This picks up right where book 1 left off, which would be great if I didn't have a huge gap between finishing the first one and starting this one (10 month gap 😅). I prefer to have some kind of refresher in sequels, especially for series that are not completed, so I had a hard time getting into book 2 since I couldn't remember how book 1 left off.

Sunny's inner diologue never fails to make me giggle though.

Somehow, Jayci Lee has outdone herself. I found this book even more riveting than the first, probably because the MC, Sunny, has grown so much. Her character is even more relatable now. She's not quite as stubborn or obtuse, and while she has a hard time dealing with all these feelings, her loyalty shines. The cast of side characters makes me want to hug each and every one of them. While they don't get a lot of page time, when they do the banter is quick and fun - and does a lot to build their relationships.

Narration is beautifully descriptive. The author also does a wonderful job of explaining enough Korean lore to understand its significance, without being a lecture or a knowledge dump. Pacing flows very nicely, with lots of action packed in towards the end. I did find this book spicier than the previous one, though still maybe a 2 out of 5.

I loved the tension between the main character and her love interest, and also the nod towards a love triangle.

Thank you Montlake for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I am once again utterly obsessed with the story of Sunny and Ethan!!!

We start off with Sunny in her suhoshin training arc, even if she doesn’t really want to be suhoshin. She makes friends with Hana and Haesan, even if we don’t see a lot of them or get to know them well, which is a shame because they’re fantastic side characters. We do get to see a lot more of Jihun, Draco, Hailey, and Minju and how they grow alongside Sunny!

We eventually get to the first battle of this story for which it is named, and what a shocker! The battle is really creative and well written, using uncommon methods, and we get to actual strategy! Also really loved seeing Sunny work well with Jihun! I was devastated to lose yet another side character I’d grown attached to despite not knowing her long… but boy, it only gets harder from here..

When we at last get to the main battle, man oh man is it brutal! An unexpected twist reveals a the set up for the next chapter of this saga, while hinting at an explanation for certain things, and also taking another beloved side character from us too soon…

Overall, loved it - fantastic story! Was Sunny a bit cheesy at times? Absolutely. Was it a bit much? Yes, but pretty accurate and realistic of someone with newly discovered romantic feelings.

Can’t wait for the next one!

Jayci Lee, welcome to the fantasy table—and please pull up a throne, because King Foretold is a total power play. Best known for her swoony contemporary romances, Lee dives into YA fantasy like a nine-tailed fox on a mission, blending Korean folklore, modern angst, and just enough magic to keep your heart racing and your eyebrows permanently raised.

Sunny Cho is the reluctant heroine you root for even when she’s kicking and screaming (and occasionally sulking). She’s powerful, prickly, and profoundly relatable. She doesn’t want to be chosen. She wants a nap and maybe a moment of peace with Ethan, her fated-but-forbidden love interest. But alas, destiny calls—and it’s not leaving a voicemail.

The Realm of Four Kingdoms is brimming with intrigue, layered world-building, and peril that feels both epic and personal. There are shadowy betrayals, magical training montages, ancient secrets, and that classic fantasy recipe: a girl, a prophecy, and a choice that could end everything—or save it. Plus, did I mention the slow-burn yearning that hurts so good?

The pacing in the first third wobbles a bit (Sunny trains, Sunny struggles, Sunny broods), but once the stakes rise and the emotional gut punches start landing, the book finds its rhythm and doesn’t let go. Fans of mythology-inspired fantasy (think XOXO meets Shadow and Bone with a side of Descendants of the Crane) will devour this.

Ultimately, King Foretold is a story about embracing identity, facing fears, and rewriting fate—and Sunny Cho proves herself a heroine worthy of legend.

A strong start to what I hope is a long, magical reign in fantasy from Jayci Lee. I’ll be ready with a sword, a snack, and maybe a few tissues for the next installment.

Thank you to Montlake for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I made a faux pas when I requested this book as silly me didn’t realise this book two in a series, it did say on the details but I overlooked that duh. But all was not lost as I have kindle unlimited and was able to download read the first book which I loved. This book picks up after the events of the last book after the battle with Daeseong, Sunny has returned to the Realm of the Four Kingdoms and is very reluctantly training as a cadet suhoshin. She is also trying to learn the magic of the Yeoiju by night, she throws herself into her training while trying to keep Ethan at arms length.

I was really pleased after finishing the first book that I was able to read the second book straightaway, however I am sad as I now have to wait for the next book. This book did not disappoint after reading the first book, it had plenty of action and plot. It was pretty relentless in places as Sunny can’t catch a break, as mentioned in my review for the first book I think Jihun is a much better fit for Sunny, I really liked his character and liked it when we got to see them interact alone. I’m not really warming up to Ethan, I liked him at first in the first book but when the Jade stone of tears broke he was too different to how he’d been before, I’m wondering how the love triangle will be resolved. As you can imagine I’m very invested and very keen to see where the author takes the story next, overall a really well thought out and fleshed out sequel with plenty of plot.

ARC provided via NetGalley – thank you to the publisher!

Unfortunately, I didn’t realize King Foretold was the second book in a series when I picked it up, and I haven’t read book one yet—which I think affected how fully I connected with the story. There were moments where I felt like I was missing some important context, especially around the characters’ backstories and dynamics.

That said, Jayci Lee’s writing is as smooth and engaging as I remembered from the last book I read by her (which I really enjoyed). She knows how to bring emotional stakes and romantic tension to the page, and the characters had strong potential. I just wish I’d started with book one to really appreciate their arc.

I’m still interested in continuing the series—and I’ll definitely go back and read the first book before revisiting this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Jayci Lee for the arc.

This is book 2 of the series and I loved it probably even more than the first one.
It has overall the same vibes, but I found this one to be better paced for my personal tastes. It didn't feel rushed of anything like that, it felt very natural.

The second book in the Realm of Four Kingdoms series

The first book Nine Tailed was one of my favorite books I read last year so I had extremely high expectations for this one and boy did Ms. Lee deliver a second time.

With a base of Korean folklore and mythology Jayci Lee weaves a beautiful tale of longing, power, found family, adventure, and magic.

Sunny is being trained in both magic and combat so when the time comes she, Ethan, and their friends, can defeat the big bad.

I love this series so much. The spice is very tastefully written and the world building is so good. I felt like I was there in the Kingdom of the Sky, and that ending oh my word, my jaw hit the floor.

If you are a fan of mythology, fantasy novels, or KDramas you will love the Realm of Four Kingdoms.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Montlake, and Jayci Lee for my arc of this book. I can’t wait to read the next installment of this perfect series.