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The Middlemist Trilogy #2
A Song of Ash and Moonlight
New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn, Claire Legrand, enchants with a lush, sweeping, steamy enemies to lovers fantasy romance perfect for fans of Bridgerton and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
THE OLD WAR IS OVER. A NEW ONE IS JUST BEGINNING.
The curse plaguing the Ashbourne and Bask families has finally been broken, but Farrin, the eldest Ashbourne daughter, still struggles to find peace. Unflappable and tireless, her composure masks a seething sorrow. Since her mother abandoned the family, Farrin has been their rock—managing her father's temper, running the estate, keeping tight control over her dangerous musical power, and ignoring her own need for rest, distraction, and most of all, love.
In Ryder Bask, Farrin's stubborn strength has met its match. The man infuriates her. He's coarse, arrogant, annoyingly handsome. He's as tired of their feuding parents as she is, and he brims with some secret anger that mirrors Farrin's frustrated rage.
But Farrin must work with every ally she can—even the man she has been raised to hate. With every rising dawn, the Middlemist weakens further. Anointed magicians are disappearing. A fiery Olden creature is stalking Farrin. Strange visions haunt the High Queen Yvaine. And as Farrin and Ryder race to find stolen loved ones, they begin to realize a horrifying
The gods are not dead. They're waking up. And someone is hunting them.
THE OLD WAR IS OVER. A NEW ONE IS JUST BEGINNING.
The curse plaguing the Ashbourne and Bask families has finally been broken, but Farrin, the eldest Ashbourne daughter, still struggles to find peace. Unflappable and tireless, her composure masks a seething sorrow. Since her mother abandoned the family, Farrin has been their rock—managing her father's temper, running the estate, keeping tight control over her dangerous musical power, and ignoring her own need for rest, distraction, and most of all, love.
In Ryder Bask, Farrin's stubborn strength has met its match. The man infuriates her. He's coarse, arrogant, annoyingly handsome. He's as tired of their feuding parents as she is, and he brims with some secret anger that mirrors Farrin's frustrated rage.
But Farrin must work with every ally she can—even the man she has been raised to hate. With every rising dawn, the Middlemist weakens further. Anointed magicians are disappearing. A fiery Olden creature is stalking Farrin. Strange visions haunt the High Queen Yvaine. And as Farrin and Ryder race to find stolen loved ones, they begin to realize a horrifying
The gods are not dead. They're waking up. And someone is hunting them.
592 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2024
226 people are currently reading
11420 people want to read
About the author
Claire Legrand
30 books5,024 followersClaire Legrand is the New York Times-bestselling author of a dozen novels, including the Empirium Trilogy, A CROWN OF IVY AND GLASS, SAWKILL GIRLS, SOME KIND OF HAPPINESS, and THE CAVENDISH HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. She is one of the four authors behind THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES, an anthology of dark middle grade fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
March 27, 2025
ladies if your man speaks to horses and a whole manner of beasts, would take anything from you even your punches and harsh words, begs for your affection, runs headlong into danger with you, and yearns from afar, that’s not your man that’s Ryder Bask.
Read my full review here
also im obsessed with farrin at all times being like: “i need to punch him in the face (but also kiss him)”
Claire Legrand returns to her Middlemist Trilogy and a world on the brink of change as the Ashbourne siblings set aside old grudges and work to rebuild a relationship with their family’s sworn enemies, the Basks. In this brilliant sequel, Claire Legrand elevates her foundations to create a beautiful slow burn enemies to lovers romance between steadfast sister Farrin Ashbourne, and the eldest son of the Bask family, Ryder. A Song of Ash and Moonlight weaves a cunning mythos and romantic arc in a sequel that showcases its characters at their height and brings old gods and new smashing together in cataclysmic ways. The stakes are the highest they can be with old barriers breaking down, and new horrors descending on the Ashbourne family and the world entire. A Song of Ash and Moonlight is exactly what I wanted from a sequel, revealing hidden ancestry and an unexpected connection to the gods while flawlessly merging high-stakes fantasy and devastating romance. The Middlemist Trilogy is an incomparable fantasy series and this sequel only has me more excited for its conclusion next year.
thank you to Edelweiss for the review copy
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Read my full review here
also im obsessed with farrin at all times being like: “i need to punch him in the face (but also kiss him)”
Claire Legrand returns to her Middlemist Trilogy and a world on the brink of change as the Ashbourne siblings set aside old grudges and work to rebuild a relationship with their family’s sworn enemies, the Basks. In this brilliant sequel, Claire Legrand elevates her foundations to create a beautiful slow burn enemies to lovers romance between steadfast sister Farrin Ashbourne, and the eldest son of the Bask family, Ryder. A Song of Ash and Moonlight weaves a cunning mythos and romantic arc in a sequel that showcases its characters at their height and brings old gods and new smashing together in cataclysmic ways. The stakes are the highest they can be with old barriers breaking down, and new horrors descending on the Ashbourne family and the world entire. A Song of Ash and Moonlight is exactly what I wanted from a sequel, revealing hidden ancestry and an unexpected connection to the gods while flawlessly merging high-stakes fantasy and devastating romance. The Middlemist Trilogy is an incomparable fantasy series and this sequel only has me more excited for its conclusion next year.
thank you to Edelweiss for the review copy
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November 25, 2023Farrinryder EVERYONE UP
September 17, 2024
This book had a good plot, but while this was a good book, it was very long. In my opinion, things did not need to be that long and I found myself zoning out when things just kept getting dragged on. I kept finding myself not really caring about what happened in the story or to the characters. And maybe it was just me, but the magical singing had me rolling my eyes.
May 16, 2024
I think I liked the main character and love interest of the first book more, but the plot of this book was better than the first. Easy fast read!
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September 16, 2024A Song of Ash and Moonlight is a mesmerising blend of magic, mystery, and simmering romance that will sweep you off your feet and plunge you into a world where the gods aren’t dead, they’re waking up, and they’re bringing chaos with them.
Farrin Ashbourne is the kind of FMC you can’t help but admire, strong, stubborn, and fierce, but burdened by the weight of her family's curse and her own heartbreak. As the eldest Ashbourne daughter, she’s spent years holding her family together, hiding her dangerous musical magic, and ignoring her own need for love and happiness. Enter Ryder Bask, the infuriatingly handsome and equally stubborn scion of the Ashbournes' rival family. Their chemistry crackles from the very first page, and watching them go from enemies to reluctant allies is pure magic.
Legrand cleverly weaves together an intricate plot of gods, curses, and ancient magic, but it’s the emotional depth of her characters that makes this book truly shine. Farrin and Ryder’s banter is sharp, their tension deliciously slow-burning, and their journey together is as much about healing old wounds as it is about saving the world. Their fiery partnership is impossible to resist, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them, both as individuals and as a couple, every step of the way.
But this isn’t just a romance. A Song of Ash and Moonlight is packed with heart-pounding action, haunting visions, and high-stakes danger. The Middlemist is weakening, magicians are vanishing, and something dark and ancient is stalking Farrin, making for a gripping plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The stakes are sky-high, and the twisty, unpredictable plot is full of surprises that will leave you anxious.
If you love fierce heroines, smouldering enemies-to-lovers romance, and epic fantasy worlds where gods are waking and chaos reigns, A Song of Ash and Moonlight is a must-read.
Farrin Ashbourne is the kind of FMC you can’t help but admire, strong, stubborn, and fierce, but burdened by the weight of her family's curse and her own heartbreak. As the eldest Ashbourne daughter, she’s spent years holding her family together, hiding her dangerous musical magic, and ignoring her own need for love and happiness. Enter Ryder Bask, the infuriatingly handsome and equally stubborn scion of the Ashbournes' rival family. Their chemistry crackles from the very first page, and watching them go from enemies to reluctant allies is pure magic.
Legrand cleverly weaves together an intricate plot of gods, curses, and ancient magic, but it’s the emotional depth of her characters that makes this book truly shine. Farrin and Ryder’s banter is sharp, their tension deliciously slow-burning, and their journey together is as much about healing old wounds as it is about saving the world. Their fiery partnership is impossible to resist, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them, both as individuals and as a couple, every step of the way.
But this isn’t just a romance. A Song of Ash and Moonlight is packed with heart-pounding action, haunting visions, and high-stakes danger. The Middlemist is weakening, magicians are vanishing, and something dark and ancient is stalking Farrin, making for a gripping plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The stakes are sky-high, and the twisty, unpredictable plot is full of surprises that will leave you anxious.
If you love fierce heroines, smouldering enemies-to-lovers romance, and epic fantasy worlds where gods are waking and chaos reigns, A Song of Ash and Moonlight is a must-read.
October 7, 2024
2.5. Gah, Farrin got in the way of all of this for me. The plot, the characters, the background dynamics, mostly they were all fine but Farrin was so unlikable. I'm glad she realized herself that she was being ridiculous by deciding Ryder was the worst ever for... saving her life? Ankaret even tells her that's the one secret he's kept from Farrin when it's revelaed and she still follows it up with: what else is he hiding from me?! Um, dumbass, the god in front of you literally just told you it's this one thing and that thing is that he.... saved your life. Like.
The manufactured drama of that? I could not.
I'm glad Farrin eventually figured out her knee-jerk reaction to that made literally zero sense but she still... didn't admit that or say that for way too long. And by then so much other stuff had happened that she didn't really have to say what an idiot she was. I also hated that her three emotions were: tears (yes, that is the emotion I s2fg), insecurity, and blaming everyone else for everything that happens all the time. Like, at no point in time does this woman seem like a good partner or like someone who is ready to be in a relationship. She should be getting a shit-ton of therapy first, because she clearly needs it, and she shouldn't be making her partner regularly step into that role. I'm glad Ryder seems so patient and willing to twist and contort himself to meet her needs but that man has no support of his own and that seems unkind to him. His sister is missing and he has to keep reminding Farrin about that reality for him, that that matters for him, and that the world doesn't revolve around her (and only when Farrin states out loud that it does does he get to correct that for her; she's still reeeegularly thinking that way though and no one can check those thoughts for her). I just don't like her, she's such an asshole - unintentionally almost always, but still, and not in a mean way but in a 'my emotions are so big there's no room for anyone else to have any' way (with her sisters and with Ryder especially). Even when Ryder does get to have an emotion there's always such a clear ticking clock on it and I can practically hear Farrin tapping her foot in the background going: that's great but I'm going to have to cry about something in four pages so I hope you'll be done by then.
The manufactured drama of that? I could not.
I'm glad Farrin eventually figured out her knee-jerk reaction to that made literally zero sense but she still... didn't admit that or say that for way too long. And by then so much other stuff had happened that she didn't really have to say what an idiot she was. I also hated that her three emotions were: tears (yes, that is the emotion I s2fg), insecurity, and blaming everyone else for everything that happens all the time. Like, at no point in time does this woman seem like a good partner or like someone who is ready to be in a relationship. She should be getting a shit-ton of therapy first, because she clearly needs it, and she shouldn't be making her partner regularly step into that role. I'm glad Ryder seems so patient and willing to twist and contort himself to meet her needs but that man has no support of his own and that seems unkind to him. His sister is missing and he has to keep reminding Farrin about that reality for him, that that matters for him, and that the world doesn't revolve around her (and only when Farrin states out loud that it does does he get to correct that for her; she's still reeeegularly thinking that way though and no one can check those thoughts for her). I just don't like her, she's such an asshole - unintentionally almost always, but still, and not in a mean way but in a 'my emotions are so big there's no room for anyone else to have any' way (with her sisters and with Ryder especially). Even when Ryder does get to have an emotion there's always such a clear ticking clock on it and I can practically hear Farrin tapping her foot in the background going: that's great but I'm going to have to cry about something in four pages so I hope you'll be done by then.
February 27, 2024
This series is truly every kind of amazing. I'm thrilled that I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book so I could read it early. Of course I had to re-read book one first, which was very much worth it. These two books are incredible. And the third one shall be so epic. Five stars for this sequel, as I loved it beyond words.
Writing was incredible, of course. I am the biggest fan of Claire. All her books have been amazing to me. This newest one was too. I'm honestly just so happy with this new adult series by her. The world building is fantastic. All the characters are wonderful. I'm so in love with the magic in these books. And the romances.
There is truly so much for me to say about A Song of Ash and Moonlight. I'm doing my best not to share spoilers, and only talk about the things that I loved. Which was everything, haha. This second book starts right after A Crown of Ivy and Glass ended. But that one was the story of Gemma. And this one is the story of Farrin, her eldest sister. She is very different from Gemma. It took me a little longer to love her. But I ended up loving her so dearly. I loved getting to know all about her. Loved how we got to see more of her magic of song. It was precious. A little dangerous, but also so lovely. I'm not going to share every detail about the plot. So only a little. Their feud with the Basks is over. Talan is freed from his curse. But they are all still in big danger.
And so this book is still about what happened in the first one. The Middlemist is still hurting. And now the queen is going a little mad, possibly dying. And people are getting taken by a shadow. Including people that they know and love, which was so sad to read about. So they are searching for a way to save them all. So much happens in this book. Yet the biggest battle is yet to come, in book three. I'm so excited, ha. There is so much to get to know about this magical world. I truly enjoyed getting to know it all. So good.
This book was most about Farrin, though. About her learning more about herself. Learning to start loving herself. Which was very, very slow going. As she has so many doubts about everything. I wish she was more open. She wants to be. It is not easy. I still love the sibling relationship between Farrin and Gemma and Mara. Though it is strained in this one. And I just hope they get to spend more time together, getting to be happy together. They deserve some happiness. So yes. I just hope for a happy ending for them all.
There is so much I wish to share. I will probably forget most of it, but think I will manage to write down at least many of my thoughts, haha. There is so much I loved about this story. I simply adore this world. I so adored getting to see more of Gemma and Talan, though only through Farrin's eyes. Which was not the same, of course, but they were there. It was the cutest thing. We see some of Mara. Now I'm even more curious about her. Nervous too. We learn so much more about the fire in the past. I very much loved that.
I have to mention the romance a little, of course. Ryder and Farrin are enemies. Their family have hated each other for centuries, it seems like. But now that war is over. They are slowly becoming friends. Ryder obviously adores her, as we got to see in book one. And Farrin is slow to start caring about him. But she does care after a while. And it was sweet to read about. How she slowly began to open her heart a little. Though she kept doubting herself all the time, which was so sad. But yes. I shipped them a whole bunch.
But I will also say that the smut in this second book had nothing on the smut between Gemma and Talan in book one, haha. Possibly because there was much less of it in this one. And also because Farrin was so insecure, so scared and worried. She was not like Gemma at all. But I still loved her and I loved how she was slow with things. I loved how she started wanting Ryder. I loved how careful he was with Farrin, letting her decide everything. They had issues. But they worked through them. and I loved those scenes.
We also get to know a whole lot more about Ryder in this book. Which I so adored. He was a beast of a man. But such a gentle one. I loved his magic, how he could talk to and control animals. It was awesome. I liked his sister, Alastrina, though she was less in this one. But we met his parents. And I could not stand them. Shudders. Made me love Ryder more, though. I loved how he adored Farrin. I loved how strong he was. And I honestly just adored the two of them together. But do wish they had been together even more.
There is so much we get to know about Farrin. And I am a little conflicted about all of it. I adored this girl to pieces. But I did love Gemma more. Farrin was very different from her. More cold, more shut off from everything. Keeping her feelings locked away, never acting on them. Farrin was always doubting herself and not wanting to look at herself even once. It hurt my heart. I felt so much for this poor woman. Yet felt a tiny bit distant from her at times, but then I loved her with all my heart again after. But, yes. Conflicted.
But I truly loved Farrin. I loved her heart, once she was able to open it up more. She is so broken inside. And I did not blame her at all, truly. She had gone through so much. And I loved learning about it all. Her past with Gareth, her best friend. Whom I still adore, but now feel a little cold towards too, as I feel like he could have helped her love herself more, maybe. I adored her cat, Osmund. The cutest. Her relationship with her father, though. Oh. I still hate him. But she loves him. And hates him too. I get those feelings too.
But yeah. I did not like their father at all, to be honest. At first in this book he is every kind of awful. But he does change a little towards the end of the book. And I could see myself forgiving him. Possibly. One day. Still. Did not actually like him, ha. Anyway. I did like learning about all the daily things Farrin did, how she ran the house and everyone in it. Though it hurt her too, having to be responsible for it all. I just wanted her to have some peace. Sigh. She deserved to not have all of these burdens on her. Hmph. It was rude.
There are so many secrets coming to life in this second book. I'm not going to spoil anything, of course. Though I would not mind talking about it for ages, haha. We learn much more about the queen, whom I still love to pieces. Though she was different in this book. More mad, more dangerous. Yet still so sweet and times. I loved her. We learn more about their mother. What happened to her. I am still not liking her, though, considering she left them. The secret about the shining boy was obvious, though. And I loved it.
The villain in this series was even more creepy in this second book. We do not see much of him at first. But we learn a whole bunch about him in this one. More about his past. More about what he is actually doing. And it is the worst. We get to see a place he has created, for the Olden creatures. It was horrible. Loved it so, haha. This book was a little dark. And I loved that, honestly. Many are hurt. Though I would not have minded even more hurt, as I love when everyone are healed. Sigh. Everything was so exciting.
Then the ending happened. And I'm not sure how this series is going to end. I can't wait to find out. I am also beyond excited to read Mara's story. Though I will miss being in the head of Farrin. I do not feel like I got enough of her. And also miss Gemma, whom is so far my favorite of the three of them. But I adored Farrin as well. And cannot wait to get to know Mara. I'm so curious about her, as we have only seen such small parts of her. She is a bit of a mystery. I'm certain I will grow to love her the most, though. Can't wait.
The very biggest thank you to Sophie at Sourcebooks International for sending to me this most precious ARC copy. I love it to pieces. And will treasure it always. I'm so thrilled and thankful and excited that I got to read A Song of Ash and Moonlight early. I loved that I re-read A Crown of Ivy and Glass first, as it was needed to have all the details ready for this sequel. Though the wait for the final book will be even worse now, haha. And I think I will have to re-read both books before the third one. I cannot wait to do so. Sigh.
A Song of Ash and Moonlight was everything I had hoped it would be. It was the most stunning and sad story. Full of magic and secrets to uncover. It had a great enemies to lovers romance. And it has the best sibling relationships, though they have their issues as well. I honestly just loved every part of this second book. It was exciting and evil and heartbreaking and I adored every part of it. It had such a creepy villain and the best and worst world created. I so adore this series. You will all love these books and sisters too.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: https://carinabooks.blogspot.com/2024...
Writing was incredible, of course. I am the biggest fan of Claire. All her books have been amazing to me. This newest one was too. I'm honestly just so happy with this new adult series by her. The world building is fantastic. All the characters are wonderful. I'm so in love with the magic in these books. And the romances.
There is truly so much for me to say about A Song of Ash and Moonlight. I'm doing my best not to share spoilers, and only talk about the things that I loved. Which was everything, haha. This second book starts right after A Crown of Ivy and Glass ended. But that one was the story of Gemma. And this one is the story of Farrin, her eldest sister. She is very different from Gemma. It took me a little longer to love her. But I ended up loving her so dearly. I loved getting to know all about her. Loved how we got to see more of her magic of song. It was precious. A little dangerous, but also so lovely. I'm not going to share every detail about the plot. So only a little. Their feud with the Basks is over. Talan is freed from his curse. But they are all still in big danger.
And so this book is still about what happened in the first one. The Middlemist is still hurting. And now the queen is going a little mad, possibly dying. And people are getting taken by a shadow. Including people that they know and love, which was so sad to read about. So they are searching for a way to save them all. So much happens in this book. Yet the biggest battle is yet to come, in book three. I'm so excited, ha. There is so much to get to know about this magical world. I truly enjoyed getting to know it all. So good.
This book was most about Farrin, though. About her learning more about herself. Learning to start loving herself. Which was very, very slow going. As she has so many doubts about everything. I wish she was more open. She wants to be. It is not easy. I still love the sibling relationship between Farrin and Gemma and Mara. Though it is strained in this one. And I just hope they get to spend more time together, getting to be happy together. They deserve some happiness. So yes. I just hope for a happy ending for them all.
There is so much I wish to share. I will probably forget most of it, but think I will manage to write down at least many of my thoughts, haha. There is so much I loved about this story. I simply adore this world. I so adored getting to see more of Gemma and Talan, though only through Farrin's eyes. Which was not the same, of course, but they were there. It was the cutest thing. We see some of Mara. Now I'm even more curious about her. Nervous too. We learn so much more about the fire in the past. I very much loved that.
I have to mention the romance a little, of course. Ryder and Farrin are enemies. Their family have hated each other for centuries, it seems like. But now that war is over. They are slowly becoming friends. Ryder obviously adores her, as we got to see in book one. And Farrin is slow to start caring about him. But she does care after a while. And it was sweet to read about. How she slowly began to open her heart a little. Though she kept doubting herself all the time, which was so sad. But yes. I shipped them a whole bunch.
But I will also say that the smut in this second book had nothing on the smut between Gemma and Talan in book one, haha. Possibly because there was much less of it in this one. And also because Farrin was so insecure, so scared and worried. She was not like Gemma at all. But I still loved her and I loved how she was slow with things. I loved how she started wanting Ryder. I loved how careful he was with Farrin, letting her decide everything. They had issues. But they worked through them. and I loved those scenes.
We also get to know a whole lot more about Ryder in this book. Which I so adored. He was a beast of a man. But such a gentle one. I loved his magic, how he could talk to and control animals. It was awesome. I liked his sister, Alastrina, though she was less in this one. But we met his parents. And I could not stand them. Shudders. Made me love Ryder more, though. I loved how he adored Farrin. I loved how strong he was. And I honestly just adored the two of them together. But do wish they had been together even more.
There is so much we get to know about Farrin. And I am a little conflicted about all of it. I adored this girl to pieces. But I did love Gemma more. Farrin was very different from her. More cold, more shut off from everything. Keeping her feelings locked away, never acting on them. Farrin was always doubting herself and not wanting to look at herself even once. It hurt my heart. I felt so much for this poor woman. Yet felt a tiny bit distant from her at times, but then I loved her with all my heart again after. But, yes. Conflicted.
But I truly loved Farrin. I loved her heart, once she was able to open it up more. She is so broken inside. And I did not blame her at all, truly. She had gone through so much. And I loved learning about it all. Her past with Gareth, her best friend. Whom I still adore, but now feel a little cold towards too, as I feel like he could have helped her love herself more, maybe. I adored her cat, Osmund. The cutest. Her relationship with her father, though. Oh. I still hate him. But she loves him. And hates him too. I get those feelings too.
But yeah. I did not like their father at all, to be honest. At first in this book he is every kind of awful. But he does change a little towards the end of the book. And I could see myself forgiving him. Possibly. One day. Still. Did not actually like him, ha. Anyway. I did like learning about all the daily things Farrin did, how she ran the house and everyone in it. Though it hurt her too, having to be responsible for it all. I just wanted her to have some peace. Sigh. She deserved to not have all of these burdens on her. Hmph. It was rude.
There are so many secrets coming to life in this second book. I'm not going to spoil anything, of course. Though I would not mind talking about it for ages, haha. We learn much more about the queen, whom I still love to pieces. Though she was different in this book. More mad, more dangerous. Yet still so sweet and times. I loved her. We learn more about their mother. What happened to her. I am still not liking her, though, considering she left them. The secret about the shining boy was obvious, though. And I loved it.
The villain in this series was even more creepy in this second book. We do not see much of him at first. But we learn a whole bunch about him in this one. More about his past. More about what he is actually doing. And it is the worst. We get to see a place he has created, for the Olden creatures. It was horrible. Loved it so, haha. This book was a little dark. And I loved that, honestly. Many are hurt. Though I would not have minded even more hurt, as I love when everyone are healed. Sigh. Everything was so exciting.
Then the ending happened. And I'm not sure how this series is going to end. I can't wait to find out. I am also beyond excited to read Mara's story. Though I will miss being in the head of Farrin. I do not feel like I got enough of her. And also miss Gemma, whom is so far my favorite of the three of them. But I adored Farrin as well. And cannot wait to get to know Mara. I'm so curious about her, as we have only seen such small parts of her. She is a bit of a mystery. I'm certain I will grow to love her the most, though. Can't wait.
The very biggest thank you to Sophie at Sourcebooks International for sending to me this most precious ARC copy. I love it to pieces. And will treasure it always. I'm so thrilled and thankful and excited that I got to read A Song of Ash and Moonlight early. I loved that I re-read A Crown of Ivy and Glass first, as it was needed to have all the details ready for this sequel. Though the wait for the final book will be even worse now, haha. And I think I will have to re-read both books before the third one. I cannot wait to do so. Sigh.
A Song of Ash and Moonlight was everything I had hoped it would be. It was the most stunning and sad story. Full of magic and secrets to uncover. It had a great enemies to lovers romance. And it has the best sibling relationships, though they have their issues as well. I honestly just loved every part of this second book. It was exciting and evil and heartbreaking and I adored every part of it. It had such a creepy villain and the best and worst world created. I so adore this series. You will all love these books and sisters too.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: https://carinabooks.blogspot.com/2024...
November 2, 2024
I was provided an audio ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
This installment follows Farrin, who if you have read book 1 you will remember as the oldest of the Ashborne sisters. The first book followed Gemma, and if the trilogy follows this trend I expect the next book to follow Mara, the third sister. That being said I don't feel like you can really read this as a stand alone, you really need to read the first book in the series, as it sets up events in this book and introduces you to many of the characters.
This was hard for me to get through as the main character was very hard for me to connect with. She was so angry all of the time. The audiobook is just shy of 23 hours, so you really need someone you can root for. I felt like she never wanted to solve the problems and only wanted to whine and wallow in her own issues and block everyone from moving forward. She never actually had any suggestions to move the plot forward and always acted emotionally, admitting that she let her emotions get the best of her in every situation. That being said this is very romance heavy and I found that the romance between Farrin and Ryder lacked chemistry. She is always so mean and distrusting of him that I found it hard to believe their attraction and affection.
I liked the plot and the setting, but the length of the book and the lack of connection with the characters really had me putting this book down more often than I wanted to pick it up. I really enjoyed the fantasy elements when we get them, the creatures and lore are really unique in this series. Much like the first book this is more character driven and there are long periods where the characters are interacting or having inner monologues and the plot isn't advancing. Then there are periods of fast paced action where alot happens all at once and you learn quite a bit of information. I'm interested to see how the series concludes as I actually enjoy the plot, and if Mara is the focus I think she will make and interested main character.
This installment follows Farrin, who if you have read book 1 you will remember as the oldest of the Ashborne sisters. The first book followed Gemma, and if the trilogy follows this trend I expect the next book to follow Mara, the third sister. That being said I don't feel like you can really read this as a stand alone, you really need to read the first book in the series, as it sets up events in this book and introduces you to many of the characters.
This was hard for me to get through as the main character was very hard for me to connect with. She was so angry all of the time. The audiobook is just shy of 23 hours, so you really need someone you can root for. I felt like she never wanted to solve the problems and only wanted to whine and wallow in her own issues and block everyone from moving forward. She never actually had any suggestions to move the plot forward and always acted emotionally, admitting that she let her emotions get the best of her in every situation. That being said this is very romance heavy and I found that the romance between Farrin and Ryder lacked chemistry. She is always so mean and distrusting of him that I found it hard to believe their attraction and affection.
I liked the plot and the setting, but the length of the book and the lack of connection with the characters really had me putting this book down more often than I wanted to pick it up. I really enjoyed the fantasy elements when we get them, the creatures and lore are really unique in this series. Much like the first book this is more character driven and there are long periods where the characters are interacting or having inner monologues and the plot isn't advancing. Then there are periods of fast paced action where alot happens all at once and you learn quite a bit of information. I'm interested to see how the series concludes as I actually enjoy the plot, and if Mara is the focus I think she will make and interested main character.
September 20, 2024
WHAT A TWIST
I gasped out loud at the reveal- what a well placed twist to lead into the third and final book in this series. I'm so glad I continued and picked this book up because I really enjoyed Farrin and Ryder's story. The first just wasn't it for me but it was a lot of world building, to be fair. Assuming Gareth and Mara will be featured in the third and theirs might just be my favorite yet.
I gasped out loud at the reveal- what a well placed twist to lead into the third and final book in this series. I'm so glad I continued and picked this book up because I really enjoyed Farrin and Ryder's story. The first just wasn't it for me but it was a lot of world building, to be fair. Assuming Gareth and Mara will be featured in the third and theirs might just be my favorite yet.
September 25, 2024
Is feral screaming a review? Coherent thoughts to come but for now WHY DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MARA’S BOOK
January 30, 2025
Perfect for those who have read Sarah J. Maas's ACOTAR books and wished for more plot and less sex.
Now, that isn't meant to say SJM's series is less than Legrand's, they're just different in key ways despite sharing many common factors.
A Song of Ash and Moonlight is the second book in the Middlemist Trilogy and is inspired by The Firebird by Igor Stravinsky. Unlike the first book, the ballet's influence on the story is much more obvious, and listening to the score might add to your reading experience.
After finishing A Crown of Ivy and Glass I was immediately excited for this book. Farrin and Ryder gave off big Nesta and Cassian energy in the first book, both individually and as a potential pairing. Farrin is guarded and afraid of her powers, she's angry at both her parents, and she doesn't look in mirrors because she hates what she sees. But unlike Nesta, she is warm to those she loves and makes no secret of her willingness to sacrifice for them. Ryder has his own familial issues and is determined to break the cycle of violence he was raised in, much to to the scorn of his abusive father. He's a man of few words and his scary outward appearance masks an extremely tender and devoted heart. The romance between the two is enemies to lovers with a dash of "it's always been you".
After freeing Talan of Kilraith's control all is not well at all in Gallinor. The Middlemist is expanding, Olden monsters are freely roaming the world, and the queen's government is focused on hiding the truth about a magical breach that is draining the queen's powers. As the Ashbourne girls, the Bask siblings, Talan, and Gareth race to find the answers that will help them to save their world the mysteries of the queen's origin as well as why Philippa Ashbourne abandoned her family come to light.
This series doesn't shy away from violence, but it is never too gory. Likewise, Farrin and Ryder's romance has several swoon-worthy moments, but the love scenes are tame. Legrand's fictional world of Gallinor is just as dangerous as it was in the series' opener, and the expansion of what we know about it promises a truly riveting conclusion.
Now, that isn't meant to say SJM's series is less than Legrand's, they're just different in key ways despite sharing many common factors.
A Song of Ash and Moonlight is the second book in the Middlemist Trilogy and is inspired by The Firebird by Igor Stravinsky. Unlike the first book, the ballet's influence on the story is much more obvious, and listening to the score might add to your reading experience.
After finishing A Crown of Ivy and Glass I was immediately excited for this book. Farrin and Ryder gave off big Nesta and Cassian energy in the first book, both individually and as a potential pairing. Farrin is guarded and afraid of her powers, she's angry at both her parents, and she doesn't look in mirrors because she hates what she sees. But unlike Nesta, she is warm to those she loves and makes no secret of her willingness to sacrifice for them. Ryder has his own familial issues and is determined to break the cycle of violence he was raised in, much to to the scorn of his abusive father. He's a man of few words and his scary outward appearance masks an extremely tender and devoted heart. The romance between the two is enemies to lovers with a dash of "it's always been you".
After freeing Talan of Kilraith's control all is not well at all in Gallinor. The Middlemist is expanding, Olden monsters are freely roaming the world, and the queen's government is focused on hiding the truth about a magical breach that is draining the queen's powers. As the Ashbourne girls, the Bask siblings, Talan, and Gareth race to find the answers that will help them to save their world the mysteries of the queen's origin as well as why Philippa Ashbourne abandoned her family come to light.
This series doesn't shy away from violence, but it is never too gory. Likewise, Farrin and Ryder's romance has several swoon-worthy moments, but the love scenes are tame. Legrand's fictional world of Gallinor is just as dangerous as it was in the series' opener, and the expansion of what we know about it promises a truly riveting conclusion.
August 24, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for ARC. I received my copy in exchange of an honest review.
Claire Legrand does it again! What a plot, characters, world building and romance! I just swallowed all of it and now I can't wait for the 3rd book.
One of my all-the-time favorite fantasy series is The Empirium Trilogy which is written by Claire Legrand and now... I am happy that my favorite author is back with another masterpiece.
I enjoyed reading A Crown of Ivy And Glass but I fell in love with A Song of Ash And Moonlight!
This book begins where the previous book ended but this time Farrin is the main character and narrator. Also we have Jemma and all of the pack as side characters too.
There were more notes and details about the world building, Gods and Godesses and magic system in this book that I loved.
Plot was much more interesting than the previous book and those plot twists were great.
And the love interest. Well... I like Jemma and Talan and I enjoyed reading about them again in this book but I stand for Farrin and Ryder. Just look at them? They're beautiful and a lovely couple. Ryder is one of the best male characters among all fantasy books that I read. Farrinryder reminds me of Nesta and Cassian but they had their own chemistry and personality too.
I have so many guess about the final book. What's going to happen? Who will be Mara's love interest after all? And please Clair! give us more Farrinryder in the 3rd book.
At the end, I just want to say that I found every trop and janre that I like in this book. Classic Gothic Fantasy with Enemies to lovers trop and Claire Legrand as Author.
Claire Legrand does it again! What a plot, characters, world building and romance! I just swallowed all of it and now I can't wait for the 3rd book.
One of my all-the-time favorite fantasy series is The Empirium Trilogy which is written by Claire Legrand and now... I am happy that my favorite author is back with another masterpiece.
I enjoyed reading A Crown of Ivy And Glass but I fell in love with A Song of Ash And Moonlight!
This book begins where the previous book ended but this time Farrin is the main character and narrator. Also we have Jemma and all of the pack as side characters too.
There were more notes and details about the world building, Gods and Godesses and magic system in this book that I loved.
Plot was much more interesting than the previous book and those plot twists were great.
And the love interest. Well... I like Jemma and Talan and I enjoyed reading about them again in this book but I stand for Farrin and Ryder. Just look at them? They're beautiful and a lovely couple. Ryder is one of the best male characters among all fantasy books that I read. Farrinryder reminds me of Nesta and Cassian but they had their own chemistry and personality too.
I have so many guess about the final book. What's going to happen? Who will be Mara's love interest after all? And please Clair! give us more Farrinryder in the 3rd book.
At the end, I just want to say that I found every trop and janre that I like in this book. Classic Gothic Fantasy with Enemies to lovers trop and Claire Legrand as Author.
December 22, 2024
I LOVED THIS. I love Claire Legrand, period. In my heart she can do know wrong. A Song of Ash and Moonlight is the continuation of the Middlemist series and it takes place a couple a months after the events of book one. Farrin takes center stage now. The oldest of the Ashbourne sisters. I read this book like I needed air to breathe. I appreciate that Claire is telling this series through the eyes of each sister, while not sacrificing the story. Claire is able to transition the story from Gemma to Farrin seamlessly. The story is still the same, but the emotional impact is vastly different because the sisters are all dealing with their own demons. Farrin's journey is one of abandonment and self worth. Claire Legrand, like with Gemma, handled these elements extremely well. It is something I have come to appreciate within Claire Legrand's writing and stories. A Song of Ash and Moonlight may be over, but Mara's story has yet to be told and I for one am looking forward to seeing how Claire Legrand will bring the curtain down on the Middlemist series.
April 25, 2025
3.5 - Overall, it was too long. Similar to the first book in the series, the story didn’t really unfold until the last quarter. I wanted to be less in Farrin’s head and more in the action. However, I enjoyed learning even more about this world, and I’ll be definitely reading the next (and final) book.
May 8, 2024
Wow! Not much else would be able to begin to describe this book. My very first ARC and I couldn’t be more thrilled that it was by Claire Legrand. I was enthralled by the first words of The Crowns of Ivy and Glass and the world of the MiddleMist, and I was psyched when I was given this ARC to review. I am going to try not to give too much away in this review, but I’m going to mark this one with spoilers anyways.
A Song of Ash and Moonlight has everything a fantasy reader could want. An enemies to lovers tale that unraveled like a tightly wound ball of yarn. I could not get enough of the small touches and gentleness of their love blossoming. The little details of both Farrin and Ryder’s upbringing made for a heartbreaking tale, Ryder overcoming obstacles not of his making and Farrin’s battle to love herself, of loving each other in spite of their families curses and hatred.
Mixed in with my favorite trope (enemies to lovers) there was plenty of mystery and even more world building. Talan was traversing the world, and we see even more of the Citadel, and the Old Country, the Wardwell, and Moonhollow too. Lots and lots of places were explored and timelines were a little hard to keep up with. Despite that fact, this book had me in a chokehold. It gave me unnecessary anxiety, as I worried about some of my favorite characters and their outcomes. The ending was shocking and I’m more than a little sad that I will have to wait for the third book.
A Song of Ash and Moonlight has everything a fantasy reader could want. An enemies to lovers tale that unraveled like a tightly wound ball of yarn. I could not get enough of the small touches and gentleness of their love blossoming. The little details of both Farrin and Ryder’s upbringing made for a heartbreaking tale, Ryder overcoming obstacles not of his making and Farrin’s battle to love herself, of loving each other in spite of their families curses and hatred.
Mixed in with my favorite trope (enemies to lovers) there was plenty of mystery and even more world building. Talan was traversing the world, and we see even more of the Citadel, and the Old Country, the Wardwell, and Moonhollow too. Lots and lots of places were explored and timelines were a little hard to keep up with. Despite that fact, this book had me in a chokehold. It gave me unnecessary anxiety, as I worried about some of my favorite characters and their outcomes. The ending was shocking and I’m more than a little sad that I will have to wait for the third book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2024
I love Claire Legrands books. So giving this review hurts. I had a hard time keeping interest and found myself almost dfn'ing multiple times.. im hoping the third book is better
Read
August 26, 2024An overall enjoyable read that I didn't want to put down! I love the world and mythology of the Middlemist trilogy. The team of characters - seeing Gemma and the Basks through Farrin's eyes - and the brewing conflict with Kilraith all kept me hooked from page 1. And like with all of Claire Legrand's books (Middlemist AND Empirium), she's gotten me with the plot twists! Almost to the point where I think she throws the readers a more predictable twist simply to throw them off the scent of the truly BIG twist coming later. Mad respect to Legrand for playing the long game. I didn't see it coming, but when I looked back at everything I'd just read, I could SEE it. When the final picture emerged, I could look back and remember each puzzle piece clicking into place. Beautiful.
But there were still some twists that I thought were a bit predictable. There were times when I sat back and felt the story was formulaic and tropic, and while that ordinarily wouldn't have bothered me, it did feel like the characters were being made to fit the formula instead of the other way around. The "reveal" (no spoilers) between two of the main characters seemed contrived. Even Farrin later reflects on her reaction as possibly an *over*reaction. The "betrayal" really wasn't that at all, and even in the moment of the reveal it was difficult to appreciate the Farrin's emotional turmoil because of that. It didn't feel earned. Also, Farrin herself even predicted this twist chapters before it was revealed, and then it was TRUE and she was STILL shook. I wish I had been standing next to her yelling, "BUT YOU ALREADY FIGURED THIS OUT??!!"
One thing I continue to admire about this series is Legrand's exploration of emotional and mental struggles with the FMCs - the panic, the anxiety, being emotionally overwhelmed and yet feeling compelled to carry on with a stiff upper lip out of a sense of familial duty, continuing to be strong even when they feel like collapsing under the weight of all they've endured. But LORD, every other page Farrin is crying. I think the source of her emotional turmoil could have been explored more, even just one or two sentences. Multiple times, Farrin expresses frustration over the fact that she's crying and she can't help it, and there's something in that, being emotionally out of control. But seriously, she cries at EVERYTHING. Her anger seemed almost childish at times (which she even acknowledges to herself). For someone who in the first book appeared so stoic and put together, the eldest child doing her duty, I loved that we got to be inside her mind and seeing her true emotional struggles...but it also seemed like those struggles were being worn on her sleeve this time. Even other characters remarked on how easy she is to read. Was she always like this? Her characterization at times didn't click with what I remembered of her in ACOIAG even after a skimming reread.
But I also appreciated how quickly Farrin admitted to being wrong in her meanness towards others, as if recognizing when she was lashing out due to frustration or fear. Often she would immediately apologize for outbursts. I found her thorniness relatable as an emotional defense, and appreciated Legrand's subtleties in this particular part of Farrin's personality. It's more shown and not told that she holds everyone in her life at arm's length, both physically and emotionally. Her physical anxieties were especially poignant and relatable to me as a reader, and while we saw similar struggles with Gemma, these were still unique from her sister's in a moving way. I found the exploration of the two sisters similar to ACOMAF and ACOSF by SJM in a very pleasing way - not a replication by any means, but a good connection for fans looking for their next great read. All in all, have already recommended to a friend :)
But there were still some twists that I thought were a bit predictable. There were times when I sat back and felt the story was formulaic and tropic, and while that ordinarily wouldn't have bothered me, it did feel like the characters were being made to fit the formula instead of the other way around. The "reveal" (no spoilers) between two of the main characters seemed contrived. Even Farrin later reflects on her reaction as possibly an *over*reaction. The "betrayal" really wasn't that at all, and even in the moment of the reveal it was difficult to appreciate the Farrin's emotional turmoil because of that. It didn't feel earned. Also, Farrin herself even predicted this twist chapters before it was revealed, and then it was TRUE and she was STILL shook. I wish I had been standing next to her yelling, "BUT YOU ALREADY FIGURED THIS OUT??!!"
One thing I continue to admire about this series is Legrand's exploration of emotional and mental struggles with the FMCs - the panic, the anxiety, being emotionally overwhelmed and yet feeling compelled to carry on with a stiff upper lip out of a sense of familial duty, continuing to be strong even when they feel like collapsing under the weight of all they've endured. But LORD, every other page Farrin is crying. I think the source of her emotional turmoil could have been explored more, even just one or two sentences. Multiple times, Farrin expresses frustration over the fact that she's crying and she can't help it, and there's something in that, being emotionally out of control. But seriously, she cries at EVERYTHING. Her anger seemed almost childish at times (which she even acknowledges to herself). For someone who in the first book appeared so stoic and put together, the eldest child doing her duty, I loved that we got to be inside her mind and seeing her true emotional struggles...but it also seemed like those struggles were being worn on her sleeve this time. Even other characters remarked on how easy she is to read. Was she always like this? Her characterization at times didn't click with what I remembered of her in ACOIAG even after a skimming reread.
But I also appreciated how quickly Farrin admitted to being wrong in her meanness towards others, as if recognizing when she was lashing out due to frustration or fear. Often she would immediately apologize for outbursts. I found her thorniness relatable as an emotional defense, and appreciated Legrand's subtleties in this particular part of Farrin's personality. It's more shown and not told that she holds everyone in her life at arm's length, both physically and emotionally. Her physical anxieties were especially poignant and relatable to me as a reader, and while we saw similar struggles with Gemma, these were still unique from her sister's in a moving way. I found the exploration of the two sisters similar to ACOMAF and ACOSF by SJM in a very pleasing way - not a replication by any means, but a good connection for fans looking for their next great read. All in all, have already recommended to a friend :)
September 4, 2024
All my reviews live at https://deedireads.com/.
I’ve been looking forward to A Song of Ash and Moonlight ever since I read the first book, A Crown of Ivy and Glass. Based on the interactions between Farrin and Ryder in that book alone, I just KNEW this was going to be a fun time. And it was!
In the Middlemist Trilogy, each book is about one of three sisters in the Ashbourne family in a world of magic, mist, and rising evil. They are fun and fast-paced and steamy — brain candy. They’re each also inspired by a classic ballet; SONG is the Firebird. It’s about the oldest sister, Farrin, and gives us a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, he-falls-first romantasy adventure. I gobbled it up, even with a 7-week-old baby and very little sleep.
I chose not to reread the first book, even though I didn’t remember the plot in great detail. But I thought Legrand did a good job of reminding us about the most important parts, and I didn’t feel lost. Farrin is depressed and angry and has crippling intimacy anxiety, and it was clear that Legrand handled the writing of her with great care (which made it forgivable that the execution occasionally felt overdone).
If you’re looking for your next fun romantasy fix, Claire Legrand’s books (including this one) are some of my faves. Treat yourself and pick them up.
Content and Trigger Warnings
Sexual content; Kidnapping; Violence and death; Child abuse / domestic abuse; Alcoholism
I’ve been looking forward to A Song of Ash and Moonlight ever since I read the first book, A Crown of Ivy and Glass. Based on the interactions between Farrin and Ryder in that book alone, I just KNEW this was going to be a fun time. And it was!
In the Middlemist Trilogy, each book is about one of three sisters in the Ashbourne family in a world of magic, mist, and rising evil. They are fun and fast-paced and steamy — brain candy. They’re each also inspired by a classic ballet; SONG is the Firebird. It’s about the oldest sister, Farrin, and gives us a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, he-falls-first romantasy adventure. I gobbled it up, even with a 7-week-old baby and very little sleep.
I chose not to reread the first book, even though I didn’t remember the plot in great detail. But I thought Legrand did a good job of reminding us about the most important parts, and I didn’t feel lost. Farrin is depressed and angry and has crippling intimacy anxiety, and it was clear that Legrand handled the writing of her with great care (which made it forgivable that the execution occasionally felt overdone).
If you’re looking for your next fun romantasy fix, Claire Legrand’s books (including this one) are some of my faves. Treat yourself and pick them up.
Content and Trigger Warnings
Sexual content; Kidnapping; Violence and death; Child abuse / domestic abuse; Alcoholism
September 15, 2024
I wasn’t sure that I could like this book quite as much as the first but gosh was I freaking wrong! I absolutely fell in love with this book right from the very beginning.
Claire Legrand has such a way with characters. Even if you don’t like a character you’re still going to grow to love them, you just can’t help it. That’s how I felt about Ryder. A Crown of Ivy and Glass did a fantastic job setting you up to dislike Ryder and wow did my feelings change in this one. You get to learn a lot more about him, why he is the way that he is, what he truly wants, and who he truly wants. It was really refreshing getting to see the softer and more vulnerable side of him. Ryder, they could never make me hate you.
The same really goes for Farrin. She’s set up in the previous book as the unapproachable and cold older sister. A Song of Ash and Moonlight really gives you a look behind the curtain into how harsh her life actually has been and why she built those walls around herself. It’s kind of heartbreaking but absolutely wonderful watching her grow in this book and finally getting the things she really does deserve.
This book was magical. The world is unlike any other and it’s really a must read. It’s a LONG book but I really struggled putting it down once I started it.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape media for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Claire Legrand has such a way with characters. Even if you don’t like a character you’re still going to grow to love them, you just can’t help it. That’s how I felt about Ryder. A Crown of Ivy and Glass did a fantastic job setting you up to dislike Ryder and wow did my feelings change in this one. You get to learn a lot more about him, why he is the way that he is, what he truly wants, and who he truly wants. It was really refreshing getting to see the softer and more vulnerable side of him. Ryder, they could never make me hate you.
The same really goes for Farrin. She’s set up in the previous book as the unapproachable and cold older sister. A Song of Ash and Moonlight really gives you a look behind the curtain into how harsh her life actually has been and why she built those walls around herself. It’s kind of heartbreaking but absolutely wonderful watching her grow in this book and finally getting the things she really does deserve.
This book was magical. The world is unlike any other and it’s really a must read. It’s a LONG book but I really struggled putting it down once I started it.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape media for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 19, 2024
Unfortunately, after being awarded this audio ARC, I realized that this was the second book in the series. Anyone who has read any of my reviews knows that I have an issue with starting ANY series in the middle of the series. So, I debated whether or not to continue. Because of that, when I decided to go ahead and continue, I tried to keep the fact that I was missing the first book in mind with my rating.
You never know what goes into the feelings that you feel when you finish a book. Sometimes the writing is so good that it takes you to a different world and time flies. Other times, it could be that you are in the wrong mood, or there are things going on in your own life that impact the overall feelings from what you just read.
Regardless, I just couldn't get into this book and finishing it became a huge chore. Again, I do not know if it is because I came into the second book, or if it was just me. I honestly do not know.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this audio ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on September 17, 2024.
You never know what goes into the feelings that you feel when you finish a book. Sometimes the writing is so good that it takes you to a different world and time flies. Other times, it could be that you are in the wrong mood, or there are things going on in your own life that impact the overall feelings from what you just read.
Regardless, I just couldn't get into this book and finishing it became a huge chore. Again, I do not know if it is because I came into the second book, or if it was just me. I honestly do not know.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this audio ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on September 17, 2024.
November 4, 2024
3/5⭐️
first time giving a legrand book less than 5 and I think I’m actually crashing out because of it. I just wasn’t feeling this book. I was so excited to see Ryder and Farrin together but I felt the banter did not last long enough. Or maybe I wasn’t feeling this book because this is only the second book I’ve been able to read and finish since getting to college. I am still excited for the last but hoping I have more time to read without huge chunks of time in between like I did with this one, which also probably affected my rating for this book.
first time giving a legrand book less than 5 and I think I’m actually crashing out because of it. I just wasn’t feeling this book. I was so excited to see Ryder and Farrin together but I felt the banter did not last long enough. Or maybe I wasn’t feeling this book because this is only the second book I’ve been able to read and finish since getting to college. I am still excited for the last but hoping I have more time to read without huge chunks of time in between like I did with this one, which also probably affected my rating for this book.
July 11, 2025
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would; at first I wasn’t looking forward to being in Farrin’s pov however I found I related to her a lot.
I don’t really have much to say other than the writing style is poetic but quite dense and the chapters are pretty long so this isn’t just something you can pick up and read a chapter because you have 10 minutes to spare. Being a mom, this did impact my reading experience and made it hard for me to gravitate towards this book at times.
Absolute love the characters and how much we get to see the fmcs inner thoughts
3.75 stars
I don’t really have much to say other than the writing style is poetic but quite dense and the chapters are pretty long so this isn’t just something you can pick up and read a chapter because you have 10 minutes to spare. Being a mom, this did impact my reading experience and made it hard for me to gravitate towards this book at times.
Absolute love the characters and how much we get to see the fmcs inner thoughts
3.75 stars
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September 14, 2024I have to admit that I just don’t care.
DNF at 63%
YALL, just go read The Empirium Trilogy to understand what this author is really capable of.
Once again, this book is just too long, and the characters just can’t make me care.
I’m just so disappointed.
Many thanks to Libro.fm for the opportunity to preview this.
DNF at 63%
YALL, just go read The Empirium Trilogy to understand what this author is really capable of.
Once again, this book is just too long, and the characters just can’t make me care.
I’m just so disappointed.
Many thanks to Libro.fm for the opportunity to preview this.
October 11, 2024
I love this book! The first one was a bit slow and hard to get into at times but I’m so happy I stuck with it and decided to give this one a shot. Although, like Gemma, there were times when Farrin annoyed the hell out of me, she was a much more like-able character from the start. I could not put this one down.
October 31, 2024
So I DID like being in Farrin's head much more than I liked being in Gemma's; I had a suspicion this would be the case after the first book, and I'm glad it was true.
That said I was hoping for much bigger shadow daddy energy and energies to lovers-ness from Ryder.
That said I was hoping for much bigger shadow daddy energy and energies to lovers-ness from Ryder.
July 14, 2024
4.5 woooow I love this series and Farrin
October 4, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
December 26, 2024
Significantly better than the first one! Now I’m excited to continue!
January 7, 2025
3.5⭐️ the romance was alright but all the other aspects of the plot kinda dragged… undecided on if i care enough to read the third book ughghghghgh
January 21, 2025
Much better than the first! Glad she switched up the PoV. Looking forward to book 3!
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