*Review will be published October 2nd!**

SOLID CONCLUSION.

3.5 stars

This was a good conclusion, not great, but good.

I loved being back in this world and was stoked that I got to see more of it! There were a lot of travelling aspects to KOSAS, allowing for a much bigger map view. I would even love spin-offs in other areas because I wanted to spend time all over this land.

What didn’t fit in line was the romance (or lake thereof?). It was a pretty big piece in the first book, and this one made it feel stilted and stuffed in. Nor struggled the entire time with her feelings and frankly, I felt bad for Talin. More communication would have really enlightened everything. Or honestly, I was way more into a ship with a different character.

The ending felt a bit trivial with how the villain story-line went down. I thought it was anti-climatic to everything they had done in the first book. It could have used something else to add to it.

I liked that Nor was more vulnerable and open once she saw the world around her. Her strength helped her make some tough choices, but her love for her family (especially her sister) was always clear. Nor had a lot of personality and learned to love herself, flaws and all. The ending did wrap everything up, I didn’t feel like their were loose ends. It ended the way the book was definitely leading up towards, which some might love and others not.

The writing was still beautiful and made for a quick read. I’m excited to see what other stories Rutherford will write.

Overall audience notes:

Young adult fantasy
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Violence: battle scenes, murder, physical; not intensely gory/bloody

This was a perfectly delightful read, and I appreciate the closure it brought to Nor’s story. I absolutely loved A Crown of Coral and Pearl, the first book in this duology, and this sequel did not disappoint!

The bond between Zadie and Nor seemed stronger than ever, and I loved our introduction to several new characters. One of them, a young lady named Adriel, was attracted to other women, and it was nice to have that subtle inclusion in the book. Zoi was the absolute embodiment of a sweet little four year old girl, and Roan was a perfect example of an oxymoron with his being a narcissistic empath. As a reader, we also got to learn a bit more about Ceren and his unhappy childhood. I actually felt somewhat sympathetic for him, which is truly remarkable considering the terrible things he’s done. As far as characters go, this book nailed it!

I also think Mara Rutherford did a great job of humanizing Nor. Nor experienced a lot of insecurity and doubt in this book, and her gradual self acceptance was a great way to show character development. I would have liked for her to be a little more confident in herself, especially in the beginning, but she was still a great main character.

I also can’t finish this review without commenting on the rich setting this story takes place in, and how well written the book was as a whole. Illara was a whole new world, and Rutherford’s descriptive writing style really went a long way in bringing it to life.

Kingdom of Sea and Stone was an absolutely delectable book, and one which I highly recommend to readers. Mara Rutherford didn’t disappoint!

I received an ARC of this book curtesy of Netgalley, opinions are my own.

I loved the map. When Not and Zadie turn thirteen they get to see the floating market and outside of Varenia. I like the name Zadie. They are identical twins. Nor has a large visible scar though . I was hooked from the beginning. It's believed nor will try injure Zadie to take her place in Illara. Nor has been locked away in a dungeon. Talin and not have a special bond. Everyone is surprised when Zadie returns with Nor. Nors blade was left in Cerenes chest. I loved the characters especially Nor. The governor wont speak to nors family after Samis abduction. There is hope Sami is still alive. I liked the surprises and twists. Nors plans are complicated when the news breaks. Nors life and Talins may be in danger.

There were definitely parts I didn’t like and for that I am sad since this is the end of the story. However, there were so many good things about this book that it’s hard to stay too mad. I loved all the new characters and Nor’s blossoming glow up. I loved her and Talin’s deepening relationship, even though I was not completely satisfied where it ends up. Her tenacity for experiencing life and living to the fullest is absolutely admirable. The battle scenes, while rated PG and scarce, added a little bit of grit to the story that helped bump up the tension. I could have used a bit more closure at the end but that's more of a personal need for me in anything I read. This was a beautiful world to be a part of and I look forward to what this author brings to the table in the future.

This novel continues where the first novel left off. Nor is battling her own guilt of what she did to Ceren, even though he abused her. She thinks things will go back to normal, but the people of Varenia believed she schemed her way to becoming the bride of the prince of Ilara. But the unexpected happens and Nor, Zadie, and Talin have to flee. Nor has always wanted to be free and have adventures, but she never thought they would be fleeing for their lives. As they travel to their destination, they meet old friends and form new ones, but no one wants to get involved in a war. Rumors run amok, and the truth could ruin the illusions once had. Nor will make drastic choices to save those she loves, even though many despise her. When Nor discovers what has caused her enemy to become more powerful, she knows only she can stop the enemy. But are they substituting one ruler for another or can mistakes of the past be used to create a better future?
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.