sharpest court – GoodeyReads

Rating: ★★★.5
Audience: YA Fantasy Romance
Length: 544 pages
Author: Kiera Azar
Publisher: Storytide
Release Date: November 3rd, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

With an unputdownable plot, incredible twists, and an extraordinary high fantasy world filled with court intrigue, heart-racing action, a unique magic system, and sizzling chemistry, Sharpest Court is the thrilling sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller, Thorn Season.

Alissa Paine has fled her home, the Kingdom of Daradon – forced to say goodbye to her old old life in order to escape the clutches of both the cruel, tyrannical King Erik to whom she was once betrothed, and the Hunters who persecute Wielders like Alissa.

But she has not left Daradon empty-handed, and Alissa has in her possession an object that Erik greatly desires – a mysterious and ancient spellmade compass which has the potential to reshape the world, if Alissa – or Erik – can unlock its secrets.

Seeking refuge in the Ansoran Empire, Alissa is able to demonstrate her Wielding powers openly for the first time in her life. But Ansora is not a safe haven, and Alissa is quickly forced to navigate the rules and customs of another dangerous ruler. And even with her former ally, Kiel Arcus, by her side, Alissa soon learns that, while she may have been raised in the kingdom of thorns, she is yet to enter the sharpest court….

Perfect for fans of Powerless, Six of Crows, and The Rose Bargain, Sharpest Court is an extraordinary return to the world of Thorn Season.

Thank you to the publisher and Storygram Tours for the gifted audiobook and copy.

GOOD ENOUGH.

I realized upon starting this that I didn’t quite remember much of book one. And instead of trying to find a summary I just went after it. And what I realized reading the sequel was that the same thing happened. I can read this book and enjoy the story but it doesn’t stick with me. It’s missing those pieces that make stand out story. The writing and bones are good at least.

Where it does get a lot of points is that it’s genuine YA. I’m always after good young adult books that can actually be handed to a teen. So far, two books in, that’s the case here. I like the FMC. She’s relatable and flawed without being frustrating. I liked some moments of the romance but thought there needed to be more of an edge between them. The action and plot pick up much more in the second half speeding towards a good ending without a wild cliffhanger.

I still very much have plans to read book three and see how the antagonist meets his demise. The plot reveals at the end also have me excited for more.

I loved the audiobook narrator! She did a wonderful job and the audiobook was easily the best pick for format when reading this sequel.

Overall audience notes: