I don’t know what it is about this series that has me hooked… Honestly, I have no idea, but here we are.

To Snap a Silver Stem is the second book in the Crystal Bloom series, which is supposed to be a dark Rapunzel reimagining. Well, Orlaith’s out of her tower, well past her safety line, and it’s sink or swim time (literally, in one instance). She is trying to adjust to a new world and new reality with Cainon as she tries to secure the ships needed back in Ocruth. As expected, Rhordyn refuses to let her go, and things get quite messy. Fighting the push of her future and the pull of her past leaves Orlaith straddling a fine line. She has to learn how to navigate on her own, learning to trust herself while breaking past the limitations placed on her, both past and present.

Orlaith honestly makes me want to shake her most of the time, but then I remember that these things are what make her such a real character. Anyone going through the challenges she has faced will not have a linear, seamless path forward. This book is largely focused on her own self discovery, while the romance plays a significant, but lesser role. The political maneuvering and the secrets everyone seems to be keeping will leave your brain struggling to keep up at times. We also get more on Baze’s backstory, and Kai seems to be getting his own arc too. I’m interested to see how he ties back into the main plot.

Overall, I think this is a solid read, despite the fact that it frustrates me at times. I feel like I don’t know half of what is going on in this book most of the time, but I also think that is by design. Then I got absolutely backhanded by that ending… and now the wait begins for book three.

UGH, If this was an audiobook, I would have listened to it at 1.5 speed. I know that is typical of second books in a series, but it seemed to plod along. I can't find it in my heart to route for Orlaith (FMC) anymore.

Many characters seemed to have personalities that took significant shifts in this installment. I bought the first 3 books at once on impulse, so I will slog on, but - really - Orlaith's naivety and self-hatred are becoming tiresome. It'd be nice to see some growth.

I have literally no idea whats happening here? Why did she do that at the end?! I’m so confused at this point but I will be reading the next one with hopes that my questions are answered.

I loved! the first book and had such high hopes for this one, but I felt it landed short. Not enough happened to warrant this length of the book. Not sure if I even attempt the third one.

5⭐️

With that blade to his throat, I felt more alive than I have in weeks. I want him to hurt. To bleed. I want him to snap, just like he snapped me. He’s the ailment, yes ... but also the remedy I wasn’t expecting. A punching bag that absorbs my blows with unflinching stoicism.

Where do I start with To Snap a Silver Stem? I’m floored. Shocked. Destroyed. Distraught. Heartbroken. But in the best possible way. Its been almost a week and I’m still trying to process but this book truly blew me away and I’m loving the direction Sarah is taking this in. This story is so unique and Sarah’s writing continues to be so beautifully poetic. The world building? Incredible. The character development? *chef’s kiss*. The angst? Oh, the angst. I was hooked.

We pick up right after book 1, and it was full steam ahead. Couldn’t skip a beat, couldn’t put this book down. New places, characters and POVs introduced which made it all the more engaging and enjoyable. There are definitely a few new lovable side characters that I was completely enamoured by.

I have to find a way to move forward, one fallen whisper at a time, until the wall is deconstructed in my mind. Until it’s no longer weighing me down like stones stacked in my belly.

Orlaith. Just like in book 1, Orlaith makes me feel so much. I laugh with her, I cry with her. I admire her strength and fight. Her personal journey and growth is everything, and was such a highlight in this book. How she’s learning to choose herself and take control. She’s continuing to solidify herself as one of my favourite FMCs.

But right now … I’m bigger. I’m a fucking giant.

Rhordyn and Cainon. I really liked how we go to learn a lot more about these two in TSASS. I had such conflicting opinions for them in book 1, but seeing more and new sides to them, my feelings are now more concrete… let’s just say one earned all my love, and the other one really, really didn’t. I have committed to a ship and I will go down with it

4.50