2022
WISE Score
Amazon
A candy-coated trap of a sequel where the magic is beautiful, the stakes are lethal, and the Prince of Hearts is still the ultimate red flag.
4.6
4.6View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
This isn't 'brain rot' fantasy; it's a well-constructed, highly addictive sequel that actually rewards the reader for paying attention to the lore.
It’s definitely for the kid who loves the 'aesthetic' side of TikTok or Pinterest—think dried roses, gold keys, and tragic romances. It’s safe, smart, and one of the few modern YA series that actually lives up to the hype without being overly cynical or needlessly graphic.
Best for 13 or 14 and up. Younger readers might find the romantic angst tedious or the darker curse elements a bit too creepy, but for the YA crowd, it's a bullseye.
It deals with heavy emotional betrayal and the fallout of broken promises. While it’s not exactly 'clean' in the sense of being conflict-free, it handles the messiness of human (and magical) relationships with a grounded emotional core.
Stephanie Garber is a master of atmospheric, whimsical world-building. The magic feels tactile and the fairy-tale logic is clever rather than just being a retread of old tropes.
Safe for its intended teen audience. There's some violence—stabbings, vampire bites, and 'murderous spells'—and plenty of romantic tension, but nothing that would shock a modern 14-year-old.
It’s a great study in boundaries and the danger of idealizing 'happily ever after.' It pushes readers to think about the cost of their desires and whether a person can truly change.
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