Usually the second book in a trilogy is terrible compared to the first. I was surprised because this wasn't the case. Wild Savage Stars was immensely better than Sweet Black Waves.

It picked up right where Sweet Black Waves left off, with Branwen, Tristan, and Essy arriving in enemy territory where Essy will marry a king she doesn't know, love, or want to marry. Branwen transforms into Essy and Tristan's guardians since she dedicates all her time to keeping them away from each other before King Marc (or anyone else) catches whim that something is up between the two secret lovers. Not everyone at court is keen to welcome Branwen and Essy and with more obstacles presented, Branwen must make more sacrifices to ensure peace between their two nations.

I liked the romance between Branwen and Ruan, though it was rash and had no stability. I would like to see it grow in the third book, but then again, Branwen is an extremely strong character and I would also like to see her remain independent and dedicated to the Land and the Old Ones. Ruan wasn't the perfect beau, but I liked him much more than Tristan who was broody, whiny, and frustrating.

Eseult was more enjoyable this time around. She wasn't as bratty and immature so I have a tad more respect for her. Just a small degree. She and Tristan continuously made stupid decisions that very easily could have comprised their nations and poor Branwen had to fix the mess and scold them like a parent.

There was one turning point towards the end where I finally grew aggravated with Essy's self-absorption (and Tristan quickly followed) that I honestly wanted Branwen to kill them to finally be rid of their infinite web of headaches. That didn't happen unfortunately, but I rejoiced when Branwen endured a revelation and came to her senses by saying "screw you" to Essy, Tristan, Ruan, and King Marc at different intervals. That was a major pivotal point for her character since she refused to put others before herself anymore. She grew tired of cleaning up the messes from selfish, arrogant, and stupid individuals so she detached herself from everyone and focused on herself.

That cliffhanger tore me apart and now I have to wait another year to find out what happens next.

Thank you NetGalley for granting me an ARC.

Wild Savage Stars continues the intense and heart wrenching journey begun in Sweet Black Waves. Perez gives us intensely personal interactions, strong characters and complex story arcs, all while providing increasing momentum that will easily enthrall readers as the series continues. Twisted loyalties and half-truths lie just below the surface in this exciting sequel -- readers will need time to recuperate after finishing this novel!

This book makes my heart hurt. But like, in a good way. I know the story of Tristan and Isolde, and I was hoping that maybe-maaaaaaaaaaybe the author would change it up a bit. I love Branwen so much. She is an amazing protagonist. It's really a feat when you can love a book and be mad at it at the same time.

Oh no! I’ve finished book 2! How will I wait until book 3 comes out? This novel begins right where the last left off. Essy, Branny, and Tristan have arrived for the wedding of King Marc and Princess Essy. Due to the circumstances aboard the ship, Essy claims Tristan as her Champion and Branny is required to serve Essy as well.

A new family joins in. They are Ruan, his mother, sister, and sweet younger brother. Ruan’s sister has eyes for Tristan, who loves both Branny and Essy. Ruan, a lady’s man, tries to court Branny, all while the royal wedding begins to take shape.

Healers, pirates, and assassins threaten the lives of the royals, and Branny shows her strength as well as her darker side. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my review. Now excuse me while I mourn the end of this book, as I look forward to book 3. Kristina Pérez has another winner!