I would give this 3.5 stars. It started out pretty slowly and I was almost instantly annoyed with everyone's woe is me attitudes. That being said, once everyone split up and went their own separate ways for the story, things became a lot better. The character development after that was wonderful and showed different sides to everyone. Honestly, Jax is probably the one that annoys me the most but oh well. I loved the Cursebreaker series so I would have loved to get some more Harper, Rhen, and Grey but oh well. It definetly ended on a cliffhanger so I can't wait to see what happens next.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the ARC!

Brigid Kemmerer does it again. The queen of fantasy is back. This book did not disappoint, you need to pick it up!

This continues Kemmerer's series and returns us to fan favorites, Jax and Tycho. I enjoyed the story but it also made me sad to see so much disfunction and frustration between the characters. I love Kemmerer's writing and the world she has created so I will continue to read her books, even if this one wasn't my most favorite.

Carving Shadows into Gold really blew me away. As the second book in Brigid Kemmerer’s Forging Silver into Starsseries, it picks up right where the first one ended, and I couldn’t wait to dive back into this world. The pacing starts a bit slow, but it allows for deep character development, and I ended up really appreciating how everything unfolded.

Tycho's journey hit me hard. Watching him struggle with betrayal and a desperate need for loyalty felt so emotional and real. And Jax! I loved how his character grew, particularly how his relationship with Tycho evolved into something so tender and genuine. Their romance is done so well—it's natural, heartfelt, and offers great LGBTQ+ representation. I was rooting for them from the start.

Callyn’s journey at court was intriguing too. She starts to gain confidence and learns that the political world she’s been thrown into isn’t as black and white as she thought. The tension between her and the royal family was really interesting to watch unfold.

The political aspects of the story slowed things down for me at times, but they were essential to setting up bigger events. The world-building is incredible, and I found myself completely immersed again, even though I hadn’t read the first book in a while.

Overall, I’m really pleased with how this book turned out. It’s a great mix of magic, action, and complex relationships. I can’t wait to see what happens next—I’m already looking forward to the next book!

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.

I really enjoyed Carving Shadows into Gold. I think Jax is a stupendous character, and his growth and development in this book was masterful. While I was bereft that this book didn’t have nearly enough Jax-Tycho interactions, I am a huge fan of Jax finding out who he is now that he’s out of Briarlock, and without the influence of a relationship. As for Tycho, I’m so devastated for him – this entire book was the creation of distance between him and the people he loves. His devotion to Grey has been a point of pride for him his entire adult life, and I am intrigued to see what he does if that changes. I love Callyn, but I don’t feel like this book gave her much of a chance to shine. Overall, the pacing was slow, albeit steady, with most of the plot happening within conversations verses events. I’m looking forward to seeing which characters get redemptions, how relationships will continue to evolve, and what part Tycho plays in Nakiis’ plans.

Brigid is one of my favorite authors and I will eat up everything she writes. I absolutely loved the first book, i re read it on audio to prepare for this book and was dying to dive into it and it did not disappoint. I really love the magic and politics in this book. And the connections and relationships between the characters are everything. It did fill a little slow paced but overall I enjoyed it. I need more Jax and tycho!!!

This author is quickly becoming one of my favorite fantasy authors of all time. Stunning world building. Brilliant pacing. And characters that made me want to stream at them and be their best friend at the same time.
I cannot wait to read more.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy!

Carving Shadows into Gold wrecked me in the best way. I didn’t want to stop reading, but at the same time, every page hurt. Kemmerer’s world pulls you in so deep it’s impossible to let go.

This book aches. Tycho’s pain, his loneliness—it’s raw and real, and I just wanted to reach into the pages and hug him. Watching him open up to Jax, only to end up alone again? Absolutely brutal. The first half is packed with drama and the slowest slow burn, while the second half had so much tension building I was begging for something to explode. Jax’s struggles dragged at times, but Callyn? Watching her find her strength was everything.

But what really hit me was seeing them start to come back to each other. That found family bond has always been the heart of this story, and I missed it. Now I need book three yesterday—I need answers, I need chaos, and more than anything, I need Tycho to finally be loved the way he deserves.

This sequel delivers everything I hoped for political intrigue, deepening character relationships, and high-stakes magic. The story moves at a gripping pace, keeping me invested in the characters’ struggles and triumphs. The romance remains a slow burn, which makes it even more rewarding. If you loved the first book, this one is a must.

The sequel we’ve all been waiting for. Tycho and Jax head to Ironrose castle with Prince Rhen and part of the Emberfall army after the victory at Briarlock. A scraver attacks looking for a mage smith leaving them wondering which side the scravers are on. Will Jax and Tycho be able to settle in at Ironrose and spend quality time together? On the other side of the border, Callyn and Nora are ladies maids to the princess and notice things are amiss between the king and the queen. Is Lord Alek still a threat. What about the Truthbringers? Carving Shadows into Gold centers around trust and friendship and is full of action you don’t want to miss.

I won't give away too much, so that those who may not be caught up can still read my opinion. I really enjoy Kemmerer's way of writing--I find her style and narrative voice to be really accessible but very compelling. I have enjoyed each book by her that I've read, and I can definitely see her characters and understanding of them really deepening as time goes on. I can't wait for more from this author. I highly recommend her fantasy stories!

“I should start keeping a list of all the ways fate hates me.”
Here are reasons to read the YA Fantasy book:

2nd in Series - In this 2nd book in the series, and 5th book in this universe
Travelers - Travelers Jax and Tycho arrive at Ironrose castle
Blacksmith - but Tycho is immediately sent to the Crystal Palace to warn of attacks of scravers, so Jax is employed as a blacksmith at the castle without him
Magic - Syl Shallow has it’s own chaos, stemming from a fear of magic


I really do love this author’s writing as it feels like coming home. I read this as a buddy read with my friend Erin, and honestly, this is what you call a transition book. For the first half, I felt like Tycho’s chapters could have been told in a conversation to someone else as some were slow. I was much more interested in Callyn and Jax’s chapters which really seemed to drive the story between them. I love the universe and the characters but I was left wanting just a little more to happen. Of course there is another book to finish off this series, so there will be more to come!

Carving Shadows into Gold is the 2nd-book in Brigid Kemmerer's Forging Silver into Stars series. If you're unaware, this is a companion to Kemmerer's popular Cursebreakers series, which began with A Curse So Dark and Lonely. This immersive YA-Fantasy world started off as a loose reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, but oh baby, has it come a long way since then!

I really enjoyed my time with the entire Cursebreakers trilogy, but I gotta say, I feel like these books in the Forging Silver into Stars series feel much more substantial and mature. Personally, I feel like it's Kemmerer's writing. It just keeps getting stronger and stronger. Every time I pick up a book by her, I'm instantly reminded what an insane talent she is.

For example, picking this up, I was concerned I wouldn't remember enough from the 1st-book, because it had been months and months since I had read it. I shouldn't have worried. I was immediately invested and it felt as if I had never left. I remembered everything.

As with the 1st-book, we are following Jax, Tycho and Callyn. In this one however, the three are sort of thrust into different parts of the kingdom, all set on different paths. Though apart, their connections to one another feel as strong as ever. As dangerous events begin to strike the kingdom with increasing frequency, our cast is forced to make difficult choices fighting for their lives and the ones they love. The debate over the use of magic gets put to the ultimate test as war looms forever closer.

I have been anxiously awaiting this continuation and it was everything I wanted it to be. I'm so pleased with everything that unfolded over the course of this 2nd-book. I love this world and these three main characters. I'm truly attached to them and was surprised how easily I found myself completely re-immersed in this story. I feel like I'm a part of this world when I'm reading it.

I already cannot wait for whatever Kemmerer has in store for us next. It feels like everything is coming to a head. I'm scared and excited and all the other emotions. While you can certainly read this series on its own, I would recommend reading Cursebreakers prior to picking this up. This is written in such a way that you wouldn't feel lost without that background, but it definitely adds to the experience if you have read that trilogy.

Thank you to the publisher, Bloomsbury YA, for providing me with a copy to read and review. You know where to find me when the third book drops!!!

The second book in the Cursebreakers series spinoff continues with the story of Tycho (King Grey’s courier), Jax (a blacksmith), and Callyn (one of Grey’s daughter’s ladies-in-waiting). I think it picks up pretty soon after Forging Silver Into Stars, the first book in the series, leaves off, with Tycho and Jax heading to Emberfall and Callyn settling into her new life as a lady’s maid.

I think all the characters are supposed to be eighteen or nineteen, so this reads more like a crossover book (adult fiction with crossover appeal to teen readers) than a young adult novel. All three characters have full-time work roles and are responsible for themselves as adults.

I like all three point-of-view characters, and I enjoy that this story is Cursebreakers adjacent, with scenes involving Grey, Lia Mara, Rhen, and Harper. Some of the events in the books have soured me a bit on Grey as a character, so at times, it was hard for me to feel the admiration that I thought I was supposed to feel for him.

The romance between Jax and Tycho develops more, and the plot leaves room for them to pine for one another. I like that the story allows Tycho to examine how he avoids connection with people and why he makes those choices. Callyn also experiences some romance. I appreciated how that part of the plot revealed that things aren’t always what they seem.

This book made me want to reread A Curse So Dark and Lonely. The structure of retelling a fairytale in that book felt so compelling when I read it. I think I want to revisit that feeling again– the fantasy landscape and romance with the added fairytale elements.

In this sequel to "Forging Silver into Stars," Tycho, Jax, and Callyn's paths have diverged. Callyn resides in the Crystal Palace, acting as a nursemaid to the young Princess. She keeps the secret of her magic close, but when tensions rise in Syhl Shallow, she realizes the danger her magic - and the queen's - could mean for the royal family. Jax finds himself alone in a strange country; he is learning the language, but time is not on his side. Prince Rhen offers assistance, but Jax can't forget what he did to Tycho, even if Tycho himself seems to. Tycho finds himself on the road back to the Crystal Palace, and caught up Grey's fears about magic. Distanced from Jax and from Grey himself, Tycho feels adrift, when he discovers a plot to rid Syhl Shallow of magic once and for all.

This sequel makes for a roaring continuation of "Forging Silver into Stars." Kemmerer's characters are well crafted, multi-faceted, and engaging, and the situations she puts them in are even more so. There's more than one side to take in this story, which is to say that the in-world politics are complex and interesting, and just gray enough that one could have a really rousing discussion about the character's choices. The romances are just as good - although Jax and Tycho don't get as much page time in this volume, their romance is still an ever present thing. Alek and Callyn's romance is just as conflicting and intense as ever, and their future together is left even more uncertain than before. I highly recommend this for fans of Kemmerer's work, as well as for fans of Heartstopper, Lexi Ryan, and Tricia Levenseller.

Carving Shadows into Gold was a strong continuation of the tale. The multiple POVs enhanced the character development (though I especially enjoyed Callyn’s). My students will not only enjoy the action and intrigue, but the themes of sacrifice and honor. I will absolutely be utilizing this title for First Chapter Friday.

I have waited over 2 years for this sequel and let me tell you IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT.

Tensions are high in Emberfall. The fear of magic in Syhl Shallow has created tensions between the king and queen. The Truthbringers, an underground rebel group, continue to stir up distrust amongst the people. Meanwhile, scravers are gathering in the skies, also seeking to eliminate anyone with magic. Tycho, Jax, and Callyn are caught between loyalties and their hearts.

Wow. Wow. Wow. Okay the tensions are very high from the start and only get higher. The first half of the book is pretty heavy with setting the scene and diving deeper into the characters and their relationships with each other. I really enjoyed all the POVs (though Callyn was my favorite). Tycho's reflections on his own loyalties and whether they are wisely placed made me so emotional. All the history throughout these books makes his personal journey so moving. Jax is learning so much about himself and this world and becoming his own person more and more, overcoming a language barrier and making friends with people who seemed to dislike him. Finally, Callyn whose struggling through her own heartbreak and betrayal while finding her place in the Syhl Shallow court and deciding who she can trust.

THE END of this book had me in SUCH a grip. Oh my gosh it was so good and heartbreaking and emotional. I couldn't stop reading. I gasped multiple times. There was multiple moments that ripped my heart out.

I am BEGGING to the book gods PLEASE give me book 3 ASAP. PLEASE. 🙏

This was an excellent continuation of the storyline from Forging Silver Into Stars. We pick up right where the first book left off and follow Jax, Callyn, and Tycho as they navigate complex political conflicts, forbidden and feared magic, danger from unknown magical creatures, and complicated personal relationships. They all have to make choices that could have far reaching consequences for their kingdoms, and the odds are perilously high. Their chapters weave together seamlessly to create a well crafted narrative that mixes their personal lives with the larger outside threats to their kingdoms. The romantic relationships in this book are very well done, without being the focus of the book. Jax and Tycho’s relationship is tender, emotional, and sweet, while Callyn and Alek’s is unsure and filled with mistrust. This is an excellent fantasy story about loyalty, sacrifice, and love. It’s gripping, filled with action, politics, and magic, and I highly recommend it.
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My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️ 🌶️
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Read if you like:
▫️forbidden magic
▫️political intrigue and warring kingdoms
▫️disability rep
▫️LGBTQIA+ main characters
▫️multi POV
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Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing, Brigid Kemmerer, and NetGalley for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Kemmerer is an expert at weaving an extensive cast of characters and their individual developments into a larger plot, making you care about each one. She manages to balance both extensive character exploration with an insanely intricate plot.