First of all, I love the book cover (the one with the jewel/Godstone in the middle). In fact, I love all the book covers of this series honestly. Though I kind of wanted to give up when it comes to the relevance of the title to the story because again I couldn’t quite get it.

 

Still written in Elisa’s perspective, this sequel was full of adventures. From the original setting, which was the Joya d’ Arena (the kingdom in the desert now being ruled by Elisa), to Aracely (the ship) in their journey to get to Zafira,  where Elisa needed to be in relation to her being the bearer of the Godstone because she needed to fulfill whatever her purpose was.

 

In this sequel, we get to meet new characters too, such as Storm (an Invierno), Captain Felix (Hector’s older brother), and Franco (a new villain/Invierno). We also get to witness their adventure beyond the desert. I liked the idea that the author explored another setting for this book. This book had non-stop action and I loved a few scenes here. Moreover, the way the author described the places was beautiful. Especially the Zafira, I could picture it in my head clearly. Then the slow romantic build up was a bit torture for me but nevertheless still beautiful and realistic IMO. All in all, its story was magical, religious, full of adventure, and a wonderful romance.  

 

I love Hector and of course Elisa. But Hector, (OMGEE) ***swoon****adfsfkdfslytksbfhslhfljsdlhgsldtlh. I can’t form any coherent words to describe how much I love him. Yup, I.LOVE.HIM.  He’s officially one of my “Book Boyfriends”. Because why not? I want a Hector for myself.  

 

 Meanwhile, Elisa’s character developed to a positive degree in my opinion. I really liked her decision making as a Queen and the ruler of Joya D’ Arena. Now at 17, she stood up and took charge of a kingdom that just went through a war successfully and still at the state of recovering from the damages it caused. She also learned more about her power/skill being the bearer of Godstone.

 

 Of course I still like the very adorable Rosario though I would like to read more about him. Mara, hmm, the naughty one, was likeable to, her presence and guidance to Elisa were a big help for her. I kinda like that Belen redeemed his self here; I just hope that he would really keep his loyalty to Elisa.

 

If you liked/loved the first book, you would definitely love this sequel, for sure. I would start the third and last installment of this book soon but I’d rest again for a while even though I could read it whenever I wanted, it’s just I’m not ready to say good bye to Elisa and Hector yet.  I just hope that “The Bitter Kingdom” would not be as bitter as the title suggested. OMG, please no!

 

#I loved Hector!

 

#I loved Elisa and Hector!

 

#I loved Elisa’s decision in regards to Storm while they were in Zafira and on Hector in the end.

 

#Ok I’ll stop the spoilers

 

#Just read the book….Okay?!…xoxo

I fail at this whole active reviewer thing as of late.  I'm going to use the husband as an excuse as he came home from deployment recently, so I haven't had as much reading time as before.  But I still manage to finagle time here and there.  And devoted some of that time to this series, which wasn't a complete waste, but I could have found something better.  But I digress.  

 

This series wasn't TERRIBLE, but there wasn't much to it either.  I had some hope after the first book but everything pretty much fizzled out after that one.  It just became a little too ridiculous as it went on, not enough that I didn't finish it but enough that it was a little laughable when it was all said and done.  

 

Anyway, I'll be sporadic for the next few weeks still before said husband gets back into a full work schedule.  Tis one of the few times in my life where I'm not upset to have my reading time cut back, lol. 

My first word after finishing this book? Wow!

Rae Carson's "The Girl of Fire and Thorns" series tackles the topics of religion and sorcery. Carson continues the story of a gutsy seventeen-year-old queen with "The Crown of Embers".

The second installment in the series pushes the button a bit more when the "unholy" Inviernos are compared to Native Americans. Queen Elisa makes the comparison and then steps to the edge of the cliff when she realizes her people are interlopers. Talk about bringing a history to fiction! Just wow!

I loved "The Crown of Embers". It was stronger than the first book in the series. Gone was the sense of reading a historical romance. Queen Elisa is maturing and testing the waters with her sovereignty. The people around her are tested as well. In life, some people change for the good and some for the bad. We see those changes in this tale also--Ximena, Belen and even Storm. What's nice is that Carson reveals those changes at the right time. The reader doesn't figure things out ahead of Queen Elisa. She's the queen, after all. Her subjects shouldn't be smarter.

Lots of truths come out in this installment: 1) Not everyone has your best interest at heart (Queen check your court and those closest to you.), 2) Don't underestimate who you may love (Queen he's under your nose), 3) You're stronger than you think (Queen seek out your strengths), 4) Friends can be found even amongst your enemies (Queen sometimes your greatest ally is cloaked).

Once again, I applaud Carson for writing such a diverse, enriching tale. This series should be considered a classic and on a Must Read list for high schoolers.

Hi guys, I hope you all are having a great day, and this is my review to The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson. This is the second book in The Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy.

 

This book starts off when Elisa is queen. Now, I did enjoy this book, but I don’t think it was as good as the first. Thankfully, Elisa grows from a confident leader into a Queen. I love how Carson showed that Elisa could still grow in the book and I hope that it shows just as much in the next.

 

LOL, Hector shaves off his beard, and suddenly Elisa is like, “Damn!” I had a feeling that Elisa and Hector would happen. The thing I also like is that they started their relationship on trust, then friendship, understanding, and then they admit their love for one another. Thank the Lord, if I would’ve read another insta-love I would’ve cried.

 

There is an introduction of characters. I loved all of them, Storm being my favorite. Since he is very straightforward and is not afraid. But when he is loyal, it warms my heart. I’m sure he would make a great friend to Elisa in the next book. But honestly, Ximena leaving was the best thing that happened. I honestly was sick of her from the ending of the first book.

 

There wasn’t much for the backdrop and setting, but the ending . . . Carson WHY? Do my feelings have no relevance? Good thing the last book’s already out.

 

Anyway, I hope you all have a great day, I don’t want to say too much because this book is really great, and I want all of you to read this and enjoy it for yourselves. Hope y’all have a great day and thanks for reading!

I haven't been this excited in a long time!

 

I'm not saying that this one is so much better than the first book, because they're both equally great. And the first half of this book that had to do with politics and such got a bit tedious even if it was necessary. And it took a while for the adventure and the story to progress.

But I loved this book so much more that I am officially so hooked it's not even funny!  The first book was good (excellent, even), but it just didn't seem to hit that "OMG! This is awesome stuff!" level.  Don't get me wrong.  I still loved it.  But after finishing this second book, just...  Let the excitement begin!

 

Of course, this second book wasn't all great.  The beginning was a little haphazard and I found myself wondering when the official story would finally start.  Just a bunch of attempted assassinations and greedy lords trying to get rid of the child queen for their own gain of power and greed.  A bunch of typical court conspiracies and issues--nothing to write home about.  

 

The latter half of the book, however, made up for everything that seemed to drag from the beginning of the book!

With some political court intrigue going on, a blooming angsty romance, old friends and new friends coming around, people vying for her throne, and a war with Invierne on the brink, I love that Elisa doesn't lose her head too much. Sure, she strikes out on a journey with only God and faith as her back-up, but Elisa comes out of this entire journey with ten-fold development and growth, and so much more kickass than she had been before (and she was pretty kickass to begin with)! And at the risk of giving away too much about this book, I really just LOVE the new and improved kickass Elisa who comes out of this chaotic mess of a journey!

 

Did I also mention that I love how Elisa's first priority isn't romance or boys?  I think I mentioned that in my review of the first book.  And food is still mentioned in much detail because it is a VERY important part of life!  

 

Also...  little Prince Rosario!  Hugs all around!

I'm already starting the next book. I want to know where the rest of the story leads.

And yes, this review is kind of short and rough, because, really, the first half of the book DID drag quite a bit, even if it was still enjoyable, so there isn't much to say about it. While the build-up might have been necessary, I found that I didn't care for it and was hoping to see Elisa and her entourage off on a journey soon. And when the journey started, I got excited and the rest just rolled on from there.

So yes, I do forgive this book's monotonous beginning because of the ending's appeal.

And now, onto the next book!

I... may or may not return and refine my review a little bit, but more than likely, I'll just put in all of my opinions at the end of the series.