The Sylvan and the Sand (The Book of All Things #2) by Sarah M. Cradit
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: May 10, 2022
Format: eARC (Provided by Author and Book of Matches Media)
Publisher: Storyville Press (Self-Published by Author)
Release Date: May 10, 2022
Format: eARC (Provided by Author and Book of Matches Media)
Publisher: Storyville Press (Self-Published by Author)
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Come for the tropes, stay for the amazing fantasy romance story (and the gorgeous artwork that’s embedded in EVERY copy).
I loved The Raven and the Rush (the first installment in The Book of All Things series), so I was super excited for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Sylvan and the Sand. Sarah M. Cradit did not disappoint. I used to be on the fence about interconnected standalone novels, but Ms. Cradit has me thoroughly convinced that I need them in my life.
Corin and Yesenia’s story is similar to the first book. both explore darker themes, and while the characters do go through a lot (Ms. Cradit seems like one of those authors that like to torment readers and characters alike), they never lose that thread of perseverance and hope that lingers throughout the book. There are also plenty of tropes to go around in this series: arranged marriage, “there’s only one bed”, and enemies to lovers are just a few off the top of my head. You’ll have to read the book to find out which others (Do it. Read the book. If you’re a fantasy romance lover like me, it’ll be worth it).
The worldbuilding is top-notch in this series. The author does include a map, but I never needed it. I could picture everything very clearly in my head. You have the many reaches in play - Easterlands, Southerlands, Northerlands, and Westerlands. The main characters come from the Northerlands and the Southerlands respectively, which makes them even more polar opposites. In addition to the visual picture the author was painting, I could also easily picture all the power plays happening in the Kingdom of the White Sea. There are multiple layers of political intrigue (nobility, family feuds, interkingdom conflicts, etc.), and it was fun to explore each part while I read.
Overall, this was a great book. I’m counting down the days until the next installment, The Altruist and the Assassin comes out later this year! If you are a fan of authors like C.N. Crawford, Casey L. Bond or Rebecca L. Garcia, you should definitely check out The Sylvan and the Sand.
Thank you to the author and Book of Matches Media for providing me with a complimentary review copy of the book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review The Sylvan and the Sand immensely. Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. all opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Bullying, Violence
About the Author
Sarah is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Epic, Contemporary, and Paranormal Fantasy. An unabashed geek, Sarah enjoys studying subjects like the Plantagenet and Ptolemaic dynasties, and settling debates on provocative Tolkien topics such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, Sarah has visited over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration (though New Orleans is where her heart rests). She's a self-professed expert at crafting original songs to sing to her very patient pets and a seasoned professional at finding ways to humiliate herself (bonus points if it happens in public). When at home in Pennsylvania, her husband and best friend, James, is very kind about indulging her love of fast German cars and expensive lattes.
Check out the Author's website here - Author Website
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