Loved hauth and ola’s love gestures and well the goddess was another story of hope and love to her people . felt sad for raask for enduring his father’s “ tolerable “ violence .

Thundering Hearts picks up one year after the ending of A Reign of blood. This book has the same concept with multiple POV's. There is a lot going on in this book so it can get a little confusing. But it is very captivating. There is so much drama, secrets, and betrayals that keep you wanting more. I enjoyed getting to know these characters more and meeting new characters along the way. Can't wait for book three! If you are interested in sirens, wraiths, gods, secrets, and a dark fantasy this series is for you! Thank you so much @netgalley and @authorsamanthagonda for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the ARC Team!

The world is dark, gritty, and suspense-filled, with war on the horizon and God’s pulling the strings.

We pick up one year after the end of “A Reign of Blood” - the first in the series - following the main characters via multiple POV’s once again.

The universe has more creatures and characters. It feels bigger, more complete. We learn more about the powers at play and the goals of our characters along the way.

Mayta, who was the character I enjoyed the least in book one, was the frontrunner of my affections in book two. Her journey and the companions she befriends along the way.

The ending to this book had me feeling a way similar to book one. This resulted in me wanting to continue with the series without question when the next book becomes available.

Thank you to BeRead LTD and NetGalley for the eARC of Thundering Hearts by Samantha Gonda.

✔ Sirens & wraiths
✔ Gods that don't necessarily care for the humans and have their own agenda
✔ A brewing rebellion
✔ Dark fantasy
✔ And secrets waiting to be revealed

OMG I loved to be back in this world. It was supensful, dark and I never got bored. I also feel like it was even better written then book one and the characters had more fleshed out personalities to them.

Because of all the various creatures (sirens, wraiths, hylba etc.) the world felt full and living, and I loved to see how the various creatures learned to work together for the same goal. I also enjoyed the new characters that got introduced in this book, especially Fen. He felt like somewhat of the first friend to Aria.

The plot mainly follows the brewing rebellion against King Morlok and shows the various steps and parts, that are necessary against a foe like the king. We also learn more about the gods of this world. I can't say more without spoiling the stoy, but it was difficult to put down the book as I wanted to read more and more.

The only issue I could see, and why I "only" give 4,5 out of 5 stars is that because of the multiple POVs and situations that are happening at the same time, it could be a little bit confusing if you don't pay enough attention. Especially in the beginning I needed a few chapters to get back into the plot, and remember all the characters and how they are connected. I also wished that the things happening in the final chapters would have had a bit more time. Still I think it sets up book 3 very nicely.

So much is happening you'll never be able to breathe in this one. Action around every corner, betrayals and secrets, and everything you can imagine make this an adventure to remember.

Am amazing second installment in the world of syrens, gods, and overthrowing kingdoms. I cannot wait for more

Thundering Hearts delivers a storm of dark fantasy ambition, weaving multiple POVs, rising gods, and simmering romantic tension into a sweeping, war-torn saga. The worldbuilding is rich and atmospheric, and characters like Aria and Viggo bring compelling emotional stakes as they struggle with guilt, vengeance, and impossible choices. However, the sheer number of plotlines and shifting perspectives can make the narrative feel unwieldy at times, occasionally pulling focus from the most gripping arcs. Still, fans of sprawling epics filled with magic, intrigue, and tortured heroes will find plenty to enjoy in this intense and dramatic follow-up.

3.25-3.5/5

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was really excited to read this second book in The Songs of Beasts series.

This book does pick up pretty much right after the events of the previous book.

We get multiple POVs (and, of course, some of them were favorites and some were annoying), lots of politics and scheming, suspense, new creatures, and new adventures.

I did want more adventure to this, I feel like it was mainly political scheming and machinations. I think the plot definitely slowed after the events of the first book. But I still had a good time.

I think this is a cool world with cool lore and I am definitely interested in seeing more of it explored and opened up. I want to know where else this story can go, what other creatures and politics we can get into.

This does read really fast though. I knocked this out in an afternoon.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Samantha Gonda for the opportunity to read an ARC of Thundering Hearts in exchange for an honest review.

Thundering Hearts delivers a darker, more emotionally charged continuation of the story, expanding both the world and its characters in meaningful ways. While the first book laid a strong foundation, this sequel builds on it with higher stakes, deeper relationships, and a much greater sense of scale.

Returning to this world was completely immersive. The atmosphere is tense and captivating, layered with secrets, conflict, and moments of betrayal that kept me turning the pages. The story feels more confident in its pacing this time around, allowing the consequences of each choice to linger rather than rushing toward easy resolutions.

One of the biggest strengths of this instalment is how much the world has grown. The introduction of new creatures and characters makes the universe feel complex and fully realised. As the story unfolds, we gain a clearer understanding of the forces shaping this world and the motivations driving each character, which adds depth to both the political intrigue and the emotional conflicts.

The multiple points of view work especially well, giving the narrative a broader perspective while still maintaining strong emotional focus. Aria continues to be a compelling protagonist, driven by grief, anger, and an unrelenting desire for justice. I loved seeing where her story went in this book, particularly how her role as a leader is portrayed as difficult and costly rather than effortless. Viggo’s internal struggle adds emotional weight, while Mayta and Raask help push the story outward. I was especially surprised by how much Mayta stood out to me in this instalment, growing into one of my favourite perspectives by the end.

Although romance takes a back seat in this book, it is handled with care. The slower pacing allows tension and emotional connection to build naturally, making the payoff feel genuinely rewarding. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and their relationships feel stronger and more layered than before.

Overall, Thundering Hearts feels like a clear step up from the first book. The writing feels more refined, the characters are more fully developed, and the world feels alive thanks to the variety of beings and alliances at play. The introduction of new characters, especially Fen.

Thundering Hearts is a captivating read that brings together everything I love in a fantasy novel: an immersive and atmospheric world, complex characters, emotional depth, and high-stakes conflict. With that cliff-hanger ending, I am more than ready for the next instalment and cannot wait to see where this series goes next.

🐺⚡ NetGalley Review — Thundering Hearts

⭐ 4–4.5 stars

Thundering Hearts is a strong, emotionally driven sequel that deepens the world and relationships introduced in the first book. This instalment places a heavy focus on connection, loyalty, and consequence, allowing the story to unfold in a way that feels thoughtful and earned.

I especially loved how the bond between humans and beasts is explored further. The magic feels instinctive and deeply emotional rather than purely fantastical, and the stakes surrounding these bonds are higher and more complex in this book. Themes of trust, sacrifice, and choosing unity over fear run throughout the story and give it real emotional weight.

The pacing is steady and intentional, giving characters room to grow while gradually increasing the tension. This is very much a character-driven fantasy, and readers who enjoy emotional depth alongside nature-based magic and found-family dynamics will appreciate how much care is given to relationships.

Overall, Thundering Hearts is a compelling continuation of the series and a satisfying follow-up for readers invested in the world and its characters.

Thank you to Samantha Gonda and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Thundering Hearts is a dense, high-stakes continuation of Samantha Gonda’s dark fantasy saga - one that demands attention and rewards it. This is not a passive read. Between the layered politics, shifting alliances, and multiple points of view, this is a book best approached with focus and intention. Give it your full attention and it will pay you back.

One of the standout strengths of this installment is its creature-rich worldbuilding. Sirens, sea wraiths, hylba, and other mythic beings are not decorative - they are integral to the plot, the power structures, and the looming sense of danger. For readers who love fantasy worlds populated by diverse, well-integrated creatures, this book delivers consistently and confidently.

The multi-POV structure allows the story to unfold on a truly epic scale. Aria’s arc remains particularly compelling: a queen shaped by rage, loss, and the crushing weight of leadership. Her failures carry consequences, and her choices feel costly rather than convenient. Viggo’s descent into internal fracture and reckoning with betrayal adds emotional gravity, while Mayta and Raask expand the narrative outward, deepening both the political intrigue and the mythological foundations of the world.

Romance exists, but this is ultimately epic fantasy first, romance second. The emotional tension is slow-burning and restrained, woven into the larger narrative rather than driving it. Readers expecting romance-heavy pacing or constant intimacy should adjust expectations accordingly. The payoff here comes from complexity, not immediacy.

This is a book to sit down with - not one to skim between distractions. The plot, the politics, and the cast require attention, but the reward is a richly imagined world where gods stir, monsters rise, and nothing comes easily.

Overall, Thundering Hearts is a strong, ambitious sequel that will appeal to readers who enjoy dark fantasy with immersive worldbuilding, morally complex characters, and a wide range of creatures woven meaningfully into the story. If you’re willing to slow down, focus, and fully engage, this gem is absolutely worth your time.

Thank you Netgalley and BeRead Ltd. for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thundering Hearts picks up right where the first book left off. Like A Reign of Blood, the book is split into multiple POVs so you really have to pay attention to keep up with what is happening where. This book also has the same political themes, but they seem to take over the plot in Thundering Hearts. I really wanted to love the book, but it felt dense and laborious to me. There needed to be more happening to break up the writing. I didn't care for the writing in this book as much either. It didn't flow and almost seemed mechanical and unnatural in places. Overall, if you're really into political themes without as much plot progression then you will love it.