The second book in The Fate of Crowns series picks up where the first book left off. Winter must flee her home and seek refuge in the most unlikely of places. Captured and imprisoned by King Xenos, Winter suffers unimaginably before she is freed by the King’s son.

Winter is offered a way to reclaim her throne – marry the prince of Berovia. Winter knows that the lives of her people will be irrevocably changed if she agrees to the union. However, she is determined to become queen. Is there a way for her to become queen without an arranged loveless marriage? Winter’s decisions take her on an epic journey across vast lands and an even bigger journey of self-discovery.

Much like the first story, Winter’s character development is one of the highlights of the novel. She deals with so much throughout this story – trauma, grief, loss, abuse, guilt, anxiety, and more haunt her, but she is determined to do right by her people and kingdom. Winter is a survivor, and though she struggles with her feelings, she refuses to let them consume her.

I also like how the author shows Winter’s anxiety and how it affects her physically and emotionally. She has unexpected panic attacks, her mind races, and she has moments when everything becomes too much and all-consuming. At one point during a panic attack, Winter can’t breathe, and she thinks she is dying. She doesn’t realize that it is her anxiety. I found this aspect of her character very realistic and relatable, and I love how the author integrated this into the story. Winter is fierce, strong, and intelligent – a leader and a role model. However, she also has vulnerabilities and struggles that sometimes severely affect her. She’s a well-layered and well-developed character who continues to grow and fight for herself and others.

Characters like Blaise, Cedric, and Morgana are developed more intricately as well. The story delves more into their pasts and presents, giving the reader a more complete view of each person. I’m still torn about many of these characters, as the line between good and evil remains unclear. There are few characters that I believe are truly loyal to Winter. Ulterior motives, political ambition, and the desire for power cloud many of the character’s true intentions.

The political intrigue, maneuvering, and turmoil heightens in this story and is leading to an epic battle for the kingdom. I can’t wait to see what happens when Winter returns to her land and confronts her cousin! I’m also excited to learn more about Blaise’s curse and whether Winter can help him. I’m still rooting for Blaise and Winter even though the odds are stacked against them.

Winter’s love life is another interesting aspect of the novel. In the first book, the focus was primarily on the relationship between Winter and Blaise. However, as the story progresses, there are several potential love interests. I find this very fitting, as it parallels Winter’s tumultuous, complex, and confusing life.

The men in her life are so different from each other, and they each have something different to offer her. Does Winter want safety, comfort, convenience, or passion? Who does she truly want to be with? Must politics interfere with her romantic choices? Winter has to decide what is most important to her before she can make a decision.

This is an action-packed story that kept me on the edge of my seat. Filled with mystery, suspense, and some nail-biting scenes, there is never a dull moment, and I love it! Thanks so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and Rebecca L. Garcia for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a pretty good sequel! I'd like to note that in the first part of the novel, like 1/4 through while Winter was traveling, the dialogue between her and her traveling companions seemed quite forced and not written very naturally to me, which I mean you write depending on the situation, but it just seemed written a little odd to me, especially because the dialogue throughout the rest of the novel is perfectly fine.
Aside from that I really enjoyed Winter's development. You could see it with the first book, and you can see it even more with this book. I think in particular it is interesting to see Winter interacting with the Prince of Berovia because you can really tell how people are influenced depending on where they live, how they were raised, and you can really tell that Winter is growing as a character and coming out of this set in one way of thinking that she could tell that the Prince did not really know what was going on in his Kingdom and just went with whatever his father said, much like she did in the beginning of the first novel.
I also liked how short the battle scene was. I tend to just kind of skim through battle scenes, especially when they are long, because for some reason I just can't make myself read all of that, I know it's a battle so may as well just get to the end of it, so I'm glad it was not drawn out.
I do think I would have liked to know about Edgar a little more, his character wasn't really developed at all so he didn't really seem like a real threat in the book honestly, but I do understand that this book is written from Winter's perspective therefore you're only reading from her ways of perceiving things.
I also enjoyed Winter's struggles with both Blaise and Cedric. This struggle in her mind that she loves both, but one more than the other, but her mind is also trying to choose the safe choice, even though she wants the other.
I think this was a great sequel, and even though Winter got what she wanted in the end of this book, there's still more to the plot and it isn't an unnecessary addition to the plot that got added, which I've noticed some fantasy novels do add, just to add more to the story. This one is an actual relevant next part to the plot, which I hope will work for another sequel.

The Princess of Nothing -The Fate of Crowns Series, Book #2 is equally as compelling as the first book in the series. It doesn't like many second books in a series falter, it adds more to the story and you get to know the world and Winter even more. One of the things that is enjoyable is seeing Winter, develop, mature and grow as the series continues, Winter is a character that has lots of depth and it's nice to see her grow.

The saga continues as Winter fights for throne, her people, and struggles with the desires of her heart.

Book one hooked me, and the second installment in this fantastic series is no different. Intrigue, battles, love, and more fill the pages of The Princess of Nothing. If you're ready to begin an epic journey fraught with danger, death, and love, you can't go wrong with The Fate of Crowns series.

Winter fights for what she believes in, and will stop at nothing to reclaim her crown. Change is in the air, but it's not the type the people need. With her cousin on the throne, the ways of the lunas have been threatened and will soon be a thing of the past. Unless Winter can find the courage and strength to take back what's rightfully hers.

I enjoyed getting to see Winter grow. With each story, she matures a little more, and becomes more worthy of the crown she's destined to wear. In book one, we saw her start as a spoiled child who believed everything she'd been told, refusing to question the beliefs she held dear were tainted. Until she met Cedric and the light fae opened her eyes to the world around her. In book two, she continues her journey of self-discovery, and learns more about herself and the world around her. By the end, Winter has grown from a spoiled girl to someone who wants to fight for the injustice of not only her people, but others who are treated unfairly. 

Winter is full of passion and determination. But with anyone faced with such a heavy burden, she also has her doubts. She gains strength from her best friend, as well as the dark fae king and Cedric, her light fae prince. The secondary characters in this story add a richness to the book and help suck you into the world of magic. 

As with the first installment, this one ends in a cliffhanger. While I typically dislike them, I find with The Fate of Crowns series, they only make me eagerly anticipate the next book. I can't wait to see what's in store for Winter, Cedric, and even Blaise in book three. Very well done, Ms. Garcia! You've crafted another masterpiece.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read The Princess of Nothing.

Still waiting for my heart to catch up with my whirling thoughts. My heart still feels like it was tossed in a blender and set to purée. But holy crap, what a ride!! That’s what I call a sequel! 

I loved everything about this book. Winter has grown so much since we last saw her at the end of Crowns. I’m so proud of her!! But my heart also aches for her as her own heart continues to be pulled in all directions: I mean that in more ways than one. 

The battle between Winter and her cousin Edgar was also well-written, quick and to the point without being tediously drawn out. I’m also glad that our main characters live to see another day at the end. Thank god!!! Those last chapters towards the end were brutal on the feels. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review. I’m very excited to see where the story goes from here. I’ll be waiting anxiously for book 3!