Bunny's Reviews: Steel and Stone Review Spotlight

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Steel and Stone is the second book in Silvana G. Sanchez's Cursed Kingdoms series. This book can be read as a standalone novel as it focuses mainly on the two characters - Philip and Aurora.

Steel and Stone is a good book choice for readers who enjoy fairytale retellings. The author looks to engage readers from the beginning of this book by giving them a taste of what is going on in Aurora's kingdom. Remember, this is a retelling, which means that there will be familiar elements while the author weaves in her own twists and creates her own version.

Aurora has made the hard decision to contact the lord of the Underworld. Does she get who she's calling for? Well, let's just say that things go left and she gets tricked. Now Philip, who arrived at the last minute, is left heartbroken and has to take on the role of "regent" for her people. But things devolve from there. A coup is in works. Another seeks the power of the throne that they feel is theirs. This will bring death and devastation to the people.

Now, Philip must make a choice. Continue to stand with Aurora's kingdom despite his heartbreak? Or let them fall to the ones who are eyeing it like a prize?

This story alternates between Philip and Aurora. So you get a dual POV with alternating chapters. Even with Aurora being "not aware" of her surroundings, you still get her perspective in the story. I have to admit that I liked that the author chose to do this. But don't worry, there isn't a repeat of Aurora being "dead to the world" constantly. The author is quick to shift the story forward so that the reader is kept engaged in what is going on.

Steel and Stone is an engaging story. When I first started reading this book I felt that the details were overdone. The story felt like it was being stifled by the amount of detail that the author chose to put in this book. I wanted less. The deeper I got into the book though the more I got used to the overflow of detail. In some areas, it adds to the story and helps to paint a more vivid picture. In other areas, I skimmed some of the details to keep to the meat of the story.

One particular aspect that I appreciated about this story is that Philip doesn't go alone. Also, I love that his captain isn't the norm. This character has some serious sass and attitude. I loved it. Of course, for a time it begged the question as to what their EXACT relationship was or has been. I mean, not everyone has the gall to stand up to their sovereign. LOL!

The deeper you get into the story the more engaged you're going to become as Aurora deals with being in the Underworld, and Philip takes steps to get back the woman that he loves. This book is an engaging page-turner. Mixing Sleeping Beauty with the story of Hades and Persephone, this book is sure to be one that readers enjoy.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Silvana G. Sanchez, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to what comes next!

Steel and Stone (Cursed Kingdoms #2)

Publication Date: October 24

Genre: NA Fantasy/ Fairy Tale Retelling (Sleeping Beauty & Hades & Persephone)

A princess with a secret and a cursed kingdom to save.

A mysterious illness has decimated the kingdom of Stonewall, snatching the king and queen’s lives. The barren Stone Keep is left in Princess Aurora’s hands, sustained only by the Steelborn’s coffers.

But Aurora wants more than her kingdom’s survival. And to lift the curse that burdens her kingdom, she must dive into the Netherworld and beg for the Dark Prince’s help. The catch is, none who’s traveled to the Realm of Death has ever made it back.

Can she outwit the Dark Prince, and escape his island? And given the chance, will she want to?

A broken prince striving to risk it all in the name of true love.

When Aurora broke Prince Phillip’s heart, he vowed never to set foot in the Stone Keep. But when a coup rises against the crown of Whitehaven, the threat of war reopens his old wounds. Phillip must warn the kingdom of Stonewall.

Chaos ensues upon his arrival as Princess Aurora is dragged to the Netherworld, kidnapped by a dark god. To rescue the princess, Phillip will need his captain’s help, as they plunge into a journey riddled with dangers—the worst of which is facing the Lord of the Netherworld himself.

Will Phillip’s valiant heart conquer Aurora’s and defeat the god of death?

Steel and Stone is the second book in the Cursed Kingdom series, packed with old gods, valiant heroes, and morally grey heroines. If you like Enemies to Lovers, Hades and Persephone’s mythos, and twisted fairytales, you’ll LOVE Steel and Stone!

Available Here!

About the Author

Silvana G. Sánchez is the USA TODAY bestselling author of sinfully addictive dark fantasy new adult novels Ash and Snow, Steel and Stone, Written in Blood, and more paranormal and fantasy romance stories, including the Vesely Academy series. She lives in Mexico with her husband, son, and two adorable Shih-Tzus she calls her dragons. When not plotting away in her writing den, she’s known to poke eyes in her practice as an ophthalmologist.

Silvana G. Sanchez