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.

Between These Broken Hearts by Lexi Ryan (These Hollow Vows book 4)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book, Beneath These Cursed Stars, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Princess Jasalyn has eleven days to live.

Jasalyn is facing the repercussions of a deadly bargain. Her life, and the future of the shadow court, are forfeit on her birthday unless she can stop the evil fae king Mordeus. She needs to face her greatest fears and find him before she runs out of time, but even after everything, Kendrick won’t let her face this alone.

Shape-shifter Felicity has vanished.

Felicity disappeared from King Misha’s dungeons, and her friends have been searching for her to no avail. But even if she’s found, Felicity will never be able to escape the oracle’s tragic prophecy for her and her family. In her lonely battle with fate, Misha is the last person she can ask to stand by her side, but the first one she’ll need.” - taken from Goodreads.

A good ending to not only the duology but the overall series as well,

Visit Lexi Ryan’s website.

Fearless by Lauren Roberts (Powerless trilogy book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Powerless & Reckless, 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.

“Paedyn Gray and Kai Azer return to the Kingdom of Ilya…

And Paedyn has a life-altering choice to make. Whatever she decides will determine her fate—and the fate of those around her—forever.

In the ultimate battle of love and loyalty, who wins?” - take from Goodreads.

Picking up immediately from the ending of Reckless, Paedyn finds herself torn between Kitt and Kai. Without giving too much away, this book does answer all of the mysteries surrounding our characters and doesn’t rush the ending. An excellent end to this trilogy.

Visit Lauren Roberts’ website.

Royal Scandal by Aimee Carter (Royal Blood book 2)

 

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

“American girl turned monarchy nightmare, Evan Bright, has gotten used to the press about her but the media attention has only seemed to get worse. 

From desperate clickbait articles about her and the President's son to Royal Record headlines pitting her against Princess Maisie, it seems everyone is dying for Evan to return back to America for good. Meanwhile Evan is receiving mysterious threats about her real story being revealed in a tell-all biography. 

When more information is leaked about Evan, she fears she will always be Britain's media villain. But the threats escalate when there is an attempted assassination with no suspects...and Evan believes the person is in the palace's walls. 

They say what doesn't kill you will make you stronger...but what if it's the royal family who wants you dead?” - taken from Goodreads.

Six months have passed since american teenager Evan Bright was outed as the illegitimate daughter of Alexander II,the king of England. The road hasn’t been easy for Evan either in the media spotlight or privately with the royal family. When an assassination attempt on Evan’s life almost succeeds, she takes it upon herself to uncover who wants her dead. And that person is closer than she wants. Uncover all of the dark secrets that the British royal family would like undiscovered as Evan finds out who is determined to be rid of her, once and for all.

Book three is due out in 2025.

Visit Aimee Carter’s website.

The Prisoner’s Throne by Holly Black (Stolen Heir duology book 2)

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

“An imprisoned prince. A vengeful queen. And a battle that will determine the future of Elfhame.

 

Prince Oak is paying for his betrayal. Imprisoned in the icy north and bound to the will of a monstrous new queen, he must rely on charm and calculation to survive. With High King Cardan and High Queen Jude willing to use any means necessary to retrieve their stolen heir, Oak will have to decide whether to attempt regaining the trust of the girl he’s always loved or to remain loyal to Elfhame and hand over the means to end her reign—even if it means ending Wren, too.



 

With a new war looming on the horizon and treachery lurking in every corner, neither Oak’s guile nor his wit will be enough to keep everyone he loves alive. It’s just a question of whom he will doom.” - taken from Goodreads

As The Stolen Heir was told from Suren’s POV, this book is pure Oak. Continuing the story, the race is on for Oak to discover who is plotting against his sister and the throne. The ending includes action with Jade and Carden.

Visit Holly Black’s website.

Royal Blood by Aimee Carter (Royal Blood book 1)

 

“As the King of England’s illegitimate daughter, 17-year-old Evan Bright knows a thing or two about keeping secrets.

But when she’s forced to spend the summer in London with her father and the royal family, who aren’t exactly thrilled she exists, her identity is mysteriously revealed, and suddenly the world is dying to know every juicy lie the press prints about her.

After a fun night turns deadly and Evan becomes the primary suspect in a murder investigation, the escalating rumors and fallout threaten to tear her life apart. As she fights to uncover the truth about what happened, she discovers royal secrets that are even more scandalous than she imagined – secrets that could change the monarchy forever.

And her own may be next.” - taken from Goodreads.

All Evangeline Bright wants is to leave behind her boarding school and return to her mother. When her latest escapade at boarding school lands her in jail, her father’s representative decides to take Evan back to her father, the King of England. Definitely not welcomed by the royal family, it’s not long before her existence is leaked to the press. With few friendly faces in the palace, Evan finds herself as the prime suspect of the murder of Jasper Cunningham, the boy who befriended her and then attempted to take advantage of her at his party. Determined to clear her name and make her way in the palace, can Evan discover the truth about Jasper’s death while finding her role in the royal family? A delightful read that I sailed through.

The good news is that there will be two more books in the Royal Blood series.

Visit Aimee Carter’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.

Jade Fire Gold by June C. L. Tan

 

“In an empire on the brink of war...

Ahn is no one, with no past and no family.

Altan is a lost heir, his future stolen away as a child.

When they meet, Altan sees in Ahn a path to reclaiming the throne. Ahn sees a way to finally unlock her past and understand her arcane magical abilities.

But they may have to pay a far deadlier price than either could have imagined.” - taken from Goodreads.

A stunning fantasy read where secret identities are the basis for the story. Having met by chance, not knowing who the other is, the story is told in dual POVs. Full of Chinese mythology, mystery and a slow burning romance that takes our characters by surprise, this book is an epic fantasy read. Billed as a standalone, the epilogue to the story has me rooting for more adventures.

Visit June C. L. Tan’s website.

Graceling (Graphic Novel) by Kristin Cashore, Illustrated by Gareth Hinds

 

"Katsa is a Graceling, one of the rare people born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she lived a life of privilege until the day her ability to kill a man with her bare hands revealed itself during a royal banquet. Now she acts as her uncle’s enforcer, traveling the kingdom and threatening those who dare oppose him.

 

But everything changes when she meets Po, a foreign prince Graced with combat skills who is searching for the truth about his grandfather’s disappearance. When Katsa agrees to help him, she never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that could destroy them all.” - taken fromGoodreads

An incredible graphic novel rendering of one of my all time favorite fantasy series. I cannot wait to see what illustrator Gareth Hinds did with the remaining books in the Graceling series.

A Psalm of Storms and Silence by Roseanne A. Brown (A Song of Wraiths and Ruin book 2)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Check out Epic Reads if you need a recap of the first book. 

“Karina lost everything after a violent coup left her without her kingdom or her throne. Now the most wanted person in Sonande, her only hope of reclaiming what is rightfully hers lies in a divine power hidden in the long-lost city of her ancestors.

Meanwhile, the resurrection of Karina’s sister has spiraled the world into chaos, with disaster after disaster threatening the hard-won peace Malik has found as Farid’s apprentice. When they discover that Karina herself is the key to restoring balance, Malik must use his magic to lure her back to their side. But how do you regain the trust of someone you once tried to kill?

As the fabric holding Sonande together begins to tear, Malik and Karina once again find themselves torn between their duties and their desires. And when the fate of everything hangs on a single, horrifying choice, they each must decide what they value most—a power that could transform the world, or a love that could transform their lives.” - taken from Goodreads.

Boy was this book a whopper. Lots of secrets and connections are made as to the characters and their backstories are well-developed. This was a bit of a slow read all the bulk of the action comes at the end. Both Malik and Karina find their paths. In the end, things weren't quite what I expected but satisfying nonetheless.

Visit Roseanne A. Brown’s website.

Gilded by Marissa Meyer (Gilded book 1)

 

“Long ago cursed by the god of lies, a poor miller's daughter has developed a talent for spinning stories that are fantastical and spellbinding and entirely untrue.

Or so everyone believes.

When one of Serilda's outlandish tales draws the attention of the sinister Erlking and his undead hunters, she finds herself swept away into a grim world where ghouls and phantoms prowl the earth and hollow-eyed ravens track her every move. The king orders Serilda to complete the impossible task of spinning straw into gold, or be killed for telling falsehoods. In her desperation, Serilda unwittingly summons a mysterious boy to her aid. He agrees to help her… for a price. Love isn't meant to be part of the bargain.

Soon Serilda realizes that there is more than one secret hidden in the castle walls, including an ancient curse that must be broken if she hopes to end the tyranny of the king and his wild hunt forever.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I love Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles and their fairytale-bending storylines. I was a little disappointed by this book because it did not grab my attention right away. With a super slow world-building background story in the first half, the second half of the book more than made up for everything. Gilded is a twisted retelling of Rumpelstiltskin with the Wild Hunt thrown in, Serilda, blessed or cursed by the god of stories and lies, is an outcast since she is seen as bad luck by the townspeople. When she draws the attention of the Erlking by claiming to be able to spin straw into gold, Serilda finds herself in an impossible situation. Saved by a ghostly boy who is trapped in the castle, she soon finds herself caught up in a centuries-old mysterious curse.

The action of this story really picks up once all the pieces start fitting together. Raiders will be left wondering how Serilda will be able to break the curse. 

The conclusion to the story, Cursed, is out on Nov. 8, 2022.

Visit Marissa Meyer’s website.

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo (King of Scars/Nikolai duology book 2) (Grishaverse book 7)

 

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

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

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher on the first book.

“The Demon King. As Fjerda's massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm—and even the monster within—to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king's gift for the impossible.

The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost.

The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her country its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart.

King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall.” - taken from Goodreads.com

What a way to cut my heart out and still leave me wanting more. Without spoiling any wonderous detail, the next book is going to be awesome! In the meantime, bring on the Netflix series.

Visit Leigh Bardugo’s website.

Visit the Grishaverse.

The Betrothed by Keira Cass (The Betrothed book 1)

 

When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled. After all, she’s grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king’s attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

But Hollis soon realizes that falling in love with a king and being crowned queen may not be the happily ever after she thought it would be. And when she meets a commoner with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she finds that the future she really wants is one that she never thought to imagine.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I heavily skimmed the entire book in order to finish.

Hollis’ story is expected to be concluded with the publication of book two on May 4, 2021.

Visit Kiera Cass’ website.

House of Dragons by Jessica Cluess (House of Dragons book 1)

“Win at all Costs.”

“Five royal houses will hear the call to compete in the Trial for the dragon throne. A liar, a soldier, a servant, a thief, and a murderer will answer it. Who will win?

When the Emperor dies, the five royal houses of Etrusia attend the Call, where one of their own will be selected to compete for the throne. It is always the oldest child, the one who has been preparing for years to compete in the Trial. But this year is different. This year, these five outcasts will answer the call....

THE LIAR: Emilia must hide her dark magic or be put to death.

THE SOLDIER: Lucian is a warrior who has sworn to never lift a sword again.

THE SERVANT: Vespir is a dragon trainer whose skills alone will keep her in the game.

THE THIEF: Ajax knows that nothing is free--he must take what he wants.

THE MURDERER: Hyperia was born to rule and will stop at nothing to take her throne.”

In the beginning, I thought that I would struggle to remember everything about the five main characters of the story but, I was quickly proven wrong. Four are thrust into the challenge to the death to become the next emperor and the fifth competitor takes matters into their own hands. And Dragons! All five have their own dragon and are characters in themselves in the story. I was pleasantly surprised and shocked by all the twists and turns that take place leading up to the ending. Now to patiently wait for the continuation of the story.

Book two, War of Dragons, is expected in 2021.

Visit Jessica Cluess’ 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.

Eden Conquered by Joelle Charbonneau (Dividing Eden book 2)

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

“The Trials of Virtuous Succession have ended. Prince Andreus is king—and Princess Carys is dead.

But even as he’s haunted by what he did to win the throne, Andreus discovers that his dream of ruling only brings new problems. The people love his twin even more in death than they did when she was alive. The Elders treat him as a figurehead. And worst of all, the winds of Eden are faltering. 

But despite what everyone believes, Carys is alive. Exiled to the wilderness, Carys struggles to control the powers that have broken free inside her. And as she grows stronger, so does her conviction that she must return to the Palace of Winds, face her twin and root out the treachery that began long before the first Trials started. 

The Kingdom of Eden is growing darker with each passing day. Brother and sister, former foes, must decide whether some betrayals cut too deep to be forgiven—and whether one will wear the crown or both will lose everything.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This book picks up immediately following the ending of Dividing Eden. Andreus is now King of Eden and everyone believes his twin Carys is dead. Carys is actually on the run and as the days pass, her newly discovered powers grow. As both Andreus and Carys uncover the deception of everyone around them, the must learn who they can trust. With a shocking revelation and an ending I wasn’t expecting, this was a satisfying conclusion to the story.

Visit Joelle Charbonneau’s website.

Once A King by Erin Summerill (Clash of Kingdoms book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Ever the Hunted and Ever the Brave, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the series for you.

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

“Aodren: A lonely, young king, searching for a way to dismantle his father’s dark legacy.

Lirra: A girl with the power to control the wind, torn between duty and following her dreams

For twenty years, Channelers—women with a magical ability—have been persecuted in Malam by those without magic. Now King Aodren wants to end the bloody divide and unite his kingdom. But decades of hatred can’t be overcome by issuing decrees, and rumors of a deadly Channeler-made substance are only fueling people’s fears. Lirra has every reason to distrust Aodren. Yet when he asks for help to discover the truth behind the rumors, she can’t say no. With Lirra by his side, Aodren sees a way forward for his people. But can he rewrite the mistakes of the past before his enemies destroy the world he’s working so hard to rebuild?” - taken from Goodreads.com

This “third” book is a bit of a standalone yet still continues the story started in the previous two books. Although Britta is mentioned only once in passing, this is King Aodren and Lirra’s story about picking up the pieces and moving forward from their tragic pasts. I thoroughly enjoyed diving back into this world and seeing how these two would move forward. A great end to the story.

Visit Erin Summerill’s website.