Shadow and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #2)

Shadow and Crystal Thorns picks up where Flame and Crystal Thorns left off. Chloe, Quintus, and their allies prepare to fight to save Faerie from the iron poisoning that has infected the land and from the humans that threaten to destroy them all.

I love Quintus!! He is so loyal and devoted, and the chemistry between him and Chloe is the best!! Their relationship is challenged a bit in the story, and they both have to come to some difficult realizations. I’ll be interested to see what the future of their relationship looks like, and I’m so hoping they will find a way to be together.

Ludo and Mishti also accompany Chloe and Quintus on their quest, and all use their unique strengths to restore order to the land. The dynamics between this group are interesting, as they are all so different, though they have similar goals. Their journey is so dangerous and exciting, and they can never let their guard down. It seems like every time they think they may have a moment of peace, something happens to disrupt their security.

This is a great ya fantasy series. It has action and danger, intrigue, and surprising twists. And a dragon! Did I mention the dragon because I love this creature!!! Every book is better with a dragon, and the relationship this one has with Chloe is so great.

I absolutely love the fact that she decided to bring Chloe back for her own installment. It was an amazing beginning and I’m looking forward to more books in this series.

Oh this book! So good and so much happens. I loved the addition of the dragon and quest Chloe has to go on to heal Faerie. The pain she goes through as she struggles to do her best despite the hard things she goes through. And the draw to Quintus and the chemistry just grows and is so good! I love them together! This just made the series that much better and I am fully invested! I loved the battles and never knowing how things would turn out. I highly recommend this series to any fantasy lover!

Another beautifully written tale of humans and fae. I found this book to cover more than the previous one, and it seemed longer. I am fine with that as I always hate to flip to the last page of Moody’s books. The female MC, Chloe, is known for her paralyzing fear and lack of courage when it matters the most. I loved seeing her character growth through this book, and really loved her emotional support animal. She is way more of a bad @$$ than she gives herself credit for, or really what anyone other than Quintus gives her credit for. Chloe is also an incredible healer that no one quite grasps either. Quintus is more likeable and learning more about his past explained some things. He has more depth to him than the average fae, even though he would deny that. I loved this trip back to Faerie although the damage to the world was heartbreaking to picture. A nice opening to a third book at the very end of this one.

Kay has done it again! This book was utterly fantastic. Realistic character growth, steady plot development, more magic, a much more prominent dragon (whoo! dragons!), and romantic developments. Everything came to a very pleasing and satisfying ending- of course, with the promise of even more action, adventure, and everything in the next book as well!

This book made me feel silly to be so hesitant to move on from the original Bitter Thorn series. I loved Elora and her story so much it was hard to part from it. But Chloe and her adventure is proving to be just as amazing and even more inspiring! Also, you know, the DRAGON in this one. *chef's kiss*

Highly recommend this book/series to anyone who enjoys stories about fae, magic, dragons, flawed/broken characters, redemption, action & adventure, and clean romance.