Duty. Blood. Honor. Power.

I recently finished reading Brimstone by Callie Hart. This is book #2 in the Fae and Alchemy series.

Check out my review of Quicksilver here --> https://thebooklover45.wixsite.com/the-book-lover/post/do-not-touch-the-sword-do-not-turn-the-key-do-not-open-the-gate

POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT

  Rating: 4/5 stars

"Saeris Fane doesn't want power. The very last thing she needs is her name whispered on an entire court's lips, but now that she's been crowned queen of the Blood Court, she's discovering that a queen's life is not her own. A heavy weight rests upon her shoulders.

Her ward - and her brother - need her back in her homeland . . . but the changes that have strengthened Saeris have also made her weak. Born under blazing suns, Saeris will surely die if she makes her way home through the Quicksilver. Which means that, once again, she must send someone else in her stead . . .

Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate has defeated armies and survived all manner of horrors, but traveling back to Zilvaren with Carrion Swift might just be the death of him. The male just will not shut up. Hidden dangers await them down the narrow alleyways of the Silver City. Unfolding secrets poses impossible threats. Fisher must wrangle the smuggler and accomplish his goals quickly if he wants to see his mate again.

A darkness falls across Yvelia. The realm and their friends are in danger. Together, Saeris and Fisher will pass through fire and brimstone to save them."

I loved how it started. The beginning immediately sucked me in, and it sets a great stage and rhythm for the rest of the book. But the rhythm wasn't maintained well. The pacing of the book is the only issue for me, and it's a major one. There were bits that were so fast-paced, it was almost rushed in places. Then there were chapters where the narrative drags. Yes, important conversations happen, but I feel like it could have been better edited.

I loved the action, plot twists, and characters in it. Kingfisher has my heart now. Like, I was fully into his possessive side. That feral need, and yet he's so gentle in this one. Was that just me who thought so? Anyway, I feel like he really shone in this one. Absolutely loved him.

Saeris was pretty good. I liked the character growth, and there's a lot of potential in her. And yet there's a part of me that feels maybe she got overshadowed by Kingfisher. Yes, she was valuable in all that she did and achieved in this. But when you focus on creating a perfect book boyfriend, sometimes it can cause a bit of an imbalance when the FMC might be overlooked in her traits. But that's just my opinion.

The side characters? Tal, Foley, and Lorreth were strong presences alongside Carrion. I do wish we had seen more of Layne and Renfis. But it's not something I'll complain about. I'm quite satisfied with how this turned out.

The romance. I love the chemistry between Kingfisher and Saeris. I'm not gonna spoil any theories, but can I just say how Fisher killed it in this one?? Like I was on my knees and swooning hard. The man has such a filthy mouth and yet so tender when he needs to be. The spice was off the charts.

I absolutely ate up the ending. I am speechless, and it just makes me want to wish for the next book now. There was a point in it where I sobbed and read it through blurry eyes.. But I'm not gonna lie about the name (IYKYK) it's gonna take a while to get used to. Anyhoo, I had a great time despite its flaws.

Check out Brimstone, and discover what happens when you face duty, blood, honor, and power.

Happy Reading :)