OH MANNNNNN BRIGID KEMMERER DOES IT AGAIN FOLKS!!!! I ain’t never met a Kemmerer book I didn’t EAT UP.

I loved Forging Silver into Stars but it’s been quite a long wait and I unfortunately did not write a recap, so I was a little worried I wouldn’t be as invested bc I didn’t remember anything. SHOULD’NT HAVE DOUBTED HER!! Brigid’s writing is SO addictive and immediately I was BACK in it. Flewww through this in a few sittings and had the time of my life.

I already sense that some readers will feel like this is a bit of a filler book, as the second book in a series sometimes is, but I HAD SO MUCH FUNNNNN, it literally did not phase me. SO much good character building! RHEN is such a superstar in this series; last book his relationship with Tycho was a highlight and in this one Jax & Rhen came in and had me near tears! I usually dislike when characters are separated for the book but man, every POV was a delight. The side characters and the characters from the OG series were balanced out so well, I never felt like I wanted to be in a different setting or POV.

Again, LOVED Jax & Rhen, loved Malin, loved Tycho (curious to see where the Nakiis storyline goes), loved Grey’s character arc, LOVED Harper (I so wish there was more of her). Super interested to see Callyn grow more and Alek… what is there to say about that man.

ANYWAY, I love this series so so much and these characters are sooo fun! Can’t wait for it to continue. BRIGID QUITE LITERALLY NEVER MISSES FOR ME

The most stunning maps in this book!!

Tycho, Jax, and Callyn’s saga continue. 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 picked up where book 1 left off. I enjoyed being thrust back into their world in this character-driven fantasy with romance. Brigid Kemmerer is a master with complex characters and emotional depth which make the book feel rich and alive. It kept me engaged. The saga continues with more political intrigue and unexpected alliances.

I love how Kemmerer weaves together the three MCs paths and portrays a range of emotions from tension, love, confusion, and betrayal. I think these characters will stay with me for a while. I felt like each MC had their own growth and they each carried different burdens yet never drifted far from who they are as a person. Jax and Tycho’s relationship continues to be just too darn swoony. I see a lot in store for Callyn in book 3.

The pacing was a bit slow initially but picked up in the last 30% or so of the book. I feel that this gradual build-up adds depth to the characters and their motivations and readers are rewarded with a tender reunion and then a gripping ending. I am not sure when book 3 will be released but I am eager to follow the characters’ journeys.
Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you @netgalley for a gifted eARC!

Carving Shadows Into Gold by @brigidkemmerer

Flawless. Perfect. Stunning.

Hello? I am OBSESSED with this series and these characters and this world. I can’t even put all my thoughts into words. I love these fictional characters with my whole entire heart. I cried, I laughed, I cried some more. So happy I got to read this early and so excited to get my beautiful copy in the mail!

Thank you to @netgalley and @bloomsburypublishing @bloomsburychildrens for the arc!
Pub date: 1/28/2025

#CarvingShadowsintoGold #NetGalley

This is the 2nd book in the spin-off series to A Curse so Dark and Lonely, which is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. If you haven’t read that one and you like YA fantasy, I would highly recommend- I think it’s vastly underrated. The previous characters from that series are prominently featured in this one, although they aren’t the main characters. I had so much fun with this book. I like the world, I love the new (and old) characters, I enjoy the plot. Overall a solid sequel

Will upload full review on goodreads closer to pub date

Brigid Kemmerer’s Carving Shadows into Gold delivers a mesmerizing continuation of the Forging Silver into Stars saga, immersing readers in a world of magic, peril, and intricate personal bonds. The narrative follows Tycho, Jax, and Callyn, three characters whose lives are thrown into turmoil by dangerous forces and looming political conflict. As they face mounting challenges, each character must make difficult choices that could shape the fate of their kingdom.

The novel takes its time to build momentum, with a slow-burn start that carefully layers tension and sets up the stakes. For some, the pacing may feel unhurried initially, but as the story progresses, the action escalates, transforming the second half into a thrilling whirlwind of surprises and high stakes. This gradual build-up adds depth to the characters and their motivations, rewarding patient readers with a fast-paced, gripping climax.

A standout aspect of the book is the tender, well-developed romance between Tycho and Jax. Their relationship evolves naturally and thoughtfully, creating a genuine emotional connection that is heartwarming without ever feeling forced. The LGBTQ+ representation in their storyline is handled with care, offering a positive and refreshing element to the story. In contrast, Callyn’s journey brings its own set of complications as she struggles to adjust to her new life at court, navigating treachery and political intrigue.

The strength of Carving Shadows into Gold lies not just in its individual characters but in how their paths weave together, creating a multi-layered narrative filled with tension, love, and betrayal. Tycho’s perilous deal, Jax’s escape from his past, and Callyn’s reluctant role in the royal court form a compelling backdrop of personal stakes amidst the larger threats to the kingdom. Each of their arcs is rich with emotion, loyalty, and the pain of making sacrifices for those they care about.

With its dynamic mix of magic, action, and deeply emotional moments, this novel is a captivating read for fans of the fantasy genre. The balance of personal growth, political drama, and the ever-present magical dangers keeps the reader hooked, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Kemmerer crafts a spellbinding story that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children's Books | Bloomsbury YA for providing me this epic fantasy's digital reviewer copy in exchange of my honest opinions.