"War of the Wilted" is a great continuation of the Garden of Thorns series. The rebellion is well underway and this book continues where the first left off (I recommend reading them close in time as this one moves too fast to recap much). Rose is living with Marin amongst the rebellion and now the other Flowers are there. Rayce is preparing to make the final moves to retake the country.

Although captured, Rayce is keeping the Gardener alive. Rose has pledged herself to the Zareeni rebellion and is struggling to follow orders with which she doesn't agree- particularly those around the Gardener. Rayce is struggling to trust Rose when she disobeys and do what he believes is best for the rebellion. The Gardener is giving the rebellion information they are desperate for- which could potentially turn the tide in their favor. However, Rose knows that this is too good to be true and the Gardener would not be helping them- unfortunately, Rayce seems unwilling to listen.

This fast-paced sequel continues the major plotlines of the first book and makes the most progress in terms of Rayce's plans. Although told from Rose's point-of-view, I felt like this was more of Rayce's book. The romance takes a backseat in this sequel to the other things that are going on (and conflicts due to Rose's disobeying), but the moments that are found for them are oh-so-steamy and oh-so-sweet. I would have loved more, but I understand why this was limited (hopefully in the third book?). Rose did have some personal hang-ups about who she would be in the post-rebellion world, and we really see her grow into her own during the course of the book.

Judging by the ending of the book, I think the next book will be again focused on Rose. Although it doesn't end with a huge cliffhanger, not everything is wrapped up in this book, and it's pretty clear what will be expected in the next book. Overall, I really enjoyed getting back into this fascinating world, and this action-packed book really delves into the fighting and rebellion. I highly recommend this great YA fantasy series!

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

"Fortune clings to the hand that wields flowers". War of the Wilted (Garden of Thorns, #2) quote.

I pledge my loyalty to the cause.
A Rose by any other name is still a Rose. Beautiful, elegant and stubborn. Our leading lady is the Varshan Princess. The true heir to the Varshan throne, betrothed to the now fallen prince of Delmar, Rayce and new member of the rebellion.
Arianna Vasile the Princess of the Zaina Desert has many names, but we can call her Rose for short. Her future was intercepted and changed by the Gardener, a cruel man who enslaved girls. Forced to dance and stay in line or their wilted were punished. Rose became the gardener shining star and his greatest downfall. Rayce is the only one in the rebellion who knows Roses secret. The blood that runs through her veins is both royal and deadly. Rose knows if the wrong person finds her, that her heritage could get her killed or used as a pawn. She doesn't want to acknowledge her true identity, but with Rayce leading the rebellion, she is uncertain of what her future holds. Trust can be a weakness but also a strength.

Rose and Rayce want to make their relationship work but times are hard. The gardener is being held captive in the rebellion camp. Rose wants revenge for her sisters and herself. Rayce wants to use the gardener for information. Rayce may be the leader of the rebellion but Rose is struggling to follow his rules. She can't see it but she's actually a good leader in her own way. She has her own mind and can't help but follow what she believes is right. Rose is beginning to have hopes and dreams. She wants to be with Rayce but their goals aren't always matching. The future is uncertain but their love is strong.

This is the second book in the Garden of Thorns and I'm totally hooked on this story. Rose is conflicted with her heart and head. She has a tough time trying to please everyone in this book. The plotting and action are addictive. I love all the characters in this series and I'm loving the exciting storyline. War of the Wilted is a satisfying read, however, there is still more to come. I want more, more, more!

5 stars out of 5. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.