About the Book:
Title: The Sylvan and the Sand
Author: Sarah M. Cradit
Series: The Book of All Things #2
Publication Date: May 10, 2022
Synopsis: Marry your enemy. Dare to survive.
From the USA Today Bestselling Author of Kingdom of the White Sea comes a new series of standalone fantasy romance tales set in the same vibrant world: The Book of All Things. Disappear into this scintillating tale of mortal enemies forced into a perilous, passionate marriage.
Yesenia Warwick artfully dodges her father’s talks of marriage, set on proving she is just as capable as her brothers. Her three loves—kin, homeland, and independence—are all she needs.
Corin Quinlanden suffers under the cruel contempt of his ruthless father and brother as they scheme and plot from their castle in the trees. He’s given up wishing for happiness. A strategic marriage, far from home, is as high as he dare dream.
But the king of this realm has his own plan.
Everything the gilded Quinlandens have “earned” was stolen from the Warwicks. So when all the leaders of the realm are summoned to a celebration with the king, both houses approach this fete balancing on a sharp blade’s edge.
But the king’s celebration quickly turns to horror. The lords and ladies can only watch, helpless, as the devious king masterminds a series of marriages between their children, spinning the kingdom into chaos.
Brash, fearless Yesenia Warwick is now the unwilling bride of tender-hearted Corin Quinlanden. Neither her silver-tongued wit, nor her unmatched skill with daggers, can erase what has been done.
The choice ahead of her is simple, but impossible.
Embrace her dangerous new life in the den of her enemy, or send the kingdom to war.
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My Review:
The Sylvan and the Sand is a fantastic addition to The Book of All Things series! The characters, the world-building, the romance!!! I fell so quickly into this immersive story and became so invested in Yesenia and Corbin’s journey. It’s dark and brutal, yet there are many glimpses of hope, love, and perseverance Plus, the slow-building, angsty, enemies-to-lovers romance is brilliant.
Bold, brave, and willing to speak her mind regardless of the dangers, Yesenia is so different from the women Corin knows, and he is equally intrigued and intimidated by her. Defined by her love of her land and her devotion to her family and people, Yesenia despises being thrust into the villainous and treacherous world of her enemies. However, as she gets to know the people and Corin and realizes they are similar in their ideals and desires, her goals and motivations slowly begin to change.
Though Corin seems softer and meeker than her, he is much like Yesenia in his abundance of inner strength and compulsion to help others. I loved his character! He’s such a cinnamon roll, and his sweetness and gentility complement Yesenia’s more abrasive and emotionally aloof personality well. Corin also stands in stark contrast to the rest of his family, who are absolutely wretched.
As Yesenia and Corin begin their marriage together, they try to see past the rumors and long-standing feuds and really get to understand what’s happening to their kingdoms and their people. They both want what’s best for everyone, unlike many of the leaders and family members they face, and it very much reflects both of their ideals and values. However, their romance is riddled with complications. Corin and Yesenia are enemies, they are very different, and they were forced into a marriage that neither desired. I like how they slowly come together and grow closer and embrace their new feelings for each other. You can tell they care for one another but are afraid to show it, especially Yesenia. She struggles a bit more than Corin to be emotionally vulnerable and to open herself up to love. However, even before they admit their feelings, you can see how they feel by the way they keep fighting for each other and protecting each other.
The world-building in this series is impressive, and I love that we see a whole new setting for the ones in the previous book. This world is vast, and the author paints such vivid images of the different kingdoms, locations, and people. It’s the kind of story that’s easy to get lost in, which can be attributed to the author’s style and storytelling.
I’m loving this series, and The Sylvan and the Sand is no exception. I think readers who enjoy romantasy will love this book, and though it’s the second in the series, it is a standalone. Special thanks to the author for providing me with an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance!
- The intrigue.
Favorite Lines:
Even a keen rat still takes the cheese.
I have reached into the sand, and the sand has offered me strength. I have submerged myself in the salt of the sea, and the salt has offered me courage.
Kindness kept our lives from being worse when we’re both in a hopeless place, but love can make both of our lives better.
I donnae ken what I feel, but I know where I belong.
Until my promise is spent.
Recommendations:
Want to learn more about the series? Check out my review of the first book!
Wonderful review, this sounds like a really good book.
Thanks, Louise! I really enjoyed it!