(A Realm of Revelry #2) Straw and Gold by Chelsey Ann Tompkins

 

Straw and Gold by Chelsey Ann Tompkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️ (2 spice)

This is book two in the A Realm of Revelry series. Like the first book, it’s on the shorter side, but it doesn’t feel lacking in any way. It’s clearly a fairytale retelling, but it only uses the framework and spins an entirely new story from it.

The story opens so well. We get a glimpse of Korven and Seraphine (and OMG, Avici!) even if it’s just for a moment. It was such a fun way to kick things off.

Morella is funny, strong, and such a fantastic female lead. I loved her sass, her confidence, and how she goes after what she wants. She can take care of herself, and she knows it. Killian is broody and yes, sometimes I wanted to yell at him but the book does a great job of showing why he is the way he is. I was honestly impressed with how much the author delivered in just over 200 pages.

The book has a clear plot, a strong direction, and yes open door spice. It’s not overpowering, though, and it doesn’t take away from the actual story, which I really appreciate.

💖 What I Liked:
The characters, especially Fedir total standout
The strong, clear plot from beginning to end
The twist at the end I didn’t see it coming!

😕 What Didn’t Work for Me:
The spice is open door, but something about it felt a little off for me. Maybe the word choices? It just didn’t quite hit like I hoped.

Would I recommend this book?
Yes. I really liked this one and the first in the series.

Would I reread it?
Happily. It’s the kind of fun, quick read I could pick up again.

How I’d sum it up:
A short, sassy, spicy little read that hits all the right notes.

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