I enjoyed this book so little that it made me wonder what I saw in the first one, but really the two didn't have much in common. This sequel had much flimsier world building, and rather than seeding lore throughout the story pilled it all up at the end. I had previously found Briony relatable and charming, but in this entry I found her self-centered and fatuous. Also horribly judgemental—and not at all limited to the ways later noted in a chagrined way by the character herself. I thought this book was ultimately pretty misogynist, which was a weird turn. The additional romantic content was nowhere near good enough to make up for everything this tale lacked.

I really liked Asperfell when I read it, and was grateful to receive an ARC of the sequel. Unfortunately, The Forest Kingdom struggled to capture my attention. Partly, the long gap between books meant that I’d forgotten much of Asperfell, so struggled to follow what was happening early. However this book also lacks what I do remember liking about book one, notably the eerie gothic atmosphere. And, maybe it’s just because I’ve read a lot of fantasy since then, but I couldn’t help noticing the lack of diversity relative to other books. I could have kept reading and maybe this book would have gotten an ok rating, but I’d rather a book inspire more in me than ‘meh’.

While I'm definitely sad that I didn't read the first book, I really enjoyed learning about Asperfell and Briony. This book is a really interesting and captivating read!

Quote: "I do not think ignorance can ever be an advantage, no matter what the circumstances."

Pros: Excellent world building and good writing.

Cons: Just like in the first book, there is little to no diversity in this book. The pacing was much slower than the first book, and it took getting to the halfway mark for the plotline to actually start picking up. Even though Briony and Elyan are together now, Elyan is still a but of an asshole and constantly disregards Briony and treats her like she's careless and a burden at times. The story started to get a bit political and went down a pro life path where the main character, Briony, shamed a woman for wishing to end her pregnancy and it awful and the death of a child. I get everyone has their different political views, but this could have been handled a bit more gracefully, and honestly made me DNF the book.

Content Warnings: Talks of abortion.

Overall Rating: 3 star DNF (stopped at chapter 18/58%)

P.S. I received an arc copy to read and review before the official publishing of ths book. That being said this is an honest review with honest opinions.

3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

As I had not read the previous book Asperfell, it did take me awhile for the book to get going for me. Once I got into it’s world and characters, it was an enjoyable read. All the characters were well written and there are several twists that kept me wanting to continue reading. Will be looking forward to the next book!

Many thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Uproar Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Asperfell was one of the first books I ever reviewed on NetGalley. I was captivated from the start and loved Briony and Elyan and their relationship and quest to return him to the usurped throne. After that ending I was not sure where a sequel would go, would they make their way back fast to Tiralean or would they have a detour. Well, this one had a detour, which can frustrate the reader as you don’t get momentum in the story. However, this detour is a doozy and I think I actually liked The Forest Kingdom more than Asperfell, something which I didn’t think possible.

The Forest Kingdom is linked with Asperfell, having been established by escaped prisoners. The magic here is strange, the palace opulent and the occupants live in a bubble of food, drink and pleasure of all forms. Briony is visited by a long dead goddess and she fights to uncover the secrets of this place while Elyan tries to find the cave they seek to go back to their world. You knew going in that our little band of found family would shake this place to the core and they don’t disappoint. I love the character development of Phyra, Arlo and Thaniel in this book. They became so much more than side characters in this and left their mark on the pages. I also loved the relationship development not only between the characters we already knew but also with new ones.

My only super minor issue is that I read Asperfell too long ago to remember some plot points and a recap would have helped. Some of the details were sprinkled throughout the book but it would have been handy to have. I probably should have reread the last few chapters of the first book before diving in.

This was a super fast read and now I can’t wait until the final book in the trilogy to see where the author takes this.

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @thatjamiethomas for letting me read this ARC!! It comes out August 24th, so mark your calendars!
Wow, this sequel made me love everything about this trilogy even more! My heart was racing and melting at different parts of the story and I read the last half so quickly.
Pretty sure Elyan has my heart and Briony is super relatable for me so I can’t help but keep rooting for her and feeling sympathetic for her and all the challenges she faces during the book.
I love the world building and the magic lore that we get in this book, it built wonderfully from the first and I need the final instalment asap!!
The queer representation was beautiful and heartbreaking and adorable, I loved how it was brought about and discussed within this fantasy world.
I loved getting to see our main characters’ development and more of their magical aptitudes, they are all so unique and cool!
The twists and turns throughout the story and with some of the characters was amazing and it was thrilling to watch everything pan out.
More people need to read these books, it’s a great ya fantasy- and it doesn’t rely on a love triangle which I love! Please read these so I can rave about them with you 😇

Wow… I actually hadn’t read Asperfell before this so had to get through that first. :) This story… is just incredible! The journey that Jamie takes you on is incredible. I won’t lie- I got so mad at both Elian and Briony because they are so stubborn!
The character development is incredible as you follow everyone on their journey to get back home. It’s such an adventure and it’s been a while since I stopped reading a book and still felt I was in the story.

You have magic and all kinds! So many twist and turns that you are unsure who you can trust. So well written that the kingdoms just seem to come to life. I am SO excited for the 3rd book to come out now!

I just finished and I’m still coming to terms with everything. If you want in depth characters and adventure then I highly recommend!

Asperfell is one of my favorite books of all time, but The Forest Kingdom may be even better. I became completely immersed in this world from the beginning of the first book, but the sequel added so much more intricate detail into the world. I absolutely loved the descriptions of the Forest kingdom as well as the society and hidden magic Briony and her friends encounter. I became so much more attached to Phyra and Arlo in this book, who I had been fairly neutral about in Asperfell. I loved seeing Briony come into her own magic and fight for what she believed in. I’m so very excited to read the conclusion to this trilogy; these books are honestly the best I’ve ever read.

I am so glad to have found The Forest Kingdom on Netgalley because without this eArc I would never have heard of the Asperfell Trilogy.

The Forest Kingdom is a spectacular sequel to Asperfell. Leaving the prison behind, we are exposed to a whole new world of magic and beautiful settings. The forests of snow and hidden creatures, homes of rock and moss and cities built within towering trees stirred memories of Narnia. Deadly creatures prowl the night and a strange, unknown magic stirs.

Much the same as it's predecessor, The Forest Kingdom is layered with secrets and mysteries. Within the gilded palace of Syr' Aliem, frivolity and decadence mask a horrifying secret. We take a slightly darker turn with some very confronting events. There are some wonderful developments to character relationships and they really have become found family.

I found myself captivated by Asperfell and The Forest Kingdom is an excellent addition to the series.

The Forest Kingdom was a great sequel to Asperfell, following Briony, Elyan and more as they attempt to return to Tiralaen. They encounter appealing luxury and horrifying secrets, unexpected kindnesses and many surprising developments. Briony is what you look for in a main character; compassionate and strong willed, with good morals and a kind heart. Jamie Thomas has a wonderful writing style, causing me to laugh and cry on multiple occasions. It is clear she has put much effort into the book, coming up with unique themes, detailed descriptions and emphasised the importance of friends and family throughout. All of the characters were extremely well written, and overall I would recommend The Forest Kingdom, and cannot wait for the next book in the trilogy!

All hail the Forest Kingdom! The sequel to Asperfell did not disappoint. I was captivated from beginning to end in Jamie Thomas's fantasy world. The journey that this book has taken was incredibly written and so well thought out. Our heros take a pit stop on the way to save their own kingdom, only to find there are others in need of saving.
Thomas is a master of writing detail! I did not struggle to visualize this world in my mind. Many times fantasy stories can be confusing as the world building takes place, but that is not the case here, which I loved.
The Forest Kingdom has several twists and turns which makes the readers predict and answers all the questions before the end so that readers are left with a sense of closure. Thomas also sets up the next book perfectly.
Briony, the MC, is stubborn and strong headed. She refuses to accept the role that is expected of her as a young woman and although she isn't the most powerful Mage in the story, she journeys to find her voice and purpose with her powers while navigating the confusing waters of love. She is no damsel and makes her own choices. A wonderfully complex MC.
My only critique is that the next book is not out yet!
In all seriousness, this series is addictive, and once it is complete will be something that readers finish smoothly in a weekend only to enjoy again and again.
5 stars. I am highly anticipating the conclusion to this series and hope for some spin off books that focus on some of the side characters as they are all so well written and all have intriguing back stories. Any one of them would be perfect for a stand alone.