please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: yes-ish – cliffhanger and I need book 3 now!
spice: 1 mildly open-door spicy scene – VERY SLOW burn
TWs: violence, abuse, murder, torture, manipulation
standalone: book 2 in the Iron Crystal Series
final thoughts: the writing and readability continue to be similar to the first in the series- bridge between YA and NA reading (but in a good way). We get more world building, new fun characters, hidden secrets revealed, and plenty of drama and magic!

read this book if you love

🏝️ forced proximity
🌍 world building
😡 grumpy/sunshine
💓 slowburn
🌀 plot twists
🔮 supernatural creatures- fae, shifters, witches
🪄 magic
💖 paranormal romance
🤜 enemies-to-lovers?
🔎 adventure
❓ mystery
📖 retelling (King Arthur vibes)
🤫 hidden secrets

I was foaming at the mouth for this and I read it in just a few days! After a dramatic and crazy ending to the first book Gwen and Mordred are separated and assume the other hates them. They begin to again approach the enemies to lovers game on a much steamier and complicated level since they already have history. From there it is an adventurous journey into the depths of this world and it’s people who have deep resentments.

Ultimately this book is about how different characters fight to reshape the world they share. I loved it, the character development was awesome for the MMC AND FMC and it was a really enjoyable read for anyone who loves a good action packed romantasy read.

Only thing that mildly irritated me was the FMC obsession with constantly doing silly dog talk, but maybe that is on purpose 😂. Thank you to the author for all your hard work here, it really shows and flows nicely! And thank you to Netgalley, publisher, and author for the ARC!

She’s done it again! So excited for the third book. This one is just as great as the first one! Definitely recommend this series. Mordred is just so *chefs kiss*

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. I was new to the series and read book one first. After reading this book and book one, I felt as though this book was not as good as the first but I still loved reading it, Especially after Gwen and Mordred were reunited! I will definitely be reading the third!

A fun reimagining of the tale of Avalon! Loved the way the FMC interacted with others from this world, like she was really saying what I was thinking fr! However I do wish her character was a little stronger, had more oomph. I found that the characters and story line would repeat itself, and it was a challenge to get through what felt like the same scenes with the same conversations or the same inner monologue. Did love the new characters in this new book though, Doc is hilarious and a great new addition to the lineup!

I didn’t want this to end and I wanted so much more of Mordred and Gwen together. I did love the additional new characters.

To Bind a Dark Heart is the second installment in Kathryn Ann Kingsley's The Iron Crystal series. It follows Gwen, a human girl, on her adventures in the realm of Avalon. If you haven't read the first book, please note there will be spoilers in my review! You've been warned!

This book picks up right where book 1 left off and explores the aftermath of the destruction of the iron crystal. I personally loved the way that the world opened up throughout this book; the cast of characters expanded, the settings were more varied, etc. It felt very well paced, and because book 1 had done heavy lifting in getting me acquainted with Gwen and Mordred, this part of the story felt very grounded.

Let me tell you something about Gwen. I have a serious fictional para-social friendship going on with Gwen. I am obsessed with her! She is so real, so spunky, and I just want to be her best friend. I haven't felt this way about a character since I first met the inner circle of the Night Court! Gwen is just so refreshingly, unwaveringly herself. And her banter with Mordred is so fun to read.

This book is witty, creative, heartfelt, and I absolutely cannot wait to read what comes next!!


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It took me a bit longer to get into this book than the first one. But once Gwen and Mordred reunite I was 100% in. We are introduced to a bunch of new characters in this book and they are fun. I hope we get more of them in book 3. And yes, I will be reading book 3 for sure when it comes out.

Second Sky doesn’t put out a bad book!
The chokehold Gwen & Mordred have over me is insane. This was an epic follow up. I haven’t shut up to all my friends about this. Also, what a stellar cover, love the purple!! I am so happy I found this series through NetGalley!

Huge thank you to the publisher, author & NetGalley for a copy of the Arc.

This book is the second in a duology, an enemies to lovers fantasy romance that is so completely captivating with wonderful characters, an intriguing world, mystery, suspense, and an absolutely epic love story. I loved it! I love losing myself in a fantasy fictional world, and this author's has had created such a wonderfully immersive story that I couldn't help but find myself utterly lost in it!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions
This is the second book in the Iron Crystal Series. You have to read book 1 in order to keep up with the story.
The story is an enemies to lovers to enemies, which in my opinion makes the slow burn absolutely delicious.
It was well paced and the worldbuilding is well done. I feel like this is a bit different that other romantasies out there, which is a plus for me.

I´ll start by saying that I liked this book but I enjoyed more the first one.

The pace was good and I could see a progression in the story but the characters were lacking something,

I´m invested in this series and I will read the next one but this was a little bit of a let down.

Circumstantial enemies to lovers to actual enemies.

Also???? Mordred and Gwen get a Force bond? A Darklina dream connection? Slay.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book, in exchange for this honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Wow I loved this book just as much as the first! Probably more!

Just a recap that this is Wizard of Oz meets Arthurian legend. This time war is coming and there is nothing Gwen can do to stop it! But which side will she end up on?

We also get introduced to new characters and this one is very action packed!

I can’t wait until the next one. It can’t get here soon enough!

5/5 stars would recommend!!!

In true fashion, Kathryn Ann Kingsley has slayed us with her second book in this series!

This story continues on from when Gwen betrayed Mordred. Both of them are fighting their inner rage at how much they lust for each other, which is the most delicious slow burn!! Mordred both loves and hates Gwen, and we all love a brooding daddy.

This was a step up from book 1.
This was my second ARC in this series and I will be reading every book Kathryn allows me to.

"The Iron Crystal #2: To Bind a Dark Heart" by Kathryn Ann Kingsley unfolds a compelling tale of love, betrayal, and magical consequences. Gwen's decision shattered more than just a crystal, setting the stage for a transformation in Avalon. The complex dynamics between Gwen and Mordred add depth to the story, amplifying its emotional impact. The battle of elementals and Gwen's impossible choice keep the plot engaging, even though some parts may require a touch more pacing. This installment is a captivating read for fantasy lovers, offering a promising 4.25-star adventure. ⭐⭐⭐¾📚

Oh, I loved reading this book! I was obsessed with the first one, and I'm so glad that this one is coming so soon after! And I'm really hoping book 3 is on a similar time line, because I really, really need to know what is coming next!

After the breaking of the Iron Crystal, and that betrayal of Mordred by Gwen, yeah, things are drastically changed. Avalon is full of magic again, it's spring. But the Elementals were locked up for a reason, that they don't really care about what harm they can do, and they're, as a lot, pretty bloodthirsty.

I don't remember if we got the actual name of the cat using Merlin's name, but we definitely find out in this book, given who it is. Which makes things all sorts of things complicated, what with the connections in the past and the present!

Zoe, Galahad's Elemental love, does mention that there could be other ways to deal with things. And I'm really hoping for it! After that ending, that was pretty hard, and I need to know that there's a better way forward! That ending was just evil to leave it there!

Loved reading this book, it was so fantastic, and now I really need book 3!

Let me start by just reminding readers that the first book in this series must be read before starting this one. Gwen and Mordred both feel betrayed, and this book takes them on a little journey of their own which I enjoyed a lot. Mordred is really focused on capturing the Ash King, but he is also giving everyone else a second chance to prove themselves. However, if it comes down to it, he will do what he must. I like Gwen in this story but there were times when she was a little naive and I wanted her to be, act or seem smarter. I like Merlin but there were times where he worked on my nerves. With that being said, I truly enjoy this author's writing style as she describes things in detail where it allows me to be able to imagine everything as if the scenes are playing out in front of me. This book ends with a cliffhanger but I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Thank you netgalley for the chance to review this. All opinions are my own.
To Bind a Dark Heart is book 2 of The Iron Crystal series.
Gwendolyn and Mordered's relationship is of course rocky as it was at the end of book 1. I really enjoyed this book. I did definitely enjoy the great battle at the end but was sad with the outcome. I'd definitely recommend to my bookish friends.

As to be expected from Kathryn Ann Kingsley, To Bind a Dark Heart is a great continuation of To Charm a Dark Prince! Gwen and Mordred's relationship remains, of course, rocky in this sequel so we don't get to see too much relationship growth. This is understandable given the circumstances but it still left me wanting for more! But what we DO get to see is a ton of character growth from both of our main characters. On the topic of characters, in this book we are introduced to Doc the wizard who was such a fun addition to the cast of characters already in this series! I cannot wait to continue reading this series and find out how the happenings at the end of this book will affect Gwen and Mordred's relationship moving forward. The wait for the next book is going to kill me! I'm also (impatiently) waiting for the next book in Kingsley's Deal of Shadows series as well! But I understand, writing great stories like these takes time!