Starting off where the first book concluded the stone's heart adds Petra's POV which was interesting enough. It depicts the aftermath of the war and the rebuilding, but also a new enemy is rising. This book is very political with a lot of chess pieces in play and I have to say this book was confusing at times. The first half was a bit slow, but the plot picks up near the end.

I feel that there were a lot of things that did not get a proper explanation in the book, which took me out of the story a bit. Also if anyone knows me at all they know my distaste of love triangles... eh no, just no.

All and all a decent sequel to the first book.

I received an ARC copy via NetGalley, my opinions are my own.

While I like the book I didn't find it as good as what I should have.. this isn't what i would call hard hitting fantasy but it is solid

I cannot ever imagine growing tired of this series. So original, so engaging, so brutally fantastic. Thank you, Ms. Thorne for following your muse, and please....may I have some more! I have not enjoyed a book so thoroughly in such a long time, solid in characterization, world building, plot, and craft.

*Note. I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley, so I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Stone's Heart (The Queen's Wing #2) by Jessica Thorne was an action packed adventure story with some twists, danger, and heart-break. A beautifully magical but nerve-wrecking space opera. The only complaint from me was the romance (unfortunately, I just didn't feel it) and sadly another love triangle, which fortunately for me was again handled decently, so I didn't hate it at the end, as it often happens with love triangles.

This book was told from Petra and Bel's POVs, so we returned and saw more of Bel and Con's love, the same time we were introduced more closely to Petra (ex-body guard of Bel and current general of Anthaese) and her ex-boyfriend Zander (Bel's brother and Crown Prince of Vairian) and Teel (you will have to read The Stone's Heart to find out more about him). There was drama, trust issues and hard choices to be made.

Also we learn more about this fascinating world. We could see the rebuilding of Anthaese after the devastating Gravian invasion (which took place in the first book). We had a chance to get lost in the web of new dangers, secrets, magic and emotional roller-coaster, which was this story. So this was an entertaining 4 star read for me.

This jumps us right back into the story after the end of the first. If you have not read the first book one should really begin there.
In the second book we get a new voice along with Bel and it is a refreshing addition. New threats are gained just as old are defeated. Petra is added as the second voice. I had thought it would be Col her fiance but I found having Petra was better. She sounded a bit like Bel as the author didn't do a great job of differentiating the differences in personality but it was still refreshing to see a different POV.
As with the first book you need to hang in there for the first part in order to get to the fast paced action. That happens later in the book. I understand why two POV were needed as the book continued. Bel became quite hard to follow by the end of the book.
A good addition to the series that revolves around politics, marriage, and friendship.

The follow-up to The Queen's Wing centers the story on Petra, Bel's bodyguard who has now been made General, while also having Bel as a second POV. In the aftermath of the Gravian war, Anthaese rebuilding efforts continue, and they are all looking forward to Bel and Con finally being wed; the presence of Bel's older brother Zander adds a complication, though, as he is entangled in Imperial schemes of expansion. Meanwhile, a strange disease is spreading, an ancient myth maybe reawakening and Bel and Petra have to investigate conspiracies regarding the Mecha. Petra's personal conflict stems from her being practically an exile from her own home planet, and her feelings about Zander that threaten to impact her duties.

The book has a lot of plot going on, and several things in play. There are diplomatic complications with Zander's arrival (more about the people that come after him than Zander himself), the rebuilding of a war-torn planet being a distraction for something else to rise, the Rondet and Bel's relationships with this new place she calls home, plot arcs about loyalty and belonging, and the love triangle between Pet, Zander and Teel. Now, it takes a lot of time to build up to those things in a meaningful manner, which makes the first half slow enough that it feels like slogging through. Moreover, I felt at times it was going over some established ruts in the plot, increasing its length unnecessarily.

However, I loved the second half better! It made up for some of the lag, delivering on some built-up tensions, and nicely executing Bel's particular issue. Petra's growth throughout the book is also subtle, where she realizes what she really wants is not to be just a soldier and bring honor to her family name. I did feel, though, that the love triangle had more potential than what it ended up as - Teel definitely felt like an ex to Zander and there were enough hints in place to suggest both of them being bisexual. However, considering that the story about the Imperial conspiracy is barely begun, I have hope that the next book will resolve that in a more satisfactory manner.

Overall, a good sequel that tells the story just as well from another character, but it has a slow first half.

This was one of the most rocking sci-fi thrillers I have read in recent times. Jessica Thorne has done it again. In the first book she had pitched Bel's world against the invaders. In this round, Bel had to face an enemy from the bowels of the earth - the Stoneheart. And there was nobody better than her best friend and her general Petra to help her vanquish it.

Book 1 has to be read to understand this book and to love the characters as I did. Petra had always been a fighter and this time too, she does not disappoint. Her mind and resistance to the power of the Stone was mind blowing. There was a force to her when she came on the scenes in this book. She was both strong and yet so vulnerable to the people she loved and trusted. She had 2 suitors in this story Zander and Teel. It was fun to see a general flustered at the attention. But nothing was ever as it seemed till the very end.

Jessica Thorne has dipped her pen into the ink of valor to write this book. The story had everything fights, action sequences, travel to space, magical beings Rondet who are both humane and crystalline, the evil magical stone wanting blood and power, humans and animals who were made machines, the Mecha, the Empress who wanted to control the world, the mad scientists, sleeping sickness, and more. Whew!! I could barely breathe while reading it all.

Fun books should not have niggles, but this one did, just teeny tiny ones. Few parts like the sleeping sickness were not explained. Some parts felt a bit rushed. Time was spent in explaining the power of the Stoneheart, but the vanquishing was done in a jiffy. I wanted more of the camaraderie between Petra and her soldiers. But they were minor, didn't affect the overall flying pace of the book.

There is a book 3 in waiting, or I should say in writing, and you bet I am eagerly waiting to get to it!!

This sequel managed a very rare thing; it reminded me what happened in the first book without bashing me over the head with exposition. It took barely any time before I was swept back up in the world of Bel, Con, Petra and their old (and new) friends.

It's difficult in a sequel to keep from repeating the same basic story with a few cosmetic changes, but Stone's Heart is a totally different animal to Queen's Wing, and they still fit beautifully together. This series could run for a long time, and I hope it does. I'd love to keep visiting Anthaeus to see what's happening to everyone.


Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.

If you want exquisite torture, stress, tension in your muscles, and a possible heart attack, then this is the book for you!!

This book picks up where The Queen's Wing left off, so please read that one first! This novel alternates between Princess Bel and her guard Petra's point of view, with new villains and a possible romantic plot for Petra.

I cannot get over how stressful this book was to read. I imagine books as having highs and lows, with the highs being the proverbial "good times" and the lows being the major conflict. With that reasoning, this book was one huge low all the way through until the very end. There was so much going on with evil on every side, and nothing ever seemed to let up enough for me or the characters to take a breath! I was so strung out emotionally wanting all of my favorites to be okay. Suffice it to say, I am very invested in this world and these characters, which made this a satisfying read. However, I was on the edge of my seat the whole times with no breaks. I would have appreciated a reprieve every now and then!

I finished this book last night I've been trying to think how best to review this book has the first book The queen's wing was my favorite book of last year I loved its so much I would says its in my top 10 favorite books ever.
So I couldn't wait to read this book what can I say first I did like its was lovely to go back into this world and see what Bel and Col are doing and also see them get married.

I liked Petra in the first book so its was great to get to know better she a strong woman but I wasn't sure about the love triangle with her Zander and Teel I will be honest and say liked Teel more than Zander and I hope if there a 3rd book he is in i found him so interesting and wished he had been in the book more. I would also like to know more about his and Zander history. i'm really hoping there a 3rd book.

I would definitely recommend this book its exciting fast paced but not has good has the first one would but still a enjoyable read.

I received a E-ARC of The Stone's Heart via Netgalley

I just wanna start out and say that this book was amazing! I honestly was not happy about it being told from Petra's perspective but it was honestly amazing the way this book was written. I thought that it was just going to be from Petra's but it is also told in Bel's perspective. I really happy with the way this book was told. I'm not going to say much more because you should read this series. Very good!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2636362511?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

The second book in The Queen's Wing series follows directly from the events of the first book, so do make sure to read The Queen's Wing first, as it really is essential in order to fully enjoy this one.
As the author does not have to do as much world building or character set up this book really does hit the ground running, though we do get some new rather intriguing characters, most notably a delegation from the Imperial Empress arriving to attend the Royal Wedding, between Bel and Con.
The delegation is not the only danger, a mysterious and ancient power seems to have re-awakened, and now a cult is forming that could signal disaster for Bel, Con and the entire planet.
While Bel is one of the two POV characters, I found myself more drawn to the other, Petra Kel, a General in the Queen's guard who finds herself face to face with the one man she loved, Bel's brother Lysander. Despite breaking up with him to protect him, she has never really overcome her feelings, but to complicate matters even further she is also drawn to one of the Empress' delegates, resulting in a dramatic love triangle.
While I did enjoy the book, I felt like the plot got a little lost at times. I also wish the voices of the two POV characters were a little more different, at times they were so similar that I found myself checking the chapter headers.
All that being said, I really enjoyed the book, the author has created a fascinating world, and some really powerful characters, and I look forward to see where she takes the story next.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

The Stone's Heart (The Queen's Wing Series Book 2)
by Jessica Thorne
The Stone’s Heart is the second book in this series, following Jessica Thorne’s The Queen’s Wing. While I loved the first book, Stone’s Heart didn’t compare. It follows Queen Belengaria’s bodyguard Petra Kel in the aftermath of the events of book 1. Now, I liked Petra herself, and (one?) of her love interests, Belengaria’s brother Zander. We find out a little bit more about Petra’s past interactions with the royal family and more about the legacy of her father.
The plot centers on the rise of a cult, aided by an unknown magic uncovered in from the depths of the planet. We are also introduced to more scheming diplomats, this time send by the Empress herself. Amid strange magic and political currents, Petra tries unsuccessfully to ignore her former lover.
Though they were short, I thought the best parts of the book were from Belengaria’s point of view. Her emotions seemed more real than Petra’s rather one-sided character (motivated by the disgrace of her father). The ending was anticlimactic and prominently featured tertiary characters who then disappear. While I would read more about Belengaria, with Petra as a side character, I am disappointed to say that I would not read another book focusing on Petra.
Overall, a sub-par continuation of a great opening to the series. I would possibly read the next book depending on who it is focused on.

The Stone’s Heart by Jessica Thorne is the second book of The Queen’s Wing fantasy series. This is a continuing fantasy read so it is best to begin with the first book of the series, The Queens Wing to be able to fully understand the series with this book picking up after the end of the first.

The story centers around seventeen year old Bel who wanted nothing more than to become a flyer like her older brothers. Born on the fringes of royalty however Bel was still being trained to be a princess much to her dismay. One day Bel managed to talk her governess into letting her take her Wasp out on a flight and while Bel was gone her city was attacked.

The Gravians managed to attack and destroy the majority of the royal family leaving Bel’s father the new king. In order to secure a new alliance in the wake of the attack Bel is betrothed to Con, an Anthaem on another planet. With a new potential husband Bel leaves her home and is immediately the target of numerous attempts on her life during the ongoing fight for power.

This second installment adds onto what was going on in the first book and continue to expand the world giving us a new character voice with Petra along with Bel. I do wish Petra and Bel would have had a bit more difference to their voices but I still think the same with the world in there was plenty of creativity and action. This is definitely a story that is fast paced and entertaining and one I would continue reading.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I enjoyed this but I didn’t think it was as good as the first book. I couldn’t quite connect with Petra and zander the same way I did with Bel, Con and Shae. It was still a good entertaining read but I think it lacked a spark the first had.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Starting where The Queen’s Wing left off, Anthaeus is trying to rebuild after the devastating attack unleashed by the Gravians and the Mechas. Bel and Con are trying to start their life together as future husband and wife and hope for no more surprises – but life doesn’t always go as planned.

A new threat means it’s a new hero’s time to shine – and shine Petra does. Petra is strength, she is loyalty, she is heartbroken, she is headstrong and she is unconditional love. Petra is the hero that I aspire to be and I loved following alongside her as she attempted to tackle every obstacle put in front of her.

I enjoyed seeing the strength in vulnerability being explored in this story and the strength of friendship, love and companionship. The Rondet were also strong characters in this installment and I would love to see even more.

I was delighted by the follow up novel and it held the same magic that I was experiencing when reading The Queen’s Wing. There is so much more that can be explored within this universe and I hope Jessica has plans to venture into other stories?

*thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Stone’s Heart picks up right where The Queen’s Wing left off and because of this I would highly recommend you read book one to fully understand the characters and background to this story.

In the aftermath of the Gravian attack, Anthaeus is slowly recovering and rebuilding. Bel and Con are finally getting married and the Rondet are free.
Things seem to be looking up but for General Petra Kel, her best friend’s wedding is not without its challenges.
Crown Prince Lysander, is the only man Petra has ever loved and she left him without explanation. Now that her and Zander are unexpectedly thrown together will they be able to put aside their feelings or will being together again reignite an old flame?

This was another fun, fast paced read with plenty of action and adventure.

Petra is the main protagonist and the story is told from both hers and Bel’s POVs. This time Petra finds herself tangled up in a love triangle whilst desperately trying to do her duty.

There were a lot of common themes between both books. Both female leads are strong, independent woman trying to prove themselves in a male-oriented world, living in the shadows of their families and trying their best to balance their duties against their own ambitions and desires.

Again as with book one, the character development was well thought out and felt genuine. The supporting cast of characters each brought something different to the story. I particularly liked the introduction of some of the new characters like Zander and Teel and would be interested in to find out more about their history (hopefully in book three).

Great ideas, fantastic storytelling and likeable characters make this a compelling read that I didn’t want to put down.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Stone’s Heart will be available from 19th February 2019.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher (Bookouture) for providing a copy. All opinions are my own and provided willingly.

I have really mixed feelings about this book. The world building is great. The story itself is interesting. I like most of the characters. But just like the first book this one took a really long time to get going. I had to really push myself to get through the first 30%, and it wasn't until almost halfway through that it really got interesting. My other main issue was Petra. I didn't feel her voice was distinct enough to really distinguish whose POV the reader was hearing. As both Bel and Petra are young female protagonists there really needed to be something to set them apart. And to be honest I wasn't all that fond of Petra. Lastly, and I know this is a YA title and I'm definitely outside of that demographic, but most of the twists and turns were projected far in advance, with few true surprises. Despite all that I will still be on the lookout for more in the series.

#TheStonesHeart #NetGalley


The Stone's Heart by Jessica Thorne was one of my most anticipated books for this year and it didn't disappoint! I honestly didn't pay much attention to Petra in the first book but with the book being written from her point of view and Bel's point of view it was so neat to have a better perspective of what was going on! I loved the obstacles and relationships that came from, or were strengthened from them. I like how some of the characters you couldn't tell what their intention was, and some of them were not even clear at the end of the book. This is a great book, but you should read The Queen's Wing first.

I received an advance reader copy from Bookouture and NetGalley for a fair review.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to friends and family.