There’s something about starting a series and liking the first book, but then LOVING the sequel. I’ll admit, when I read Bloodleaf, I liked the story, but wanted to love it. I’m definitely a mood reader, so I made it my goal to pick up Greythorne and see how this one would go. I am happy to say that I was blown away by this story and the way that it has built up to an incredible story that I’m excited to find out what will happen next. It builds momentum and anticipation for each of the characters and there’s so much more meaning infused in each of their actions. This was the story that I was waiting for. If you haven’t read Bloodleaf, then you absolutely should because you’re going to want to have Greythorne on your TBR list.
Again, before you start into this review, you might want to check out Bloodleaf first. Although I do my best, I would hate to spoil anything from the first book, especially if you haven’t read it yet.
With that said, let’s get started! So in Greythorne, Princess Aurelia is still reeling from the ruin of a kingdom as well as the loss of a loved one to a shipwreck. Her brother’s claim to the throne is also disrespected and so she seeks safety in the only place she knows…Greythorne Manor. Unfortunately she gets swept up in a coup d’etat that has everyone turned against her, and as enemies rush in from all sides, she’ll do everything in her power to protect those she loves. After all, she has nothing left to lose.
I have to say, the way that this sequel started was what really pulled me in from the start. Conrad’s perspective is very interesting and adds a level of mystery that I felt was missing from the first book. There’s a lot more storytelling happening here and it’s such vivid imagery that you can’t help but want to know what will happen next. Aurelia’s character arc in this book is so good. While she’s devastated at the loss of her love, she is still desperate to protect her brother and those she cares for so much. She’s also starting to see a path opening in front of her that she knows she won’t be able to run away from, and you can see just how much she’s grown by the way she doesn’t run away from it. She’s ready to face it however she can, even if it means death.
The romance in Greythorne was interesting, and I liked the vibe I was getting from it. I can’t talk about it too much because of spoilers, but there’s quite a bit more happening than I felt was going on in Bloodleaf and I was here for it. The drama also got ramped up and I can’t wait to see how it’s all going to play out at the end. Also, KELLAN. My goodness, my heart went out to the guy. All I can say here is you’re going to want to read it because it is INTENSE.
Getting to see more of Aurelia’s magic as well as some very interesting secrets come to light made a lot of things in this world start to make more sense and I honestly cannot wait to find out more, especially because of how it intertwines with the villains of this story. I love the way Crystal Smith was able to weave all of these storylines into one another so seamlessly and things suddenly made a lot more sense. There’s still a bit of gore going on in this story, but not in an overwhelming way.
With all the sacrifices being made, the ending had quite an ominous tone to it. What comes to mind is the scenes in movies where something crucial just happened and the music is beginning to swell to a huge crescendo? That’s what’s happening here, and I can’t wait until the next book comes out because the suspense that Crystal has left me in is just like a tightrope. One wrong move and it feels like everything is going to fall apart. My one consolation is definitely the fact that the title and cover have been revealed, so it doesn’t feel like I’m going to have to wait as long as I thought.
My final thoughts are that you should definitely read this book! When I finished it, I posted on Twitter that it was EVERYTHING. I genuinely still feel that way. I’m not sure how I got so connected to these characters but I did, and now it’s going to be so much harder to wait for the next book! Get it on your list if you love fantasy, because you’re going to be sad to miss out if not.
Greythorne is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of September 1st 2020.
Will you be picking up Greythorne? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Princess Aurelia’s life is turned upside down when the kingdom she thought she saved turns to ruin, a loved one is tragically killed in a shipwreck, and her home country refuses to respect her brother’s legitimate claim to the throne. With no place left to call her own, Aurelia returns to Greythorne Manor—her best friend’s family mansion—only to get swept up in a coup d’état on the night of her brother’s coronation.
With everyone turned against her and enemies closing in on all sides, Aurelia has nothing left to lose in a mad fight to protect the only people she has left—her family. But in her darkest moments when all seems grim, will Aurelia find a spark of hope from a love she thought long lost?
