War and chaos are consuming the star realms, and the secrets of the celestials are far worse than everyone feared.
With the help of the Luminaries of Vega and the unexpected friendship of Oleander, Zoe and her flame, Elvy, must decide who to trust in a kingdom built on lies.
A black magic threatens to control the darkness within Zoe... and if she doesn't learn to embrace it, she cannot become who she must to save her sister, Freyja, and the future of the star realms.
Darkness isn’t coming... she’s here.
In this gripping, action-packed sequel to Emerging, E.C. Lawton connects the shadows of the past with the present, unveiling truths that will change everything.
Tropes include: Multiple POVs Found family Mental health rep LGBTQA+ rep
*no spoilers from either books*
This is the second book in The Zoe Eferhild Chronicles and sequel to Emerging. The story picks up right where we left off at in the first book. A lot of the side characters really got to shine in this book! Lawton offered multiple POVs, which was needed since we were introduced to different realms and characters in the first book.
Eclipsing has a lot more romantasy elements that isn’t overwhelming to those who are barely dipping their toes in to this genre (aka, me lol). What enjoy most about E.C. Lawton’s writing is that she isn’t afraid to bring up topics of mental health and trauma. All the characters have either fell victim to or is caring for someone coping with these struggles and E.C. brings it to light in a sensitive way. She does well with handling each of the character’s past and goes into great detail and doesn’t leave anyone out.
The spice is spicin’ in this book! Spice scenes occurred more often in Eclipsing compared to Emerging. Lawton writes these scenes very well (and also goes into good detail *wink wink*)
And Lawton got me again with the plot twist in the last few chapters!! Absolutely cannot wait for book 3!
Love this series so far and can’t recommend it enough!
Eclipsing is the second book in The Zoe Eferhild Chronicles.
Overall, I enjoyed both the storyline and the characters. I appreciated the celestial and ethereal atmosphere of the book, as well as the different realms featuring their own unique powers.
The characters were interesting and well-developed. I appreciated the representation of mental health, which I found to be well-written.
Additionally, I really enjoyed the found family, sisterly bond, and fated mates aspects. The friend group seemed interesting, and I enjoyed their interactions and dynamics.
Overall, the book was well-written and engaging. Can’t wait to read what happens next.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
The second book in the Zoe Eferhild Chronicles, Eclipsing, is an excellent sequel to the first book, Emerging. The universe expands, revealing more of the Star Realm's courts, their lady and lord astrals, and the unique elements that define each court's way of life.
"Everything was red again, and I couldn't distinguish between my sight and my trauma. Uncertain of my ability to discern reality, I found myself swept up in waves of torment. I hoped to awaken from a nightmarish dream, but I was acutely aware of my reality...and I would burn."
While some mysteries still hide in the shadows, some are uncovered and move the characters ever forward. We encounter new characters in this book, some of whom we grow to love and others we learn to despise, while some familiar faces start to add to our frustrations. We follow Zoe as she shoulders a significant burden. Despite her reluctance to share this load, she is forced to bear most of it alone. Yet, she is consistently reminded that she is not alone. Elvy, her flame, companion, and lover, is always by her side. They face each challenge together and cherish the few moments of peace they can grasp along the way. They confront their own shadows, test their powers and their limits together, grounding themselves and staying strong for one another.
"...I would reduce the star realms to stardust, if necessary...I would become the darkness that obscures every speck of starlight...I would burn."
The side characters truly shine in this book! Oleander opening up and showing us some of his unresolved traumas. Freyja, caught between worlds and finding it difficult to remain in the sidelines while her sister risks it all. I loved learning about immortal culture, both emerging and those born immortal. How they set priorities in their long life, how they treasure small moments, and how they work to heal from past traumas.
I can’t wait for book three, especially after the twist at the end of this book!
Eclipsing is the second book in the Zoe Eferhild Chronicles. This book picks up right at the cliffhanger that book one leaves off on.
The world-building in this story was amazing. I loved traversing the cosmos and exploring the star realms that were introduced in Emerging. Rigil, the elemental ground realm, was my favourite to explore. Lawton writes beautiful and immersive worlds that I enjoyed getting lost in. The atmosphere is much more tense with the realms at war. The story is filled with action, suspense, and lots of spice.
One of my favourite parts of this series is the mental health representation. I love that readers get to explore these important issues with the characters in this story. The characters are fantastically developed. I loved the in-depth look at their pasts and trauma, and really enjoyed the friendships and relationships in this found family of characters. With so many characters in this story, I really loved that I got to experience the story from multiple POVs this time.
I really loved seeing more of Elvy and Zoe's relationship and seeing them explore and learn about the darkness they have inside them. The new romantic relationship is quickly becoming my favourite in this series and I am excited to see where it goes in the next book.
If you love found family, well developed characters, and fantasy romance with a bit of a sci-fi feel you definitely do not want to miss this series.
Like Emerging, Eclipsing leaves off on another cliffhanger and I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
Thank you EC, for the ARC copy of Eclipsing. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
What a wonderfully romantic ride this was! Eclipsing is the sequel to Emerging, which I’d classify as sci-fi only because it is located mostly in the sky/stars but it’s mainly an elemental fantasy romance. The world is deep and well described- each element with its own unique land and powers.
In Eclipsing, we come back to our core group as they continue to find a way to destroy Hesperia and save earth, but there are two other POVs we get to follow besides Zoe that are so wonderful because they encompass being brave with your heart during war when the future is uncertain. This sequel, to me, was close to 50/50 romance. Mostly exploring the characters and their relationships, history and hang ups- focusing heavy on embracing the moments we are given with courage. I just LOVED getting to see into the darker sides of Zoe and Elvy as well as learning so much more about their inner circle.
Eclipsing is what I would call high spice due to frequency- 4/5. It has moderate language. Found family. Elemental magic. Touch her and die. Fated/bonded mates. Stabby, sassy FMC. Mental health rep. Rabid golden retriever MMCs. Shadow daddy and mommy. Forced proximity. Animal side kick. Dragons. Bit of a cliffhanger. You name it. It’s there! Check out Emerging and then preorder Eclipsing which comes out April 2!
This is book 2 in The Zoe Eferhild Chronicles, so you should start with Emerging.
While Emerging was largely a character study in healing from trauma, Eclipsing is a fast-paced fantasy quest through the realm of the stars, with a side of romance and a ticking time bomb in the form of a chaotic evil queen. We get new settings, new characters, new powers and new problems, but the same focus on found family and realistic mental health rep. There is a lot going on, but Lawton handles the plot elements well. But if you're not used to fantasy worlds, you may be slightly overwhelmed.
In my review for book 1 I noted that I hadn't yet connected with all the characters. In Eclipsing many of the supporting cast get to shine, and it expands to multiple POVs. I was especially glad to learn more about Freya, because Zoe's sister is so crucial to her past and present.
We also get multiple romances. There is definitely more spice than in book 1. I appreciate that Zoe and Elvy get to deepen their relationship instead of being inflicted by any let's-break-up-because-conflict nonsense. Though the ending is a gut punch that promises a fascinating new dynamic. I'm even more excited about book 3 than I was about book 2.
I'd recommend the Zoe Eferhild Chronicles for anyone who enjoys: 🌟Romantasy 🌟Quests with a side of romance 🌟Immortals with wings 🌟Fated mates 🌟Moderate spice 🌟Realistic mental health rep 🌟Found family 🌟My therapy dog is now a dragon
I love a sequel that picks up right where we left off. This did just that. Eclipsing is the sequel to Emerging. You definitely want to read these in order.
As someone who has recently been dabbling in fantasy I really appreciated this one. This is a romantic fantasy. It's based in a star realm with different courts. It does get deep into describing each one and what they are composed of. What I loved is I did not walk away confused. They were beautifully described in a way where you can vividly picture it and follow right along.
I absolutely loved getting to continue to follow Elvy and Zoe's story. The spicy moments between these two were so good. I also really enjoy this friend group as a whole and see them all come together and fight for something.
There's so much packed into this book. This author is fantastic at mixing mental health aspects throughout. Which adds depth to the story. Then you have war, dragons, found family, references to shows and movies, and so much more.
Also I have to say I was really excited to see more than one relationship going on in this book. It was so fun that it wasn't focused solely on one couple. And I hope that we get to see more of the secondary couple in the next one.
If you're new to fantasy or already have a big love for it, give this series a go! Having a lot of depth to characters really makes the story.
Favourite Quote: 'I would cling to the wildness of hope when the abyss tried to entice me into self-doubt. For a healed world.'
I absolutely loved this book! It is adventurous with quests, dragons, magical companions, fated mates, slow burn, celestial kingdoms and found family.
It is the continuation of Zoe's adventure through the mortal/ real world and emerging into the star realm. Although it is easy to get drawn into the story, I'd recommend readers to read the first book of the series: 'Emerging' to fall even more in love with the world building and storyline.
The multiple POVs gives depth to the characters, as Zoe navigates the star realm, trying to bring back her sister Freyja from the dead, defeat the evil Hesperia, restore peace and heal the realm.
The author portrayed mental health in the forefront through the quests, war, love, deception, loss and happiness.
This book had me wandering into the star realm while being grounded to reality through the blending of both worlds.
I'd read this book all over again just for Freyja's sass.
The cliff-hanger at the end has got me eagerly waiting for the next book!!
PS: If you've loved the sibling bond between Sam and Dean Winchester in Supernatural, this book is for you!
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 / 5 Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
E.C. Lawton continues the epic fantasy romance story she began in Emerging with its sequel, Eclipsing.
We pick up right where we left off at the end of Emerging--in the stars. Zoe and Elvy are learning how to rule Vega as Lord and Lady Astral together while also trying to figure out what Hesperia wants and how to control the darkness within themselves. Zoe's sister, Freyja, may not be completely alive, but hope is not lost yet. And Zoe is determined to bring her back fully.
Eclipsing is full of heart, hope, mental health awareness, and determination. We also get some well-written spicy scenes with a few of the couples. E.C. Lawton is particularly good at bringing mental health to the forefront. She never forgets or leaves out a character's past--often going deeper to explore their trauma and exploring it with sensitivity and care.
I highly recommend Emerging and Eclipsing from the Zoe Eferhild Chronicles to fantasy romance readers who love depth behind the characters.
Wow. This book is phenomenal. I read it in 3 days. The different POV’s really help to get to know the different characters. You understand them and learn how they deal with their past traumas. This book is action packed. It keeps you guessing what motives are behind certain characters. Don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I am on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3. If the 1st book didn’t contain enough spice for you, just hold on for the spice in this one. Mrs. Lawton really ramped it up for book 2 but it does not over power it. The imagery continues in book 2. I can see all characters and scenes. Book 2 continues to develop the story lines and I can’t wait to read book 3 for the conclusions. I know it will be amazing!
I literally just want to scream! I do not know how I am supposed to wait for this third and final book! This is such an amazing series! I loved how in this book, I got multiple people’s pov’s and not only did I need to know the connection (no spoilers) I had a small feeling what it was and omg I was close but I did not see it coming! That twist literally demolished me let alone what the cliffhanger ending there was! And I have to wait for the third and final book….i think that makes me wanna cry almost as much as the last few chapters made me! This is such a cute and easy fantasy/romantasy book to get into!
I highly recorecommend! The book is self gets a five star and the series gets a five star in my book! Oh and there is mild spice!
Zoe's adventure continues in book 2 as she learns about who she has now become and navigates how to belong to two different worlds. Her relationship with Elvy deepens and Zoe has found a new family among the stars. However, war is raging, and Zoe must learn fast so she can help protect the ones she loves.
Eclipsing read very much like book one. If you enjoyed the first book and it was a 5 star read for you, then I would assume you will love book 2. I enjoyed the exact same elements, and if something irked me in book 1, I still didn't love it in book 2. Just like book 1, this was a 4 star book for me!
This book was amazing. It's witty, humorous, intense and spicy. Whats not to love? This book was a great read from beginning to end and now Im sad I have to wait till winter for the next one!
I loved the alternating POVs throughout this book so we could get to know other characters more. My heart is with a secondary couple that is not the main couple of this story 😏 I cannot wait to see where their story leads in the next book.
The thought that went into each detail in this story is such a refresher. The topic of mental health is a strong concept throughout the entire book and it was really well written.
ARC Review ✨️ ☆A wild adventure ♡ This sequel was amazing!!! E.C. Lawton wrote a fantastic story, with writing that was absolutely mesmerizing🙌 I love how in Eclipsing, it picks up right at the cliffhanger that book one left us on! It also has multiple POVs, fast-paced and dives into the lives of the side characters more🖤 So far The Zoe Eferhild Chronicles series has been a wild, emotional, relatable ride and I can't wait to see what's to come with book three!!!
This second book was what I call absolutely fantastic.. I read it in just a few days. In this book there are different points of view that really make you understand the characters much more... I could say much more but I don't want to risk giving spoilers... I'll just say one thing, be prepared for a lot spices but which don't get boring and not many authors succeed in this... I can't wait to read the third book 😍😍😍. Rating 4.5 ⭐
OMG what a cliffhanger!! I cannot wait for the next book. There was so many emotions throughout this book and I genuinely always wanted to pick the book up the second I put it down! I love the development of Ander and Freyja as characters, and I also love Blaz and Delm's relationship and how that progresses throughout the book. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book and to see how it ends and how all of the characters progress!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the second book in The Zoe Eferhild Chronicles series and picks right up after book one so I’d suggest anyone reading this to read the first book for better understanding!
The world building and overall setting of this book is just as amazing as the first book. It was very well written and descriptive. Also the characters were very well developed and loved how the author bought up their past and traumas into this book.
There were some new characters in this book which means we get multiple POV! There was also this new love interest which I’m really fond of and hoping to see them in the next book!
Just as the first book, this book also ends with a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy Sci-fi romantasy novels with some spicy scenes. Also be sure to read trigger warnings before starting this series!
Fantasy readers, this one should definitely be added to your list. Immortals, magic, dragons, star realms, shadows, are all involved in Zoe’s quest to restore the world she once knew. It’s not that simple though as Hesperia is out for power, stopping at nothing to get it. This book has something for everyone- war, friendship, and lots of steamy love scenes. It is a page turner that leaves me wanting more! I am looking forward to the next installment.
This mystical, celestial, and ethereal sci-fantasy held me captivated from beginning to end!
Zoe Eferheld has emerged triumphantly from the trials of the celestials, and find herself an anomaly among the other immortals. She possess two celestials powers instead of only one. Along with her flame and love, Elvy, Zoe must figure out where the hidden pieces of the Archer’s Bow are hidden before Hesperia, an evil and cruel immortal, ravages the realms of the celestials. Time is running out, and Zoe will do anything to save those she loves-but that price might cost her more than she ever imagined.
I absolutely loved the ethereal and celestial cosmos filled atmosphere and setting, but each realm featured their own unique powers. The mental health representation in this novel was perfection, and it resonated with me so much! Along with Zoe’s love for the elixir of Coffee. I can’t get enough of coffee too!
The found family, the bond of sisters, the love of fated mates, best friends to lovers, dislike to reluctant friends to lovers, and a collie transforming into a little fire breathing dragon were some of my favorite things about this story!
I cannot wait to continue reading this series!
Song to Enjoy: Afterlife by Hailee Steinfeld
Romantic Content: Sexual Innuendos, There Are Tons of Spice Scenes, So Between Frequency of Scenes and Descriptive Language Used I Would Put This at the High Tier for Spice Level. For Closed Door Modifications Skip Pages 24-26, 114-116, 125-127, 134-135, 266-270, 341-343, 351-353, 371-372, 375-379.
TW: Memories of Loved Ones Being Murdered, Past Suicide Attempt Referenced, Vague References to Previous Sexual Assault, Explicit Language Scattered Throughout, Violence/Gore, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but am leaving my thoughts and review happily and voluntarily.