Series: Fire and Thorns #2
She does not know what awaits her at the enemy’s gate.
Elisa is a hero.
She led her people to victory over a terrifying, sorcerous army. Her place as the country’s ruler should be secure. But it isn’t.
Her enemies come at her like ghosts in a dream, from foreign realms and even from within her own court. And her destiny as the chosen one has not yet been fulfilled.
To conquer the power she bears, once and for all, Elisa must follow a trial of long-forgotten—and forbidden—clues, from the deep, hidden catacombs of her own city to the treacherous seas. With her go a one-eyed spy, a traitor, and the man whom—despite everything—she is falling in love with.
If she’s lucky, she will return from this journey. But there will be a cost.
4 Drink Me Potions
Following a few months after the previous novel, The Crown of Embers was even more exciting. This sequel was just as steeped in the religious practices that Elisa and her people follow, but now it’s taken another mysterious turn. Realizing that her destiny wasn’t quite fulfilled by the actions of the previous book, there’s crazier things in store for her as the only bearer of a living Godstone.
Right from the beginning, danger continually creeps against her. Whether from the crazy blue fire-wielding Inviernos or rumblings of people contesting her rule of the kingdom, Elisa is far from safe. I admired her in the first book, but in this one? I plain adore the change in her. She has gone from someone who didn’t really believe in her worth to trusting that God was right in choosing her.
Whispers of a deep source of magic underneath the ground that powers her Godstone sets her off on a new adventure. Along with her comes a cast of interesting characters. Some of these are familiar faces from her previous adventures, although not as many of my favourite people return. Some are new ones that are just as cool with back stories and realistic personalities that Carson has creatively crafted. One such person is a traitor Invierno who doesn’t understand sarcasm and perpetually seems to be either displeased or downcast.
“Your own country is much cooler by comparison?”
“Cooler. Wetter. Lovelier. Better, really, in every possible way than this forsaken blight that you rule.”
I surprise myself by laughing.
“So tell me, Your Majesty. Why do I have the displeasure of your company today?”
“I yearned to bask in the light of your empathy and good cheer.”
He isn’t one to easily read at first, let alone what his true intentions are. I couldn’t decide for the longest time whether I should like him or not, or even trust him. Such complex characters are a mark of a wonderful storyteller.
Romance , you didn’t disappoint me this time. Falling for her Commander of the guard was definitely not expected, and it could potentially lead to a lot of heartache. But oh my! Their chemistry and even friendship was just tinged with sweetness and trust. I absolutely adored it. I liked the previous love interest enough, but Hector just has that extra something that felt like it was missing with Elisa’s first love.
The Crown of Embers had everything you could want in a fantasy novel. Action, adventure in a new land that continually immerses you into it, a swoon-worthy romance and a heroine that you could wholeheartedly support. Rae Carson’s trilogy continues to get better and better.
Overall Recommendation:
With more excitement and romance, The Crown of Embers fulfills every requirement that you could possibly want. Elisa has really grown into her own skin, more comfortable in her role as God’s chosen one and now as queen. As danger continues to follow her after the explosive conclusion of the previous novel, there are definitely crazier things in store for our lovely heroine. Falling in love may seem like it should take second to everything that’s going on, but her relationship with Hector would have you on the edge of your seat as they face new rumours of a great power source for the magic in the world. This is one sequel you do NOT wanna miss.
Down the Rabbit Hole 