A Curse of Blood & Stone - Review

A Curse of Blood & Stone (Fate & Flame book 2)

By: K.A. Tucker

Published: July 12, 2022

464 pages

Genre: Romantasy, Fantasy, New Adult

Source: Personal Kindle Library

(Goodreads / Amazon)

Summary:

“I do not know how to love you and be a good king to my people.”

Romeria has fled Cirilea as a traitor. Zander has sacrificed his crown to save her life but dreads what her existence means for the future of his realm. They both know that no immortal will ever welcome her as Islor's queen. Side-by-side as outcasts - yet with a growing distance between them - they watch as a new threat to the kingdom unfurls, one larger than they could have imagined.

Guided by an uncertain prophecy and with their allies rapidly losing faith, their company journeys to the Venhorn Mountains in search of answers. Yet with Romeria struggling to wield her newfound abilities and the mortal rebellion growing in strength, it may already be too late.

From internationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker comes the second novel in her Fate and Flame series, an adult fantasy story that should be read in series order.

MY REVIEW:
I jumped into book two right after finishing book one. Cliffhanger ending and all. Unfortunately, as much as I loved Zander and Romeria, I still found parts of this story to be too slow. Resulting in very similar feelings while reading book one, in that I initially felt it was a three-star book. The last half of the book picked up pace and made my interest level grow. 

In book two Romeria and Zander have fled from Cirilea as traitors to the crown. They both have a mission to accomplish but have to work together to succeed. Zander's mission is to take back his crown and his kingdom, and Romeria's is to learn more about her abilities and who she is in this new-to-her (non-human) body. 

Trust is broken between them after working so hard to build a relationship. Romeria senses that Zander despises her yet again, and she is heartbroken over losing the love and connection she felt they had finally built together. More side characters are introduced as they travel to find allies in dangerous parts of their known world.

By the end of the book I was fully vested to know more and would have jumped right into book three, had it not been for another book already waiting for me to read. Book two's ending was not near as promising to me for what is to come next because I fear the direction the main characters must go in, but I will get to it sometime in Q1 of 2025.

Top Favorite Quotes:

"He abandoned his crown and kingdom for you. I do not think there is another female in this entire realm you need fear will ever be able to compete with you for his attention."

"Whether it was a curse of fates or prophecy that brought us together, I no longer care, and I will not allow anything or anyone to keep us from each other again."

"I can't live in this world if it's not with you by my side." "Then that is where I will be. Always."

Language: 2 (medium)
Mature Content: 2 (medium)
Final Rating: 4 stars