I really enjoyed the storytelling here. The author knows how to weave a story while building a world and its characters. It’s all brought to life so seamlessly and this is just a great book.

I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley!!
I adored this book I didn't know what to expect going in but it gripped me from start to finish
I have a full review on Amazon, Goodreads and Fable

Excellent romantasy, Loved it
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. as it's well plotted, fascinating world building, and entertaining. .
Brigid Kemmerer is an excellent storyteller
Highly Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This sequel was so worth the wait! The chemistry between Jax and Tycho was EVERYTHING - watching them navigate their relationship while all the political drama and magic chaos swirled around them was just chef's kiss.

The side characters totally shined in this one too! I was super invested in everyone's separate adventures and all the drama that unfolded. The conflicts felt real and kept me turning pages way past my bedtime (hello, 2AM reading sessions 😅).

If you loved the author's other series, you'll definitely feel right at home here. Their writing style is just as addictive as always, and they know how to build a world that feels both magical and believable at the same time.

Definitely pick this up if you enjoyed book one! And honestly, if you haven't started this series yet but you're a fan of Brigid, what are you even waiting for?? This has all the same vibes but with fresh characters and storylines to obsess over!

I made an error with this book, I saw the title and author and immediately requested then realised it was book 2 and I had not yet read book 1. Unfortunately I dnfed book 1 as it was too slow paced and felt more character focussed than plot forward. I’m therefore unable to read and review book 2 fairly, so have rated 3 stars as the writing itself is always very good

I love that this series follows Tycho as he's one of my favourite characters from the Cursebreaker series, I loved Forging Silver Into Stars and was very excited to read the second book. While this did get a 5 star, this was a low 5 star as there is one particular side plot that I wasn't the biggest fan of, I don't think it needs to be in the book and I'm hoping it's resolved pretty quickly in book three. That being said I really enjoyed how the main plot progressed and getting to see how characters (old and new) are fairing in years after the events of the Cursebreaker series

This was an excellent follow-up to book one! I loved Jax and Tycho, and them figuring out their relationship in a busy political and magical setting. I also really enjoyed the other characters’ adventures, and the conflicts along the way. I love the author’s other books and this definitely didn’t disappoint either! I would definitely recommend this to any fans of book one (and the whole series for any fans of the Cursebreakers trilogy).

Am I dumb because I keep thinking trilogies are duogies and this was the same I thought it was a duology and then the ending happened. I'm OBSESSED with this book and this series. I don't read much YA anymore but the way I absolutely loved every single second of this was special

I’ve loved all of the books I’ve read by Brigid Kemmerer, this was no exception. It was so good to be back in the world with familiar characters. If you liked the other books I highly recommend this one.

I love Brigid Kemmerer and the world that she has built with her books. Going back to Emberall is always a treat and I really enjoyed catching up with much loved characters.

Carving Shadows into Gold"by Brigid Kemmerer is definitely a book that prioritizes character development, which is a strength of hers. It's a slow burn, focusing on Tycho, Jax, and Callyn as they grapple with past traumas, misunderstandings, and the challenges of building trust. If you're looking for a fast-paced plot, this might not be your thing. The political intrigue and magical threats are there, but they take a backseat to the characters' internal struggles and relationships.

The book starts slowly, and I can see why some readers might find it a bit drawn out. However, the second half picks up the pace, delivering some action and emotional depth. Kemmerer does a good job of making you care about these characters and their journeys. Tycho's dangerous bargains, Jax's attempt to escape his past, and Callyn's navigation of court politics all contribute to a complex and interwoven story, and I still find her character work superior to most other authors in the genre, they feel more mature even when they're not acting mature because they learn from mistakes, and often try and understand and forgive each other in a way that feels believable to each individual character, or is earnt by redemptive actions or trust-building. The romance between Tycho and Jax is a highlight, not just offering genuine LGBTQ+ representation, but because it feels warm and real, and is also tested by the characters' environment, motivations, and journeys. Callyn's romantic subplot, though, didn't quite land for me, but they have a way to go yet, and again the political machinations in the mix means that trust is not easily won, but is easily lost, so I am still interested in where Callyn's story will take her. It also feels strange to me what's happening with Grey and Lia Mara, they have been relegated to th shadows and after building them up so high in the previous trilogy, they are virtually unseen in this book.

While the pacing is uneven, and some of the romantic elements feel a little bit off, "Carving Shadows into Gold" is a solid addition to the series. Kemmerer excels at crafting emotionally resonant stories, and this book is no exception. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy and are willing to be patient with a slower pace, you'll likely find something to appreciate here. It's a bridge to the conclusion, and while it might not be perfect, it's a worthwhile read for fans of the series. I'd give it around 3.5-4 stars.

I loved being back in this book, I loved this as much as I loved the first and although I think the first is still my favourite, this was still a great read. I can’t wait for the next and all that it will bring. Read this and you’ll be joining me in the impatient and excited moods I constantly suffer

Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK &ANZ) for the ARC

Carving Shadows Into Gold is an excellent sequel to Forging Silver Into Flames. The book gives a long awaited reunion with Jax, Tycho and Callyn. I think the character grown of all of them is really good and I like their dynamic. The tension is high as war is looming. I was so immersed in the book I forgot time and space as I just enjoyed myself. I'm excited to continue the series!

It was so great to dive back into the world of Emberfall and Syl Shallow! Despite reading FSIS a few years ago I remembered the plot surprisingly well and was immediately re-immersed in this world. We got a bit more depth to the three main characters in this book which was great, and I particularly loved Tycho's chapters as he struggles to navigate his loyalties and his heart. I am very excited for the third book

(Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review)

I definitely preferred the first book in this series and the sequel, Carving Shadows into Gold, unfortunately suffers from second-book syndrome. The pacing is slow, the plot feels stagnant, and much of the book revolves around repetitive arguments, miscommunication, and long stretches of travel with little payoff.

This series is marketed as a spin-off from Cursebreakers, but in reality, it feels more like a direct continuation of that series. All the major characters from Cursebreakers are still present, and the plot is heavily tied to events from that world. In some ways, this is great for fans of the original trilogy, but for a series that’s supposed to be its own thing, it struggles to stand on its own.

The pacing is one of the book’s biggest issues—there’s a lot of slow-moving conversations, lots of horse riding between locations, and arguments that go in circles without much development. Many of the conflicts in the book could be solved if the characters simply communicated with each other, which made some of the drama feel frustrating rather than engaging.

There are three POVs in this book, just like in the first, but only two of them feel truly relevant to the story. One POV, which belonged to my favourite character from the first book, felt completely disconnected from the main plot. While I enjoyed their personal development, their chapters didn’t contribute to the story in any meaningful way, making those sections feel like an unnecessary slowdown. Meanwhile, Grey —a crucial character from the Cursebreakers series and the catalyst for much of the conflict in this series — barely appears at all. Given how central he is to everything happening and the main plots literally existing because of him, it felt like a missed opportunity not to have a POV from him, especially when we learn about a major conflict in his personal life that gets resolved without us ever really seeing it unfold which just makes it not feel earned.

One of the main POV characters, Callyn, is fine as a character, but her romance feels completely unnecessary. The relationship between the other two main characters is well-developed, with emotional depth, but Callyn’s romance feels forced and poorly executed. Her love interest was introduced in the first book, but he was cruel, manipulative, and outright threatening toward her best friend. He has no real depth beyond being a walking red flag, and despite the book trying to frame their relationship as something meaningful, Callyn knows hardly anything about him, never has anything nice to say about him and neither of them trust the other, yet we’re ment to believe she has strong feelings for him. In the last chapter of both books, he threatens her and her little sister and you want to build a romance of that??? It just doesn’t work.

Overall, Carving Shadows into Gold had potential but ultimately felt like a filler instalment in the series. The slow pacing, lack of meaningful progression, and frustrating character dynamics held it back from being as strong as its predecessor. I still enjoy the world and characters, but I hope the next book picks up the pace and delivers a more engaging and well-balanced story.

this was SUCH A GOOD sequel and i fell even further in love with tycho and jax 😭😭 omg i wish this would become a like 12 book series i would so easily devour it !!!

3.5 Star Review of Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer

Brigid Kemmerer delivers a compelling continuation of the Forging Silver into Stars saga, drawing readers deeper into a world of magic, political intrigue, and personal struggles. Following Tycho, Jax, and Callyn, the story explores their intertwined journeys as they navigate perilous alliances and life-changing decisions. Tycho’s dangerous bargains, Jax’s fight to escape his past, and Callyn’s reluctant adaptation to court life provide a rich tapestry of emotion and tension.

The novel begins with a slower pace, carefully building the stakes and diving into the characters’ growth, though this may feel a bit too drawn out for some readers. However, the second half rewards patience with a whirlwind of action, surprises, and an emotional climax. The tender romance between Tycho and Jax is a standout, offering heartfelt LGBTQ+ representation, while Callyn’s struggles with court politics and betrayal add layers of intrigue. With its blend of magic, danger, and emotional depth, Carving Shadows into Gold is a strong addition to the series, leaving fans eager for what’s next.

Very enjoyable and a lovely, perfectly written sequel! i loved all the characters again and i'm really excited for the third book. It was fast-paced with an interesting plotline!

Yet another thrilling and wholly unexpected story from this author! I have yet to read one from brigid that has let me down and this was no exception! Fast paced and engahing, i loved every moment

I loved Forging Silver into Stars - it might be my favourite Brigid Kemmerer book ever, which is a tough call because I *adore* the Defy the Night series - so I was really excited to read Carving Shadows into Gold, and it did NOT disappoint.

We’re right back into the action with Jax, Callyn, and Tycho. Each storyline is beautifully written, and they weave together to great a wonderfully intricate narrative.

We see more of both kingdoms and begin to understand how magic has woven itself into the foundations of each one. As well as bringing in more of the politics of each side in the underground war that is being quietly fought.

The relationships developing on all sides are deeply complex and realistic, and I love all of the characters as we learn more about their backgrounds and motivations. Kemmerer does an amazing job of showing us everyone’s motives and beliefs, and making even those we may not agree with understandable.

Carving Shadows into Gold was well worth the wait, and I’m excited to see where the series goes next!