A Court of Blood & Bone

The Iron World #2

by Candace Osmond

The stakes are high in the second installment of The Iron World Series as Avery Quinn decides which path her life will take. Become a vampire and be with Jack forever, or pledge herself to the Fey and help save Faerie from the horrible Queen Mabry? The more she thinks about it the more she wants to remain human. But as she sinks further into the magical world she has come to love, Avery realizes that remaining human is next to impossible, especially when a dark king sets his sights on her. To make matters worse, a secret society of shape shifters have sworn themselves as Avery’s enemy all because of a certain classmate with a caustic temperament. With a mythical war brewing and Evaine close on her heels, Avery must decide who to give her humanity to before it’s too late.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

466 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2013

About the author

Bestselling Author and freelance writer/editor, Candace Osmond was born in North York, ON.

She published her first book by the age of 25, the first installment in a Paranormal Romance trilogy to which two others were published with it; The Iron World Series.

Candace is also one of the creative and AVN Award nominated writers for www.sssh.com, an acclaimed Erotic Romance website for women which has been featured on NBC Nightline and a number of other large platforms.

Aside from fiction, Candace is also an award winning Interior Designer and writer for Adorable Home Magazine.

Now residing in a small town in Newfoundland with her husband and two kids, Candace writes full time developing articles for just about every niche, more novels, and a hoard of short stories.

All of Candace's titles are available wherever books and eBooks are sold!

Amazon
Kobo
iBooks
Barnes & Noble
Chapters/Indigo/Coles
Overdrive and Library Direct (for libraries)

You can request a signed and personalized copy of any of Candace's books by contacting her through her website authorcandaceosmond.com

Reviews

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Court Of Blood And Bone is book two of The Ironworld series of urban fantasy tales.

To get the most from this series I recommend reading them in order. This book is part two of the duology.

A battle against dark forces is building. Who to trust? Who to defeat? Friendships gained and lost.

A story full of Fae, Shapeshifters, Vampires and Witches.

A solid book two and end of a storyline. Good world building and a believable plotline.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the time I came to the end of this book, my heart was pounding! A mere "exciting read" doesn't even begin to describe it! I was overcome by the sheer emotional turmoil....but I'm getting ahead of myself, let me start from the beginning, not the end.

Avery has come to terms that she's not completely human but her powers are out of control, she can't compel them at will, nor can she prevent them leaking out, more like exploding out! She HAS to gain control of her powers, she's dangerous otherwise, never mind that her very light can erradicate her boyfriend, he IS a Vampire you see, and we all know how sunshine affects Vampires! So she enters into a bargain with the Lord of Nightmares. Not the best idea, but hey, she's desperate. I could just picture Avery falling into Oden's clutches, he'd even sent an assassin after her. But true to the writing style of the author, who btw likes to get her readers comfortably predicting the outcome and then delivers a whammy, nope, a double whammy! Magnificent twists! Super unexpected! And I loved how Oden is neither what I assumed nor envisaged, way more complex, way...well, way more. And his brother Sullivan is charmingly different to the previous book, loved his character.

Cillian is so super romantic, I uttered "aww" out loud a few times. He's the epitome of a "Vampire gentleman" if such a term even exists! I love how Avery and Cillian take their relationship to a new level, how intricately they are bound together.

I just love Lattie, she's so spunky and the twins Aya and Brie, my goodness they're awesome! But so are all the characters, Tess isn't just Avery's aunt, Julie isn't just Avery's childhood friend, see? Lots of wonderful multifaceted characters! Oh and I really must make a special mention, Max, surly, unapproachable Max astounded me the most!

Witches, Vampires, Wolves, multilayered schemed, all have prominence in this wonderfully paced, magnificently captivating and riveting book. So, as I said at the start of this review, astounding, heart thumping and definitely a highly recommended read!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot and pacing of the books in this series is not as you would expect from a fantasy series, which I normally struggle with, because I usually like a story to have a clear structure, but there is something about the writing that still keeps me hooked in these books. Even when I had no idea where the story was going, I still enjoyed being taken along on an adventure. The only thing I do still struggle with is that this series seems to be written almost as a continuing story, just spread out over three books, instead of three connected but separate stories, which means that you are immediately back in the middle of the story without an introduction. It's been a few months since I read the first book and I had forgotten a few names of side characters, which made it a bit confusing and hard to get back into it. Perhaps I should try to get my hands on the last part of the series soon, so I don't forget as much.

[Amanda Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is not a bad book. If it's your first time reading one like it, awesome. If you are more used to the genre it is very tropey.

Avery is as Mary sue as a character can possibly get.

Every guy checks her out. Her boyfriend is a sexy vampire, the king of the dark fay is in love with her.
Everyone want to be near her. Super powerful vampire (check) Werewolf (check) every fay in existence (check) Overly powerful maiden (check)
She figures everything out very easily.
everyone comes over to her side.
No one cares that she misses all the school / work she wants, she's still got a place to go back to.

Even when she is doing nothing but whining everyone loves her and beings thousands of years old just wait around for her to make decisions then drop everything to run to her aide.

But all that aside the book is not a bad book.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't stop reading this series!

This book started off a little slow, but a few chapters in and I was completely hooked. Full of fairies, vampires, therians, trolls and more!

The storyline held fast throughout the series, perfectly detailed so that I felt like I was dropped right into each scene. Never dull with many twists and turns.

The characters were unique, a very varied group of friends who played off against each other very well. All lending their own piece to this story.

I very much enjoyed this series and would reccomend it to YA, paranormal and fantasy readers.

[Chloe Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immediately read this after finishing the first book and really enjoyed it. I did find the MFC to be a little too good at everything and the plot and her powers etc were predictable, if you're a big fan of fantasy and Fae storylines, you can see the plot and the obvious love interests etc pretty quickly and this was the same. HOWEVER I thoroughly enjoyed it and finished it in one sitting. I stumbled upon this book series during stuff my kindle day and didn't think much of it but I can say I truly loved this book series and have scrambled to find book 3 only to find out it's not going to be until autumn '24. So the wait begins!

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 preferred this to the first book!

Avery is super OP and very Mary Sue, she’s powerful without really trying, everyone loves her apart from the ‘mad’ queen who must be mad to dislike her. Super powerful beings let her do what she wants and treat her as though she’s the best thing ever. I’m glad Cillian died tho because now Avery gets to be with hot nightmare fae.

I’m also getting quite a lot of Maas, Acotar and Tog but idk if that’s just me!

Also I completely didn’t know this was a rewrite so I’ve been suckerpunched by the wait for the third book :(

[Kelli Hamill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would love to read book three BUT ITS NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE!!!! anyone?! How do I read the end?! Wtf?! The lead character gets on my nerves. She doesn't use the healing powers she should when she had been taught. She can't fight. Shes whiny and annoying af. There's a million ways to make her a better lead role....alas I love Oden and the other characters. The story itself is cool and i need to know what happens!!!!!!

[Fleisha Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really liked this book. The author did a great job in growing with the characters, adding lots of twists and turns, and even a little bit more of the hot and steamy (but not overboard!).

I can't wait to read book 3 !!

[Amy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing 2nd installment!

I loved this book as much as the first! Read it soo quickly as I couldn't put it down. Patiently waiting for the 3rd installment to be released!

It's a must have if you love all things romance, power, magical and exciting!

[TheCandlelitScribe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the second installment, th3 shadow daddy vibes were my favorite and I can't wait till the next book 🥰

[Hooks In Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more!

Oh.my.goddess.

All the things I need to know. I want to happen....The next book can't come fast enough! Please!

Yikes.

[Lara Stegman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story... I hate cliffhangers, or stories that seem to not have properly ended. It is so frustrating! But I highly recommend this series.

[Aerryn Gorrebeeck · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - terrible series & would never recommend

[Spooky Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent continuation of the Iron World series. These books pulled me back into reading after a long time and kept me completely engaged.

The variety of lands, species, and creatures is so rich, and I’d absolutely read more stories set in this universe.

I kept making predictions and still found myself surprised by the revelations Candace unveils.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! The story is really fast paced which I love, keeps you hooked and there's just the right amount of spice for me. I need Ironworld 3 to come out like now cause that ending killed me

[Lauryn Pearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Spice Rating: 🌶🌶.5

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Masks and Majesty in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts expressed below are my own, and have not been influenced in any way by outside parties. This does not contain any spoilers for book two, however there may be references to events that take place in book one.

You can read my review for book one, here!

A Court of Blood and Bone is the action-packed, dark and intense sequel to Candace Osmond’s A Kingdom of Iron and Wine. Book two picks up after the events of ACOIAW. Avery is still reeling from all that she uncovered and experienced about the world she thought she knew, and how it impacts her. However, as she attempts to learn to control the light of the summer sun that flows through her veins, there are dark forces working to pull her away from the ones she loves, deals offered that may be too good to be true, and betrayals she never believed would happen.

This book was exactly what I needed to get over the hangover and anxieties left by book one! All of the feisty and wonderful NA fantasy-romance elements we loved were there:


✨ Magical heroine
✨ Dark and broody love interest
✨ Ambiguous and morally grey new (ish) character
✨ Betrayal
✨ Forced proximity


Need I go on?

Candace really dove deep into Avery’s character development and the world-building in this novel which I loved. I was already invested in the characters, world, and storyline, and so it was great to have all the additional information to help flush out my knowledge and understanding of the realms of Ironworld and Faerie. I also loved seeing more of Faerie in this book! It was really cool to see more of Summer and The Court of Nightmares!

I also loved the introduction of new characters. We get some new people that I am EXTREMELY curious about…

I will mention that the end of this book ends on a pretty intense cliffhanger that is not for the faint of heart…don’t get me wrong, I loved the twist and am here for it (and also a bit distraught), but I don’t know how I am going to function until A Throne of Burning Embers is released.

Now onto what I loved a little less. I really, really wanted to root for Cillian and Avery in this book, but most of their interactions felt a bit disjointed, and I wasn’t getting the same tension from them that I did in book one. Cillian is also very absent throughout the book, and I felt like we were missing his dark and broody presence. Additionally, while the overall pacing of the book was good, I felt there were some spots where we were missing key elements/plot details, or they were being skimmed over so quickly that I barely caught them. There were some pretty big revelations, and I felt like they were not as well developed as they could have been.

Overall I really loved this book. I think it took everything I liked about the first book and took it up a notch, but I would have enjoyed it even more if some parts of the book were slowed down so readers could really absorb new information.

This book is perfect for fans of the dark and twisty romance of Sarah J. Maas, the whimsy and wonder of classic fae lore found in Holly Black and Elise Kova’s novels, and anyone who just enjoys a good, dark, and fun-filled fantasy-romance!

Thank you again to Candace for providing me with an ARC, I am on the edge of my seat for book three!

World-Building: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing Style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Candace Osmond’s second book in her Iron World Series we find ourselves fairly close to the end of her previous book. Avery is filled with choices. Choices that will change her life forever. She realizes she must decide what road to pursue but the more people push her to choose the more she wants to just run and hide. Unfortunately, that is never an option. Avery’s relationship with all her friends and loved ones becomes tenuous. In an attempt to protect those she cares about she risks everything and meets King Oden. Odin ‘s obsession with Avery becomes problematic with her and her love, Jack. But, the biggest threat is the pending war between the three species. It could be a war to end all. Many will die and sides will be chosen. Avery must find a way to keep those close to her safe while trying to clarify her future. Can she decide what needs to be done and become a leader or will she choose the path of least resistance?

This was a great second book in this series. We get lots of answers and clarification. Though lots of things change. There is a lot of strife in this book especially between Jack and Avery. The added Oden spins everything into a triangle even though we know Avery gives her heart to Jack, Oden is a delectable option. Avery, Max and Julie continued to grow as characters and with that the story is propelled. The strange world that is now Avery norm is still a challenge for her to overcome, but she is dealing with it in a way most people would. The only really troubling thing I found in this book was Avery kept losing so much time. She kept getting hurt and once in a while school would come up, but it was almost an after thought. I almost would have preferred her to have gone on hiatus or something instead of the random school scenes. Overall, I thought this was a great book and a wonderful continuation to this story. Beware this ends in a cliffhanger and you will want to email Candace in the end to ask her to hurry up with the third book!

[Ailyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book of the Iron World, Avery had been deciding between the fey and being a vampire. To be honest I was a little bit sad when she was deciding it, what is wrong with being a human?

The story picks up pace in this second installment of the series, Avery now has to help her supernatural friends as they become embroiled in a war that might spell the end of peace in fairy land. In between all the fighting, Avery finds out that King Orion might be hidden away in enemy base, and decides to retrieve it.

This is all I should say about the story line, there are a few bombshell in the second book that makes the story more exciting and increase the stakes for Avery’s decision. Plus, this book has a cliffhanger, which would have me pulling my hair if not for the fact that I have book 3 in my hands.

While the story is getting better, the characters remain stagnant, by now I could anticipate Avery’s every decision, which makes other characters working harder to preserve the element of surprise.

If Iron and Wine is a character driven story, then Blood and Bone is a plot driven one in the series. Of course there are some news that I have already guessed and was not shocked at the outcome, but I suppose the author had intended to have various tidbits to keep the readers interested eh?

[Monica H at The Readathon · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5 stars. This was a great book two! I thought Ms. Osmond did a great job of continuing the story and bringing even more elements in. I enjoy her writing style; I was hooked from the beginning. The characters are well done and believable, and she found a way to make me like the vampire/werewolf/fairy world again. The story has a few elements in it that sound familiar, but it is also so unique and creative. This book is full of surprises, and the one at the end is a total cliffhanger! I enjoyed this book. It is a little darker than the first book, but not too much. There is language, including the "f" word. There is a lot of "intimacy," and some of the scenes are very detailed. There is also a lot of violence in this book. A few characters die, and some of the fighting scenes are quite graphic. I would not recommend this book for YA or younger, I would say it is best for adult readers. You may read my full review on my book blog: www.the-readathon.blogspot.com.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story filled with hope, love and magic.
This is the second book in the series, which starts right off from the prior book. Avery, our heroine, is young and impulsive and yes a bit naive. She has a lot of growing up to do in this book as she now understands she is not completely human and she is learning about her past quickly. This is an action packed, save the world, plot that kept me fully engaged to the very end of this book. Hard to know who to trust, there is a lot of darkness and violence, sadness and longing. But there is fun and happiness too. Avery’s growth throughout the book made me happy, but the plot thickens as we are left with more questions than answers by the end. Can’t wait for the next book, I must know what happens next. Highly recommend to read, I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.

[Karen Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading her first book in this series - A Kingdom of Iron and Wine, I was excited to read this one to read what happened next.

A Court of Blood and Bone had me laughing one minute, then crying the next. Beautifully written and will want you wanting more.

I can't wait to see what's in store for Avery in the next book.

Definitely a 5 star!!!!!

[Crystal Bookreader Amason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous!

It's been awhile since a book made me shed a tear. Every page is full of adventures. You are never quite sure where each turn of the page will lead you. Absolutely cannot wait till the next book.

[Yari Roncone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im so broken right now😭😭😭😭so much happened on this book! I need the third one like now! It was so good, so intense! Had me at the edge of my sit. I even cried. So many emotions happening. I love it so much. Candace Osmond what are you doing to me😭
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story that makes you cry and then happy the next. Avery is a perfect character, smart but naive as well. I absolutely fell in love with the book.