Received this as an ARC from Booksprout.
This book was a sequel to the fantastic Sea of Zemira, which I absolutely adored.
Instead of embarking on swashbuckling journeys with our beloved pirate crew this book, we follow up with one of our prior bad boys. King Elijah. The villain turned hero. His journey finding his fated mate, his battle to keep her safe, save his friends, his people, was just delicious.
We do encounter our pirates throughout the book, so have no fear m’ heartys. ☠️
I found this book a lot more focused in terms of its plot, despite its multiple POV, it still all progressed towards the same end, it was just a nice change here to just have one conclusive plot and one timeline to stick with.
I LOVEEEEEEE the new characters, they made a pleasant addition to the story, the book would have lost something if it had been limited to just King Elijahs life himself, although he’s pretty special. I am so happy that we kept our magic and portal jumping elements. Along with the Magic folk themselves. Slightly disappointed at the lack of sirens this time, I think maybe I like the prospect of man eating mermaids too much 😂 However, the shadow creature, hybrids and newiks make up for that big time.
Despite the promise of the book being even spicier this time round, I was most saddened to discover that it didn’t get spicy until the 50% mark-ish, but boy, did it ever hit the hottest hecter chilli pepper rating. 🌶️ sorce-(er)yyy 🤭
I loved the plot line, the adventure, the enemies to lovers story, the forbidden romance, the wit, and the ending, just wow.
In the first book, we get a taste of a happy ending incoming (love those), but this book.. final chapter is epic, the whole thing is epic, then BAM! a swift kick to the face as a huge cliff hanger and huge plot twist is dropped in our laps! So while we are happy to end the journey, we know there’s more to come.
The final words in the chapter gave me tingles of excitement for what’s next.
So now I wonder what’s in store for book 3, the finale, Empress of Fire. I know it’s going to be the most exciting, fiery book yet! 🔥
For fans of magical battles, magical creatures, adventure, fantasy, witches, shadow monsters, touch her and die and spicy romance.
Totally deserves my 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another sizzling recommendation for all my fantasy smut sisters. 🌶️🔥