Thank you to Pan Macmillan for providing this free advanced reader. The opinions expressed are my own.

This is the 2nd and last book in the romantasy duology „The Courting of Bristol Keats“ by Mary E. Pearson. I will review this without spoiling too much.

Bristol and Tyghan’s love deepens after a near-fatal encounter with her mother’s monsters. A disastrous rescue kills a knight, exposing her mother’s danger. Meanwhile, Tyghan faces his betrayer, Kierus, questioning his loyalties. Bristol must choose between embracing her magical birthright and risking the safety of her loved ones.

We follow Bristol Keats as she navigates her new life in Elphame and her mission to save her parents from ruining themselves. Bristol is a strong but also vulnerable character. She is impulsive and petty (holds grudges like a pro – you go girl). I will say, that I’ve got annoyed with her (and Tyghan) but in this household we love characters with flaws. Throughout the book we get to experience Bristol’s and Tyghan’s relationship’s ups and downs. He got new secrets (of course, ugh) and she, of course, discovers them (what did he expect). He struggles to balance his role as king, knight commander and lover. It reminded me of Mary E. Pearson’s other series „The Remnant Chronicles“. She just writes very human and (most of the time) relatable characters.

I LOVED Bristols squad – her friends. The power of friendship!!! Honestly, these were probably my favourite parts of the book. Their interactions were really wholesome. Additionally I liked that we got so many insights through the switching of POVs. Eris really grew on me and so did other more minor characters. But Kasta? What the fuck. That was surprising? I wish the book included just a little more of her POVs, especially at the end.

Unfortunately, and that is my biggest issue, the book’s ending felt rushed to me. We spend like more 80% of the book planning this whole day of the choosing of kings. Not that it was unimportant – the opposite actually – we got to find out so many things. The last 15% felt just too quickly wrapped up – the main fight for the crown was underwhelming, imo.

I can’t say that I am the biggest fan of the ending BUT I also don’t hate it. I think, it was necessary for Bristol’s growth and throughout the book I really felt for her and the decision felt just so Bristol. Maybe this is just me, but the ending has got a trope I really don’t like – I am very biased here, ok?

I’ve enjoyed this read even if I loved the 1st book just a bit more. This is a solid 4/5 for me.

xx, Jana