I loved the first book in this series but I found this one a little bit tougher to read. The first book is lighter in tone while this one has some darker subject matter that I struggled to read. (There is some torture discussion which absolutely makes sense in this book but it's a tough topic for me personally.)
I think that Ciesielski writes suspense and action scenes so well, and it kept this book moving along at a fantastic pace. Her tone and pacing really conveys how much danger Jack and Ivy are in and certainly helps sell the story!

DNF about 50% through
My many thanks to the Author Publisher and NetGalley for an early ARC of this book. I was in no way forced to give a positive review.

While I found the writing in the first book to be very well done, the story entertaining, the characters interesting, this one just did not hit the mark. I found a lot of the writing unoriginal and Cliche. I know the author said she was inspired after watching “Captain America the Winter Soldier” which in this book is apparent. Unfortunately though for me, instead of inspired by, I felt like I was just reading a fan fiction of the winter soldier, there was multiple scenes that were copy and paste from the movie just changing the characters names. I made the decision this year not to force a book I’m not feeling, so unfortunately this one was a miss for me.

Such a disappointing duology. The excessive foul language was unacceptable in a Christian book.

Jack was a fantastic hero even when he felt lost and broken. It was completely heartbreaking what he was forced to do.

Other than Ivy’s gutter language, I liked her as a character.

The plot was complex with brainwashing, betrayal, hope, and action.

Content: excessive expletives, speakeasies, swearing by the stars, replacement profanity, tobacco, violence and torture, tavern, tattoos, profanity, alcohol, drugs

Jack and Ivy had a whirlwind romance in The Brilliance of Stars and I was eager to see if Ciesielski would be able to keep up the momentum of their relationship. This book is VERY different in tone in comparison to book one. Due to the plot twists, this book didn't have the humorous sexy banter between Jack and Ivy. Lots of fast paced action. Lots of kill or be killed scenarios. This book is much darker and more intense. Readers will love the action and the love that exists between Jack and Ivy. Certainly nothing was meant to be easy for them.

I enjoyed this unique historical story. I have read other books by the author and have appreciated the historical details and characters she has in her story. This one did not disappoint! I hope she writes more about Ivy and Jack!

I had to read this one! I loved the first and am in love with this series. The history, romance, and suspense is the perfect blend. Thank you!!

I absolutely ADORE J'nell's books. The final book in this duology was perfectly pitched and paced. No one knows who to trust and what will come next.

I thank the Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book! The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

I was very excited about reading this book since I greatly enjoyed the first one! This book was not quite as good as the first one. The writing was as great as in the first book. It reminded me of old Russian Baba Yaga fairy tales, which I love! Ivy got a bit annoying at times, though. Overall, a great read I read in one sitting. I still like the first book more than this one!

Thank you Thomas Nelson for accepting my request to read and review To Free the Stars on NetGalley.

Stars: 2.5

Reading this duology in order would be my recommendation. I have not read the first book and I don't see it in my future.

The story is not fast paced or gripping as the blurb suggests. I did find gaps in thinking causing me to ponder did I skip a page. Midway through the book, I found this was book two.

My personal experience is 50/50 on reading a series in order. To Free the Stars may have been more enjoyable if I had a previous relationship with Jack and Ivy. As it stands, I liked Jack but equally did not care for Ivy.

Additionally, I don't relate to a female spy holding her own with men. These characters are always written without acknowledging what all women fear by male strangers. Ivy is bold and crass and never garnered any concern by me.

The story could be told in a 90 minute program and I would watch wondering why smart female spies aren't written.

To Free the Stars by J’nell Ciesielski is the second book in her Jack and Ivy duology.

Equally as intense as the first book, this continues where the previous one left off. Sort of. Without giving spoilers, the beginning has a major surprise that sets off the the entire tale.

This was an emotional read, especially after reading the first book. I’m not sure I can say more without giving too much away. So be sure to read this series in order.

If you enjoy intense romance with historical suspense, give this series a try!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

I realize that in order to enjoy and understand this book it would be better if I read the first book "The Brilliance of Stars." Haven't done that I decided not to read this current book. I will have to purchase the first and read the second. That being the case, I won't be reviewing this one. I hesitate to give it any stars, but to be fair I feel I should do something. Therefore, I'll give this book 3 stars since I'm almost positive it's the least I can do knowing it probably deserves more.

J'nell Ciesielski delivers an electrifying, character-driven tale of love and mystery, packed full of twists and turns, and the kind of suspense that builds and builds.

Wonderful conclusion to the series! Readers definitely need to read the books in order to appreciate the storyline. Plot and characters are a continuation of the previous story.

The author penned a wonderful fast-paced story, filled with spies, action, romance and so much more. This story is partially a fantasy in that there are elements of a 'Captain America' ish character. There are heroes and villains, and those that fall somewhere in between. It is set in the 1920's, following WWI.

The mood of the story is not as light as some of the other books penned by the author. That may or may not appeal to all audiences, but I found the story a wonderful sequel to the first novel. The themes of good vs. evil, and of justice vs. mercy will have readers contemplating the power of grace.

Content warning: references to PTSD, and details of an intimate relationship of married couple that may be too descriptive for some readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher thorough Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the sequel to The Brilliance of Stars and should be read in order. Ten years have passed and Ivy believes her husband Jack is dead, although she struggles to move on. She is still a member of Talon and races around the world on missions to eliminate threats of evil. Thrust into a new assignment, Ivy and her team once more face adventure, danger and destruction,,

Wow, this was not what I initially thought this book would be like. It was FANTASTIC. The elements of love, combined with suspense, had me riveted from beginning to end! Thank you so much for allowing me to read and review this book!

I Am Speechless! This Could Be A Movie!

I thought the first book was amazing and this second book took you even further into a crazy world of intrigue and emotions.

I am anticipating another book with what has been shared in the Epilogue!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Jack and Ivy! Jack and Ivy! The series included everything its marketing promised—action and intrigue and romance and more. I was impatient for this second book in the series the second I finished the first one, and I was not disappointed! J'nell Ciesielski has become a fave of mine over the past few years and I'm already watching her social media for any hints as to what comes next. :)

Read if you like: action/adventure historical books, Marvel/Captain America
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The book takes place ten years after the first book and Jack and Ivy need to work together to end the Order of the Rising Moon.
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I loved reading more about Jack and Ivy. The author did such a good job setting up their love story in the first book. The ten-year jump took me a bit to adjust to but the book was action-packed and I loved all the twists and turns!

2.5 stars.

I was really excited for this read, after enjoying The Brilliance of Stars (book 1 in the duology). Unfortunately, it really expanded on the things I didn't enjoy about Book 1--A Lot of violence, and a fade-to-black that could/should have ended way earlier (for my taste anyway). No faith element whatsoever, and a handful of swear words, sealed the deal as a disappointing read; I ended up skimming the last quarter or so just to see how it would all pan out.

The Ice Swan was much more my cup of tea, and one I would return to again, as well as recommend to readers over this series. Which is sad; many elements of it remind me of Captain America: The Winter Soldier--one of my favorite Marvel movies--but it continues past where the movie left off, leaving little to the imagination in every sense.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

J'nell Ciesielski has quickly become an auto-buy author for me. One of my absolute favorites. This book was no exception, and is an instant add to my collection!