Kingdom of Sea and Stone (Crown of Coral and Pearl #2) by Mara Rutherford Review

Ever since Nor was forced to go to a nearby kingdom in her sister’s place, she’s wanted nothing more than to return to the place and people she loves. But when her wish comes true, she soon finds herself cast out from both worlds, with a war on the horizon.

As an old enemy resurfaces more powerful than ever, Nor will have to keep the kingdom from falling apart with the help of Prince Talin and Nor’s twin sister, Zadie. There are forces within the world more mysterious than any of them ever guessed—and they’ll need to stay alive long enough to conquer them…

*I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review!*

See mt review of Crown of Coral and Pearl here!

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I’ve been really excited about this sequel, especially since I had many questions at the end of Crown of Coral and Pearl. This book took me a second to get into and to re-immerse myself in this world and these characters, but once I did it was a gripping adventure. The storyline was dramatic and the stakes were high with war on the horizon. It had really nice pacing with a great build throughout the story. I loved getting to see more of the world and the different cultures spread across the kingdom of Ilara. We got a few new characters, who ended up being my favorites, and they added another level to Nor’s journey. My feelings toward Nor and Talin’s romance were lukewarm after book one, and I still feel the same way after finishing this book as well. They just didn’t seem to fit together, and I found myself rooting for her to move on to someone new. I did really enjoy the complicated relationship and bond between Nor and King Ceren, who is a great villain, and the whole plot surrounding them was creative and well crafted. I flew through the second half of the book and was mostly satisfied with the way it ended. This sequel did a good job of expanding on the brilliance of the first book’s concept, and I think fans of Crown of Coral and Pearl will be pleased.