Book Review: A Promise of Peridot (The Sacred Stone Trilogy #2) by Kate Golden

Rating: ★★★★☆
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 481 pages
Author: Kate Golden
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: April 11th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A prophecy of death. A weapon of hope. A sacrifice of love.

Arwen Valondale is sailing for the mysterious Kingdom of Citrine after the battle of Siren’s Bay. Reeling from shocking revelations and her newfound powers, Arwen directs all of her pain and rage toward the man who betrayed her: King Kane Ravenwood.

Kane’s presence is unavoidable as he travels with Arwen and her friends to seek the Blade of the Sun, a legendary weapon inextricably tied to her fate and the future of the realm. Even an uneasy truce proves difficult as Arwen fights against her unresolved feelings for Kane, who is willing to become darkness itself to protect her.

As Arwen faces creatures, foes, and magic beyond her wildest imaginings, she must discover the secrets of her past to defeat the monstrous Fae king Lazarus. But finding the light within might mean the death of her and everyone she loves.

HELD UP.

I have been anticipating this release since I read A Dawn of Onyx when it was an indie book. This did not disappoint! I thought it was a really solid book two. I added a half star back because of the ending, I love a chaotic and wild cliffhanger. All the intense action and me shouting WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.

I liked most of how the romance went throughout this. I didn’t understand the necessity of adding a brief love triangle. Besides that, I liked the push and pull between Arwen and Kane. Some good groveling and heated moments between them. And with the ending I think I’m going to love what book three holds for them too.

The plot takes a long time to truly move forward, but there was plenty of action and politicking mixed in with creature clashes. The audiobook was fantastic and I love that I can just enjoy this series.

Overall audience notes: