Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Sting of Thorns (Dark and Otherworldly #2)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Sting of Thorns

(Dark and Otherwordly #2)

Kristen Brand (Goodreads Author)

4.44 · Rating details · 16 ratings · 13 reviews

The fight is over, and Leigh Morgan won. After spending months spying in Otherworld as a servant, she’s rescued the humans who were abducted by the Others and sent them safely home. She had to stay behind to destroy the gateway between worlds and keep them safe, but tough luck. She’s prepared to pay the price.

But she didn’t expect the curse the queen of Otherworld lays on ...more

Get A Copy

Kindle Edition, 134 pages

Published September 15th 2020

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Sting of Thorns, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about Sting of Thorns

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

Showing 1-23

Average rating 4.44 ·

Rating details

· 16 ratings · 13 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of Sting of Thorns (Dark and Otherworldly #2)

Sep 11, 2020 Dianne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: x20-9-read, arc-read, author-review, own, fabulous-reading, fae, fantasy-romance

All of Leigh’s hard work, as well as her broken heart have paid off as her betrayal is revealed to Dredarion. She has rescued the humans trapped in the Otherworld and only has to destroy to gateway between the realms. First, she must fulfill a demand of the Queen or die a painful and slow death.

Returning to the human realm, she must find a magical weapon to give to the Queen. Sent as her overseer, Dredarion’s anger and hurt at her betrayal stings as badly as the death curse she has growing insi ...more

flag 8 likes · Like · see review

Oct 04, 2020 Ian rated it really liked it

Shelves: a-novella-short, b-favorites, g-fairy-tales, g-paranormal, g-scifi-fantasy, t-other-monsters

The battle is over and the victory is their's. Or is it? Leigh finds herself in Otherworld in the hands of her enemies and a new threat is on the horizon.

These novellas are quick and easy reads. They're well written and entertaining. The first two were provided to me by the author for review purposes but I enjoyed them so much that I'll be lining up with everyone else and paying my money as the series progresses. ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Sep 11, 2020 Julie - One Book More rated it it was amazing

Sting of Thorns is the second book in the urban fantasy series Dark and Otherworldly and picks up where Poison and Honey left off. Leigh succeeded in rescuing humans from the Otherworld but had to remain behind to ensure no one else got through the gateway. Captured and imprisoned for her role, Leigh resigns herself to her fate but regrets that she hurt Dredarion in the process.

The queen (Dredarion’s mother) orders Leigh to return to the human world and find an ancient weapon that will help them Sting of Thorns is the second book in the urban fantasy series Dark and Otherworldly and picks up where Poison and Honey left off. Leigh succeeded in rescuing humans from the Otherworld but had to remain behind to ensure no one else got through the gateway. Captured and imprisoned for her role, Leigh resigns herself to her fate but regrets that she hurt Dredarion in the process.

The queen (Dredarion’s mother) orders Leigh to return to the human world and find an ancient weapon that will help them in a brewing war. To ensure Leigh does it, the queen curses her and charges Dredarion to accompany Leigh on her quest. Now, with a thorny vine growing inside of her and an angry prince by her side, Leigh must find the long-lost weapon before it’s too late.

In my review of Poison and Honey, the first book in this series, I said that Kristen Brand is my favorite new-to-me author. After Sting of Thorns, I stand by that assertion. Kristen Brand is a storyteller who weaves fascinating, fantastical stories with rich characters, immersive world-building, and swoon-worthy romances.

Though the first story takes place mostly in Dredarion’s world, in this book, the setting varies between the human realm and the Otherworld. Dredarion is comically out of his element in the human realm, and he is bewildered by so many new experiences, people, and objects. It is fascinating to see our world from his perspective, especially his awe and amazement over simple things like cars, phones, and more. It is also wonderful to see him slowly building relationships with Leigh and her friends. Dredarion has never felt that sense of belonging and community, so to see him experience these things for the first time is lovely.

When Leigh, Dredarion, and Leigh’s friends re-enter the Otherworld, a brewing war has escalated, and their search for the weapon intensifies. Their quest leads them to new places in the Otherworld, each as vivid and immersive as the one before. Between the search for the weapon, Leigh’s killer curse, and a few twists that I did not see coming, the world, plot, and character-building are masterful. Plus, there’s the romance!

Leigh and Dredarion have an epic enemies-to-lovers romance. The tension, the chemistry, and that deep longing – I love every part of their tumultuous relationship. Leigh and Dredarion connect on a visceral level, and every interaction is laden with yearning and desire. This is a couple with the cards stacked against them. Their relationship is complicated, and many people don’t understand or approve, but they continue to be a couple to root for. I love the way they feel about each other and the fact that, even though they resist and are afraid, they can’t escape the depth of their feelings and their desire to be together. They are two wounded people who are drawn together and watching their feelings change, develop, swirl, and blossom is my favorite part of the story.

Can I talk about how much I love Garrett, Salvador, Wendy, and Tariq? They are a great group that works seamlessly together. Each has something different to offer, whether it be their technological savvy, their military prowess, or their wisdom, and though they are distinctly unique, they all share common qualities, including kindness, strength, generosity, and a fierce desire to protect the vulnerable. Plus, their witty banter and genial camaraderie is so funny! I’m not sure which I found more humorous – when Wendy hugs and threatens Dredarion at the same time, or when Tariq tries to fist-bump him.

If you haven’t read Poison and Honey, the first book in the Dark and Otherworldly series, I recommend that you read it first. Sting of Thorns is not really a standalone. However, it is a fantastic series and totally worth the read, especially if you like fantasy stories with fierce female protagonists and an epic enemies-to-lovers romance! Thanks so much to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 04, 2020 Emily Hirst rated it it was amazing

This book starts immediately after Poison and Honey, please read that book and review before this one so this review makes sense. The war between the human servants and the Others is over and the humans won. Leigh had to risk a lot in this war so she now has to face the consequences. She rescued the humans who were abducted by staying behind to destroy the portal. What the Queen has planned for Leigh is unexpected. She sends Leigh and Dredarion on a misson to find a human connection who will hel This book starts immediately after Poison and Honey, please read that book and review before this one so this review makes sense. The war between the human servants and the Others is over and the humans won. Leigh had to risk a lot in this war so she now has to face the consequences. She rescued the humans who were abducted by staying behind to destroy the portal. What the Queen has planned for Leigh is unexpected. She sends Leigh and Dredarion on a misson to find a human connection who will help to find a mythical weapon. Although, before going on this journey, the Queen plants a seed in Leigh's finger which will grow into a thorny vine under her skin. Once the vine reaches her heart, it will kill her. This will ensure their return and the help from the human connection, Salvador.

Leigh and Dredarion head back to the human world to find Sal. Things between Leigh and Dredarion are awkward after she betrayed him in the first book. Dredarion has a lot to learn about the human world when he visits to collect Leigh's friends for the Queen. Leigh and Dredarion need to learn to cope with being around each other otherwise their issue will get in the way of the quest. Leigh's friend risk everything to keep them all save, so the pair need to reunite. The Queen wants the Evensong sword, a magical weapon which has been lost for hundreds of years.

This book was a great read for me, I read it very quickly. It was nice reading about these characters again, I love their personalities and their friendships. Although, there is one friendship which I am waiting to see reunited and I hope we will see that in the next book. The suspense of the next book is so high, I am eager to read it as soon as I can. I loved how it jumped straight back to where we left the first book. It was full of action and adventure. The team have a lot to deal with while on their travels to get the sword. I find this authors style of reading nice to read.

Dredarion's naivety about the human world was funny to read about. Trying to explain things that humans are used to seeing to non-humans, is difficult. I would like to read more about the pair in the human world in the future because I feel he still has a lot to learn.

I really enjoyed this book. It was very detailed and I was not expecting them to come into so many troubles on their journey. Reading this book has made me excited for the next read. Thank you Kristen for sending me an e-ARC copy of this book. 5/5 stars. This book was released on 15th September, get your copy now! ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 25, 2020 Valerie (Cats Luv Coffee) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Sting of Thorns is Book 2 in the Dark and Otherwordly series, with Poison and Honey (read my review here) being the book that started it all. This is a series that does need to be read in order but one that is entirely worth starting from the beginning.

Poison and Honey introduced us to Otherworld, a portal world where royals rule, and people from Earth are abducted into servitude or worse. Leigh has been in Otherworld for a while searching for her sister and working covertly to bring those to s Sting of Thorns is Book 2 in the Dark and Otherwordly series, with Poison and Honey (read my review here) being the book that started it all. This is a series that does need to be read in order but one that is entirely worth starting from the beginning.

Poison and Honey introduced us to Otherworld, a portal world where royals rule, and people from Earth are abducted into servitude or worse. Leigh has been in Otherworld for a while searching for her sister and working covertly to bring those to safety who have been abducted. She's accomplished her goals and is prepared to take responsibility for her actions and accept whatever punishment the Queen chooses to doll out. Surprisingly, while Leigh was thrown in the dungeon and tortured for information, the Queen has different plans in store for her. Charged with returning to the human realm in search of a special sword, she and Dredarion have an awkward time ahead of them as he believes that everything Leigh did was a lie.

This book is every bit as good as the first! Brand once again devises an exciting world and characters to get lost in for a few hours. Dredarion in Leigh's world, without a clue and completely out of his element, is so satisfying to see. He needs something to take him off guard and that certainly does. Not to mention a little gratifying comeuppance as he sees the true "mud people" that his world looks down upon. We also get to meet Leigh's friends that have bolstered each other in this Otherworld coup and they bring a lot of laughs and camaraderie. There are so many layers being built upon and new truths to uncover.

Once again, I found that smidgen of horror in her writing that I loved! Poison and Honey had the zombie bear but Sting of Thorns has a terrifying race against the clock—the heart vine seed. Placed inside a cut on Leigh's finger, the vine gradually grows under the skin, up the arm, and to the shoulder where it will slowly strangle her heart if not stopped. With thorns that stab from the inside out, the heart vine is the Queen's guarantee that Leigh will find the mystical sword and return it. Gruesome and delightful for this horror fan but oh so harrowing for our heroine! Definitely makes for a compelling and eventful page-turner!

Kristen Brand's writing is immersive and imaginative. While the world-building might have been a bit easier this time Earthside, it's no less detailed and inventive. Once again, the end of the book comes way too quickly and the wait is on for the next in the series but the good news is...it's coming fast! The Cruelest Curse is set for release in November!

Cats

Website | Twitter | Pinterest ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 07, 2020 Silvia rated it really liked it

Shelves: from-authors, review-copies

My, my, Kristen Brand, you sure know how to spice things up, and make readers fall in love with ~~Dredarion~~ the magical world you created.

If I really liked the first instalment, I truly loved this second book! Action-packed, Sting of Thorns follows the suspenseful ending of Poison and Honey, and drags you into an even more dangerous situation without wasting time. Things get intense fast, with threatening enemies ready to give hell, but also anger, hurt, and regrets tormenting Leigh and Dredarion. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Sep 15, 2020 Zuzkaja rated it it was amazing

Shelves: magic

Amazing continuation of the series.

If you like stories with strong heroine, interesting, dark and mysterious cast, a beautiful world, and a story full of twists, action, and occasional romance this one is the right one for you.

We continue to follow the story of Leigh and Dredarion. After the breathtaking finale of the previous book, I was curious about the next book. And was not disappointed. It kept me on the edge from the first page.

Leigh coped really well with her unfavorable situation. Eve ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 11, 2020 Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews rated it it was amazing

When I read the first book in this series, Poison and Honey, I was absolutely thrilled with Kristen Brand's originality. Now that I've finished the second book, Sting of Thorns... well... tornadic winds would have less impact on my psyche than this high speed, lightning bolt, fantasy extravaganza! Leigh and Dredarion are back, and I pray their story Keeps. On. Going. You'll remember from book one that Leigh is human (Or, as the Others lovingly refer to them, mud people) and Dredarion is a BA mag ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 27, 2020 Angelique rated it really liked it

Shelves: author-request

Leigh finally accomplished that which she was fighting so hard for. She got her vengeance and she managed to get the gate to earth closed so the Others could no longer cross over and steal more humans to do there bidding. Only problem is – now she is stuck on the wrong side of the gate and having to face not only her betrayed would be lover – but also his enraged mother.

No one was more surprised than Leigh when she finds out she won’t be sentenced to death or eternal slavery – but instead is bei ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 08, 2020 Liliyana Shadowlyn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020-reads, all-time-favorites

Sting of Thorns is a thrilling and magical story. Leigh succeeded in her last mission, but the price was high. I loved being able to spend more time with Leigh and Dredarion, and exploring new corners of Otherworld. There's definitely chemistry between them, despite how much Dredarion hates Leigh for her betrayal. (The heart wants what the heart wants after all). The deep characters, brilliant world-building, and danger to Leigh will have you turning pages until you reach the end, much sooner th ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 15, 2020 Tina rated it it was amazing

This was a fun fast read. I loved the nice angsty romance. There was a new layer to the world added. New creatures with some entertaining action. I can't get enough of the witty banter of Leigh's crew.

Thank you, Kristen Brand for a free copy of Sting of Thorns. This is my honest review ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 09, 2020 Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) rated it it was amazing

I couldn’t put this book down! It was so exciting! Full of action, magic and new twists and turns that took my breath away. This sequel is not to miss!

flag Like · see review

Aug 15, 2020 Nicci rated it really liked it

Sting of Thorns picks up immediately where Poison and Honey ends. Leigh and Dredarion are forced to work together - along with Leigh's friends - to save Leigh and retrieve the weapon that could save Dredarion's people. The book is fast-paced, packed full of revelations and utterly addictive from beginning to end. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series and recommend it for those who love fantasy/urban fantasy and are looking for an awesome but quick read! ...more

flag Like · see review

Jillian rated it it was amazing
Nov 27, 2020

Bonnie Mountain rated it did not like it
Oct 07, 2020

Jenni rated it really liked it
Sep 18, 2020

Sharrice marked it as to-read
Aug 06, 2020

Jolie marked it as to-read
Aug 21, 2020

Anne marked it as to-read
Aug 25, 2020

Nancy Meservier added it
Sep 19, 2020

Tarian added it
Oct 02, 2020

Emily marked it as to-read
Nov 05, 2020

T.J. Day marked it as to-read
Dec 01, 2020

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

About Kristen Brand

Kristen Brand

508 followers

If Kristen Brand could have any superpower, she’d want telekinesis so she wouldn’t have to move from her computer to pour a new cup of tea. She spends far too much time on the internet, and when she’s not writing, she’s usually reading novels or comic books. Icon by @heckosart.