Okay this was so much better than I expected after book 1! Three stars!

Things that I still can't take seriously:
- 300 year old Fae who use the words Okay and Yah.
- Buttons on leggings
- The fact that they all wear leggings at all
- Every time Nadir growls
- Lor, sadly: my grandmother was the Queen of Heart who nearly broke the world
immediate cut to flashback 280 years ago where grandmama is having a screaming orgasm while grandpapa flares his giant bat wings

- The fact that grandpapa is called Wolf but has bat wings. I mean, that he's called Wolf at all, and that he seems to have zero personality apart from thinking grandmama is hot and being desperate for babies

- We find out that Serce and Wolf are MATES, which is not the same thing as being bonded, it's much rarer. I wonder if we'll find out in book 3 if the mysterious magical connection between Nadir and Lor has anything to do with that 😂

- Whatever button mechanics are happening here: "As his finger presses my clit, my entire body goes soft and stretched at the same time"

- Nadir's personality has turned into a woobie. He's totally fine just walking around with a hard on all the time. He reaches across the enormous bed to clasp hands with her at night. He's very into verbal consent. Also, Tuli makes sure we really know that he doesn't approve of slavery, which. Sure! Great 😂

- Nadir can always smell how wet Lor is, which kind of implies so can all the other High Fae, which, lmao. Also there's multiple times where he steals her underwear, she's super wet, and then she walks out into a party full of people and like... what is happening here? Is she just walking around ignoring the leaking? Does her body just magically slurp it back up...?


Things that were surprisingly okay:

The plot actually makes a lot more sense in this book. They have to find a thing so they do things to find the thing. I appreciate that after the entire sun queen trials turned out to be completely pointless.

The smut is like. mostly fine (apart from the bits I couldn't take seriously, as noted above). Good on Nadir for really enjoying eating Lor out. Amazing that they've both decided that they 'haven't had sex' despite oral sex received and given by both, plus metaphysical dream sex, rutting and fingers. But sure, okay

I expected the bit where he uses his magic to help open her magic to feel like their magic is having sex and that is indeed what happened.

This book was the epitome of 'one more chapter' for me. The second book in the Artefacts of Ouranos series sees Lor finally free from the prison and having proved herself in the Sun Queen trials. Held captive by Nadir, the Aurora Prince, Lor is desperate to cling onto her secrets and find her way back to her brother and sister.

Again, this book is everything I love in a fantasy romance series. Snarky fae, deliciously slow enemies to lovers, found family, deceit and magic. I'm truly invested in these characters and their stories now. I'm completely obsessed with the dynamic between Lor and Nadir. The settings are lush and beautifully described. I get strong Stephanie Garber/.Caraval/OUABH vibes from this author.

This is a brilliantly fast paced, fun read but with that little dash of darkness and heartbreak to keep you turning the pages. I'm literally chomping at the bit for the next book in the series!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publishers and author for providing an arc in return for an honest review.

This was a good read, I relate it slightly to Throne of Glass, where it feel's like the first book is a big set up for some of the characters, then the next few books are when the plot thickens.
 
I think I preferred this one to the first book as it got more into the storyline and history of the world. There was more in depth explanation of what has happened, which helped connect some of the dots that were missing in the first one. I did, again see some of the twists coming, not that there are too many in this one.
 
Overall, I'm quite looking forward to the next one, which is due for release in 2024

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lor has been kidnapped from the clutches of the Sun King by Nadir, the Aurora Prince. He is determined to discover her secrets, certain that she can help him with his goals. He tries hard to show her she can trust him, but she's determined not to make the same mistakes again. She will accept his help in finding a lost artefact though. Where will this journey take them? And can she resist him?

This book started off not too long after the events of the first book. The chemistry between Lor and Nadir was all that I had wanted between her and Atlas. The anger and the pining were *chefs kiss*.

However, there is only so much of the territorial, jealous anger that I can take from a male love interest. Like, we get it, you're possessive. There is also only so much I can take of being reminded that Lor can't trust anyone. Yes, she had been burned, and I'm glad she learned her lesson, but maybe just being a little overcautious.

This book was multiple POV, with the majority of chapters being in Nadir or Lor's POV, but also introducing the 3rd POV of Serce. I loved the angst and pining in both of the main character's chapters.

This book kicked things up a notch in terms of spice, and I did like that. Things felt a bit more charged.

There are a few too many parallels between this series and ACOTAR. I will say though, that this book has better diversity, in all aspects.

While this book did further the plot of the series, the book seemed mainly more about the history and furthering the relationships of the characters. If you prefer things a bit more plot heavy, than you might not enjoy this book as much as I did.

I can't believe I have to wait until June before I can read the next installment.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for this eCopy to review

What a fantastic second book in the series and such a treat to be able to read it straight away. This time Lor has been capture by the Auroa Prince, why does he want her? Why is her magic attracted to him? Can she trust him?

FrostFire sounds amazing, I wish I could go to all the balls, markets and parties. Lor has to hope the Auroa King doesn't recognise her as she goes to the castle with Nadir to search for her crown and free her magic. Can she avoid falling for Nadir? Even if he says he also wants to destroy his father. Again, it was wonderful seeing Lor grow into her power and being confident a true Queen in the making. Nadir's POV's help us to understand what he is feeling and help give more depth to the novel

I loved the chapters from Serce's point of view as to why she almost destroyed the world and would love to see this continued in the next books so that more of the history is explained

A great enemies to lovers book, I loved the slow burn romance and am definitely longing for the next books in the series already to see where it goes

I think this may be one of the best enemies to lovers I’ve ever read AND they’re fated mates AND it’s a slow burn on the feelings side but with some great spice scenes AND the classic one bed trope AND shadow daddy vibes but with magic AND it’s dual POV AND there’s so much tension? Yes please and I need to go take a cold shower (or two) after finishing it 🥵

Okay, now I’ve got that off my chest, let’s jump into the actual review that feels light but that’s because I’ve kept it spoiler free.

The plot is a little slower in book 2, but it’s still very enjoyable and I found myself struggling to put it down. It focuses more on the MFC, Lor, and how she’s discovering who she is and exploring her power ✨

We see more world building, get flashbacks to the past, and get to see more of the politics of the world. We also get to know Nadir more and he starts to come across as much softer than book 1. I can’t wait to see how their relationship develops and what becomes of all of the titles 👑

I’m slightly sulking because I have to wait until the end of the year for the third book, but the author has another book that’s just come out so I may jump into that to tide me over 😅

Rule of the Aurora King

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Different setting to the first book as it follows along, I enjoyed the new progression and new setting. There was more personality growth and understanding about who Lore is. The world building is as fascinating as it was in the first book.

The extra POV (3rd version) of Nadir & Serce's were really interesting. Especially seeing how the world is from a different view.
I’m so invested to where this series is going and really enjoyed it so far.

I received this copy from Net gallery

Yes, I did just post my review of Trial of The Sun Queen and yes, I did immediately start reading Rule of the Aurora King! How could I not!

Firstly, you are warned at the start of this book - THERE IS EPIC PINING! No question and it goes both ways. Our badass female protagonist Lor is now faced with Nadir, the primary Aurora prince - love/hate, epic pining!

Picking up from where Trial of the Sun Queen ends, the story picks up and is told from 3 POVs, our two protagonists and going back in time 286 years to Lor’s grandmother! Don’t worry, the chapter headers will keep you straight! The story plunges straight into dramatic adventures, deception, and of course the epic pining!

I think I loved this book more than book 1, you’ll get exactly what I mean, particularly if you’ve read any SJM! And I can’t deny the opportunity to get to know the characters better really brings back those ACOTAR vibes! Also we see Lor going further on her journey and the impact that her traumatic life has had on her - PTSD and lack of faith/belief in herself and her choices.

Now all I have to do is wait for book 3 - I’m not sure my heart can hold out until June 3024 but, I’ll be there as soon as I can get my hands on it!

Thank you Little, Brown Book Group U.K. and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Once again, thank you NetGalley.

why oh why was I up all night reading this book? why do I want to read the next one?
With the amount of plot holes, I’m still not sure what happened. So she knew she was ******* all along? Was that the twist? It wasn’t? Why is she with him now? Everything feels so rushed and messy.
It gets 2 stars cause I guess it still makes me want to read what happened next.
Not as good as the first book.
Still, I want to see what happens next.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book should be called: Epic Pining instead, you all. I have never read a book with so MUCH PINING that had so many layers. Nadir and Lor pined for each other even before they realized it. And it continued until the last page. This book had me at the edge of my bed the entire time I read it. Will they, won't they? And how will Nadir survive the emotional roller-coaster? My man is strong, but oh how this book tested his limits. Nadir, I love you, you got this!

Lor continues to be a fierce heroine I'd follow to the Queendom of Heart and back. Nadir can describe her much better than anyone else, though.

"But somehow, she survived both that and Atlas's Trials and came out on the other end in a blazing ball of confident fire that threatens to burn me up every time she walks into the room."
and
"She behaves exactly like a queen. A slightly wild one with a short fuse, but a queen nonetheless. Gods, when she scolds me like that, I want to kiss her."

Lor appears confident, but in truth, she's only confident of her goal and what she wants to achieve: find the truth, protect her siblings, and the people of Heart that are being tortured by the Aurora King. She isn't sure that it will work, that she can make it work; she's sure of what she needs and wants to do. I find that nuance to be fascinating and so, so relatable. And I loved how at a certain point, she could have done something immediately, but instead, she thought to share the moment with her siblings instead of just going forward with it. *I'm being vague here because I don't want to give away spoilers.* I found that to be so endearing and so sweet in a world and in a life that hasn't been sweet to Lor.

Nadir, my Nadir. Now he is confident and powerful and in a constant painful pining throughout most of the book. But he's handling it in a pure Nadir way; meticulously, confidently, stubbornly, and well...honestly. He has no secrets. He may not be the most open person ever, but he's like a half-open book. He loves his people in a fierce and endless way. And he's just so competent and smart and strategic. I love smart characters, and Nadir is one of the smartest I've read.

The world-building continues to be as fascinating as it was in the first book, and it gets even better with Lor coming close to find her magic at last. It was also interesting to read Serce's POVs and learn more about what happened in the past that had such devastating consequences.

I should also point out that one of the things I loved about this book was the endless pining, yes, but that it had a reason behind it. Lor made some mistakes in the first book, and now, with so much at stake on a personal, family, and queendom level, she can't afford to make another big mistake. And our intense Nadir could be a mistake that could ruin Lor and her family, in her mind. So Lor is torn between desire and blooming feelings, and fear, and uncertainty. It's not a pining that exists only to maintain suspense and drama in the book; it's there because Lor isn't ready to trust Nadir with her heart, partly because she's scared, and partly because she's cautious since she knows that her family and her queendom depend on her. A true survivor is a survivor because they're scared and cautious. After all, bravery isn't the absence of fear. It's about having a fear and finding a way through it.

I have 3 books by Nisha J. Tuli, and I love each one with a passion. She's an auto-buy author for me now and forever. Also, if you happen to have physical ARCs of any of her books, please let me know. I'M SOOO INTERESTED!

"Rule of the Aurora King" is the second installment of "Artefacts of Ouranos," a na fantasy romance series written by Nisha J. Tuli and currently in progress.

I won't include the plot to avoid spoilers, but the story picks up from the end of the first book. More specifically, a few weeks later.

I admit that I preferred "Trial of the Sun Queen" to "Rule of the Aurora King." Overall, it is a book that I enjoyed and entertained me a lot, but some things did not convince me.

The writing, in my opinion, is always captivating, sizzling and light, easy to follow and devour. The fast pace, accompanied by the presence of short chapters, tantalized me to continue and finish it quickly.

The story picks up from the end of the first book, precisely five weeks later, full of action, subterfuge and intrigue. As mentioned earlier, I think this series is a mixture of ingredients taken from other romantasy titles. This is not something that bothers me, if done well, also because these are elements that I basically appreciate and like to find elsewhere. In the first book I loved this mixture of components, but I confess that in "Rule of the Aurora King" it really felt too present. And unfortunately not handled as well. I don't know, it gave me a feeling of heaviness. Okay, with that issue closed, let's get to the plot! What can I say? I sensed too many, but really too many, convenience situations! Okay, I had noticed them before, but in this sequel they have increased uncontrollably! In my opinion there are plot holes almost everywhere and this left me puzzled and slightly annoyed. Also, several important scenes are handled in an overly rushed manner, or off the page! Seriously, I was terribly disappointed, also because some of these scenes involved a certain emotional impact that I unfortunately didn't feel because of the extreme speed. A new plot path was added, set in the past and concerning the mysterious Queendom of Heart, which I found interesting, but a bit superficial. In the end, however, despite the various flaws I perceived, the plot captured me! I am very curious about the third installment and hope for a new improvement!

I really liked Lor and Nadir, protagonists with their respective first person povs! Or rather, I loved Lor, a little less Nadir. I talked about Lor extensively in my review of the first book, so I avoid repeating myself. All I'm saying is that I confirm my high appreciation for her! Nadir, on the other hand, left me a bit torn. On the one hand I'm glad because he finally has more space and more characterization, but on the other hand he shows attitudes that I just didn't like. For example, the fact that he keeps calling Lor "inmate," when it bothers her and he knows exactly what she went through! I swear it irritated me a lot!

The relationship between Lor and Nadir stirred up mixed feelings for me! Their chemistry is crackling, their interactions are mind blowing, and the sexual tension that hovers between the pages is juicy! The spicy then is really hot! However, I don't know, the romance itself conveyed little to me. In the sense that I felt no growth in the relationship, no building of the couple. Many things are simply said, not shown, taking away from the feeling of their rapport. There are too many repetitions of certain dynamics, thoughts and situations, to the point of being exasperating. On more than one occasion I found myself rolling my eyes! Some speeches just seemed absurd and awkward to me, as did certain episodes! Also, the fact that Nadir keeps calling her "inmate" broke my enthusiasm!

As mentioned above a new pov is introduced, namely that of the infamous past queen of the Queendom of Heart. An interesting woman with a strong personality, in my opinion poorly delineated and rather flat. It is a pity because as a character she could have given a lot, instead she left me lukewarm!

All in all, this is a somewhat shaky sequel, less successful than the first, but still enjoyable. I am very curious about the third installment, with the hope that it will improve!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC, Unfortunately, this wasn’t for me. Thank you again. I really appreciate the opportunity.

Again, let me just start by saying how big fan I am of Nisha J. Tuli and her work. Rule of the Aurora King is the second installment in her series "Artefacts of Ouranos". "Rule of the Aurora King" is a thrilling addition to the series, filled with captivating characters and a richly crafted fantasy world. If you love epic adventures, this series is a must-read. I can't wait for the third installment!

(Will be updated with links when the review is posted on other platforms)

To every woman who’s been told they’re too wild. Too impulsive. Too much.
May you always stay that way.
THIS WAS THE DEDICATION!!!!

I have so much to say about this one.
The enemies were enemy-ing(if you know what I mean). I had so many toe-curling, screaming, and butterfly-in-my-stomach moments. It's so refreshing to see them hating each other so much that they can't breathe. This is "hate", obviously.

-"As if reading my mind, he lets out another exaggerated sigh, and who would have thought an immortal prince could be so fucking petty?
“Sweet dreams, Inmate,” he says, a definite thread of amusement in his voice. I hold back the snarl perched on the roof of my mouth, refusing to give him even a shred of satisfaction as I stare into the dark and vow to kill him. Slowly and painfully."
(so this is loooove)


-"I glare at him, and he offers me a grin"
Oh, come on you cannot tell me that Nadir isn't a cinnamon roll.


-"When she ran off and was nearly attacked by that ozziller, all I could see was a red haze of fury. I didn’t need to destroy that monster with as much force as I did, but I wanted to do more than stop it. I wanted it to suffer. For daring to threaten her, I wanted it to feel the excruciating agony of my wrath even after it was dead."
(screaming-crying because I will never be able to find a fae prince who'll say "Who hurt you")

Lor in the words of nadir:
-"How can this woman have spent half her life in Nostraza and turn out like that? It should have broken her. It should have left her as a shell. But somehow, she survived both that and Atlas’s Trials and came out on the other end in a blazing ball of confident fire that threatens to burn me up every time she walks into the room. It’s as though her spirit has always understood her legacy and her purpose.
She behaves exactly like a queen. A slightly wild one with a short fuse, but a queen nonetheless."


My favorite kdrama moment:
-“It’s so beautiful,” I say.
“It is,” Nadir agrees, but when I look at him, he’s staring intently at me.

ALSO, The moment when they finally laugh at each other’s jokes or smile, that moment is so tender .
-“He grins, and the smile transforms his face. I didn’t even know he was capable of such boyish smile”

I seriously have so many quotes to share from this book but I'll leave some things as a surprise for you.
I LOVED THIS BOOK in case it wasn't obvious enough.

Yours sincerely,
desperately waiting for third book

After being kidnapped to joined Sun Queen Trial, Lor become another kidnapping victim by Aurora Court. With revealing her family secrets and her own personal strength she become important pioneer for power struggles at Quranos.

The plots picked the last event from previous book and absolutely thicker than previous one. And the romance take bigger portion at here. Some scenes are filled with tension and deliciously hot. Sadly some arguments scenes between MC at parties seem repetitive. The fairy story wasn't new but it still unique and entertaining. Magic appears more at here but still early stage and I want more.

For addition from Lor and Nadir's POV, there was back story from previous Heart Court's ruler. I really enjoyed this new POV, Serce was strong, cunning, strong and fight for her love and ambitions. Her narrative gave so much connection for some questions I found at book one.

Thank you Netgalley and Orbit from Little Brown Books UK for provided my ecopy of this book. My thoughts and opinions always become my own.

~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ! ~

Once again.. I . WAS . HOOKED!!

I very quickly continued on reading from Book 1 as I was lucky enough to have Book 2 ready to go. When I tell you I did the bare minimal of my work and motherly duties over the past 24 hours, I mean it (well not really regading the well-being of my 8 month old, but you get the idea 😉)!

Lor and Nadir have captivated me, and I feel like I am a part of their lives. I am very much nursing a Book Hangover right now as I am so sad Book 3 is not ready to read yet. I need to know what happens with our book-family! Nisha's writing style was spot on in building the realm in our minds, and the tension - sheeeesh!

I couldn't put this book down, and to me, that is a sign of an incredible book! Brava! Don't mind me sitting here (im)patiently waiting to read Book 3! 🤍

✨ Book Review *

Rule Of The Aurora King by @nishajtwrites

I want to start by saying that Nisha is probably my new favourite author and I only tag authors in good reviews.

Rule Of The Aurora King is book 2 in The Artifacts Of Ouranos series. Picking up book two was like coming home, even though I hadn’t been gone for long. Lor has been keeping her secrets safe all of her life, she’s not about to just let them slip free because a handsome fae prince wants her to. He’s going to have to work for them, and work he does.

The world building in this book improves on the foundation laid out for us in book one. Lor continues to be true to herself and never wavers in her strength despite the many tests this life has thrown at her. The dynamic between Lor and Nadir is so entertaining and I can’t wait to see where things go from here. The second I finished this book I was ready to email Nisha and beg her for the next instalment.

Thank you to @nishajtwrites, @netgalley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy.

Rule of the Aurora King follows on from Trial of the Sun Queen and follows Lor as she has been brought back to The Aurora under the watchful eye of Prince Nadir and his sister Amya. At first, Lor doesn’t believe that she can trust Nadir, but when she finds out that they share the same goal of taking down the Aurora King, and when the Sun King, Atlas, comes after Lor, she is forced to team up with him to achieve their goals and to realise her true potential. I absolutely adored this book and thought it was an excellent follow-up to the first book. I am very glad I got to read the books so closely because the story flowed very smoothly. I thought that the character development in this was amazing and I LOVED the enemies to lovers/forced proximity tropes in this, as I couldn’t stop reading! I would recommend this to fans of the first book as this second book is an awesome follow-up and the romance in it was so beautifully written.

I immediately threw myself into this second book, with nary a second of pause after finishing the first, eager to join Lor and Nadir in their quests.

Once again "freed" from a prison, Lor reluctantly joins forces with the Aurora Prince in a bargain to free her family, and regain her past.

I enjoyed this in a different way to the first book: the angst of the ever-growing connection between the two; Lor's battle to truly be free; Nadir's determination and dawning certainty of their bond.

This book truly puts the will they or won't they in slow burn, and the angst alone would have had me gripped.

I cannot wait for the next book!

This second instalment in the Artefacts of Ouranos series is a fantastic book, following Lor in the next stage of her adventure as she tries to make sense of the words of the mirror in the sun kingdom whilst fiercely protecting her secrets and remaining determined to see her siblings freed from Nostraza. After the connection between Lor and Nadir at the ball I was desperate to see more of this pair and this book did not disappoint! They’re pushed together on a quest that will hopefully, eventually, save the kingdom from the tyranny it’s smothered by. It’s safe to say these two are both incredibly stubborn and determined to hide their feelings with hostility and insults but the sparks are flying and I was so here for it. Alongside all this delicious tension is the dangerous mission they must complete and seeing more of the Aurora kingdom and the people in it was intriguing. I can’t say much more without giving away spoilers but I can say I really enjoyed this and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book when it publishes - I have to know what comes next for Lor, Nadir and everyone else I’ve grown attached to in the story so far.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.