Content Warning: mentions of animal cruelty, violence, blood magic, parental abandonment & neglect, sexual situations, death, torture, violence against women

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, The Gilded Wolves. When I found out about the sequel, I couldn't wait to read it. What was going to happen to my favorite found family babies?? I needed to know. Welp, I finally know and while I did enjoy this, I definitely didn't enjoy it as much as the original book. It's hard to describe, but I'll do my best.

As usual, Roshani's writing was beautiful and the magical and mystery elements of this story were intriguing. Blood forging was introduced in this installment and I have to say that was an interesting new addition to the story. The thought that forging of the blood could be both pleasurable and harmful plays to just how dangerous pieces of this world tend to be. Zofia, Enrique and Hypnos all pulled at my heartstrings, but I expected nothing less. I just wanted them to all be happy because they deserve nothing but the best. Laila also pulled at my heartstrings this time too. While her relationship with Severin was still irritating as hell, being able to see her in a vulnerable light due to her secret was a great experience. Overall I think the story was great, I just think the execution and some of the plot points were....not for me.

For instance, Severin. I swear to goodness she was annoying the first time around, but this time it was even worse. Yes he was grieving, yes he was breaking under the pressure, but SIR WHY ARE YOU DOING THE MOST?!?!?! It just felt like Severin was unraveling at every turn and while I can appreciate taking a character to hell and back, it just seemed like overkill. He was trying to convince himself that this wasn't selfish behavior, but it absolutely was. It's not until the end of the book that his actions really become about everyone else around him and that's the moment where I actually started to root for him. That's not to say I don't like Severin, I'm just saying he gives me the biggest headache.

Also, Tristan. Anyone who read the first book knows that Tristan unfortunately didn't make it to the Silvered Serpents. It broke my heart and apparently it broke everyone else. I get it. Tristan was the glue that held the group together. What I didn't get what the darkness that was discovered after Tristan died. Suddenly we learn that the sweet boy we all loved wasn't exactly sweet and was actually dark and twisted. Honestly, I just don't think I bought that part of the story and it felt like it was only there to send Severin into a bigger spiral.

Finally, I didn't get the poly relationship of my dreams. In my (humble) opinion, Zofia, Enrique and Hypnos have all been teased as having feelings for one another. They each offer something to the others that they need and want and it's a beautiful thing. I was really hoping that instead of making this a love triangle, Roshani would just throw caution into the wind and take a chance! Instead, we get the opposite. Unrequited feelings , broken heart and then oh look, this person actually cares about me instead is what we get. I just...I guess I was disappointed in the direction that this went in.

Overall, I did enjoy the story and I was continuously invested, there were just elements that prevented me from enjoying it as much as TGW. I am still excited about the follow-up book, especially since I had no idea that there were be a third book and I guess I'll just have to see where Roshani chooses to go with this story and it's characters.