Book Review: A Promise of Peridot (The Sacred Stones, #2) by Kate Golden
Wow wow WOW! If A Promise of Peridot didn’t have me swooning over Arwen and Kane before, this time I was practically left with heart-shaped eyes. As someone who adored the first book in the series, I couldn’t resist diving into this ARC, and let me tell you, it was an emotional rollercoaster.
From the start, Golden continues to masterfully build upon the aftermath of a great battle, thrusting our fierce heroine, Arwen, into a tumultuous sea of grief and rage. Picture this: she’s like a small, fiery whirlwind, burning everything in sight—sometimes literally! Kane sums it up perfectly when he describes her as a “breathtaking, violent goddess of fury.” And honestly, I’ve never related more to a character in a downward spiral followed by bursts of chaotic energy before. Arwen’s emotions are heightened, and her angst adds depth to the impending doom that has me flipping pages faster than I can blink, all while I worry for Kane’s shirt and sanity.
Throughout the book, Arwen grapples with her lineage and the secrets of her fate, leading her through an emotional journey that felt both darkly humorous and painfully relatable. “I didn’t particularly want the life that would stretch before me,” she says, and I found myself nodding, recognizing that bittersweet yearning we all have at some point.
Then there’s Kane, our beloved cinnamon roll in a warrior’s armor. Honestly, this character had me in stitches with his sarcastic quips and chaotic attempts to save the world. I adored how his comedic moments seamlessly intertwined with his complex backstory, showcasing the struggle of a man in love amid a world on fire. His longing for Arwen is palpable, expressed beautifully when he thinks, “I was in love with her. And it was a fucking nightmare.” Just heartfelt enough to make you swoon while keeping the mood light.
The delightful camaraderie between characters continues to shine, but my personal favorite had to be the secondary characters, whose development exceeded my expectations. From Mari’s ambitious pursuit of knowledge to Fedrik’s witty jabs, each character felt uniquely fleshed out, providing layers of complexity to the story.
What truly captivated me was the world-building. Golden invites us into beautifully crafted kingdoms, each with its own aura and lore, hinting at untold stories and future misadventures. The locations felt alive, and I found myself wishing to explore every nook and cranny alongside Arwen: "Crag’s Hollow," "Siren’s Bay," and "Pearl Kingdom" made me practically itch with excitement for future installments.
However, as much as I adored the characters and the lush world, I did feel the middle of the story faltered with pacing. It dragged a bit as Arwen battled her inner demons. Yet, this subplot made the climactic moments even sweeter, especially as the spice level rose dramatically. Let’s just say the book leans into new adult territory with its more risqué scenes and witty banter—thank you, Kate!
In conclusion, A Promise of Peridot is a gripping mix of heart, humor, and intrigue. If you enjoy character-driven narratives, emotional journeys, and a sprinkle of romance with a side of spice, this is the book for you. I can’t wait for the next adventure—bring on Book 3! My heart and mind are all in, and I have theories that need answers. So, grab your copy, and let’s dig into this wild ride together.
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