I was so excited to dive back into this world by Kelly Coon. I absolutely love the main character as a healer. It was refreshing to see things through her eyes of avoiding destruction. There is just hint of romance and I love the independence that is balanced in the story line. Things in this story are perfect. They go wrong and watching the characters to come together and solve the problems was exciting. It has a found family feel and sacrifice as they journey back home. I would definitely recommend you pick up this duology! I cannot wait to see what Kelly has up her sleeve next. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this eARC.

I DNF’d this book early in. Not sure if I’m just not interested in this story, or if I’m not in the mood for this kind of book right now. Will likely revisit closer to release date, and will update review when I do.

I recieved an ARC from the publisher and author via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Any quotes stated in my review are that of the unpublished works and are subject to change before the finished copy is released.

My heart is pounding with excitement after finishing this book. I'm heartbroken that it's the end for the characters that I've grown to love so much.

The character relationships only get better in Warmaidens. You get to watch Kammani struggle and succeed in so many ways with now being an A-zu in the land of Alu. Nanaea becomes so much more of a older sister it feels like and helps Kammani out. They grew stronger together as sisters instead of what left like rivals in the first book Gravemaidens.

My heart hurts for Dagan each time he threw his heart and soul to Kammani, while in this book their love for each other grows but Kammani question s how being tied down as a wife will me she has no more freedom because she will have to obey her husband so to say. Knowing who Dagan is as a strong and loyal person to her makes it all hurt so much more each time they are together and he continues to bring up marriage.

While you have all these amazing characters and their fight to stay alive and do what they have to, to get Nin Arwia back on the thrown, so many lives are put at stake, so many complications and so much more NASU!!!

Nasu is my favorite character in the entire book, I grew to love him whole heartedly in book one and it didn't change the slightest with this one!

The last scene in Warmaidens....all I can say is...WOW! The Boatman is such a huge part of this story and you don't really realize it until about halfway in, all the little bits with him are so amazing!

Thank you Kelly for giving us this amazing, heart pounding, adrenaline filled fantasy story. Anytime I had the my phone out I was slowly reading each bn page because I didnt want it to end

*Spoiler free, but spoilers for Gravemaidens, 3.5 stars*

When I read Gravemaidens, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had a few issues here and there, but I still came out of the experience happy with what I read. I was really curious how the sequel would conclude this duology and how it would expand upon this world, outside of Alu. And there were even assassination attempts and tons of scorpions promised in this one, which even heightened my longing for it! Trigger warnings: mentions of attempted rape, blood, death, grief, gore

For a bit of this book, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel. It seemed like there was so much going on and I didn't know how everything would settle out. But, I am pleased to report that I enjoyed this book! Like Gravemaidens, I had a few issues here and there, but in the end, it left me feeling like this was a fantastic duology.

First off, Coon's writing has this feeling of sweetness too it. It feels like pink peppermint and something fuzzy and white. While I enjoyed that feeling most of the time, I felt like it got to be sickly sweet at times. It's a bit hard to explain since this it's just the feeling I got from the book. Though, I feel like Coon would be FANTASTIC at writing contemporary. Her sweet writing style would fit the genre fantastically and I'm actually really, really hoping she write a contemporary book one day. I think she would knock it out of the park.

I felt like a lot of the plot was hatching plots, getting so close to the goal, and then just falling short. I felt like it was the same formula over and over again. It's a small frustration, but one I couldn't help but notice.

The plot was also incredibly twisted together. I'm not sure how I felt about it, but I'm leaning towards the "liked it" side. I felt like I was in the mess with Kammani. I couldn't quite see the end goal or the path ahead. Things got so muddled and people kept getting in the way and plans kept going sideways. It felt real, which I always appreciate. It is kind of frustrating to never quite know where the plot is heading, but I also enjoyed being in the thick of it with Kammani!

I really liked Kammani's journey in this book. I think parts of it could have been delved into deeper, such as her feelings about her role as a healer, but I still love her character. Her relationships with the other characters is where she really shines. I love her sibling relationships. I love her friendship with Iltani. I love her romantic relationship with Dagan. They're not perfect (especially Iltani, I loved how big a role she played and I kind of want her to get her own book), but they're true. I loved how Kammani was so sure in her healing and her talents. I loved the healing aspect of this book overall really. Kammani is such a kind person and I loved how that shined through.

I also liked how this book expanded on this world. It turned it into something shimmering. Sweltering hot, but something worth fighting for.

Though, this book had so much violence against women. Girls being sold as brides, attempts to bed them without consent, women not having rights in a marriage. It was so ingrained into the world and it just made me a bit uncomfortable to read. Also, a character loses an arm and there's a comment made about him being "broken" and it just rubbed me the wrong way.

All in all, despite my few issues, I enjoyed this duology. It thrives in its relationships and characters. It's vibrant and I'm eager to see what this author writes next!

This is such a satisfying follow up to Gravemaidens. There was good follow through on the themes from the first book as well as continuing the character development of Kammani. I would have liked to see a little more of Nanea but I didn’t mind too much because she also had excellent character development and I enjoyed see her using her skills and working with her sister. The story is more action packed then the first book and a bit chaotic at times which worked well to illustrate the difficulties Kammani and her crew are up against.

Overall I really enjoy this duology and Kammani’s journey. Both books are well written and overall fun reads and Warmaidens wraps things up nicely. I appreciated that it expanded the world of Gravemaidens and introduced even more awesome and skilled female characters. The books really shine in how well they showcase the importance of the characters’ different abilities and types of intelligence.

Kelly Coon has wrapped up this duology so perfectly that it makes me cry just thinking about it. First, she introduces new characters that make it seem like they’ve been there since day 1. The way she writes these characters is truly remarkable and they are all memorable. Second, the language she uses and her writing style is nothing short of inspirational. And finally, the world building. She really makes you feel like you are present with each of the characters and in every scene. Well done, Kelly Coon. Warmaidens is another hit and people need to read it!!

I was provided with an eARC of this book in exchange for a fair review.

I was SO EXCITED when I got approved for this that I immediately sat down and read it all the way through! What a great sequel and end to the duology! Kammani is a complex character and, while her actions sometimes frustrate me, I admire her for doing whats right even when its hard. I also liked that we saw more depth of character from the side cast here, as well as the deepening relationship with her and Dagan.

All in all, a great read. ALSO, major props for the gorgeous cover!

Warmaidens was a Great book and I was hooked from the first chapter. I really enjoyed Gravemaidens but there was something about this second book I couldn't stop reading. It's full of action from the start and of course lots of Dagan whom I just love, love, love. I sure hope Kelly writes another book for this series. I definitely need more Kammani and Dagan. Great book and a must-read!!!!

Loved this book as much as the first one! Kelly is a fantastic writer and I adore her books! I cannot wait for book 3.

Continuing the story from Gravemaidens and picking up from the previous ending, I found the transition to be smooth. The story finished in a timely manner and wrapped everything up.

I loved this book so much! Things that I loved: the world, Kammani and Natasha grew as individuals and sisters, female empowerment, the use of medicines, the boatman and the ending was amazing!

I can't say anything about that, but chapters 26 through 30 had me dying with anticipation and crying.

Dagan and Kammani's relationship is also perfect. They also grew as a couple and I love their love for each other.

The battle scenes are so brutal and exciting. I love how they are written.

Very happy with how everything progressed and ended.

Full formatted Review at novellives.com- also posted to all links in my profile except amazon, of course

There Will Be Spoilers For Gravemaidens But Not Warmaidens- GOT IT? Ok.

Gravemaidens was a truly amazing debut from Kelly Coon (review and q and a linked). Having skimmed it (and my review) back over before reading Warmaidens (pre-order information linked), I guess it is fair to say I went in expecting a certain writing style, flow and character development. If I had to place Gravemaidens somewhere on the YA spectrum, it wasn't towards the older side of YA. That is not at all a knock. I enjoyed Spin the Dawn, which is definitely towards the younger side of YA (younger than Gravemaidens) and am very much looking forward to reading my ARC of its sequel.

When Kammani and company galloped off into the proverbial sunset at the end of Gravemaidens, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Warmaidens because it wrapped up on a rather nice note. I assumed that Arwia would at some point return to claim the throne of Alu from Uruku and Gudanna. Outside of that general plot point, I expected to settle into the same structure and structure provided by Gravemaidens.

And initially? I'd say I was right. We find our group settled into a nice little town with a fierce queen and all woman army where Kammani has become a well respected healer, even if she is more based in science than the older healer is based in faith. Just after a ceremony where the army, guided by their most loved Goddess, beseeches her with a scorpion necklace that grants her the ability to call on them for anything she might need. All this while Semti is preparing to be wed with a glorious celebration to follow.

Yeah. And then Kelly Coon took my theory aaaaand...




Because Who Needs Two Ears, Anyway?

Well that escalated quickly. Next thing you know an ear near gets hacked off (well its dangling), two people are assassinated and all the hells break loose from there. Warmaidens is a book that takes no prisoners, throws the emergency break out the window and ups the anti on all the viciousness, violence and malevolence in Gravemaidens. Characters we love from the Gravemaidens, along with new characters come together (or do they... watch them now) to for alliances, secure political footholds and avenge personal losses, all while trying to rectify the rightful heir of the throne.

Cover Art By Sammy Yuen
Thank you to Delacorte and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Am I saying it is as gory as something I've just read like Nevernight by Jay Kristoff, of course not. Don't be silly. What I am saying, is that go in prepared for a completely different type of book than Gravemaidens. For me? I absolutely ate it up. War isn't pretty and if you want to reclaim a throne from a vicious ruler who tried to kill you and 1/2 dozen other to get, including your father, to take it? It isn't going to be pretty. There is a lot of descriptive maiming, tortured hacking of bodies, war action death or near death gory scenes that consistently show up, in very appropriate places and ways throughout the book. Not everyone is going to survive. And those that do? They aren't going to come out whole- not physically and definitely not mentally.

Speaking of which...

The Scars You Can't See

Warmaidens maintains one crucial structural piece from Gravemaidens, but it does it with a bit more maturity and depth. It is not completely plot or character driven. On the surface the pacing is very much propelled by the action, drama and constant threat of danger. It is the doing, scheming and conflict that is at the heart of plot movement.

However, below those actions are often where the heart of the story lies. And in this Coon shines because melding the two together is no easy feat. Right from the start of the book, before an ear is dangling from a head, a character is dealing with PTSD in a very unhealthy way- through alcohol. This isn't something dealt with lightly nor is it something that just goes away during the course of the book. It is something that has consequences. This isn't the only character dealing with PTSD. However, each is dealing with it in different ways.

Some act out violently, lacking the patience and clarity of mind to plot out a course of action that will best accomplish their own goals, often making everything worse. Some are wallowing so far in guilt over the past that the more they tried to recoup from it, the more they try to take on, the more they suffer and drown and spiral down. And that just makes it worse for everyone around them.

Women's rights continues as a main theme and driving force throughout Warmaidens just as it was in Gravemaidens. Having an all female army, a ceremony where men get to choose wives is a wake-up call for Kammani. Can she both find a way to change these archaic ceremonies but still choose to marry to a man that doesn't see her as property, loves her for being a healer and a complete person?

Lastly, utter and complete grief. It is everywhere throughout this book. The utter amount of loss is palpable and Coon holds nothing back. She puts her characters through every emotion and you go right along with them. The decisions they make, how it clouds their minds and breaks their spirits is immeasurable. One or two characters that, at one point I was even starting to think- look I get, they are strong, they are steadfast, they don't break- finally- even they broke. And that was brave writing because everyone has a breaking point.

Heart And Your Head

There is a saying.... sometimes following your heart means losing your mind. I feel like this was Kammani the entire book. Sometimes I guess we all need to find a balancing act between the two. Lord knows how much easier it is to say than to do. Kammani swings back and forth between each throughout the book, struggling to find the right place and then often dealing with the consequences of those decisions. Whether you agree with where she ends up, in any given point of the book, or at the end? It is the journey that makes her such a vivid character. The people she meets and the visions that plague her have to be reconciled before Kammani's story arc can be completed. That is what ultimately closes her story arc.