About the Book:
Title: Shadow and Crystal Thorns
Author: Kay L. Moody
Series: Fae and Crystal Thorns #2
Publication Date: Oct. 18, 222
Publisher: Marten Press
Synopsis: Magical meets deadly in this YA fae fantasy where mortals and fae battle viciously for the same land. Shadow & Crystal Thorns is the 2nd book in the Fae and Crystal Thorns series by Kay L. Moody. Be sure to start with book 1, Flame & Crystal Thorns.
War would be easier if she could tell who was right and who was wrong.
Chloe remains in Faerie, but she’s only supposed to stay long enough to defeat the bloodthirsty mortals who are trying to claim the land for themselves. But now she’s not so sure she wants to return to the mortal realm, especially when the devastatingly handsome fae, Quintus, keeps asking her to stay.
Even worse, defeating the mortals becomes more difficult by the day while their numbers continuously grow. She also learns exactly why they want the land. As a mortal herself, it’s hard to disagree with them. But they can’t take Faerie unless they steal it from the fae.
Alliances blur when Chloe realizes both sides deserve what they seek. But only one of them can win.
If you like the rich world building of Throne of Glass, the enemies to lovers romance of Once Upon a Broken Heart, and the mythical creatures and twisty plot of The Cruel Prince, then you’ll devour Kay L. Moody’s breathtaking young adult epic fantasy series.
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My Review:
Shadow and Crystal Thorns is an exciting addition to the Fae and Crystal Thorns series. The story picks up where Flame and Crystal Thorns left off. Chloe, Quintus, and their allies prepare to fight to save Faerie from the iron poisoning that has infected the land and from the humans that threaten to destroy them all. Determined to end the upcoming battle and return home to her sister, who is gravely ill, Chloe struggles physically and emotionally. However, Chloe has the help of Quintus and others, and they won’t stop until Faerie is restored and safe.
An intelligent, strong, and determined young woman, Chloe is a layered and dynamic protagonist who wants to be accepted for who she is. Chloe often feels misunderstood or that she is ordinary and that no one takes an interest in her. I think that is the farthest thing from the truth, but considering her sister is a ruler of faerie, and most of the beings she is with are more powerful than her, I can see why she might feel this way. Everyone has self-doubt, and I thought her feelings and her way of dealing with them were very relatable. Chloe also faces her anxiety and her fears, which I thought was fantastic. Her panic is described so well, and trying to conquer her fears and do what she can to help others shows how strong she is.
I also love that Chloe realizes everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. She learns what her strengths are and uses them to help Faerie and defeat the humans who threaten everything. Chloe is a healer, and she takes advantage of her knowledge to find a way to heal Faerie. She also learns that getting help from others is not a sign of weakness. It’s the opposite, in fact, as her friends prove time and again.
Quintus is the perfect partner for Chloe. Always by her side, Quintus is determined to do all he can to support and protect her. I love Quintus!! He is so loyal and devoted, and the chemistry between him and Chloe is the best!! Their relationship is challenged a bit in the story, and they both have to come to some difficult realizations. I’ll be interested to see what the future of their relationship looks like, and I’m so hoping they will find a way to be together.
Ludo and Mishti also accompany Chloe and Quintus on their quest, and all use their unique strengths to restore order to the land. The dynamics between this group are interesting, as they are all so different, though they have similar goals. Their journey is so dangerous and exciting, and they can never let their guard down. It seems like every time they think they may have a moment of peace, something happens to disrupt their security.
This is a great ya fantasy series. It has action and danger, intrigue, and surprising twists. And a dragon! Did I mention the dragon because I love this creature!!! Every book is better with a dragon, and the relationship this one has with Chloe is so great.
Thanks so much to Kay L. Moody for providing me with an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The world-building.
- The romance.
- The characters.
Favorite Lines:
Some things are not easy, which usually means they are the things that most need to be said.
Sometimes taking care of herself meant trusting herself, even when others didn’t understand.
Not every adventure is meant for the heroic and powerful. Some adventures are meant for the ordinary, to turn them into something greater than they were when they began. Everyone has a story. Maybe this one is yours, not theirs.
Recommendations:
This is the second book in the series, and it’s not a standalone, so I would recommend reading the first book before you read this one.
Glad you loved this one 😍
Thanks! It was a good one!
I’m getting way too many emails from you–sometimes more than one a day! I want to change this, but when I try to unsubscribe, I’m taken to WordPress!
hmmm. I usually post twice a day. I’ll look into how to change it. Sorry for the frustration.