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bookishandbrewsy's review
5.0
I could wax poetically about this book and so I shall.
Asher is my sweet baby angel who is more like a morally grey rage monster that can tear into your mind and destroy you with a thought. Thus, she is perfect.
We follow Asher and Bellamy as they prepare for war against the fae kingdom where she grew up. They try to rally troops to their side without tearing into their minds and forcing them to comply, which is harder than it seems. We meet some great new characters, including the cuddly murder kitten Wrath, a dragon and Padon.
In all realness I love the importance of the healing Asher does from dealing with the emotional and physical abuse under the hands of her adoptive parents. I love her learning that she is worthy of love. This series is so special to me and as in usual Brea fashion the end has me SHOOK.
If you’re looking for your next favorite series, its this one right here.
Asher is my sweet baby angel who is more like a morally grey rage monster that can tear into your mind and destroy you with a thought. Thus, she is perfect.
We follow Asher and Bellamy as they prepare for war against the fae kingdom where she grew up. They try to rally troops to their side without tearing into their minds and forcing them to comply, which is harder than it seems. We meet some great new characters, including the cuddly murder kitten Wrath, a dragon and Padon.
In all realness I love the importance of the healing Asher does from dealing with the emotional and physical abuse under the hands of her adoptive parents. I love her learning that she is worthy of love. This series is so special to me and as in usual Brea fashion the end has me SHOOK.
If you’re looking for your next favorite series, its this one right here.
daniobsessivelyreads's review
5.0
This book was such a whirlwind! So many twists and turns and secrets revealed that had me on my toes! I can not wait for the next installment to continue Ash and Bellamy's journey. There were so many things and people that separate Ash and Bellamy, and Bellamy's strength sometimes pulls Ash along. I hope in the next book that Ash can start believing in herself and believing that she's deserving of love. I know what that feels like, but it's my personal belief that everyone is deserving of love. Including Ash!
If you love fae/demon/shifter stories, political intrigue, enemies-to-lovers, touch-her-and-you-die, or magic systems
Until the next installment, I will continue to recommend this series to any and all Plated Prisoner series fans, Throne of Glass fans, From Blood and Ash fans, and for anyone who struggles with their mental health or feels undeserving of love. You do deserve love! Life isn't always easy, but it will get better. You just have to keep trying!
If you love fae/demon/shifter stories, political intrigue, enemies-to-lovers, touch-her-and-you-die, or magic systems
Until the next installment, I will continue to recommend this series to any and all Plated Prisoner series fans, Throne of Glass fans, From Blood and Ash fans, and for anyone who struggles with their mental health or feels undeserving of love. You do deserve love! Life isn't always easy, but it will get better. You just have to keep trying!
jenessalikes's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"Asher was my life. She was a gift given to an undeserving, wicked creature. She was my Eternity."
You know how when you're reading a really good book, you forget you're reading? Words on the page blur into images in your mind until suddenly you aren't living in the "real world" but off in the world created in the story? Yeah.
That's this book.
Of Realms and Chaos is the stunning sequel to Of Night and Blood, and we need to talk about it. First, I saw another reviewer say that ONAB walked so ORAC could run, and I whole-heartedly agree. Brea's writing in ONAB was stunning and vivid and beautiful. But her writing somehow makes a glow-up in ORAC, truly transporting readers not only into scenes but into characters' heads.
Asher went through a lot in ONAB, and if you thought our heroine was going to get a break in this book, well.... she's not. Asher is one of those special FMC's who I think people can relate to because she is real and raw with her emotions. She doesn't always make the right decisions, but she always wants to make sure the people she cares about are safe. She's self-sacrificing to a detriment.
Bellamy is honestly one of the best MMC's I have ever read. Someone referred to him as a burnt cinnamon roll, and that description is totally accurate. He'd kill anyone who even thinks of harming Ash without a second thought, but he's soft for her in a way that isn't portrayed a lot in books. Being morally gray doesn't mean you have to be an insufferable asshole all of the time to everyone. Bellamy loves as hard as he fights, and we are just along for the ride.
Padon and Stassi are my favorite additions to the Coveted world. Their chaotic and secretive energy and storylines will leave you clamoring for more. I can't wait to see where we end up there.
Tropes:
Touch him/her and die
Meddling gods
Found family
Real depictions of mental health
Adorable (but murdery) animal (?) companion
Political scheming
Feminine rage
Multi-pov
SPICE
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
You know how when you're reading a really good book, you forget you're reading? Words on the page blur into images in your mind until suddenly you aren't living in the "real world" but off in the world created in the story? Yeah.
That's this book.
Of Realms and Chaos is the stunning sequel to Of Night and Blood, and we need to talk about it. First, I saw another reviewer say that ONAB walked so ORAC could run, and I whole-heartedly agree. Brea's writing in ONAB was stunning and vivid and beautiful. But her writing somehow makes a glow-up in ORAC, truly transporting readers not only into scenes but into characters' heads.
Asher went through a lot in ONAB, and if you thought our heroine was going to get a break in this book, well.... she's not. Asher is one of those special FMC's who I think people can relate to because she is real and raw with her emotions. She doesn't always make the right decisions, but she always wants to make sure the people she cares about are safe. She's self-sacrificing to a detriment.
Bellamy is honestly one of the best MMC's I have ever read. Someone referred to him as a burnt cinnamon roll, and that description is totally accurate. He'd kill anyone who even thinks of harming Ash without a second thought, but he's soft for her in a way that isn't portrayed a lot in books. Being morally gray doesn't mean you have to be an insufferable asshole all of the time to everyone. Bellamy loves as hard as he fights, and we are just along for the ride.
Padon and Stassi are my favorite additions to the Coveted world. Their chaotic and secretive energy and storylines will leave you clamoring for more. I can't wait to see where we end up there.
Tropes:
Touch him/her and die
Meddling gods
Found family
Real depictions of mental health
Adorable (but murdery) animal (?) companion
Political scheming
Feminine rage
Multi-pov
SPICE
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
stairdorris's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
slow-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
3.75
mng82214's review
5.0
There is absolutely no words for this book beside EPIC. This book was just epic, the surprises, plot twist.... THE ENDING!!!!! Just oh my goodness, I am still reeling from the ending. I need answers like yesterday. Brea Lamb out did herself in the continuation of this series. Just wow, this was an epic journey.
noriboo's review
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
In the end, this story wasn't it for me, and I never really got into it.
Overall, it was okay, but I didn't feel connected to the characters, and I found myself skimming through the book.
•••
I received an ARC. My opinions are my own.
Overall, it was okay, but I didn't feel connected to the characters, and I found myself skimming through the book.
•••
I received an ARC. My opinions are my own.
readwithjesse's review
5.0
This book from the start was a five star read for me! The emotions and trauma, it was all so real!
I loved the multiple POVs, you get to dive in deeper to each character in book two, this book was more action packed now that we got past the world building aspect of book one.
Bellamy is a man I want to fall in love with. He will literally burn the entire world down for the people he loves.
Thank you Brea for this wonderful ARC and the opportunity to read about Bell and Ash, I love them both.
I loved the multiple POVs, you get to dive in deeper to each character in book two, this book was more action packed now that we got past the world building aspect of book one.
Bellamy is a man I want to fall in love with. He will literally burn the entire world down for the people he loves.
Thank you Brea for this wonderful ARC and the opportunity to read about Bell and Ash, I love them both.
booklovinglou's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
This book absolutely did not disappoint!!!
It was full of character development, world building, emotions, surprise with some spice. What a sequel!!
And the plot twist blew my mind. It just topped off an amazing reading experience.
It was full of character development, world building, emotions, surprise with some spice. What a sequel!!
And the plot twist blew my mind. It just topped off an amazing reading experience.
koistyfishy's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5 I Love You Wrathy Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Reading this book felt like finding a piece of my soul I didn't know was missing. It's hard to put into words how deeply this story and its characters resonate with me; and I don't know how to explain what the story, characters and everything inside its pages mean to my heart.
This sequel is even more amazing than Of Night and Blood, and I ABSOLUTELY loved that book. We get to see Asher grow and find herself, stepping out of the shadow of her parent's expectations and the gilded cage they kept her in. She's given the freedom to test her limits, figure out her relationships, push boundaries and make real strong connections with people, people who now see her for who she truly is, instead of the character she was forced to play.
This is VERY MUCH an intense character-focused story, so if you want something that is non-stop action - this might not be it for you. This book takes its time, diving deep into trauma and the emotions associated with that pain. There is so much emotional growth unpacked in layers and layers of human complexities and relationships - finding focus on situations dealing with the multifaceted scars of how past situations can shape a person's behaviour and actions, and how difficult it is to break out of that confined space of thinking.
This book does introduce a few more POV's into the story and specifically introduces Bellamy's side. Bellamy is perfect because he is imperfect. He will burn the world down for Asher, his love for her is selfish, and he possesses a heart-meltingly dirty mouth that's totally swoon-worthy. His mind is strikingly beautiful, making him literal perfection. But he is also flawed making him a very well-formed character. He knows his faults are where he has his limitations and is also aware of his blind spots. He doesn't play at being a perfect character which just make him so much more human and relatable, with one of the biggest hearts - He is just trying to do his best for Asher.
The relationship between Ash and Bell is complex...They both bear immense responsibility (literally being heirs to their thrones), both have kingdoms of innocents to protect and crucial decisions to make that impact not only their lives but their kingdoms as well. On top of this also have to navigate their personal relationship amidst all these burdens.
One of the best parts of the book is the side characters and how you feel like you are one of their found family. They all have formed this close-knit group that is the epitome of what you hope for in your family or group of friends. Support, love, care, affection and acceptance of who you are. Each of these side characters brings so much into the story, that you will cry your literal heart out when something happens to them. Trust me I know... I UGLY CRIED!!!!!!!! DAMMIT and I NEVER CRY WHEN READING
This book isn't just about the deep emotional stuff though. Brea has upped the ante and quite frankly the world-building in this sequel is nothing short of magnificent, introducing twists and turns that will keep you hooked and engaged. The reveals are precisely planned, but with them come new questions leaving you craving for more. I am so eager to see how these threads will intertwine in future books. There is also a big introduction of court dynamics that adds a layer of angst and intrinsic complexity to the story.
Overall I adore how Brea approached each aspect of this story with meticulous attention to detail, especially in the handling of difficult themes around trauma, recovery and emotional situations. It is just so many things! It's a stunning testament to how well a character-driven story can impact your life, heart and soul. It is a powerful message about breaking free of the shackles of your past and finding strength in your vulnerability. And it is a glimmer of hope, knowing what it truly means to form the bonds of a found family while coming to terms with the fact that you are no one's but your own.
If you have not done so already, pick up Of Night and Blood - and then read this! Because I promise this book will burrow itself into your heart and soul...like it did to me!
Trope Summary:
▶ Multi POV
▶ Morally Grey FMC and MMC
▶ Found Family
▶ Trauma Rep and Bonding
▶ Shadow Daddy
▶ Mental Health Rep
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Meddling gods
▶ The bestest grumpycat rat companion
▶ Political Intrigue
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Reading this book felt like finding a piece of my soul I didn't know was missing. It's hard to put into words how deeply this story and its characters resonate with me; and I don't know how to explain what the story, characters and everything inside its pages mean to my heart.
This sequel is even more amazing than Of Night and Blood, and I ABSOLUTELY loved that book. We get to see Asher grow and find herself, stepping out of the shadow of her parent's expectations and the gilded cage they kept her in. She's given the freedom to test her limits, figure out her relationships, push boundaries and make real strong connections with people, people who now see her for who she truly is, instead of the character she was forced to play.
This is VERY MUCH an intense character-focused story, so if you want something that is non-stop action - this might not be it for you. This book takes its time, diving deep into trauma and the emotions associated with that pain. There is so much emotional growth unpacked in layers and layers of human complexities and relationships - finding focus on situations dealing with the multifaceted scars of how past situations can shape a person's behaviour and actions, and how difficult it is to break out of that confined space of thinking.
This book does introduce a few more POV's into the story and specifically introduces Bellamy's side. Bellamy is perfect because he is imperfect. He will burn the world down for Asher, his love for her is selfish, and he possesses a heart-meltingly dirty mouth that's totally swoon-worthy. His mind is strikingly beautiful, making him literal perfection. But he is also flawed making him a very well-formed character. He knows his faults are where he has his limitations and is also aware of his blind spots. He doesn't play at being a perfect character which just make him so much more human and relatable, with one of the biggest hearts - He is just trying to do his best for Asher.
The relationship between Ash and Bell is complex...They both bear immense responsibility (literally being heirs to their thrones), both have kingdoms of innocents to protect and crucial decisions to make that impact not only their lives but their kingdoms as well. On top of this also have to navigate their personal relationship amidst all these burdens.
One of the best parts of the book is the side characters and how you feel like you are one of their found family. They all have formed this close-knit group that is the epitome of what you hope for in your family or group of friends. Support, love, care, affection and acceptance of who you are. Each of these side characters brings so much into the story, that you will cry your literal heart out when something happens to them. Trust me I know... I UGLY CRIED!!!!!!!! DAMMIT and I NEVER CRY WHEN READING
This book isn't just about the deep emotional stuff though. Brea has upped the ante and quite frankly the world-building in this sequel is nothing short of magnificent, introducing twists and turns that will keep you hooked and engaged. The reveals are precisely planned, but with them come new questions leaving you craving for more. I am so eager to see how these threads will intertwine in future books. There is also a big introduction of court dynamics that adds a layer of angst and intrinsic complexity to the story.
Overall I adore how Brea approached each aspect of this story with meticulous attention to detail, especially in the handling of difficult themes around trauma, recovery and emotional situations. It is just so many things! It's a stunning testament to how well a character-driven story can impact your life, heart and soul. It is a powerful message about breaking free of the shackles of your past and finding strength in your vulnerability. And it is a glimmer of hope, knowing what it truly means to form the bonds of a found family while coming to terms with the fact that you are no one's but your own.
If you have not done so already, pick up Of Night and Blood - and then read this! Because I promise this book will burrow itself into your heart and soul...like it did to me!
Trope Summary:
▶ Multi POV
▶ Morally Grey FMC and MMC
▶ Found Family
▶ Trauma Rep and Bonding
▶ Shadow Daddy
▶ Mental Health Rep
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Meddling gods
▶ The bestest grumpy
▶ Political Intrigue
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Grief, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Gaslighting, Racism, Racial slurs, Animal death, Blood, War, Vomit, Cursing, Death, Violence, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Minor: Body shaming
rachyanan's review
5.0
The first note I made while reading this?
"OKAY BREA."
After I finished, I stared at the wall for a solid five minutes, trying to process what I had read.
Of Realms and Chaos is the second book in The Coveted series by Brea Lamb, and it does not disappoint. Like, I need you to read this book.
11/5 stars
3/5 spicy peppers
Brea took the heartbreak and pain that Asher felt in ONAB (go read it) and somehow, wove even more magic into her story. If you think that Asher gets to take a breath in this second installment, I suggest you think again because this FMC goes through the wringer; she continues to be sacrificial to her own detriment while navigating how to do even the simplest of things on her own. The way Brea writes Ash, she is a love letter to all women and the embodiment of things we cannot say out loud; Ash allows us to experience feminine rage on page.
"with an unbearable amount of anger and self-loathing, I began smashing the pianoforte."
We get more Bellamy and he has turned the heat up in ORAC. He is fiercely protective of Ash and will forever have a soft spot in my heart; he is the epitome of morally grey without being an asshole to everyone you meet...you can be sweet and spicy at the same time. What I loved about Bellamy in this book is we get more of the inner dialogue from him. We see him truly accept Ash for who she is, flaws and faults included.
"Her grey eyes held the type of brokenness that rarely could be mended, the whimper that left her lips a weak version of the piercing cry I knew she wanted to emit."
"Tell me what you need to feel safe."
We also get significant side characters in Padon and Stassi. I didn't want to like Stassi at first but as I read, Brea broke me down and made me fall in love with her as a character. AND ADD IN AN ANIMAL COMPANION? Yes, ma'am. The lines that this character drops are worthy of standing on their own and hit me in places I'd long hidden.
I cried reading this book-like sobbing. For an author to make you feel seen not once, but twice? That is magic all of its own. ORAC broke me in the best way, built me up like nothing else, and made me remember my own strength.
“ Even the brave stumble, even the brave fail.”
I cannot wait to see where this adventure takes us; I'll pack the snacks and Kleenex
"OKAY BREA."
After I finished, I stared at the wall for a solid five minutes, trying to process what I had read.
Of Realms and Chaos is the second book in The Coveted series by Brea Lamb, and it does not disappoint. Like, I need you to read this book.
11/5 stars
3/5 spicy peppers
Brea took the heartbreak and pain that Asher felt in ONAB (go read it) and somehow, wove even more magic into her story. If you think that Asher gets to take a breath in this second installment, I suggest you think again because this FMC goes through the wringer; she continues to be sacrificial to her own detriment while navigating how to do even the simplest of things on her own. The way Brea writes Ash, she is a love letter to all women and the embodiment of things we cannot say out loud; Ash allows us to experience feminine rage on page.
"with an unbearable amount of anger and self-loathing, I began smashing the pianoforte."
We get more Bellamy and he has turned the heat up in ORAC. He is fiercely protective of Ash and will forever have a soft spot in my heart; he is the epitome of morally grey without being an asshole to everyone you meet...you can be sweet and spicy at the same time. What I loved about Bellamy in this book is we get more of the inner dialogue from him. We see him truly accept Ash for who she is, flaws and faults included.
"Her grey eyes held the type of brokenness that rarely could be mended, the whimper that left her lips a weak version of the piercing cry I knew she wanted to emit."
"Tell me what you need to feel safe."
We also get significant side characters in Padon and Stassi. I didn't want to like Stassi at first but as I read, Brea broke me down and made me fall in love with her as a character. AND ADD IN AN ANIMAL COMPANION? Yes, ma'am. The lines that this character drops are worthy of standing on their own and hit me in places I'd long hidden.
I cried reading this book-like sobbing. For an author to make you feel seen not once, but twice? That is magic all of its own. ORAC broke me in the best way, built me up like nothing else, and made me remember my own strength.
“ Even the brave stumble, even the brave fail.”
I cannot wait to see where this adventure takes us; I'll pack the snacks and Kleenex