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!

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!