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Valdor #2

A Trial of the Heart

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The trials begin.

Skylar arrives in the Inner Kingdom, but the dangers of the trials are only half the battle she must face. The courts of the High Fae are as treacherous as they are mysterious to a foreign outsider. Skylar will have to navigate obstacles in the trials, along with the politics and mind games of the other fae creatures living in the Inner Kingdom.

The ever-watchful Daxton never wavers from his promise to protect Skylar with all he is, alongside his cunning brother Castor and new allies of Crimson City.

As the trial of the mind approaches, Skylar readies herself to accomplish what no other shifter has yet to achieve. Will she overcome the odds and succeed in the first trial? Will she be able to unlock the secrets of what lies hidden in the labyrinth and continue to the trial of the body?

Only her heart can guide her to victory.

This is the second installment of the Valdor four-book series. It follows our Spitfire heroine as she begins the deadly trials to save her world. This fantasy romance will appeal to fans of character-driven adventurous romance tales such as A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and A Ruin of Roses.

Trigger warnings: Sexually explicit scenes, language, "creepy" tunnels/caves/ monsters, A dash of a dark fairytale, violence, torture (off-page, referred to), forced sexual encounters (off-page, referred to, not described).

500 pages, ebook

First published November 24, 2024

162 people are currently reading
738 people want to read

About the author

J.E. Larson

4 books168 followers
"Alaska Grown", with a passion for creating my own worlds... which comes in handy when you live in a uniquely beautiful place such as my home state.

I started writing in middle school with a good old-fashioned pencil and paper. Jotting down ideas of characters, adventures, and different worlds.

In my thirties, with the encouragement of my husband, I began writing... and writing... until I finally created my first trilogy(That story is yet to be told).

After the birth of our two daughters and work, I had to find the quiet 5 am mornings and the secluded nights after bedtime to finally give voice to my ideas. My greatest wish was to write my stories and to have others read and enjoy them with me.

So please enjoy what I have created.

And thank you for taking a leap of faith into my world.

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5 stars
452 (57%)
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239 (30%)
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74 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
Profile Image for Keri M.
420 reviews39 followers
November 24, 2024
When I tell you this was on of the best 2nd books I’ve ever read, I absolutely mean it!! I’m telling you right now Skylar and Dax are legit my top 3 fantasy couple. Their love for each other is unmatched and they face so much and still have this whitty banter that is so amazing. I have no words for the cliffhanger of an ending!
Profile Image for Jade White.
36 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2024
OH MY GOD! Where do I even begin!? This book is just amazing! If you don’t believe me find out for yourself by reading it because WOW!

There were so many things in here that just threw a curve ball at me and I loved it. This book compared to book one is spicy and I am not complaining about it!! I absolutely DEVOURED this book. It was so good I stoped at 80% and just let it settle for a couple of days because I DID NOT want it to end!! I am more than ready for book 3 after that plot twist ending 🤌😭💜

Valdor 2025 here I come
Profile Image for Karly.
355 reviews278 followers
April 1, 2025
I wish I wasn't so torn on this book because I am emotionally invested in this series. This review may be haphazard, so bare with me.

I really enjoyed the first book of this series—I immediately connected with the characters, enjoyed the pacing of the book, and I liked how J.E. Larson developed the magic system (it wasn't overwhelming).

It's been a handful of months since I finished A Trial of Fate, and I actually didn't need a refresh/recap before jumping into this book because I remembered the vast majority of key details and plot points. What I didn't immediately recall, J.E. Larson added context to in A Trial of the Heart, which felt very intentional and I loved it.

Overall, I still love Skylar and Daxton as characters, but I actually felt myself gravitating more towards side characters in this book. I'm curious to see how J.E. Larson will further develop them.

If I had to overly summarize why I feel torn on this book, it comes down to two things:

Pacing: ultimately, I wanted so much more from the trials. What we got was fantastic, but those scenes felt so fast and fleeting. I was almost surprised how quickly they went. As a result, the other scenes and events in between the trials felt like they slowed down the story for me. I'm not sure I went into this book with the right expectations.

Word choices: there were numerous moments that J.E. Larson chose certain words or sayings that pulled me out of the story. This is SUCH a personal preference and overly subjective, but it unfortunately doesn't change how I feel. Many of these were words/phrases during spice scenes, and I found myself struggling to enjoy them.

Even with my mixed feelings, I still enjoy this world and the overall plot of this story. I still think this series is a worthwhile read, but I will definitely need to be in the right mindset when going into book 3.

A sincere thank you to J.E. Larson for gifting me a physical copy of this book.
Profile Image for Katie.
547 reviews34 followers
June 17, 2025
What a brilliant way to end this book. Give us just enough and then leave us hanging. (And I loved every single minute of it) I have so many questions that I need answers too and now I am even more excited for the third book. Wow. Just wow. Loved this book so much!
Profile Image for Stefanie H..
135 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2024
This book!!!! This whole freaking series so far!!! I need book 3 like ASAP!


I fell in love with this whole world in The Trial of Fate. The second book was a very anticipated read & I was not disappointed. Book 2 started right where book 1 left off. We finally get the first two trials & some new characters. Also, we are getting a little more of an idea of what else Skylar may be which is EXCITING. Last but not least, the 🌶️ 🥵. If you wanted more spice in book 1… you’re definitely getting it in book 2. Daxton coming in hot in book 2.

There is a specific scenario that tore me up and I legit teared up when Skylar was in her first trial & things began looking bleak for her. Man, good job J.E. Larson for nearly tearing out my soul. The twists & turns. This was a fun adventure and Skylar and Daxton have my heart.

I still love the side characters - Castor but Gunnar had me laughing too. Great banter & family ties amongst all the characters.

This book did leave off a cliffhanger so I’ll be waiting patiently for book 3.

Overall, if you loved The Trial of Fate … you’ll probably love this one too!
Profile Image for Nicole.
47 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2025
I loved this book! Skylar and Daxton are one of maybe favorite romantasy couples. I love how she interacted with the other fae. I love the description of the different cities. And the cliffhanger has me bounding waiting for the next one.
Profile Image for Becca Toplis.
12 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2025
AHHH SOO GOOD 🤩 I neeeeeeed the next book asap!! What a bloody fantastic series this is, more than 5 stars needed ⭐️
Profile Image for Cladis Brocardo.
347 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2025
Okey dokey… can we please have book three now? Thanks!! That cliffhanger was so unfair! I came back here to say that I believe this is now one of my favourite series. I hope the last book will not disappoint me.
Profile Image for Christina.
86 reviews
February 22, 2025
Once again, amazing books. I am so in love with Dax and Skylar's relationship. I need book 3!
Profile Image for Karen Reads.
12 reviews
November 25, 2024
This review comes to you from someone who is no influencer, but just your normal everyday reader. So this review will not be an elaborately written paragraph after paragraph of details that could contain spoilers-Just my heartfelt feelings.

I’ll start off by saying that I received an ARC of a Trial of the Heart and I am forever grateful to be a part of this wonderful journey and to have been selected to receive it. Thank you so much 💚

If you love easy world building, sloooooooow burns 🥵, a strong FMC who has a sensible head on her shoulders who actually thinks before she speaks or does anything too irrational, a MMC who broods with power and who’s words are very swoon worthy, and a cast of side characters with all their witty banter that personify what a true found family is; This world, with all the characters that ebb and flow so perfectly together, make this book and series pure perfection.

J. E. Larson, you write with such passion; your words are so easy to read, but are so profound and eloquent. You have created a world of such literary beauty….I will forever shout my praise!!

So, with that being said…If I can convince you to read this series by selecting one of my MANY quotes by the swoon worthy Daxton to Skylar…it will be this- “ For you, I would watch the world burn if it meant keeping you safe. All reason-all sense of logic and responsibility I carry-is thrown to the side when it concerns you.” 💚🏹💙
Profile Image for Megan Warwick.
81 reviews6 followers
January 5, 2025
What a fantastic sequel to A Trial of Fate! This one was even more action-packed! It is evident that J.E. Larson is getting more confident in her writing. The story was well-developed with great pacing. This book continues with characters that I love and adore, but introduces new characters..some that I loved and some that I hate!! This one definitely had more spice, which I was not mad about! 😂 This one ends in a way that makes me eager to continue the series! It will be hard to wait for the follow-up of this one! Absolutely love this series so far! 👏👏👏
Profile Image for Amanda Payne.
6 reviews
July 1, 2025
A Trial of the Heart, the compelling sequel in J.E. Larson’s captivating series, delivers an enthralling blend of high-stakes trials, heartfelt fated mates, and a formidable tyrant queen. This novel is an immersive escape that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
Larson’s characters are the soul of the story, each crafted with remarkable depth and relatability. Their emotional journeys, woven with the intense pull of fated mates, create a powerful connection that resonates long after the page is turned. The relentless pace of the narrative—packed with gripping challenges and intricate plot twists—ensures the book is nearly impossible to set down.
Building on the foundation of its predecessor, A Trial of the Heart elevates the series with its vivid world-building and dynamic storytelling. Fans of fantasy romance will find this sequel a thrilling continuation, brimming with passion and suspense. J.E. Larson has crafted a must-read that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
493 reviews
June 29, 2025
Trials, deception, more near death experiences, mates, love, and discovering the inner kingdom. Skylar and Daxton move through so much turmoil in this second novel in the series, it's unreal. I truly appreciate that the author/publisher did not see fit to dived these books into small cliffhanger ending novellas. The story of Valdor is amazingly in depth, with descriptive sights, sound and smells. It can be a difficult thing to convey, but this series delivers.
Profile Image for Ellie Collins.
560 reviews11 followers
November 25, 2024
This was amazing just like I was expecting. We are thrown into the beginning of the trials but also with some fun/action packed bits going on outside of these.

The romance has 100% upgraded in this one & the spice was dam spicy🤌🏽

I loved the first two trials. This book is set & separated so well in regard to the story & the plot and what is happening on the outside of the trials & how the characters all come together & why. It’s super easy to follow & flows so well.

The ending!! I absolutely loved how this book ended & I cannot wait to see what happens next!!🫶🏽🫶🏽
Profile Image for Sharon Sabag .
143 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2024
A Trial of the Heart by J.E. Larson


-Impossible love
-Found Family
-Tortured Hero
-Fae & Shifters


“Ruin me, so no other could dare try”

5⭐️

I swear Larson puts crack in these books!! The story, the world, the characters… EVERYTHING is just so good!!! The last 10% of the book had me in a roller coaster is emotions and it got me incredibly excited for book 3 🤭 I love Skylar so much! She’s so strong and empowering and we LOVE an MMC who is nothing but supportive despite what everyone else says. The connection and dynamic between Dax and Skylar is so sweet it had me swooning.
I can see a new couple in our future and I CANNOT WAIT 🤩

I had the best time reading this book and I’m basically begging you at this point to read this series ✨
Profile Image for Cari Rees.
97 reviews16 followers
October 21, 2024
We start off with Skylar waking up in the Inner Kingdom where she has traveled to enter the trials. This book is a literal masterpiece! I felt as if I was inside the book. The chemistry the characters had together was amazing. Skylar meets some of Daxton’s family and they immediately bring her in like they have known her forever. I fell more in love with Daxton’s character in this book. He and Skylar are so perfect together. I just love them. I’m not saying anymore because I will give away the book! But if you love banter, found family, trials, people who fight for each other, there’s an evil queen, magic, it’s just everything a fantasy story should be. I highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Caitlyn Taylor (Caitlyns_Romantasy).
113 reviews89 followers
October 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️
(Book 2 in the series) Releasing November 24, 2024!

Wow!! The trials for the heart of Valdor begin. I really enjoyed how the trials are the center piece to this story but so well layered with romance, training, mystery, found family and of course lots of great banter. The trials in this book are so unique and almost tricked me at times.

If you love Luther Corbios (spark of the Everflame), and Wilder Hawthorne (Blood & Steel), you will absolutely love the MMC Daxton Aegaeon. He is green flags all the way. Supporting the FMC, Skylar, praising her, worshiping her in everything she does. And he calls her “Spitfire”, we love a great nickname

So much was uncovered in this book from book 1, but damn I was not expecting that ending! We are left with more questions and uncertainties (which I love in a series) and I can’t wait to see how this story plays out because I am so nervous for evey one. I’m putting my trust in Castor that he does have a plan.

Thank you J.E. Larson for allowing me to be apart of your ARC team. You have created a magical world and characters that I love.
Profile Image for Kaiti Mills.
55 reviews
November 11, 2024
This series has been such an unexpected delight! I never thought I would enjoy a shifter book this much, yet here I am, completely captivated. Add a 500-year-old brooding fae prince, and suddenly I'm all in! The author’s unique twist on my favorite trope, fated mates, adds even more depth and excitement to the story. Each page had me hooked, and I truly couldn't put it down. J.E. Larson, you've earned a place on my auto-buy list; I deeply value your talent for storytelling. Thank you not only for creating this mesmerizing series but for becoming a friend along the way. I’ll be singing this series' praises endlessly—it's truly unforgettable!
Profile Image for Skylar Olmstead.
4 reviews
November 27, 2024
J.E. Larson has done it again folks. This series has gotten me out of the WORST reading slump that i’ve experienced. Skylar and Dax’s relationship is to die for and the cliffhanger at the end already has me biting my nails ready for the next book. Usually, when reading the second book of the series, it’s either going to be worse or just as good as the first book. I’ll be damned if I don’t say this one was even better. Skylar is such a great fmc and that’s hard to find sometimes with fantasy novels but this series is just hitting all of the marks for me. I cannot wait for the next book to come out🤞🏻
3 reviews
January 6, 2025
so much better than the first

The second book blew the first one away. Had a hard time putting it down. Great read and highly recommend.
Profile Image for Kavuyi Chivunda.
219 reviews
April 2, 2025
Tropes:
Trials
Political intrigue
Found family
Trauma rep
Fantasy romance
Slow burn
Dying world
Banter
Warrior Prince MMC x Shifter FMC
Fae
Shifters
Human
Touch her and you ☠️
Evil Queen
Mates

When Dax smiled, I smiled.

The trials begin

Sky is now in the inner Kingdom with the high fae almost ready to face her first trial.

In all this Sky’s relationship with Dax has evolved. Their romance is beautiful to read. I love them together. I love Dax. Their relationship was gold. It’s a slow burn, but it burns right. I cried when a part of the book was confirmed like I thought it would go. I was so happy. Happy tears.

In the midst of their evolving relationship, you have an evil queen who will take from Dax his power for herself.

There is tension in this book among the princes and the Queen. There are plot twists in this book, there are challenges, new characters and some rich descriptions of the inner kingdom. In all this, something is brewing in the air and I can’t wait for book 3 to see how everything will unfold.

The growth that Skyler showed was impressive. Book one was heartbreaking with what she went through and in book two we got to see her rebuild her strength and mind.

I loved this book. I cried. Give me book 3. I’m in love.

Castor was a masterpiece and one of the best parts of this book, he made the book rich. He was funny. His humor amazing. All their side characters added to the book. Found family was strong in this one.
Profile Image for JensBookishWays.
114 reviews27 followers
February 7, 2025
“You’re the mate of the High Prince of Silver Meadows. The slayer of the basilisk. Victor of the labyrinth. You do not give up. You never back down.”

I really enjoyed this book, it was addictive! This story contains two of the three trials. The tension, turned open affection, between Skylar and Daxton was just as good, if not better than the first book, A Trial of Fate. Several new characters and cities were introduced, including Crimson City, Aelis, and Silver Meadows.

The pacing was medium to fast. Skylar’s character development, including trusting herself, her feelings, and finally acknowledging the depth of her true power, was very well done. I also enjoyed the imagery provided for each of the new areas visited during the story.

This book contained parallels to other fantasy books so at times it was difficult to differentiate the stories - (ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, Harry Potter, and even the animated Beauty and the Beast movie) - from the great, addictive story at hand.

Tropes in this story: Fated Mates, Trials, Found Family

Looking forward to Book 3, A Trial of Two Worlds!

I give this book 4.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lina.
51 reviews6 followers
October 28, 2024
Hands down turning into one of my favorite reads this year!
This picks up right after TBF and you follow Skylar on her journey of learning about the Fae, their lands, and politics. I love that now we get to see Fea’s realm, the differences between the different kingdoms, whose and ally and whose not. Because of JE Larsons writing style and how she beautifully describes everything, is just another reason why I love this trilogy.

Sky is absolutely one of my FAV FMC and I love her character so much! She’s brave, witty, clever, stubborn, vulnerable, and resilient. Her and Dax’s connection blossoms and ooooooh ITS SOOOOO GOOD! They might be one of my fav power couples! We are introduced to new characters from Crimson City (ally realm) that become part of Sky’s found family and they are fantastic as well. And we also get to see more of the false Queen ugh I want to punch her so bad. LOL. I’m curious to see how that plays out and how Sky fits into it all. Her heritage is still a mystery but we get some hints here and there so I’m coming up with my own theories which I won’t mention - trying to keep this spoiler free!

Sky must train for the trials ahead and the way the story ends is epic and I CANNOT WAIT for book 3! I NEED to have it now!
I’m gonna end it here but I HIGHLY recommend this series!!!!!
8 reviews
November 30, 2024
I need book 3

This series is like a mash of ACOTAR and TOG w a sprinkle of Hunger Games. But somehow still stands apart and pulls you in. The FMC is well written and not annoying. She's fierce yet vulnerable. The MMC is a mix of Rhys and Rowan and you just fall for him. The Queen from the beginning is giving very Amarantha\Maeve vibes and I just can't wait to see her gone. The relationship is slow burn, but we get some spice in this book. Overall it's a yes, and now I'm impatiently waiting for book three.
Profile Image for Marina.
26 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2024
5/5⭐️ 3.5/5❤️‍🔥
Umm excuse me ma’am…. What is this series besides fan-freaking-tastic?!?! 😍😍 I soared through this book faster than I did the first one! Absolutely captivating from page one and I am CRAVING book 3 like now! This series is easily and quickly becoming my favorite series thus far! Topping even ACOTAR in my opinion! 🤩 I am in LOVE with this world, the characters, the slow burn romance, the spice, absolutely everything with this series! This series, hands down, is my Roman Empire! 💖
Profile Image for Samantha Sullivan.
303 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2024
I absolutely love this book with my whole heart! This book made it so very close to being my favourite read ever! The giddy feeling, the twists, the heart stopping moments! It had my attention from the following book and straight into wishing book 3 was already out! This was easily a book series I would’ve read through and down an all nighter!

It was just everything and like my blood is still buzzing from every little detail of this book! I stumbled upon this series and god thank you that I did because it doesn’t disappoint whatsoever!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
281 reviews36 followers
February 6, 2025
AMAZINGGGG sequel! I could not put it down.

I was soooo happy to see more of the found family aspect come into play, and see Dax and Skylar further explore their relationship.

I enjoyed the trials and was happy that the actual tasks flowed really nicely and did not drag like they do in some other series.

THAT ENDING?! I was not anticipating the ending at all and cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Veronica.
48 reviews20 followers
November 5, 2024
4.25. This is the second in the Valdor series! I really loved this book! There was so much action and relationship development going on! The trials were so unique and interesting. The spice was top notch! J. E knows how to write a swoon worthy MMC and a badass FMC! The ONLY reason it’s not getting a 5 star is the pacing was a bit off for me.
Profile Image for bookpalhal.
100 reviews5 followers
December 17, 2025
3.5 Writing most definitely improved from book one. Characters became more likable and the plot became more interesting.

However the pacing was too slow at times and it took me way too long to finish this one. I feel this book could have been shorter.

BUT I am invested in this journey and want to see how this story ends
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews

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