Curse of the Celts

An outstanding follow up to Secrets of the Star-Crossed!! Non stop action right from the start, with the stakes continually being raised, and twists that throw the story in directions you will not see coming! The story picks up immediately after the cliffhanger ending of book 1, where Cassandra, Devyn, and Marcus find themselves on the sands of the arena waiting to be judged. They know they need to find a way to escape but it seems impossible, when a surprising ally allows them to flee to the North. The trio find themselves in the wilds on the night of Samhain, when the bonds between the living and dead are thinned and from this point on the stakes and action ramps up and doesn't let you catch your breath. The consequences of each decision they make will reverberate far beyond just their own lives. Especially for Devyn, the consequences may be deadly as he is considered an oathbreaker and traitor.
I love the world that Clara has created in this trilogy. The world of Londinium with its high technology, yet adherence to ancient Roman beliefs is fascinating and in this book we finally get beyond the wall to Devyn's world. The lands and culture of the Celts is wonderfully woven into the story and to see the society and people Devyn grew up with is fantastic. I so enjoyed how so many ancient beliefs and customs are shown through out the story. I especially enjoyed the Druids and their healing skills and how Marcus jumps right in to learn what they know. Meeting up again with Marina, Oban, Bronwyn and Fidelma as well as new characters fills this story out and really brings the intensity to a new level. I loved every bit of the story and literally gasped out loud more than once at the turns it took and was gobsmacked at the ending. I so recommend this trilogy for any fantasy, alternate world, and romance fans out there. So looking forward to the conclusion!!!

I am completely obsessed with this series! Gripping doesn't quite cover it, as this second installment doesn't slow down at all! Picking up almost exactly where the first book left off, Curse of the Celts has even more mystery, magic and romance.

The ending left me devastated and desperate for the last book. I'm not sure how I'll cope until its released!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book is so much more mature than the first. The storyline is just as interesting as the first book, but now they are travelling through the different kingdoms outside of Londonium. There is more danger, magic and romance. I had high expectations for this book because I did enjoy the first one so much - and it really did not disappoint.

The book introduces new characters Bronwyn and Gideon and also reunites us with some unexpected ones from the first book! I loved reading about the druids and the different castles they visit on their journey up North. It’s so hard to say too much without giving away spoilers! The setting of so many locations in the book really made the story feel so much more ‘exposed’ to the wilderness of the countryside - it was stormy, empty and cold. Cassandra goes straight from a priveleged upbringing inside Londonium to the cold castles further north where she no longer feels at home, and the character as a result does seem to ‘grow up’ a lot more in this book and I definitely found her more likeable this time around!

Again, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and it was a very emotional ending - I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

Alright guys, this sequel did not disappoint. Starting off right where we left off, We are with Cass, Devyn and Marcus as they face the sands of Londinium. Cass and Marcus are still handfasted by the cuffs. Devyn and Cass are still a romance to die for.

Cass, Devyn and Marcus escape the sands through some unlikely help. They continue their quest for a cure to the illness infecting latent magic citizens and a druid who can removed the cuffs from Marcus and Cass. The trio travel through the various kingdoms heading towards Mercia. The dynamics of the trio change and while Devyn is the one who can navigate these lands that are unknown to Cass and Marcus. He is also the most well known and if recognized he could get into trouble because of his broken oath to his lord. He must navigate the trio to allies that may or may not want him dead in hopes to persuade them to help them reach Mercia. Cass and his relationship is strained because of their roles but there are definitely some swoony scenes. Marcus, along for the ride, finds himself the third wheel at times, and the star of the show at others.

The characters all grow and come into their roles and maturity more. The new character introduced are interesting and I can't wait to find out more about who they are and their intentions, especially Gideon. Claa also brings back from interesting characters from Secrets of the Starcrossed to hep the trio reach Mercia, like Devyn's cousin Bronwyn. Curse of the Celts introduces more of the Celtic side of this world and they world building brings the Roman and Celtic histories and cultures together in a seamless way. The pacing is just as good, if not better than the first book. There is betrayal, heartbreak and a hint of hope for the future, but not the way Cass dreamed of. I cannot wait to get my hands on the third and final book in The Once and Future Queen series to find out the conclusion of Cassandra's story.