be prepared. The ending is killer!

The finale to Jude’s story, The Queen of Nothing, is expected in 2020. 

Visit Holly Black’s website.

Smoke in the Sun by Renee Adhieh (Flame in the Mist book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Flame in the Mist, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first book.

“For weeks, seventeen-year-old Mariko pretended to be a boy to infiltrate the notorious Black Clan and bring her would-be murderer to justice. She didn't expect to find a place for herself among the group of fighters—a life of usefulness—and she certainly didn't expect to fall in love. Now she heads to the imperial castle to resume a life she never wanted to save the boy she loves.

Ōkami has been captured, and his execution is a certainty. Mariko will do what she must to ensure his survival—even marry the sovereign's brother, saying goodbye to a life with Ōkami forever.

As Mariko settles into her days at court—making both friends and enemies—and attempting Ōkami's rescue at night, the secrets of the royal court begin to unravel as competing agendas collide. One arrow sets into motion a series of deadly events even the most powerful magic cannot contain. Mariko and Ōkami risk everything to right past wrongs and restore the honor of a kingdom thrown into chaos by a sudden war, hoping against hope that when the dust settles, they will find a way to be together.

Set against the backdrop of feudal Japan, Smoke in the Sun is the breathless, romantic, not-to-be-missed fiery conclusion to a spell-binding adventure.” taken from Goodreads.com

Picking up immediately where the first book left off, Mariko and Okami find themselves in the clutches of Emperor Roku. Mariko is desperate to free Okami, even if it means giving up her own chance at happiness. Finding herself in a rapidly escalating power struggle, she finds that sticking to her principles wins over the one person that matters. I did feel like the ending was wrapped up a little too neatly, but this is still an enjoyable read.

There are also two enovellas available that take place between the two books, Okami and Yumi that give a bit of insight into both of these characters’ minds between books one and two. 

Visit Renee Adhieh’s website.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (The Folk of the Air book 1)

“Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I haven't picked up a Holly Black book since I finished The Curse Workers trilogy. I don't know why I didn't pick up/listen to The Cruel Prince sooner. This book is fantastic and I enjoyed it even more than Black’s Modern Faerie Tales, a series that I loved. Jude is a mortal living in the Fae world with her identical twin sister. They were brought to Fae with their half-sister, whose father is the Fae King’s General. He killed her parents in front of her because the two of them left Fae behind and took a few secrets along. 

All Jude wants is to be a member of Fae society. She is willing to do almost anything to be accepted. Jude makes an alliance but she quickly finds herself in a dangerous world of deceit where her life is on the line. Without giving away too much, the twists and turns of the ending set up the action for the second book, The Wicked King, due out January 8, 2019.

Visit Holly Black’s website.