Jodi Gallegos

Pivoting in a slightly different direction and with even more secrets and action then the first novel , this book opens up the doors to an entirely new threat and tons of excitement.

Malory is the High Queen, but the treason and lies run deeper than she ever expected. Now, on the run with her High King at her side and their thrones destroyed, both vow to stop the evil plots of the greedy kingdoms, bring unity and peace back to the seven kingdoms, and execute revenge for those who died. They are outnumbered but have the people of the forest on their side. Together with five new friends, they war against their enemies, attacking where they can. It's not only brutal, but their chances of success aren't guaranteed. Malory finds herself not only winding through past secrets, trying to figure out who to trust, and how to fit into her new life, but hears whispers inside her head, which hint that there's more at play.

I was eager to get my hands on this one after completing the first book in the series. And it didn't disappoint. Malory is stronger and forced to take more control of her life, but yet, she needs to work with others. Instead of acting as a queen, her new allies and friends need to be treated as equals despite their backgrounds. But this isn't the greatest challenge she faces, by any means. Secrets of her past are beginning to come to light, and with each one, the lies her life have been built on unfold. It's a horribly difficult web and while some things are easy to guess, others come out of the blue. It kept me on my toes until the very end.

Still, this book also takes a slightly different turn than the first book did. Malory hears voices in her head, and it soon becomes clear that the kings and kingdoms aren't the only war being fought. The forgotten gods and goddesses are involved and might be pulling the strings for their own purposes. But what these are is anyone's guess, and whether or not she can trust any of them, is even more doubtful. Malory is being sucked into a new position and her character is growing right along with it. The settings change to rougher ones outdoors, and the physical dangers are clearer than they were in book one. There's much more action, and a darker tone to the tale.

The romance takes a super interesting twist in this second book. While it's strong and sweet, there's a surprise which throws everything upside down. It works...so well that it's hard not to like Malory even more, and adore her hero. For those romantics out there, this one does require tissues because it might draw a few tears and leave some heart-ache. Also, it's impossible to tell where the author is heading on this front. I have some suspicions, but there's also reason to believe that my thoughts are completely off base. So, thumbs up on this front, since I have no idea where things are headed but can't wait to find out.

Summed up... I wish I didn't have to wait until this next summer to see what will happen next. The war is upping in stakes and danger, and it will be interesting to see where it will all go from here. Especially since there promises to be more dangerous and unknown actors at play.… (plus d'informations)

Is this one worth a read? In short—yes! It's packed with court intrigue, evil plots, deadly secrets...upon secrets...upon secrets, a bit of romance, tons of action, and it's never clear who can be trusted. In other words, it's one of the reads which keeps the reader in the pages until the very end.

Malory is the first born in the kingdom of Devlishire and destined to be the Queen. Her knowledge and wisdom as well as her sword skills (which does raise eyebrows) are known throughout the seven kingdoms. When the High King of the seven kingdom alliance dies unexpectedly, her father's interest in regaining the position for himself and his heirs becomes his main goal. Combined with her younger brother's sudden interest in the throne—her throne, she's beginning to wonder if her position as future queen is threatened. What starts as a seed of doubt soon grows into something much larger than she ever suspected...or can guess. And so the web of secrets and lies begins.

I enjoyed this one from the very first page. The world building is very well done and draws into the kingdom and the lives of the royals as if the castle truly existed. Small details make the scenes vivid but are woven in masterfully so as not to ever make the tale drag. It sets the stage for all of the excitement to come, and there's plenty of that.

Malory has everything a great queen needs and comes across as a very self-assured young woman...but she has her self-doubts, too. And it's these doubts and the several mistakes she makes, which make her very easy to like and cheer for. She has a lot to go up against and makes mostly understandable choices and decisions along the way. Even if they aren't always good ones.

The plot in this one weaves back and forth and up and down and all over. Add in the multiple subplots, which give depth to the other characters, too, and it's really an amazing layering. No one is to be trusted, but that doesn't mean they're selfish or evil. It's hard to know where loyalties lie, why they lie where they do, and what the future might hold. Add the constant tension of an unknown danger, and it's definitely a fast-paced, exciting read.

While the tension makes this an engaging read, I also appreciate how Malory fit into the royal ladder. She's a girl, and no matter what her heritage might be or who she is to wed, she still can't break free of society's order to things. She fights well but takes more than a back seat in that regard, since princesses and queens don't wield swords. Her education has given her knowledge and her actions are often accepted by others as being wise, and yet, she's held at a distance in the court...and she doesn't even complain because she's aware of her standing. In other words, I appreciate how the author kept a certain amount of reality to everything and didn't make Malory an instant, kick-butt heroine. It makes her likable, slides into the reality of a traditional, royal court, and makes her all the more easy to cheer for until the end.

But the story doesn't end on the last page. Malory's journey is only beginning, and it promises to be so much more.… (plus d'informations)