Member Reviews
I was able to read this because NetGalley provided with an arc. I loved this romantasy. Great Read. I would read more by this author.
Throne of Air and Darkness is the second installment in the series, and it truly exceeded my expectations. The book is packed with thrilling action, rich character development, and a more intricate plot than I anticipated. Emberly Ash skillfully crafted each scene, bringing the characters to life with distinct personalities that we can really connect with throughout the journey. This story is a captivating read that keeps you engaged from start to finish!
I loved that this book started right where the last left off. That said the book meandered quite a bit only gripping me back in, in the last 100 pages and hooked me again. Onto book three!
Whilst my reading dates have been shockingly LONG on this one (I’ve got caught up in so many hypes and have been putting this one on the back burner to keep from FOMO) I have really enjoyed reading this book.
It continues straight after book one and the character development and world development has been WONDERFUL to dive into. With so many plot twists and turns I was not expecting where this story was going AT all!!
I can’t wait to dive into book 3 - thank you so much To Emberly Ash and Net Galley for this review.
Fave quote:
“The gods made you for me. Carved you from the stars themselves and I could no longer bear to gaze up the sky without longing for you.”
I was unable to finish the first book. I can't imagine I would have liked the second book any better.
While I didn't like the first book, I still wanted to give them one a try... and unfortunately, it ended in the same result. The action and story building were better in this book, but it went far far far too much in the other direction. So much of this book could have been cut to make the story more concise and clean.
Enjoyed the book. You should read the first book so you know what is going on as the book picks up where the last book ends. It did take me longer to read the book. I continue to enjoy the retelling of King Arthur and the introduction of more characters from that story.
I got 85 % in and life got so crazy I wasnt able to finish the book. From where I was at I really like the story and the storyline she was talking these too. When I’m able to get back on and finish this I will be. I truly liked the characters ( especially the two MMC)
Absolutely recommend this book/series !!great fantasy retelling !
Thank you to Emberly Ash and Cara Maxwell Romance for sharing this E-ARC copy of Throne of Air and Darkness with me. I went into this book knowing it wasn't for me. After reading the first one, I knew that this series was not going to be my kind of book, but I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns that happened near the end. As with Crown of Earth and Sky, this book was extremely plot light on the majority - only really picking up in pace towards the end of the book. I would say maybe 80% of it was spent on building character and background, which of course is integral to any good story but I really wish some heavier plot points would have been spread along the book as I read to give it a bit of a pick up as I went along. There was a lot of character development explored with Veyka, Arran, and tthe two of them together, but some of the side characters fell behind. While in the first book Osheen practically didn't exist, he became a major cside character in this book which confused me a bit. Now, there were some things that confused me a bit, but that could have been on my part as I took a little while to get through the book, and I think this book as with the last is perfect for anyone who loves the 2nd or 3rd ACOTAR books because I can make a lot of connections to the two of those. I really liked the representation in this book, so that was another major plus. Again, I just want to say that I came into reading this knowing I wasn't going to like it and I was pleasantly suprised by the ending to find out that I was curious to see what happens next!
This is the second book in the series and it did not disappoint. Where the first one lay the foundations of the characters and the romance, this book built the politics and action.
There was still a good amount of romance and spice to keep you swooning throughout
It's world was so fun and interesting and the spice was amazing. I unfortunately for me the plot did lose me at times. Pacing as well had me skimming pages more than i typically would. I still enjoyed it nonetheless. And am very excited for book 3
20% into the first book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to get into it fully, and felt like a bit of a dink for signing up to review all three, but they just sounded soooo up my alley and boy, I don’t think I was disappointed.
Much of this book is spent with Veyka, Arran and their little merry band, trekking through less than hospitable foreign land, looming threats and ALL the unease (both horny and dangerous). Again, I have to applaud Ash for subverting expectations while raising suspicion with subtle foreshadowing.
The opening from dual perspective to multiple perspectives in two different regions was thoughtful, and it was a pleasure to get a taste of Gwen and Parys working together to hold down the fort. Without contact with Veyka, Arran and co, nobody has any idea of what’s going on and that is KILLING ME.
This Arthurian retelling is rather loose (though I am not thoroughly educated!) but the familiar elements don’t feel stuffy or forced. Ash is an exemplary smut writer, these books are very hot, leaving nothing to the imagination, and do not make me cringe even a little bit. I believe my hopes for a secondary romance have been dashed and I will not be forgiving anytime soon 🥺 Arran and Veyka together turns me into enough of a puddle so maybe it’s for the best.
While the stakes get higher, the emotions messier, and the smut steamier, my only true complaint is that this book doesn’t shine fully on its own. On this quest to find Avalon, Throne of Air and Darkness spends much of its time expanding politics and world building in a new direction compared to Crown of Earth and Sky. The overarching quest offers a lot of scope as to how big deal bad this looming presence is, and there’s a lot of positive tension in a journey that feels a bit aimless at times. That niggling feeling may be due in part the fact that I am absolutely devouring all three in quick succession. However, even as a bridge sequel, (and as I’ve said in my previous review), I’m certain there’s intent in not seeing. My trust in Emberley Ash for a strong third book is rock solid, and I’m ALREADY lamenting that book 4 is not yet released.
Much thanks to Cara Maxwell Romance, NetGalley, and Emberley Ash for the privilege of reading this series in exchange for my honest review 💜
Devoured all three books of this series in a matter of days! Didn't really think a King Arthur retelling was my cup of tea but I was so, so wrong. Can't wait for the next one!
Holy heck ! This was such a good book and the perfect follow on from book one.
I loved that the characters continued to develop and grow throughout the course of the story. They’ve become such strong characters and I’m so obsessed with seeing how they continue to do so throughout the rest of the series.
The plot of this book was so freaking interesting!! Learning more about what they are facing and them finding the answers through their journey to Avalon. The twists and turns were so unpredictable and intriguing. Not to mention that again it had a cliffhanger. Which was so heart breaking and I immediately dove into book 3.
The chemistry between the characters was amazing in the first book but it was elevated to an amazing level. The way their relationship continues to grow and develop more and more. I love watching them as a couple. The spice was a lot higher in this one about a 4/5, it was a ton more frequent throughout this book.
Overall, I devoured this book. I loved it. I’m putting it at a 5/5. I read it in one day! I couldn’t put it down. 100% would recommend to anyone who has a love for romantasy.
Throne of Air and Darkness (Secrets of the Faerie Crown book 2) by Emberly Ash
Review
4.75 stars
Emberly, girl, you and I are going to need to have a chat about these cliffhangers! How am I supposed to sleep after that !? This is the second book in the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series. A delicious King Arthur retelling, but reimagined as though it was about his sister and everyone is Fae, sexy and stabby. I really enjoyed the first book, however I do think that I enjoyed this one more. I really enjoyed getting to see Veykas strength as a character come through as well as a more emotionally mature side of Arran. For anyone who loved the spice in book 1, you definitely won’t be disappointed by the spice in book 2! Honestly if you are into fantasy, fae, fated mates, touch her and die, found family and spice … then why aren’t you reading this series?! I was lucky enough to read the first 2 from netgalley so I will be continuing this series under my own steam :)
This is the second book in the series of Vekya and Arran trying to figure out the mysteries behind the darkness. Many challenges arise for the group of the round table. Vekya, Arran , and group try to figure out how the humans play a part in all this. They soon come to realize that the humans are not their biggest problem and they might be judging the humans too harshly.
Vekya and Arran over their journey also learn more about each other and their relationship and what that means for their future. This book is mostly about them realizing that this is all bigger than they thought and more as at stake than they realized.
I honestly would have given this book 3.5 stars. I feel like this book could have been cut down quite a bit. It was a bit drug out in some spots and took awhile for something monumental to occur that really affected the story line. Other than that I love the characters and the development of Vekya and Arran's relationship. There are a few twist and turns in this book. This ends on a cliffhanger.
Fated Mates, Strong FMC, Stubborn MMC who begins to realize that he can't protect her from everything, War, Magic, Loss
Character Development:4/5
Plot:3/5
Spice: 2/5
I’m giving this book a 3 star rating because I was expecting more action.
We get new settings as they try to reach Avalon and I thought that would mean more action packed scenes and discoveries; instead, it’s mainly Veyka struggling to come to terms with her feelings for Arran while he patiently waits.
I love them, they’re the sweetest, and there’s a lot of trauma sharing that made me really sad for them. They deserved better.
But not much else happens in this book, until the very end. Oh boy… everything happens in the end. Hopefully, the next book will have more action throughout and we get more clarity on everything.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author, for the opportunity to read this book. It has been great getting to immerse myself in this universe!
An absolutely outstanding book that I just couldn’t put down! I feel so honoured to have been given the opportunity to read this as an ARC as the book is just phenomenal
Another ending that has me itching to pick up the next book in the series! In the sequel we see more of what we learned in book one come together and Veyka and Arran continuing to learn about their relationship. We also get to explore more of their world and the human world and learn about how magic fits in with the fae and humans. I don’t want to say more that would give away the plot of book one! ☺️
I struggled a bit with the pacing in this sequel but loved the weaving of the parts of the story we know and nods to famous mythical characters in the traditional King Arthur story.
Overall a fun romantasy story and I look forward to continuing!
He falls first! I love how steamy they are and there are some difference in the mated bond like acceptance vs it just being there. I like how there was the choice and the way their relationship came to be. It felt realistic that way, all of the ways the characters were developed. I have enjoyed the story and I am RUNNING to the next book.
There is something building and how its being developed over the series is something I have enjoyed rather than the plot being rushed, there are key points happening still but it is built in a way, I’d call it like a plot slow burn. Maybe there’s a better way, but if you enjoy fantasy, lore, and spicy content you will enjoy this read.