Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wow, this series just gets better. I loved this installment! So much happened, and you can definitely see that it is setting up for the last book. I loved how Cassie and Taeo were included in this one. Their friendship is honestly so adorable! That being said the magic system in this was further developed, and I loved learning more about the blameless and their different magic. With the inclusion of the rebels in this one, I am definitely anticipating when the last book comes out, as I need to know what happens. Overall, another great installment to this series!

Exhilarating, intense, and imaginative. Tarnished is hard to put down. It's packed with adventure, yet Christison still takes time out to develop the relationships between the five. Even amidst the dark times their facing, they still manage to have fun, which brings a lightheartedness to the story.

Plot
New life was brought to the story after they made it to the rebel camp and the story took on a new twist with Slate. At first, I didn't like their plan to infiltrate the palace. They didn't try very hard in coming up with other plans and I thought they were putting someone they loved in grave danger, but after Brock and Violet met, the story became more interesting, and I actually like where this is going.

Characters
I really liked Cassie in this and hope to see more of her personality in the third book. Plus, there was Cassie-Slate potential that I'm rooting for. My biggest constructive criticism of the story is around Princess Brie. She seems to hold a proper sense of duty, yet there was a time on the road where she threw a tantrum and it appeared a little out of character.

World Building
They learned more about Violets magic and how the Blameless are being controlled, but much of it is still a mystery.

There's much more to be explored and I can't wait until the third book is out.

This is the second in a fantasy series, perfect for the middle school reader. Briana’s story continues as, along with her friends, she continues to battle against the tyrant Vaylec. Surprises wait for her as her fiery attitude to injustice keeps getting her into trouble. Thank you to Wildling Press and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

I devoured the first book in the series just before The Tarnished came out. It is a thrilling follow-up to The Blameless, where we see Brie reunited with her uncles and supported by new faces. I was especially thrilled with the surprise twist when we are introduced to the rebels.

I greatly enjoyed Brie's journey into a strong young woman, as she continues to navigate the threat to her country. I am very much looking forward to the 3rd book in the series, and what I hope is the final book.

Easily as good as the first book (perhaps better) which was an excellent read. Suitable for my older grandchildren ( 9-15 )but I especially enjoyed it myself (over 21 .....). Rich storytelling, excellent world building and great characters, more please ,....