Loved it. Although I loved the first one so this wasn't a surprise. I think this one was better than the first just because Kenna had agency and power over herself. And that was where it was better. She was struggling with herself.

And that ending was brutal!

Sequels/second books in a series are hard to do well. Sarah Hawley nails it with Princess of Blood. Delving deeper into the meaning of friendship, love, justice, what it means to be “good”, we are taken on a journey with breathtaking emotion depth and heart, the delicate handling of PTSD and its impact, and how far you are willing to go to save another (or many)- mind body and soul. This novel is filled with courtly intrigue and betrayal and it drives us to consider the morality of the good of the many versus the life of one quandary. As we journey through Mistei in vivid and beautifully written description, we writhe in the intensity and patience of what slow burn romances should all look like. I cannot wait for the next book.

I am sincerely grateful to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House for this ARC.

*This is my true and honest review of “Princess of Blood”. *

WHAT WAS THAT ENDING!?!? I quite literally can’t cope, I was happy and giggly and I saw that I was getting closer to the end and I was a bit worried about that but for some bizarre reason I had hope in my heart that was COMPLETELY DASHED AWAY. Sarah Hawley broke my heart and I will be desolate, wasting away until I can read the next one. No but seriously, this book I have zero notes except how dare you.

If you liked the first one, have no fear, you will most assuredly like this one as well. It’s just as gritty, and dark and delicious as the first and I loved seeing Kenna navigate the world in her new fae body with her new powers. She absolutely slays in this book and I love how power looks on her.

We dive even deeper into the different Fae Courts in this one, and its characters that reside inside. If you were afraid about losing the big bad of book one, worry not, the fae have proven that they will provide. Osiric also haunts the narrative in the way that makes me hate him even more in book 2, if that’s even possible.

The romance in this one, the passion, the longing, the tension! Will she go back to what she knows or takes a chance on something new. I loved it! I love not being 100% certain like I usually am about what’s going to happen in a book because it has that element of the chaotic nature of humans that is very difficult to capture in a book and Sarah Hawley nailed it.

I will be on pins and needles until the next book and I’m praying to all the Shards to be released from this terror ASAP!

Thank you to Ace Publishing, Berkeley Romance and NetGalley for the e-arc! All thoughts and Opinions are my own.

Damn it, Sarah Hawley, I had a feeling this book was going to end in something like that, and you went ahead and did it and now I have to wait - impatiently - for the last book! No notes, I love this series.

- I just really want Kenna & Kallen to bone tbh
- Poor Anya, my heart hurts for her
- & Lara too
- I hope Oriana gets strangled by tree roots
- Drustan can get fucked
- My hatred for him is visceral
- I think I like Gweneira?
- Kallen v Drustan needs to happen at some point so Kallen can knock that fucker on his a s s
- Excellent power move Kenna
- The thought of Drustan & Hector drafting policies to appease Kenna is hilarious
- Oriana is garbage
- Illusion is freaky af
- Yay for more members of Blood House!!
- Kenna my sister in Christ why would you go into a maze of tunnels when the lady who owns them said there would be bad things waiting for you there like come on girl
- Okay fine it was just Kallen but my point stands
- Kalenna 5ever pls
- I really like Kallen
- Sad tortured dark haired man strikes again
- Yes I’m so happy Maude & Triana moved to Blood House
- I’m getting sapphic vibes from Triana & Anya
- Lara is growing, even if she’s still a bit of a brat
- Kenna you need to tell Lara about Selwyn & your role like come on there’s no way this won’t blow up in your face
- Lara pls hold your judgement on Kenna sleeping with Drustan it’s not like she knew any better
- The word boozy feels anachronistic?
- Aidan!! I want things to work out with him & Edric so bad
- Drustan’s goals seem lofty at best & flat out unachievable at worst
- Sus
- Oof Anya went for the jugular on that one
- I think Triana & Lara are good for Kenna
- Imogen gives bad vibes
- It’s a no from me
- Oh great she’s trying to win them over with orgies (or at least I assume that’s what she means by hedonism)
- I stand corrected we seem to be mixing bribery with hedonism
- Kallen would make a decent king
- The man already knows everything
- He only enjoys dancing with her 🥹🥹
- Dammit I wanted Kallen to save Kenna not Drustan ughh
- It irritates me that Drustan is making good points, especially about Selwyn (who deserved better. Like a lot better)
- That wasn’t a terrible recruitment speech, to Kenna’s credit
- People came! Phew
- Nothing says fun like a house of outcasts
- The thought of Kenna taking Kallen on a spying field trip brings me joy
- I am curious about how Blood House Power works
- Philosophy in the tunnels, interesting
- Have I mentioned how badly I want Kenna & Kallen to bone
- Oh here we go Mr « I’m such a horrible person & no will ever love me » come off it mate
- « I do understand wanting » this man says while eye fucking Kenna good lord
- I get that the salamander can induce death but I feel like we could have chosen a slightly more menacing creature?
- Magic that turns off other magic is my least favourite thing like why
- If you have to disable their magic then you’re pretty shitty at fighting people
- *cheers loudly for Kallen*
- Is now the part where Kenna realizes Kallen is madly in love with her because this is killing me
- « I will always kill for you » is basically Kallen’s declaration of love come on
- Kallen *needs* to carry her so he knows she’s safe stop I love him 
- He said please *holds back tears* 
- 35% in which means there is still time for all the things to happen but I am still very nervous about Kalenna 
- Listen I don’t know where the sad boy obsession started but it’s not going away any time soon it’s not my fault 
- *insert deer pulling off hooves gif* Kenna’s imagining him naked hell yes 
- You can practically feel how happy Kallen is to be carrying Kenna like it radiates off the page 
- I am having the time of my life 
- Kenna my girl how are you so bad at this he’s fussing over you because he is in love with you good god the poor man is going to have to spell it out 
- Kallen is absolutely offering to teach Kenna to fight so he can have more excuses to touch her 
- I love how Kenna thinks all of this attention from Kallen is so she’ll choose Hector & not because Kallen wants to shag her senseless 
- Also as a side note: The King’s Vengeance is an amazing moniker 
- Would also be a fun band name 
- Sentient magic is my favourite magic
- Kallen’s hatred of Drustan fuels me 
- Hector as king would be interesting – he seems like much less of a courtier than Drustan which makes me trust Hector more 
- “You are incredibly hard to say no to” please refer to my earlier point of Kallen wanting to shag Kenna senseless
- I’m mildly surprised Kenna took Kallen off the house guest list again but I think the Shard would have reminded her anyways 
- Ha Drustan is literally smoking that’s what you get for being a raging dickhead 
- Drustan needs to mind his damn business like Kenna doesn’t owe you an explanation for spending time with Kallen 
- Okay it’s official I am a Hector fan (I am probably going to regret this) 
- Kallen seems to do a lot glance-sliding 
- Of course Kenna would want to come visit you Kallen like you are sort of friends (Kallen’s infatuation aside) 
- The trial magic is freaky
- Kenna this man has been feeling that “bizarre awareness” for a long time get with it girl 
- I’m dying at the innuendos el oh el
- Do we have a choking kink on our hands *insert eyeball emoji*
- Nothing says love like punching someone in the testicles 
- I’m thinking Kenna is a praise kink with choking kind of girl 
- I hope Markas peed himself a little bit 
- “You weren’t the one to rescue me” take that Drustan
- Kallen was the knight in shining armour 
- Normally I’m very anti-dick-waving contests but this one between Drustan & Kallen is incredibly entertaining 
- *makes popcorn*
- Drustan is the embodiment of a corporate apology that says “I’m sorry you were offended” 
- Illusion magic is freaky as hell I do not like
- Imogen is… intriguing
- Conversely, Rowena & Torin should be thrown into a volcano
- Okay so by intriguing I meant she’s actually a sadist
- I see Anya’s been holding back on us
- Kenna, Kallen is absolutely your friend you just don’t want to admit it because then it can turn into something more
- KALLEN YOU FOOL JUST TELL KENNA HIW YOU FEEL I AM DYING
- « Some dreams are so impossible » like Kenna loving you back?????
- This man I stg
- Ten bucks says Kallen tries to steal that ice sculpture for his room
- Unless Drustan gets a redemption tour I’m backing Hector
- I am very curious about the Hector rumour
- Una is absolutely sousing out how Kenna feels about Kallen because I have a feeling Kallen doesn’t shut up about her 
- Constructed monster is an excellent way to describe the facade of The King’s Vengeance 
- Poor Kenna, her being on her own is sad, especially after being in with the servants
- The Shard reminds me a bit of the Suriel 
- Well if nothing else Drustan continues to irritate the snot out of me 
- “I took it as far as I did because I wanted to” B A R F sir
- Good job Kenna, you use his tricks against him 
- Kallen is jealous with a capital J I am dying the tension between this two may actually be the death of me 
- Okay Mister “I don’t deserve to have what I want” can we pls stop with the self-flagellation & move on to the boning part I am begging you 
- Now we’re getting places Jesus Kenna it only took 24 fucking chapters to use your powers for something useful 
- Kallen you fool did you ever stop to consider that Kenna might actually like you good fucking god 
- *whispers* what you’re feeling, Kenna, is a metric fuckload of UST 
- Imogen you murderous witch I knew I going to have to take back the part where I said I liked you 
- I stg if something happens to Kallen I am leaving
- Okay we’re not allowed to kill people which is marginally better emphasis on the marginally 
- Have I mentioned that this Illusion shit is freaky I feel like I’m watching Far From Home with the evil Jake Gyllenhaal & I am not a fan at all 
- Yay for new house members! 
- Drustan’s gift/offering is sus at best & insulting at worst 
- “I don’t think you can rule but I guess you’d be a decent assistant” like sir what are you doing 
- I think Hector & I would get along well because I too hate pleasantries in all forms 
- Kallen is so down bad like come on man 
- “It hadn’t started because either of us was pure of heart” 
- That’s the point though, you’ve both already seen the harm you can do & have chosen to see beyond that, which I think is quite beautiful 
- This better be a good payoff with all the suspense surrounding Hector’s secret 
- Okay fine hiding changelings is a decent payoff now I need to know more 
- I want to wrap Hector in blankets forever 
- Holy shit this poor man oh my god 
- The only thing I don’t understand is how his past related to the defenseless rumour but I suppose I’ll have to keep reading 
- So not only did this man have to watch the love of his life be strangled in front of him, but he then had to pervert that love into a lie to save his father’s ass good god these Fae are straight up depraved 
- Damn the politicking in this world is fucking unmatched 
- What a horrible end for Eluna but thank god their daughter survived 
- I’m surprised no one picked up on the similarities in names, Eluna & Una, although maybe the Fae aren’t smart enough to consider the union of a Noble Fae & an Underfae 
- I’ve read a lot of horrible things in various fantasy novels (hello Red Wedding) but this one is particularly upsetting for reasons I can’t really explain, even though it’s sort of a happy ending 
- Kallen is v obviously avoiding talking about Hector’s revelation 
- If Kenna wasn’t so damn oblivious I would accuse her of tripping on purpose but she still hasn’t clued into Kallen’s feelings 
- I don’t think I have any other word than mesmerizing to describe Kenna & Kallen’s push & pull it’s so well done 
- Girl is talking to this man about one of his deepest secrets while feeling him up under the guise of massaging his sore muscles this is brilliant 
- & people say Kenna isn’t a strategist 
- Okay we’re getting to the feelings part 
- Any time a dark-haired sad boi says “don’t mistake me for a misunderstood hero” an angel gets its wings 
- Kallen, out of everyone, should know that people can contain multitudes 
- He can be both victim & perpetrator 
- Thought there were only two chapters left but there’s nine phew
- Hector’s lack of interest in showboating makes me trust him more than Drustan
- It’s interesting reading ACOSF at the same time as this book (pure coincidence) because I can see the parallels between Nesta & Anya
- Rowena & Torin make me nauseous
- I don’t know what’s about to happen but I know it’s going to be a very bad time
- They are vile
- I’m glad Kallen found Kenna in the sparring room
- He is uniquely qualified to help her through such horrors
- Please let this sparring end in fucking I am begging pls
- Okay this is going well (& by well I mean I think we’re getting closer to the tension snapping)
- Should have known Kallen would be a blood play enthusiast ngl
- HELL YEAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH
- I am living
- We do not deserve Kallen tbh
- Him confessing how he feels about Kenna is 🥹🥹
- Sarah Hawley how fucking dare you they were so close
- *screams*
- Bro what is happening
- Alright now I’m getting nervous
- I hope learning to fight helps Anya, I really want her to find some path to healing
- Torin & Rowena deserve to die a slow death
- Kallen. My dude. Can we stop. Pls.
- Ughh Drustan fuck off
- Also, sir, you’re in no position to be slut shaming anyone
- Yes Kenna!
- Drustan obviously doesn’t know about Kallen saving the would-be changelings
- Okay fine Drustan gets like half a point for self awareness but I still think he’s a fool
- I’m honestly not sure how I feel about Gweneira
- Yes Kallen now you have to talk about your feelings you giant baby
- My heart aches for Kallen I cannot imagine having to suffer through something like that
- I think this is just a « what I’m used to » thing but reading the word clitoris is somehow worse than reading clit I don’t know why
- There’s something about Kallen being a virgin that I can’t put into words but it makes a lot of sense to me
- I suppose « a core like stone » is marginally better than « velvet wrapped steel »
- Emphasis on marginally
- Alright I have to admit that that scene was worth holding out for
- Why do I feel like something terrible is going to happen to one of them
- There’s no way Kenna declaring for Hector is going to go well
- Kallen’s sense of humour is my favourite
- Drustan isn’t un-astute, I’ll give him that
- « Drustan upsets me by existing » is a vibe
- OH NO
- FUCK OFF
- I don’t know what’s happening but I’m fucking pissed & this is ridiculous SARAH HAWLEY WHY
- Well I hated that ending with all my heart
- If Kallen is dead I stg I’m going to commit crimes
- & now I have to wait like 2 years for book 3 which is a bloody outrage if you ask me

I really enjoyed reading this book! The author did a fabulous job with keeping the story interesting and flowing. I never really liked books that drag on but this book never did! The characters were very unique and I really enjoyed there journey. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know!

What an incredible follow up! When I say I was yelling at my kindle waiting for Kenna and Kallen to kiss I am not even kidding. Sarah really teased us with a slow burn.

Princess in Blood follows up right after Servant of Earth with Kenna having taken over as Princess. The political aspects of this book were quite interesting, as she is so new to the world I felt like it allowed her to be more naive and allow us as the reader to learn more through her. As she builds her house it becomes more clear how power works in Mistei and the lengths that the fae go to to claim power. The bloodthirstiness kept me intrigued and of course that slow burn had me on the edge of my seat.

There was also a dancing scene and I will forever be a sucker for those. Definitely recommend this for fans of "I would burn the world down for you" vibes

I cannot even express in words how thankful I am to have been approved for this ARC. Servant of Earth hit me in a way that I haven't felt for a new series in a really long time, so my excitement for follow-up was tremendous. I think I may have squealed when I saw the approval email.

And thank god--Sarah Hawley hits the landing for Servant of Earth's sequel! We pick right back up where we left off at the end of Servant of Earth, which I loved. I was expecting there to be a big time skip and have Kenna pretty well established Blood House. It was way more intriguing to just continue where we left off and see the fall out of the climax in the last book.

Kenna is one of my favourite MC's in a long time as well. I find her really relatable, as her inner dialogue allows you to see how conflicted she is because she truly wants to do good and make decisions that will help the marginalized groups in this world. Her relationship with Drusten and seeing the fallout from that was really interesting too. He's such a fun character because one second you're thinking maybe he's not all that bad, and then another minute you hate his guts.

Lets talk about the reeaaaaaal best part of this book though. KALLEN. His relationship with Kenna was *chefs kiss* perfect. The pining. The slow burn. Sarah Hawley served it all up.

The only bad thing about receiving this Arc is that the actual book isn't released until later this year, which means I have a LOOOONG wait for the next one, but boy I am excited for the future of this series.

5/5

Sarah Hawley’s, Shards of Magic entraps six opposing fae houses beneath the earth to grasp at power and immortality while prey to the machinations of a merciless king. This series put down precarious roots in Servant of Earth, when Kenna Heron, a young woman, braved the treacherous bogs to cross into the fae lands, becoming servant and spy to the ignoble Earth House. Princess of Blood returns us to a world reeling in the aftermath of a bloody uprising and hinging on a civil war as loyalties sunder and forbidden love takes root within the cavernous underearth. With few weapons in her arsenal Kenna, newly turned fae, stands alone as princess of the broken Blood House. Armed with Caedo, a shapeshifting talking dagger with a thirst for blood, and two unlikely allies—an excommunicated Earth Fae rendered powerless, and a murderous Void Fae and executioner, Kenna will confront her new charge in a world seeking her destruction. I already knew the Shards of Magic series was doing something special back in book one, delicately connecting tropes and story cornerstones to deliver a unique fae touched tale of rebellion and survival. Princess of Blood is where my heart latched onto this series for good. Sarah Hawley brings a sequel into being that is bloody and unapologetic, equal parts brutal as it is a hopeful beacon for change.

Princess of Blood is a calculated dance of moves and countermoves, building to a blood soaked showdown not unlike its predecessor, but singular in its torment. I have this thing where if characters are getting overly optimistic about the future I start to hear alarm bells ringing and that was happening at several points in the final act of this novel. I went into the last few chapters with eyes half closed because I knew Hawley was going to pull something along the lines of the Servant of Earth ending—and I was right to. Currently seeking financial compensation for the emotional damages incurred (Sarah Hawley will pay for her crimes). Even knowing this, Princess of Blood is an all around phenomenal sequel. We get to see these characters challenged by their traumas, surmount difficulties, and ultimately be transformed by its ending. The Shards of Magic series is for the feral woman tearing down a flawed world to build a better one, while being loved for all that they are. In Princess of Blood, Sarah Hawley interrogates the complex morality of immortals and what we owe to those who suffered under the abuses of a crown. With a determined heroine and her bloodthirsty dagger on the scene, Princess of Blood is a chaotic continuation of The Shards of Magic series and will no doubt leave many on the edge as it certainly left me reeling in its wake.

AMAZINGGGGG!!! I loved Servant of Earth, and I loved this even more!!! What a fantastic new fantasy series. This was so much fun, the romance was freaking perfection, the worldbuilding was expertly crafted. I need the next book now!! The fantasy genre is heavily saturated with Fae, but Hawley's series here is a standout. Romantasy fans will devour this.

After reading Servant of Earth, I was desperate to get this book as an ARC, as I couldn't possibly wait till autumn to read it. It's become my favourite romantasy series for this year. It might be my favourite of all time. I really love the plot and how the characters have been developed, as well as the world itself. And the slow-burn was soooooooooo worth it. I don't know how I'm going to cope with having to wait for the next one!

A great follow up. I like the world and the characters - I wish the next one was ready! Very much my jam.

This book completely owned me. If Servant of Earth cracked open the door to Kenna’s world, Princess of Earth kicks it wide open and floods it with tension, heartbreak, and power. It’s the kind of sequel that doesn’t just continue the story but deepens it, complicates it, and makes you feel everything more intensely. I loved how raw and emotional this instalment felt. The writing holds so much nuance. It gives space for stillness and fury, for grief and desire. Kenna’s voice has only grown sharper, more self-aware, and somehow even more vulnerable. I loved that about her. She’s furious and aching and trying so hard not to lose herself in a place that demands too much from her. The romance hit even harder in this book. That slow-burn pull between passion and danger, between wanting someone and not knowing if you can trust them, it’s delicious in the most agonising way. There’s nothing soft or convenient about it, and that’s exactly why it feels so real. Power struggles, twisted loyalties, impossible choices—it’s all here, but what moved me most was the emotional undercurrent. The way love and identity are constantly clashing. I’m in love with this series. Completely. And I know book three is going to break me in the best way.