January 2020 Not First in a Series BOTM - A Heart So Fierce and Broken, by Brigid Kemmerer

[Felicia]

Find the heir, win the crown.
The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers.

Win the crown, save the kingdom.
Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?

The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war.

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

Woohoo! So glad this won.

[Ritika]

FINALLY STARTING. And I'm SO EXCITED!

[Bingbong]

I am 77% into it!! I love love love it!!! MUCH better than book 1!!

[Bingbong]

25%

(view spoiler)[I Knew Grey would have to be captured for the story to start!! Rhen is looking more and more evil!! Is it really going the full Sarah j Maas way of having the main character in the beautyand the beast retelling becoming the villain in book 2?? (hide spoiler)]

[Bingbong]

50 %

I love the scaver, everything about this character is fresh and new and just amazing!!

(view spoiler)[And most of all I love it that the scaver has a name and he can talk and he is intelligent!! Just absolutely brilliant character (hide spoiler)]

[Bingbong]

75%

(view spoiler)[Nolla Verin is a cookie cutter of her mother!! No individuality. Grey doesn't belong here!! Grey and Nolla Verin just isn't going to work!! I love love love Lia Mara!! As we should!! (hide spoiler)]

[Bingbong]

Finished

Oh me oh my!!!

Its so nice to click on that last star!!!! A five star book!!!

I loved everything about this. This series started the same as Sarah J Maas 'Court of thorns and Roses' series, frist one is a retelling of beauty and the beast, at the end of it you think ooo this is nice, i will read the next one, and then the next one blows your mind!!

I love the magic, the subtle romance the plot the charcters!!!

The ending is gorgeous!!

When is book 3 coming out??????

[Marissa]

Chapters 1-11 (view spoiler)[
That part with Lia Mara trying to negotiate peace with Rhen was so frustrating! She had good intentions and Rhen wouldn't work with her. Instead Sorra is now dead, Parrish just lost his love, and Lia Mara is now being held hostage by Emberfall's current crown prince. That is not the outcome anyone wanted. Rhen has become very coldblooded. Or perhaps he always was. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 12-24 (view spoiler)[
Why won't Rhen just trust Grey? I understand why Grey won't tell Rhen, but why can't Rhen just accept that! I am actually surprised that Rhen hasn't just guessed that it was Grey. I also wouldn't blame Grey if he hated Rhen now after lashing him and Tycho. How could he do that after all Grey has done for him??

Also, I like how this book focuses on different POVs (Lia Mara and Grey) than the first book (Harper and Rhen). It gives a new perspective on events. However, it also makes Rhen seem more cruel and Harper less interesting. (hide spoiler)]

[Marissa]

Chapters 25-36 (view spoiler)[
It is kind of cute that Grey and Lia Mara are getting closer. Although there is still a part of me that likes Grey with Harper, but this pairing makes more sense. Also, honestly I want Grey to be king. After the way Rhen has acted, he doesn't deserve that title. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 37-End (view spoiler)[
Every character except Lia Mara and Grey were awful in this book. They all seemed too cruel and unlikable or they were simply boring. This book seemed way longer than it needed to be too. The whole thing felt unnecessary and drawn out. 1.5/5 stars. (hide spoiler)]

[Ritika]

Am I the only person who doesn't like Lia Mara?
I mean, it's not like I don't like like her. It's just that I spent an entire year waiting to read more about Harper. And this feels like Harper's story is already done. :(
Plus, I kind of don't like the way people are behaving with Lia Mara. Makes sense?

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

20% (view spoiler)[I really miss seeing things from Rhen and Harper's perspectives but I just love Grey. He is so noble. In the last book I was convinced that Grey had fallen for Harper but it never expressly said that in the book. Just alluded to it. I was glad to see him pretty much admit it to himself in this book. I am really liking Lia Mara's chapters so far. I like her character. She cares about her people but she isn't as severe or bloodthirsty as her mother and sister. I also really loved the sisterly bond that was evident from their time traveling together. They may be very different but they love each other nonetheless. I just adore Tycho and I can't wait to see more of him. I hope that he plays a big role in the story because I just love him. I am curious about the scraver and what it is exactly. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

44% (view spoiler)[I can't believe that Rhen had Grey and Tycho whipped. He is definitely letting his fear control him. I just wonder if he is afraid of magic after everything that Lilith put him through or if he is afraid of losing his throne to someone else. Maybe both? I was glad to see Harper help them after Grey made everyone faint. She seemed appalled by what Rhen had done to them. I am glad that she didn't know about it because I probably would have despised her character if she had. I am liking Lia Mara's character. I really loved the scene where Lia Mara and Grey met for the first time. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Adrie wrote: "25%

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[It is looking like Rhen will be the villain in the story. I am hoping that he isn't or that if he is there is a good reason and he can be redeemed somehow. I don't think that he is evil deep down. I really liked his character in the first book. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Marissa wrote: "Chapters 1-11 "

(view spoiler)[The part where Lia Mara went back to try and negotiate peace was a difficult part. I could understand both sides, unfortunately. Lia Mara definitely acted genuinely because she wanted no more bloodshed. Rhen had no reason to trust Lia Mara and her mother had butchered many of his people in the past. I can see where his actions were just as justified as hers. I was sad to see Sorra die though.

I think that the trust between Grey and Rhen is a major problem. If they had just been honest with each other then there would have been no need for uncertainty. I do wonder what Rhen would have done if Grey had just come out and told him that he was the heir though. I like to think that Rhen wouldn't have done anything bad to Grey, but I just don't know for sure. Fear makes people do terrible things. Even to those they care about. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

h 15 (view spoiler)[omfg I love that Lia Mara figured out Greys secret. I am happy. Also I want her and Harper to be friends so badly. I’m really glad Tycho wasn’t hurt when Grey ended up getting captured. Agh I love this already. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 27(view spoiler)[ so he does have magic!! Well this is exciting. I can’t believe Rhen did that to Tcyho. I’m so disappointed in him. Even if he has PTSD it’s not an excuse for the way he acted. Harper was amazing as always tho (hide spoiler)]

Ch 37 (view spoiler)[ahhh they kissed 😍😍 I ship it 😂 I’m so worried about Grey and his situation tho. Like what is Karis Lauran gonna do with him. And I want IISAK to fucking kill her. Please tear out her throat (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Shit!!!! How long has Lilith been back for? HOW IS SHE NOT DEAD (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Ch 3 (view spoiler)[ I just wanted to say I already don't like Lia Mara's sister. The mom is evil and she's clearly cultivating that in her younger daughter. Ordering that poor man and his daughter killed was awful. (hide spoiler)]
ch 14 (view spoiler)[ I feel bad for Grey. He cares for Harper and Rhen and doesn't want to cause them trouble. He should tell them he's the heir, it's not his fault and I don't think they'd hurt him or anything. (hide spoiler)]
ch 26 (view spoiler)[ I'm glad Grey got out, along with Lia Mara and Tycho. Rhen should not have done that, I'm pretty mad at him. He didn't need to torture Grey just to find out the heir. If Grey won't tell him, it's for a good reason. (hide spoiler)]
Ch 40 (view spoiler)[ Well, this isn't good. I don't want Grey to fight Rhen and an alliance with the evil queen can't end well. And now Lia Mara is captive in her room. I feel like everything is awful now and I'm not sure what's going to happen (hide spoiler)]
Finished WTF (view spoiler)[ Hold the phone!!! Lilith is alive and talking to Rhen? And she's forcing his hand into battle with Grey. This is messed up, no wonder he did what he did to Grey. Although, he should have just told Harper and Grey what's up. Ugh I don't want to wait a year for the finale! (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Vanessa wrote: "20% [spoilers removed]"

Tycho is super cute! I'm happy to see more of Grey in this too

[Ritika]

Aly wrote: "Ch 3 [spoilers removed]
ch 14 [spoilers removed]
ch 26 [spoilers removed]
Ch 40 [spoilers removed]
Finished WTF [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I don't even like Lia Mara. LOL. (hide spoiler)]

[Ritika]

Vanessa wrote: "Marissa wrote: "Chapters 1-11 "

The part where Lia Mara went back to try and negotiate peace was a difficult part. I could understand both sides, unfortunately. Lia Mara definitely acted genuinely..."

(view spoiler)[I don't think he would have either. I mean, the guy practically loved trusted him with his life. If Grey had trusted Rhen and maybe also promised him that he isn't interested in the throne, which he doesn't seem to be, then the could have come up with a solution together, maybe. If not, at least things would be a lot more clearer to them. Isn't it? (hide spoiler)]

[Damselflies]

Started (view spoiler)[Looking at the table of contents, this book is going to entirely focus on Grey ? Don't mind that at all though, I liked him as a character (hide spoiler)]
13% (view spoiler)[Interesting so far, glad Grey found someone he can hopefully trust and so far I like Lia Mara, she sounds like she could be a good match for Grey at the moment (hide spoiler)]
22% (view spoiler)[I think Im starting to dislike Rhen (hide spoiler)]
33%(view spoiler)[Omg, their rooms are next to each other right... she's going to stumble through that hearth right into his prison cel, what a sight that is going to be (hide spoiler)]
40%(view spoiler)[It's official, I despise Rhen, I already didn't love him in first book, he was okay, but now he can go an rot somewhere, poor Tycho, I hope poor boy will be fine, he's such a great friend ;-; (hide spoiler)]
47%(view spoiler)[I'm happy the scraver returned, it sounds like such an interesting creature (hide spoiler)]
61%(view spoiler)[Ugh Grey is kinda like the perfect boyfriend the longer you think about it, I'm happy he kinda got his own book in a way (hide spoiler)]
72%(view spoiler)[Ugh, just tell them you want the other sister Grey, aaaah (hide spoiler)]
Finished (view spoiler)[The ending, ugh, I need the next book also (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Ch. 1-10 (view spoiler)[So the first thing I was thrown off was Harper being a MC. Guess I assumed it would be all about Grey. I really do like the new character Lia. She's such a contrast to her family that she's hopefully going to help bring peace and not death. I'm a little upset Rhen killed her guard and took her prisoner but at the same time I get his motivation. And now that Grey is outed I can't wait to see what happens next!!!! (hide spoiler)]
Ch. 11-24 (view spoiler)[I was shocked when we got Harper's POV straight from the beginning. Now though we've only had the one and all I want is more from her POV. Especially after what went down with Grey. Ugh I don't know how to feel about this. After all the suffering Grey did for Rhen before all this heir business I can't believe Rhen did this to him. And to involve the kid Tycho, that was beyond cruel. I really have no idea what to expect, I'm questioning everything lol. I like Lia Mara and don't know how she's got a good heart being surrounded by her mother and sister. At the same time I don't see a way to a HEA for everyone so my nerves are getting the best of me lol (hide spoiler)]
Ch. 25-39 (view spoiler)[While I’m so pissed at Rhen for what he did to Grey and Tycho at the same time I don’t want him and grey at war. Wouldn’t it be easier and better for all for him to kill this evil queen and rule with Lia Mara?!?! I don’t know why they’d do about her evil sister but other than that I don’t see how this will end positively. (hide spoiler)]
Finished (view spoiler)[Ok that ending has me pissed. Everything went better than predicted and then we find out Lilith is still alive after all. And dumbass Rhen makes a bargain with her. Why can’t he just work with Grey or hell give up the throne and rule with him 🤷🏼‍♀️ I hate this fighting. Plus Lilith threat against Harper is moot when if he’s allied with grey he can get her anytime. So frustrated, especially since it’ll probably be a year for the next book 😡 (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Marissa wrote: "Chapters 25-36
It is kind of cute that Grey and Lia Mara are getting closer. Although there is still a part of me that likes Grey with Harper, but this pairing makes more sense. Also, honestly I w..."

(view spoiler)[I’m not happy with this book either. Everyone was evil and at the end of the day they still plan to go to war smh resolved nothing! (hide spoiler)]

[Nalz]

Chapters 1-10 - (view spoiler)[ Not liking Lia Mara so much, maybe because she is not Harper? Not 100 percent sure, but something about her. Knew Grey would do something to get himself caught, he is too much of an honorable man to just stay in the backward. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 11-20 - (view spoiler)[ Lia Mara seems to have a little more admirable qualities to her, but Grey is gosh darn strong, I mean he is one of the two magesmiths left, so it makes sense, but golly for him to take down a whole courtyard! Never liked Rhen, dislike him, even more, now!(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Nalz]

Chapters 21- 30 - (view spoiler)[ Iisak seems he could become a favorite character for me, he seems badass! Grey could heal?! I wonder if Lilith could also??? (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 31-40 - (view spoiler)[ Look at Lia Mara, being all badass and killing her mother, she could be a just queen! Rhen made Grey into the rightful heir, gosh how can Rhen be that dumb?! Still fuming about Rhen. (hide spoiler)]

[Nalz]

Chapters 41 - End - (view spoiler)[ By the time Lia Mara becomes pretty cool, a little too late for me and I may like her a little bit more than the beginning of the book. Rhen logic is a super flaw plan, sure lets team up with the magesmith that tortured me for an eternity, and she won't betray me as soon as she gets what she wants.... woooow, Rhen, woow! (hide spoiler)]

[Nalz]

Adrie wrote: "50 %

I love the scaver, everything about this character is fresh and new and just amazing!!

[spoilers removed]"

I agree with this whole post, I love Iisak!