Saint-Seducing Gold: The second book in the swashbuckling YA historical fantasy series

Saint-Seducing Gold: The second book in the swashbuckling YA historical fantasy series

By Author / Illustrator

Brittany N. Williams

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Faber & Faber

ISBN

9780571381647

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

02-01-2025

Synopsis

A masterful sequel to Brittany N. Williams's stunning YA historical fantasy debut, That Self-Same Metal.

There's danger in the court of James I. Magical metal-worker Joan Sands must reforge the Pact between humanity and the Fae to stop the looming war. As conflict erupts across London and the murderous spymaster Robert Cecil closes in, the Fae queen Titanea coerces Joan into joining the royal court while holding her godfather prisoner in the infamous Tower of London.  Now Joan will have to survive deadly schemes both magical and mortal all while balancing the magnetic pull of her two loves, Rose and Nick, before the world as she knows it is destroyed forever.

Swashbuckling, romantic, and full of the sights and sounds of Shakespeare's London, this series delivers an unforgettable story and a heroine unlike any other.

'Fresh and exciting.' Samantha Shannon, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree.  'Perfect for anyone looking for a fresh take on faerie magic.' Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shadow & Bone.  'A groundbreaking addition to the fantasy genre.' Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Beasts of Prey.  'Every sentence will thunder through your bones.' Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves.  'Wildly imaginative and refreshingly diverse . . . taut with intrigue.' J. Elle, New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Ebony.

Reviews

Linda

Saint-Seducing Gold is the second book of the stunning YA historical fantasy, The Forge and Fracture Saga series by bestselling author Ayana Gray - beginning with That Self-Same Metal - and which has been called 'nothing short of spectacular'.


This story is a magical version of Shakespearian London. The fae have hidden themselves within human society, with Titanea taking the place of the dead queen. Joan is the only one who can see through her magical disguise. Will she be able to restore the balance and repair the Pact between humanity and the Fae to stop a looming war along with the help of her friends? Or will the deadly, blood-thirsty fae take over the streets of London?


Alongside the treacherous politics of this royal court, Joan is also battling with her feelings of her two loves, Nick and Rose. Will she have to choose between them? Will the unwanted attention from William Cecil cause a rift between them all?


Saint-Seducing Gold is an intense and thrilling read which includes historical notes at the end. The book is suitable for the 13+ reader but I must mention the gory execution scenes, which don't hold back and are definitely not for the faint-hearted.


If you haven't tried this series yet, wait no longer, go and get a copy and enjoy this rollercoaster ride where fantasy meets Shakespearian London like you have never seen before. The combination of these elements really sets it apart. I love Stratford upon Avon and visit its winding historical streets each year and believe me, I will look at it with different eyes next time I go.


Overall, this is a fun, quick read and I'm eager to get my hands on the concluding book, Iron Tongue of Midnight, when I will be able to see how Joan's journey unfolds and whether the balance between humanity and the fae can be restored.


304 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 14+

 

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