I didn't realize this was a prequel to a book that was already published. I felt like I missed some information since I hadn't read it and the dual timeline got kind of confusing.

This is the second book in a series where unfortunately I have not read the first - which having
read this one I would deem necessary to fully understand the worldbuilding and set the characters
in place
I was surprised to realise that this book is set 44 years before the events in the first book which made
for a difficult read at times ..... having not read book 1
Also difficult for me are books that follow multiple timelines even if only on a few occasions - they
disrupt the flow of the book .......... I found I had to go back a few pages to re-read when Blanche's memories
led her back to previous times because I hadn't realised that she was no longer in the present
The book features a young woman with special abilities , utilised by her brother the King until she discovers
secrets that threaten not just her own life but the stability of the Kingdom.
She must decide who she can trust ...... is it a man whose loyalty can be bought ?

This is a complex but also a compelling read which despite my reservations above I enjoyed .
I will now have to go back and read book 1 to set book 2 events more firmly in my mind

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Rise of the Fallen Court dives into a rich fantasy world inspired by Rapunzel, with Blanche as the main character. Gifted with the rare ability to enter others' dreams, Blanche struggles under her brother King Etienne’s oppressive rule, which manipulates her power for brutal purposes. Eventually, her rebellion leads to exile at Mora’s Tower, where she joins other outcasts to stir revolution.

The world-building is interesting, with kingdoms in play and hints of greater politics. However, the storyline felt disjointed, often leaping between times and places without enough context, leaving many plot threads unexplained. Though the story has compelling characters and a unique setting, it seemed to lack coherence, feeling as though parts were missing or left unresolved by the end.

I’m intrigued by this series but left a bit lost, and hoping the next book might tie things together more seamlessly.

Such a different book from what I usually read but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this from page one. The whole story and characters just pulled me into this story and I really liked it.

Netgalley did not state the book was a prequel to a series, so it was a bit confusing. The timelines also kept jumping every chapter almost. Very confusing.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Why did none tell me that this was a prequel to ANOTHER BOOK? I mean, it worked fine as a standalone novel, but I feel that I didn't connect much to the characters or the plot due to that little factor...

I enjoyed the romance and the found family aspect of the plot, but I ended up feeling that I was missing something, even if I can't exactly point what. What really threw me off where the multiple timelines, they were really confusing and didn't allow me to connect to the story.

So this is the second book in the series, but it’s set 44 years before the first, so fingers crossed it still makes sense!

I was intrigued going in, but by 22%, it’s still heavily focused on background details and politics. The story unfolds in a dual timeline, separated by four years, and with each chapter, the timelines seem to edge closer together. Our FMC, Blanche, is a mind walker, sister to the king, and has been locked away in a tower, living in isolation. Robert, our MMC, is a mercenary who once commanded her brother’s army.

At 35%, though, I’m starting to feel a bit lost. Especially with Blanche’s conversations with the fallen court—are they mad at her? If so, why? What’s really going on? I think my main struggle here is understanding the motivations of the characters. What do they want? What’s driving their actions, and why are these details still such a mystery?

At 54%, I’ve had to hit pause. The pacing is really dragging, and the endless background is putting me to sleep by 10:15 p.m. The story is moving so slowly that it’s hard to stay engaged.

That said, I do think it’s an interesting concept, and it’s very possible I just wasn’t in the right mood for it. I’m not giving up on it forever, but I’ll be putting it aside for now.

To be honest, I wanted to DNF this book a few times, but I pushed through and finished it. At the end I learned that this book is actually a prequel, and while this might explain the confusion, I am the type of person that reads the prequels first anyway.

The main issue I had with this book is the time jumps, because the happen a lot, every chapter almost (less towards the end). The story (or at least what I understood of it) is not necessarily bad, but reading this book made my brain hurt because it was hard to keep track of what was happening and when (you get the date for each chapter subtitle, but years and date are hard, ok?). At the end, I was mostly confused and I don't feel that this book was good for me in anyway.

However, I don't think the writing style itself, the characters or the world building was bad. I actually think that if the chapters were in the chronological order it could have been a good story, so I'll give this book 3 stars for that.

Very disappointed that the netgalley page did nowhere mention that this novel is connected to another book in the same universe! I could not get into it and only understood why after some research (and flipping back a few pages, where it states so on the title page, thanks). Will not be reviewing until getting to the previously published book in this series.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

I enjoyed this Rapunzel retelling - it was fast-paced and very easy to read. However, though the story was intriguing and entertaining, there were a few times that I had to reread as I was getting slightly confused. This wasn't advertised as a prequel, and I think that knowledge would have helped.

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book.

I didn't realise it was a prequel, but it can definitely be read as a standalone.

The plot itself was good. And I liked the dual timeline and getting both stories at once.

It was the writing style itself that I wasn't that keen on. It was a bit confusing trying to figure out the relationships between Blanche and... well, everyone else. She couldn't be honest about herself to herself, let alone anyone else, and it was very frustrating.

Would I read more? Yes, but it would probably be near the bottom of my TBR pile.

A Spellbinding Tale of Power, Betrayal, and Hidden Magic!

A richly woven fantasy brimming with intrigue, secret powers, and political machinations. If you’re looking for an FMC who’s not afraid to step into her destiny, and a world where trust is as rare as magic, then this is the book for you.

Blanche, our FMC, is no ordinary princess. As the sister of the king in the Red Kingdom, she holds a secret so powerful it could change the fate of the realm, she’s a mindwalker, the first one in centuries. Her rare gift allows her to wander through the minds of others, uncovering hidden plots and dangerous secrets at her brother’s command. But it’s a power that must be kept hidden, especially from the rival factions circling the throne.

Lilly Inkwood does a great job at weaving layers of tension into every page. As Blanche is sent to seek out Il Condottiere, a notorious mercenary leader, she finds herself caught in a dangerous game of deception and betrayal. What begins as a mission to serve her brother soon becomes a test of her own loyalty and courage.

Blanche’s journey isn’t just one of survival, it’s about self-discovery and empowerment. Her exile to Mora’s Tower is supposed to be a punishment, but it becomes her opportunity to hone her powers, free from the shadows of court. And when war erupts, Blanche steps into her role with a strength and ferocity that’s been building since the first page. Her transformation from a dutiful sister to a force to be reckoned with is thrilling to witness.

Rise of the Fallen Court is a perfect blend of high-stakes political intrigue, magical discovery, and slow-burn romance. Inkwood’s writing is captivating, and she crafts a world where the line between friend and foe is blurred, making every decision Blanche faces fraught with risk. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat, and by the end, you’ll be desperate for more.


Thank you to the publisher HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter, the author Lilly Inkwood and Netgalley for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review

Fantasy, romance, fairytale. What's not to love! I absolutely enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more!

When I first started to read this book I was not aware that it was a prequel- part of a series. Fortunately, that really didn’t matter in the scheme of things and I was able to enjoy the story anyway. But she be forewarned if that type of thing bothers you.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters- especially Blanche and I was excited to see how this storyline played out. The book unfolds both in the current time of the novel as well as flashbacks.

I did not know this was a part of a series when I requested it. However its said it can be read as a stand alone yet at the same time I felt confused at times? So I’m not sure if it’s because I didn’t read the other book? I should’ve done more research before requesting.

The pacing was okay, I’d say it was fast but the confusion slowed me down a little. The enemies to lovers was okay. Overall the book wasn’t bad but it wasn’t my favorite. It did intrigue me enough to pick up the rest of the series though.

Thank you for opportunity to read Rise of the Fallen Court By Lilly Inkwood.
Though this is a sequel book, it can be read as a stand alone. This is set in the same world as The Kingdom is a Golden Cage.
Unfortunately I didnt love this book as much. It was slow, and not the slow burn type. just slow in story telling.

Blanche has the rare supernatural gift of mind-walking, making her a political pawn in this divided and warring fantasy world. The story unfolds in real-time, and the past and the timelines are complex but titled, so you know where you are. I like the use of the enemies-to-lovers romance trope and the friendships she finds in adversity. The complex world is intriguing and multilayered. The pacing is much better in this second book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

A well written fantasy prequel full of intriguing magic. Blanche has such a rare magic, that her teacher had to look at old scrolls to figure out how to teach her and she is mostly kept away from the other students to keep her magic secret. She is the sister of the king and he is waiting for her to be able to do what he wishes. This book does a good jump of jumping around the last four years to better understand what is happening.