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

The second book in the Golden Court Series takes us on a journey with Sadie and Navin as they try to find allies for the Golden Court in hopes to keep a war from breaking out and support through allies in case it did. The pacing was slower at times from book 1; however, I felt like new information was provided to get a better understanding of the dynamics in the Kingdom. The character development can be seen in Calla and the side characters like Sadie. Desperate for peace amongst their people, they set out to break barriers, form new leadership, and create a new way of existing with one another. The love and found family Calla have found continues to develop in this book. I do wish some of the storylines were more detailed More twists and turns are found in this book. Can Calla ultimately achieve being the Queen they want to be while breaking norms and barriers? Can they bring peace and keep those they love safe and happy. I'm looking forward to finding out where this series goes next.

Thank you for the ARC and the opportunity to live in this world!

This was the perfect sequel to the first book, it just flowed really well between the two. I was a little worried that it'd be a tad slow like the first was, but it kept me entertained the entire time! I can't wait till this book is sitting on my shelf!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this arc. I really enjoyed the first book, so I was super excited to get approved for this arc!
This was an amazing continuation of book 1 and I enjoyed following the story and characters. I will say that this book had considerably more spice than book 1, which surprised me a bit. This isn’t particularly a negative, just something to be prepared for when starting this one. Can’t wait for the next book!

I actually liked this book more than the first one and I think the ending especially. I just really wish I could reach the next one. I thought the character development of Navin and Sadie were both really well done and can’t wait to see where their latest quest leads.

I really enjoyed A Sky of Emerald Stars, even though the first 75% felt a little slower than what I usually go for. But the last 25%? Totally worth it—it more than made up for the slower pace.

Following Sadie and Navin was a great ride. Navin wasn’t my favorite in the first book—I thought he was a bit too calm and sensitive for my taste—but he really grew on me in this one. He turned out to be strong, protective, and just so much more than I expected. Sadie also became more likable as we got to see her softer, more relatable side.

That being said, there was a bit too much spice for my liking. The frequency and timing of those moments didn’t always feel right within the flow of the story. I would have preferred fewer, more meaningful scenes that aligned better with the story.

The LGBTQ+ representation in this series is fantastic. A.K. Mulford does inclusion so well—it feels natural and never forced, and it fits perfectly with the plot. If you’re looking for fantasy with strong representation, this is definitely a standout.

I’m really hoping the final book focuses on Maez and Briar!

3.75 ⭐️

I absolutely loved A River Of Golden Bones, this was really good, but I didn't love it quite as much. It just felt like it was missing something. Calla didn't seem like the same character, Sadie seemed to have changed a bit as well so it just felt off the whole time. 🙁

Thank you to NetGalley and A.K. for allowing me to arc read. ♡

A Sky of Emerald Stars is the perfect ending to the series! A.K. Mulford delivers a great mix of romance, action, and magic that keeps you turning the pages. The characters are well-developed, and the world-building is fantastic. It’s an emotional and satisfying read for fans of fantasy with a bit of romance. If you’ve enjoyed the series so far, you’ll love this one!"

After having read the first book, to say I was excited to receive the ARC of book two in the series would be an understatement. I really love this series, and adore the characters and the world this author has built. I love that the romance is slow burn, so when the spicy scenes happen - it's worth the torture. I like how our characters overcome the challenges given to them, and I really can't wait to see how it all plays out in the next book :)

Although I did enjoy this one better than the first - I still thought it could have been so much more. I like this author, and her writing style. For some reason this book seems a bit predictable and maybe a little underdeveloped. However, as with all this author's books, the world-building is beautiful and despite me feeling this could have ben more I still genuinely enjoyed the read.

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was ok. The characters seemed a bit juvenile but then there was a decent amount of spicy scenes that felt uncomfortable for the story arc. The gender discussion was refreshing. Overall, just fell a little flat to me.