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A review by koistyfishy
Of Realms and Chaos by Brea Lamb
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: Animal death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Minor: Body shaming