Carving Shadows into Gold

Starred review from November 15, 2024
Following a royal kidnapping and amid widespread fear of magic, the tenuous alliance between Emberfall and Syhl Shallow is tested by violent attacks on both sides of the border. In this sequel to 2022'sForging Silver Into Stars, the three narrators are separated, and the stakes are even higher. Callyn, now a lady-in-waiting at the Crystal Palace, gradually embraces her own newly discovered abilities in secret. She reluctantly becomes the queen's liaison to the arrogant Lord Alek, her one-time lover whose loyalty to the queen is matched only by his hatred of magic. Jax, a skilled archer and blacksmith, hoped his new job at Ironrose Castle would deepen his discreet romance with King's Courier Tycho, but he finds himself alone and dependent on the few Emberish speakers after Tycho's duties force his return to Syhl Shallow. Tycho, whose magic has been flaring due to past traumas, struggles to regulate his emotions--and his power--under the guidance of the scraver Nakiis, a magical winged being whose harrowing past helps explain why scravers are leaving the ice forests of Iishellasa to attack humans. Kemmerer thoughtfully structures each protagonist's narrative arc, balancing plot-driving action with the exploration of resonant questions of loyalty, trust, and forgiveness that deftly model the often-uncomfortable process of reevaluating core beliefs when presented with new perspectives. Main characters read white; Jax walks with crutches before he's fitted for a prosthetic foot. Action-packed yet intimate; sets the stage for a truly epic next installment. (maps, character list)(Fantasy. 14-18)

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Starred review from January 1, 2025
Kemmerer's expert character-building skills and tension-filled storytelling shine in this second novel in the Forging Silver into Stars series. Tycho's, Jax's, and Callyn's lives have been dramatically changed after the events of the first book: Tycho, the courier to the King, made a dangerous bargain that just might lead to destruction. Jax, meanwhile, escaped a small village and a tumultuous past to head to Emberfall with Tycho, and as their connection grows throughout their journey, the romance between them genuinely shines. Callyn, who recently discovered her magic, finds herself in an unexpected environment as the queen's companion; it's especially uncomfortable, since she has shunned anything having to do with royalty or love, after an affair left her heartbroken and scarred. Kemmerer's sequel is just as engaging as the first book in the series. She fills in ample backstory and vividly describes the characters, the stakes, and the emotional landscape, especially as many dark secrets behind the kingdom's political choices are revealed. Perfectly paced from start to finish, this intricately layered fantasy novel focuses as much on relationships as it does on world building. With thrilling action and meaningful themes of the power of surprising human connection, this lush fantasy romance is sure to enchant fans of the popular genre.

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January 31, 2025

Gr 9 Up-In this second installment, Briarlock gets left behind as the characters deal with shattered worldviews, strained relationships, and two countries on the edge of war. Just as Tycho and Jax finally come together, attacks by the magical scravers force Tycho to return to Syhl Shallow. However, King Grey is no longer the close confidant Tycho once revered, and repairing their friendship isn't exactly a top priority. Meanwhile, Jax is alone in Emberfall, struggling to navigate a country whose language he doesn't speak, whose citizens distrust him, and whose prince he despises. Callyn, on the other hand, is settling into the Crystal Palace with Queen Lia Mara, exploring her newfound magic in secret. But when the Queen's vicious sister takes an interest in her and Lord Alek reappears, her place and her principles are put to the test. Tensions build to critical levels between characters and countries in this plot-driven continuation. Themes of loyalty, trauma, and forgiveness are deeply explored as they examine the blurred lines between right and wrong. As each character comes to terms with the complexity of trauma response, compassion and understanding soothe their festering hatred and resentment. Kemmerer's signature cliffhanger ending will leave readers clamoring for the final installment. VERDICT Tensions rise and relationships are strained in this heart-wrenching sequel. Recommended for existing fans and voracious romantasy readers alike.-Elisha Sheffer

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