Forged in Flame and Shadow is book 2 in the Fated to the Sun and Stars series by the gifted Zara Storm. Ana is getting better and better at using her power when she learns that it might can do even more than she knew. It turns out that her power can also heal some that are on the brink of death. Even with her new ability, she unfortunately isn’t able to save everyone. Be prepared it leaves you in a cliffhanger.
I loved getting to read what happens next for Leon and Ana and their friends, but the storyline wasn’t as great as in book 1 “Curse of the Sun and Stars”. It was still very good and I loved catching up with some of my favorite characters. I can’t wait to read what’s in store for these two and their friends in the 3rd book in the series.

Lush and exciting romantasy that keeps the tension and action going up to the final cliff, well you knew it wouldn't be ending yet! An often nail biting adventure with a rollercoaster of sizzle.

I loved this book and the characters! I read both books back-to-back and am obsessed with the story!
The characters, the magic, the world, the side-characters! Everything is so well developed and it's such an amazing romantasy!
I love seeing our FMC grow and develop her powers, but also her intelligence and ability to manage court politics, even though she wasn't raised in court!

I will say, the only downfall for me is the fact that this author is a pen name of multiple authors and tries to portray themselves as an individual person online (and on the "about the author" section of the books and Goodreads!). Also the blatant use of AI generated art on TikTok/social media is so disappointing, having in account how much creatives are fighting the use of their art in AI.

Excuse me, what have I just read at the end? Was not expecting that……. I was hooked from page one till the end after quick re-read of Curse of the sun and stars, This kept me page turning until 3 am this morning, I absolutely enjoyed & devoured this.. Love Ana & Leon and i hope book 3 rectifies how this ended. These are the only two books I’ve read by this author but I will definitely be picking up more of her book, I’m liking her writing style.
4.5 rating but NetGalley doesn’t have half star rating.

This was an eagerly anticipated second book and it did not disappoint but how could you with that ending!! Looking forward to see where we are taken to in book 3 having learned more of Anas powers and all the secrets and discoveries made in this book. This story is heading along a delectable path and I want to devour the next one as soon as it’s published !

Author: Zara Storm
Series: Fated to Sun & Stars
Published: July 2025

I was a volunteer ARC reader. Thank you Netgalley

This is the second book of the series and it picks up seemingly after the first book.
Morgana (FMC) has been betrayed by Leon (MMC) which is the main point of contention, and the cliff hanger for which book one left us.

Now, the point of conflict between our lovers is consent—or lack thereof. Leon could have saved so much heartache, trials, and triubilations if he just had a conversation with Morgana. All he had to do was admit his feelings, let her know he could help her with some training, and Morgana likely would have went with him- because choice is so important to her. The only issue I have with this being the conflict between the lovers, is that while we constantly have Leon's perspective, he never once says to himself "maybe I should have asked her knowing choice is important and constantly talking about choices." Nor does he ever actually apologize to her.

Morgana grows a lot in this book. She is coming into her own, into her power, and I am here for it. We see her make decisions and take control back over her life.

Sadly, Leon, like many old immortal men really needs some more hugs, therapy, or maybe just listen to the advice of his best pal Alastor, and get his shit together because he keeps repeating some mistakes.

I really enjoyed this second part of the story and am excited to see where this journey takes us.

This series and this book was captivating from the start, keeping the reader thoroughly engaged and interested. It was the type of book that is hard to put down. Fast paced.

This book devoured me. I thought I knew what to expect going in, but I was wrong in the best way. What Zara’s crafted here is more than just a sequel, it’s a deepening of everything: the magic, the emotion, the stakes.

Ana’s journey in this book? Stunning. There’s no shortcut to her strength, every bit of power, every step forward, comes with sacrifice. She’s fierce, yes, but also vulnerable in a way that makes her feel real. Watching her wrestle with who she is and what she’s becoming was just as compelling as any battle scene.

And then there’s Leon. His perspective added so much nuance. I didn’t just understand him more, I felt the weight he carries. The push and pull between his duty and his desire for Ana was tense, heartbreaking, and electric all at once.

This story has so many layers. Quiet betrayals. Unspoken truths. Tense alliances. And the pacing? Perfect. It gives you space to breathe and feel while still hitting you with twists when you least expect it.

Zara’s side characters deserve their own shoutout too, they aren’t just background noise. They matter. They add heart, humor, and tension in all the right places. The world itself feels bigger now, more dangerous, but also more alive.

By the time I reached the final chapter, I was holding my breath. There’s a storm coming, you can feel it, and I am absolutely here for it.

If you love fantasy that balances emotion with intensity, magic with meaning, and romance with real depth, this book is a must-read.

*ARC Review*

Forged in Flame and Shadow by Zara Storm (book two of the Fated to the Sun and Stars series)

Thank you to Zara Storm and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC and give my opinion.

I was SO excited to read the second book of this series. While reading the first book, Curse of the Sun and Stars, it took me a little bit to really absorb the world and learn the magic system and intricacies of the conflict. Now that I get it all it was so easy to jump back into the world for book two.

SO MUCH happened in this book. I love the tension and spice between Ana and Leon.

I had no idea where the plot would end up taking me. And those twists in the second half of the book!

If you enjoy the following, you should read this book (after you read the first one of course):
-Romantasy
-Fae
-Unique magic systems
-Found family
-Fun side character banter
-Complex villains
-Morally grey MMCs
-Magic training

I can’t wait to read book three!

3.75*

I really enjoyed this book, for me it was a bit better than the first book in this series. The world building is done well, the magic system is understandable and interesting and the mix of humans, fae and dryads is well rounded. I like that this book is a good mix of fantasy and romance in pretty equal measures, there are some spicy scenes but the romance never feels like it overwhelms the plot. I am enjoying the story so far and it ends on a big cliffhanger so I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series soon.

I received an eARC thanks to Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

There are some things I liked about this book - I think the concept of a fight against a corrupt religious sect could be a very compelling story, but unfortunately, that was a very minor part of this book. The majority of it was focused on the MMC and FMC and their rather immature relationship that seems based on sex and very little else. I found both characters to be quite boring, and couldn't care less if they end up together or not (and obviously they will, despite the fact that they seem incapable of having an actual honest conversation about anything.)

Plus I am thoroughly sick of the concept that possessiveness, extreme jealousy, and controlling behaviour are what constitutes love from a man. This is a very dangerous trope and can lead to a lot of abuse - sure the MMC isn't harming the FMC, but in real life, anyone who was that jealous and possessive is a walking red flag.

The secondary characters, who were largely interchangeable at first, became more interesting to me than the main characters, even though they were almost entirely in the background.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 stars
Forged in Flame and Shadow by Zara Storm is a fantastic second installment in the Fated to the Sun and Stars series. While I enjoyed the first book for its detailed world-building and setup, this sequel really ups the stakes. The pacing picks up fast, and the last few chapters had my anxiety at an all time high. There were a couple plot twists that completely blindsided me (in the best way) and the cliffhanger just about broke me.

Ana and Leon’s slow-burn romance is delicious. It’s full of tension and longing (though the miscommunication trope made me want to yell at them a few times!). The found family dynamic among the side characters is heartwarming and brings a lot of depth and emotion to the story. The tone of the series definitely grows darker, and the sneak peek at book three promises even more intensity.

This was a total vibe read for me, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book. Highly recommend for fans of romantasy with rich lore, emotional tension, and high-stakes twists.

Forged in Flame and Shadow was the perfect follow-up to Curse of Sun and Stars. The pacing in this was immaculate - I couldn't stop reading. I'm obsessed with Leon and Ana. This had the perfect amount of angst and tension, and seeing Leon admit feelings was so satisfying to read. I cannot get enough of this unhinged pair and the little found family they've created. Super curious to see how Sophos' storyline will continue to develop in book 3. And absolutely sick over the ending. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

3⭐️

Thank you Relay Publishing, NetGalley, and Zara Storm for the eARC (all opinions my own).

I was excited to start this book and see what would happen in this world. While I still enjoyed this book I’m disappointed overall.

My main issue with the book is that overall plot progression is extremely minimal. We do learn fairly important tidbit about the temple but not much else truly progressed.

I’d also been hoping to get some more depth on side characters and plots and those also seemed left by wayside (with exception of part of 2 chapters). I’d also been hoping for more Sophos chapters but in the end while we got more than last time this book could have used far more of that.

I’ll keep reading the series but really hoping the next book pushed things along because this ended up feeling like filler.

I was pleasantly surprised with this continuation of the series - it was refreshing to have multiple POV while the FMC continued her character ark. This was not revolutionary in terms of the magic system or tropes, but I had a great time reading it regardless. I will definitely be continuing the storyline as it progresses

Forged in Flame and Shadow by Zara Storm is a phenomenal spicy, enemies-to-lovers romantasy story.
I was so excited to have received book two in the Fated to the Sun and Stars series.
The fierce characterization, the outstanding world-building, the sizzling chemistry, and intrigue—all of it was executed so well. I devoured this book in one sitting.

Thank you NetGalley and Zara Storm for this ARC! I am very grateful!

I hadn't heard much about this book before seeing this on NetGalley and you know what, this book deserves so much hype about it! It has everything a romantasy needs, a strong story, an incredible FMC and pure passion between the main characters. The fact he falls so hard for her honestly is such a good trope. I love it!

It's an exciting and exhilarating read which I would seriously recommend to others. It will be one of those books which should be up there with ACOTAR and Fourth Wing. Please read this!!!

Zara Storm is a new author to me but I will be on the look out for her work now!

Some buzzwords to describe this lovely book
- full of plot twists
- a beautiful romance that will melt your heart
-a strong female main character
" hero falls hopelessly"
Read it, please.

I'm absolutely devouring this series, and the latest installment has left me reeling – in the best possible way! That cliffhanger has me practically vibrating with anticipation for the next book. Seriously, if you're looking for a series that hooks you from page one and never lets go, you need to pick this up.

The character development in this series is truly exceptional. Witnessing the FMC's journey has been an absolute highlight. She's come such a long way, especially given her past where so much was withheld from her. She's not just growing, she's blossoming into a truly strong and formidable character, and I have no doubt she's going to fight and overcome whatever new challenges are thrown her way. Her resilience is incredibly inspiring.

And let's talk about the dynamic between her and the MMC! The push-pull, the authentic ups and downs – it all adds such incredible depth and realism to the story. Their journey of learning to trust each other, little by little, is not only compelling but it genuinely makes their relationship, and the overall narrative, so much richer. You root for them, you feel their struggles, and you celebrate every step forward.

Finally, a special shout-out for the small details that make a big difference: I always, always love when a cute little animal friend joins the mix, and that fox is truly a glorious addition to the team. It adds a touch of warmth and charm that perfectly complements the excitement and drama.

I genuinely have no idea what's coming next, but I cannot wait to find out. This series just keeps on delivering! Highly, highly recommend!