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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
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:
No
I jumped into A Sky of Emerald Stars by A.K. Mulford right after finishing A River of Golden Bones, and I’m glad I did because it picks up exactly where we left off. Having everything fresh in my mind definitely helped. That said, as a follow-up, this one fell a little flat for me.
My biggest critique of the first book was that it focused more on Calla’s journey of self-discovery than on the actual plot. And somehow, A Sky of Emerald Stars felt like it had even less plot movement. It honestly just felt like a filler book.
On the plus side, the magic system is better developed in this one. But at the same time, it kind of came out of nowhere, which made it feel a little disconnected.
This series shines when it comes to queer representation, and I do appreciate that aspect. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but it’s not something I’m rushing to tell everyone about. If the pattern of last-minute betrayals between side characters continues into the next book, I feel like I already know what’s coming—and honestly, I’m not sure I care enough about the new characters based on what I’ve seen so far.
Like I said in my review of the first book, this is a solid pick if you’re new to fantasy and want to dip your toes into the genre. But if you’re a seasoned fantasy reader looking for something groundbreaking, this one might not quite do it for you.
My biggest critique of the first book was that it focused more on Calla’s journey of self-discovery than on the actual plot. And somehow, A Sky of Emerald Stars felt like it had even less plot movement. It honestly just felt like a filler book.
On the plus side, the magic system is better developed in this one. But at the same time, it kind of came out of nowhere, which made it feel a little disconnected.
This series shines when it comes to queer representation, and I do appreciate that aspect. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but it’s not something I’m rushing to tell everyone about. If the pattern of last-minute betrayals between side characters continues into the next book, I feel like I already know what’s coming—and honestly, I’m not sure I care enough about the new characters based on what I’ve seen so far.
Like I said in my review of the first book, this is a solid pick if you’re new to fantasy and want to dip your toes into the genre. But if you’re a seasoned fantasy reader looking for something groundbreaking, this one might not quite do it for you.
A Sky of Emerald Stars picks up Calla’s story and introduces a second main character, Sadie, creating a dynamic and engaging dual POV narrative. Both characters are grappling with their identities, the truths they’ve been told, and the paths they must carve out for themselves.
From opposite corners of the realm, we follow Calla and Sadie as they navigate their own challenges—stumbling, struggling, and finding the strength to rise again. Their journeys are raw, emotional, and deeply personal, yet they’re woven together by themes of resilience and self-discovery. It’s fascinating to see how their perspectives bring different facets of this richly imagined world to life.
This sequel doesn’t just expand the story; it deepens it, pulling you into their struggles and triumphs in a way that makes you cheer for both of them.
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was just an okay book for me, it was a good sequel but it dragged a lot at the beginning which made it difficult to get into the story. This sequel had 2 POV's which is always fun but one POV (Sadie's) was way more fun and exciting for me than the other. I kept wanting to get back to her POV whenever it would switch over. While I enjoyed parts of this I just felt that I still did not have enough world building to feel invested in the story. There are parts of this world that are very interesting but are not explained in a thorough enough way to make them exciting. I still want to read the next one to see how the story concludes but I will just be more cautiously optimistic for that one.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for granting me access in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for granting me access in exchange for an honest review.
Calla has reclaimed their homeland of Olmdere and pledges to set a new standard that humans and wolves are all welcome within the Golden Court. Yet war is brewing as the Silver Court is loathe to let a new power rise beyond its control.
I can't stress how much A Sky of Emerald Stars needs to be on your TBR right now.* The correlations to current world affairs is eerie but hopeful. Wolf shifter gender queer warrior queen, Calla, fighting back against evil tyrants is exactly what I needed right now.
And Sadie steps into her main character energy. The stabby soldier wolf shifter is on a forced proximity road trip in magical wagon to rally neighboring kingdoms to aid the Golden Court. There are deadly magical creatures and toxic family along the way. Oh and add on navigating a diplomacy mission with your ex also.
A.K. Mulford delivers on both my epic and intimate fantasy needs. I love the world building, new magics, and characters that nestle down into my heart. I'm so looking forward now to the finale of this trilogy. I need my faves to be happy alright!
* Be sure to start with A River of Golden Bones okay. This is Book 2.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager / Avon Books for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I can't stress how much A Sky of Emerald Stars needs to be on your TBR right now.* The correlations to current world affairs is eerie but hopeful. Wolf shifter gender queer warrior queen, Calla, fighting back against evil tyrants is exactly what I needed right now.
And Sadie steps into her main character energy. The stabby soldier wolf shifter is on a forced proximity road trip in magical wagon to rally neighboring kingdoms to aid the Golden Court. There are deadly magical creatures and toxic family along the way. Oh and add on navigating a diplomacy mission with your ex also.
A.K. Mulford delivers on both my epic and intimate fantasy needs. I love the world building, new magics, and characters that nestle down into my heart. I'm so looking forward now to the finale of this trilogy. I need my faves to be happy alright!
* Be sure to start with A River of Golden Bones okay. This is Book 2.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager / Avon Books for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
slow-paced
Thank you Netgalley for this audio ARC. I feel like this book will need 2 separate reviews, one for the narration itself and one for the book. Narration wise everything was great. The narrator did an excellent job instilling emotion, clarity, and making the story real. Great speed and perfect character. The book itself though felt like a last minute add on to the first book written purely to make a setup for a 3rd book but lacked the oomph and overall feel of the first book. This one just felt more forced and slapped together. I remember reading the first book and feeling addicted to the story and even loved how it ended. When I found out there was a second book I was so hyped to continue the adventure, and even though this does indeed continue the adventure it just didn't feel the same and I felt done with the story half way through the book.
just not feeling this right now but I will definitely return to this book later.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Wow! This book is Sadie’s book but has Calla’s pov also. It goes back and forth between their POVs. I loved this so we still get to know what Calla is doing and getting Sadie’s story with Navin. It picks up right after the first book ends. It has some spice in it also. It is definitely romantasy. I love the world! It has a map so you can see where the places are they are going. I love stories with maps! I like to follow the characters with it and their journeys.
This book has some adventures, betrayals, surprises, and crazy moments in it. I hope the next book comes soon!
This book has some adventures, betrayals, surprises, and crazy moments in it. I hope the next book comes soon!
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A good follow up in the series. I love the discovery of the over arching storyline. The pov changes were well executed. The war games have begun and there’s no time for wallowing. I do feel like there should have been more connections between team A and B since mates can mind speak.
Could have done without the angsty what am I thing. There are clearly other life threatening issues needing attention. Other large logistics issues like entire populations needing homes and provisions. It would also have left more time to ponder and avoid walking into traps left and right. Maybe taken the time to set their own traps. Figuring out that their own house was full of turn coats.
While it is good to have a good self image and recognition of self. Sooo much could have been avoided.
Could have done without the angsty what am I thing. There are clearly other life threatening issues needing attention. Other large logistics issues like entire populations needing homes and provisions. It would also have left more time to ponder and avoid walking into traps left and right. Maybe taken the time to set their own traps. Figuring out that their own house was full of turn coats.
While it is good to have a good self image and recognition of self. Sooo much could have been avoided.
adventurous
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
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:
No