A Scar in the Bone starts right in the middle of the action - Tamslyn is mourning her losses and struggling to adjust to life in the dragon horde. If you haven't read A Fire in the Sky, I'd recommend going back and starting with that one - this book not only expands on themes in that book, but Tamslyn's journey is a lot more impactful when you see where she's come from.

The first book began with Tamslyn in a helpless position, put in an arranged marriage for the good of the kingdom, and really made some interesting metaphors on dragon shifting as a freedom from expectations and the transactional nature of how many women were historically treated. Scar of the Bone continues that, with Tamslyn quickly realising that women in the dragon pack may not have the freedom she hoped for.

I loved the complex relationship that Tamslyn had with her family in the first book, and so I was glad to see her sister Alisa cameo, even if I wish we had more of a sense of what was going on with the rest of her kingdom. Tamslyn develops a sister like relationship with teenage dragon Kiersten, and Jordan really shines when it comes to relationships with women.

For fans of the love story, they may be disappointed that the two are separated for most of the book (and that Tamslyn considers moving on), but I hope that Jordan continues the series. The ending of the book seems to imply there is more story to tell, and this book really felt like a middle chapter - I'm excited to see what Tamslyn and Fell can do as shifters together.

I'd recommend this one to fans of Sarah J Maas or Rebecca Yarros. Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager for the early copy.

I hate to say this, but I didn’t love this book. It just wasn’t for me. I tried multiple times to get past the main character's annoyance or the lack of plot. It just didn’t stick. I could not believe where it went. I felt very confused and annoyed throughout the beginning toward the middle. That’s not a good thing when reading a sequel in a series. It just isn’t sitting the same as the previous one. Even though it wasn’t for me, you may enjoy it much more than me.

This is a follow up to Sophie Jordan's A Fire in the Sky-- her first bout with romantasy. Unfortunately, the series has been lackluster. I don't hate it, but I also don't look forward to the next one. I'm not super invested in these characters, so I'm not in suspense of what will happen next.
It could just be that I'm not a huge fan of Sophie's writing so other's may feel differently about this book. It just so happens that I read this right after I read Juliette Cross's Firebird-- another dragon-shifter romantasy-- and that blew this one out of the water.

Summary:
For some strange reason, we start the book and the main character, Fell, has died. In fact, he's been dead for a year. (Writing this, I now know why I wasn't a fan of the story). Tamsyn is living with Fell's brother and his pride. Said brother, who I forget the name, has the hots for her and she's confused because they are identical twins. It just gets cooky after that. Homegirl Tamsyn, decides-- after A YEAR-- to go looking for Fell, The rest you gotta read, but at this point int he story you have like 50 pages left.

I had high hopes for this book after the previous one. We were left off with a pretty interesting cliffhanger and I was excited to see what came next. But I was a little disappointed when I opened the book and to see that a year had passed since the last book. Currently, Tamsyn has been with this dragon pride for a year and in that team Fell apparently is “dead”. However, the bond she feels with him is still there and those around her are telling her it’s an echo and that it will go away. So she has trained and tried to fit in but never feeling quite right about it all. She has an opportunity to see how outside the pride and realizes how much has changed for the worse since she and Fell had left. And eventually, Tamsyn finally listens to her instincts and decides to do what she wants. I started getting more into the story not until the very end where Tamsyn finally heads out to search for Fell. Before that, it just felt like we missed so much and I wanted us to go back. Tamsyn it took a while for her to really start standing up for herself and say what she wanted. I was happy when she finally did. She became a much stronger character because of that. Not sure if this series is quite done yet. That epilogue feels like we have some open-ness to it. So it will be interesting to see if it continues.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hopefully I'm not giving anything away. Thanks, NetGalley for the ARC. I loved the first book A Fire in the Sky which was a five-star read for me so I thought I would like this one as well. Unfortunately, I didn't like it as much. I did discover while reading this book that I have a pet peeve and that is every chapter had Tamsyn's name instead of just saying chapter and the number which I understand why because for over half the book it is told from her POV but it bugged me so bad that I almost didn't continue the book and if the first book was like that I simply did not notice but I really love the main characters Fell and Tamsyn and I was hoping it would pick up right where the first book ended but it didn't. I feel like that is a lot of the reason why I didn't enjoy this book as much. Because there was a gap between the ending of the first book and the beginning of this one. That I was left with trying to remember new characters that almost as soon as they were introduced, I would pretty much forget who they were by the time they would be mentioned again. So not enough character development in this book for me. Although because of what this book was about. I can understand why it was written that way and why the author had to skip ahead instead of picking up right where the first book ended. Even though I figured out what was going to happen early on. I still enjoyed it and while I didn't fly through it as quickly as I did the first book, I still thought it was a quick read. So that is why I am giving it four stars instead of the 3 stars I was originally going to give. Also, I am hoping for a third book I'm not sure if this is just a two-book series, but I really would like to continue to dive into this world as well as continuing my journey with Sophie Jordan whom which I have never read till I read A Fire in the Sky.

I really wanted to love this book 🥲 A Fire in the Sky was a 5 star read for me this last year so I did go into this one with pretty high expectations. However, I feel like there were quite a few things that knocked this book’s rating down to a 3.5 for me.

For starters, I was SO confused at the beginning. Without giving anything away, I had to go back and reread the last few pages of the first book to make sure I didn’t miss a MAJOR plot point. And it turns out I didn’t, the author just decided to take the plot in a very different direction and we find out about it after the fact in a very round-about way.

This brings me to my next point….I didn’t love losing the dual POV narrative. I really fell in love with Fell in the first book because of his chapters! And I understood his and Tamsyn’s relationship much better through these glimpses from the both of them.

Tamsyn quickly became one of my favorite romantasy FMC’s but for some reason her character just fell a little flat for me during this book. I loved the idea of a quest but the stakes ultimately never really felt that high. I wish we would have gotten more from the year we lost between books, it probably would have made me much more empathetic to Tamsyn’s situation.

The ending of the book also confused me just as much as the beginning…..I have so many questions. First and foremost, will there be another book?? The epilogue mentions a few things that feel super open-ended but others felt very final. I would love another book if only to know what happens to the main characters and also the witches!!! I want more about the witches!! So, Sophie please give us more!

Absolutely devoured the first book, however this one fell a little flat for me. It felt a bit icky with Fell’s twin brother in the mix and him convincing her that he died… I just really do not enjoy any sort of cheating even if she thinks he is dead idk. That just really bothered me and this was one of my most anticipated books of the year.

Let's be real, I read this because of the cover. But the story itself captivated me. I am newer to reading fantasy so I wasn't sure what I was getting into but I actually really liked it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this advanced copy of A Scar in the Bone.

Unfortunately this book is a 2 out of 5 stars for me. It was rough. The book starts a year later, which I think was the first disservice. We didn’t get to see Tamsyn in her grief, or her initial join with the Pride.
Then the first 3rd of book is so boring, literally Tamsyn does nothing to protect herself, gets beaten almost to death, and the brother does nothing to help her.
Then it’s like bordering sexual coercion with his twin brother by like encouraging by her to replace her husband with him? I don’t know. This felt weird to me. Especially the scene where they kissed.
Then on top of that, you tell me he’s been buried alive this whole time and then just comes out of it in peak health? Ready to fight? Meanwhile she was unconscious for 6 weeks and needs weeks to recover. It just doesn’t make sense.
The ending chapter was really vague. I can’t tell if that was the end of the series or hinting towards book 3?

I don’t know. This was not good. I don’t know if I’ll read book 3 if there is a book 3.

Wow! When I received this book I had no idea it was book 2, so I quickly purchased book 1. When I tell you I devoured both books! This series is incredible! Dragons, witches, and more! Enemies to lovers and packed with action! I can’t wait for more.

I liked it. I'm not raving and yelling from the rooftops for everyone to read it though.

I was so excited to get back into this world, and to see where Fell and Tamsyn's journey took them next. I was confused and a little bit disappointed to find no Fell when I dove in. I think the story is good, but I think we went far too long without their reunion. There was too much Tamsyn hurting/grieving in relation to the reunion and aftermath of her getting Fell back. That's not to say just Tamsyn's story was too long or too much, but for the amount we got, the book should have been longer, to give more of the "after" period as well. It felt rushed after Fell was retrieved.

I've heard this is a duology. If so, I don't feel like this book had enough. If there is another book coming (and the ending/epilogue definitely seemed to leave it open for this possibility), I still really enjoyed the book, even though we needed more Fell.

Well folks it finally happened, I finally found my most disappointing read of 2025. What’s even sadder was I never expected it to come from A Scar in the Bone. The first book in this series A Fire in the Sky was one of my favorite reads of 2024. And its sequel was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. The first book in this series made you fall in love with Tamsyn & Fell’s story. It was full of adventure, magic and romance. But then book two literally felt like someone took an UNO REVERSE card and threw everything away that was so magical about the first book. Also random side thing this is supposed to be a duology. But instead it leaves the readers with an open ending that’s confusing and honestly fella like a cash grab.

My first big issue with the book was the massive time jump. I’ll be honest I didn’t read book twos blurb I just jumped in and expected the book to pick up where FIRE left off. So as you can expect I was horribly confused when I realized the events happening in SCAR take place a year later. Now once I got a hang of it I understood Tamsyn more especially with her desire to fit in to Vetr’s pride. But as the book continued to progress it became painfully obvious that nothing was really happening nor were there any explanations. I was really hoping to see Tamsyn coming into her own and empowering herself. But we hardly got any of that until the last 25% of the book. But by then it’s like the author realized oh we should probably get back to the plot and wrap this up.

Overall, the book had no real direction. So sadly if there is another book in this series I won’t be reading it. I do want to thank NetGalley & Avon Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

I was so excited to read this sequel after loving the first book, alas I’m left with confused feelings.

The story itself was well written, and I found following Tamsyn interesting as she adapts to her new life in a completely foreign community.

I am however slightly perplexed by the direction the plot line took. It feels sort of like when an author writes a first draft of a story then decides it should maybe go in a different direction later and the first draft doesn’t see the light of day.

To be clear it’s absolutely not bad and I was intrigued reading it. I will also definitely be reading any follow up books. However for such a promising first book this plot just wasn’t everything I had hoped for in a sequel it pains me to say. I would be interested in hearing the author talk about why she decided to take the story in this direction.

I also realized I was absolutely projecting other main character men onto Fell which wasn’t fair and also very not right.

Overall I don’t regret reading it and will definitely be reading more as they come out. Perhaps they will explain everything that was decided this time plot wise.

Perhaps 3.5 stars for now? With the ability to change my mind later if I want.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I would say this is probably a 3.5 star for me. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I did the first book. During my read I felt like this was a filler book, but by the end I'm confused as to whether or not there will be another book? I did not like how this book started. The first book ended on a huge cliffhanger and I was so shocked and confused when I started this book because it felt like a completely different book. There isn't much I can say without it being too spoiler-y. I do like the FMC and I did enjoy reading about her thoughts and character development, but I just needed more. Overall I did have a good time reading this book. I still think it's a good/easy fantasy book. The world building is still fairly easy to follow and who doesn't like dragon shifters. If there is another book, I will read it, if that tells you anything. There was just too much disappointment for me to give this a 4 star or higher.

I did my review on good reads already, It took me a minute to get into this book but the dual pov is what got me into continuous reading, the plot and story line without given spoilers too much was interesting from my other reads but in a good way a lot of action packed into this book, some spice I am curious to know how it ended if this story will continue?

A Scar in the Bone picks up one year after the events of A Fire in the Sky, with Tamsyn living among the pride in the Crags and Fell missing from her side. She’s surrounded by a new cast of characters - untrusting and relentless - most notably Vetr, the pride’s alpha, who takes a keen interest in her as she struggles to adapt while quietly longing for Fell.

Much like the first book, I was drawn in by the fast-paced writing and engaging storyline - there’s a twist within the first 10% and plenty of action sequences to follow. And the settings? Moody, mist-filled, gem-laden caves in the Crags, and snow-blasted mountain peaks under a lingering squall. If you’ve seen any of my recent snowy hike posts on IG, you’ll know these were exactly my kind of landscapes.

And then there’s Tamsyn. With Fell gone and no true allies within the pride, we finally get to see her step into herself - resilient, determined, and ready to take charge of her own destiny. I also got a kick out of her younger, sassy female companion and appreciated the true villain arc assigned to Stig - the author did her job. I really hate that guy. And as for Vetr? I don’t want to spoil anything…you’ll have to read it!

This installment also features one of my favorite tropes: a quest. As a romance-first romantasy, the journey is love-driven, with her dedication to others coming second - but it’s not without moments of heroism that stand apart from the romance - acts that ultimately aid her own journey and bring her closer to helping her people. My only wish? A deeper understanding of the dragon lore - particularly how human traits persist in dragon form. That part felt less developed than the reverse, leaving me with questions in the final chapters, but it didn’t diminish my fun.

Fans of romance-first fantasy with rich atmosphere, emotional stakes, and fierce heroines will love where this sequel takes Tamsyn’s story. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

If you were ever into animal shifter books this one may be for you because dragons .

The opening chapter brings the reader into a world of dragons, change and loss.

The first half of the book is about loss, the desire to learn and be a part of something but always being on the outside and not feeling good enough. This feeling of not belonging dominated more than loss.

She's been told her husband is dead. It's been a year. The group's leader, aka her husband's twin, wants her to move forward with him. What will she do?
It's not a feel good book for vibes given but there is some Romance. (His recovery with no lingering consequences seems suspect. And his 100% it's ok what happened when you thought I was dead acceptance but otherwise seems fast but ok story wise) It definitely is full of secrets/betrayals, enemies (old/new) and battles.
Side note: The speech sounds like a foreigner who learned a new language sometimes .

A Scar in the Bone was a very quick read, and while there was resolution for many of the conflicts, I felt like there were a lot of holes and unanswered questions in it. I won’t go into them here because my questions include a ton of spoilers. I liked Fell’s character in both this book and the first in the series, and Tamsyn’s growth was pretty solid as well. The plot is jam-packed with action…there’s constantly something happening and no real downtime. The epilogue hints at several unresolved details, so I’m wondering if that means there might be another book in the series, or possibly a companion novel/series focusing on different characters, and if so, I’d absolutely read it. If you’re looking for an epic, life-altering romantasy, this probably isn’t it, but if you want a well-written (despite the holes), sexy, enjoyable story, I think this fits that description.

This second book picks up a year after book 1. You are introduced to what life is like now for Tamsyn, and then given a glimpse as to what happened a year ago and where she’s at now. There’s a lot of catching up to do in order to we where things are at now and why they are they way they are for Tamsyn.

Even a year later, she doesn’t really fit in with the pride. She has started to learn a bit about the dragons she’s with, and has worked to strengthen her body with training. It’s in this beginning portion that we see her run into Stig again and things finally start to pick up.

There was a lot of traveling and seeing things from Tamsyn’s side of things. I kind of wish it had been a but more like the first book, where Fell’s character had a strong sense of being. Overall, this felt like a bridge in a trilogy, a middle book to get to the last book.

I loved the first book and enjoyed this one as well, but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting or hoping for. If there’s ever another book in this world, I do plan on reading it.

There are still a lot of questions I have as a reader, and I hope at some point that the author writes another book or maybe some short stories to answer some questions that came up that weren’t answered in this book - namely, what happened with Alise? There seemed to be a hint near the end, but then it was just dropped. What’s Kerstin’s fate, and how is she doing? Was there a point to the epilogue, or is that a hint for something in the future? It was a bit confusing as to what it’s purpose was.

I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, it’s definitely an easy and addictive read I found myself flying through large parts of it in just a few sittings. The dragon lore and the layered backstory were genuinely intriguing and kept me invested throughout the book.. The first 100 pages of this book were tough for me - I *do* think they were necessary to set up the remainder of the book and to set things in motion, but I did struggle, initially. The next 200 pages, however, flew by.

Tamsyn is back stronger and fiercer. As an outcast in her new pride we see her struggling to adapt to her new reality. Constantly training in the arena, (outnumbered at times) and doing everything pride members are expected to do but she still doesn’t fit in. My heart definitely hurt for Tamsyn as I watched her long for Fell.

We also see her face difficulties in learning and accepting the culture of dragon kind, highlighting her differences with the pride. The world-building expands significantly from book one. The author paints a clearer picture of the dangers lurking beyond the safety of home. While not action-packed the suspense was well maintained.