I love that this series follows Tycho as he's one of my favourite characters from the Cursebreaker series, I loved Forging Silver Into Stars and was very excited to read the second book. While this did get a 5 star, this was a low 5 star as there is one particular side plot that I wasn't the biggest fan of, I don't think it needs to be in the book and I'm hoping it's resolved pretty quickly in book three. That being said I really enjoyed how the main plot progressed and getting to see how characters (old and new) are fairing in years after the events of the Cursebreaker series

This was an excellent follow-up to book one! I loved Jax and Tycho, and them figuring out their relationship in a busy political and magical setting. I also really enjoyed the other characters’ adventures, and the conflicts along the way. I love the author’s other books and this definitely didn’t disappoint either! I would definitely recommend this to any fans of book one (and the whole series for any fans of the Cursebreakers trilogy).

Am I dumb because I keep thinking trilogies are duogies and this was the same I thought it was a duology and then the ending happened. I'm OBSESSED with this book and this series. I don't read much YA anymore but the way I absolutely loved every single second of this was special

I’ve loved all of the books I’ve read by Brigid Kemmerer, this was no exception. It was so good to be back in the world with familiar characters. If you liked the other books I highly recommend this one.

I love Brigid Kemmerer and the world that she has built with her books. Going back to Emberall is always a treat and I really enjoyed catching up with much loved characters.

Carving Shadows into Gold"by Brigid Kemmerer is definitely a book that prioritizes character development, which is a strength of hers. It's a slow burn, focusing on Tycho, Jax, and Callyn as they grapple with past traumas, misunderstandings, and the challenges of building trust. If you're looking for a fast-paced plot, this might not be your thing. The political intrigue and magical threats are there, but they take a backseat to the characters' internal struggles and relationships.

The book starts slowly, and I can see why some readers might find it a bit drawn out. However, the second half picks up the pace, delivering some action and emotional depth. Kemmerer does a good job of making you care about these characters and their journeys. Tycho's dangerous bargains, Jax's attempt to escape his past, and Callyn's navigation of court politics all contribute to a complex and interwoven story, and I still find her character work superior to most other authors in the genre, they feel more mature even when they're not acting mature because they learn from mistakes, and often try and understand and forgive each other in a way that feels believable to each individual character, or is earnt by redemptive actions or trust-building. The romance between Tycho and Jax is a highlight, not just offering genuine LGBTQ+ representation, but because it feels warm and real, and is also tested by the characters' environment, motivations, and journeys. Callyn's romantic subplot, though, didn't quite land for me, but they have a way to go yet, and again the political machinations in the mix means that trust is not easily won, but is easily lost, so I am still interested in where Callyn's story will take her. It also feels strange to me what's happening with Grey and Lia Mara, they have been relegated to th shadows and after building them up so high in the previous trilogy, they are virtually unseen in this book.

While the pacing is uneven, and some of the romantic elements feel a little bit off, "Carving Shadows into Gold" is a solid addition to the series. Kemmerer excels at crafting emotionally resonant stories, and this book is no exception. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy and are willing to be patient with a slower pace, you'll likely find something to appreciate here. It's a bridge to the conclusion, and while it might not be perfect, it's a worthwhile read for fans of the series. I'd give it around 3.5-4 stars.

I loved being back in this book, I loved this as much as I loved the first and although I think the first is still my favourite, this was still a great read. I can’t wait for the next and all that it will bring. Read this and you’ll be joining me in the impatient and excited moods I constantly suffer

Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK &ANZ) for the ARC

Carving Shadows Into Gold is an excellent sequel to Forging Silver Into Flames. The book gives a long awaited reunion with Jax, Tycho and Callyn. I think the character grown of all of them is really good and I like their dynamic. The tension is high as war is looming. I was so immersed in the book I forgot time and space as I just enjoyed myself. I'm excited to continue the series!

It was so great to dive back into the world of Emberfall and Syl Shallow! Despite reading FSIS a few years ago I remembered the plot surprisingly well and was immediately re-immersed in this world. We got a bit more depth to the three main characters in this book which was great, and I particularly loved Tycho's chapters as he struggles to navigate his loyalties and his heart. I am very excited for the third book

(Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review)

I definitely preferred the first book in this series and the sequel, Carving Shadows into Gold, unfortunately suffers from second-book syndrome. The pacing is slow, the plot feels stagnant, and much of the book revolves around repetitive arguments, miscommunication, and long stretches of travel with little payoff.

This series is marketed as a spin-off from Cursebreakers, but in reality, it feels more like a direct continuation of that series. All the major characters from Cursebreakers are still present, and the plot is heavily tied to events from that world. In some ways, this is great for fans of the original trilogy, but for a series that’s supposed to be its own thing, it struggles to stand on its own.

The pacing is one of the book’s biggest issues—there’s a lot of slow-moving conversations, lots of horse riding between locations, and arguments that go in circles without much development. Many of the conflicts in the book could be solved if the characters simply communicated with each other, which made some of the drama feel frustrating rather than engaging.

There are three POVs in this book, just like in the first, but only two of them feel truly relevant to the story. One POV, which belonged to my favourite character from the first book, felt completely disconnected from the main plot. While I enjoyed their personal development, their chapters didn’t contribute to the story in any meaningful way, making those sections feel like an unnecessary slowdown. Meanwhile, Grey —a crucial character from the Cursebreakers series and the catalyst for much of the conflict in this series — barely appears at all. Given how central he is to everything happening and the main plots literally existing because of him, it felt like a missed opportunity not to have a POV from him, especially when we learn about a major conflict in his personal life that gets resolved without us ever really seeing it unfold which just makes it not feel earned.

One of the main POV characters, Callyn, is fine as a character, but her romance feels completely unnecessary. The relationship between the other two main characters is well-developed, with emotional depth, but Callyn’s romance feels forced and poorly executed. Her love interest was introduced in the first book, but he was cruel, manipulative, and outright threatening toward her best friend. He has no real depth beyond being a walking red flag, and despite the book trying to frame their relationship as something meaningful, Callyn knows hardly anything about him, never has anything nice to say about him and neither of them trust the other, yet we’re ment to believe she has strong feelings for him. In the last chapter of both books, he threatens her and her little sister and you want to build a romance of that??? It just doesn’t work.

Overall, Carving Shadows into Gold had potential but ultimately felt like a filler instalment in the series. The slow pacing, lack of meaningful progression, and frustrating character dynamics held it back from being as strong as its predecessor. I still enjoy the world and characters, but I hope the next book picks up the pace and delivers a more engaging and well-balanced story.

this was SUCH A GOOD sequel and i fell even further in love with tycho and jax 😭😭 omg i wish this would become a like 12 book series i would so easily devour it !!!

3.5 Star Review of Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer

Brigid Kemmerer delivers a compelling continuation of the Forging Silver into Stars saga, drawing readers deeper into a world of magic, political intrigue, and personal struggles. Following Tycho, Jax, and Callyn, the story explores their intertwined journeys as they navigate perilous alliances and life-changing decisions. Tycho’s dangerous bargains, Jax’s fight to escape his past, and Callyn’s reluctant adaptation to court life provide a rich tapestry of emotion and tension.

The novel begins with a slower pace, carefully building the stakes and diving into the characters’ growth, though this may feel a bit too drawn out for some readers. However, the second half rewards patience with a whirlwind of action, surprises, and an emotional climax. The tender romance between Tycho and Jax is a standout, offering heartfelt LGBTQ+ representation, while Callyn’s struggles with court politics and betrayal add layers of intrigue. With its blend of magic, danger, and emotional depth, Carving Shadows into Gold is a strong addition to the series, leaving fans eager for what’s next.

Very enjoyable and a lovely, perfectly written sequel! i loved all the characters again and i'm really excited for the third book. It was fast-paced with an interesting plotline!

Yet another thrilling and wholly unexpected story from this author! I have yet to read one from brigid that has let me down and this was no exception! Fast paced and engahing, i loved every moment

I loved Forging Silver into Stars - it might be my favourite Brigid Kemmerer book ever, which is a tough call because I *adore* the Defy the Night series - so I was really excited to read Carving Shadows into Gold, and it did NOT disappoint.

We’re right back into the action with Jax, Callyn, and Tycho. Each storyline is beautifully written, and they weave together to great a wonderfully intricate narrative.

We see more of both kingdoms and begin to understand how magic has woven itself into the foundations of each one. As well as bringing in more of the politics of each side in the underground war that is being quietly fought.

The relationships developing on all sides are deeply complex and realistic, and I love all of the characters as we learn more about their backgrounds and motivations. Kemmerer does an amazing job of showing us everyone’s motives and beliefs, and making even those we may not agree with understandable.

Carving Shadows into Gold was well worth the wait, and I’m excited to see where the series goes next!

Review: Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Carving Shadows into Gold is the long awaited second book in the Forging Silver into Stars series by Brigid Kemmerer.

This books packs adventure, action and excitement all into one book and hits hard right from chapter one. This book had me gripped from start to finish.

The multiple POV adds such a dynamic look at the story as it unfolds. Seeing things happen from the different perspectives gives an in depth understanding of the events at play. The action never stops and had my heart racing throughout. I absolutely loved the relationship dynamics between the characters. I feel like I got to know them all a lot more in this book.

My absolute favourite, Tycho, had me feeling for him all throughout this book. Everything he had endured in the past (events from the Cursebreakers series) and everything he had to endure through this book. I felt like this was a true journey of discovery for him; of love and friendship.

Alek is another character that stood out for me. I had a whirlwind of emotions with his storyline. There were times I felt like I could forgive him and then times when he just infuriated me!

I honestly loved this book and can’t wait for book three. It can’t come soon enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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

I was really excited to return to the setting of this book, having already enjoyed the previous four. However, this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. It’s not a bad book, but it seemed to suffer from middle book syndrome, feeling more like filler.

If you’re a fan of Tycho and Jax, you'll probably enjoy it. But since I preferred Callyn, I felt like she was almost forgotten until chapter 11.

Even though it feels like filler, the events are still relevant. Unlike "Forging Silver into Stars," where the stories of the three main characters were intertwined, here they’re mostly separate for the majority of the book.

Tycho is more interesting in this book; it's like he's suddenly realized he's an adult now and can form his own thoughts and feelings without worrying about what others (like Grey) think.

I usually love Callyn, especially since she's the type of person who follows the "do no harm, take no shit" motto. But she disappointed me here, though I understand she's on her best behavior.

Jax felt like the most central character in this book. We get to see how much he has grown at Emberfall, and I'm excited to see the person he becomes.

I am hoping that book three brings us back into the forefront of the warring between magic weilders and non magic weilders as well as the Scravers.

Although Carving Shadows Into Gold is technically the second novel in the Forging Silver into Stars trilogy, it’s the fifth book in the Cursebreaker universe and the events of this spin-off trilogy follow straight after the original trilogy. I loved being back in the same universe and reconnecting with Jax, Tycho and Callyn, who remain our POV characters. This time, events see our trio torn apart for the majority of the novel. Callyn is at the Crystal Palace in Shyl Shallows and charged with looking after the young princess, whereas Jax has accepted a position as a blacksmith at Rhen’s court in Emberfall. While Tycho originally returns to Emberfall with Jax, his position as the king’s courier soon forces him to leave his lover in an unfamiliar country. Unrest continues to brew, with reports of scraver attacks across both kingdoms and the Truthbringers opposing all use of magic, which is causing a rift between Grey and Lia Mara.

I loved being back in the Cursebreaker universe and reading more of Tycho and Jax’s story, as well as seeing how the characters from the original trilogy are getting on through the perspective of the POV characters. Kemmerer is great at writing relationships, and for me it’s these interpersonal dynamics that make this novel an excellent read. There is plenty of development when it comes to the strained relationship between Grey and Tycho, the latter’s new romantic relationship with Jax is tested as they’re kept apart by circumstances, and Jax has to find his way in a new country where he doesn’t speak much of the language and is treated as an enemy by many. From a point of view of action, it felt like the book was setting up events for the final instalment and while it felt well-paced throughout, there weren’t any huge events happening. At times having the main trio isolated from each other was frustrating – my sentiments definitely mirrored those of the characters in the novel. I have grown very fond of all the players in this series and look forward to finding out how it all concludes!

With thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this as an ARC ahead of publication.

Where do I even begin with this review? I’ve just flown through this in a few hours and I can honest say I loved it just as much as the first. Brigid Kemmerer has firmly cemented herself as a favourite author and this as a favourite series.

In this second instalment of the Forging Silver into Stars trilogy, we are once again following Tycho, Jax and Callyn, although their lives have changed quite dramatically. The King’s Courier, Tycho, having struck a dangerous bargain finds himself beholden to the magical scrivener who saved King Grey’s life. Meanwhile Jax travels to Emberfall and finds life very different away from his small town, and Callyn finds herself in the Syhl Shallow court at the Queen’s side, a place she never expected to find herself. Apart from each other, Tycho, Jax and Callyn must navigate a tense political situation before the situation turns dire.

We pick up in this instalment pretty much immediately where the first book finishes. While the action continues, this does have a slower pace, allowing us more time to spend with the characters as individuals. This continues throughout – while we remain in suspense as the political tension continues to build, we really get to know our characters at a deeper level.

As in Forging, we spend time with each of our three main characters, which is important as actually they spend little time with each other. We see Jax flourish now he’s out from under his father’s thumb despite the initially tense situation he finds himself in, we see Callyn navigating the royal court and a relationship the royal family – massively unexpected considering her previous feelings on them – and we see Tycho, split between his loyalties, really start to find himself. I do think that we again spend less time with Callyn which was frustrating as times as I think her perspective is an important one, both to the stories as a whole and the events of this particular book as she offers a different perspective on magic due to her own experiences of it, and an important voice for Queen Lia Mara and Syhl Shallow in this book where Emberfall, Grey and Rhen much more prevalent in Jax and Tycho’s narratives. Each character’s storyline was engaging and I found myself torn between excited to move on to the next and sad that I had to leave someone I was enjoying spending time with each time the POV switched.

I found the relationships one of the most interesting aspects of the book. Not just those with each other, but those around them as well. I loved the development of the relationship between Callyn, Lia Mara, Nora and Sinna, intrigued by her treatment by Grey and really unsure on my feelings about her interactions with Alek. For Jax, I truly felt for him in his initial dealing with the residents of Emberfall, and then so proud to see how he grew in confidence and friendships with others. Tycho’s relationships both with those around him and with himself remained at the forefront of the book. We get to see him grow and find friendships outside of the narrow circle he has, particularly important as the tension between him and Grey ramps up throughout the book.

Despite the slightly slower pace, Brigid Kemmerer masterfully moves the plot along, both through the character development mentioned but also with moments of high action and intensity, particularly with the ‘threat’ of magic, and the scravers which are prevalent in this book. I went through a whole range of emotions alongside the characters while reading and it was virtually impossible to put the book down. A solid second book that in no way suffers from middle-book syndrome for me, I cannot wait to see what comes next for these characters.

Kemmerer is one of my go to authors and this did not disappoint. It felt like a warm hug being back in the world I love so much, her writing is magic and I cannot put her books down when I start.