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Amefyre #2
A Promise of Blood
OLD FATES AWAKEN. DEADLY PASSIONS MEET DEADLIER DEALS.
Suri survived the fallout of Queen Lera’s ceremony, but now finds herself deep in unfamiliar territory—the City of the Damned. The City’s deadly ruler, Kol, believes she's the key to breaking the curse upon the desert wasteland. Suri just wants to save her brother and forge her own destiny away from the growing temptations of Kol’s court.
As dangerous threats loom, Suri discovers her unique blood bond might not simply save her own it could be the only way to stop Queen Lera. Spellbinding balls, glamours, blood witches, and prophecies await... but only if Suri steps deeper into Kol’s dark history.
In the tantalising second book in the Amefyre series, passions will rise as Kol and Suri balance on a knife-edge between desire and disaster.
Suri survived the fallout of Queen Lera’s ceremony, but now finds herself deep in unfamiliar territory—the City of the Damned. The City’s deadly ruler, Kol, believes she's the key to breaking the curse upon the desert wasteland. Suri just wants to save her brother and forge her own destiny away from the growing temptations of Kol’s court.
As dangerous threats loom, Suri discovers her unique blood bond might not simply save her own it could be the only way to stop Queen Lera. Spellbinding balls, glamours, blood witches, and prophecies await... but only if Suri steps deeper into Kol’s dark history.
In the tantalising second book in the Amefyre series, passions will rise as Kol and Suri balance on a knife-edge between desire and disaster.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2024
62 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Sandpiper
6 books307 followersR A Sandpiper (she/her) is a twenty-something romantic fantasy author living in the UK. She has a law degree she's never used despite spending five years in government-adjacent roles, loves games of all kinds (the nerdier the better), and will always dance at weddings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
September 10, 2024
”if you’re a monster, then i’m your worst nightmare, little thief.”
ARC REVIEW (opinions are completely my own)
i… am simply not okay. i knew that as this trilogy progressed, it would continue to impress me, however i did not think that it would go and do all THAT.
the slowburn, enemies-to-lovers romance was EVERYTHING. the character development? EVERYTHING. the plot twists, betrayals and pinch points? EVERYTHING. and let’s not forget about the absolutely stunning writing, the intricate world building, and the complete and utter lack of plot armour.
catch me shoving this book down everyone’s throats because a pocket of lies and this book have very easily found their way into my top 10 books/series of all time. that, and the fact that i’m DESPERATE for this author and this trilogy to receive as much love as the likes of acotar, fourth wing and the cruel prince.
ARC REVIEW (opinions are completely my own)
i… am simply not okay. i knew that as this trilogy progressed, it would continue to impress me, however i did not think that it would go and do all THAT.
the slowburn, enemies-to-lovers romance was EVERYTHING. the character development? EVERYTHING. the plot twists, betrayals and pinch points? EVERYTHING. and let’s not forget about the absolutely stunning writing, the intricate world building, and the complete and utter lack of plot armour.
catch me shoving this book down everyone’s throats because a pocket of lies and this book have very easily found their way into my top 10 books/series of all time. that, and the fact that i’m DESPERATE for this author and this trilogy to receive as much love as the likes of acotar, fourth wing and the cruel prince.
April 16, 2025
This review was originally published on Grimdark Magazine
Ooooh damn, A Promise of Blood doesn’t just deliver on all the great potential that A Pocket of Lies promised, but it completely takes the Amefyre series to the next level. It gets bigger, darker, riskier, sexier, and even more cruelly twisted, and it’s bleeding with the most exquisite tension, inner turmoil and emotional gut punches that just hurt oh so good.
Now, if there’s one thing we learned from book 1, it’s that Suri seriously can’t catch a break. After all the brutal trials and tribulations that she somehow managed to survive, she has now ended up in the legendary City of the Damned; the city under the rule of none other than our deliciously dark Fae Lord Kol, who believes her to be the key player in the prophecy that forespells his people’s salvation. In other words, hello deadly high stakes, hello forced proximity, hello complicated feelings, and hello forbidden desires… let’s goooo, I am so here for the drama!
You know, I really liked these characters in A Pocket of Lies, but I absolutely fell in love with them in A Promise of Blood. I mean, it’s not like this sequel is any less action-packed than its predecessor, but I personally feel like it was way less hectic and overwhelming. To me, Sandpiper really hit the sweet spot between the action and the emotion, and the amount of organic character-/relationship development really increased the emotional stakes to levels that were honestly dangerous for my emotional wellbeing.
Suri is honestly just my type of spunky, angry gal, and I really loved that we got to see so much more emotional vulnerability from her while still maintaining her total badass status. And Kol… my dear, dark, broody, and absolutely tortured Kol; he is truly down bad for Suri (even if she is still deep in denial country), and oh baby do I like the (filthy) mouth on this man. I was honestly eating up their deliciously risqué will-they-won’t they dynamic and couldn’t stop grinning over all their knife-sharp, teasing banter. Also, the little teases of spice… fuuuuck me, they are HOT together!
But what’s especially impressive to me is how the increased focus on the achingly slow-burn (multi-book) enemies-to-lovers romance somehow never even came close to killing the grimdark tone or overshadowing all the other intriguing aspects of this story. I loved getting to know the side characters better as we spent time in Kol’s inner court, and the tentative and unexpected found family vibes had me all in my feels. And you know, Scilla may or may not have become my favourite character in A Promise of Blood, which is a true testament to Sandpiper’s skill as a storyteller considering how much I loathed this woman in book 1. These characters are all so flawed, so messy, so complex, and so deeply relatable in the most painful ways, and I loved that they are constantly and continually faced with the heavy consequences of their actions and mistakes.
Moreover, the world also organically expands in both breadth and depth as we travel to new places and more of the history/lore/magic gets unveiled, which really added a nice extra level of immersion for me. I especially loved the moments in the Fae Glen, with all its deceptive beauty, wicked trickery, and arousing seduction, as well as the shocking unravelling of Kol’s personal backstory (the diary entries in the epigraphs are starting to make so much sense now!). The way that Sandpiper cleverly played around with familiar tropes and kept subverting my expectations was just so fun, and I really loved seeing how intricately everything is tied together; the revelations are just SO GOOD!
That said, I do have to admit that there were a few plot beats that felt either a bit contrived, predictable or purely forced in there for the sake of drama, and both Kol and Suri suffer from some severe cases of martyr complex, which made me want to strangle them more times than I can count (even if the chaos also kinda gave me life). Also, similarly to in book 1, the final act of A Promise of Blood felt maybe a bit messy to me, but the last scenes were absolute fire and all the implications got me equal parts excited and absolutely scared shitless for the finale.
Ultimately, my few little nitpicks didn’t stop me from devouring this book like nobody’s business, and I think A Promise of Blood is just a sequel done absolutely right. The Amefyre series is quickly shaping up to be the dark fantasy romance of my darkest dreams (or should I say nightmares?), and I can’t recommend it highly enough to anyone who has been looking for something to fill that Throne of Glass or The Cruel Prince void, but which just goes a little harder in all the best ways.
Ooooh damn, A Promise of Blood doesn’t just deliver on all the great potential that A Pocket of Lies promised, but it completely takes the Amefyre series to the next level. It gets bigger, darker, riskier, sexier, and even more cruelly twisted, and it’s bleeding with the most exquisite tension, inner turmoil and emotional gut punches that just hurt oh so good.
Now, if there’s one thing we learned from book 1, it’s that Suri seriously can’t catch a break. After all the brutal trials and tribulations that she somehow managed to survive, she has now ended up in the legendary City of the Damned; the city under the rule of none other than our deliciously dark Fae Lord Kol, who believes her to be the key player in the prophecy that forespells his people’s salvation. In other words, hello deadly high stakes, hello forced proximity, hello complicated feelings, and hello forbidden desires… let’s goooo, I am so here for the drama!
You know, I really liked these characters in A Pocket of Lies, but I absolutely fell in love with them in A Promise of Blood. I mean, it’s not like this sequel is any less action-packed than its predecessor, but I personally feel like it was way less hectic and overwhelming. To me, Sandpiper really hit the sweet spot between the action and the emotion, and the amount of organic character-/relationship development really increased the emotional stakes to levels that were honestly dangerous for my emotional wellbeing.
Suri is honestly just my type of spunky, angry gal, and I really loved that we got to see so much more emotional vulnerability from her while still maintaining her total badass status. And Kol… my dear, dark, broody, and absolutely tortured Kol; he is truly down bad for Suri (even if she is still deep in denial country), and oh baby do I like the (filthy) mouth on this man. I was honestly eating up their deliciously risqué will-they-won’t they dynamic and couldn’t stop grinning over all their knife-sharp, teasing banter. Also, the little teases of spice… fuuuuck me, they are HOT together!
But what’s especially impressive to me is how the increased focus on the achingly slow-burn (multi-book) enemies-to-lovers romance somehow never even came close to killing the grimdark tone or overshadowing all the other intriguing aspects of this story. I loved getting to know the side characters better as we spent time in Kol’s inner court, and the tentative and unexpected found family vibes had me all in my feels. And you know, Scilla may or may not have become my favourite character in A Promise of Blood, which is a true testament to Sandpiper’s skill as a storyteller considering how much I loathed this woman in book 1. These characters are all so flawed, so messy, so complex, and so deeply relatable in the most painful ways, and I loved that they are constantly and continually faced with the heavy consequences of their actions and mistakes.
Moreover, the world also organically expands in both breadth and depth as we travel to new places and more of the history/lore/magic gets unveiled, which really added a nice extra level of immersion for me. I especially loved the moments in the Fae Glen, with all its deceptive beauty, wicked trickery, and arousing seduction, as well as the shocking unravelling of Kol’s personal backstory (the diary entries in the epigraphs are starting to make so much sense now!). The way that Sandpiper cleverly played around with familiar tropes and kept subverting my expectations was just so fun, and I really loved seeing how intricately everything is tied together; the revelations are just SO GOOD!
That said, I do have to admit that there were a few plot beats that felt either a bit contrived, predictable or purely forced in there for the sake of drama, and both Kol and Suri suffer from some severe cases of martyr complex, which made me want to strangle them more times than I can count (even if the chaos also kinda gave me life). Also, similarly to in book 1, the final act of A Promise of Blood felt maybe a bit messy to me, but the last scenes were absolute fire and all the implications got me equal parts excited and absolutely scared shitless for the finale.
Ultimately, my few little nitpicks didn’t stop me from devouring this book like nobody’s business, and I think A Promise of Blood is just a sequel done absolutely right. The Amefyre series is quickly shaping up to be the dark fantasy romance of my darkest dreams (or should I say nightmares?), and I can’t recommend it highly enough to anyone who has been looking for something to fill that Throne of Glass or The Cruel Prince void, but which just goes a little harder in all the best ways.
October 6, 2024
The sequel that left me crying for MORE!
I’ve waited for this book since I finished “A Pocket of Lies” and I couldn’t be happier. Well, that’s a lie, I would have been if I had the third book already! But I digress.
This book is another masterful story, so beautifully written. Twists, turns, magic, surprises, emotions, choices and everything in between. The writing is phenomenal but the story is magnificent. I can’t rave enough about characters with flaws, that make stupid decisions and act NORMALLY. Nobody is flawless and everyone is doing their best.
I’m in LOVE with the banter. Oh I love how snarky they get, how brilliantly they go back and forth. I need Kol on a biological level - ok? Cool. Thanks.
"If you're a monster, then I'm your worst nightmare, little thief."
“Please don't tell me you're taking me to ********" Suri said with a groan. (…) Suri swivelled. "What, now you get quiet?" "You told me not to tell you," he said, raising an eyebrow.
I’m captivated by R.A Sandpiper’s extraordinary world building and I am honestly shocked that more people haven’t caught on yet. I don’t think I’ll ever stop talking about these books - and I’m excited to get to buy them for more people and sharing it with more people. If you love fantasy, if you love well written stories with flawed characters, high stakes, enemies to lovers, will-they-won’t-they, brilliant magic, and STRONG characters? This is it. I give it all the stars. 5 doesn’t do it justice.
I’ve waited for this book since I finished “A Pocket of Lies” and I couldn’t be happier. Well, that’s a lie, I would have been if I had the third book already! But I digress.
This book is another masterful story, so beautifully written. Twists, turns, magic, surprises, emotions, choices and everything in between. The writing is phenomenal but the story is magnificent. I can’t rave enough about characters with flaws, that make stupid decisions and act NORMALLY. Nobody is flawless and everyone is doing their best.
I’m in LOVE with the banter. Oh I love how snarky they get, how brilliantly they go back and forth. I need Kol on a biological level - ok? Cool. Thanks.
"If you're a monster, then I'm your worst nightmare, little thief."
“Please don't tell me you're taking me to ********" Suri said with a groan. (…) Suri swivelled. "What, now you get quiet?" "You told me not to tell you," he said, raising an eyebrow.
I’m captivated by R.A Sandpiper’s extraordinary world building and I am honestly shocked that more people haven’t caught on yet. I don’t think I’ll ever stop talking about these books - and I’m excited to get to buy them for more people and sharing it with more people. If you love fantasy, if you love well written stories with flawed characters, high stakes, enemies to lovers, will-they-won’t-they, brilliant magic, and STRONG characters? This is it. I give it all the stars. 5 doesn’t do it justice.
October 22, 2024
An awesome second book. And that third act? That ending? Mind blown!
Full review to come
Full review to come
October 7, 2024
I was incredibly excited after finishing the first book to receive an ARC for the second!
I really enjoyed Suri being such a flawed character and the slow burn and action definitely began to ramp up toward the end of the book.
Similar to the first book, the world building truly does stand out and somehow feels so new and fresh (despite having read so many romantasy books at this point in my life).
I really enjoyed Suri being such a flawed character and the slow burn and action definitely began to ramp up toward the end of the book.
Similar to the first book, the world building truly does stand out and somehow feels so new and fresh (despite having read so many romantasy books at this point in my life).
October 6, 2024
3.5⭐️ really looking forward to the next book!💫
September 26, 2024
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
Sandpiper's fantasy first romance just keeps getting better! I absolutely devoured the first book so was so excited when I received an advanced copy of A Promise of Blood.
The romance element amps up nicely without becoming the entire focus of the story but my favourite thing about the book is the world building. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger and I think I need 5 more books at least, never mind a trilogy!
Keep 'em coming!
Sandpiper's fantasy first romance just keeps getting better! I absolutely devoured the first book so was so excited when I received an advanced copy of A Promise of Blood.
The romance element amps up nicely without becoming the entire focus of the story but my favourite thing about the book is the world building. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger and I think I need 5 more books at least, never mind a trilogy!
Keep 'em coming!
September 22, 2024
if you guys have ever had a conversation with me about fantasy, you’ll know my thoughts on a pocket of lies… well here is one of my most anticipated reads of autumn and the sequel to a pocket of lies, a promise of blood!! there’s already a review on my page for a pocket of lies (which i gave a six star read)🔮i have been so so so excited to read this & let me tell you. it absolutely lived up to, and exceeded, my expectations. sandpiper is an absolute genius. i have NO WORDS. another easy six star read. there is not one thing about this book i would change.
if you love:
high stakes
slow burn enemies to lovers
an incredible & strong FMC
plot twist after plot twist after plot twist
then please give the amefyre series a read. you will not regret it !! 🔮 a pocket of lies is OUT NOW ❤️🩹 a promise of blood releases on the 6th october ❤️🩹 endless thanks to @rasandpiper for sending me these two ARCs❤️🔥 i will always be your biggest supporter!!
if you love:
high stakes
slow burn enemies to lovers
an incredible & strong FMC
plot twist after plot twist after plot twist
then please give the amefyre series a read. you will not regret it !! 🔮 a pocket of lies is OUT NOW ❤️🩹 a promise of blood releases on the 6th october ❤️🩹 endless thanks to @rasandpiper for sending me these two ARCs❤️🔥 i will always be your biggest supporter!!
October 16, 2024
“If you’re a monster, then I’m your worst nightmare little thief”
“I will not die here” > “we will not die here”
ARC Review incoming -
I am so glad I applied to read this ARC! I loved the first book but the second was even better.
The development of the MMC & FMC was written so well, I thought the timing of everything was written perfectly- a really really really good slow burn. Not only were the main characters amazing, but the side characters also grew on me and made me appreciate them even more.
The only thing I’d perhaps maybe like is a glossary or index of some kind perhaps explaining the different gates/ powers to understand them more in detail.
I can’t wait for the last book of this trilogy!
I have so many parts highlighted- I can’t wait to order a physical copy to read and annotate all over again 👏🏼✨
“I will not die here” > “we will not die here”
ARC Review incoming -
I am so glad I applied to read this ARC! I loved the first book but the second was even better.
The development of the MMC & FMC was written so well, I thought the timing of everything was written perfectly- a really really really good slow burn. Not only were the main characters amazing, but the side characters also grew on me and made me appreciate them even more.
The only thing I’d perhaps maybe like is a glossary or index of some kind perhaps explaining the different gates/ powers to understand them more in detail.
I can’t wait for the last book of this trilogy!
I have so many parts highlighted- I can’t wait to order a physical copy to read and annotate all over again 👏🏼✨
August 27, 2024
WOW are you in for some surprises! Book 2 catapults you into even more excitement, new realms, new lore and lots of spice.
Genuinely so obsessed with the cranked up romance plot in book two, the pacing was insane and the revelations blew my mind. The imagery is insanely vivid and having finished the book, not only is the real world grey but I’m bereft without more updates on the story!
It sounds cliche but I literally couldn’t put it down - ignoring my friend for the entire of a 4 hour train journey in favour of Suri’s tale.
RA Sandpiper has smashed it again; can’t recommend enough 👍👍
Genuinely so obsessed with the cranked up romance plot in book two, the pacing was insane and the revelations blew my mind. The imagery is insanely vivid and having finished the book, not only is the real world grey but I’m bereft without more updates on the story!
It sounds cliche but I literally couldn’t put it down - ignoring my friend for the entire of a 4 hour train journey in favour of Suri’s tale.
RA Sandpiper has smashed it again; can’t recommend enough 👍👍
Want to read
May 9, 2024₊˚⊹ 𐦍༘⋆₊ ⊹ ms sandpiper promised us a multi-book enemies to lover storyline... i needed this, like, yesterday 😫 breathlessly anticipating this release ✨
October 28, 2025
4.3 stars!
(I was kindly gifted an ARC for this book)
NON SPOILER:
This was better than the first, which isn't to slate the first book because that was already really good. So basically this took all the good things about the first book and made them even better! It expanded on the world in a really natural way, introduced characters well and developed the main characters alongside their romance really well too.
The tension. TEH TENSION. Shout out to R.A. Sandpiper for delivering on the tropes, for delivering on the tension that had me on the edge of my seat begging for the two characters to kiss.
Quick fire thoughts:
○ I love when they're intoxicated/poisoned and it makes then act a certain way, THE TENSION of it all has me thriving.
○ I LOVED the subtle jealousy, give it all to me.
○ I love how things in this book re contextualised events from the first. It makes everything tie together so nicely.
○ When I catch you, King Volker, WHEN I CATCH YOU 🤛👊🤛👊🤜 I had a sick feeling. I knew what was coming with Kol's mother, but it hurt all the same. If that man has no haters, I'm dead. Also fuck lera, absolute damp towel of a woman.
○ I liked the little found family that began to form.
SPOILERS:
Romance: Someone play 'The prophecy' by Taylor swift. Can't lie, Kol was in the dog house a few times but overall I loved him with Suri and them growing attracted to eachother not knowing if their fate was to be together or not. I don't usually love prophecies and fated lovers, but I loved how this book handled it. Especially with the fate being that they're actually not meant to be together, it adds so much more weight to their story and how they were never meant to be more than enemies. The fact he saw her and the reason why he hated her was so well done and such a surprise, I loved it. I also loved seeing how TORTURED he was by his feeling for her, I love a tortured man who just can't get enough of the girl. He was so whipped and she didn't even realise it. The whole thing about her needing to learn to take without needing to give something in return was interesting too, especially with him not wanting their sex to be transactional.
I also love the trope where one of them becomes 'brainwashed' or overtaken by evil and attacks the other. Think peeta from the hunger games. Their little reunion at the end was so sweet when he called her 'little thief'. I also loved how she saved his soul and they both cared so much about eachother despite believing they couldn't actually be together. SLOWBURN was slow burning. I'm kind of confused about the mention of multiple 'daughters' to fall for the son of light....so Kol. Could she be one? I'd almost prefer if it stuck to her not being the prophecy and their love defying it. The fact she gave up her soul for him, and knowing he wouldn't want that because he'd lived without one. It was such a sacrifice and yet she loved him enough to do it, even if it meant her feelings for him would be forever changed and he'd maybe hate her for it...at least he'd be alive.
Random thoughts/things i liked:
- I was so happy having a training together fight scene thing and then HE JUST STRANGLED THE HELL OUT OF HER!
- The fact it's like a tree house society all living in this wooden kingdom...adorable and I loved imaging it.
- Him taking her to get more Amefyre.
- he was trying to be subtle but obviously wanted to make her stay as long as possible
- the taven seen with them all drinking (some found family brewing)
- Jem and her dancing with some jealousy from Kol.
- her and Scilla getting dolled up for Xianyu I LOVE PRETTY DRESSES.
- The game
- The deal being Suri's soul for the glamour
- Kol protecting Suri's soul
- I love the 'poisoned or under a spell' trope, this one makes them horny hehe
- him designing her room to feel like home
- The whole office scene, especially with Kol orcastrating Jem to come in
- "You're terrible. "You're beautiful"
- THE EYEPIECE AS A BIRTHDAY PRESENT
- Him going to save her
- Him swearing to protect her home
Suri: Just deserved better than what she was going through. The amount of pressure just thrown on top of her and dealing with people expecting so much. She so badly wanted to be accepted and have a home with people who didn't just want to take from her. She's also still really resourceful which i appreciate and can think on her feet, this is clearly a girl who knows how to keep herself alive and has evidently done a good job at it. She was also a bit sassy at times and stood her ground, I was backing her all the way. Like yes she killed your friend but you started it, and SCILLA TOOK HER EYE. Leave my girl alone.
"And she felt absolutely nothing" HEART = broken. The fact she did all of this to find her brother and find a place in the world and right when she achieved everything she'd given her Soul and lost the ability to truly FEEL everything she'd gained. I really enjoyed her journey, and she stuck out to me as an interesting FMC who I really cared about. She began as a thief who only cared for herself but deep down she was a selfless girl just waiting for a family of people to risk it all form
The plot:
The plan to fake Kol's death in order to secure an audience with Thandul and try and stop Lara was pretty genuis on Suri's part I can't lie. I loved how everything unfolded and as we found out more the plot changed to adapt to the characters. It felt really well thought out and there was just something strong about Suri offering this especially as she goes on to sacrifice her soul for Kol but also to help save the world from the literal God of death. The fact that the world hasn't been kind to her, it hasn't offered her anything and yet she still wants to save it. Yes to save her brother but also because she's a good person. I liked Waris and that segment leading to Kol finding out about her blood bond thing along with the smoking hallway and weird amount of blood and guts just chilling. I enjoyed the fae Glen with Xianyu. I just love all the places they travelled too and how each part of the plot played out and impacted the next step. It kept things fast paced without losing sight of the overall goal. Having Kol appear dead. If she is the daughter of the earth to his son of life then it'd feel like he only started developing feeling s for her because he thought she was that girl and therefore that he had to. Which is why I don't like prophecy romances. I suppose we'll have to see how the prophecy plays out because I do suspect she's somehow linked to is. Surely they wouldn't just have him be in love with the daughter of the earth if it was someone else. But then...does it have to be romantic love is the question.
Kol: My guy is tortured. He’s going through stuff and being framed....that's rough. I have a slight gripe with him because of how he flaunted himself in front of her with that princess girl she'd previously locked in the sewer (i'll find her name in a sec). He was a tortured hero who cared for his people so much that he gave his soul for them. The fact he'd lived eighty years soulless and as the son of life but not being able to live up to the birthright. He didn't have a soul but still fell for Suri though so it can't stop all emotion I guess, but it's probably more detrimental for a human to lose heir soul than him.
Scilla: still not completely redeemed in my eyes, it's going to take more in the final book. I wasn't actively hoping for her death as much but also....she took my girls eye so fuck you.
Overall conclusion:
I enjoyed this, this review has been a bit of a mess, so apologies. I want to reread this at some point so I can properly annotate and remember certain parts because I flew through it so quickly!
(I was kindly gifted an ARC for this book)
NON SPOILER:
This was better than the first, which isn't to slate the first book because that was already really good. So basically this took all the good things about the first book and made them even better! It expanded on the world in a really natural way, introduced characters well and developed the main characters alongside their romance really well too.
The tension. TEH TENSION. Shout out to R.A. Sandpiper for delivering on the tropes, for delivering on the tension that had me on the edge of my seat begging for the two characters to kiss.
Quick fire thoughts:
○ I love when they're intoxicated/poisoned and it makes then act a certain way, THE TENSION of it all has me thriving.
○ I LOVED the subtle jealousy, give it all to me.
○ I love how things in this book re contextualised events from the first. It makes everything tie together so nicely.
○ When I catch you, King Volker, WHEN I CATCH YOU 🤛👊🤛👊🤜 I had a sick feeling. I knew what was coming with Kol's mother, but it hurt all the same. If that man has no haters, I'm dead. Also fuck lera, absolute damp towel of a woman.
○ I liked the little found family that began to form.
SPOILERS:
Romance: Someone play 'The prophecy' by Taylor swift. Can't lie, Kol was in the dog house a few times but overall I loved him with Suri and them growing attracted to eachother not knowing if their fate was to be together or not. I don't usually love prophecies and fated lovers, but I loved how this book handled it. Especially with the fate being that they're actually not meant to be together, it adds so much more weight to their story and how they were never meant to be more than enemies. The fact he saw her and the reason why he hated her was so well done and such a surprise, I loved it. I also loved seeing how TORTURED he was by his feeling for her, I love a tortured man who just can't get enough of the girl. He was so whipped and she didn't even realise it. The whole thing about her needing to learn to take without needing to give something in return was interesting too, especially with him not wanting their sex to be transactional.
I also love the trope where one of them becomes 'brainwashed' or overtaken by evil and attacks the other. Think peeta from the hunger games. Their little reunion at the end was so sweet when he called her 'little thief'. I also loved how she saved his soul and they both cared so much about eachother despite believing they couldn't actually be together. SLOWBURN was slow burning. I'm kind of confused about the mention of multiple 'daughters' to fall for the son of light....so Kol. Could she be one? I'd almost prefer if it stuck to her not being the prophecy and their love defying it. The fact she gave up her soul for him, and knowing he wouldn't want that because he'd lived without one. It was such a sacrifice and yet she loved him enough to do it, even if it meant her feelings for him would be forever changed and he'd maybe hate her for it...at least he'd be alive.
Random thoughts/things i liked:
- I was so happy having a training together fight scene thing and then HE JUST STRANGLED THE HELL OUT OF HER!
- The fact it's like a tree house society all living in this wooden kingdom...adorable and I loved imaging it.
- Him taking her to get more Amefyre.
- he was trying to be subtle but obviously wanted to make her stay as long as possible
- the taven seen with them all drinking (some found family brewing)
- Jem and her dancing with some jealousy from Kol.
- her and Scilla getting dolled up for Xianyu I LOVE PRETTY DRESSES.
- The game
- The deal being Suri's soul for the glamour
- Kol protecting Suri's soul
- I love the 'poisoned or under a spell' trope, this one makes them horny hehe
- him designing her room to feel like home
- The whole office scene, especially with Kol orcastrating Jem to come in
- "You're terrible. "You're beautiful"
- THE EYEPIECE AS A BIRTHDAY PRESENT
- Him going to save her
- Him swearing to protect her home
Suri: Just deserved better than what she was going through. The amount of pressure just thrown on top of her and dealing with people expecting so much. She so badly wanted to be accepted and have a home with people who didn't just want to take from her. She's also still really resourceful which i appreciate and can think on her feet, this is clearly a girl who knows how to keep herself alive and has evidently done a good job at it. She was also a bit sassy at times and stood her ground, I was backing her all the way. Like yes she killed your friend but you started it, and SCILLA TOOK HER EYE. Leave my girl alone.
"And she felt absolutely nothing" HEART = broken. The fact she did all of this to find her brother and find a place in the world and right when she achieved everything she'd given her Soul and lost the ability to truly FEEL everything she'd gained. I really enjoyed her journey, and she stuck out to me as an interesting FMC who I really cared about. She began as a thief who only cared for herself but deep down she was a selfless girl just waiting for a family of people to risk it all form
The plot:
The plan to fake Kol's death in order to secure an audience with Thandul and try and stop Lara was pretty genuis on Suri's part I can't lie. I loved how everything unfolded and as we found out more the plot changed to adapt to the characters. It felt really well thought out and there was just something strong about Suri offering this especially as she goes on to sacrifice her soul for Kol but also to help save the world from the literal God of death. The fact that the world hasn't been kind to her, it hasn't offered her anything and yet she still wants to save it. Yes to save her brother but also because she's a good person. I liked Waris and that segment leading to Kol finding out about her blood bond thing along with the smoking hallway and weird amount of blood and guts just chilling. I enjoyed the fae Glen with Xianyu. I just love all the places they travelled too and how each part of the plot played out and impacted the next step. It kept things fast paced without losing sight of the overall goal. Having Kol appear dead. If she is the daughter of the earth to his son of life then it'd feel like he only started developing feeling s for her because he thought she was that girl and therefore that he had to. Which is why I don't like prophecy romances. I suppose we'll have to see how the prophecy plays out because I do suspect she's somehow linked to is. Surely they wouldn't just have him be in love with the daughter of the earth if it was someone else. But then...does it have to be romantic love is the question.
Kol: My guy is tortured. He’s going through stuff and being framed....that's rough. I have a slight gripe with him because of how he flaunted himself in front of her with that princess girl she'd previously locked in the sewer (i'll find her name in a sec). He was a tortured hero who cared for his people so much that he gave his soul for them. The fact he'd lived eighty years soulless and as the son of life but not being able to live up to the birthright. He didn't have a soul but still fell for Suri though so it can't stop all emotion I guess, but it's probably more detrimental for a human to lose heir soul than him.
Scilla: still not completely redeemed in my eyes, it's going to take more in the final book. I wasn't actively hoping for her death as much but also....she took my girls eye so fuck you.
Overall conclusion:
I enjoyed this, this review has been a bit of a mess, so apologies. I want to reread this at some point so I can properly annotate and remember certain parts because I flew through it so quickly!
April 3, 2025
Stunning sequel
This was a stunning sequel to a Pocket of Lies. We get more world building, immaculate character development and an incredibly slow-burn romance. The banter was top tier. I was giggling and yelling at the same time.
Suri is both likable and frustrating at the same time. I don’t know how many times I was yelling at her to stop and think. She loves to run into things head on - damn the consequences.
I love, love Kol!! We get more of his back story in this book and a better understanding of what makes him tick. The romance is starting to heat up!!
The author definitely kept us on our toes with the action and twists in this book and left me on the edge of my seat at the end. I can’t wait for the next book!
A favorite quote “If you’re a monster, then I’m your worst nightmare, little thief.” - Kol
This was a stunning sequel to a Pocket of Lies. We get more world building, immaculate character development and an incredibly slow-burn romance. The banter was top tier. I was giggling and yelling at the same time.
Suri is both likable and frustrating at the same time. I don’t know how many times I was yelling at her to stop and think. She loves to run into things head on - damn the consequences.
I love, love Kol!! We get more of his back story in this book and a better understanding of what makes him tick. The romance is starting to heat up!!
The author definitely kept us on our toes with the action and twists in this book and left me on the edge of my seat at the end. I can’t wait for the next book!
A favorite quote “If you’re a monster, then I’m your worst nightmare, little thief.” - Kol
March 7, 2025
Oh man! Another 5 ⭐ for this sequel to A Pocket of Lies. The writing is so strong and the characters are so rich and well developed. Some of the scenes were just incredible and some heartbreaking. There were deeper insights into the history of the world and amazing revelations I didn't see coming. The diary entries started to make more sense as the chapters went on and I think I finally have a handle on what happened. I absolutely know there are more surprises coming in book 3. I'm ready.
September 25, 2024
The last few books I’ve read have been good but this, this was amazing it blew me away in every aspect. The writing is absolutely beautiful and so smooth, the transitions to each chapter and new place are clear and I was never confused as to what was happening with whom.
Suri’s character arc throughout the two books makes me so happy and the way in which she finally opens up and is starting to believes she is worthy of love makes me smile. I know I’m not meant to fully like and trust Xianyu as a character but he is hilarious and his love for drama tickled me. I don’t even know where to start with Kol, he is just everything and is immediately on my mmc crush list. The banter between Suri and Kol had me screaming and giggling and begging for more. The tension ahhhhhhhhh!
Every sentence in this book is so well thought out and each plot twist was unique. I adore this series and I cannot wait for the final book in the trilogy and pray that R.A. Sandpiper doesn’t rip my heart out anymore.
Suri’s character arc throughout the two books makes me so happy and the way in which she finally opens up and is starting to believes she is worthy of love makes me smile. I know I’m not meant to fully like and trust Xianyu as a character but he is hilarious and his love for drama tickled me. I don’t even know where to start with Kol, he is just everything and is immediately on my mmc crush list. The banter between Suri and Kol had me screaming and giggling and begging for more. The tension ahhhhhhhhh!
Every sentence in this book is so well thought out and each plot twist was unique. I adore this series and I cannot wait for the final book in the trilogy and pray that R.A. Sandpiper doesn’t rip my heart out anymore.
November 30, 2025
Loved this and couldn't put it down. Lovedgetting more of the lore over time and how everything came together. I really enjoyed getting more of the characters back stories. I really liked that Suri and Scilla had to face what had happened in the first book, Barsen's death wasn't ignored or forgiven but the two understood each other better. Obsessed with Suri and Kol, all their soft and not so soft moments, enjoyed them having to save each other and all the twists. Did not see Ax's betrayal coming! So happy that Kol has his soul back and can't wait to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2024
BOY OH BOY DOES LEAVE YOU BEGGING FOR MORE
I was super lucky to receive an ARC copy of. A Promise of Blood, and I’m obsessed!
We follow Suri as she continues to explore this new world in her quest of survival, and you see unexpected friendships form and the enemies to lovers really come to life!
It felt like so much happened in this book, but nothing felt rushed which was amazing. Again, the world & character building feels natural, and not like too much information is being pushed on you at once.
You really see Suri develop as a character as well, from killing for her own survival to risking her own life for that of her friends
I cannot wait to read the next book, as this really leaves the story right on the edge. She’s saved Kol, but what now?
It was just amazing! I know this is definitely going to be a re-read for me
I was super lucky to receive an ARC copy of. A Promise of Blood, and I’m obsessed!
We follow Suri as she continues to explore this new world in her quest of survival, and you see unexpected friendships form and the enemies to lovers really come to life!
It felt like so much happened in this book, but nothing felt rushed which was amazing. Again, the world & character building feels natural, and not like too much information is being pushed on you at once.
You really see Suri develop as a character as well, from killing for her own survival to risking her own life for that of her friends
I cannot wait to read the next book, as this really leaves the story right on the edge. She’s saved Kol, but what now?
It was just amazing! I know this is definitely going to be a re-read for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2024
This series is exceptional - my current favourite series. I feel so lucky that I found it before it blows up and becomes the best big thing!
Don’t just read this book for the wonderful world and the exciting pace of the story,
READ THIS BOOK FOR SURI!!!!
She is one of the best written characters in any fantasy world! Her character development grabs your heart but but there’s something so relatable about her.
The slow burn of the romance is so unbelievably rewarding, who knew my heart could beat so fast over a staring competition.
I cannot wait for the next book and I hope the series will keep going!
Don’t just read this book for the wonderful world and the exciting pace of the story,
READ THIS BOOK FOR SURI!!!!
She is one of the best written characters in any fantasy world! Her character development grabs your heart but but there’s something so relatable about her.
The slow burn of the romance is so unbelievably rewarding, who knew my heart could beat so fast over a staring competition.
I cannot wait for the next book and I hope the series will keep going!
September 16, 2024
4.5
WOW you are in for a serious TREAT when this is released 🥵 I already loved book one but book two just blew it out of the water. I am continually blown away by Rachel’s mind, the magic system in this book is so unique and complex, yet she lays it out perfectly for you to understand and follow along. This book had kicking my feet and giggling with the banter and tension, and we started to get some found family elements, my favourite trope ever 🥺 if this is book two wow I cannot wait for book 3. No pressure but I need it like, yesterday 😅
WOW you are in for a serious TREAT when this is released 🥵 I already loved book one but book two just blew it out of the water. I am continually blown away by Rachel’s mind, the magic system in this book is so unique and complex, yet she lays it out perfectly for you to understand and follow along. This book had kicking my feet and giggling with the banter and tension, and we started to get some found family elements, my favourite trope ever 🥺 if this is book two wow I cannot wait for book 3. No pressure but I need it like, yesterday 😅
September 8, 2024
I didn’t think I could love this series more, then I read book 2.
The characters (and not just the main ones!), their arcs and backstories, the plot, the twists (!), the romance, the humour, the spice—I loved absolutely everything about this.
The slow-burn is so deliciously slow, the enemies-to-lovers actually has enemies—this story just delivers.
I love both MCs, but it’s rare for me to love the FMC as much as I do Suri. With so many books, I’m questioning a FMC’s choices and frustrated by their reactions—not here. Suri is morally gray, she’s relatable, her choices and reactions make sense in the context of her backstory. It was so satisfying seeing her develop throughout both books and follow her journey.
ARC Review:
Thank you to R.A. Sandpiper for this ARC, however, all opinions here are my own!
I was in a major reading slump after finishing book 1, so I immediately preordered book 2. When I found out I could apply for an ARC, I did so purely to get my hands on book 2 earlier. I absolutely can't wait for book 3!!
The characters (and not just the main ones!), their arcs and backstories, the plot, the twists (!), the romance, the humour, the spice—I loved absolutely everything about this.
The slow-burn is so deliciously slow, the enemies-to-lovers actually has enemies—this story just delivers.
I love both MCs, but it’s rare for me to love the FMC as much as I do Suri. With so many books, I’m questioning a FMC’s choices and frustrated by their reactions—not here. Suri is morally gray, she’s relatable, her choices and reactions make sense in the context of her backstory. It was so satisfying seeing her develop throughout both books and follow her journey.
ARC Review:
Thank you to R.A. Sandpiper for this ARC, however, all opinions here are my own!
I was in a major reading slump after finishing book 1, so I immediately preordered book 2. When I found out I could apply for an ARC, I did so purely to get my hands on book 2 earlier. I absolutely can't wait for book 3!!
March 30, 2025
Wow! You’re in for a Treat!
The second installment is a masterful continuation of the series, boasting a richly layered plot and characters that are both complex and relatable.
I really enjoyed the character development of FMC Suri, who, despite making mistakes, always had good intentions towards those she cared about. The slow burn romance between her and Kol was captivating, and I loved how she eventually found a sense of belonging with her found family.
I really liked some of the side characters. I found them to be very interesting in their own right and I especially loved Kol’s Court. Such a bunch of mishaps but loyal to the bone.
The plot had its share of predictable moments, but it also threw in some unexpected surprises, and the ending was fantastic. I'm counting down the days until the next book arrives in May.
The second installment is a masterful continuation of the series, boasting a richly layered plot and characters that are both complex and relatable.
I really enjoyed the character development of FMC Suri, who, despite making mistakes, always had good intentions towards those she cared about. The slow burn romance between her and Kol was captivating, and I loved how she eventually found a sense of belonging with her found family.
I really liked some of the side characters. I found them to be very interesting in their own right and I especially loved Kol’s Court. Such a bunch of mishaps but loyal to the bone.
The plot had its share of predictable moments, but it also threw in some unexpected surprises, and the ending was fantastic. I'm counting down the days until the next book arrives in May.
April 11, 2025
Pulled me in and wouldn’t let go
I tore through this book like a starved animal at a buffet. The unique fantasy, the love story, the angst! The slow burn would not let me out the book down. I loved the development of the characters new and old. I am in the middle of a move, work full time, have three kids, and so many other things and there I was staying up until 2am just so I could see what happens next. Can’t wait for book 3!
I tore through this book like a starved animal at a buffet. The unique fantasy, the love story, the angst! The slow burn would not let me out the book down. I loved the development of the characters new and old. I am in the middle of a move, work full time, have three kids, and so many other things and there I was staying up until 2am just so I could see what happens next. Can’t wait for book 3!
October 12, 2024
3,5⭐️’s
Was a bit too brutal at times for my liking but I did finish it in two days so the story flowed well enough. Sad to think I read it so fast that I finished it 4 days after the release and now have to wait months before I can read the third book 🙃
Anyway, I did enjoy reading more about Suri & definitely will be waiting for the next book in this series!
Was a bit too brutal at times for my liking but I did finish it in two days so the story flowed well enough. Sad to think I read it so fast that I finished it 4 days after the release and now have to wait months before I can read the third book 🙃
Anyway, I did enjoy reading more about Suri & definitely will be waiting for the next book in this series!
November 25, 2024
Enjoyed this even more than book 1! A tad predictable, but didn’t take any enjoyment out of it.
My only issue was that the romance kinda felt forced after such a slow burn with zero flirting, to suddenly interested in each-other with no real reason. However, I quickly stopped caring about that because so much was happening and I was enthralled by it all. I also loved Kol more in this book.
Loved the found family aspect in this book and Suri is finally catching a break here and there. Was surprised by how much the side characters grew on me too.
I don’t think I can wait until May for book 3 🥲
My only issue was that the romance kinda felt forced after such a slow burn with zero flirting, to suddenly interested in each-other with no real reason. However, I quickly stopped caring about that because so much was happening and I was enthralled by it all. I also loved Kol more in this book.
Loved the found family aspect in this book and Suri is finally catching a break here and there. Was surprised by how much the side characters grew on me too.
I don’t think I can wait until May for book 3 🥲
October 5, 2024
Thxxxx sooooo much for an arc of this!!! I’ve been waiting and waiting to read this after how the first book ended and it did not disappoint.
The story is sooooo gooood with all the rest and turns. And my god do I love Suri and Kol. Their banter is perfect and the tension and romance between them is addicting. Can’t wait for the third book!!!!!!!!!
The story is sooooo gooood with all the rest and turns. And my god do I love Suri and Kol. Their banter is perfect and the tension and romance between them is addicting. Can’t wait for the third book!!!!!!!!!
October 24, 2024
NEED BOOK THREE NOWWWWWWWWWWWW my god this was too good people
February 17, 2025
Really good book.... a slow burn into it but really good.
cant wait for the 3rd
cant wait for the 3rd
August 10, 2025
Idk if this is a spoiler but all I can picture is when the beast turns back human in beauty and the beast 💀i loved it tho
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
This book was fantastic! I loved the twists and turns and all the characters are so well written! Suri is an absolute queen and even if I don’t like some of the decisions she makes, I totally understand why they’re vital to her story.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book and I am so pleased I could enjoy more of Suri’s story. If you’re looking for a character with a similar fire to Aelin from TOG then Suri is your girl! She is unapologetically herself but has a softer side which Kol brings out in some tender scenes. I love the premise, the world, everything. Only deducting 1 star because the ending happened a little fast, but chefs kiss overall, can’t wait for the next one!
P.s. we need more Kol!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book and I am so pleased I could enjoy more of Suri’s story. If you’re looking for a character with a similar fire to Aelin from TOG then Suri is your girl! She is unapologetically herself but has a softer side which Kol brings out in some tender scenes. I love the premise, the world, everything. Only deducting 1 star because the ending happened a little fast, but chefs kiss overall, can’t wait for the next one!
P.s. we need more Kol!
October 2, 2024
ARC REVIEW:
wow!! intriguing, long book but super fast read. read this one on ebook format, and i flew through it without realizing how long it was! i liked this better than the first (which i already enjoyed). i appreciate how the romance element didn’t suddenly accelerate or force itself to happen quickly. it was a realistic progression and i am happy where that aspect is at the end of this book. excited for the next instalment!
wow!! intriguing, long book but super fast read. read this one on ebook format, and i flew through it without realizing how long it was! i liked this better than the first (which i already enjoyed). i appreciate how the romance element didn’t suddenly accelerate or force itself to happen quickly. it was a realistic progression and i am happy where that aspect is at the end of this book. excited for the next instalment!
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