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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
ARC Review of A Sky of Emerald Stars
After finishing A River of Golden Bones, I approached A Sky of Emerald Stars with an open mind despite my personal reservations about book one.
My struggles with the first book stemmed largely from my own preferences: wolf-shifter stories aren’t my favorite, and I found it hard to connect with Calla as the main character. The childhood friends-to-lovers romance also wasn’t particularly exciting for me.
Despite these elements not being my usual cup of tea , I was intrigued enough to give the sequel a chance, especially after learning we’d get Sadie’s point of view.
And I’m glad I did. Sadie’s story and personality resonated with me far more. Her perspective brought a fresh and engaging dynamic to the series. Her romance with Navin was well-paced and much more enjoyable for me personally, adding depth and emotional stakes to the narrative.
I found myself rooting for her in ways I didn’t expect, and her role in this book became a major highlight.
This sequel truly steps up its game. With new points of view, characters, and a shifting focus, the story feels broader and more complex. The stakes are raised significantly, with more dangerous and risky moments that had me on edge. There are some genuinely heartbreaking twists that bring a lot of emotional weight, making it clear that the series has grown from its foundation in book one.
While A River of Golden Bones helped set the stage, A Sky of Emerald Stars dives headfirst into the action and consequences.
The series isn’t finished with this installment, and the book ends with much more going on, clearly setting up for the next chapter.
While I still had the same personal issues as I did with the first book—elements like the wolf-shifters and soulmate dynamics remain—Sadie’s focus, new characters and relationships, and more risky challenges in this sequel made the book far more enjoyable for me.
If you loved book one, A Sky of Emerald Stars will likely captivate you even more.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
After finishing A River of Golden Bones, I approached A Sky of Emerald Stars with an open mind despite my personal reservations about book one.
My struggles with the first book stemmed largely from my own preferences: wolf-shifter stories aren’t my favorite, and I found it hard to connect with Calla as the main character. The childhood friends-to-lovers romance also wasn’t particularly exciting for me.
Despite these elements not being my usual cup of tea , I was intrigued enough to give the sequel a chance, especially after learning we’d get Sadie’s point of view.
And I’m glad I did. Sadie’s story and personality resonated with me far more. Her perspective brought a fresh and engaging dynamic to the series. Her romance with Navin was well-paced and much more enjoyable for me personally, adding depth and emotional stakes to the narrative.
I found myself rooting for her in ways I didn’t expect, and her role in this book became a major highlight.
This sequel truly steps up its game. With new points of view, characters, and a shifting focus, the story feels broader and more complex. The stakes are raised significantly, with more dangerous and risky moments that had me on edge. There are some genuinely heartbreaking twists that bring a lot of emotional weight, making it clear that the series has grown from its foundation in book one.
While A River of Golden Bones helped set the stage, A Sky of Emerald Stars dives headfirst into the action and consequences.
The series isn’t finished with this installment, and the book ends with much more going on, clearly setting up for the next chapter.
While I still had the same personal issues as I did with the first book—elements like the wolf-shifters and soulmate dynamics remain—Sadie’s focus, new characters and relationships, and more risky challenges in this sequel made the book far more enjoyable for me.
If you loved book one, A Sky of Emerald Stars will likely captivate you even more.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
*Insert screaming noises here* Is book 3 out yet?!
This was just as captivating as the first! I'm not going to lie, I had to put the book down a few times because the plot and/or the characters made me so mad, but in a good way! The emotional rollercoaster I went on while reading this was insane! I wish I had kept track of the amount of times I said, out loud, things like: "wtf," "you're joking," or "stfu." I knew it was going to end on a cliffhanger, but that didn't stop me from holding out hope that it might have ended differently.
I can, and will, binge anything they write! Everyone needs to read this series ASAP, so I have people to talk to about all of the things this book made me feel!
This was just as captivating as the first! I'm not going to lie, I had to put the book down a few times because the plot and/or the characters made me so mad, but in a good way! The emotional rollercoaster I went on while reading this was insane! I wish I had kept track of the amount of times I said, out loud, things like: "wtf," "you're joking," or "stfu." I knew it was going to end on a cliffhanger, but that didn't stop me from holding out hope that it might have ended differently.
I can, and will, binge anything they write! Everyone needs to read this series ASAP, so I have people to talk to about all of the things this book made me feel!
In this book we continue with our loved heroes Calla and Grae but we also get to see other POVs and another queer relationship!!! The second chance, I hate you but I love you dynamic is always a favorite of mine and this book did it so deliciously!!!
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A secret song. A Hidden fortress. A world on the brink of war.
A Sky of Emerald Stars is the second book in the Golden Court series, continuing on the same trajectory that its predecessor left us with. While remaining in the mind of Calla and continuing their journey, we get to also learn more about Sadie, a wolf-shifter who has pledged her life to the Golden Court, but whose heart is also broken after a break-up with Navin, a human singer, and is grappling with the fact that she feels as if she doesn't have a place in this new world. When a friend of Calla, Ora, is captured, this forces Sadie to go on a journey alongside her ex in order to save them from the King who wishes to destroy the Golden Court and Calla. We revisit old friends and discover new secrets that threaten to upheave the very court that Calla and their friends have created.
I loved this book. It pieced so perfectly with the first that I decided to do a quick read of the first in order to bring myself back into the world of Aotreas. A.K. does it again, bring a rich world to life, creating characters that experience growth within themselves as well with others, and they have a way of bringing depth into the characters where you want to root for as well as feel a connection to.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ALC as well as A.K. Mulford for the Arc, as I am in their Patreon. I absolutely hope you give this book a listen, a read, and dive into the world of Aotreas as well.
A Sky of Emerald Stars is the second book in the Golden Court series, continuing on the same trajectory that its predecessor left us with. While remaining in the mind of Calla and continuing their journey, we get to also learn more about Sadie, a wolf-shifter who has pledged her life to the Golden Court, but whose heart is also broken after a break-up with Navin, a human singer, and is grappling with the fact that she feels as if she doesn't have a place in this new world. When a friend of Calla, Ora, is captured, this forces Sadie to go on a journey alongside her ex in order to save them from the King who wishes to destroy the Golden Court and Calla. We revisit old friends and discover new secrets that threaten to upheave the very court that Calla and their friends have created.
I loved this book. It pieced so perfectly with the first that I decided to do a quick read of the first in order to bring myself back into the world of Aotreas. A.K. does it again, bring a rich world to life, creating characters that experience growth within themselves as well with others, and they have a way of bringing depth into the characters where you want to root for as well as feel a connection to.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ALC as well as A.K. Mulford for the Arc, as I am in their Patreon. I absolutely hope you give this book a listen, a read, and dive into the world of Aotreas as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Alcohol, War
Moderate: Classism
adventurous
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy
I am shook. This was a goddamn rollercoaster of emotions and I want to bill A.K. Mulford for the emotional turmoil they put me through (LOL jkjk).
This was an amazing book 2. I loved it. I sent reactions to a friend who just read it, and let's just say I was unhinged...
A Sky of Emerald Stars is one of the best second books in a series I've ever read, and I'm so desperate for book 3. I'm gnawing at the bars of my enclosure to get book 3.
I am shook. This was a goddamn rollercoaster of emotions and I want to bill A.K. Mulford for the emotional turmoil they put me through (LOL jkjk).
This was an amazing book 2. I loved it. I sent reactions to a friend who just read it, and let's just say I was unhinged...
A Sky of Emerald Stars is one of the best second books in a series I've ever read, and I'm so desperate for book 3. I'm gnawing at the bars of my enclosure to get book 3.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4 ⭐
3 🌶️
If I had to use a word to describe this book, I would use the word passionate. That not only refers to the romance side of this story but also to how the characters are devoted to each other and their cause. This is a story of acceptance and loving people where they are. The story between Sadie and Navin is one where they both have things they need to overcome, and Sadie has some prejudices she holds on to. Calla wants to be accepted no matter what they call themself; however, we find the wolves of this land have deep-seated prejudices against anything not human, and the misogyny runs deep. Briar, Maez, Sadie, and Calla are strong wolves who believe in what and who they are fighting for, but this book brings about all the trials they must endure to reach their goals. First, there is Grae, Calla's consort, who loves Calla deeply, accepts her and believes in what she's fighting for and against. We will gain more allies but also face tremendous obstacles and betrayals.
This is a fun read with characters you can root for and bad guys who are really, very, very bad. Unusual monsters that are pretty creepy and enchanted wagons make for an exciting and, at times, humorous journey. I look forward to the final showdown!
Thank you, NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager, for the eArc. These opinions are mine.
3 🌶️
If I had to use a word to describe this book, I would use the word passionate. That not only refers to the romance side of this story but also to how the characters are devoted to each other and their cause. This is a story of acceptance and loving people where they are. The story between Sadie and Navin is one where they both have things they need to overcome, and Sadie has some prejudices she holds on to. Calla wants to be accepted no matter what they call themself; however, we find the wolves of this land have deep-seated prejudices against anything not human, and the misogyny runs deep. Briar, Maez, Sadie, and Calla are strong wolves who believe in what and who they are fighting for, but this book brings about all the trials they must endure to reach their goals. First, there is Grae, Calla's consort, who loves Calla deeply, accepts her and believes in what she's fighting for and against. We will gain more allies but also face tremendous obstacles and betrayals.
This is a fun read with characters you can root for and bad guys who are really, very, very bad. Unusual monsters that are pretty creepy and enchanted wagons make for an exciting and, at times, humorous journey. I look forward to the final showdown!
Thank you, NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager, for the eArc. These opinions are mine.