The is the second book in the Duology.
Synopsis:
When emotion is the key to Emberline’s magic, hers are impossible to hide, even from the man who betrayed her.
Emberline uncovered truths she so desperately sought, but they upturned everything she thought she knew. She fled Kavios, grieving her closest family member and any chance of taking power from the Blessed. In a cruel twist, the only hope to change her fate lies with the man who deceived her. Her only consolation is that she took the mine’s captive with her.
Hart lived two hundred years with a single to free himself of the goddess’s obligation. He has stolen, sacrificed, and changed the course of a kingdom in service of his goal. Now, his objective is not so clear, with his and Emberline’s paths inextricably linked.
They say it’s an honor to be a Champion, but with the goddesses pulling the strings, Emberline and Hart will never know peace.
When the pair learns of another way, Emberline is left with a choice. Her heart was broken in more ways than one when she left Kavios. These impossible trials would require not only cooperation with her former bodyguard but vulnerability. She must decide the lengths she’s willing to go to free herself and the people of Kavios from the goddess’s game. Emberline may be determined not to put her faith in Hart again, but the ties of their magic mean her emotions betray her at every turn. The most dangerous person to keep them from might be herself.
Review:
After the ending of the first book, this one begins with the main characters clearly at odds. Ember trusted Hart, and he betrayed her by keeping crucial information to himself. Her hesitation to interact with him feels completely understandable – especially given that she has little choice but to work with him nonetheless.
The focus shifts mainly to understanding their connection, saving their people, and confronting a shared enemy. The story moves at a fast pace, constantly pushing the characters to adapt as new information comes to light. A large cast is introduced, all of whom must work together toward a common goal, with Ember and Hart acting as the key figures who bring everyone together.
Over time, they slowly begin to trust one another again, and I really enjoyed seeing them communicate openly rather than avoiding difficult conversations. They don’t shy away from asking the hard questions, which made their growing connection feel deep and honest. I also appreciated that this rebuilding of trust wasn’t rushed or resolved in just a few pages – it was given the time it deserved.
By the end, the story becomes one about two people thrown together by circumstance, forming bonds, finding their place, and accepting a connection they neither expected nor wanted at first – but ultimately come to understand and embrace.
🌙 Recension: Trials of the Cursed (Champions of Chaos #2) by Jillian Witt
📚 Genre: Romantasy
📅 Release Date: April 21, 2026
📖 Publisher: Myth & Magic Book Club
📱 Read as: Kindle
📗 available in various formats – included in Kindle Unlimited
💸 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🗣️ Language: English
📆 Pages: 440
⭐️ 4/5
Interested in more?
- Audiobook: Of Silver and Curses & Of Melodies and Maledictions by Maddox Grey
- Review: The Way Back To You by Hayden Fox
- Audiobook: You Can’t Hurry Second Chances by Michelle Stimpson
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