My love, it will always just be you and me, not us and them.
Lies that Bind
Leia Stone
The Ember War, book two
ebook, 340 pages
Published December 28, 2024
ISBN 9781951578473
When empires fall, love is the ultimate sacrifice.
When Aisling ascends the throne as empress, the weight of the crown is heavier than she ever imagined. Her father’s brutal murder leaves her with two burning purposes: find the killer and make them pay.
But her quest for vengeance leads to an act of retaliation that shifts the tides of war—and awakens a formidable new enemy.
Through the chaos, Kohen is her anchor. His unwavering love and loyalty are the only constants in her life. Yet when a shocking revelation emerges, Aisling is forced to question everything she believed to be true—even the bond she thought unbreakable.
In a world where trust is a fragile weapon, can Aisling hold her empire together, or will her pursuit of justice cost her everything?
At the close of book one, the emperor had been assassinated. And why Aisling wasn't side eyeing Meera I have no clue. I suppose her bias and prejudice against the Luskins is just that strong.
Aisling is now empress, tasked with avenging her father and leading her people forward. Bear in mind, the Amerseans are very much the problem at the heart of this story. Imbria has been conquered and is now controlled with miniscule rations from their overseer and Luska—
Luska fights for a fair share of the ember that fuels the land's energy sources. It's a noble fight and I haven't managed the slightest urge to condemn them for it.
As I said in my book one post, if Kohen is here playing the long game, I'm here for it.
This sequel is the typical bridge. It's the stepping stone that furthers the story to its inevitable conclusion. Aisling is adjusting to her new role, giving orders, training, and taking cover. It was in this installment that it cemented for me that I was experiencing the story through a side character's POV. Kohen is the main character. He's the one making moves. He has the plot. Aisling is purely reactive.
And now we know why Kohen was so deeply disturbed by Alec.
I appreciate Aisling. She's a young woman virtuous enough to save herself for marriage while also being a combatant that's not above war crimes. And although war and death bears heavy weight, this is a strong Young Adult themed tale that can't help but sink into shallow and downright juvenile scenarios. A new threat rises to power, demanding bloodshed or submission by way of marriage, and the answer her loyal governess and most trusted adviser proposes as a response: Steal his underwear.
Gods smite me now.
Stop it.
The assassin is revealed. Nothing unanticipated there.
Amersea presently faces war on two fronts. Luska is now led by Maxim, an unknown with two bonded creatures and a twin sister aware of Aisling's hidden power.
And with Imbria. Kohen, Anika, and the others have retreated home, declared sovereignty, and proclaimed Kohen their rightful king.
Kohen orders Aisling's death. And as she dies, expected to be reborn in three days' time, his message is resounding. Everything he has done is to protect her. Seek the truth. He'll be waiting.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
Available in ebook | hardcover | paperback | audiobook
Previously in the series:
2026/10