Castle Town 2

*ARC Review*(I reviewed an advanced copy of the book but bought it regardless.)The best thing about book two besides getting more grand and fantastical tales is that it brings in more of what makes this series a new favorite of mine. Political intrigue! This series is going to get deep! I thought that any actual political stuff was going to be very basic. I mean, this isn’t supposed to be a game of thrones or anything like that. But then it kind of was kind of like that. I’m hooked! I have to admit that I wasn’t even looking for anything too complex but once I got it, I couldn’t imagine this series with fewer layers! This is going to be a fun ride! Prince Makoa has saves his mother’s kingdom from a great terror. And though the rebuilding has begun, why does it feel like the danger is no less present? Underqueen Avina is taking account of her damaged kingdom when she and her son are summoned by the king to participate in a royal hunt. What could this serve except to distract and give some lucky winner a boost in the running for possible King nominations between the eligible princes? But could this also be a trap? Or at the very least a setup for future pain? No one can know, but the call must be answered. As they venture to the appointed town to join the traditional hunt and hope to maybe win the prize to rebuild their bruised kingdom. But it would seem that maybe secrets are abounding and their discovery might be painful if not leading to further death. Can the replacement prince even compete while still nursing battle scars? And if you are forced to leave your heart behind, will you be open to finding something more? Damn this story is getting so good! The romance angles are swinging wide and prince Makoa will find he’s got his hands full of wicked sin and danger. You better hope you learn more tricks, Prince Makoa before you get into a scrape you can’t luck your way out of! Read part one first, obviously, but just get ready to buy them both and preorder the third because this series is blazing hot!Buy it! Read it! Love it!Cheers!

Anya Merchant expands the world of Castle Town with an excellent second book in the series. Avina and Koa travel to where the king and other underqueens are gathering to participate in the Great Hunt. We learn a little more about the different realms Koa is able to travel to. What is the relationship between them and the glass trees and their glass leaves? Koa considers allying with another demiprince that also does not fit in with the other princes. Will this demiprince be able to hold on to his own principles? Who exactly is Verity spying for? There is something strange about the beast that is the subject of the Great Hunt -- what are its secrets? Avina, a little confused by the feelings coming across her connection with her esper, gets a little frisky with Koa. Or at least she partially blames that. Can she keep her relationships from getting confusingly smudged? The king's esper seems to be in charge of much of what is happening -- what are his plans with the underqueens? With the nearby countries? Some questions get answered, but new ones also arise to replace them ...I love this author's stories!

TLDR: Incompetent and child like hero. Plot revolves around stupidity.1: This author does many thing right but it’s always the hero where they fall down. In this we have our hero who is on a crash course to have his mother, lover, and friends all taken from him unless he ascends to power. Does he study magic, hone his skills against enemies who all have magic power, and dedicate his time to preventing tragedy? Nope. He builds walks and drinks.But don’t worry! He manages to mess up his magic and fall into his own traps. Because that’s what we love. Incompetence. Of course both times were pivotal points in the plot because he simply can’t do a single smart thing. Luckily the plot turns his stupid into gold.2: Hookhorn. Sure would have been nice to have at least on description. It’s got rams horns, that’s all we get.3: Betrayal at the end. A spy turns out to be a spy. Instead of righteous anger we get a petulant outburst. I’m sure having his girl taken by a guy known to do horrific things to woman will be great. Having their trust betrayed, the mother scolds the hero for being upset!4: Villains always come back. Instead of doing away with threats, the hero like a child lets them all go. When they inevitably kill, hurt, and destroy peoples lives I’m sure the hero will be fun to read. This story is like a child’s book with the consequences for bad guys and the hero refusing to even think about ending them.Two books in and this is like reading about a 14 year old. I’d be more upset except it seems the author consistently writes all her male hero’s as juvenile idiots who can’t plan, think, or show a hint of thought. Writing men is easy, it’s a woman without the good parts. You don’t have to make him the village idiot.

I think Anya is knocking it out of the park with this series. Great characters...grat story...this really has me hooked. There are so many interesting characters with this one it does not matter when the viewpoint changes. Its one of those stories where you want to see spin offs for the other characters. Plus...its spicy. For me this is easily her best. Great job Anya.

This is how a sequel should be written.Catapulting off the conclusion of the previous volume, the events of this novel take our hero to a new adventure, shake up the status quo, introduces new characters and challenges, and reveals more of the world.I enjoy seeing the characters show some self-awareness into their personal struggles and place in the world, which helps them feel more realistic. The political subplot threaded throughout was intriguing, and will undoubtedly provide just as many twists and turns as our protagonist's many romances do.This was one book that was hard to put down, and I eagerly await to see what comes in the next volume!.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and am voluntarily leaving a review based off the final version.

Anya Merchant has woven another deeply immersive story. I have just finished another author's work. It was good but it lacked the adult connections which surely trying times and the growth from adolescence should create. This book covers difficult adult relationships in a mature and thoughtful way. I loved it and am looking forward to book three tremendously.

This great story continues in this second entry, with well written relationships and exquisite sex scenes and some cool action. The only downside is that it felt a little short. Still, I can't wait for more.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.