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Fate & Flame #2
A Curse of Blood & Stone
“I do not know how to love you and be a good king to my people.”
Romeria has fled Cirilea as a traitor. Zander has sacrificed his crown to save her life but dreads what her existence means for the future of his realm. They both know that no immortal will ever welcome her as Islor's queen. Side-by-side as outcasts - yet with a growing distance between them - they watch as a new threat to the kingdom unfurls, one larger than they could have imagined.
Guided by an uncertain prophecy and with their allies rapidly losing faith, their company journeys to the Venhorn Mountains in search of answers. Yet with Romeria struggling to wield her newfound abilities and the mortal rebellion growing in strength, it may already be too late.
From internationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker comes the second novel in her Fate and Flame series, an adult fantasy story that should be read in series order.
Romeria has fled Cirilea as a traitor. Zander has sacrificed his crown to save her life but dreads what her existence means for the future of his realm. They both know that no immortal will ever welcome her as Islor's queen. Side-by-side as outcasts - yet with a growing distance between them - they watch as a new threat to the kingdom unfurls, one larger than they could have imagined.
Guided by an uncertain prophecy and with their allies rapidly losing faith, their company journeys to the Venhorn Mountains in search of answers. Yet with Romeria struggling to wield her newfound abilities and the mortal rebellion growing in strength, it may already be too late.
From internationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker comes the second novel in her Fate and Flame series, an adult fantasy story that should be read in series order.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2022
About the author
K.A. Tucker
60 books22.9k followersK.A. Tucker writes captivating stories with an edge.
She is the internationally bestselling author of over thirty books, including Ten Tiny Breaths, The Simple Wild, and the Fate & Flame series, Until It Fades, Say You Still Love Me, and Keep Her Safe. Her books have been featured in national publications including USA Today, Globe & Mail, Suspense Magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Oprah Mag, and First for Women.
Ten Tiny Breaths, The Simple Wild, and A Queen of Thieves & Chaos were Goodreads Choice award nominees.
K.A. Tucker lives outside of Toronto.
Join Tucker's Troop on Facebook! >>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/14685...
Signup for her newsletter >> https://www.katuckerbooks.com/newslet...
She is the internationally bestselling author of over thirty books, including Ten Tiny Breaths, The Simple Wild, and the Fate & Flame series, Until It Fades, Say You Still Love Me, and Keep Her Safe. Her books have been featured in national publications including USA Today, Globe & Mail, Suspense Magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Oprah Mag, and First for Women.
Ten Tiny Breaths, The Simple Wild, and A Queen of Thieves & Chaos were Goodreads Choice award nominees.
K.A. Tucker lives outside of Toronto.
Join Tucker's Troop on Facebook! >>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/14685...
Signup for her newsletter >> https://www.katuckerbooks.com/newslet...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,674 reviews
July 18, 2022
this sequel proves thats KATs dip into fantasy is no mistake. what could have been a stroke of luck with the first book has now become a full on strength. this really is her genre.
because of the events of the first book, this installment follows the “journey” narrative. everyone is on the move with reaching a specific destination being the goal. so if you arent a fan of long trips, then this sequel might feel too slow paced for you. but i enjoyed the escapades, the visits to different cities within the kingdom, all while trying to escape danger and strengthen bonds.
with the way things end, im a little nervous for how the next book is going to go. its heavily hinting at characters being separated, which is my all time pet-peeve. but, honestly, this series is just too good that i know im going to enjoy it regardless. so i cant wait! lol.
↠ 4.5 stars
because of the events of the first book, this installment follows the “journey” narrative. everyone is on the move with reaching a specific destination being the goal. so if you arent a fan of long trips, then this sequel might feel too slow paced for you. but i enjoyed the escapades, the visits to different cities within the kingdom, all while trying to escape danger and strengthen bonds.
with the way things end, im a little nervous for how the next book is going to go. its heavily hinting at characters being separated, which is my all time pet-peeve. but, honestly, this series is just too good that i know im going to enjoy it regardless. so i cant wait! lol.
↠ 4.5 stars
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June 29, 2022Preorder Now, for July 12th release
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Amazon>> http://hyperurl.co/j4kbqr
Apple Books>> http://hyperurl.co/cen7es
Kobo>> https://bit.ly/3Aq6EWa
BN>> https://bit.ly/3Cmeelk
Indigo>> https://bit.ly/39mgzQI
Bloggers/Bookstagrammers/Tiktokers: Request form for ARCs is now available >> https://valentinepr.net/acurseofblood...
ARCs will be available approximately 2 weeks before release.
January 1, 2023
Hmm. This book was…well, it was a thing I read. You can tell it’s setting up for a lot to go down in book 3. Unfortunately, that means not a whole lot happens in this one. In fact, it grew a bit repetitive after awhile (as much as it pains me to say).
I’m not giving up on the series though. The ending is the type of cliffhanger where the plot can shoot in a million different directions, so let’s hope we get a bit more…everything…in book 3.
Also, I am in love with Commander Abarrane.
I’m not giving up on the series though. The ending is the type of cliffhanger where the plot can shoot in a million different directions, so let’s hope we get a bit more…everything…in book 3.
Also, I am in love with Commander Abarrane.
October 21, 2022
This book had a horrible case of middle book syndrome. There was so much info-dumping and mundane moments which I didn’t find particularly interesting or compelling to read about - and I might have felt more connected to the story if I was into the romance… but that was a complete disappointment all on its own… so there wasn’t really anything going on that was giving me a reason to want to keep reading… but somehow I forced myself to the end (with the help of some heavy skimming).
Like I said in my review for book one - we didn’t get a great build up for the romance even though by the end of it, the couple ended up together and was somehow madly in love from the few interactions they had… only to be broken up by the start of book two without much of an explanation or even a conversation… and then we spent half of this book with them basically not talking to each other - and then have them get back together because he realizes that their original reasoning for breaking up was stupid… which just made the entire first half of this book feel even more pointless than it already was since absolutely nothing happened besides for them traveling to a bunch of different places.
I’m not feeling the spark or tension between the two of them and I don’t even like Zander as a character. I was liking Romeria in book one well enough but she kind became less interesting to me in this book for some reason… probably because everything else was boring me… but still. — I was honestly finding all of the side characters more interesting than the main ones… I felt like Elijah & Jarek had better banter with Romeria than Zander did and I found myself liking the moments with Pan and Eden more than Romeria and Zander’s. —- plus, all of their issues are rooted in miscommunication/withholding of truths and it was driving me crazy.
Like I said in my review for book one - we didn’t get a great build up for the romance even though by the end of it, the couple ended up together and was somehow madly in love from the few interactions they had… only to be broken up by the start of book two without much of an explanation or even a conversation… and then we spent half of this book with them basically not talking to each other - and then have them get back together because he realizes that their original reasoning for breaking up was stupid… which just made the entire first half of this book feel even more pointless than it already was since absolutely nothing happened besides for them traveling to a bunch of different places.
I’m not feeling the spark or tension between the two of them and I don’t even like Zander as a character. I was liking Romeria in book one well enough but she kind became less interesting to me in this book for some reason… probably because everything else was boring me… but still. — I was honestly finding all of the side characters more interesting than the main ones… I felt like Elijah & Jarek had better banter with Romeria than Zander did and I found myself liking the moments with Pan and Eden more than Romeria and Zander’s. —- plus, all of their issues are rooted in miscommunication/withholding of truths and it was driving me crazy.
July 22, 2022
Special thanks to Valentine PR and the author for giving me an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Aaaaahhhh I loved it!!!! K.A. Tucker, you are never a miss!!!! ❤️
In Curse of Blood and Stone, poor Romy realizes she just cannot catch a break.
When we saw her last, she was fleeing Cirilea with a distant and pissed off Zander, plus a few others, after Atticus's coup. In this sequel, which picks up right where book one left off, she has to follow Zander's lead in order for them to secure him his throne back, and try not to think about what will happen to her once he does.
This is largely a traveling book, since, before the characters find their way back to Cirilea, they have to gather soldiers and supplies by way of the Venhorn Mountains to try to defeat Atticus.
Understandably, Zander's insistence in protecting Romy throughout the journey and leaving her unharmed creates confusion and hesitation among his allies, making the road to vengeance a treacherous one.
The world and the story K.A. Tucker created with this is just so compelling. Usually, my main concern is with the romance arc (and don't worry, it still is, lol) but with this series I'm just so interested in everyone's motivations and backgrounds, from Sofie's sleeping husband and her association with Malachi to what the hell Wendeline is doing. Every part of this plot is interesting, and there are so many new characters to learn about!
And going back to the romance... oh, boy. That Zander, he's so confused. He wants to let go of his anger and suspicion and just let himself love Romy, but it ain't easy! The road sure is thrilling and full of sexual tension, though. 😏
Truly, the romance here was everything I wanted it to be. I actually do love that edge that accompanies Zander's words and actions towards the beginning, when he and Romy are in not so good of a place. We need a little friction sometimes!
Finally, I think this book was a lot better about reigning in the history lessons, instead choosing to incorporate the political context and background in a more dynamic way, if that makes sense.
I absolutely loved getting to know more of this fantastical world and all its intrigue, as well as spending more time with Romy and Zander. They still have a long way to go, but the stuff we get in this book is spellbinding. Can’t wait for book three!!!
Aaaaahhhh I loved it!!!! K.A. Tucker, you are never a miss!!!! ❤️
In Curse of Blood and Stone, poor Romy realizes she just cannot catch a break.
When we saw her last, she was fleeing Cirilea with a distant and pissed off Zander, plus a few others, after Atticus's coup. In this sequel, which picks up right where book one left off, she has to follow Zander's lead in order for them to secure him his throne back, and try not to think about what will happen to her once he does.
This is largely a traveling book, since, before the characters find their way back to Cirilea, they have to gather soldiers and supplies by way of the Venhorn Mountains to try to defeat Atticus.
Understandably, Zander's insistence in protecting Romy throughout the journey and leaving her unharmed creates confusion and hesitation among his allies, making the road to vengeance a treacherous one.
The world and the story K.A. Tucker created with this is just so compelling. Usually, my main concern is with the romance arc (and don't worry, it still is, lol) but with this series I'm just so interested in everyone's motivations and backgrounds, from Sofie's sleeping husband and her association with Malachi to what the hell Wendeline is doing. Every part of this plot is interesting, and there are so many new characters to learn about!
And going back to the romance... oh, boy. That Zander, he's so confused. He wants to let go of his anger and suspicion and just let himself love Romy, but it ain't easy! The road sure is thrilling and full of sexual tension, though. 😏
Truly, the romance here was everything I wanted it to be. I actually do love that edge that accompanies Zander's words and actions towards the beginning, when he and Romy are in not so good of a place. We need a little friction sometimes!
Finally, I think this book was a lot better about reigning in the history lessons, instead choosing to incorporate the political context and background in a more dynamic way, if that makes sense.
I absolutely loved getting to know more of this fantastical world and all its intrigue, as well as spending more time with Romy and Zander. They still have a long way to go, but the stuff we get in this book is spellbinding. Can’t wait for book three!!!
July 23, 2022
3.5 stars. I’m rounding down for now, mostly because I don’t think I see myself ever rereading this series. But it’s a good series, and this book kept me engaged throughout, despite its length.
After some thought, I am going to round up to 4 stars because I can’t stop thinking about this book.
This is a truly sweeping world and it took me about 300 pages to re-familiarize myself with everything that happened in Book 1, which made for a somewhat frustrating reading experience. That said, I liked this book more than the first book, and looking back at my review of AFoWaF I realize that all the issues I had with the way that book ended are more or less resolved in this book. I liked the characters, I liked the story, and I want more.
I’m determined to go into Book 3 more equipped to quickly sink into the plot, though. So below is my note-to-self recap for Book 2. Future me will thank me.
Also Future Me: I spent like two hours writing this so you'd damn well better read the third book.
**Spoilers Follow**
The Characters
Romeria
Romeria was born and raised on Earth, while an alternate Romeria was born and raised in Ybaris. Ybarisan Romeria was deliberately infected with some sort of potion that made her blood poisonous to Islorians (who are cursed with a "blood sickness" that is analogous to vampirism). After knowingly killing the king and queen of Islor with her blood, Ybarisan Romeria was also killed. However, she was "resurrected" when Sofie (a key caster immortal who lives on Earth) implanted Earth Romeria's soul/essence into Ybarisan Romeria's body. Earth Romeria woke up in Islor with no knowledge of who she was and was taken to the palace where she spent all of A Wrath of Fate and Flame learning who she was and falling in love with Zander, the king of Islor.
Romeria is a key caster, which means that she is able to wield all four elements (and also has healing abilities), though since she did not grow up knowing how to use this power, she spends much of A Curse of Blood and Stone attempting to learn how to use her power with varying success. She is best able to use her power when she is attempting to hide herself or when she is in dire situations and trying to defend the people she loves. By the end of the book she has greater control over her powers. Her Ybarisan body still carries poisoned blood; if any Islorian drinks her blood they will die a horrible death.
Romeria is somewhat impulsive and reckless, though she is able to think on her feet and talk her way out of almost any situation. She is in love with Zander. The two of them spent all of the first book falling in love and about half of the second book denying that they are in love. However, by the end of the book they are in a committed relationship despite their complicated history. Most of the people who are close to Romeria know that she is a key caster, though few know that she is a different person altogether than Ybarisan Romeria.
Zander
Zander is the exiled king of Islor. At the end of A Wrath of Fate and Flame he chose Romeria over trying to defend his throne against his brother, Atticus. Instead, he, Romeria, his friend Elisaf, and another key caster, Gesine, escape the capitol and flee north toward Stonekeep, a mountain near Ybaris that is prophesied to bring Islor and Ybaris together to end the blood curse. The group is joined by The Legion--a select group of guards led by Abarrane and Jarek--who all make the trek north together.
Zander knows all about the two Romerias. He was initially cool toward Romeria in A Wrath of Fate and Flame, but he loves her by the end of that book and all throughout A Curse of Blood and Stone. He is a good king who is trying to do what he can to end the blood curse and save his people. Unlike many Islorians, he feels that humans should be afforded rights instead of being made to serve Islorians. He is a caster with a strong affinity for fire.
Oh. And he’s also, like, a vampire (though he calls it a blood curse). He eats regular food but also has to drink human blood to survive. He is immortal in that he could theoretically live forever. But he can be injured and he can die.
Gesine
Gesine is a caster (affinities for everything but fire) who was once in service to the Ybarisan queen, but who has fled her service in order to help Zander and Romeria. Apparently key casters in this world are casters until they reach somewhere before 30 and 40 years of age, at which point they become seers, and age/deteriorate quickly, eventually going mad and dying. Gesine fled Ysbaris with her lover, Ianca, because Ianca had become a seer and prophecied that Romeria and Zander together were going to be able to stop the blood curse and united Ysbaris and Islor once more. Gesine helps Romeria hone her powers and successfully leads the group to Stonekeep. She is also a capable healer who saves many lives along the way. However, she is also kind of cagey, and likely knows more than she is letting on.
Elisaf
Zander's guard and Romeria's good friend. I can't remember exactly what happened in A Wrath of Fate and Flame, but I believe that Zander "turned" Elisaf, potentially to save his life.
The Legion
A group of elite guards loyal to Zander. Abarrane is the leader and Jarek is her second in command. Other guards include Zorya (who is becoming friends with Gesine by the end of the book) and Brynn, as well as Iago and Drakon--scouts who were taken hostage and are still missing at the end of A Curse of Blood and Stone. Jarek and Abarrane are key characters. While neither of them is fond of Romeria at the beginning of the book, she earns their trust and respect by the end.
The Humans
During the trek north, Zander and Romeria rescue a bunch of humans from inhumane Islorian "keepers" in the towns they pass through. The most important of these humans are Eden (who willingly becomes something of a servant to Romeria); Pan (a boy who drank some of Romeria's blood in order to poison his own blood and kill his keeper. Romeria intervened and he is faithful to her and has saved both her and members of their party multiple times); and Fearghal (a late addition to the party, and someone who helps them find Stonekeep).
Sofie and Malachi
Sofie doesn't show up much in A Curse of Blood and Stone, but her presence is felt throughout the book. Hundreds of years ago on Earth she fell in love with an immortal named Elijah. She convinced Elijah to turn her immortal; however she had also allied herself with the god Malachi (god of fire). After Elijah turned her, he fell into a coma and stayed that way for hundreds of years (with Malachi preserving his body). In those years, Sofie carried out tasks in service to Malachi with his promise that he would one day bring Elijah back. It is at Malachi's request that Sofie hunts down Romeria and channels her soul into Ysbarian Romeria's body. She also has a lot of sex with Malachi on the alter on which Elijah's body rests which is... as weird as it sounds.
At the end of A Curse of Blood and Stone Gesine, Zander, and Romeria have worked out that, rather than resurrect Elijah, Malachi intends to take over his body as king with Sofie at his side. He can only do so if Romeria opens the nymphaeum (the only place where immortals can conceive children). This part of the plot is somewhat lost in A Curse of Blood and Stone, but it's there in the background. Romeria has to do something on Malachi's behalf in order to bring Malachi and Sofie to life in Islor. Romeria is aware that he wants her to perform a task, but insists that she will not do it (to which Malachi insists that she will "not have a choice").
Others
Atticus - Current king of Islor
Annika - Atticus and Zander's sister; currently in Islor
Tyree - Ysbarian Romeria's brother who plotted against Zander; currently in Islor
Adley - Some nobleman (I think?) who is currently allied with Atticus in Islor
Saoirse - Adley's daughter, betrothed to Atticus
Wendoline - A caster who betrayed Zander and Romeria in Islor
Basic Recap
The book starts with Romeria, Zander, Gesine, and Elisaf fleeing the Islorian capitol. They flee via boat, and Boaz--the head of the army--orders his soldiers to fire arrows at them as they row away. Gesine and Romeria are able to redirect the arrows and use the wind to quicken the boat's pace, and the group is able to flee.
They wind up on another coast and travel into the woods where they find what's left of The Legion, guards who are loyal to Zander. There are 19 Legion left, and they are led by Abarrane and Jarek, neither of whom trusts Romeria. Gesine privately tells Zander that Ianca (a seer) had a vision that said that a) Romeria needs to travel to Stonekeep to see something that is written on the wall there, and b) Romeria and Zander (son of Malachi and daughter of Aoife) will jointly sacrifice something (perhaps their lives) to defeat the fates and bring peace to Islor. They decide not to tell Romeria this, but to continue on to Stonekeep to see if Romeria can find anything of use there. Abarrane is told about Romeria's true identity, but no one else is.
The group travels through Freywhich, a place that is run by Danthrin, a keeper who mistreats his human "tributes" or servants. After becoming friends with Eden, one of the servants, Romeria convinces Zander to free the humans in the town. He does so, somewhat reluctantly, and also burns all of the orchards in the town because Lord of the town lied about being destitute and having no crops. The group leaves the town with many humans in tow, including Eden, who now sees herself as in service to Romeria.
The group travels on to Bellcross, which is another large city. Gesine has left Ianca there and wants to find her and bring her with them. Zander wants to speak with Lord Rengard, who has been his friend, and asks for provisions for their journey. Gesine, Abarrane, Zorya, Elisaf, Romeria, and Jake find Ianca, who has aged considerably, is blind, and is losing her mind. Gesine and Zorya sneak Ianca out of the city in a cart while Elisaf, Romeria, and Jarek walk through the market back to the place where they are meant to meet Zander and Abarrane. However, while they are in the market, a butcher draws a crowd by shouting that his servant--Pan (18)--has taken a vial of Romeria's blood that will turn his blood to poison. Pan denies it and Romeria stands up for him publicly. Meanwhile, Zander secures a promise of provisions from his friend, but they are interrupted when a messenger informs them about the trouble in the market. Zander and Rengard find Romeria and insist that Pan go free. As they leave the town with Pan, they see that Gesine, Zorya, and Ianca have been attacked by bandits. Zander, Jarek, Elisaf, and Abarrane rush to help, at which point Pan and Romeria are kidnapped by other bandits. When Romeria comes to, she is tied up with Pan. One of the bandits drinks from Pan's blood and dies, indicating that Pan has actually purposefully infected himself. Romeria is able to kill one of the bandits, but a third bandit takes Pan hostage and threatens to kill him. Romeria summons her power and causes an earthquake, which kills the third bandit, just as Zander arrives.
Zander and Romeria reunite and reaffirm their love for one another. Pan is "marked" as poisonous by Gesine, but allowed to join their group. The party travels on to Norcaster. Along the way, Gesine teaches Romeria how to draw on her affinities and Ianca grows weaker. Once at Norcaster, Zander, Elisaf, and Abarrane venture into the town to try to figure out what has become of two of their scouts who never reported back. Angry that she was left behind, Romeria uses her caster abilities to sneak her and Pan out of the camp and follow the group to a tavern. Jarek follows them. There are several humans chained in the town square under suspicion of having poisoned their blood. Guards from the town--led by Isembert--confront Zander, and a deadly bar brawl ensues. In the resulting pandemonium, Romeria and Pan try to free the humans from the square. They are quickly surrounded, but Romeria summons her fire ability and is able to hold them off until Zander and the others come to finish the job. The group brings the humans with them when they leave town. Because Jarek witnessed Romeria using her powers, he is told that she is a key caster, and is pissed that he was kept in the dark this whole time.
Fearghal, one of the men in the bar, decides to help Zander. He tells the group that Isembert has been sending immortals north to the mountains for decades to feed the "saplings." [Saplings are immortals who only feed on other immortals' blood. They are more akin to vampires, as they cannot go out in the daylight.] The arrangement is that Isembert sends immortals to their death in the mountains--where the saplings live--and in return the saplings leave Norcaster alone. So the group continues toward the mountains in an effort to find their missing scouts. It is on this trip that Ianca finally succumbs to her fate and dies; but not before issuing a final prophecy that Romeria will use her blood so "they will bow," and uttering the word "Ulysede."
As they approach, they are pretty much immediately surrounded by saplings. The group is outnumbered, particularly as the saplings wield merth (a substance that weakens Islorians), and the Legion begin to fall. Jarek is badly wounded and Romeria has Gesine help him. While Zander and others act as a distraction, Pan and Romeria free the Legion that are bound by merth. The tide begins to shift, but then a Grif--a two-headed dragon thing--shows up and quickly begins taking people down. Elisaf is badly wounded and Romeria figures out how to heal him on instinct, mostly. The Grif attacks Zander and Romeria basically unleashes all her caster abilities on it, destroying it, and saving almost everyone's lives.
The group continues to make their way northward and finally arrive at Stonekeep. Elisaf, Zander, Abarrane, Jarek, Gesine, and Romeria travel to a rock wall that has carvings in it that no one can read. At first it appears that the trip was futile, but then Romeria hears voices in the wall and realizes that she can hear nymphs [nymphs being older and more powerful than fates; but I think the nymphs have been locked in the nymphaeum or something... they're not around anymore]. Romeria finds a carving that looks like a handprint and puts her hand in it. Her hand is instantly sliced open, and as her blood travels along the carvings the stone opens, revealing an entire city within the mountains. Zander and Romeria suspect that the nymphs created this place--Ulysede--for Islorians as a safe haven. Elisaf and Zander realize that once they are in Ulysede, they no longer feel the need to feed on human blood. They find a throne room with a crown in it, and there is writing on the walls that says, "she who wears the crown will rule them all." Zander places the crown on Romeria's head and bows to her, as do the rest of their party.
At the end of the book, Zander realizes that he has to return to Islor to help his people and reclaim his throne. Romeria is determined to go with him.
Back in Islor, we get our only glimpse of Atticus' rule. Atticus is dreading--but resigned--to his marriage with Saiorse. He has also arranged fro Annika to marry Tyree against her will. The book closes with him receiving a message from a place he has never heard of -- Ulysede.
After some thought, I am going to round up to 4 stars because I can’t stop thinking about this book.
This is a truly sweeping world and it took me about 300 pages to re-familiarize myself with everything that happened in Book 1, which made for a somewhat frustrating reading experience. That said, I liked this book more than the first book, and looking back at my review of AFoWaF I realize that all the issues I had with the way that book ended are more or less resolved in this book. I liked the characters, I liked the story, and I want more.
I’m determined to go into Book 3 more equipped to quickly sink into the plot, though. So below is my note-to-self recap for Book 2. Future me will thank me.
Also Future Me: I spent like two hours writing this so you'd damn well better read the third book.
**Spoilers Follow**
The Characters
Romeria
Romeria was born and raised on Earth, while an alternate Romeria was born and raised in Ybaris. Ybarisan Romeria was deliberately infected with some sort of potion that made her blood poisonous to Islorians (who are cursed with a "blood sickness" that is analogous to vampirism). After knowingly killing the king and queen of Islor with her blood, Ybarisan Romeria was also killed. However, she was "resurrected" when Sofie (a key caster immortal who lives on Earth) implanted Earth Romeria's soul/essence into Ybarisan Romeria's body. Earth Romeria woke up in Islor with no knowledge of who she was and was taken to the palace where she spent all of A Wrath of Fate and Flame learning who she was and falling in love with Zander, the king of Islor.
Romeria is a key caster, which means that she is able to wield all four elements (and also has healing abilities), though since she did not grow up knowing how to use this power, she spends much of A Curse of Blood and Stone attempting to learn how to use her power with varying success. She is best able to use her power when she is attempting to hide herself or when she is in dire situations and trying to defend the people she loves. By the end of the book she has greater control over her powers. Her Ybarisan body still carries poisoned blood; if any Islorian drinks her blood they will die a horrible death.
Romeria is somewhat impulsive and reckless, though she is able to think on her feet and talk her way out of almost any situation. She is in love with Zander. The two of them spent all of the first book falling in love and about half of the second book denying that they are in love. However, by the end of the book they are in a committed relationship despite their complicated history. Most of the people who are close to Romeria know that she is a key caster, though few know that she is a different person altogether than Ybarisan Romeria.
Zander
Zander is the exiled king of Islor. At the end of A Wrath of Fate and Flame he chose Romeria over trying to defend his throne against his brother, Atticus. Instead, he, Romeria, his friend Elisaf, and another key caster, Gesine, escape the capitol and flee north toward Stonekeep, a mountain near Ybaris that is prophesied to bring Islor and Ybaris together to end the blood curse. The group is joined by The Legion--a select group of guards led by Abarrane and Jarek--who all make the trek north together.
Zander knows all about the two Romerias. He was initially cool toward Romeria in A Wrath of Fate and Flame, but he loves her by the end of that book and all throughout A Curse of Blood and Stone. He is a good king who is trying to do what he can to end the blood curse and save his people. Unlike many Islorians, he feels that humans should be afforded rights instead of being made to serve Islorians. He is a caster with a strong affinity for fire.
Oh. And he’s also, like, a vampire (though he calls it a blood curse). He eats regular food but also has to drink human blood to survive. He is immortal in that he could theoretically live forever. But he can be injured and he can die.
Gesine
Gesine is a caster (affinities for everything but fire) who was once in service to the Ybarisan queen, but who has fled her service in order to help Zander and Romeria. Apparently key casters in this world are casters until they reach somewhere before 30 and 40 years of age, at which point they become seers, and age/deteriorate quickly, eventually going mad and dying. Gesine fled Ysbaris with her lover, Ianca, because Ianca had become a seer and prophecied that Romeria and Zander together were going to be able to stop the blood curse and united Ysbaris and Islor once more. Gesine helps Romeria hone her powers and successfully leads the group to Stonekeep. She is also a capable healer who saves many lives along the way. However, she is also kind of cagey, and likely knows more than she is letting on.
Elisaf
Zander's guard and Romeria's good friend. I can't remember exactly what happened in A Wrath of Fate and Flame, but I believe that Zander "turned" Elisaf, potentially to save his life.
The Legion
A group of elite guards loyal to Zander. Abarrane is the leader and Jarek is her second in command. Other guards include Zorya (who is becoming friends with Gesine by the end of the book) and Brynn, as well as Iago and Drakon--scouts who were taken hostage and are still missing at the end of A Curse of Blood and Stone. Jarek and Abarrane are key characters. While neither of them is fond of Romeria at the beginning of the book, she earns their trust and respect by the end.
The Humans
During the trek north, Zander and Romeria rescue a bunch of humans from inhumane Islorian "keepers" in the towns they pass through. The most important of these humans are Eden (who willingly becomes something of a servant to Romeria); Pan (a boy who drank some of Romeria's blood in order to poison his own blood and kill his keeper. Romeria intervened and he is faithful to her and has saved both her and members of their party multiple times); and Fearghal (a late addition to the party, and someone who helps them find Stonekeep).
Sofie and Malachi
Sofie doesn't show up much in A Curse of Blood and Stone, but her presence is felt throughout the book. Hundreds of years ago on Earth she fell in love with an immortal named Elijah. She convinced Elijah to turn her immortal; however she had also allied herself with the god Malachi (god of fire). After Elijah turned her, he fell into a coma and stayed that way for hundreds of years (with Malachi preserving his body). In those years, Sofie carried out tasks in service to Malachi with his promise that he would one day bring Elijah back. It is at Malachi's request that Sofie hunts down Romeria and channels her soul into Ysbarian Romeria's body. She also has a lot of sex with Malachi on the alter on which Elijah's body rests which is... as weird as it sounds.
At the end of A Curse of Blood and Stone Gesine, Zander, and Romeria have worked out that, rather than resurrect Elijah, Malachi intends to take over his body as king with Sofie at his side. He can only do so if Romeria opens the nymphaeum (the only place where immortals can conceive children). This part of the plot is somewhat lost in A Curse of Blood and Stone, but it's there in the background. Romeria has to do something on Malachi's behalf in order to bring Malachi and Sofie to life in Islor. Romeria is aware that he wants her to perform a task, but insists that she will not do it (to which Malachi insists that she will "not have a choice").
Others
Atticus - Current king of Islor
Annika - Atticus and Zander's sister; currently in Islor
Tyree - Ysbarian Romeria's brother who plotted against Zander; currently in Islor
Adley - Some nobleman (I think?) who is currently allied with Atticus in Islor
Saoirse - Adley's daughter, betrothed to Atticus
Wendoline - A caster who betrayed Zander and Romeria in Islor
Basic Recap
The book starts with Romeria, Zander, Gesine, and Elisaf fleeing the Islorian capitol. They flee via boat, and Boaz--the head of the army--orders his soldiers to fire arrows at them as they row away. Gesine and Romeria are able to redirect the arrows and use the wind to quicken the boat's pace, and the group is able to flee.
They wind up on another coast and travel into the woods where they find what's left of The Legion, guards who are loyal to Zander. There are 19 Legion left, and they are led by Abarrane and Jarek, neither of whom trusts Romeria. Gesine privately tells Zander that Ianca (a seer) had a vision that said that a) Romeria needs to travel to Stonekeep to see something that is written on the wall there, and b) Romeria and Zander (son of Malachi and daughter of Aoife) will jointly sacrifice something (perhaps their lives) to defeat the fates and bring peace to Islor. They decide not to tell Romeria this, but to continue on to Stonekeep to see if Romeria can find anything of use there. Abarrane is told about Romeria's true identity, but no one else is.
The group travels through Freywhich, a place that is run by Danthrin, a keeper who mistreats his human "tributes" or servants. After becoming friends with Eden, one of the servants, Romeria convinces Zander to free the humans in the town. He does so, somewhat reluctantly, and also burns all of the orchards in the town because Lord of the town lied about being destitute and having no crops. The group leaves the town with many humans in tow, including Eden, who now sees herself as in service to Romeria.
The group travels on to Bellcross, which is another large city. Gesine has left Ianca there and wants to find her and bring her with them. Zander wants to speak with Lord Rengard, who has been his friend, and asks for provisions for their journey. Gesine, Abarrane, Zorya, Elisaf, Romeria, and Jake find Ianca, who has aged considerably, is blind, and is losing her mind. Gesine and Zorya sneak Ianca out of the city in a cart while Elisaf, Romeria, and Jarek walk through the market back to the place where they are meant to meet Zander and Abarrane. However, while they are in the market, a butcher draws a crowd by shouting that his servant--Pan (18)--has taken a vial of Romeria's blood that will turn his blood to poison. Pan denies it and Romeria stands up for him publicly. Meanwhile, Zander secures a promise of provisions from his friend, but they are interrupted when a messenger informs them about the trouble in the market. Zander and Rengard find Romeria and insist that Pan go free. As they leave the town with Pan, they see that Gesine, Zorya, and Ianca have been attacked by bandits. Zander, Jarek, Elisaf, and Abarrane rush to help, at which point Pan and Romeria are kidnapped by other bandits. When Romeria comes to, she is tied up with Pan. One of the bandits drinks from Pan's blood and dies, indicating that Pan has actually purposefully infected himself. Romeria is able to kill one of the bandits, but a third bandit takes Pan hostage and threatens to kill him. Romeria summons her power and causes an earthquake, which kills the third bandit, just as Zander arrives.
Zander and Romeria reunite and reaffirm their love for one another. Pan is "marked" as poisonous by Gesine, but allowed to join their group. The party travels on to Norcaster. Along the way, Gesine teaches Romeria how to draw on her affinities and Ianca grows weaker. Once at Norcaster, Zander, Elisaf, and Abarrane venture into the town to try to figure out what has become of two of their scouts who never reported back. Angry that she was left behind, Romeria uses her caster abilities to sneak her and Pan out of the camp and follow the group to a tavern. Jarek follows them. There are several humans chained in the town square under suspicion of having poisoned their blood. Guards from the town--led by Isembert--confront Zander, and a deadly bar brawl ensues. In the resulting pandemonium, Romeria and Pan try to free the humans from the square. They are quickly surrounded, but Romeria summons her fire ability and is able to hold them off until Zander and the others come to finish the job. The group brings the humans with them when they leave town. Because Jarek witnessed Romeria using her powers, he is told that she is a key caster, and is pissed that he was kept in the dark this whole time.
Fearghal, one of the men in the bar, decides to help Zander. He tells the group that Isembert has been sending immortals north to the mountains for decades to feed the "saplings." [Saplings are immortals who only feed on other immortals' blood. They are more akin to vampires, as they cannot go out in the daylight.] The arrangement is that Isembert sends immortals to their death in the mountains--where the saplings live--and in return the saplings leave Norcaster alone. So the group continues toward the mountains in an effort to find their missing scouts. It is on this trip that Ianca finally succumbs to her fate and dies; but not before issuing a final prophecy that Romeria will use her blood so "they will bow," and uttering the word "Ulysede."
As they approach, they are pretty much immediately surrounded by saplings. The group is outnumbered, particularly as the saplings wield merth (a substance that weakens Islorians), and the Legion begin to fall. Jarek is badly wounded and Romeria has Gesine help him. While Zander and others act as a distraction, Pan and Romeria free the Legion that are bound by merth. The tide begins to shift, but then a Grif--a two-headed dragon thing--shows up and quickly begins taking people down. Elisaf is badly wounded and Romeria figures out how to heal him on instinct, mostly. The Grif attacks Zander and Romeria basically unleashes all her caster abilities on it, destroying it, and saving almost everyone's lives.
The group continues to make their way northward and finally arrive at Stonekeep. Elisaf, Zander, Abarrane, Jarek, Gesine, and Romeria travel to a rock wall that has carvings in it that no one can read. At first it appears that the trip was futile, but then Romeria hears voices in the wall and realizes that she can hear nymphs [nymphs being older and more powerful than fates; but I think the nymphs have been locked in the nymphaeum or something... they're not around anymore]. Romeria finds a carving that looks like a handprint and puts her hand in it. Her hand is instantly sliced open, and as her blood travels along the carvings the stone opens, revealing an entire city within the mountains. Zander and Romeria suspect that the nymphs created this place--Ulysede--for Islorians as a safe haven. Elisaf and Zander realize that once they are in Ulysede, they no longer feel the need to feed on human blood. They find a throne room with a crown in it, and there is writing on the walls that says, "she who wears the crown will rule them all." Zander places the crown on Romeria's head and bows to her, as do the rest of their party.
At the end of the book, Zander realizes that he has to return to Islor to help his people and reclaim his throne. Romeria is determined to go with him.
Back in Islor, we get our only glimpse of Atticus' rule. Atticus is dreading--but resigned--to his marriage with Saiorse. He has also arranged fro Annika to marry Tyree against her will. The book closes with him receiving a message from a place he has never heard of -- Ulysede.
July 25, 2022
4.5*
This picked up right where book1 left off and it does not take its foot off the pedal from there. The world and magic we got a sniff of last book ramps up in this one as we’re given a taste of what is still yet to come 🤩
We meet new awesome characters that surprise and grow on us alongside our faves from the first book. Sadly some of my favs didn’t get to come on this adventure and I am hopeful from the final chapter that we may get to see more of them as the series continues 🤞
The page time given to the new characters vs my previous faves is possibly my only downside to this read no matter how much the new characters grew on me and I did (as always) enjoy their snark…I still resent the page time they “took” from my initial faves. (Yes I mean Elisaf - am I alone in feeling like he got a little short-changed in lieu of J’s character development/interactions? 🥺)
Told in alternating PoV, although not exactly 50/50 – we hear mostly from Romy but I did enjoy getting a peak at Zanders thoughts from time to time and two other surprise PoV chapters just to mix things up a bit but 🤐 cos no spoilers 😈
I am still team MCs and pulling for their continued handling of the situations they find themselves in – they strike me as a more mature Poppy + Cas & I don’t mean in an NSFW way, altho they do bring their own better timed smexy interactions. I just enjoy the way they prioritise decision-making, have things out with one another and call each other on their BS as needed.
I have so many spoiler’y thoughts and will splurge them in a spoiler tag below but suffice to say I think it is worth remembering that history is recorded by the “victors” and considering where this ends – let’s just say I have so many questions and spent quite a lot of reading time double guessing character motives 🕵️🙊
Now to rapidly reread this before my library loan autoreturns...please tell me I am not alone in needing MOAR 😅
****spoilers after this***
…I think that’s more than enough waffle for now, however as I am hopeful of getting in a quick reread I may wind up editing this with more thoughts later - sorry not sorry 😇
This picked up right where book1 left off and it does not take its foot off the pedal from there. The world and magic we got a sniff of last book ramps up in this one as we’re given a taste of what is still yet to come 🤩
We meet new awesome characters that surprise and grow on us alongside our faves from the first book. Sadly some of my favs didn’t get to come on this adventure and I am hopeful from the final chapter that we may get to see more of them as the series continues 🤞
The page time given to the new characters vs my previous faves is possibly my only downside to this read no matter how much the new characters grew on me and I did (as always) enjoy their snark…I still resent the page time they “took” from my initial faves. (Yes I mean Elisaf - am I alone in feeling like he got a little short-changed in lieu of J’s character development/interactions? 🥺)
Told in alternating PoV, although not exactly 50/50 – we hear mostly from Romy but I did enjoy getting a peak at Zanders thoughts from time to time and two other surprise PoV chapters just to mix things up a bit but 🤐 cos no spoilers 😈
I am still team MCs and pulling for their continued handling of the situations they find themselves in – they strike me as a more mature Poppy + Cas & I don’t mean in an NSFW way, altho they do bring their own better timed smexy interactions. I just enjoy the way they prioritise decision-making, have things out with one another and call each other on their BS as needed.
I have so many spoiler’y thoughts and will splurge them in a spoiler tag below but suffice to say I think it is worth remembering that history is recorded by the “victors” and considering where this ends – let’s just say I have so many questions and spent quite a lot of reading time double guessing character motives 🕵️🙊
Now to rapidly reread this before my library loan autoreturns...please tell me I am not alone in needing MOAR 😅
****spoilers after this***
…I think that’s more than enough waffle for now, however as I am hopeful of getting in a quick reread I may wind up editing this with more thoughts later - sorry not sorry 😇
July 14, 2022
Actual rating: 4.5 🌟
K.A. Tucker managed to create a mesmerizing and complex world building in this installment. Spell bounding settings, elaborate and entangled plot, captivating romance, so many layered and terrible villains and so much on the line. This was definitely a grand sequel.
We can see Romy's development throughout the book, her becoming more aware of her powers and feelings. I loved how she become the people's queen. a great character in the making!
I wasn't a fan of Zander's behavior in this installment. He kept on treating Romy as a thing to be used, a weapon, and was ignoring her for a significant amount of time. I hate how he had every right to be mad and upset when she lied or manipulated him. But she's not allowed to be upset when he does the same thing. He concealed a big portion of her destiny from her. She should've been seething mad. I didn't see any groveling so couldn't give this a 5 stars rating. However, They had a few endearing scenes that I relished.
Brilliant side characters, Pan and Jarek were a great comic relief and a lovely addition to the amazing set of characters we already have. Jarek and Romy being frenemies was unexpected but definitely enjoyed.
Alas, I can't wait to see what happens on book 3.
--------------
Give it to me!!!
K.A. Tucker managed to create a mesmerizing and complex world building in this installment. Spell bounding settings, elaborate and entangled plot, captivating romance, so many layered and terrible villains and so much on the line. This was definitely a grand sequel.
We can see Romy's development throughout the book, her becoming more aware of her powers and feelings. I loved how she become the people's queen. a great character in the making!
I wasn't a fan of Zander's behavior in this installment. He kept on treating Romy as a thing to be used, a weapon, and was ignoring her for a significant amount of time. I hate how he had every right to be mad and upset when she lied or manipulated him. But she's not allowed to be upset when he does the same thing. He concealed a big portion of her destiny from her. She should've been seething mad. I didn't see any groveling so couldn't give this a 5 stars rating. However, They had a few endearing scenes that I relished.
Brilliant side characters, Pan and Jarek were a great comic relief and a lovely addition to the amazing set of characters we already have. Jarek and Romy being frenemies was unexpected but definitely enjoyed.
Alas, I can't wait to see what happens on book 3.
--------------
Give it to me!!!
September 28, 2023
I'm obsessed with Jarek this series
December 31, 2022
" No one stops us."
"Love me tonight and be the king you need to be tomorrow."
A Curse of Blood & Stone is the second book in the Fate and Flame Series. In order to truly enjoy the story, you must read the first book in the series first A Fate of Wrath and Flame.
"I think every choice you have had to make has led you into danger."
Blood & Stone picks up directly after Wrath and Flame. Romeria and Zander are on the run and both are struggling with their given circumstances. Unsure of their relationship with each other and unsure of their destiny, they only know that they still have strong feelings for each other. Zander is strong-willed and dedicated to his people and yet, Romy has his heart. As he grapples with this truth and Romy is learning how to wield her power, the stakes are high for them both to find their path.
"He assumes you will not go."
Told in dual POV, KA Tucker has crafted a very well-written masterpiece with great detail. I enjoy the world-building and the author's descriptive writing style. The characters are captivating and complex. The passion and banter between Romy and Zander are intricate and the ensemble of characters adds texture to the plot. The story is charged with danger, intrigue, and magic. There are a few plot twists that I didn't see coming which made for an even more enjoyable read.
"I will not risk her, not for all the crowns and all the kingdoms."
Overall, I highly recommend this series to those who enjoy high fantasy with a blockbuster romance. I have been a fan of KA Tucker since the beginning of my reading journey. She never fails to amaze me with her writing. The next book in the series could not get here fast enough!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
July 13, 2022
2.5✨
• thank you to Valentine PR for the e-ARC! •
welllllll that was disappointing. i loved the first book in this series so much and constantly recommend it as a great fantasy/paranormal romance, but this fell into the trap that i see a lot of great first books in series fall in which is: extending the series by any means necessary. aka: this all felt like filler.
no spoilers here!
the first half of the story only shows our main characters from the first book on the run and quite literally nothing happens besides being introduced to a million new characters to now have to keep track of AND a bunch of heavy lore drops that only confused me more than i already was. i’ll admit, i should’ve reread the first book before reading the sequel, but this was the most issues i’ve ever had when reading a sequel months after the first book? there’s just so much going on in terms of the magic system/politics/gods lore and it’s a lot to have to keep track of.
the best part of the first book imo was the banter and slow burn romance between Romeria and Zander, which we get next to nothing from here. until about half way, neither of them trust each other and just walk in circles around wanting to be in love but also just wanting to hide away. i missed all their banter and actual ROMANCE ya know? i ended up not caring at all if they were together or not.
i doubt i’ll continue reading this series when the next book comes out but i still have love in my heart for book one!
• thank you to Valentine PR for the e-ARC! •
welllllll that was disappointing. i loved the first book in this series so much and constantly recommend it as a great fantasy/paranormal romance, but this fell into the trap that i see a lot of great first books in series fall in which is: extending the series by any means necessary. aka: this all felt like filler.
no spoilers here!
the first half of the story only shows our main characters from the first book on the run and quite literally nothing happens besides being introduced to a million new characters to now have to keep track of AND a bunch of heavy lore drops that only confused me more than i already was. i’ll admit, i should’ve reread the first book before reading the sequel, but this was the most issues i’ve ever had when reading a sequel months after the first book? there’s just so much going on in terms of the magic system/politics/gods lore and it’s a lot to have to keep track of.
the best part of the first book imo was the banter and slow burn romance between Romeria and Zander, which we get next to nothing from here. until about half way, neither of them trust each other and just walk in circles around wanting to be in love but also just wanting to hide away. i missed all their banter and actual ROMANCE ya know? i ended up not caring at all if they were together or not.
i doubt i’ll continue reading this series when the next book comes out but i still have love in my heart for book one!
July 21, 2022
THAT GODDAMN CLIFFHANGER THO
March 14, 2023
OMG. This has become one of my top 5 fantasy romance series. I received an ARC copy from Valentine PR (thank youuuu) and read this within 3 days of receiving it. I could have pulled an all-nighter and finished it one day bc it was that good, but alas I had work and could only squeeze this in during breaks.
What stood out:
1. The worldbuilding and politics are so interesting and easy enough to follow along with if you're not hugely into fantasy like me
2. The characters are *chefs kiss* The number of times I yelled "Romeria!" out loud in laughter or face palming was uncalled for. She is such a funny main character and I could stand behind almost all of her choices in the story. Daddy Zander came back in full force. I love me a fanged hero who broods and wears leathers. Swoon.
3. The pacing was really fun and fast-paced. One of the reasons I dislike fantasy is the middle slog where characters are traveling and trying to figure out conflicts very passively, which can take forever to read through. This story had some of those scenes of course, but it never felt too slow for me.
All in all, I think this was an incredible sequel (dare I say better than the 1st book?) and I CAN'T WAIT until book 3.
xx
What stood out:
1. The worldbuilding and politics are so interesting and easy enough to follow along with if you're not hugely into fantasy like me
2. The characters are *chefs kiss* The number of times I yelled "Romeria!" out loud in laughter or face palming was uncalled for. She is such a funny main character and I could stand behind almost all of her choices in the story. Daddy Zander came back in full force. I love me a fanged hero who broods and wears leathers. Swoon.
3. The pacing was really fun and fast-paced. One of the reasons I dislike fantasy is the middle slog where characters are traveling and trying to figure out conflicts very passively, which can take forever to read through. This story had some of those scenes of course, but it never felt too slow for me.
All in all, I think this was an incredible sequel (dare I say better than the 1st book?) and I CAN'T WAIT until book 3.
xx
July 12, 2022
5 stars!
Wow, what a read! The second book in the Fate & Flame series, this is an exciting, intriguing, dramatic, fun and romantic story, continuing the adventure of a woman trapped in a fantasy world – inhabiting the fae body of a woman who was literally bred for chaos. I was sucked in from start to finish, and it’s such a fantastic read.
This book is NOT a standalone, so make sure you read A Fate of Wrath & Flame before diving into this world – also a 5 star read, though for me, this one was even better! And beware that this review will be spoilery for the first book of the series (though nothing beyond what is already revealed in the blurb).
This book picks up immediately where the first book left off. Zander walked away from the throne of Islor to save Romeria’s life, and the two of them, along with their trusted guards, are on the run. Trying to unravel an ancient prophecy, they are travelling across the kingdom led by a powerful caster who is also attempting to teach Romeria about her newly-discovered powers. Their travels take them to large and small cities within Islor, which have been mostly ignored by the royal family, so they (and we) get to see first-hand the living conditions of immortals and humans outside of the capital - the people are suffering, the deadly poison circulated by their enemy is wreaking havoc, and Islor is being torn apart.
And in the middle of it all, Romeria is trying to figure out who she is and her place in her new world, and Zander is fighting for his throne, and for the life of the woman he loves. It’s a wild adventure, full of intrigue, action and romance, in a wonderfully developed fantasy world, and I loved every moment of it!
I love that we get to explore this world in so much more detail – the towns, the people, and the way they all connect together, we experience it all alongside Romeria and Zander as they travel. There are new reveals, but it didn’t feel as overwhelming as the last book occasionally did, with so much information unloaded. I had just finished a reread of Fate of Wrath and Flame, so I was fully prepared going into this one, remembering all of the little details, and was able to just sit back and watch it all unfold.
And this time around it’s written in dual POV, so we get Romeria’s perspective, and Zander’s, and OMG, I loved it! These are two wonderful characters – both intelligent and real, and despite the setting, and their extreme situation, I could relate to both of them. This is, at its heart, an emotional story. It’s people realising that their world is not as it seems, and finding the courage and strength to fight for what they believe is right. And their struggle to do that is beautifully written.
And on an even more emotional note - the last book had a hint of romance, but it didn’t really develop properly, now we get to see everything that is between Romeria and Zander, and though they’re in a really difficult position, we get to see an actual love story, and it’s so gorgeous! Playful, emotional and passionate, I loved seeing these two together. They know they have a massive fight on their hands to reclaim the throne, and for Zander’s people to accept Romeria as his Queen, but they’re in it together, and it was fantastic to see them so strong and so committed.
There’s a great bunch of side characters with them – some that we already know and get to know better, and some wonderful new ones. All of them bring so much to the story, and there are some fantastically entertaining dynamics that keep things light and entertaining.
I love this world, I’m loving this series, and I absolutely loved this book! It finishes in a good place, though the story is not over yet. That ending brings some big reveals and a twist or two, and I cannot wait to continue on.
Such a great read – 5 stars!
An Advanced Review copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
Wow, what a read! The second book in the Fate & Flame series, this is an exciting, intriguing, dramatic, fun and romantic story, continuing the adventure of a woman trapped in a fantasy world – inhabiting the fae body of a woman who was literally bred for chaos. I was sucked in from start to finish, and it’s such a fantastic read.
This book is NOT a standalone, so make sure you read A Fate of Wrath & Flame before diving into this world – also a 5 star read, though for me, this one was even better! And beware that this review will be spoilery for the first book of the series (though nothing beyond what is already revealed in the blurb).
This book picks up immediately where the first book left off. Zander walked away from the throne of Islor to save Romeria’s life, and the two of them, along with their trusted guards, are on the run. Trying to unravel an ancient prophecy, they are travelling across the kingdom led by a powerful caster who is also attempting to teach Romeria about her newly-discovered powers. Their travels take them to large and small cities within Islor, which have been mostly ignored by the royal family, so they (and we) get to see first-hand the living conditions of immortals and humans outside of the capital - the people are suffering, the deadly poison circulated by their enemy is wreaking havoc, and Islor is being torn apart.
And in the middle of it all, Romeria is trying to figure out who she is and her place in her new world, and Zander is fighting for his throne, and for the life of the woman he loves. It’s a wild adventure, full of intrigue, action and romance, in a wonderfully developed fantasy world, and I loved every moment of it!
“I will need you beside me and ready to fight every stop of the way.”
I smooth my hand over his heart, my palm absorbing the warmth. “You already have me by your side.”
I love that we get to explore this world in so much more detail – the towns, the people, and the way they all connect together, we experience it all alongside Romeria and Zander as they travel. There are new reveals, but it didn’t feel as overwhelming as the last book occasionally did, with so much information unloaded. I had just finished a reread of Fate of Wrath and Flame, so I was fully prepared going into this one, remembering all of the little details, and was able to just sit back and watch it all unfold.
And this time around it’s written in dual POV, so we get Romeria’s perspective, and Zander’s, and OMG, I loved it! These are two wonderful characters – both intelligent and real, and despite the setting, and their extreme situation, I could relate to both of them. This is, at its heart, an emotional story. It’s people realising that their world is not as it seems, and finding the courage and strength to fight for what they believe is right. And their struggle to do that is beautifully written.
“I do not know how to love you and be a good king to my people … But I realize now that I will never be him if it means losing you.”
And on an even more emotional note - the last book had a hint of romance, but it didn’t really develop properly, now we get to see everything that is between Romeria and Zander, and though they’re in a really difficult position, we get to see an actual love story, and it’s so gorgeous! Playful, emotional and passionate, I loved seeing these two together. They know they have a massive fight on their hands to reclaim the throne, and for Zander’s people to accept Romeria as his Queen, but they’re in it together, and it was fantastic to see them so strong and so committed.
“I can’t live in this world if it’s not with you by my side.”
“Then that is where I will be. Always.”
There’s a great bunch of side characters with them – some that we already know and get to know better, and some wonderful new ones. All of them bring so much to the story, and there are some fantastically entertaining dynamics that keep things light and entertaining.
“Can you try not to keep up the entire camp this time?”
My cheeks burn as I grasp Jarek’s meaning. “We weren’t that loud.”
He smirks. “He wasn’t.”
I push aside my embarrassment. “Aw, it’s okay.” I reach up to toy with the thick rope of braided hair draped over his shoulder … “One day, if you try really hard, you’ll please someone that much too.”
I love this world, I’m loving this series, and I absolutely loved this book! It finishes in a good place, though the story is not over yet. That ending brings some big reveals and a twist or two, and I cannot wait to continue on.
Such a great read – 5 stars!
An Advanced Review copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
July 22, 2023
This was so good and I need the third book now as I want to see what happens to my babies
August 19, 2024
Reread - this sequel is still perfection. And I loved Jarek even more the second time around
------ ORIGINAL REVIEW -------
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and the author for providing an e-arc of this! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.
This sequel did NOT disappoint! There is something about this series that I just cannot get enough of. Every element has me completely hooked - the plot, the world, the characters, the writing, the romance.
This book picks up immediately where book 1 left off. I was nervous because traveling stories always seem to lose me. But somehow K.A. Tucker wrote a traveling story that I fell in love with.
We're following our characters as they travel Cirilea steered by prophecy. The world and magic is expanded on so much and I'm continuously blown away by the subtle world and magic building that KA Tucker weaves into this story. Once again, I never felt bogged down by info-dumpy passages or scenes. Instead it's a woven into the story seamlessly.
We get so many new characters and time with characters we only got small glimpses of in book 1. And I absolutely adore all of the characters. Despite this having a relatively large cast, everyone feels unique and developed. And I love the banter and camaraderie amongst the cast. This book is very politically driven so I love the lighthearted moments sprinkled in.
And of course I adored the romance. This romance is a slow, slow burn. But it is so worth it. Zander and Romy's connection is everything I wanted.
Overall this book blew me away and I'm already looking forward to a reread as soon as the audiobook releases. Book 3 cannot be in my hands soon enough!
------ ORIGINAL REVIEW -------
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and the author for providing an e-arc of this! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.
This sequel did NOT disappoint! There is something about this series that I just cannot get enough of. Every element has me completely hooked - the plot, the world, the characters, the writing, the romance.
This book picks up immediately where book 1 left off. I was nervous because traveling stories always seem to lose me. But somehow K.A. Tucker wrote a traveling story that I fell in love with.
We're following our characters as they travel Cirilea steered by prophecy. The world and magic is expanded on so much and I'm continuously blown away by the subtle world and magic building that KA Tucker weaves into this story. Once again, I never felt bogged down by info-dumpy passages or scenes. Instead it's a woven into the story seamlessly.
We get so many new characters and time with characters we only got small glimpses of in book 1. And I absolutely adore all of the characters. Despite this having a relatively large cast, everyone feels unique and developed. And I love the banter and camaraderie amongst the cast. This book is very politically driven so I love the lighthearted moments sprinkled in.
And of course I adored the romance. This romance is a slow, slow burn. But it is so worth it. Zander and Romy's connection is everything I wanted.
Overall this book blew me away and I'm already looking forward to a reread as soon as the audiobook releases. Book 3 cannot be in my hands soon enough!
July 15, 2022
Ok- not what I was anticipating. I LOVED the first book and was so excited for this. Even did a reread of the first to prepare and it still absolutely slapped. This, unfortunately, does not slap nearly as hard. 😞
We pick up right where we left off with Romy and Zander fleeing the castle with Gesine and Elisaf. This book is basically them fleeing/traveling and trying to make sense of Romy’s caster abilities and Malachi’s treacherous plans. The first 30% of this book makes sense to me. Both Romy and Zander are feeling betrayed by one another and are left with conflicting emotions towards one another. This creates tension between them which I didn’t mind at first, since I felt like it added character and growth to their relationship. However, the behaviors portrayed by them towards one another (ignoring/“stomping off”/etc.) were very childish and melodramatic in my opinion, which really put a bad taste in my mouth. Speaking of melodramatic-
Why is every character in this entire book acting like a spoiled bratty child?! Romy used to be this bad ass, snarky, quick-thinking thief in the first book. And now suddenly for majority of this book she is crying over Zander and acting like a baby because he won’t acknowledge her fast enough? Romy is the worst character in this book now. I don’t even recognize her anymore. Her entire character arc is basically just turning into this immediately loved savior of the humans and whining/simping over Zander. At times she acts like she is above the humans around her?! Like GURRL, YOU USED TO BE ONE??
Seems like the author took some notes from SJM writing and starts using all too convenient excuses to hide plot holes. Just starts telling you things happened instead of showing which is the worst. Also starts using the words male/mates VERY frequently which is even more of a SJM vibe 🤢
I still appreciate the world this author built but there are so many “potentially happening” plots in the story that everything starts getting muddled. The ending of this book left me extremely underwhelmed?? No spoilers, but I genuinely don’t understand where the story would even go from here. It seems like Romy and Zander will likely be on different paths and honestly what is the point of continuing to read if they aren’t interacting together??
Romance takes a big back seat in this one. The sex scenes are rinse and repeat each time. Very little banter/snarky moments between Romy and Zander. This book has multiple POV between Romy and Zander and this book suffers because of it. The Zander chapters basically negate the tension that is portrayed between them in the first part of the book because the reader knows from Zander’s chapters that ITS OK HE STILL ACTUALLY REALLY LOVES HER. Also you can tell the writer starts to forget the tone she is supposed to be writing in between Zander vs. Romy chapters and it all just starts to blend together into a blobby mess of boring.
There are zero high stakes in this book. Everyone is immediately healed by Gisene. Fight scenes extremely brief and Romy’s super speshal powers save the day immediately. Forced witty banter between characters that adds nothing to the story. Too many comedic relief side characters introduced. Not much really happening in this book at any given moment.
Unsure if I will continue this series (I think there is supposed to be another book?) but gosh, definitely not reading this again. 👎🏼
We pick up right where we left off with Romy and Zander fleeing the castle with Gesine and Elisaf. This book is basically them fleeing/traveling and trying to make sense of Romy’s caster abilities and Malachi’s treacherous plans. The first 30% of this book makes sense to me. Both Romy and Zander are feeling betrayed by one another and are left with conflicting emotions towards one another. This creates tension between them which I didn’t mind at first, since I felt like it added character and growth to their relationship. However, the behaviors portrayed by them towards one another (ignoring/“stomping off”/etc.) were very childish and melodramatic in my opinion, which really put a bad taste in my mouth. Speaking of melodramatic-
Why is every character in this entire book acting like a spoiled bratty child?! Romy used to be this bad ass, snarky, quick-thinking thief in the first book. And now suddenly for majority of this book she is crying over Zander and acting like a baby because he won’t acknowledge her fast enough? Romy is the worst character in this book now. I don’t even recognize her anymore. Her entire character arc is basically just turning into this immediately loved savior of the humans and whining/simping over Zander. At times she acts like she is above the humans around her?! Like GURRL, YOU USED TO BE ONE??
Seems like the author took some notes from SJM writing and starts using all too convenient excuses to hide plot holes. Just starts telling you things happened instead of showing which is the worst. Also starts using the words male/mates VERY frequently which is even more of a SJM vibe 🤢
I still appreciate the world this author built but there are so many “potentially happening” plots in the story that everything starts getting muddled. The ending of this book left me extremely underwhelmed?? No spoilers, but I genuinely don’t understand where the story would even go from here. It seems like Romy and Zander will likely be on different paths and honestly what is the point of continuing to read if they aren’t interacting together??
Romance takes a big back seat in this one. The sex scenes are rinse and repeat each time. Very little banter/snarky moments between Romy and Zander. This book has multiple POV between Romy and Zander and this book suffers because of it. The Zander chapters basically negate the tension that is portrayed between them in the first part of the book because the reader knows from Zander’s chapters that ITS OK HE STILL ACTUALLY REALLY LOVES HER. Also you can tell the writer starts to forget the tone she is supposed to be writing in between Zander vs. Romy chapters and it all just starts to blend together into a blobby mess of boring.
There are zero high stakes in this book. Everyone is immediately healed by Gisene. Fight scenes extremely brief and Romy’s super speshal powers save the day immediately. Forced witty banter between characters that adds nothing to the story. Too many comedic relief side characters introduced. Not much really happening in this book at any given moment.
Unsure if I will continue this series (I think there is supposed to be another book?) but gosh, definitely not reading this again. 👎🏼
July 12, 2022
subpar
As much as I wanted to like the sequel, it was too drawn out. The book picks up with them trying to escape the city and the kings brother. They are accompanied by a castor that intends to help them find another castor that can provide more info on the prophecies and the deities goals. Most of the book explored there travels dealing with humans who had sometimes knowingly or unknowingly taken the poison because of the ybaris (or however you spell it). In my personal opinion, this could’ve been wrapped up in 300 pages or less. 1) it took forever for Rommy to get a grasp on her abilities it’s not until at 80% that we get an idea of how powerful she is. 2) We know the nymphs exist but we don’t know there motivations even by the end of the book though it may be a bit safe to say they may help our heroes. 3) I hated how zander pushed rommy away and waited to nearly halfway through to make sure she was trained which could’ve saved them a lot of time and energy being expended. 4) We now know that Malachi is trying to find away to escape his prison and sofie and her dead husband is being played. This book was dragged out with useless escape travels that in no way advanced the plot. Rommy saving 100 people is not enough to amass an army and is pure delusion. I will say that there are a few new characters that are enjoyable to see Rommy interact with; however, they are never fully fleshed out and honestly just come off as flat. The way the book ended was actually kind of a let down because I was expecting her to actually find and interact with the nymphs or discover a secret passage that could transport her back to the nyphaeum or a second entrance. The author needs to work on not dragging out plots because if you’re gonna drag something out the payoff needs to be high and focus more on world building such as the prophecies and deities. I’ll probably read book #3 but hopefully it’s less filler. Also when the hell is Zander gonna see what this girl actually looks like??!!! Imagine dating a man that doesn’t even know what your real face is like. 😵💫🫤😕 lastly I think it would be cool if the fight transferred over into the real world. We never found out what the cult in new York with the symbols that Rommy and Xander are branding humans with fully represented.
As much as I wanted to like the sequel, it was too drawn out. The book picks up with them trying to escape the city and the kings brother. They are accompanied by a castor that intends to help them find another castor that can provide more info on the prophecies and the deities goals. Most of the book explored there travels dealing with humans who had sometimes knowingly or unknowingly taken the poison because of the ybaris (or however you spell it). In my personal opinion, this could’ve been wrapped up in 300 pages or less. 1) it took forever for Rommy to get a grasp on her abilities it’s not until at 80% that we get an idea of how powerful she is. 2) We know the nymphs exist but we don’t know there motivations even by the end of the book though it may be a bit safe to say they may help our heroes. 3) I hated how zander pushed rommy away and waited to nearly halfway through to make sure she was trained which could’ve saved them a lot of time and energy being expended. 4) We now know that Malachi is trying to find away to escape his prison and sofie and her dead husband is being played. This book was dragged out with useless escape travels that in no way advanced the plot. Rommy saving 100 people is not enough to amass an army and is pure delusion. I will say that there are a few new characters that are enjoyable to see Rommy interact with; however, they are never fully fleshed out and honestly just come off as flat. The way the book ended was actually kind of a let down because I was expecting her to actually find and interact with the nymphs or discover a secret passage that could transport her back to the nyphaeum or a second entrance. The author needs to work on not dragging out plots because if you’re gonna drag something out the payoff needs to be high and focus more on world building such as the prophecies and deities. I’ll probably read book #3 but hopefully it’s less filler. Also when the hell is Zander gonna see what this girl actually looks like??!!! Imagine dating a man that doesn’t even know what your real face is like. 😵💫🫤😕 lastly I think it would be cool if the fight transferred over into the real world. We never found out what the cult in new York with the symbols that Rommy and Xander are branding humans with fully represented.
January 13, 2023
#1 A Fate of Wrath & Flame — 3.5 stars
#2 A Curse of Blood & Stone — 3.75 stars
travelling books where the characters go on a long journey can be a hit or miss. thankfully, this one was more the former. characters dynamic and all the shenanigans that they got themselves into along the way were what made this book readable and less boring. Zander & Romy spent the first half of this book “broken up,” but im just glad they were in this battle together. i thought the point of this expedition was to gather support and find armies to help take back Zanders kingdom, so im not sure why they found what they found at the end of this (cause it aint supports or armies). but whatever. please just dont separate these characters in the next book.
(read as an audiobook)
#2 A Curse of Blood & Stone — 3.75 stars
travelling books where the characters go on a long journey can be a hit or miss. thankfully, this one was more the former. characters dynamic and all the shenanigans that they got themselves into along the way were what made this book readable and less boring. Zander & Romy spent the first half of this book “broken up,” but im just glad they were in this battle together. i thought the point of this expedition was to gather support and find armies to help take back Zanders kingdom, so im not sure why they found what they found at the end of this (cause it aint supports or armies). but whatever. please just dont separate these characters in the next book.
(read as an audiobook)
July 15, 2022
“Whether it was a curse of fates or prophecy that brought us together, I no longer care, and I will not allow anything or anyone to keep us from each other again.”
I loved it the same way like i did in book 1. The story is very intriguing and thriller. The world building is vast and more travelling. This book begins where we left Romy and Zander fleeing Cirilea. It has full of travelling and actions. Romy started to learn her new powers and Zander was confused and suspicious where his feelings for Romy is real or not since its discovered that whole bunch of nonsence is Malachi doing. We still haven't know what's his motivation to Sofie and Romy but it's progressing slowly. Romy is caught between love and prophecy. The prophecy doesn't make any sense at the beginning but it all clicks to place soon. Romy is practicing her powers and learns how it helps whenever danger comes. There is a tension between Romy and Zander throughout the journey but can't deny each other anymore since it was obvious. There's some mistrust with legions and she is trying very hard not to get on anyone's bad side. The story ends on a cliffhanger and i think we will get more of Zander in the next book.
The plot was so far good, banters, new characters and new places, prophecies. I'm excited for fate & flame 3.
I loved it the same way like i did in book 1. The story is very intriguing and thriller. The world building is vast and more travelling. This book begins where we left Romy and Zander fleeing Cirilea. It has full of travelling and actions. Romy started to learn her new powers and Zander was confused and suspicious where his feelings for Romy is real or not since its discovered that whole bunch of nonsence is Malachi doing. We still haven't know what's his motivation to Sofie and Romy but it's progressing slowly. Romy is caught between love and prophecy. The prophecy doesn't make any sense at the beginning but it all clicks to place soon. Romy is practicing her powers and learns how it helps whenever danger comes. There is a tension between Romy and Zander throughout the journey but can't deny each other anymore since it was obvious. There's some mistrust with legions and she is trying very hard not to get on anyone's bad side. The story ends on a cliffhanger and i think we will get more of Zander in the next book.
The plot was so far good, banters, new characters and new places, prophecies. I'm excited for fate & flame 3.
July 9, 2024
Romeria and Zander leave the “safety” of the walls of the palace and face a whole number of dangerous and perilous situations. They face scary monsters and may enemies along the way. We get much more action and much less politics.
It’s time to learn about new and incredible powers, to meet old and loyal friends and to make new ones.
It’s a time of discovery, where Romeria and Zander’s love unravels, flourishes and blooms. It’s beautiful to watch!
They head the North, fleeing the treacherous “loyal” subjects they left behind in Cirilea (like Boaz, that pile of steaming excrement, and Atticus, the throne usurper brother!😡).
Romeria is about to know if the prophecy is really true or how much of it… She will start to know what the fates have reserved for her and how much is for her benefit.
We finally get Zander’s POV!😍 And also Atticus’s right at the end, which is a surprising one actually…😳
Do I recommend this book? Of course I do!
It’s time to learn about new and incredible powers, to meet old and loyal friends and to make new ones.
It’s a time of discovery, where Romeria and Zander’s love unravels, flourishes and blooms. It’s beautiful to watch!
They head the North, fleeing the treacherous “loyal” subjects they left behind in Cirilea (like Boaz, that pile of steaming excrement, and Atticus, the throne usurper brother!😡).
Romeria is about to know if the prophecy is really true or how much of it… She will start to know what the fates have reserved for her and how much is for her benefit.
We finally get Zander’s POV!😍 And also Atticus’s right at the end, which is a surprising one actually…😳
Do I recommend this book? Of course I do!
May 4, 2023
“I do not know how to love you and be a good king to my people”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
What to expect:
✔️ Forbidden love
✔️ A realm in political turmoil
✔️ Feisty and powerful FMC
✔️ Brooding and protective MMC
✔️ Intriguing magic system
✔️ Hidden agendas/subplots
✔️ Tension with great spice pay-off
After reading book 1 (Fate of Wrath and Flame), I was excited to get stuck back into Romy’s story and see what happens next given where we left things off…
*Note* This is going to be a spoiler-free review so it won’t contain spoilers for either book one or two and will just speak on the overall experience of the book, characters, plot and pacing instead.
The tension between Romeria and Zander is both palpable and heartbreaking on the back of the events of book 1. Progress was finally being made, and now it feels like any chance at a romantic connection has been dashed. There’s angst, frustration, and anger between these two characters for a good portion of the book while they deal with their conflicting feelings towards one another and their duties.
The romance is not an insta-love romance so don’t go into this book expecting that. In book one, it’s very much enemies-to-lovers vibes, where’s here it is almost falling under the forbidden love trope. The angst plays such a big part in their relationship throughout the progression of the book and the plot, and the tension breaks at several key points leading to some very raw and moving confessions. It can be very choppy at times though so prepare mentally for that; their connection romantically is unstable throughout this book at they try to navigate how to be together/if they can be together given everything that has happened. Zander can come across at times as though he is using Romy which was a slight downside to me at times, but this is rectified through the later half of the book.
The plot pacing over all was good. There was a couple of points where I did feel like it became a little bit slow if I’m being very nit-picky but overall I moved along very well. Once I properly got into the thick of the book, I couldn’t put it down!
Overall, I am looking forward to book 3 and seeing where Romy and Zander’s story goes next… I am not sure at all what is going to happen, especially after how book 2 ended… iykyk 🫠 I have been left with many questions and am just very confused on how it all going to play out 🙈… I’m keen to see Romy use her powers even more in book 3 as that is always a major highlight for me in any fantasy book: seeing a strong and powerful female character come into her own. If the next book has even more romance/spicy scenes too then I also won’t be opposed to that either 😂🙈❤️
See my review for Fate of Wrath and Flame here! 💖
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
What to expect:
✔️ Forbidden love
✔️ A realm in political turmoil
✔️ Feisty and powerful FMC
✔️ Brooding and protective MMC
✔️ Intriguing magic system
✔️ Hidden agendas/subplots
✔️ Tension with great spice pay-off
After reading book 1 (Fate of Wrath and Flame), I was excited to get stuck back into Romy’s story and see what happens next given where we left things off…
*Note* This is going to be a spoiler-free review so it won’t contain spoilers for either book one or two and will just speak on the overall experience of the book, characters, plot and pacing instead.
The tension between Romeria and Zander is both palpable and heartbreaking on the back of the events of book 1. Progress was finally being made, and now it feels like any chance at a romantic connection has been dashed. There’s angst, frustration, and anger between these two characters for a good portion of the book while they deal with their conflicting feelings towards one another and their duties.
The romance is not an insta-love romance so don’t go into this book expecting that. In book one, it’s very much enemies-to-lovers vibes, where’s here it is almost falling under the forbidden love trope. The angst plays such a big part in their relationship throughout the progression of the book and the plot, and the tension breaks at several key points leading to some very raw and moving confessions. It can be very choppy at times though so prepare mentally for that; their connection romantically is unstable throughout this book at they try to navigate how to be together/if they can be together given everything that has happened. Zander can come across at times as though he is using Romy which was a slight downside to me at times, but this is rectified through the later half of the book.
The plot pacing over all was good. There was a couple of points where I did feel like it became a little bit slow if I’m being very nit-picky but overall I moved along very well. Once I properly got into the thick of the book, I couldn’t put it down!
Overall, I am looking forward to book 3 and seeing where Romy and Zander’s story goes next… I am not sure at all what is going to happen, especially after how book 2 ended… iykyk 🫠 I have been left with many questions and am just very confused on how it all going to play out 🙈… I’m keen to see Romy use her powers even more in book 3 as that is always a major highlight for me in any fantasy book: seeing a strong and powerful female character come into her own. If the next book has even more romance/spicy scenes too then I also won’t be opposed to that either 😂🙈❤️
See my review for Fate of Wrath and Flame here! 💖
July 4, 2022
➳ Rate: 5/ 5 stars
I devoured this in only a few hours! It was so damn good!! I'm absolutely loving getting to know this world and its history. I'm a bit obsessed with these characters.
I love books like this one. It felt a lot like when I was reading A Kingdom of Flesh & Fire or Siege & Storm. That journey vibe visiting all these new towns you get to explore, the characters getting to know each other and forming friendships, learning about their powers, getting stronger, or learning who they are on the journey. I loveeeee all that so much. I loved it in this book. Their journey was dangerous, yet so fun and interesting. I loved every minute.
Romeria grew so much and she's such a strong character. I loved watching her come into who she really is. And gosh she makes Zander a better person/king. I love watching that dynamic between them, even when he's an asshole towards her and wants to keep away from her, he'll take everything she says and does and really listen.
I really enjoyed getting to know all the Legion guards and even Zander's old friends, and the new humans Romeria saved were so cute and endearing. That girl is gonna make such a great Queen. When it comes to the romance, things are a bit rocky throughout the book after the whole truth was revealed at the end of the first book, but it was super cute to watch them pine for each other. I loved the angst. And then those moments where they just couldn't resist each other>>>> I died. I loved them. And in the end, they just don't care and embrace who they are and who they could be together!! I loved their connection, their chemistry. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Those last chapters were fantastic. It was so surprising and fascinating. I really wished the book hadn't ended. I was loving exploring yet another discovery. I can't wait to see what it all means and what's gonna be their next step. I hope book 3 won't be long cause I need it.
➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ Order at: Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Tiktok
I devoured this in only a few hours! It was so damn good!! I'm absolutely loving getting to know this world and its history. I'm a bit obsessed with these characters.
I love books like this one. It felt a lot like when I was reading A Kingdom of Flesh & Fire or Siege & Storm. That journey vibe visiting all these new towns you get to explore, the characters getting to know each other and forming friendships, learning about their powers, getting stronger, or learning who they are on the journey. I loveeeee all that so much. I loved it in this book. Their journey was dangerous, yet so fun and interesting. I loved every minute.
Romeria grew so much and she's such a strong character. I loved watching her come into who she really is. And gosh she makes Zander a better person/king. I love watching that dynamic between them, even when he's an asshole towards her and wants to keep away from her, he'll take everything she says and does and really listen.
I really enjoyed getting to know all the Legion guards and even Zander's old friends, and the new humans Romeria saved were so cute and endearing. That girl is gonna make such a great Queen. When it comes to the romance, things are a bit rocky throughout the book after the whole truth was revealed at the end of the first book, but it was super cute to watch them pine for each other. I loved the angst. And then those moments where they just couldn't resist each other>>>> I died. I loved them. And in the end, they just don't care and embrace who they are and who they could be together!! I loved their connection, their chemistry. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Those last chapters were fantastic. It was so surprising and fascinating. I really wished the book hadn't ended. I was loving exploring yet another discovery. I can't wait to see what it all means and what's gonna be their next step. I hope book 3 won't be long cause I need it.
➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ Order at: Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Tiktok
July 25, 2024
This series continues to be such a fun ride and I am constantly finding time to read it even when I’m supposed to be working😅
Romy is just as fierce as in the first book, but we got to see more of her softer side this time around. She has such a big heart and can’t stand for injustice. She truly is becoming the people’s queen. We also got to delve into her powers more and I liked seeing her train and figure out how to wield them. There were times that she acted recklessly which annoyed me, but with her quick thinking, she always found ways to escape trouble so it never ended up being that big of a deal.
With the second book, we also got the addition of Zander’s POV, which made me so happy. It just made the longing and angst between Zander and Romy even better. It was a bit frustrating seeing them dance around each other instead of being honest and communicating their feelings. They did eventually find their way back together though. And I hope it remains that way the rest of the series now that all their secrets are out in the open.
As for the plot, it was a bit different compared to book one. There is still a lot of political games going on, but the central story is about the characters travelling to reach a specific destination. There are some side quests and stops, but they are mainly on the road for most of the book. It allowed the author to expand even more on this rich world. Romy even picks up some strays here and there and I really enjoyed these new additions, especially Pan and Eden. I also really like Jarek and his squabbling with Romy. They were acting like siblings who picked on each other all the time and I loved it.
All in all, this was a solid addition to the series. I’m a bit worried for book three since the ending hinted that characters might be separated, which I’m really not down for, but we’ll see…
Romy is just as fierce as in the first book, but we got to see more of her softer side this time around. She has such a big heart and can’t stand for injustice. She truly is becoming the people’s queen. We also got to delve into her powers more and I liked seeing her train and figure out how to wield them. There were times that she acted recklessly which annoyed me, but with her quick thinking, she always found ways to escape trouble so it never ended up being that big of a deal.
With the second book, we also got the addition of Zander’s POV, which made me so happy. It just made the longing and angst between Zander and Romy even better. It was a bit frustrating seeing them dance around each other instead of being honest and communicating their feelings. They did eventually find their way back together though. And I hope it remains that way the rest of the series now that all their secrets are out in the open.
As for the plot, it was a bit different compared to book one. There is still a lot of political games going on, but the central story is about the characters travelling to reach a specific destination. There are some side quests and stops, but they are mainly on the road for most of the book. It allowed the author to expand even more on this rich world. Romy even picks up some strays here and there and I really enjoyed these new additions, especially Pan and Eden. I also really like Jarek and his squabbling with Romy. They were acting like siblings who picked on each other all the time and I loved it.
All in all, this was a solid addition to the series. I’m a bit worried for book three since the ending hinted that characters might be separated, which I’m really not down for, but we’ll see…
July 5, 2024
Initially, I was going for 5 stars, but the last few chapters left me wishing for more stars. So here's a trophy.🎖🏆
K.A. Tucker continuously creates new characters I fall in love with. And this series is a testament to her being an incredible author.
This was a long journey, but one so welcome, and it didn't feel slow for me at all.
While book 1 gave us an experience of discovering a new world from the eyes of a new comer, book 2 is an odyssey of earning trust, building relationships, and becoming in actual sense queen and king.
My only take, again, is wishing there was a glossary in this book.
The details within the story and how the books are so connected are amazing.
I have had many theories, and some were correct, but as many answers as I got, I have had double new questions. And I am almost certain the remaining books will deliver.
The plot twists of the last chapters, alongside the major cliffhanger, left me flabbergasted and gaping!
While the magic system may not be fully clear, we're again getting the Romeria experience and learning from her perspective.
I think K.A. Tucker should write more fantasy. I have read her writing elaborate sex scenes, and tho this story does not have the elaborate scenes, it has all that's needed to keep us going and satisfy the need for intimacy between our characters.
PS: I would petition for Elisaf and Jarek to have their own stories and books after we finish Romeria and Zander's story. We could perhaps have K.A. Tucker's skill in fantasy and spice mixing. 100% would buy and read.
K.A. Tucker continuously creates new characters I fall in love with. And this series is a testament to her being an incredible author.
This was a long journey, but one so welcome, and it didn't feel slow for me at all.
While book 1 gave us an experience of discovering a new world from the eyes of a new comer, book 2 is an odyssey of earning trust, building relationships, and becoming in actual sense queen and king.
My only take, again, is wishing there was a glossary in this book.
The details within the story and how the books are so connected are amazing.
I have had many theories, and some were correct, but as many answers as I got, I have had double new questions. And I am almost certain the remaining books will deliver.
The plot twists of the last chapters, alongside the major cliffhanger, left me flabbergasted and gaping!
While the magic system may not be fully clear, we're again getting the Romeria experience and learning from her perspective.
I think K.A. Tucker should write more fantasy. I have read her writing elaborate sex scenes, and tho this story does not have the elaborate scenes, it has all that's needed to keep us going and satisfy the need for intimacy between our characters.
PS: I would petition for Elisaf and Jarek to have their own stories and books after we finish Romeria and Zander's story. We could perhaps have K.A. Tucker's skill in fantasy and spice mixing. 100% would buy and read.
December 6, 2022
4.5 Stars ⭐️
This sequel does not disappoint and is definitely putting this series on the list of one of the best series I have read this year (and the series isn’t even finished yet!)
It is not as strong as the first book, and that’s why it’s not a full 5 stars. There are definitely moments where it does feel like the plot does slow down because majority of the plot of this book is just the journey from place A to place B. Some might also say it almost has a feeling of “Middle book syndrome” where it’s just setting up for the culmination of this series in the last book. And let me tell you, I am dying internally, screaming to myself and in a book depression that the next book is not out and I don’t know how I’ll be able to wait for 2023.
I did not think the world building could be better than perfection, because I love the complex world created in book one book. However this book took it so much deeper, with an even more elaborate and entangled world, but still easy to read, understand, and comprehend what was going on.
This book really does play on your emotions around the relationship between Romy and Zander. They do go through a couple of ups and downs that were heart-wrenching at times but it’s also so heartwarming at others. I would’ve liked a little more the for them to work at their relationship, especially from Zander’s perspective. He can often come across that he is just using Romy and doesn’t actually love her and she just forgives him for his crappy behaviour with very little effort from his part as it feels like she just wants to get into his pants again.
However, horniness aside, I really liked the continuation of the character development of Romy. Whilst she is powerful, I like how she built up to understanding her power and how her Caster abilities worked. Sometimes in books it can be too quick for a “chosen one” to know how to use their power and too easy for them to solve problems. In this she had to learn to have a handle on it and struggled with making them work. I also loved that she had such a unique way of touching peoples lives that they would actually care for her and respect her and would be willing to lay their lives down for her. A true “People’s Princess”. Zander felt a little bit flat. He didn’t have as much depth to his personality in this book, so he was a little bit dislikable at times.
Pan and Jarek are two of the best additions as characters to this story. They were such well formed characters, and so interesting. All I wanted was more scenes with Jarek and Romy and was, at times, sometimes wishing that Romy would actually end up with Jarek over Zander because the frenamies banter between Jarek and Romy was amazing and made me giggle out loud numerous times.
One of my favourite things about this book is I had a gripe about something in book 1 with Romy‘s character, AND THIS WAS ACTUALLY turned into a plot point!!!! It’s just amazing how the seeds planted from book 1 started to grow in this book. I have never had something that stood out like that (and annoyed me) turned on its head and addressed like this book did.
Overall really entertaining read and glad that I picked up this series! Cannot wait for A Queen of Thieves and Chaos!
This sequel does not disappoint and is definitely putting this series on the list of one of the best series I have read this year (and the series isn’t even finished yet!)
It is not as strong as the first book, and that’s why it’s not a full 5 stars. There are definitely moments where it does feel like the plot does slow down because majority of the plot of this book is just the journey from place A to place B. Some might also say it almost has a feeling of “Middle book syndrome” where it’s just setting up for the culmination of this series in the last book. And let me tell you, I am dying internally, screaming to myself and in a book depression that the next book is not out and I don’t know how I’ll be able to wait for 2023.
I did not think the world building could be better than perfection, because I love the complex world created in book one book. However this book took it so much deeper, with an even more elaborate and entangled world, but still easy to read, understand, and comprehend what was going on.
This book really does play on your emotions around the relationship between Romy and Zander. They do go through a couple of ups and downs that were heart-wrenching at times but it’s also so heartwarming at others. I would’ve liked a little more the for them to work at their relationship, especially from Zander’s perspective. He can often come across that he is just using Romy and doesn’t actually love her and she just forgives him for his crappy behaviour with very little effort from his part as it feels like she just wants to get into his pants again.
However, horniness aside, I really liked the continuation of the character development of Romy. Whilst she is powerful, I like how she built up to understanding her power and how her Caster abilities worked. Sometimes in books it can be too quick for a “chosen one” to know how to use their power and too easy for them to solve problems. In this she had to learn to have a handle on it and struggled with making them work. I also loved that she had such a unique way of touching peoples lives that they would actually care for her and respect her and would be willing to lay their lives down for her. A true “People’s Princess”. Zander felt a little bit flat. He didn’t have as much depth to his personality in this book, so he was a little bit dislikable at times.
Pan and Jarek are two of the best additions as characters to this story. They were such well formed characters, and so interesting. All I wanted was more scenes with Jarek and Romy and was, at times, sometimes wishing that Romy would actually end up with Jarek over Zander because the frenamies banter between Jarek and Romy was amazing and made me giggle out loud numerous times.
One of my favourite things about this book is I had a gripe about something in book 1 with Romy‘s character, AND THIS WAS ACTUALLY turned into a plot point!!!! It’s just amazing how the seeds planted from book 1 started to grow in this book. I have never had something that stood out like that (and annoyed me) turned on its head and addressed like this book did.
Overall really entertaining read and glad that I picked up this series! Cannot wait for A Queen of Thieves and Chaos!
July 26, 2022
#1 A fate of Wrath & Flame ★★★★★ / 5
#2 A Curse of Blood & Stone ★★✩✩✩ / 2
★★✩✩✩ / 2
Well, after giving 5 glowing stars to the first book I must say: I’m disappointed.
Take this review with a grain of salt, as my main complain and reason for not liking this as much is that this installment is full of pet peeves of mine.
⚠️ Beware of mild spoilers ⚠️
My first glaring problem: this felt like filler and a mean to extend the series. Whereas the first book was imaginative, with twisty tropes, tension and gripping, this took the same turn EVERY magic-kingdom book takes lately: our prince/king/royalty characters escaping after a coup and looking for a way to take back the throne. I’m kinda bored of this.
My second problem: it is a BIG like UNFORGIVABLE BIG pet peeve of mine when characters are supposed to be inconspicuous because they are escaping for their lives, and a character decides starting to save random people on the street who they never seen in their lives before is a good idea, going out into the public and attracting attention, and even getting angry if they are called out for putting everyone in danger. I. JUST. HATE. IT.
To this you can add things like allowing the hero/heroine to break rules with no consequences whatsoever, ultra-over-powered hero/heroine who has no idea how to use their powers, etc…
Usually when I get picky I just start to rip apart the whole book, for things I forgive in stories I like, so I’m not going to enumerate more things because I know it’s just a domino effect, but, alas, I still ended up with a bad taste and no interest in reading the next one.
I’m just sad because I swear the first book was fucking amazing and different than anything I’ve read before and it just took the same turn as any other special-heroine-take-back-throne book out there.
#2 A Curse of Blood & Stone ★★✩✩✩ / 2
★★✩✩✩ / 2
Well, after giving 5 glowing stars to the first book I must say: I’m disappointed.
Take this review with a grain of salt, as my main complain and reason for not liking this as much is that this installment is full of pet peeves of mine.
⚠️ Beware of mild spoilers ⚠️
My first glaring problem: this felt like filler and a mean to extend the series. Whereas the first book was imaginative, with twisty tropes, tension and gripping, this took the same turn EVERY magic-kingdom book takes lately: our prince/king/royalty characters escaping after a coup and looking for a way to take back the throne. I’m kinda bored of this.
My second problem: it is a BIG like UNFORGIVABLE BIG pet peeve of mine when characters are supposed to be inconspicuous because they are escaping for their lives, and a character decides starting to save random people on the street who they never seen in their lives before is a good idea, going out into the public and attracting attention, and even getting angry if they are called out for putting everyone in danger. I. JUST. HATE. IT.
To this you can add things like allowing the hero/heroine to break rules with no consequences whatsoever, ultra-over-powered hero/heroine who has no idea how to use their powers, etc…
Usually when I get picky I just start to rip apart the whole book, for things I forgive in stories I like, so I’m not going to enumerate more things because I know it’s just a domino effect, but, alas, I still ended up with a bad taste and no interest in reading the next one.
I’m just sad because I swear the first book was fucking amazing and different than anything I’ve read before and it just took the same turn as any other special-heroine-take-back-throne book out there.
June 17, 2024
Soooo I'm not sure if this book is suffering from middle book syndrome or if it was just unenjoyable. I think the latter. The romance between Zander and Romeria completely falls flat in this book.... Unlike in the first one, there is absolutely no banter. The two spend the entire journey trying to decide whether or not they should even be together. There's no spark, no chemistry. Hell, they barely interact! I hardly saw substance to their romance in the first book, and this certainly didn't have me thinking it was any more believable.
Not a lot happens in this book either. It's a lot of info dumping. A ton of lore and politics to overwhelm the reader. But other than that... Snoozefest.🤷🏼♀️ I still don't like the characters all that much, either, so it was hard to be invested to begin with. Even the slew of new characters weren't all that likeable. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be continuing on with this series.
⭐⭐/5
Not a lot happens in this book either. It's a lot of info dumping. A ton of lore and politics to overwhelm the reader. But other than that... Snoozefest.🤷🏼♀️ I still don't like the characters all that much, either, so it was hard to be invested to begin with. Even the slew of new characters weren't all that likeable. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be continuing on with this series.
⭐⭐/5
September 21, 2023
Middle book syndrome.
I enjoyed the 1st book quite a bit, this one is really disappointing.
The FMC had more chemistry with Jarek than she did with the MMC.
The whole "break up" at the beginning was so unnecessary and forced for the drama that it was annoying, and they were annoying whining about it.
I think I would have liked it if they had and she would have
I enjoyed the 1st book quite a bit, this one is really disappointing.
The FMC had more chemistry with Jarek than she did with the MMC.
The whole "break up" at the beginning was so unnecessary and forced for the drama that it was annoying, and they were annoying whining about it.
I think I would have liked it if they had and she would have
August 1, 2022
I need this yesterday.
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