Carving Shadows into Gold - eBook ARC from NetGalley
3.5 Stars
Brigid Kemmerer’s Carving Shadows into Gold continues the journey begun in Forged Silver into Stars, bringing back beloved characters like Tycho, Jax, and Callyn. Told through multiple POVs, this installment dives deep into court politics, magic, and the strength (and strain) of personal bonds.

One of the standout aspects of this book for me was the relationships. The dynamic between Tycho and Jax was a highlight, and their moments together added emotional depth that kept me invested. The LGBTQ+ representation was another strong point—thoughtful, fresh, and handled beautifully.

That said, the pacing felt very slow at times. While I can appreciate the deliberate buildup needed to craft a multi-layered narrative, I often found myself wishing for the story to pick up. There were moments when the plot felt stretched, and I couldn’t help but feel this story might have benefited from a bit more editing to tighten the narrative. It did give me a bit of that “second book syndrome” vibe—where the stakes are being set for bigger things to come but the momentum falters slightly.

What’s undeniable, though, is Brigid Kemmerer’s talent as a writer. Her prose is consistently stunning, and even though Carving Shadows into Gold isn’t my favorite of her works, it’s still a strong addition to her catalog. Fans of the series will likely appreciate the nuanced character growth and rich exploration of bonds and betrayals, even if the pace requires some patience.

Our queen Brigid strikes again! Words cannot express how THRILLED I. was to get my hands. on this! I was beyond. excited to hear more from Jax and Tycho and this book DID NOT dissapoint! Sitting here (not so) patiently waiting for book three Ms. Brigid!

3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury YA, and Bloomsbury USA Children's Books for this advanced copy. You can pick up Carving Shadows into Gold on January 28, 2025.

While I loved the Cursebreakers series and Forging Silver into Stars, this one was a bit of a miss for me. It fell a bit into second-book syndrome, where most of what occurs is set up for the third book. And while some character growth occurs, for most of the book, characters repeat the same arguments over and over again.

*Slight spoilers ahead*.

Grey and Tycho, for one, are still in the same weird limbo they were in for the entirety of the first book. That limbo has now slightly expanded to Tycho and Jax, and it's definitely affected Grey and Lia Mara's relationship. I know they aren't the main characters of this series, but it just hurts to see the couple I loved from the original series go through so many struggles and (avoidable) issues.

I think Jax and Callyn had the most interesting POVs this book, especially with Callyn being front and center to the court politcking and drama happening in Syl Shallow. But her relationship with Alek still kinda gives me the ick, and she spends so much time wondering who to trust and doubting people every other time that it's starting to make ME feel paranoid.

I think Jax had the most growth in this book as he's thrown into a completely new country and has to adapt to a different language and culture than he's used to. I loved seeing him make friends and learn to assimilate, but his reunion with Tycho at the end of the book felt a bit...lackluster? And they didn't talk out their issues with the long-distance?

Idk. While I loved Tycho in the original series, I feel like he's just turned into an angry, sullen teenager now who doesn't know how to express or process his feelings. Mans was angry or pissed off the whole book until he became friends with Malin, who is officially my favorite character. We stan an unproblematic king.

If you enjoyed the first book, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one. I'm still curious to pick up the third, but I hope a lot of these character relationships and rifts get resolved.

Carving Shadows into Gold picks up immediately after Forging Silver into Stars, so if you can read these back to back I would recommend it. If not, no worries Carving Shadows into Gold gives enough backstory that it will remind you what happened. This has magic, political intrigue, sweeping sagas and love. It’s very YA, which usually isn’t my jam, but Brigid Kemmerer is a sorceress because I couldn’t put it down.

Carving Shadows into Gold has the same three POV’s as the previous book, Jax, Tycho and Callyn, woven together in a way that kept me enthralled. Jax has to find his way in Emberfell where he knows no-one, doesn’t speak the language and has to really come into himself. Tycho’s bonds to Grey are tested, his love for Jax and the deal he made in the previous book may come back to bite him. Callyn’s faith in magic is tested, her bonds to the queen deepen and I loved seeing her training to protect herself. These three are tied together by friendship and love while the kingdom is under attack from outside forces and within.

This book drags a bit but it’s a second book in what I think will be a 3 books series (her other 2 YA series are 3 books). I expect the third book will wrap up everything. I wanted a bit more of Tycho and Grey working their issues out and Grey with Lia Mara but I’m hopeful book 3 will give me that HEA. The relationships are wonderfully built and flushed out - if Callyn and A, Jax and Tycho don’t get an HEA, I might revolt. Even the complex feelings of Tycho and Rhen are so well done, their conversations broke my heart. Carving Shadows into Gold has a great balance of action, emotion and magic with a cliffhanger that left me wanting more.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for sending this book (eARC) to review, all opinions are my own.

I really enjoy these characters and was excited to see hoe Jax and Callyn's lives changed after the events of the first book. Their chapters were the most satisfying parts of this book for me. It was also interesting to see more of Tycho's perspective in this book and I really enjoyed his friendship with Mal. There are some interesting things brewing and I am curious where this is all going. That said the pacing felt off and like things were dragging on as we just lead into the big conclusion. This really felt like it could have been combined with the events of the first book into one story, that sets up the conflict for what will now be the third book. Overall it's still a great book and I am drawn in by the characters.

This book continues the story very well! It is a little bit of a filler book, but that’s okay, I’m curious to see what happens next.

Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer
Rating: 4.5 stars
Pub date: 1/28

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury for my advanced copy!

Brigid Kemmerer does it again with Carving Shadows Into Gold, the next gripping installment in her Emberfall universe. Picking up right after Forging Silver Into Stars, this book delivers a perfect mix of magic, political intrigue, and personal growth.

The story follows Tycho, Jax, and Callyn as they navigate challenges that could reshape their lives—and their kingdom. Tycho’s dangerous bargain looms over him, and every choice feels like life or death. Jax is adjusting to life in Emberfall, far from the simplicity of Briarlock, while Callyn finds herself in the court of Syhl Shallow, unsure of who she can trust. Their paths are full of tension and tough decisions.

Kemmerer’s world-building is rich and immersive. It’s full of magic and political drama, intertwined in ways that feel natural. Fans of the Cursebreaker series will love seeing familiar faces like King Gray and Queen Lia Mara and how their stories continue to evolve.

What really stands out, though, is the character development. Watching these three grow and wrestle with their identities is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The stakes are high, the emotions run deep, and the ending ties up just enough to leave you satisfied while setting up the next book perfectly.

If you love fantasy with compelling characters and a dash of danger, this series is a must-read. Start with Forging Silver Into Stars, then dive into this one. You won’t regret it!

I am very sad to say that I didn't love this. I'm a huge Kemmerer fan and loved the first book in this series. I found this book to be a whole lot of nothing happening, I found the dynamics between Jax and Tycho frustrating (what happened to the Tycho I fell in love with????) the thing that sent me over the edge with this though was what happened with Sephran. we grow to love him for what a good friend he's been to Jax and then he like lowkey SA's him???? what? and then Jax is just like, it's okay I forgive you? absolutely not. so weird. so out of the blue. I'm not sure I'll be continuing with these unfortunately.

Carving Shadows into Gold is the second book in the Forging Silver series. I do 100% recommend reading Kemmerer’s Cursebreaker trilogy first, as this is a spinoff series set in the same universe.

I did find this story a bit on the slower side, and it felt like a book two of a trilogy, but I’m very excited to see where it goes next.

Thank you to Bloomsbury, Brigid Kemmerer, and NetGalley for an advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review. Carving in Shadows into Gold will be released January 28th.

I will read everything by Brigid Kemmerer! A work of gold and I am constantly blown away. This book is a work of art

I really enjoyed this book! It did feel like a 2nd book in a trilogy in that I could tell this book was a lot of setup for something bigger and didn't have a grand plot of its own. The character work in this is exactly what I'd expect from Brigid Kemmerer; I loved every second I got to spend learning more about Tycho, Jax, and Callyn! I hated that they all spent so much of the book apart, but it's a shared frustration with the characters themselves, and a testament to how connected to them I feel. Of the three MCs, I think I appreciated Jax's growth the most in this. Callyn's arc felt a little smaller by comparison, but I think book 3 will be her time to shine.

My biggest disappointment was that we didn't see Callyn sooner. I spent more than 10 chapters feeling anxious that we wouldn't see her at all! It would have been nice if her first chapter had been earlier.

This book is a must-read if you love this world Kemmerer has created. I love how set up this now feels for book 3 and I know it's going to come out the gate swinging. I still don't know who I'm "rooting for" since so many of our MCs are at odds right now and I just want them all to be happy! Knowing Kemmerer, they will be, but I'm going to be cringing from now until then while I wait!

“Carving Shadows into Gold,” by Brigid Kemmerer

I really liked this book. My favorite part was Jax and Tycho’s relationship, it kept me glued to the pages. It has a little romance but way more action and political intrigue than anything else, so if that’s what you like in books then this book is perfect. The entire series was really good, and I enjoyed reading it. It’s not my favorite series she has done but it was a close call. 4 out of 5 stars.

-Magic
-Political Intrigue
-Multi POV

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and Brigid for giving me an arc copy of this book! All thoughts are my own.

I have a lot of feelings about this book and a lot to still process. I loved every ounce of this book, even the parts I disliked…I loved. I’m not sure how she did it but Kemmerer had me feeling all the feelings while reading this. Jax and Tycho, and then Callyn and Alek, my heart has so much love and want for them all. There were so many mixed emotions about them and especially with the king and queen.

So much happened and it’s hard to express it all. I may come back to my review and edit. I just need yall to know that I am obsessed with this book and I need book 3 asap.

Side note: I really, REALLY need C and A together, so Brigid if you see this, please do me a favor and don’t rip my heart out in book 3. I have a lot of hope for T and J but Mr.S better back up cause I ain’t having all that.

5 stars!!!

If you love Jax and Tycho and want to see more of them, you will absolutely get that. Jax + Tycho are sweet.

My favorite POV is Callyn so it was hard to get excited about this book when she's not present until after Ch 11.

This one was not quite up to the same standard as the first book and I hate to say this but it feels like it may suffer from middle book syndrome.

I think if you've read the Cursebreaker series and love the world this will be a must read to return to the world, but without that context this feels a little flat.

Overall not a bad read but not quite as good as the author's Defy the Night series. imo.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
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I NEEDED this story and these characters in my life this week. I was fully prepared to be a little let down. Partially because it has been so long since Forging but also because second books in fantasy trilogies are often just ok. I knew it was long. I knew it was the middle. So I went in prepared to read this a little at a time over a week. I am so glad that I did. Pacing myself as I read allowed me the time to remember Tycho and Jax. It gave me space to fall back in love with Emberfell and Syl Shallow. I love how Kemmerer builds a world and then lets us savor it.

This is the continuation of Tycho, Jax and Callyn’s story, which is a continuation of the Cursebreakers series. I love this author and this world she has built, however I was frustrated by the main characters for most of the book. Not much really even happens over these nearly 500 pages. Callyn is just not very likable and Alek needs to just go away. Tycho and Jax individually had their own trials and tribulations but I saw some growth there.

I also miss hearing the perspectives of Harper, Grey and Rhen. Can’t we get a few chapters from them? War is certainly looming and we need to hear from these people. I think my hopes are always too high and then they are dashed by reality.

Realistic, well-rounded, and well-developed characters, a gripping plot, and some fulfilling romance. I thought the pacing was excellent. Fans of the fantasy genre will find this book to be an engrossing read. The reader is captivated and eagerly awaits the next installment of the series due to the harmonious blend of political drama, personal development, and the constant magical dangers. Long after the last page is turned, Kemmerer's captivating tale continues to captivate readers!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book. My biggest complaint about this book is that I thought it was a duology and about halfway through it became clear this wasn't the last book in the series. Now I have to wait FOREVER for the next one. That being said, I loved it. This was a great follow up to Forging Silver and she continued to explore the complex, morally gray, emotionally charged situations that a lot of the characters found themselves in. I loved how Brigid continues to tell the stories of her MCs from the original Curse series, while also telling the new stories of her fully rounded and absolutely lovable characters from this series. I love love love Jax and need her to be nicer to him. Tycho was as complex and intense as ever. And the Callyn story line went exactly how I wanted it to go. Ugh this book was so good! So much happened without actually progressing the plot too far and I think that she set up a really intense third book that will hopefully have a lot of redemption and peace for all of them by the end.

Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer is book two in the Forging Silver into Stars saga from the Cursebreakers series. We are reunited with Tycho, Jax and Callyn, amongst others and immersed quickly back into their world. Secrets, lies, promises and vows have the characters searching for answers in a time where war is looming. Love and friendships are tested. Magic continues to grow. Time is running out.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was missing these characters something fierce. It is a multiple point of view character driven plot and I am here for it. This one didn’t have a ton of action but you can feel the character arcs and the final scenes are leading to something huge.

Thank you to Brigid Kemmerer, Bloomsbury Publishing, and NetGalley for the e-print ARC of this book!

Age rating: 14-15+

If you’re looking for a fresh, exciting fantasy to add to your TBR and haven’t already boarded the Brigid Kemmerer train, you just need to, at this point. Her works are so enchanting and fulfilling, and this one doesn’t disappoint.
We follow Tycho, introduced in A Curse So Dark and Lonely, now grown into a strong young man and holding a position as the trusted King’s Courier. Jax, a blacksmith, and Callyn, a baker, are fresh characters that have only appeared in Forging Silver into Stars thus far. In this new installment, Carving Shadows into Gold, we get to discover their personalities to a deeper extent.
After the battle at Briarlock, there is a noticeable strain in Tycho’s relationship with King Grey, so he is relieved to be returning to Emberfall. This time, he is able to take Jax with him. He’s excited for the chance for them both to relax and not have to worry about distance separating them anymore.
Unfortunately, almost as soon as they arrive, Tycho is called away again to deliver an urgent message to Syhl Shallow. Scravers from the north have joined the ever-present threat of the Truthbringers against the throne. Neither group is accepting of the magic possessed by King Grey, and will go to great lengths to sever his ties to the throne and Queen Lia Mara.
Jax, left alone in a hostile country where few speak his native tongue, struggles with his duties as a royal blacksmith. Juggling that, along with archery, horseback riding, and language lessons proves to take more of a toll than he had anticipated. Making matters worse is the fact that few soldiers accept him as one of their own, and like to make his life even more difficult than it already is. His relationship with Tycho only seems to waver as Tycho is kept longer and longer in Syhl Shallow, days away.
In the Crystal Palace, Callyn faces challenges of her own. A newly appointed lady’s maid and babysitter of Princess Sinna, Callyn has never been present in such an elaborate place as a palace, let alone actually been offered to live there, so she is content and grateful to have such an opportunity. Even if she misses Jax and her bakery, the Queen is kind to her, and her sister, Nora, is able to stay by her side almost always.
Things are looking optimistic…until Lord Alek shows up. Callyn can’t tell if she should trust him or not, and it doesn’t help that her lingering feelings for him keep getting in the way of her decisions. Even when she isn’t looking for him, she still crosses his path…and she isn’t even sure she minds those interactions, guilty as they make her feel.
Will the kingdoms be able to withstand the threats—old and new—plaguing them? What about the relationship between Tycho and Jax? Will they be able to breach the gap and weather the storm, or will it break them? And Callyn…will the spark she once had with Lord Alek reignite, or will it burn them both to the ground?
Find all of this out in Carving Shadows into Gold!

As always, Brigid Kemmerer delivers a thrilling tale that keeps readers intrigued from beginning to end. Beware: once you start this book, you won’t be satisfied until it’s finished.
Happy reading!