ARC Review: A Kingdom of Sand and Ice (Kingdom of Gods, #2) by J.F. Johns
From the moment the gods returned, I found myself irresistibly drawn back into the world of Kingdom of Gods. Thank you, J.F. Johns, for sending me the second ARC of this series! The moment I cracked it open, I knew I was in for something special. If A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash was the spark, then A Kingdom of Sand and Ice is nothing short of a wildfire.
Diving into this breathtaking sequel, I was amazed by how Johns amplified everything we adored about the first book—intense characters, high-stakes fantasy, and that intoxicating blend of danger and romance. This book is sharper, deeper, and infinitely more devastating than I was prepared for. I picked it up expecting tension and magic, only to be thrown into a rollercoaster of heartbreak, prophecy, and betrayal, with electric moments that literally made me pause just to savor them.
Right from the first chapter, the stakes soared as I was plunged back into a world teetering on the brink of chaos. The witches were no longer mere shadows; they were making their move on the capital, and it felt like the ground itself was buckling beneath fear and unrest. The awakening of the gods, along with a curse clouding the earth, heightened the tension beautifully. Despite the epic scope of Johns’ world, she masterfully keeps the narrative grounded in the emotional journeys of her remarkable characters.
Let’s talk characters—because I am absolutely obsessed! Wren Wynter remains one of the most compelling heroines I’ve ever encountered. Her defiance and vulnerability tugged at my heartstrings, creating a constant internal conflict; I was torn between cheering her on and feeling her pain. Alina Acheron shines even brighter in this sequel, stepping into her power like a blazing force, and I loved every fiery moment of her transformation.
Then there’s Mal Blackburn—oh, Mal! His tortured loyalty and magnetic presence were downright mesmerizing. The slow-burn tension he carries is pure perfection, causing my heart to ache in the best possible way. Kage’s struggle with grief nearly broke me, capturing the agony of a character holding the weight of the world. And Kai—his surprising arc shifted my perception entirely. As it turns out, the monsters wear familiar faces.
Each point of view adds depth, making every page feel rich and meaningful. My heart ached for these characters, even when their choices were impossible. The themes explored in this installment are utterly captivating: enemies-to-lovers dynamics, divine interplay among mortals, and the ever-present tension between fate and free will intertwine seamlessly.
Johns’ writing style paints a vivid world; she conjures storms with her prose, alternating between lyrical beauty and relentless ruthlessness. There were moments I had to re-read passages, not just to grasp their meaning, but to live in their brilliance. One quote resonated particularly deeply: “The hands that weave fate are moving once more. And this time, not even the gods are safe.” It encapsulated the palpable tension and uncertainty dominating the storyline.
This isn’t merely a filler book; it transcends into a sequel that deepens mythology, elevates characters, and explodes the world wide open. Each turn of the page left my heart racing and my mind buzzing, culminating in a desire for more.
If you’re a fan of sweeping romantasy, complex prophecies, divine conflicts, and characters who sprint through impossible choices, then A Kingdom of Sand and Ice is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be swept away, shattered, and ultimately uplifted. This is a journey that stays with you long after you turn the last page. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need Book Three—immediately!
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