This was a strong sequel in the Aisling Trilogy series, it had that element that I was looking for from the first book. The characters had that element that I was looking for and was glad it was so well written. It had everything that I enjoyed from the first book and improved on it, it continues the fae romance element going on and was glad it was so well done. Ashley Metzler has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

Aisling is back and she is still only touching the surface of her power! 🔥

✅ Enemies to Lovers
✅ Strong FMC
✅ Love Triangle (Square? Hexagon?)
✅ Broody MMC
✅ Unique Magic System
✅ Morally Grey Characters

We pick up in this book immediately where the first book left off, it had been a couple of months between reading book 1 and 2 so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that the first chapter was a book 1 summary to catch us up with where we left off (I wish all books would do this!). Aisling is on the run from both Sidhe and Mortals alike in the bid to find out where she truly comes from and where she fits in and this book has all the action from the very first page.

I loved the inner struggles between good and evil that Aisling goes through in this book, clinging on to the shreds of her mortality whilst desperately trying to hone her power to become a force to be reckoned with after living her life powerless in more ways that one. The romance in this book is super engaging and we finally get a taste of some spice in book 2 which I was looking forward to. There are now three men vying for Aisling and they are all obsessed with her for various reasons (swoon) 😏.

I love the unique magic system in this world too, it is unlike any fae book that I’ve read before, as Aisling tries to hone her magic and reach her true potential. The characters are well fleshed out (I love you Dagfin) and the world building is impressive. My only grumble would be that certain storylines felt slightly rushed and some moments were ‘blink and you’ll miss it’, which is a shame as there were certain scenes that I would have liked to be more fleshed out and savoured.

Overall this is a solid follow up to book 1 and I am once again patiently waiting for the next one 🙏🏻

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC ☺️

This story just keeps ramping up and I cannot wait to read the final instalment

The development between Aisling and Lir is perfect I’m loving that it’s not insta love just because of the bond and there’s actual growth and development between them.

I love how this story grows!! However I wish it was a little less slow paced- however overall it’s still a wonderfully written story

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.

Okay… so when does the 3rd book come out?! I need it immediately!

I love everything about this trilogy so far. The world building is continuous throughout the books, the slow burn romance is incredibly well done, the prose is descriptive, and the story is well paced.
—
🌲Trilogy
🏔️Slowburn romance
🌲Self-discovery journey
🏔️Forced proximity
🌲Enemies to lovers
🏔️Morally grey MMC*
🌲Fantasy
🏔️Celtic lore
🌲Fae
🏔️Seelie
🌲Anthropomorphism
🏔️Magic
🌲Prophecy
—
Thank you Second Sky and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review! 📚
Publishers release date 2/14/2025

This was a great book 2! I couldn't put it down, and read it in less than 24 hours. I'm impatiently waiting for book 3!

The book is a satisfying continuation if The Mortal Queen. Aisling and Lir continue to struggle with their path and their relationship. It of course is complicated by the relationship that Aisling has with her family and Dagfin. While I enjoyed the tension of her decision, I feel like Aisling really sits in her anger and her fear. I wish there was more emotional growth on her end in regards to her feelings for both Lir and Dagfin. A lot of the relationships are written to just focus on the power struggle, and as a reader, it begins to get hard to empathize with any of them as the emotional aspect of the story could be better developed in my opinion.

That being said, I enjoyed the book and will be back for book 3 when it comes out!

This sequel is every bit as gripping as the first instalment, delivering a captivating experience from start to finish. It’s packed with tonnes of action that keeps you on the edge of your seat, alongside the introduction of a fascinating new character who adds depth and intrigue to the story. Once again, the author excels in crafting that exquisite slow burn romance or tension, keeping me hooked and invested in every subtle development.

What’s particularly commendable is how this book avoids the dreaded middle book syndrome. Instead of feeling like a mere bridge, it stands strong as a fantastic novel, contributing significantly to the series’ overarching narrative while maintaining its individuality. The pacing, character growth, and plot progression are perfectly balanced, making this a thoroughly satisfying read.

Without hesitation, I strongly recommend this book to fans of the series and newcomers alike. It promises thrilling entertainment and leaves you eagerly anticipating what’s to come.

This was a great book! The writing was very well done and the plot twist was amazing! And the slow burn romance is so good!

Metzler has done it once again! In this sequel, we follow Aisling as she grapples with the betrayal of not only her family but also the man she trusted most, her husband, the fae king. As Aisling embarks on a new, epic journey to uncover the origin of her powers, she realizes that the connection to her husband, Lir, is not something she can easily sever. While I do wish there was more spice in the story, we do get a taste of the slow burn I had been anticipating for. But the big question is…. will they unleash the devastating sequence of events foretold in their journey together, or can they avoid the inevitable destruction of everything they've known?
I absolutely love the depth Metzler gives to each character, allowing them to truly shine and tell their own stories. The world-building is so immersive that it feels like I’ve stepped right into the world she’s created. I can't wait to see where the next book takes these characters!

*Thank you to Ashley Metzler, Second Sky and Netgalley for the ARC and copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

The epic fantasy adventure continues, and yep another 600 pages! Fae, Unseelie, battles, adventure, and an unexpected transformation as the journey continues. Slowest of burns, more a pilot light so if you are looking for spice, won't find it here.

Ashley Metzler did it again! What a fantastic book! From page one, I was sucked in and could not put the book down. Aisling is the badass fmc that we need and love. Aisling's character development, along with Lir and Dagfin, has been such a joy to read. Each character is complex and unique, highlighting the level of thought and world-building Metzler put into this story. I'm such a sucker for Aisling and Lir, and I think this book really highlighted how special their bond is. With all the character development and romantic yearning, Metzler still supplies twists, turns, and explosive action that will leave your jaw on the floor.
Thank you, Net Galley and Ashley Metzler, for this ARC. I've already ordered the first paperback book copy for my personal library!

Fantastic second book! The angst, the world building, getting to know the supporting characters. All of it was fantastic! Also loved how Aisling grew a back bone and her story! Thanks for the ARC NetGalley!

I was so happy this ARC was released around the same time as the first, so i could read it straight after. I loved that this book provided more character growth (my favourite part about book series).
I cannot wait for the next book!

“He’s found me … Even here, Lir’s found me”

“Only monsters prefer to endure the night than concede to morning”

“Don’t let them domesticate you”

Damn, I was right. When I finished book one I knew I needed more. The way Aisling and Lir left things and his promise to hunt her down made me feels chills all over and this book started right when the other finishes so … you don’t miss a thing. This one felt a lot more action driven but still explored a lot of the seelie culture and the way it is so heavily inspired by Irish folklore is something that I adored in book one and couldn’t help but marvel even more at in book two. Plus, alongside the action that is taking place even stronger than before, the slow burn romance is so intense it’s impossible to not feel drawn to it. Lir is … obsessive. And obsessed. And I loved that. And Aisling grows into her powers so so much, it’s impossible not to be in awe of her and constantly follow her through!!! And when we get to the end … YES !!! It felt finally complete !!!

“The dark is yours to rule”

“I was meant to burn”

“A kiss is prayer, dark Lord. Faith-filled, spoken on one’s knees and in the dead of night. Not a weapon to be wielded nor a currency for your ambition”

“For a kiss .. I’d damn the world”

“I only ask you never un curse me. Never fail to haunt me … Never cease to possess me”

Absolutely wonderful continuation to book one, it delivered all the longing and tension I felt was missing in the first book. The story is complex and full of unexpected turns, new players and foes are introduced, loyalties are questioned and our FMC’s character really develops. The w rotting is as ever so atmospheric mom, it really made me immersed in this fantastic world. The magic is wonderfully complex and the foreshadowing of what’s to come has me itching to read the next book!

This book was a wonderful continuation of Aisling's journey. I could tell the care that went into crafting the world so we can feel like we are there every step of the way. The narrative was superior to the first book. There were times that I was holding back tears, others when I was almost dreading to read what happened next. This is truly a beautiful story, woven with themes of power, identity, love, and the battle of doing what is right versus what is necessary. The ending was a perfect stopping point to lead us into the next book, with endless possibilities to continue exploring this world and characters.

Savage Queen is the perfect title. I loved the development of Aisling's character in this book she became more than the expectations of those surrounding her. I also found it so refreshing to have a female main character who wasn't apologising or trying to make amends for choices they made. Aisling has really grown and the ability to see her through the eyes of some of the other characters really showed how each of them had their own need for her to be different.

I had a great time reading this book it had the right mix of character development and action to keep the plot moving. I also enjoyed the way this followed the first book and continued to build in a way that a lot of sequels lose.

I cannot wait to read the final book in this trilogy and I am definitely going to watch for the release date to be announced.

I read an arc of this book from the publishers through netgalley

This was so good. I loved The Mortal Queen, so when I was able to start this one almost immediately, it made my day. I really liked the book 1 recap at the beginning. I didn’t need it personally but definitely appreciated the breakdown. The first book also had a lot of flashback quotes and this one toned that down a bit.

It was so good to get back in with the characters and pick back up on the adventures and high stakes. I wasn’t a fan of Dagfin in the first, but he grew on me this go around. Couldn’t stand any of Aisling’s brothers in either. But Lir and Aisling? YES. I was hoping it would continue slow and steady. The whole Oighir part confused me. I wasn’t really sure what Fionn was trying to accomplish and he seemed kind of dumb for being some old fae king. He’s was just a petty little child. The Lady confused me too, but maybe I just missed something and didn’t get the involvement. I can appreciate a book that’s got some challenges and “games; it seems a little overdone, but they didn’t drag on and on so that was fine.

Overall, really excited with this one and can’t wait for book 3!

Thanks to NetGalley and Second Sky for this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

Publication Date: 02/14/2025

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for this eCopy to review

The Savage Queen by Ashley Metzler picks up right where the first book left off, continuing the enthralling journey of Aisling and Lir. In this second instalment, Aisling faces even greater challenges as she navigates the treacherous political landscape of the fae realm. The stakes are higher, and the dangers more imminent, as new adversaries and alliances emerge.

I found the continuation of Aisling and Lir's relationship to be both captivating and complex. The chemistry between them remains strong, and their evolving dynamic adds depth to the story. Metzler’s world-building continues to impress, with richly detailed descriptions of the fae kingdom and its various factions.

A good sequel with plenty of excitement and romance.