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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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:
Complicated
📚 A Sky of Emerald Stars by A.K. Mulford📚
Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Spice Rating:🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨Tropes✨
⚔️Found Family
⚔️Fated Mates
⚔️Magic
⚔️Shifters x Humans
⚔️LGBTQIA+ Rep
⚔️Secrets Revealed
✨Initial Thoughts✨
I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the first book in the series, and usually the second book (especially when it focuses on a different person or couple) isn’t as good. Not this book! I dare to say this was better than the first. We still get snippets of Calla’s story, but the main focus is Sadie. I love Sadie. And I enjoyed how she evolves and broadens her understanding of the world she lives in. There are things that challenge the very black and white thinking of the wolf shifter society, and Sadie is accepting and willing to learn and grow. Especially when it comes to understanding Navin and his gender identity as well as who he is as a person.
I was very upset with Navin in the first book and a little bit in the beginning of this book. However, as his secrets are revealed, I grew to love him. I actually enjoyed the level of mystery surrounding Navin throughout the story.
One thing that stood out to me was the incorporation of music and how magic can come from music. I loved this new added element to the story. It kept it fresh as a second book, but then we have a small continuation of the first book and the story there.
✨Pros✨
- The spice- it was a lot spicier than the first book and I loved it.
- The evolution of Sadie. I loved her as an FMC.
- The evolution of Navin. I can always appreciate not liking a character in the beginning, but then loving them at the end.
- The dialogue is great. It seems so rare to find good dialogue, but this author achieves it every time.
- The discussion of gender identity and how it’s infinite. This book does an incredible job of explaining and discussing gender identity.
✨Cons✨
- There were a few parts in the middle that dragged a bit in my opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the gifted copy and the opportunity to review this book.
3.5 ⭐️
I feel the same way about A Sky of Emerald Stars as I do about all of this authors works - entertaining with interesting storylines wrapped up in some good world building that create an enjoyable reading experience.
I did enjoy this book more than the first in the series, I think I just preferred the main characters more than the last book.
I did find the story to be predictable, there was lots of questing going on. Very typical for the way this author tells a story.
I would recommend if you’re looking for an enjoyable fantasy read with LGBTQ+ representation, which is what makes this authors book stand out from most mainstream fantasy.
I feel the same way about A Sky of Emerald Stars as I do about all of this authors works - entertaining with interesting storylines wrapped up in some good world building that create an enjoyable reading experience.
I did enjoy this book more than the first in the series, I think I just preferred the main characters more than the last book.
I did find the story to be predictable, there was lots of questing going on. Very typical for the way this author tells a story.
I would recommend if you’re looking for an enjoyable fantasy read with LGBTQ+ representation, which is what makes this authors book stand out from most mainstream fantasy.
adventurous
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
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It was a little slow in the middle but otherwise is was like boom boom BANG with one thing happening after the next, and betrayal and heartache and grieving and healing and lots.of hanky panky and fighting.
Damn good.
Damn good.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This sequel didn’t quite live up to my expectations, but held some interesting elements nonetheless.
I wish there were more Calla chapters. I think this book is divided into ⅔ Sadie chapters and ⅓ Calla chapters, or maybe even ¾ vs ¼. I really loved her character in the first book, and her relationship with Grae, so of course I was a little sad they only got this little page time.
Sadie was… well… she was whining a lot and definitely felt like a flat character. She got on my nerves for the largest part of this book. Partly (but not limited to) it was because I would have preferred for her to follow through on some of the (threatening) promises she made, yet she didn’t.
The plot twists in this story (plural, because yes there are multiple twists that will blow your mind), on the other hand, managed to surprise me and get me more invested while reading this story. Also, just like in the first book, identity and discovering who you are, coming to terms with limitations and short sightedness, yet never giving up, play a major role in this story, and I loved that.
I’ve read the ebook and the audiobook, both were great. The writing style and the way the narrator brings the story and characters to life are definitely two reasons why you should pick up this book (written or audio) if you’ve read book 1 already.
Still, I’m eager to find out what will happen in the next and last book of this trilogy.
I wish there were more Calla chapters. I think this book is divided into ⅔ Sadie chapters and ⅓ Calla chapters, or maybe even ¾ vs ¼. I really loved her character in the first book, and her relationship with Grae, so of course I was a little sad they only got this little page time.
Sadie was… well… she was whining a lot and definitely felt like a flat character. She got on my nerves for the largest part of this book. Partly (but not limited to) it was because I would have preferred for her to follow through on some of the (threatening) promises she made, yet she didn’t.
The plot twists in this story (plural, because yes there are multiple twists that will blow your mind), on the other hand, managed to surprise me and get me more invested while reading this story. Also, just like in the first book, identity and discovering who you are, coming to terms with limitations and short sightedness, yet never giving up, play a major role in this story, and I loved that.
I’ve read the ebook and the audiobook, both were great. The writing style and the way the narrator brings the story and characters to life are definitely two reasons why you should pick up this book (written or audio) if you’ve read book 1 already.
Still, I’m eager to find out what will happen in the next and last book of this trilogy.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A Sky of Emerald Stars picks up where A River of Golden Bones left off, and some of our beloved characters are struggling. As the threats against the Golden Court increase, Calla and Grae must take some risks to try to secure the support needed to protect their kingdom. A Sky of Emerald Stars also gives us Sadie’s perspective as she deals with the fallout of the events from A River of Golden Bones.
Ultimately, the core group of characters is divided, with different people taking on important missions. This doubles the risks and allows us to both return to familiar places visited in book 1 and explore new locations relevant to book 2. As the groups travel and attempt to complete their missions, they face new threats that increase the risks and up the stakes.
A.K. Mulford takes her time to develop the characters and their arcs, and I consider that a plus. We get to know the characters better and there’s no magic switch flipped to solve their problems. The struggles Sadie faces are ones that she wrestles with, and they’re presented realistically. It does make the resolution more meaningful because she thinks about everything and considers the implications of her decisions.
We also learn more about the history of the courts and the relationship between the wolves and humans. It’s clear some have twisted the stories to give themselves more power and justify the mistreatment of humans.
While there are some surprises and obstacles along the way, there’s a sense while reading this that things are almost too easy. There’s almost a false sense of security as everyone works through the challenges they face without dire consequences. Of course, that only makes the events at the end of the book hit harder. The stage is set for confrontation in book 3, and the consequences of failure weigh on everyone. There was definitely a shocking development at the end that I didn’t see coming, and I’m definitely curious to see how things play out in the next book.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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:
Complicated
A Sky of Emerald Stars by A.K. Mulford (Narrated by Bridget Bordeaux; Vico Ortiz)
Adult Sci Fi & Fantasy Romance, LGBTQIAP+
Expected Pub Date Dec. 24, 2024
Book 2 of The Golden Court trilogy following A River of Golden Bones
The Golden Court is rebuilding with new leadership, new beginnings, and new court drama. Calla is forced to seek alliances from surrounding kingdoms to prepare for War with rival wolf King Nero. More magic is introduced and a continuation of Grae and Calla’s story and Sadie goes on an adventure with Navin to find allies of their court. To avoid spoiling anything with details regarding this sequel, I will instead leave some expectations.
🌏World-building
👯Dual POV (Calla and Sadie)
😡😘Enemies to Lovers
🐺Wolf Shifters
💞Second Chance Romance
👥Fated Mates
💋Spice
✨Magic
😱Secrets/Betrayal's
🐲Dragons
😮Twists
👑Royal Court Politics
👀Magical monsters
If you enjoyed book 1, you would also like this book, which was just as enjoyable, if not even a bit better, in my humble opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review
Adult Sci Fi & Fantasy Romance, LGBTQIAP+
Expected Pub Date Dec. 24, 2024
Book 2 of The Golden Court trilogy following A River of Golden Bones
The Golden Court is rebuilding with new leadership, new beginnings, and new court drama. Calla is forced to seek alliances from surrounding kingdoms to prepare for War with rival wolf King Nero. More magic is introduced and a continuation of Grae and Calla’s story and Sadie goes on an adventure with Navin to find allies of their court. To avoid spoiling anything with details regarding this sequel, I will instead leave some expectations.
🌏World-building
👯Dual POV (Calla and Sadie)
😡😘Enemies to Lovers
🐺Wolf Shifters
💞Second Chance Romance
👥Fated Mates
💋Spice
✨Magic
😱Secrets/Betrayal's
🐲Dragons
😮Twists
👑Royal Court Politics
👀Magical monsters
If you enjoyed book 1, you would also like this book, which was just as enjoyable, if not even a bit better, in my humble opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Diving back into this fantasy and loving Navins storyline. (S)he is my favourite character. I love the romance with Sadie and how they struggle to love each other and how that plays out. I loved book two more then book one as we get so much more from all the characters that you just can't help but love them. I am ready for the War. I'm so invested now and the wait is going to be so hard.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Aaaaah! NetGalley, big thankies! To prepare for this ARC, I reread A River of Golden Bones, and it was glorious! Vico Ortiz and Bridgette Bordeaux brought this production to life beautifully!
And I am so glad we get to see the evolution of Calla’s confidence and leadership skills as they take on their queen role. We find out early on that Ora was taken by Gray’s father, and Calla and co adventure off to (hopefully) gain the alliance of the Queen of Taigos and her court.
Meanwhile, we get to Sadie a whole lot better! She goes on a quest with Navin (the human who she was totally crushing on in book one, but definitely got blindsided by him choosing his brother over her in a battle) and Maez to gain different allies for the upcoming war. Navin has secrets, Sadie wants to gain them, but she is also battling with the fact that he left with his brother and didn’t come to see her in the new Golden Court.
Shenanigans, betrayals, betrothals, and magic happen on both journeys, leaving us craving more with that ending!
Mulford continues to make me laugh, cry, and sweat with every book she writes, and this is no exception! ✨
A Sky of Emerald Stars is the second book in the Golden Court series and picks up following the events of A River of Golden Bones. It’s told through Sadie and Calla’s POVs as they take on different tasks for Calla’s court. I found Calla’s POV more interesting although both were necessary for the story’s progression. Given the nature of Sadie’s assignment, this book has some of the feels of a first in series. There’s a lot of world building and set up that resulted in a slower pace to the first half. The pacing picks up considerably in the second half. One of the big revelations was something I had guessed at during the events of the first book, but it was nice to see it confirmed. There were other revelations, twists, and betrayals that had me completely blindsided. I love the choice of narrators used for this book. They brought so much emotion and intensity to their roles that it amped up the overall reading experience. I can’t wait for the next book.
✨
✨
eARC courtesy of Harper Voyager
ALC courtesy of Harper Audio