In the sequel to the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns, a seventeen-year-old princess turned war queen faces sorcery, adventure, untold power, and romance as she fulfills her epic destiny.Elisa is the hero of her country. She led her people to victory against a terrifying enemy, and now she is their queen. But she is only seventeen years old. Her rivals may have simply retreated, choosing stealth over battle. And no one within her court trusts her-except Hector, the commander of the royal guard, and her companions. As the country begins to crumble beneath her and her enemies emerge from the shadows, Elisa will take another journey. With a one-eyed warrior, a loyal friend, an enemy defector, and the man she is falling in love with, Elisa crosses the ocean in search of the perilous, uncharted, and mythical source of the Godstone's power. That is not all she finds. A breathtaking, romantic, and dangerous second volume in the Fire and Thorns trilogy. (Goodreads)
I reviewed the first book in this series THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS here.
It's rare for me to come across the second book in a series that I liked more than the first. Whether that be because not particularly enjoying the first means I don't often pick up the second, or for some other reason, I don't know, but this was a case where I loved the second book in the series. The first just didn't draw me in as much; however, this one really did. I loved Elisa's voice in this book, her struggles, her growth. Also, Hector, well, he was swoon-worthy :) I was invested in Elisa becoming a better queen, in solving the problems of her country, and attempting to find a way to do that. Also, Storm was just a fascinating character to me, and I liked getting to know a bit more about the Inviernos. Plus, the hints of Spanish and culture made me happy. The cliff-hanger of an ending left me happy to know I can go out and grab The Bitter Kingdom right now!
Anyone read this? Thoughts on the series? Or is there a second book in a series that you liked more than the first?
I loved this series. Just finished the last book a couple of weeks ago. I, too, enjoyed the second book more than the first (though the first was quite enjoyable). The third book was great, but I think the second one was my favorite. Overall a fantastic fantasy series with a dynamic female main character!
ReplyDeleteI saw that you were reading that and it was actually one of the main reasons why I chose this book to read next :) Definitely an awesome female MC!
DeleteIt's tough making a second book better than the first. I like an author who can up her game like that. Great review, Meradeth! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks! It is difficult upping the ante, isn't it? :)
DeleteEvery once in awhile, the followup does exceed the original. Good review, Meradeth!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's a good and happy occurrence :)
DeleteThis series is another one that I've been meaning to get around to. So many books, so little time! If I'd been born rich I'd never leave my hammock in the shade- I'd just order the butler to (please) bring me more books and snacks. =)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like the life! Can there be a beach, too? :)
DeleteNo, I haven't read this series, but I have read several historical series that drew me in more deeply with each volume. Like John Jakes' "Kent Family Chronicles." There's eight or nine hefty books in the series, and it still left me wanting more.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up on this series. I'll have to check it out.
Hmm, that reminds me of the Outlander series, which has always left me anxious for more :) This one is a fun book, too!
DeleteOooo... looks fabulous, Meradeth! And I agree with the second book in a series comment. And holy... did you just mention Outlander above me??!!??!! Best. Series. Ever.
ReplyDeleteOutlander FTW!!! Judging from the comments below, I need to do a post on the books :)
DeleteI've been meaning to read this series. I've come across some better second books.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good series--I think you'd enjoy it, Medeia :)
DeleteI've heard good things about this series, though I haven't read it yet.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to check it out sometime!
DeleteI haven't read this yet but it's on my list. Good to know you liked it, and that the second one was at least as good as the first. I've read several series lately where I loved the first book but the follow up ones leave much to be desired. And put me down as another Outlander fan!
ReplyDeleteYay for Outlander!! And I so hear you about the second books leaving something to be desired--happens quite a bit unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteI have not started this series, but I have had the first one on my list forever! I love that you enjoyed the second one even more than the first. That is awesome! Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to check it out--it's a great series :)
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