4.75 stars rounded up

The second book in this wolf shifter romantasy series mostly follows Sadie on a quest to build allies for Calla's army. Sadie is restless and heartbroken from Navin's choices in the first book, so she is less than thrilled when Calla calls on her and Navin to go to the Onyx Wolves to try persuading them to join the Golden Court against the Silver Wolves.

Sadie has to do a lot of unlearning with her assumptions about humans, especially Navin, in this story, and she is constantly trying to reconcile what she knows with what she learns. Calla, while less present, is still learning how to politic and to be the monarch her people need her to be.

While most of the story is build-up with a whole lot of dialogue (and several spicy scenes), the last 20% flew by with a couple of twists and a good set-up for the third book (which I'm HOPING will be Maez and/or Briar). I'm very excited to see what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Welcome back to the Golden Court! While I liked both book in this series so far, I have to say that I did enjoy A Sky of Emerald Stars more than the first book. I cannot pinpoint exactly why though.

This books continues to follow Calla, Grae, and the Golden Court, but offers a much deeper and more frequent POV from wolf-shifter Sadie as she struggles to find her place in the new court and work through her anger with and attraction to Navin. A Sky of Emerald Stars delves deeper into Calla's struggle to find themselves and share their found self with their court and the world at large. Both Calla and Sadie must overcome both internal doubts and external prejudice. This second novels continues the epic world-building of the series and gives much more detail into the magic of the world.

If you are looking for a politically and socially-charged romantic fantasy with wolf shifters, a unique and interesting magic system, and fantastic queer representation, the Golden Court might be a great series for you.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Collins Publishers for e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh man. This book! I always thought the first book could have been a great standalone but this book had me hooked. It was a bit slow then bam. Rollercoaster ride! It's been a bit since I have had plot twist I didn't see coming. Like I knew there had to be someone but Mulford got me good! There just some really unique magic systems. There's some plot holes which is why it's not 5 stars for me but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Oh my word! I thought the first book was good but this? This was GREAT! If I had to choose one thing I loved the most is the writing. The dual POV made this story equally Calla’s story as it is Sadie’s. And the way some of the scenes ended it felt like a cliffhanger on a TV show and I had to wait til next week to find out what happens. I enjoyed the journey Sadie goes on as she unlearns things that no longer fit her. I’m really excited to see where the rest of the series goes. Great work!

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really liked this as a sequel book to book 1. We got growth from the main two characters of the book, Sadie and Navin, and I can see where the plot for future books will go. It was slower in pace compared to book one, but having been in a slump it was not a difficult read at all and I was able to and enjoyed reading it.

This book is very much about betrayal and working to learn how to trust yourself and others again. These characters are really going through it and man I feel like it’s going to get worse before it gets better. If you liked the first book, I’m sure you will like this one as well.

In this book you will find: monsters, second chance romance, betrayal, lgbtq+ characters, death, wolf misogyny, and more lore about this world.

This is the second book in The Golden Court trilogy. In a bid to locate allies Sadie joins Maez and Navin, while Calla seeks out the support of the Ice Wolfe pack. Their journeys are both littered with political intrigue, fighting for their lives and learning who they are in their new roles in the world.

This book focuses mainly on Sadie and Navin, the work they put in while defining what they mean to each other, and the lengths they will go to ensure the world is safe. For humans, for wolves, for everything magical.

I will be honest, this one I had a little bit of a difficult time getting into. I think it had been so much time between the first book and this one, that I forgot a lot of the main ideas. I had to go back and do a little work to understand what precisely was going on. That being said, I did have a little bit of a harder time with it. Sadie was so angry, so annoyed with how she felt towards Navin, that it was like she was constantly picking at him. It felt like he was constantly having to atone for something.

It was probably about 65% into the book before I felt like there was forward movement into the storyline. Once I got to that point, I was zipping through the pages ready to see how everything was going to turn out. Then the ending, it got me. There was a part of me that wondered, what if? but then it hit me right in the face.

So there was a very slow start, but towards the second half, it was much improved.

Was there romance, and spice? Yes. Sadie, had an appetite. But who would blame her 😉

I couldn't put this book down. It was a great escape from the every day chaos of the world. I enjoyed the descriptive landscapes and can really feel for the characters. Sadie is someone you would really like to go on an adventure with, her bravery is a great balance to the vulnerable side she hides underneath. This is a fun series to disappear into when you need a break from reality.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book. This book was decent and I enjoyed the expansion of the world building. It didn't quite live up to my expectations and I didn't find it quite as good as the first one. It was a good addition to the series, but it didn't suck me in like the first one. I hope the next one is better and I can't wait to read it because I'm now invested in this world. 3.5 stars.

Wolves? Warring kingdoms? Found family? A literal knife-to-throat enemies to lovers?

Although this is a sequel, this is a spoiler-free review!

As a long-time A.K. Mulford fan, I was delighted to consume the new Golden Court series, a romantasy trilogy driven by shifters, sorcerers, and humans alike. The first book in the series captures Calla and Grae’s story, but the sequel follows a fledgling romance that we get glimpses of in book one-Navin and Sadie. Sadie, literally nicknamed “Stabby”, is one of my favorite knife-wielding heroines in the story, so I was absolutely delighted to discover the sequel following her journey as the rule of the Golden Court continues.

Something that I adore of every book that Mulford creates is the found family within the pages-every character gets equal screen time, and though A Sky Full of Emerald Stars follows a far different story than book one, we still get a continuation of Grae and Calla’s story. All of these characters still live very visceral lives in my mind-the sweet, healing nature of Ora, Grae’s soft but firm protectiveness, Calla’s ferocity, and Sadie’s innate stubbornness. I LOVED the character development imbued in A Sky of Emerald Stars, as well as the plot which was vastly different than book one, in the most intriguing way.

Finally, Sadie embodies a character archetype I’ll read over and over again-the reluctant, all-thorns-and-all-bite, heroine. While the novel explores every rough edge that Sadie exhibits, we get glimpses of her soft, sweet interior beneath. Book one was good fun to read, but I adored this second installment! And an added element of music? Without giving too much away, if you’re a fan of all things bards and fantasy, this book will be a treat for you.

Things romantasy readers will love:

- Found family
- Enemies to lovers (yes, knife-to-throat)
- Mental health rep
- Court and royal politics
- A page-turning plot FULL of magical monsters
- World-building-we see A LOT more of the world in book 2
- Incredible cast of inclusive characters

And of course, please pick up book one before book 2! As enchanting as it was, you’ll need to read this thrilling trilogy in order. Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!

I didn't realize this was a book two when I first requested it, so I had to backtrack and read through book one. At first, I wasn't sure I was going to make it to book two, but I'm so glad I pushed through! The story itself is a whirlwind and the imagery is quite literally amazing.

In this book, we get an added POV from Sadie, and at first I grumbled about it, but as the story progressed, I found myself more curious about Sadie's plot line than Calla's. She swings violently between rage and fear, which is super valid, but the way she handles it is not really graceful but relatable. I enjoyed her arc more than I thought, especially seeing Navin's secrets unraveled and the hard choices he has to make.

I hit a point in the book where everything was just happening for Sadie and Calla nicely, and thought maybe this book would just be adventurously slow. Maybe this book is a true sequel novel, and needs the buildup. And then the 75% mark happened, and literally everything hit the fan and flung as far as possible. Hooked does not begin to describe how I'm feeling. I am itchy for more news.

More often than not, upon first finishing a novel, I'll think maybe it was a 3 star read, but then I'll catch myself randomly thinking about characters or lines delivered, and that's how I know its a great book. Eager for part three, and can't wait to see how big of a shovel Calla needs to dig herself out of this one!

I was so excited for this book as I read the last one around christmas time, so this book reminds me of the holiday season oddly. Honestly I liked the first book in this trilogy a bit more. I think I really vibed with the main character in the last book, and in this book I felt like she changed (and not for the better).

While I think the plot was interesting in concept, I think the people changed a bit too much between the two books, leading my slightly irritated. I did enjoy learning about the magic system more throughout this. This book was entertaining and this author always writes LGBTQIA+ inclusive works, which I adore, so I will still continue with the third (and I believe last) book in this series when it comes out.

* I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.

I liked Sadie and Navin more in this book but I was surprised that it focused mainly on Sadie and her POV when Calla was the main character in the first book. I did feel like the book in total was pretty surface level and wish there was just some more depth to each of the characters. I also felt that the spice was still unnecessary here.

I’m curious to see how the next book plays out and who the next main character will be lol. I’m going to guess either Briar or Maez.

I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one. The romantic pacing was more my personal speed, and I loved getting to spend more time with these characters. Thank you so much for the review copy!

This was a super good book!! I couldn’t put it down at the beginning of the book! It got a little slow in the middle and I felt like Sadie was being too stubborn, but when she finally gave in it was SOOOO good!! And the cliffhanger at the end?! Can’t wait for the next one!

The highly anticipated second installment in The Golden Court series is a must read. This book brought forth enhancements to the main storyline while revealing some new twists along the way.

We get the opportunity to learn more about the traveling musicians that helped Calla in the first book in addition to getting to know more about Navin, Sadie, and Maez throughout their travels.

My only disappointment remains the same as the first book and that is the unnecessary amount of in-depth intimate moments. If it added to the story or occurred less frequently it would make for a more enjoyable read (IMO). Overall I loved this second book and can’t wait to continue to follow the journey of these characters.


A Sky of Emerald Stars by A. K. Mulford is available December 24, 2024. Check it out!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In this 2nd book in the Golden Court romantasy trilogy, we get Calla's story, a wolf-shifter, and a new story from Sadie. This world is on the brink of war. I will say I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first. Now that we know most of the characters, it is great to see them again. While some parts were a bit slow, overall, I loved the twists and turns that occurred throughout! As far as the romantasy trope, we have a new couple in the mix. Also, the slow burn continues from book one. I definitely recommend this to fans of romantasy.

A Sky of Emerald Stars continues the journey of Calla as she learns how to be a Queen. Sadie has to join forces with Navin to try to bring other wolves to Calla's side to stand against Nero.

This was an anticipated read but unfortunately this book fell a bit flat for me. The first book was very fast paced and exciting this had none of that urgency. I enjoyed the added world building but that couldn't save the slow plodding plot of this entry.

I loved Calla in the first book. She was strong and a badass female lead. In this book she has lost that edge. She has a woe is me air to her and just wants to find different ways to have sex with Grae. Where did our first book Calla go?

Though I am not a fan of this book I will still finish the series.

Thank you to NETGALLEY and Harper Voyager for providing me with an ARC to review.

I received a copy through NetGalley for review.

I was very excited to get to read this one, as the first book I absolutely loved, it was one of my favorites from last year.

Calla Is now the Golden Court's Queen. Having died, and survived to save her court, she still bears the golden scars from her survival. Still coming to terms with her new role, one she never thought she would ever be. All while having the support of her mate Graemon, and still realizing her gender identity of Merem a human term of being as fluid and changing as the river, some days she feels like a man, and dresses to reflect that, other times she feels female, sometimes both.
The wolves culture is so strictly adhered to gender roles, that others don't respect her because she does not always look the part of what they think a Queen should be.

Her sister Briar, The Crimson Princess, was always supposed to lead their people and rule, she was trained for a lifetime of court decorum. Briar is very supportive of Calla's role, and is doing what she can to assist, while enjoying the early time after finding her mate Maez.

Wolves are generally a separationist specie and culture that they also view humans and their culture as less than, The Golden Court, being both of human and wolf, also smashes traditions.
But the Silver Wolves, Calla and Briar's former family and pack hate everything her court represents.
Labeling them all as traitors waiting to strike. Many member of the Golden Court have cut ties with their entire families because of this.

The Silver Wolves, take Ora captive, and begin punishing humans for Calla's adoption of Merem, and taking them into their court. Branding humans for relations with wolves, and slaughtering villages as punishment for Calla's actions, which have nothing to do with the people they are punishing.
Galen De Mora has many secrets of their own, as does the musicians that are a part of it.
Navin and Ora are keeping secrets, and are not all what they seem. Sadie and Navin still have unfinished business with one another, despite being human and wolf.

This world has a lot to offer, and while I didn't love this one as much as the first, it is a second book, it's setting up so much more. People to save, dark magic to battle, songs that could change the world, love that transcends and how far one will go to save and protect those they love. It's a solid book.

I can't wait to read the third installment when it is ready. I have no regrets already placing a preorder for this one prior to reading.

I enjoyed this book a little more than the first. Sadie and Navin are my favorite couple so far. I love the bonds between the wolf packs and their abilities. This book goes more in-depth about how the high and mighty wolves are not as amazing as they think they are and how to try to make everyone equal. We learn more about Navin and what secrets he is keeping from everyone. We see Calla's struggles with being a Queen and making the world see their gender identity. Calla is forced to seek alliances from surrounding kingdoms to prepare for War with King Nero. Everyone splits up and you get to go on many adventures. This book has many challenges, betrayal, tension build-up, action, and spice. The ending left me shocked and excited for the third book.

Thank you, Avon and Harper Voyager for allowing me the opportunity to read and review through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was book 2 in The Golden Court series.

With this book instead of it only being Calla’s pov we are also given Sadie’s pov. I always love a multiple pov as I feel it also gives more depth to a story. Seeing things from multiple POV’s always elevates things in my opinion.

I thought the pacing in this was great. The romance was good and overall I thought it was a great romantasy. Would definitely recommend.

Thank you Net Galley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this eARC.

3.5 stars