I was provided by an E-ARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.

Honesty, I almost didn't finish the book since there were parts that bore me. I did like that we get to see Bel and Petra 's point of view. I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book

3.5/5

This, the second book of the series brings us to Bel and Cons wedding. Days from the ceremony, Zander, her older brother arrives on the planet followed by an uninvited delegation from the empire. Told in Bel's and Petras viewpoint, danger surrounds all the characters as a new horror engulfs the planet. Bel believes the delegation were sent to spy. A sickness is spreading and outside influences rear their head. When the heart of the palace is compromised, Petra will court death at every turn. Oh, my. This was a very good read. Full of mystery and betrayal. A heart pounding gem with lots of twisty's. Recommend highly. Read in order. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.

This novel was an enjoyable read. The story is written well, with many plot twists, but also has romance. The story is told from first person points of view, Petra and Bel. You need to read the first novel in the series to see how their story to Anthaeus began.
Petra has been promoted to general and protects Bel and Con, the future rulers of Anthaeus. Bel and Con are getting married and Zander, Bel's brother, is coming. Petra and Zander have a past, in which Zander declared his love for Petra. Petra, as much as she loved him, left him. Petra is a strong, independent woman who does what she thinks is in the best interests of others, regardless of how it would impact her. The Empire has decided to attend the wedding, but in reality, it is to get Zander to return. Many things start to happen before Bel and Con's wedding, things they do not know who to trace back to. The Rondet seem to know something is amiss. Evil is coming in many forms and it is difficult to know who one can trust. Bel has her own challenges becoming queen and her acceptance among Con's people. When Anthaeus is threatened, Petra must make a choice that will impact all those she cares about.

Thank you to Bookouture for the arc of this book.
If I am honest, I almost put this book down, I found the first few chapters so boring, but thankfully I didn’t.
Once you get past that jump the story really unfolds, and it’s told by both Petra and Bel,
It has really good twists and turns,and jaw dropping moments.
I enjoyed it almost as much as the first one.