A Heart So Fierce and Broken is a darker story than its predecessor in many ways, starting from the audience’s realisation that Rhen may not be the hero to the moral conflicts each of our protagonists face. Grey doesn’t want to challenge Rhen for the crown, but he may not have a choice except to defy the king he once served if he wishes to survive and protect his people. Lia Mara wants for everyone to live and be happy, but that is a naïve wish that doesn’t take into account the history of bloodshed and violence between Emberfall and Syhl Shallow which will not so easily be smoothed over. At what point does she end up as a traitor to her people if she continues pushing for reconciliation despite the deaths that have occurred on both sides?

A Heart So Fierce and Broken - Goodreads

When they are in Emberfall, Harper tries to flee but is stopped by Rhen and Grey. Grey shows Harper how to use a knife, and they start to get along. Harper tries to flee again later, but this time she gets into trouble with soldiers from Sylh Shallow. Grey and Rhen take Harper, and Freya and her kids to the Crooked Boar Inn. A group of young people forge unexpected bonds that are tested when they must choose between love and duty. Jake and Grey had a rough start, with Grey dragging Harper along with Jake and his boyfriend Noah to Emberfall in an attempt to save them from being shot. The two have been at odds, their opinions often colliding. Over time, the two of them grow to respect each other - so much, that Grey sees Jake as one of his best friends.My brother is studying me. “Harp—you know that’s at the end of this path if you stay here. He’s set up this whole alliance with a fake country that’s dependent on your marriage.” Her relationship with her sister was done so well. I loved how Brigid Kemmerer made the two love each other fiercely and have no ill will towards each other, despite Nolla Verin being chosen as the heir of the throne. I absolutely hate it when siblings either betray each other after living together and trusting one another. It's so sad, but I'm glad that wasn't the case with these two. Best sibling relationship ever.😍 I also really like the new characters that were introduced; Lia Mara, Tycho, and lisak. We see so much development in each of them that I just want to smile when I think about where they started. Kemmerer just knows how to write strong and vulnerable characters. The atmosphere of this series really improved as well! Brigid Kemmerer clearly honed in on expanding and developing the magical aspects to this universe. So much so that I lost myself in this story for hours on end. Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide. Get started Close

A HEART SO FIERCE AND BROKEN | Kirkus Reviews A HEART SO FIERCE AND BROKEN | Kirkus Reviews

But as we know, Rhen has had bad and traumatic experiences related to magic in the past, and so he expends all his resources to root out the rumoured heir and magesmith. I adored this book so much and I totally agree with you, this sequel was very unexpected. It didn’t follow any of the tropes I’m used to seeing in YA and made it more about trauma than I had anticipated!A Heart so Fierce and Broken has been one of my most anticipated releases for 2020 following A Curse so Dark and Lonely, which remains one of my absolute favorite reads for all of 2019. I devoured that book, laughed and cried and fell oh so hard for every single character. Most of all the wonderfully fierce Harper.

A Heart so Fierce and Broken (Audio Download): Brigid A Heart so Fierce and Broken (Audio Download): Brigid

Grey has fled the castle carrying a terrible secret. When he is discovered by soldiers and returned to Ironrose by force, Grey's allegiances begin to shift. And as he grows closer to an enemy princess, he is forced to decide whether he will stand against Rhen for the crown he never wanted … Let's just say this book ended in way that has left me desperate for the next book. D E S P E R A T E.The Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition includes an exclusive bonus chapter from Harper's point of view. But boy if I did not also lose my heart especially to the man himself; Grey. His character archetype is my kryptonite. So I was overjoyed when I realized that ACSDAL was in fact not only not a standalone as I initially thought (although I would argue that it can be read as such), but that the follow up novel would actually revolve around my man Grey. So maybe this will help you understand why I feel a little let down now that I've read it.