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Bonds of the Imnicus #2
The Tale of Two Crows
The lovers-to-enemies sequel to Margot and Milo’s forbidden love story.
Milo Arris used me. Manipulated and broke me to bring him one step closer to ending the rebellion. Now, I will stop at nothing to undo what I did while my memories were missing.
The Colum’s own mother is on our side now, and once our faces are erased, we will pull off our biggest mission yet—destroying the temple points on Ashtanabo. We just have to entice a certain crime lord to get us there.
But I was gifted sick crows by his sadistic cousin, and though they lend me their strength, they also give me their poison. How long can I go before I give into their tempting whispers?
The Tale of Two Crows is a new-adult space romantasy. Please see the author's website for a full list of content warnings.
Milo Arris used me. Manipulated and broke me to bring him one step closer to ending the rebellion. Now, I will stop at nothing to undo what I did while my memories were missing.
The Colum’s own mother is on our side now, and once our faces are erased, we will pull off our biggest mission yet—destroying the temple points on Ashtanabo. We just have to entice a certain crime lord to get us there.
But I was gifted sick crows by his sadistic cousin, and though they lend me their strength, they also give me their poison. How long can I go before I give into their tempting whispers?
The Tale of Two Crows is a new-adult space romantasy. Please see the author's website for a full list of content warnings.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
26 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Abelia Sumpter
8 books48 followersAbelia holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and discovered her love of writing while preparing for her national licensure exam. Her passion for storytelling began much earlier. As a child, she wrote screenplays and created short films with her friends. She currently lives in Ohio with her husband and owns a vision board the size of a novel.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 12, 2025
I loved this book just as much, if not more than the first. Consumed my thoughts. I really enjoy the writing, the fast-paced story progression, the angst and the ending while not a huge surprise, had my heart rate elevated. So excited for book 3 to come out September 2nd!!
June 18, 2025
This was SO good and so suspenseful. That ending had my jaw on the floor. So much happened and I loved it. Chef kiss!!! I’m both excited and scared for the next book, let’s go!! 4.5 stars! 🐦⬛🖤
October 22, 2024
This was a good follow up to book one, but I didn’t like it quite as much. This series is still a great intro to sci-fi since it also has romantasy vibes. It’s true enemies to lovers, too, which I always love.
I think the book would’ve been better if Margot and Milo were around each other earlier—I felt like the beginning of the book dragged a bit and then felt kind of rushed once they were back on the Imnicus. So I just felt like the pacing was a bit off, and I would’ve liked to see more interactions between the MMC and FMC.
This author can truly write some great betrayals and endings. The end of book one had my jaw on the floor and the ending of this one was no different. Super excited for the next book!
I think the book would’ve been better if Margot and Milo were around each other earlier—I felt like the beginning of the book dragged a bit and then felt kind of rushed once they were back on the Imnicus. So I just felt like the pacing was a bit off, and I would’ve liked to see more interactions between the MMC and FMC.
This author can truly write some great betrayals and endings. The end of book one had my jaw on the floor and the ending of this one was no different. Super excited for the next book!
August 28, 2024
Tropes:
• Dark Magic
• Forbidden Romance
• Rebel vs. Ruler
• TRUE Enemies to lovers
• Dystopian Politics
Margo has found herself with her memories restored and trying to reintegrate herself into the rebellion. Now she’s faced with navigating betrayal, forbidden feelings, and the need to bring down the Arris reign. Did I mention she’s still hung up on him? However, that’s only a small portion of this book. You could consider this book to be slow burn, but it does have some spice mixed in and not just with Milo and Margo but Lleu and Alarick as well. I was so happy we got to see Lleu reprise her role with Margo a girl needs a friend, especially after getting caught by Milo *again* while trying to do an act of the rebellion taking out temple points.
In the last book, Knox had given Margo the gift of the crows and we learn that is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to crow magic and the fact not only are there crows but ravens, doves, finches, and owls. Quite possibly one of the most intriguing parts of the book getting a look inside the darkness within Knox.
My only struggle with the book and maybe I just need to take notes to keep things a little straighter in my head, but I feel like it’d be super helpful if there was a map, diagram or at least a generalized picture that covered the two planets and the various cities mentioned within the book. Outside of that this book is *chef’s kiss. *
Like the first book, The Tale of Two Crows is not for everyone, please check your triggers. Thank you, Abelia / Rose & Lavender Press, for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review. You best believe I went and ordered the hardback copy as a trophy for my shelf!(Be sure to grab yourself one on Sept 17th)! I cannot wait for what is in store for Margo and Milo and the newfound Arris Reign. I have so many questions?!?!
• Dark Magic
• Forbidden Romance
• Rebel vs. Ruler
• TRUE Enemies to lovers
• Dystopian Politics
Margo has found herself with her memories restored and trying to reintegrate herself into the rebellion. Now she’s faced with navigating betrayal, forbidden feelings, and the need to bring down the Arris reign. Did I mention she’s still hung up on him? However, that’s only a small portion of this book. You could consider this book to be slow burn, but it does have some spice mixed in and not just with Milo and Margo but Lleu and Alarick as well. I was so happy we got to see Lleu reprise her role with Margo a girl needs a friend, especially after getting caught by Milo *again* while trying to do an act of the rebellion taking out temple points.
In the last book, Knox had given Margo the gift of the crows and we learn that is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to crow magic and the fact not only are there crows but ravens, doves, finches, and owls. Quite possibly one of the most intriguing parts of the book getting a look inside the darkness within Knox.
My only struggle with the book and maybe I just need to take notes to keep things a little straighter in my head, but I feel like it’d be super helpful if there was a map, diagram or at least a generalized picture that covered the two planets and the various cities mentioned within the book. Outside of that this book is *chef’s kiss. *
Like the first book, The Tale of Two Crows is not for everyone, please check your triggers. Thank you, Abelia / Rose & Lavender Press, for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review. You best believe I went and ordered the hardback copy as a trophy for my shelf!(Be sure to grab yourself one on Sept 17th)! I cannot wait for what is in store for Margo and Milo and the newfound Arris Reign. I have so many questions?!?!
July 19, 2025
Can't wait for book 3! A great sequel. Where book 1 was enemies to lovers, book 2 is lovers to enemies. What a delicious twist! More language and steam than book 1.
I wish authors kept the same tone / rating thru a series. You're invested, you like the writing...don't smut it up. No need. You've got us already!
I wish authors kept the same tone / rating thru a series. You're invested, you like the writing...don't smut it up. No need. You've got us already!
October 1, 2024
Margot has finally escaped the physical clutches of her captors. Safe back with her fellow rebels, Margot will do whatever it takes to make them pay for what they have done to her. However, she can not seem to escape the mental torture that they still inflict upon her nightly. Knox has woven his crows inside her brain that she cannot keep quiet. Feeding off of Margot’s pain and fears the crows will not relent until they get what they want….blood.
Meanwhile, Milo will stop at nothing to get Margot back. He wants her in more ways than he is willing to admit. What will happen when they meet again? Will Margot let her crows win and seek her retribution or will the two lovers realize they are better together?
Sumpter can weave a story together with such grace and intrigue that holds the reader captive until the very end. With a strong MFC and an equally challenging MMC the slow burn is well worth the wait. We not only get a deliciously steamy build up to Margot and Milo’s passion but also the palpable tension between Knox and Margot. I am so excited to see what book 3 will bring with the new dynamic and power shift between the characters.
*Thank you to Abelia Sumpter for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
Meanwhile, Milo will stop at nothing to get Margot back. He wants her in more ways than he is willing to admit. What will happen when they meet again? Will Margot let her crows win and seek her retribution or will the two lovers realize they are better together?
Sumpter can weave a story together with such grace and intrigue that holds the reader captive until the very end. With a strong MFC and an equally challenging MMC the slow burn is well worth the wait. We not only get a deliciously steamy build up to Margot and Milo’s passion but also the palpable tension between Knox and Margot. I am so excited to see what book 3 will bring with the new dynamic and power shift between the characters.
*Thank you to Abelia Sumpter for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
March 15, 2025
This book is a true enemies-to-lovers romantic sci-fi adventure! Abelia Sumpter continues to impress me with her unique plotlines, but I can’t help feeling like this one could’ve gone deeper. The foundation is solid, but the plot just didn’t feel as fleshed out as I expected. Given how strong her writing is, I know she’s capable of more, which left me a little disappointed.
That said, this book did keep me reading and I’ll still read book three when it comes out because I want to know how this story ends. Margot and Milo are still at each other’s throats, and with exile looming, Margot is determined to find her way back to the revolution and save her dying world. Milo is letting his feelings for Margot override his good judgement and because he chooses exile and not execution for Margot’s punishment, he might have signed his own reign’s death certificate. But he’s not going down without a fight, he tells himself that if he sees Margot again, he’ll be ready to end her for good.
One of the things I love about this book is how it leans into the reality of their situation. Their love doesn’t magically fix everything—in fact, it makes things worse. Both of them are struggling with what they believe is right, and their feelings only complicate things. At this point, even their allies are sick of the mercy they keep showing each other. This is war, and nearly everyone around them is willing to sacrifice love for their cause.
And then we find out that the crows Knox gifted Margot with are sick, even if she didn’t realize it in the first book. In retrospect, it seems so obvious that Knox’s crows would be infected even if they’re transferred to someone else but I did not see that coming. With Margot refusing to admit how big of an issue the crows really are, I’m now mildly terrified this series isn’t going to end with a happily ever after. Especially considering that after everything that happens in this book, Margot and Milo are still completely divided on how to handle the war between their planets.
Final verdict? A gripping sequel with high stakes, messy emotions, and an ending that has me nervous for book three.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
That said, this book did keep me reading and I’ll still read book three when it comes out because I want to know how this story ends. Margot and Milo are still at each other’s throats, and with exile looming, Margot is determined to find her way back to the revolution and save her dying world. Milo is letting his feelings for Margot override his good judgement and because he chooses exile and not execution for Margot’s punishment, he might have signed his own reign’s death certificate. But he’s not going down without a fight, he tells himself that if he sees Margot again, he’ll be ready to end her for good.
One of the things I love about this book is how it leans into the reality of their situation. Their love doesn’t magically fix everything—in fact, it makes things worse. Both of them are struggling with what they believe is right, and their feelings only complicate things. At this point, even their allies are sick of the mercy they keep showing each other. This is war, and nearly everyone around them is willing to sacrifice love for their cause.
And then we find out that the crows Knox gifted Margot with are sick, even if she didn’t realize it in the first book. In retrospect, it seems so obvious that Knox’s crows would be infected even if they’re transferred to someone else but I did not see that coming. With Margot refusing to admit how big of an issue the crows really are, I’m now mildly terrified this series isn’t going to end with a happily ever after. Especially considering that after everything that happens in this book, Margot and Milo are still completely divided on how to handle the war between their planets.
Final verdict? A gripping sequel with high stakes, messy emotions, and an ending that has me nervous for book three.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
November 12, 2025
Though the characters and story hold me in an absolute chokehold, I struggled a little with this book.
A big reason was the less careful editing/proofreading: this book has significantly more typos and errors than the first, to the point that I couldn't make sense of some sentences. Dear author, if within your possibilities, please consider a (second?) round of proofreading. It's heartbreaking to see such a gripping story "damaged" by lack of polish.
The multiple POVs were exciting, but didn't work fully for me. Don't get me wrong, I love multiple POVs, and with how the story ended in book 1, I think there was no other way to tell it but this. But because the narrators are often in different locations doing different things, I occasionally got confused about what happened. It didn't help that, in my opinion, their narrating voices read rather similar to each other.
All this said, I'll definitely read the final book because I'm addicted to these characters. I must know how it ends!
A big reason was the less careful editing/proofreading: this book has significantly more typos and errors than the first, to the point that I couldn't make sense of some sentences. Dear author, if within your possibilities, please consider a (second?) round of proofreading. It's heartbreaking to see such a gripping story "damaged" by lack of polish.
The multiple POVs were exciting, but didn't work fully for me. Don't get me wrong, I love multiple POVs, and with how the story ended in book 1, I think there was no other way to tell it but this. But because the narrators are often in different locations doing different things, I occasionally got confused about what happened. It didn't help that, in my opinion, their narrating voices read rather similar to each other.
All this said, I'll definitely read the final book because I'm addicted to these characters. I must know how it ends!
September 5, 2024
I'm convinced Abelia Sumpter can do no wrong. This book, like the first book, was so good! Through the whole book, I was trying to figure out what direction the story was going, and like book one, all of my predictions were wrong, and I could not be happier about that.
Margot, having regained her memories and realizing who she truly is and what has been done to her, is now on a mission to bring down her husband and his regime.
If you have read book 1, then you know who Knox is, and just when I thought he couldn't get more terrifying than he already was, boy, was I wrong.
I really can't praise and recommend this book and series enough. It's like nothing I've ever read before. A true enemies to maybe lovers? With super strong Reylo vibes, you will absolutely not regret picking up this series!
Margot, having regained her memories and realizing who she truly is and what has been done to her, is now on a mission to bring down her husband and his regime.
If you have read book 1, then you know who Knox is, and just when I thought he couldn't get more terrifying than he already was, boy, was I wrong.
I really can't praise and recommend this book and series enough. It's like nothing I've ever read before. A true enemies to maybe lovers? With super strong Reylo vibes, you will absolutely not regret picking up this series!
October 2, 2024
This sequel had me as shook and riveted and SICKENINGLY OBSESSED as the first one. As I tell anyone who will listen: this is a series that does enemies to lovers RIGHT. I’ve never read a book with so much sexual tension when two people are about to kill each other. Oh my god Milo and Margot are written so well I am ill over them.
This novel is just as dark and stressful and frankly unhinged as book one, but in the best ways, because I was on the edge of my seat all the way through. I’ve never been a hater like I am for Knox, holy crap, but characters like my baby Alarik (and Dune, too, Oop) are tiny bright spots. Seeing new worlds and introducing new characters opens up so much in the world building as well.
Lastly, that cliffhanger? Abelia Sumpter, count your days 😩😩😩 where is the next book already!!!
This novel is just as dark and stressful and frankly unhinged as book one, but in the best ways, because I was on the edge of my seat all the way through. I’ve never been a hater like I am for Knox, holy crap, but characters like my baby Alarik (and Dune, too, Oop) are tiny bright spots. Seeing new worlds and introducing new characters opens up so much in the world building as well.
Lastly, that cliffhanger? Abelia Sumpter, count your days 😩😩😩 where is the next book already!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2025
This is a great sci fi romantic thriller. I seriously can't wait to reread when the series is complete.
Everytime characters were one on one, I wasn't sure if there was going to be a punch on or things were going to get hot & heavy.
The book energy was fraught with so much tension and tearing me across the pages to work out who Margot can trust.
I really hope this unique magic system and world structure continues in more books.
While yes Margot & Milo burn brighter, I continued to fall down the spiral of pitch blackness with Knox & Crux my unreedeemable bookboyfriends from book 1 ( beg of u don't unaliven them off, write them into a Pitch black standalone pretty pls!)
Jasmin E Reads
Everytime characters were one on one, I wasn't sure if there was going to be a punch on or things were going to get hot & heavy.
The book energy was fraught with so much tension and tearing me across the pages to work out who Margot can trust.
I really hope this unique magic system and world structure continues in more books.
While yes Margot & Milo burn brighter, I continued to fall down the spiral of pitch blackness with Knox & Crux my unreedeemable bookboyfriends from book 1 ( beg of u don't unaliven them off, write them into a Pitch black standalone pretty pls!)
Jasmin E Reads
October 6, 2024
i need more
This is my favorite series of 2024. I can say that completely. It has plot, adult fantasy, drama, betrayals, twists and romance.
Abelia Sumpter created the next big hit.
I would say dark romance, and dark lords vibes with a little sci-fi element. Pure Romantasy and pure enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers. You will love it!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This is my favorite series of 2024. I can say that completely. It has plot, adult fantasy, drama, betrayals, twists and romance.
Abelia Sumpter created the next big hit.
I would say dark romance, and dark lords vibes with a little sci-fi element. Pure Romantasy and pure enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers. You will love it!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
May 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this. I agree with one of the other reviews. It did drag a little bit in the beginning. I skimmed through some of the first part of the book, but overall, enjoyable. I like the characterizations. I liked the storyline. It did rush a little at the end, but I'm hopeful for the next book.
June 26, 2025
5 / 5 Stars 🌟
My biggest complaint is that I have to wait for the next book to come out. I really love this series. It feels like a space opera with elements of Starwars while also giving early 2000's dystopian. I absolutely hope everyone reads this series!
My biggest complaint is that I have to wait for the next book to come out. I really love this series. It feels like a space opera with elements of Starwars while also giving early 2000's dystopian. I absolutely hope everyone reads this series!
September 8, 2024
After the ending of the first book, I was super keen to see what happens next. I was initially concerned that the new character perspective we would get in this one would be too much, but I actually really enjoyed it! It allowed for more of the picture to be shown leading to a fuller, more interesting story. I also really loved the expansion of the world and especially the magic. I would love to know more about the different types of magic, but what we were given was enough for the story to progress AND give me something to look forward to in the next installment.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of this story was the PTSD and trauma Margot has from the events of book one. I loved how the realities of her experiences weren't overlooked or glossed over. Time and time again we see Margot faced with nightmares and triggers and having to work through them.
My only complaint (and it is minor) was that it was in some ways a little repetitive... without giving any spoilery details. It didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story though! This book always was giving even stronger and more obvious Reylo vibes (which the author has said before) which may work for a lot of people, I'm just not a shipper of that particular ship. I do still really enjoy the romance between the main characters though.
So honored to have received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of this story was the PTSD and trauma Margot has from the events of book one. I loved how the realities of her experiences weren't overlooked or glossed over. Time and time again we see Margot faced with nightmares and triggers and having to work through them.
My only complaint (and it is minor) was that it was in some ways a little repetitive... without giving any spoilery details. It didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story though! This book always was giving even stronger and more obvious Reylo vibes (which the author has said before) which may work for a lot of people, I'm just not a shipper of that particular ship. I do still really enjoy the romance between the main characters though.
So honored to have received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2025
" And once she's gonw, I find myself the same man I've always been. A man who's completely alone."
January 5, 2026
4.5 ⭐️s
Easy and intriguing 2nd book in the series. Heavy Reylo vibes. I enjoyed the addition of Anali’s character, I think she is the most unique of all the characters. Unlike other reviews, I did actually enjoy the beginning of the book, in fact I wish we got a little MORE cat and mouse before Margot was actually recaptured. I also enjoyed Dimitris POV at the end, and am hoping to get more of him, Oliver and Anali’s “side quest”. They are definitely the side kick friends you love to watch. On the flip side, I did not particularly enjoy the POV of Lleu. I felt as if her POV was a little repetitive and mostly unnecessary, possibly added only to make the story longer. In addition, I just feel like I was missing SOMETHING. The ending was not as strong as the start for me. Some meat in the middle was missing for me. Maybe the questions I have will be answered in the final book. However, again, I am excited to see how the 3rd book will round out the story of the Rebels vs The Arris Reign. ✨
Easy and intriguing 2nd book in the series. Heavy Reylo vibes. I enjoyed the addition of Anali’s character, I think she is the most unique of all the characters. Unlike other reviews, I did actually enjoy the beginning of the book, in fact I wish we got a little MORE cat and mouse before Margot was actually recaptured. I also enjoyed Dimitris POV at the end, and am hoping to get more of him, Oliver and Anali’s “side quest”. They are definitely the side kick friends you love to watch. On the flip side, I did not particularly enjoy the POV of Lleu. I felt as if her POV was a little repetitive and mostly unnecessary, possibly added only to make the story longer. In addition, I just feel like I was missing SOMETHING. The ending was not as strong as the start for me. Some meat in the middle was missing for me. Maybe the questions I have will be answered in the final book. However, again, I am excited to see how the 3rd book will round out the story of the Rebels vs The Arris Reign. ✨
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews