Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chloe is a very well written character and she just keeps getting better. I love a good fae read, and I’m here to tell you this book is excellent.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series “Fae and Crystal Thorns”, and it is everything I hoped for mixed with twists and turns I did not expect! Chloe and Quintus, I enjoyed thoroughly, I loved how their relationship evolved and how it also affected how they were to other people as well. I loved Chloe’s character development the most, and Kay L. Moody did an excellent job at showcasing her journey throughout the book and why her personality as well as character traits were changing. For the most part of the book, everyone including Chloe and Quintus are trying to figure out how to beat the mortals and save Farie from iron poisoning. Not only will saving Faerie help the Fae, but it will also help the mortal realm where people, including Chloe’s sister, are feeling iron poisoning, but have no help of a cure. Lots of action, mystery, and some romance! Can’t wait to see what is in store for everyone in book three.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chloe is back and continuing her journey to find a cure for the scurpus affecting both the Fae realm and the mortal realm, but danger is always around the corner and right at this moment, it is a mortal who is the cause, she is brandishing her weapons with murder in here eyes as she faces Chloe and Quintus. Chloe however, has a plan to diffuse the situation and she is hoping that it works, but she also knows that it could also go terribly wrong, this time though, it seems that luck is on their side and the danger passes for now. Chloe and Quintus have a lot of work ahead of them as they work together to think of a way to stop the mortals who have invaded the Fae realm but first they have to find out where they are camping so they can formulate a plan depending on the numbers of mortals they find.
As they move quietly around, the Kingdom of Crystal Thorns, they find a way to gain entry to the camp and try to listen in to the conversations to piece together what their plan is and therefore formulate a plan of their own to stop them, that is if Chloe can keep them safe. As usual the plans do not go well and they barely escape, but they do happen to hear enough from the mortal leaders to take back with them, but their other goal is not accomplished, they are however, still alive and that rush of adrenaline sends Chloe into Quintus’s arms. As they spend more time together they struggle to keep their feelings for each other under wraps and in control, especially when they have to stay in close proximity to the other most of the time, however, not everyone is happy about this.
As more details of why the mortals want the land the Fae live on, the reasoning makes sense to Chloe, but it doesn’t to Quintus and this causes a rift between the two, but while Chloe can understand the reasoning, the methods are barbaric to her, but who is in the right, the mortals or the Fae and can Chloe choose which side she is on and cure the affliction before time runs out? This is an action packed adventure where choices have to be made and loyalties have to be tested, as the race continues to be run in this rollercoaster of both emotions and actions.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fantasy adventure continues
This takes off straight after book 1. Chloe grows in this book as does her relationship with Quintus. There is so much to love about this book. With magic, faeries and suspenseful action this is a strong book 2 in Fae and Crystal Thorns series. There was even a dragon – so happy! I recommend reading book 1 first as there are important elements and back story that will help to understand particular aspects in book 2. I love the world this author creates and I can’t wait for book 3.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book I have read by Kay L. Moody, the first being book one of the Fae & Crystal Thorns series. After finishing the first book I couldn’t wait for book two to finally come out. Chloe is having an internal struggle between what is right and wrong. And where she feels she belongs, she knows she should return to the mortal realm, finding someone to love her and have a family once was her greatest wish but now she wants to be selfish and stay in Faerie with Quintus.
Chloe’s realization in book one about sometimes having to be selfish to save others later, but it comes back to haunt her. Right away Mishti is there her sword drawn at Chloe and Quintus. Mishti is angry and hurt, she had just lost Mila a dear person to her and Chloe seemingly, through her eyes, abandoned her for a Fae. Only pointing her sword at Chloe does Quintus’s words break through her anger. She doesn’t know what to do. Everyone in Faerie was taken there against their will, she knows the land belongs to the Fae and that stealing it is wrong but why does anyone have to die for it. All Mishti wants is a chance to make her own decision for once, first she was manipulated by Ansel, and then Portia, fighting and killing was never what she loved doing but she did it to survive.
Mishti had been sent to the Crystal Caves to kill Chloe, but all Chloe wants to do is heal Mishti of her pain. With her pain gone Chloe feels Mishti will be able to communicate more reasonably. Unlike the first book that has a slower pace into the main events this book starts off right away continuing where the first book ended. Will Chloe be able to save Faerie and the mortals? Can they compromise a solution that everyone can survive in the end? To stay in Faerie or to return to the mortal realm? The world of Fae and Crystal Thorns pulls you in and hooks you from beginning to end I can’t wait for book three Blade and Crystal Thorns coming March 21st, 2023.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second installment in this book and I was really blown out of the water. When I saw that there was a second installment I knew right away that I had to have it. Just like the previous book this book had so much magic, wonderful characters, great descriptive scenery, and a plot that you just can’t put down. The cover of the book is just as beautiful as the first and if you haven’t read the first installment you would want to read these just based on the beautiful covers. So whether you’re looking for a great new series or just need to get out of a slump make sure you pick up this book today.
Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I personally love fantasy novels so when I saw the cover of this novel I just knew that I had to read it. I have personally never read anything by this author but this wonderful fantasy blew me out of the water. While I have never read anything from this author before her writing is beautiful, her character development is great, and storyline is perfect. So if your looking for a grest new fantasy read make sure you pick up this one today.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This second book picks up right where the first leaves off! The fight is on to save Faerie from the iron poisoning and the mortals. Chloe and Quintus work together through their ups and downs and make a lot compromises along with mistakes. They gain new allies that you wouldn’t expect. And Chloe battles to overcome her fears of not being enough. This book describes Faerie in just as much detail as the first. It also ends on a cliffhanger like the first making you want to jump right into the third! I really really enjoy this authors writing style!
Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have ever read by Kay L. Moody. I was first drawn in by the cover and the name of the series, the synopsis was interesting, so I gave it a chance and started reading. Chloe is a human girl that for years she had lived in a Faerie world. The loss of her parents forced her and her younger sister Grace to move to the mortal realm with their older brother Vesper and his family.
In a time where women were not considered equal to men Chloe had gotten lucky when the previous towns apothecary passed away, no one else wanted the job so she took it. She was now 18 and had been back in the mortal realm for 3 years, she has been the town apothecary for one year and was determined to be as selfless as possible to relief her ill placed guilt on herself for something that happened when she was eleven. Suddenly a Fae illness was showing in her mortal town, determined to save everyone in her town that was suffering including Grace. Quintus is a Fae; someone Chloe has longed for but knows that she can’t be with him because not all Fae want to learn how to love. He needs her help in Faerie when a group of mortals that her older sister had rescued turn against the Fae, determined to kill them all. Loyal to the people of her town Chloe refuses to leave before she has successfully cured everyone, until she drowns, and Quintus saves her the only way he can. Waking up she is now in Faerie at first, she is angry until she learns that the illness plaguing her town is directly from Faerie. The two realms are linked together, and the iron poisoning Faerie is leaking into the mortal realm. To save her town and her sister she must save Faerie first. Along her journey Chloe and Quintus grow closer giving her a flash of hope before she pushes it down and out of her mind. She has been giving so much of herself to the town never taking a moment for her own needs that she feels she is withering away, empty and gasping for air.
Will Chloe learn to put herself first in order later save those around her or will she continue to drown in the selflessness she has been told is her only quality or importance? The author’s world is breathtaking, her characters both relatable and easy to love. Chloe and Quintus have a mutual love for each other makes your heart flutter with butterflies the purity of their growth is genuine and relatable. This book is a clean underlying romance and some of the sweetest things I have read between two characters. I cannot wait for book two Shadow and Crystal Thorns to see where their journey will take them next.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 2nd book in the Fae and Crystal Thorn series. And wow. It picks up right at the end of the first book and carries on the fantasy adventure where Chloe and Quintus are trying to save the land of Faerie from the mortals. This story is packed with adventure and a theme which runs through everyone’s life really. When 2 sides are at war is there ever really a right or wrong side? This is the battle that Chloe is fighting with inside herself. She needs to save Faerie to save her life in the mortal realm. That was her plan, however things start to take a turn and she questions everything as her feelings for Quintus grows and he asks her to stay.
Can they save Faerie? Will Chloe give in to her feelings and stay with Quintus or will she return to the mortal realm to her family.
There are so many obstacles that Chloe must overcome before making her decision and the author does an amazing job with the world building making each magical being feel real and keeping the reader wanting more
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Shadow and Crystal Thorns is the second book in the Fae and Crystal Thorns series by Kay L. Moody. As we discovered in Book #1, this series is a spellbinding spin-off from the ‘Fae of Bitter Thorn’ series (Chloe, our mc here is Elora’s (from FoBT series) sister.
This is such a fabulous YA fantasy with plenty of adventure, action, magic, danger, self-discovery, romance, politics, agendas, conflict, a battle for Fae Courts, sacrifice, hope, friendship, tension, intrigue, and high stakes. Oh, and did I mention Fae…. AND a Dragon?!?!?. Um…. If I didn’t already love Ms. Moody’s books, and this series- that element alone would have sealed the deal for me.
The story continues form Book #1, so if you haven’t read Flame & Crystal Thorns yet I highly recommend that you do before starting on this instalment- as knowing what happened previously will definitely enhance your reading experience of this book as a lot has happened- so you’ll find that first book holds a lot of important information you will want to know leading into book #2.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns finishes on somewhat of a cliffhanger, and the adventure is set to continue, so I can’t wait to get my hands on ‘Blade & Crystal Thorns (Book #3)- I am really excited to find that there are at least 2 more books planned to come after that…. Colour me excited to see where we go from here!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Kay L. Moody!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off and you are immediately pulled back into Faerie with Chloe and into the deadly adventure. We get to see Chloe and Quintus grow and develop as they fight together to save Faerie from the mortals bent on destroying the Fae. I loved the ebb and flow of the adventure mixed with the relationship building and found it the perfect mix. It was wonderful getting to see Chloe coming into her own and realizing that you don’t have to be a warrior to win wars. She ends up leading her small team of Quintus, Mishti, and Ludo to a plan to save Faerie. She even manages to get a very sweet giant pet dragon. This was a fantastic follow up to book 1 and I can’t wait for the third book to come out next year. If you love fantasy with a ton of adventure and heart, this is the series for you.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Chloe is still in Faerie working on how to defeat the mortals and heal the land of Faerie. She and Quintus find common ground with Mishti to help rescue Ludo. After they become an unlikely team, they hurry to find a way to stop the mortals’ advance on the courts of Faerie. Unfortunately, they end up finding themselves in a race to find elements to reverse the destruction the iron is causing on Faerie and, in turn, the mortal realm. Chloe struggles with telling her sister about her loss and confronting her on how she makes Chloe feel useless. Can she accept the truth of her loss and how it will forever change her life? Can she put together the antidote for Faerie and save it and also her sisters? Will her sister and others ever see her as more than someone to be protected?
I liked the continuation of this storyline. It was good to see the characters struggle with their decisions and how they had to reconcile them with themselves. I liked how Mishti points out to Chloe that maybe the battle they are facing isn’t her sister’s story but Chloe’s. It gives hope to people with disabilities to see that they are not worthless. Just because they cannot swing the proverbial sword, does not mean they can’t help in other ways like strategy. It was also good to see the characters that can swing that same sword come to terms with the fact that they do not always have the answers either. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in this series!
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Shadow and Crystal Thorns is the second book in the Fae and Crystal Thorns series. It is a YA Fae fantasy tale. The first book Flame and Crystal Thorns ended on a cliff-hanger and I was excited to see what was going to happen. Luckily it continues right where the first book ends which means the books should be read in order.
Kay’s writing is rich in details making it easy to imagine. This is a world with fae, magic and dragons. Who doesn’t love dragons? A magical world where there are those whom are mortal are out to destroy them.
It is a quick paced read with lots of suspense, action and danger.
The romance between Chloe and Quintus continues and she is just as torn between staying or going but things maybe different than she thought. Can her team finally sort the problems with the Mortals?
Nooooooooo! It also ends in a cliff-hanger. I hate them!
I wonder where will the story go next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In the second book of this series, the Fae and mortals are in battle with one another. Chloe is in the Faerie realm to help win against the mortals. Chloe meets Quintus and is not so sure she wants to leave. Chloe has to use her magic to try to win this battle to protect the lands. The author has done a great job developing these characters and this world. Looking forward to the next book!!
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this young adult fantasy story. This is the second book in this series which I highly suggest reading before this one. It will help you enhance this series and show you where the characters have been before this point. This is an author that I have enjoyed reading. Her books are always entertaining and easy to read. This is no different. It is a well written story about a battle between fae and mortals for the same land. Who will win is up to you to read this book and find out. This is a fast paced, engaging story that had me coming back for more. The characters are connectable and just made the story for me. I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fantastic continuation of an exciting YA story. I would recommend reading this series in order as book 2 picks up from where book one left off. I was instantly pulled back into this story and the characters. It was as though I had move from one book straight into the next.
This book is even better than the first one. I enjoyed the fact that you could see clear development through the stories, it felt like we were getting to know the characters even more. This book adds so much to the series as a whole and I am looking forward to whatever is next.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had loved the prior book in the series, and this one certainly does not disappoint in any way! I loved the story continued perfectly from where we left off on in the series. Needless to say, I was hooked!
Again, the author amazed and intrigued me as I read this installment in the series. I really enjoyed Chloe again in this book, she really has come a long way. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of when we had the battles of fae against humans It was vivid, written with intelligence, and visually stunning to picture. The book had a lot of suspense and action, I was gripped all the way through. I enjoyed Quintus already, and I enjoyed him even more now! The book was a book worth waiting to read, absolutely loved it!
Greatly written with strong anticipation as well as exctiment. I could not put it down. Was impossible not to love and see how this book would turn out. A must read for sure. Without a doubt, I highly recommend!
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 2 in the series does an incredible job at picking up in the series where we left off. Chloe, Quintus, Mishti, Elora, and Brannick are fighting the war against the mortals. They are still trying to save the Fae from iron poisoning. This story is full of action, lots of fantasy, drama, suspense, and a little romance. There are a few subplots going on. The author ties them all in so well that it all still runs so smooth. That ending! Cliffhanger, didn’t see that coming…I can’t wait for the next book. This is definitely one of the best YA fantasy series I’ve read.
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༻ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ༻༻
Chloe remains in Faerie, but she’s only supposed to stay long enough to defeat the bloodthirsty mortals who are trying to claim the land for themselves. But now she’s not so sure she wants to return to the mortal realm, especially when the devastatingly handsome fae, Quintus, keeps asking her to stay.
Even worse, defeating the mortals becomes more difficult by the day while their numbers continuously grow. She also learns exactly why they want the land. As a mortal herself, it’s hard to disagree with them. But they can’t take Faerie unless they steal it from the fae.
Alliances blur when Chloe realizes both sides deserve what they seek. But only one of them can win.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Shadow and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 2) by Kay L. Moody
Kay L. Moody is the YA fantasy author of COURT OF BITTER THORN and THE ELEMENTS OF THE CROWN. Her books feature rich world building, slow burn romance, mythical creatures, and twisty plots.
As a lover of strong female characters, books, and the color pink, she enjoys diving into magical worlds where characters can overcome even their darkest struggles. She lives in the western United States with her husband and four sons. Connect with Kay directly when you follow her on social media @kaylmoody
Visit her website to learn more. KayLMoody.com
༻༻ PREORDER ༻༻Chloe remains in Faerie, but she’s only supposed to stay long enough to defeat the bloodthirsty mortals who are trying to claim the land for themselves. But now she’s not so sure she wants to return to the mortal realm, especially when the devastatingly handsome fae, Quintus, keeps asking her to stay.
Even worse, defeating the mortals becomes more difficult by the day while their numbers continuously grow. She also learns exactly why they want the land. As a mortal herself, it’s hard to disagree with them. But they can’t take Faerie unless they steal it from the fae.
Alliances blur when Chloe realizes both sides deserve what they seek. But only one of them can win.
༻༻ COMING SOON ༻༻Chloe remains in Faerie, but she’s only supposed to stay long enough to defeat the bloodthirsty mortals who are trying to claim the land for themselves. But now she’s not so sure she wants to return to the mortal realm, especially when the devastatingly handsome fae, Quintus, keeps asking her to stay.
Even worse, defeating the mortals becomes more difficult by the day while their numbers continuously grow. She also learns exactly why they want the land. As a mortal herself, it’s hard to disagree with them. But they can’t take Faerie unless they steal it from the fae.
Alliances blur when Chloe realizes both sides deserve what they seek. But only one of them can win.
Misfortune of Vision by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Misfortune of Vision is the fourth book in Christy Nicholas’ Druid’s Brooch series. The series follows a brooch as it is passed through the generations, giving powers to whoever is in possession of it. Each book is set at a different point in history, mainly in Ireland.
At the time when Misfortune of Vision is sent, Christianity has become the main religion in Ireland. Orlagh, whose visions and medical knowledge have been helping her community for decades, is being treated with suspicion by a church that is desperate to assert its dominance.
It’s nice having a protagonist who is quite old. Orlagh knows her time is running out and wants to ensure that she passes her knowledge and the brooch on to someone suitable. We see her struggling with tasks, relying on others for help, and being drained by the work that she must do. We also see her thinking about how her body is changing as she ages and mourning the friends and family who she has outlived.
I also like that Declan, another major character, is a musician. His knowledge of songs from a variety of traditions adds some extra interest to the book!
For me, this is another five-star book. Nicholas paints a vivid picture of the times and places in which her books are set, and yet again I feel like I’ve been transported back in time. It’s so informative and well researched, with an exciting fantasy side that fits in to the setting. I would definitely recommend it to fans of historical fantasy, especially if you’re interested in Celtic history and traditions!
Misfortune of Vision by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my favorite in the series yet. This book is creative, well written, engaging and pulled me in from the first page. The characters bring the story to life and kept me turning pages. I enjoyed watching them grow throughout the story. Orlagh takes you on a journey or quest of finding an heir for her magic brooch. It has magic, page turning action and you have to find out if she succeeds but it is worth the read. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
5 stars
For any fans of epic fantasy and beautifully created worlds, you will NEVER go wrong with a book by Tricia Copeland. This book and series is very familiar to me and I was excited to be able to listen to a favorite. The story came to life in a brand new way and allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the story and universe powerfully. The narration only added to the richness of the story development. Run and get a copy of the book and audio as quick as you can. Worth every minute!
This was a great listen. Took a road trip and listen to this epic story. It pulled me in immediately and had my senses on alert. This story has it all family drama, love and bravery. Looking forward to listening or read more from this author. Just love how the author paints you an amazing story.
This was an interesting listen as Titania battles to determine who she can trust while also containing locusts that threaten her kingdom. I have read/listened to the first book but I found that not to be an issue. The author did a good job of referencing the first book and giving a quick background. I did find that the book jumped around and glossed over details or focused on details that were not as important but overall I enjoyed the book. I find myself rooting for strong female characters, especially when their differences are highlighted and focused on trying to make them appear as bad. Titania is a strong character who proves her worth through her actions.
To be a Fae Guardian (Realm Chronicles Book 2) Audio Book
By Tricia Copeland
5 stars
This was a fantastic audio book and one that I really enjoyed listening to. The authors writing together with the wonderful narration really brought this story to life. I could easily imagine everything that I was listening to. The character Tatiana was so amazing – I loved listening to her story. I really felt her emotions at times and I felt really connected to her as a character. The author did an amazing job with creating the fantasy land that this series takes place in and her wonderful attention to detail makes it so believable to read. I would highly recommend this audio book and I can’t wait to listen to more from this author in the future!
This is my first audiobook by this author. I really enjoyed listening to it. I look forward to listening to more by this author. I enjoyed how the narrator was able to pull me into the story by using different tones of voice. It also helped keep the story engaging. The characters took me on an adventure of magic and evil spirits. They are not only connectable and the narrator gave life to the story. This is a story of a journey to Middle Earth and a race of survival to save all from darkness. I highly recommend this audiobook and this author.
~Journey to Middle Earth with a Fae Queen~
This is my second time through this book. I read the kindle versions first, but when I saw the audible come out I knew I had to try it out. Titania is such a force to be reckoned with. The story is strongly gripping, and I can easily see that Titania and her entourage have done some major development in their adventures so far.
I had a hard time listening through the audible, but I gave it 5 stars because it’s probably personal preference. I found the audio to be monotone, a little difficult to hear the words and not just the lyrical cadence of the narrator. It’s possible that reading through it myself the first read through, I was picturing the inflection going a little differently for Titania. Overall though a very thorough performance on this fantasy journey.
Titania goes through so much, is so level headed, and well rounded. Truly a hero! If you are questioning picking up this series, you won’t be disappointed. Fae, Middle Earth, strong companionship, difficult choices, a kingdom in need of justice only a young heroine can redeem!!! What more could you ask for in a fantastical journey to Middle Earth?
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson