Oh hello book two! I enjoyed being thrown back into a fantasy with all the spice. Romantasy is one of my favourite genres and I was enjoying being back in the dark fae world - I liked that the burn was slow, but not the whole book slow!

Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK, Orbit and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Rule of the Aurora King.

I loved this book even more than Trial of the Sun Queen. Obsessed with the dual POV, I love the mutual yearning from both of the MCs. Love that you learn more about the history of the story and how this converges with real time to give answers but also lots of questions! And the ending!!!

Can't wait for the next one.

"Rule of the Aurora King" grabbed my attention with the sizzling dynamic between Lor and Nadir—classic enemies turned lovers. Their connection is intense and drives the story forward. The book is a deep dive into a world where power corrupts and the past haunts the present. The inclusion of lost heirs with a family angle adds depth, making the characters’ struggles and connections feel real. It's a solid fantasy romance that ticks a lot of boxes for fans of the genre and sets the stage for the next book, which I’m really looking forward to.

As many of you know enemies to lovers is my absolute favourite trope in romance and this one executed it soooooo well! This book carries on a short while after the Trial of the Sun Queen and I instantly loved the tension between Lor and Nadir. It also steps away from the trials and instead we see Lor go undercover in order to find what's rightfully hers.

I loved watching Lor grow in the first book and her character development continues in this one with her learning more about herself and what she's capable of. I also liked getting to know more about Nadir, even if I did get frustrated at his constant use of Lor's 'nickname'.

I'm really enjoying this series so much so that I ended up reading this one in a day! I refused to go to sleep until I had finished it! I'm so intrigued to see how the story continues and I'm desperate for the next book already!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Holy sloooow-burn and sexual tension Batman!
4.5 🌟

<I> ‘Pretty words from pretty Fae. They’re all liars driven by their own ends.
And their desire for my blood.’ </i>

Even though there’s a small time jump, this book starts practically where the first one left off: Lor has swapped one prison for another, and although she’s currently safe from the Sun King, her gilded cage with the Aurora Prince doesn’t seem to be much better.

I really enjoyed the world development in this one, and although it felt a bit jarring at times I found the added POV of Serce really helpful to build the history Lor and Nadir are trying to overcome. I appreciated the found family and family ties in this book, and the sexual tension between the two main characters was insane.
<I> I want to undo him the way he keeps undoing me.’ </i>
Having said that, Lor did begin to frustrate me, but I understand her past massively influences her reactions and it may take more time for her to work through it all.
I’m very impatient for the third one to be released as I can’t wait to see where this story is going to go!

***thank you to Netgalley for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review***

OHHH this series just keeps getting better. It has its claws in me and will not let go. I thought it will suffer from the second book syndrome but it has gladly proved me wrong and I am here for it. Can't wait for the third.

After finishing Trial of the Sun Queen, I jumped straight into the second book to see what happens to Lor after seeing what Atlas, the Sun King was really like and being taken away by Nadir, the Aurora Prince and his friends.
We now greet Lor as she’s being kept in a safe house with Nadir, his sister and guard Mael. She’s being hidden from everyone as they try and figure out what the magic mirror meant by Low not being allowed ascend the Sun throne. Turns out, like many book heroines, that she’s actually secret royalty to a dead kingdom and her siblings are actually magical royals as well but they’re still in the prison.
Nadir and Lor have this very strange chemistry and their enemies to lovers’ journey is intense here. This was more interesting than the first book and I was only a quarter of the way through. Lor and Nadir are in hiding but are also on the hunt for a magical artefact that could reactivate Lor’s deeply stored powers.
There was a lot more chemistry and banter between Lor and Nadir than there was with Atlas and this book was spicier than the first.
Once again, I felt like it was rebuilding the blocks that were obliterated by the end of book one, but I was more invested in the story this time round. Now we wait for the third book which will hopefully reach its full potential.

2.25★
1.5🌶

Thank you NetGalley for the e-copy of this book. That said, I enjoyed the first one much more than the sequel, and I'm pretty sad about that.

Thoughts:

- I don't even know where to start honestly. I really enjoyed the first book. There was action, there was mystery, and it was interesting despite the lack of world building. Here, we got a bit more world building, but that was it? It was boring, nothing happened for most of the book, and we kept going in circles. I was so bored honestly... I almost DNFed the book at least twice. Once around 60-ish %, and then I had the same feeling around 93%... But I finished it... somehow.
- The characters... I'm just so annoyed with them at this point, to be honest. Let's start with Nadir, as that might be quicker. Overall, I still quite like his character. I felt bad for him most of the time as Lor was a little shit to him. One bad thing I have to say though, and it annoyed me so much while reading the book, is the damn nickname he has for her. Why would he call her "inmate"? Like why? At first... okay, fine, you don't know her... sure, go for it. But it kept going all the way until the end, and I got triggered every time he used it. There was also a scene where he calls her "inmate" in one sentence and then "sweetheart" in another. Was that supposed to be hot? Cute? Because it wasn’t.
- Lor... Well... I really hated her in this book. She annoyed me from the beginning. At first, she acted like a brat, then it got worse. She kept blaming Nadir for everything that happened to her from the beginning until the end, while not realizing he's not his father - the person that should actually be blamed. I also got the feeling that Lor became too self-centered in this book. Everything had to be about her. She's the only one who was hurt. Everyone is at fault but not her. Everything has to be the way she wants it to be. And overall, she just acted mean and rude constantly.
- The pacing was bad. The writing was somehow worse than in the first book? I really enjoyed the writing in the Trial of the Sun Queen, but this wasn't it. The characters' monologues were annoying, and even most of the dialogues were cringey...
- Now for some things I liked... A bit of world building was nice to get. I wish we found out even more about the artefacts and the magic system though.
- I enjoyed Serce's and Wolf's chapters. I kinda wish they were the main characters actually.

Overall, this was... fine. The first book was so much better compared to this. I hope the next book will be good. I still want to give this series a go.

This is a common review for the two books I read in this series
I think this series is one of the first work by this author because there's a lot of potential but it's a bit green, like something is missing or underdeveloped.
It's entertaining but some more world building and character development would turn this series into a real page turner.
The heroine is well done, the male characters are a bit flat and I confused them at times.
I'm reading another series by this author and enjoying it more, I'm curious about what will happen in the third book.
3.5 upped to 4
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

✨Rule of the Aurora King - Nisha J Tuli ✨

The second in the Artefacts of Ouranos quartet, Rule of the Aurora King picks up exactly where Trial of the Sun Queen left off (no spoilers here!). Lor is exploring her heritage with the help of her nemesis’ son, Nadir the Aurora Prince. The chemistry between Lor and Nadir is exceptional despite Lor’s hatred for Nadir and his father the Aurora King. I enjoyed the enemies to lovers compared to the insta-love in the first book and the spice level has definitely increased from book 1 to 2.

Tuli has a skill in writing novels so captivating you don’t even notice 500 pages fly by which is testament to her easy world-building. I did find Nadir’s possessive nature to be a bit jarring but I think this will be further explained in future novels. In addition to Lor and Nadir’s POV we also meet the Serce, the last Heart Queen. The additional POV begins to explain the history of Ouranos and sets up for future books in the series. This high fae fantasy is perfect for lovers of ACOTAR.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Despite book 2 containing a lot of preparation for future books in the series I am completely hooked by this series. I’m devastated that we have to wait until June 2024 for the next instalment! I think I sense a pre-order coming 👀

A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Nisha J Tuli for providing me with an eARC of this book for my thoughts!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

4.5 rounded to 5

I am hugely enjoying this series, and even when I've found parts of the plot mildly predictable at times (a me problem more than a book problem) I was still engaged and loving the story.

As soon as Nadir was introduced in book one I was like... yes. Yes, more of this man please. Utterly delighted seeing the development of the relationship between him and Lor in this book, the bickering and banter is top notch to be honest. I continue to love Lor as an FMC, she's brash and bold and takes no nonsense from anyone, but at the same time has this deep compassion and ability to love. We love a complex heroine!

I also had a few of my theories from book one confirmed in this one, so I spent a lot of time patting myself on the back... but now I have even MORE theories and questions so I'll be eagerly awaiting book three!

Right, book two in the Artefacts of Ouranos series was... fine, I guess. Will I be shouting about it from the rooftops? No.

Overall, I felt like there wasn't enough plot to the present-day storyline, and entirely too much focus on sex in the historic timeline. I wanted the background of how Serce destroyed the heart kingdom, not of how horny she and Wolf (who was extraordinarily bland and somewhat misnamed) were at all points.

There wasn't much progress in the overall plot line, but what I expect are future plot twists are again foreshadowed in a glaringly obvious manner. Yes, we're all waiting for Nadir and Lor to realise that they're mates.

Overall, it was an easy read, but it didn't live up to my expectations.

4,5/5 stars

This series has taken over my life 😂 I loved the first book, but this was even better!
The dual POV, the banter, the slow burn, THE SPICE… omg 😍 And it’s the first genuine enemy-to-lovers story I read and enjoy so much.

Nisha really has an amazing writing style. As with the first book, I was hooked after the first few chapters.
Oh and the chapters of a few centuries in the past were even better! I kind of wished they had a whole book about them!

I also loved the evolution of Lor. She’s still as badass and feisty as in book one, but seeing her rediscovering herself was so good. I cannot wait to see what she becomes in the future books.

There were a few side characters where I had a bit of trouble connecting to, but I’m hoping to read more of them once they start their adventure in book three. I think it was purely because the main focus in the sequel was with Lor/Nadir and Serce/Wolf.
And the reason of not giving it a full 5 stars is due to some repetitive parts in the chapters of Lor, but honestly it’s a minor thing…

I’m SUPER excited for the next book. I cannot believe we need to wait until June 😭
But that give YOU enough time to catch up with the series. It’s so worth it!

Rule of The Aurora King. Book 2 of the Artefacts of Ouranos.

Book 2 continues where we left off. And this is book is absolutely brilliant. It blows it out of the park.
Enemies to lovers throughout this book is done superbly with an emotional slow burn that will have you feeling all the feels.
Lor is a force to be reckoned with and I just love her development throughout this storyline. The world-building continues to blow my mind.
Nadir, the Aurora Prince, certainly has his hands full with Lor, but he keeps up rather well. I loved his characters development and patiently await to find out what happens next.
I am so excited for book 3. Fate of the Sun King. I can not get enough of this saga. Pure brilliance.

Thank you #Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I apologise now that this is a double review for the first and second book in the series. I ate up these books SO fast that I've done the review jointly because I was so invested!

Review will be available to read on Instagram @moodybluereads later today.

•••••••••••••••

EXCUSE ME!?

OH MY GOD

Right.. I'm gathering words, I really, really am.

WHY IS EVERYONE NOT READING THIS SERIES?

I'm not even sorry for shouting, I'm really not.

I devoured both of these books in 2 days and I cannot stop thinking about it. I am wholly obsessed.

With a ménage of characters that keep you on the edge of your seat, not knowing who to trust and consistent suspense intermingling at every opportunity - what's not to love?

Lor - god bless her heart - is my new fave Heroine. She is powerful, resilient, humble and kind. Everything you want in a FMC without being overbearing (which I find happens a lot).

Trial of the Sun Queen sees Lor stolen from Nostraza, the world's deadliest prison under the rule of the Aurora King, and thrust into the cutthroat trials within the realm of the Sun King. Lor doesn't know why she's here but she must compete amongst 9 other women to win his hand in marriage and become his bonded Queen. Not knowing who to trust and shaken by the immense change of atmosphere, Lor competes, deep down knowing not everything is as it seems. When the games come to an end, secrets and lies are exposed which meant I 100% ABSOLUTELY HAD TO go straight into the next book.

Rule of the Aurora King takes us head first into learning about the history and origin of the kingdoms - how they came to pass and why Lor seems to be so tangled up in them. After being stolen ONCE AGAIN it's no surprise Lor cannot trust Nadir, Prince of the Aurora Kingdom, especially when she knows what his father, the Aurora King, is capable of. With the impossible task of reuniting her family, a kingdom and a legend, Lor keeps her friends close but her enemies closer.

EXCUSE ME WHILST I CRY MYSELF TO SLEEP THAT THE NEXT BOOK ISN'T OUT YET.

It was super easy to read and I found myself fully immersed within the world Nisha created, I feel bereft without it. If you need a mascot or hype girl for the upcoming book.. I volunteer as tribute.

Just saying.

Set to be a 4 book series, I 10000% recommend if you're ready to throw yourself into the next addicting fantasy world.

TOTALLY DEVOURED THIS BOOK!

This one started off a bit slower than Trials of the Sun Queen, however that was totally necessary to the plot. I got some serious beauty and the beast vibes from a particular scene, but still really enjoyed how the story unfolded.

I like how we got to see more of Nadir's point of view in this one, the character development for him, Amya and Lor were all really well done and I liked how it all intertwined neatly, lining us up for the next instalment.

The only grip I have, was action seemed to be over as quick as it started - I'd have loved it to have been a little more drawn out. Either way - I need the third!!

Lor finds herself in an impossible situation while trapped in a small cottage within the Aurora. Her rescuers/captures want information that she is not ready to give up, despite her intense supernatural physical attraction to the Aurora Prince.
But, the truth had to catch up to her family sometime. She must find a way to explain why an inmate from Nostraza was so coveted by the Sun King Atlas, and kept as a secret locked away by the Aurora King.
This sequel has everything romantasy fans are looking for: enemies to lovers? Only one horse, Only one bed! A lot of spice! And a strong woman searching out her power and to take revenge on those who have wronged her. All while trying to follow the mirrors instrusts to find the Heart Crown.

Thank you NerGalley for the ARC.
As the first book in the series starts with Lor, a prisoner being captured to participate the competition to be the wife of the sun king, we now know that the sun king is the villain. Lor escapes.
In this book, the hero is Nadir, and their banter is funny. Though the issue of him trying to convince her to be with her is giving the creeps, not the ideal romance that we enjoy, in the end it turns out to be okay. I am not comfortable that we are supposed to be grateful that he does not support violence. His comments made me think that.
The side characters Amya and Mael, Tristan and Willow were nice, and Lor’s struggle to ger together was also made me continue to read
Thanks

I can't believe how much I loved this book! The angst, the pinning and the tension was absolutely delicious. We get forced proximity, enemies to lovers, one bed and one horse trope, what else could we ask for?

In this second installment we see Lor in a new light, ready to kick some ass and tired of being used and tossed away. She definitely has a strong character and I love the way she gets to show it, especially when Nadir becomes a bit possessive. We gotta love her for how she sets her boundries - although she is a bit contradictory herself.

First things first, I need to admit that one of the best things of this book was the representation of the relationships in the story. I love the Lor, Tristan and Willow's connection and how much they care for each other - I can never get enough of them.

Nadir and Lor's relationship is vastly different and I LOVE it. We already got a sneak peek at the end of the first book and you might intuit how their dynamic is going to be evolving but it has exceeded my expectations in all the senses of the word.

Overall, it was very fast to read - I kept reading and the time flying by. The spice was just great and the plot, although predictable at some points, is progressing in a steady way. It does leave the reader keen to keep reading, frustrating cliffhangers and mysteries along the way. I cannot wait for the next book and particularly for that next POV.

This is book 2 of the Artefacts of Ouranos serie.
Slight spoilers ahead if you haven't read the first book.
We follow Lor and Nadir, as they are both back in the Aurora.
Lor has been kept for a few weeks now and refuses to give Nadir and his friends any informations.
Eventually they will agree to help eachother as they want the fall of the same person.

This book gets way more angsty than the first as the tension between Lor and Nadir is getting high.
We also get the POV of Serce, the queen of Heart from 286 years ago, and the story of how the Queendom of Heart came to disappear.

This was fast paced and sexy. My issue? I thought book 3 was coming out next month... turns out, it comes out June 2024!!! That's gonna be an issue!
+Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for access to this ebook against an honest review.*