Duskbound is a captivating and emotionally charged sequel that raises the stakes in every possible way. Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox deliver a story packed with intrigue, betrayal, and powerful character development, while expanding the rich world introduced in Riftborne.

Fia's journey is at the heart of this novel, and watching her struggle with difficult truths, growing powers, and impossible choices made for a compelling and emotional read. The tension throughout the story is expertly handled, with secrets unraveling at just the right pace and enough twists to keep me constantly questioning who could be trusted.

The enemies-to-lovers romance continues to develop beautifully, offering a satisfying slow burn filled with longing, conflict, and emotional depth. The connection between Fia and Laryk remains one of the strongest aspects of the story, adding both tenderness and tension to an already gripping narrative.

The world-building is immersive and detailed without ever becoming overwhelming. Political intrigue, looming war, hidden truths, and the mystery surrounding the Void all combine to create a fantasy world that feels both expansive and engaging. Every revelation seemed to raise new questions, making it difficult to put the book down.

The ending delivers several shocking moments that left me desperate to know what happens next. Fans of romantasy, complex fantasy worlds, and character-driven stories will find plenty to love in this thrilling sequel.

A powerful continuation of the Esprithean Trilogy that successfully blends romance, magic, danger, and betrayal into an addictive read.

#Duskbound #BreeGrenwich #ParkerLennox #FantasyRomance #BookReview

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m glad I got a chance to read the republished version of this book!

I am thrilled to report that Duskbound did not suffer from second-book syndrome. In fact, I think I enjoyed it even more than Riftborne.

This picks up with Fia venturing into enemy territory, and from the start it felt like the stakes were so much higher. The world expands considerably in this book, and I loved getting to spend more time exploring the politics, the different factions, and all the secrets that seem to be lurking around every corner. Every time I thought I had a grasp on what was going on, another reveal would come along and prove me wrong.

But let’s be honest: the main reason most people will pick this book up is the romance.

And wow, the yearning.

The. Yearning.

This is a true slow burn, and Greenwich & Lennox absolutely make you work for every scrap of romantic progression. Every interaction felt charged, every conversation felt like it had about seventeen layers of meaning underneath it, and I was hanging onto every single moment. If you’re the kind of reader who enjoys screaming “JUST KISS ALREADY” at a book, you’ll probably have a great time here.

The enemies-to-lovers elements are also done really well. It never feels forced, and the relationship develops gradually enough that I found myself completely invested in where it was heading. The chemistry is there from the beginning, but it’s the tension that really carries the story.

And then we need to discuss the MMC.

I won’t say much because spoilers, but if shadow daddies are your thing, congratulations. I think this book may have delivered one of the finest specimens I’ve encountered this year. I refuse to elaborate further. Even better if you’ve read The Ascended (interconnected series) - because that ending had my mouth hanging wide open!

Fia also continued to grow on me as a protagonist. She’s put through the emotional wringer in this book and is forced to make increasingly difficult choices. I enjoyed seeing her navigate situations where there wasn’t always a clear right answer, and I thought her character development was one of the strongest parts of the story.

The pacing worked really well for me too. There was a good balance between plot progression, character moments, romance, and action. I never felt bored, and there were multiple occasions where I stayed up later than intended because I convinced myself I could “just read one more chapter.”

Famous last words.

My only real complaint is that I now have to wait for the final book. The ending left me desperate to know what happens next, and I am already prepared to be completely normal about book three (I am lying).

Overall, Duskbound took everything I enjoyed about Riftborne and dialled it up a notch. More tension, more intrigue, more emotional investment, and more reasons to become obsessed with fictional men who would probably be terrible for me in real life.

Now please release book three.

This was the perfect follow on to Riftborne!! I am absolutely convinced that the authors are physically incapable of writing books that are less than 5 star reads. I just finished this and I am screaming yelling and crying!!!

First of all the relationship progression aaaaaa. I love a slow burn and this was full of angst and wit and attitude and I loved it. The relief when they finally kiss is just unreal!! And I love any man who is willing to go to war and become a deplorable beast for his woman 😍

The found family is wonderful and heartwarming. I love how sweet all the side characters are and it really fills you with awe how loving people can be despite being in the worst circumstances. And the DAGGERS at the end iykyk 😭😭😭

Plot twists galore too, again, keeping me on my feet. The cliff hanger at the end is going to kill me and I don’t know if I can wait til January for the next one. Another sensational fantasy book that is easy to get lost in. My third book by these authors and definitely not my last. Every new book I read by them just blows me away

Rating 5/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)