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.

This second instalment in the series was brilliant!

The plot was fast paced and kept me turning the pages; although the beginning of the book is simply building momentum and placing the pieces of the puzzle down, it is powerfully intriguing.

The political drama is intriguing, the danger the characters find themselves in is so nerve-wracking, and the multiple POVs will keep you guessing and glued to this book.

The characters all have so much depth and personality, you can feel your emotions getting tied to each of them as you make your way through the chapters.

Kemmerer is so talented, and is a master at creating these magical fantasy plots and books.

CARVING SHADOWS INTO GOLD is a tense second instalment that really gets the most out of relationships between well known characters.

The draw for me with this book, as it was with FORGING SILVER INTO STARS, was the old characters. Tycho's relationships with Grey and Rhen have been my favourite part of this series so far, and this book was no different. I've really enjoyed seeing how the examination of loyalty on relationships has carried on, particularly this book look at the two way nature of it. The way that fed into where Tycho and Grey's relationship ended up in this book was a nice spark of warmth and hope (given everything else that happens in the ending!)

It was really interesting seeing Grey and Lia Mara's relationship through other eyes. Like last book, they don't narrate so the tension between them is seen through other characters, making you wonder at times how much is real, how much is wild speculation.

The ending is certainly very intense (and it's clear that it is ramping up for the third and final book!) It is a good example of how a series (and in particular, a spin off/follow on series) can up the stakes by using the world and the consequences of previous actions without feeling like it's getting a bit excessive. Everything feels very believable within the rules of the world and the characters' personalities.

I found this one slow to start, but once I got o to the rhythm, the story really went for it!

I have been awaiting this sequel for some time, and it absolutely did not disappoint! The authors writing is so beautiful, and I love the way everything is described. This one ended up being jam packed full of action and I really enjoyed it! I liked the additions of new characters, as well as the development of the old ones too!

Brigid Kemmerer can do no wrong in my eyes. It's been so long since the first book in this spin off trilogy, I was worried we'd never see this! This is a brilliant addition to the series. Tensions are high and Tycho, Jax and Callyn are all adjusting to their new roles after the battle of Briarlock. Scravers are attacking and the truthbringers are rallying against King Grey.
This book is fast paced and exciting. The new characters of Callyn and Jax are wonderful additions and I just adore Tycho. I was hoping we'd get Alek's POV after the last epilogue but, nope.
A seriously wonderful book, filled with politics, love and dangerous magic. There's wonderful disability rep in the book. A must for anyone who loves YA fantasy!
Thank you so much to the publishers and Netgalley for providing an arc in return for an honest review.

'Carving Shadows Into Gold' is the latest novel in Kemmerer's 'Cursebreaker' series - although technically part of a second trilogy, it follows on from the events of the 'Cursebreaker' trio and features the same characters albeit in secondary roles, with different viewpoint characters. Set in a fantasy world, the kingdoms of Emberfall and Syhl Shallow have been united by the marriage of the king of the former and queen of the latter, but 'happily ever after' is much more complicated than fairy tales might have you believe. The story is told from the perspectives of Tycho, a courier to the king; Callyn, nursemaid to the young princess; and Jax, a blacksmith and Tycho's romantic interest. The three are mainly on separate trajectories, although the story does hang together well despite that, as the action passes between the two countries.

Kemmerer is a reliably good writer and always creates characters you can care about and stories that are engrossing and exciting. She never fails to get a few tears from me during her novels. It's technically a young adult book, but I have enjoyed all of the series so far despite being far from young. After all, a lot of characters in adult fantasies are youthful, and the responsibilities and challenges of the characters in this series give them a gravity beyond their years. I'd say it can be enjoyed by a range of ages.

It's true I've never 'bonded' with Jax, Callyn and Tycho in the same way I did with the original pair of couples from the first three books. But at least we still get to follow their stories and all four make at least brief appearances - although Harper's is very brief, which is a shame. She has always seemed to be a bit unfairly served in the later books of the series, having been at the very centre of the first. However there are a number of strong supporting characters that I felt a bond with, particularly the soldiers Malin and Sephran, and Nakiis the scraver. I did struggle to remember all the details of what happened in the previous book, and a bit more of a reminder would have been helpful - particularly around the cause of the rift between the king and Tycho. But on the whole it didn't affect my enjoyment.

I'd recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy adventure stories or 'romantasy'. Kemmerer has done a good job of keeping the momentum up with new storylines and characters, creating new facets of her world and new dangers to negotiate. I'm already looking forwards to the next one.

“Maybe instead of wishing, it’s time to start doing.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The King's Courier Tycho has made a treacherous bargain. Now beholden to the magical scraver who saved King Gray's life, one false move could end everything. Jax escaped his life in Briarlock and traveled with Tycho to Emberfall. But life outside his small village brings unexpected challenges--and unlikely adversaries. After years of hating the royal family and their magic, Callyn never expected to be at the Queen's side, with magic on her fingertips. But at the royal court, she can't trust anyone--including the man she thought she loved. Cast apart, Tycho, Jax, and Callyn must learn to wield the magic that is dividing their kingdom. As the magical scravers attack from the north and the king's rivals gain strength, time is running out. War is looming. Love is tested. And magic could be the only answer. . .

Tycho really cannot seem to catch a break. He is so dedicated to those he sees as family, yet it all feels like he can do nothing right and he is stuck in place. I absolutely adore Tycho and have done since we were first introduced. Here we get to see him start to build more bridges and friendships with those around him - something certainly needed considering the one who he initially relied on the most seems to keep turning his back on him. His interactions with Gray in this book are increasingly more tense and I found it incredibly interesting seeing this dynamic change. Gray is more paranoid and reclusive and that has a profound impact on everything in the vicinity - his people, his family and his relationships with others. As a result, Tycho seems to stand taller on his own two feet which was brilliant. He seems to think more broadly about everything going on now as well. Before it was very much how he could serve his king and do his country proud. His focus has certainly shifted more to himself and how he can make himself proud - which I was so happy to see.
Jax really finds his feet. Away from the pressure of his forge and the implications of a drunken, abusive father, he has the chance to truly flourish - for perhaps the first time in his life! I really enjoyed seeing him forging friendships with those around him and working extra hard to fit in amongst the soldiers and people of Emberfall. Due to the circumstances, he is left floundering for a while in an unfamiliar kingdom, surrounded by many who despise him because of his origins and very few who actually understand him. However, he proves that he cannot be pushed away or intimidated and really shines. His interactions with Rhen were definitely interesting to read. The prince offers what he can to Jax, but there is always underlying tension. The way this is approached by Kemmerer was so engaging and whenever a moment between the two of them arrived, I was engrossed and desperate to see how things would unfold. The camaraderie that develops between the two of them was so great and I really hope we get to see more in the future.
Callyn has always had a lot on her shoulders and there is certainly no change to that. If anything, she has increased responsibility for everything going on. Being a carer for the princess alongside her sister, it offers a unique position where she is aware of a lot of the goings on in the palace - and with the royal family. But it is incredibly clear that she is anxious about having her position taken from her should she misstep in the slightest. I did like her tenacity in trying to do her very best to be a positive companion - for her little charge, but also for the queen. Getting to see more of Lia Mara was fantastic but seeing her be so vulnerable with Callyn was absolutely brilliant. It added extra layers to the story and overall atmosphere in the palace, whilst also allowing Callyn to feel more cemented in her position. She also clearly has the queen’s trust - as seen in her interactions with Alek who still stirs up plenty of trouble. Though Callyn definitely seems to keep him in his place! I hope we get to see more of Callyn’s confidence in the future.

I could scarcely get enough of this sequel. The plot was absolutely fantastic. Filled with tension, and angst and intrigue, I could scarcely put the book down! Flow is something that Kemmerer has always excelled at, and this was certainly not an exception. There is just something about how brilliantly each chapter moves from one to another - especially when they’re from a different point of view! The characters, as always, are wonderful and incredibly engaging to read. In the first book, it was great getting to see familiar faces from the original trilogy set in this world. But this sequel takes it to a brand new level and we get to see the new faces as they grow but also older and familiar characters in a completely different light. I’ve always loved getting to see characters I’ve fallen in love with through unfamiliar eyes because they always lend a perspective I’ve not previously considered - how they interact with others, how their actions impact others. This time jump from the original trilogy still continues to blow my mind! There are so many emotions explored in this book and I think that was the biggest highlight for me. We’ve seen in the past that Kemmerer is not afraid to include a variety of emotions in her books (thank goodness!) and here is no exception. We see angst, fear, betrayal, anxiety, confusion, trepidation in amongst relief and happiness. All of which blends so well together to add increasing amounts of depth to the overall story. The romance is top notch too. There is an enormous amount of longing (understandably) but there is also rocky romance too. Sometimes it is incredibly refreshing to see imperfect couples and their struggles. It makes the love they share all the more sweeter! We also get some very, very light spicy moments and I absolutely loved them. So emotionally charged and incredibly sweet! That ending has me absolutely flabbergasted. My jaw is on the floor and I am DESPERATE for book three! How am I meant to wait for the next one?!

Overall, Carving Shadows into Gold is a brilliant sequel that I was utterly swept away with.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on release day and available immediately on Goodreads.

This was fun and fast paced, the new characters introduced were really interesting additions to the story and the characters from the first book were well developed and have interesting individual story lines happening, which has me very excited for the next book.

I can't say too much as this is part of a series but I will say that this was a captivating read from start to finish, full of action, adventure, mystery and romance. I enjoyed every second of this!!

I’m grateful I have been able to read this early, I honestly adore this world so much.

I am livid that I had to put up with Alek in this story. Alek is a menace, he’s so adamant his cause is just and it blinds him to the fact nothing is black and white.

I really enjoy the queen, callyn, Nora and princess Sinna’s interactions, it adds a wholesome quality and a mothers touch that Callyn and Nora have clearly missed.

Jax is making leaps and strides with his confidence, I thoroughly enjoyed his growth and the new characters he meets that become friends. Tycho goes through the motions in this story, I honestly wasn’t sure if he was going to keep his cool.

Magic is the root of controversy, and it’s hard to tell what the next book will mean for anyone with magic and the future of both kingdoms. There’s so much that happened in this book and I’m happy with the pacing, it’s not an information overload but the story progressed quite a bit.

Such a great return to these characters, I absolutely ADORED Forging Silver Into Stars and this didn’t disappoint ☺️

It definitely has a bit of middle book syndrome, lots happens but it doesn’t really move the wider plot along too much! I loved it anyway though, spending all the time with Jax, Tycho & Callyn was amazing although I need more Jax and Tycho together in the next book 😏

I found the slow pacing a little frustrating at times and it took me longer to read than I had hoped as a result of this 🥲

I also got so mad at Callyn’s decisions but I really hope it’ll make for some epic and impactful moments in the next book 🫶

4 stars

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury & NetGalley for my e-ARC xxx