This was a great book number two to the series. I really liked the first book and this was just as good. There was twists that I didn't see coming and I cannot wait to read the third book. I liked the story and I liked the characters. I thought it was a well done book.

Beautifully written story, It is a sequel book. In the first book princess Aurelia wasn’t a very loved character but in this book her side of the story changed. Here she is loved , lost , a person who is grieving, wanting to change his life. The sequel is very emotional than I expected to be. Worth a read.

I devoured book one and this one I read in just a few hours. I loved this story and can not wait for the third book in the series. I need more! This one was full of twists, turns, and a story that I could not put down. I think this is going to be one of my favorite series of all time! Now to wait for book three!

For me, second books are sometimes hit or miss. This book was definitely a hit! I enjoyed the story and it was such a fast read I didn't notice the day go by. I was hesitant to read it due to the first book, but I'm so glad I did!

This was a fantastic sequel to continue the series. It was exciting and kept me on my toes throughout the whole book. I can't wait to read more!

When I requested Greythorne by Crystal Smith, I did not realize it was the second book in the Bloodleaf trilogy. That would have been helpful to know, as I struggled a bit following the story when I began this book. The adventurewas intriguing, and I enjoyed following Aurelia. I look forward to sharing this series with my students who love fantasy novels.

I must say that this book was well done. I find books that are in the middle of a series tend to lag because they are mostly filler in the story. But not this, so much happened! And I really want to find out what happens next, I'm thrilled to say. I mean, THAT ENDING! Smith seems to be a master storyteller with a well-thought out plot that is quick paced. Next one please!

Aurelia is brilliant in this installment. She’s strong, manipulative, selfless, and above all absolutely cunning. I adored her journey and how everything did not just fall into place but she made sure it did. Another character that really intrigued me was Castillion. I wish we got to see more of him and his story. Maybe in future a book?

I did think this series might be a love triangle, but I believe the author made it very clear in this installment that is most certainly one-sided. So if you’re a love-triangle hater… don’t worry! Ha!

Another thing about Greythorne is how dark parts of it got. Parts of this book are downright devastating. It definitely was no where near a light-hearted YA story and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I do have to admit on the other side, it took me a while to get through this book though. For some reason I just could not connect to the first half of the book. However, once it got going… it really got going.

Definitely a fabulous continuation of a turbulent series.

Greythorne unfortunately fell flat for me, at least on this read. I would be interested in re-reading it after giving Bloodleaf another chance, as I don't remember feeling this way about Bloodleaf. For Greythorne, the characterization felt flimsy, the conflict felt forced, the romance plotline came off strangely, and all in all it just didn't grip me. But I've forgotten a lot of Bloodleaf's plot since reading it, which may have an effect.

I love spending time in this world. This is the sequel to Bloodleaf, and the story picks up after a bit of time has lapsed. At first, I really didn’t care for being dumped into the story with all these changes and no explanation of how we got to this place. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that it was necessary to the story. ⁣
It’s so difficult to give this one a proper review without giving anything away. Our characters go through immense periods of growth and change and so many new developments come about. New characters are introduced and some characters leave us (though this isn’t surprising, since the first book was a blood bath). ⁣
It was so hard to leave this world at the conclusion of this book. It took me days to even look at another book. The good news is that we will get to return to this world once more and there is sooo much set up for the third book that I can’t wait to see what happens!⁣

Greythorne is everything a sequel should be. It has everything I loved about Bloodleaf, but it takes the plot and the stakes to the next level. Aurelia reels from the destruction of Achlev and the events that cost her the life of someone she loves, but she has little time to grieve. A coup by enemy mages puts her brother's acscent to the throne at risk, and Aurelia soon finds herself on the run and hunted like a fugitive on all sides. With the return of someone from her past and a darkness coming to claim her as its own, Aurelia along with Kellan and Onal must seek out the warden of the Ebonwilde if they have any hope of survival. Will Aurelia finally bring peace to Renalt and see her brother safely on the throne, or will the secrets of the past swallow her whole?
I enjoyed Bloodleaf, but I LOVED Greythorne. The ante is upped from the first page. Aurelia comes off in this book was such a sympathetic character who is simultaneously trying to keep the people she loves safe and attempting to grieve the loss of Zan. The twist Smith employs regarding Aurelia and Zan in this novel pretty much knocked me off my feet, and was one of my favorite parts of this novel. I couldn't get enough of the star-crossed, forbidden lost romance between them. Aurelia's resilience was truly admirable. I also loved the lore of the warden of the Ebonwilde and the truth behind it was also an enjoyable thing to watch unfold. Smith has outdone herself with this exciting next installment of her Bloodleaf trilogy, one with complex but heartfelt characters, expansive world-building and dangerous magic. A story about a girl embracing the one thing that makes others abhor in her to save the people she loves, all the while trying to keep the darkness from consuming her.

I was lucky enough to to get an early copy of Greythorne and I loved it. I loved being back in the world. I love that Aurelia finally started practicing her magic. I loved that we got to know Onal better. There is so much that happens here that I don't want to give anything away but you will not be able to put it down!

That ending?! I can’t believe I have to wait until JUNE to find out what happens in Ebonwilde

Initial Thoughts

First of all, I just want to say I’m all about these new covers. I was also on the Street Team for this release and seeing everyone’s posts just made me want to read this book more. I received Bloodleaf last year in one of the first book boxes I ever received and it was also one of the first audiobooks that I tried. I loved the characters and was super excited to find out what would happen to them in this book.

Some Things I Liked

Loose ends tied up. I loved that all of the subtle clues and hints dropped in Bloodleaf and throughout Greythorne came full circle. Every detail is so thoughtfully placed and it was such a pleasure trying to puzzle out the hidden meanings behind the mysteries Aurelia uncovers.
Love triangle is over. I’m so glad the love triangle element is played out. Aurelia and Zan are endgame and I will not have anyone tell me otherwise. I am a fan of Kellen, but he needs to find someone else. Aurelia is spoken for. Anyway, I was glad to see the romance element between Kellen and Aurelia was pretty much nonexistent in this book.
Onal and her sass. Onal was amazing in Bloodleaf and I was so glad to see her featured so prominently in Greythorne. She was an absolute treasure and I loved her backstory.

Series Value

After reading Bloodleaf, I knew this was a series I wanted to stick with. Now, after having read Greythorne, I’m even more sure this is an awesome series. As soon as someone wants to send me a copy of Ebonwilde, I’ll be reading it.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. I liked Bloodleaf a lot but I loved Greythorne. Aurelia’s character growth was amazing and I loved the way the plot came full circle. I’m super excited to see what happens in Ebonwilde and I really hope that we can see some of that story told from Zan’s perspective.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendations for Further Reading

Ebonwilde by Crystal Smith – I haven’t read Ebonwilde yet but I definitely will be reading it! I can’t wait to find out how this stunning series concludes.
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin – if you enjoyed the witchy elements of the Bloodleaf series, try this series by Shelby Mahurin. Book 2, Blood & Honey came out on September 1, 2020 as well.

*Thank you to HMH Teen and NetGalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Take all of your theories about Greythorne and throw them out the window! There is no way to predict the path this story would take before you read it. The plot was intricate and extremely well-thought out full of twists and turns. There is also a trope that I typically hate in this book, but it was so well done in this instance that I actually really enjoyed it.

This story really hurt me sometimes. I was definitely upset for our characters because they go through so much. I love Aurelia's growth in this book, and meeting all her new friends (who I really hope we see more of in book 3!!). Honestly some of my favorite characters from this book were Aurelia, Rosetta (who is introduced), Onal, and Conrad. Lil baby Conrad! Truly I love him and his love for his little puzzle box. I can see where some people may not like this book, especially if they are really character driven readers. This is definitely more of a plot book. Although, I do think that there is a good balance.

The way this book ended had me mindblown and desperate for the next book. I really liked Bloodleaf, but I loved Greythorne. The plot is intricate, the stakes are high, and the characters take you on an emotional ride.

2.5 stars
Greythorne was a bit of a disappointment, The book starts off six months after the first and a whole lot things have happened but then we go back and see some of the things that transpired, why didn’t we just see them from the beginning why did we have to jump through time it made the plot feel all over the place. The romance between Aurelia and Zan was completely gone, considering we thought he met his demise and then the whole lack of touching due to magic was just unnecessary drama. The villain was mediocre at best. After I was finished, I felt wanting more. Overall Greythorne may have fell to the second book syndrome where it felt too rushed, all over the place plot and the romance we wanted we did not get. Here’s hoping book three does not suffer the same fate.

Greythorne is the second book in the Bloodleaf series by Crystal Smith. A young adult fantasy that is sure to take you on a journey of mystery and intrigue. The second book has more twists and turns than the first.  Smith writing has you feeling a roller coaster of emotions, so be sure to keep a box of tissues nearby.  I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Greythorne, book two in the Bloodleaf trilogy, opens with (former?) Princess Aurelia reeling from the loss of her beloved Zan. The kingdom is also in disarray after the events of Bloodleaf, as her brother, Prince Conrad, prepares for his coronation at Greythorne Manor. After deftly playing cards for money at a quiet inn, Aurelia makes her way to Greythorne for the coronation, only to find it upended as the people turn against Conrad, and Aurelia is forced away from her brother in order to keep him safe, as she is being hunted for who she is. With her enemies growing and her allies woefully thin, can Aurelia turn the tide to keep her family safe and find some semblance of peace?⁣
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This sequel really took off in a great way after what happened in Bloodleaf. While the first story established the world and some of the stakes, Greythorne allowed Aurelia to breathe as a character and put her through the paces as one big surprise after another sprang up as if she was haunted by a hydra of misfortune. Aurelia's character really gets to shine because, while she is in mortal danger, she's doing her best for others as well. Most of the supporting characters, such as Kellan, also become more fleshed out as the story progresses. There were many surprises and developments, particularly in the final pages, and this was a fantastic middle arc for what's shaping up to be a very respectable fantasy trilogy. Get ready for a heroine you can root for and a doozy of a cliffhanger if you dare to step foot in Greythorne, and I really, really think you should.⁣

I need a minute. Or ten or a thousnd. I lost hold of my feelings somewhere along the way and they are still running wild. This book, I mean—I thought the first one was intense?! This jumps that to a whole new level.

A huge thank you to Raincoast Books and HMH Teen for the ARC copy!

From what I gathered in reading this, I believe this second instalment is a Sleeping Beauty slash Sleepy Hollow retelling mash-up. The story picks up about 5 months after the end of Bloodleaf. I was incredibly satisfied with the ending of Bloodleaf, and that died pretty soon after once I read the synopsis. It's pretty easy to put together the dots of what happened based on the summary, and it is shortly confirmed in the first few chapters. Aurelia has become a bit of a loner. She is in mourning and still reeling from the events of the past book. Her little brother, Conrad, is about to be crowned king, but the world is still in turmoil from the fall of Achlev. Greythorne estate is surrounded by Achlevian refugees who are without a country and in a place that does not like them. Worse still is the Tribunal, which again, Crystal Smith makes so easy to hate.

Aurelia is a much changed character from who we met on the first page of Book 1. She has become hard and tough, both from her experiences and her growing grief. Two of the three lives tied to her remain now that her mother died in her place. Properly outed as a witch, she is not loved by her people. Worse still is that she was the one who brought the wall down in Achlev. She's the one who brought these unwanted, heathen refugees into Renault only for them to steal jobs or not work at all. If that sounds Trump-like, 99% there is a jab at him in the shape of a "rake the forest" line. Despite all that, Aurelia still tries to help however she can from the shadows for both Renault and Achlev. Making matters even worse, something is wrong with her blood magic. She can't see the ghosts she used to, and using her magic makes her horribly ill.

The absolute intensity that sucked me into Bloodleaf is still here. Crystal Smith clearly has a gift for writing scenes that make me clutch my pearls and squirm from the sheer craziness of what is going down. I've read few stories that can dig into my feelings like this series seems to do. I am not exaggerating when I say this is literal edge of your seat action. I must admit that the story doesn't seem as ... deep this time. There is a lot more traveling around by the characters and there are a lot of disjointed dream sequences (for good reason, I promise). Despite that, the plot was no less intriguing or riveting. It was near impossible to put down. Not to mention the plot twists! There were so many things I either did not see coming or never would have expected to come up.

I finished both Bloodleaf and Greythorne inside of a week, and now you're telling me I have to wait a year for Ebonwilde? After THAT ending?! I mean, I'll do it, but it will not be easy.

It has been a few days since I've finished Greythrone and I am still in complete and utter shock with everything that happened in this novel. Bloodleaf was my favorite novel of 2019 so it was no surprise that I was going to love Greythorne, but honestly I am obsessed and I need to know what is going to happen next. Crystal is a masterful story teller who uses fast moving plots and beautiful imagery to keep her readings craving more. Plus, THAT ENDING.

At the end of Bloodleaf Aurelia has witness the fall of Achlev and pulled Zan back from the reaches of death. Just when we thought that their story could get a happily ever after, Dominic Castillion has just enrolled his plans to take over what is left of the fallen kingdom of Achlev and Renalt. Greythorne picks up a few months after the end of Bloodleaf. Due to Aurelia's mother dying as part of the blood cloth magic that saves Aurelia from death, it leaves her young brother Conrad as the heir to the throne. But all isn't as it seems as Aurelia returns to Greythrone manor for Conrad's coronation. The tribunal is back and they are set on taking the Renalt kingdom for themselves. With Kellan, Onal and a some new characters Aurelia sets off on a journey into the Ebonwilde to end this all once and for all.

The revelations in the first couple of chapters had me gasping and flipping through the pages of this book as fast as I could. Smith managed to further the plot with events that happened after Bloodleaf ends and before Greythorne start, but seamlessly weaves them in. I did not predict half of the revelations of the things that were going to happen. One revelation in particular had me crying at 2a.m. because just how can this be happening!?

I loved that we got to see Aurelia begin to explore her magic and its boundaries more in Greythorne. Though magic is frowned up, many know that Aurelia is a "witch" so she doesn't have to hide it as she once did. In Bloodleaf, if you were suspected of being a witch then the Tribunal would have you hung. I think it was interesting too to see Aurelia struggle with knowing what the right thing to do is, but knowing that in certain situations she can't use her magic in the ideal way.

Onal has always been one of my favorite characters. Shes blunt, cranky and straight up doesn't put up with anyone's bullshit. In Greythorne we learn a lot more about Onal, her beginnings and her purpose in the castle. I'd loved seeing that bond that Onal and Aurelia continued to build in this novel.

THAT ENDING. WHAT. The ending of Greythorne is the biggest cliffhanger that I have read in a long long long time. I'm itching to get Ebonwilde into my hands to know what is going to happen to these characters next. BUT THE PAIN. Overall I loved Greythorne as much as I loved Bloodleaf, possibly even more and I can't wait to see what heartbreak Smith has in store for us next.

Wow just friggin wow...I was not expecting ANY of that. Before I start off into what I expect to be a long rant about how amazing this book is I want to send a big thank you to HMH Teen and Crystal Smith for providing me a eARC in exchange for my honest review!

After the *ahem* unpleasant events that occurred at the end of Bloodleaf, Aurelia was left facing the consequences but in Greythorne we see that they were even more dire than Aurelia realized. Everything in Aurelia's life has fallen apart; the country she fell in love with, the Prince she loved, and her brother's claim to the throne. But when the Tribunal resurfaces with a new leader and a new way of doing things, Aurelia's life hits rock bottom. But with the help of some new friends, Aurelia will fight for all those she cares about to stop the Tribunal before they go too far, but will she be able to save herself?

I just gave myself chills writing that! But onto the important stuff...Greythorne is a magical story! The plot line was fast paced and when I thought it was going to zig, it zagged and when I thought it was going to zag, it went in a totally different direction that I still cannot even comprehend. Seriously, I did not see that coming AT ALL and I'm still reeling from the effects it had on me. I also love that we were able to see more of Aurelia's magic in this book and delve a little deeper into her powers and her history. Plus, we are introduced to another type of magic that was incredible!! It was one of my favorite parts of the book and I cannot wait to find out more about it hopefully in book 3!!

Then we get to the beautiful characters! We have a few of our favorites back in this book, Aurelia, Kellan, Conrad, and some others (wink wink). But we also encounter some new faces! I don't want to spoil anything but one of the ladies we meet is my new favorite and another is well the complete opposite of my favorite! Crystal develops the characters beautifully and they come to life while reading. I thought Aurelia's character development in Bloodthorne was amazing but it has NOTHING on her development during Greythorne!! Wow oh wow Aurelia learns so much about herself during this book she basically becomes another person (hehehe)!

And finally the world building...I loved seeing Greythorne manner after hearing about it in Bloodleaf! Plus the map of it was super fun to look at while reading! But there was a whole other world building that took my breath away. I won't go into details again because hello spoilers but WOW!! Trust me when I say you want to read this book just for that!!

The only downside to this book would be that the last few chapters went by all too quickly...or maybe that was just because I was speed reading. Either way I absolutely need book 3 right now!! Ugh Crystal why do you have to torture us with endings?!? We know your good at it, we believe you, but dang women just because you are good at something doesn't mean you have to torture your readers like that!! Kidding...partially...anyway...thank you Crystal for another amazing journey!!

Greythrone will be out September 1st and there is an amazing pre-order campaign happening for some beautiful character cards and necklace!! Go check out Crystal's instagram or twitter for details! And be sure to check out my bookstagram in the next couple of weeks for a Greythorne cosplay!