Reviewed by Dakota Watson

Lord of Gold and Glory, the second book in the Fae Isles series by Lisette Marshall, was a really neat follow up! True, it was a bit slow at times, there wasn’t a ton of action happening all the time. But even though things weren’t super fast paced, I still really enjoyed it. The world Marshall created just kept getting bigger and more detailed, which was awesome. It felt like I was really getting a sense of this whole fantastical world she built. The story itself kept building too, with more happening to the characters and their relationships. It was cool to see how they all grew and changed throughout the book. There were also a bunch of new characters introduced, and they were all interesting and unique in their own way. It made the whole story feel a lot richer.

One of the most compelling aspects of  Lord of Gold and Glory was how Lisette Marshall delved into the complexities of war and unity among the different species in the Fae Isles. I was particularly struck by the way Marshall portrayed the reluctance of various characters to jump into conflict. It was evident that centuries old grudges and deep seated animosities ran deep, making it difficult for anyone to easily agree to go to war. Each species had its own priorities and perspectives, which often clashed with one another.

One scene that really stood out to me was the interaction between Tared and Emelin. Tared’s heartbreaking revelation about losing his entire family on the battlefield provided a poignant insight into his reluctance to engage in further conflict. Through this exchange, Marshall effectively conveyed that understanding someone’s perspective requires empathy and an acknowledgment of their personal experiences. This scene beautifully illustrated the divide between characters and the challenges they faced in overcoming their differences to unite against a common threat. It served as a reminder that unity isn’t easily achieved, especially when faced with deep rooted prejudices and past traumas.

Marshall’s exploration of the Alves’ struggle to overcome their resentment towards Creon and their efforts to reconcile with him was one of the standout elements of Lord of Gold and Glory. The depiction of the Alves’ turmoil and internal conflicts was incredibly well done. Marshall skillfully portrayed the sense of betrayal they felt towards Creon for his perceived role in costing them their last war. This resentment created significant barriers to forming a cohesive alliance, adding layers of tension and complexity to the narrative.

Emelin’s character development in Lord of Gold and Glory was truly a highlight for me. From the previous book, it was clear she had a lot of potential, and in this installment, she really came into her own. What I appreciated most about Emelin was her newfound sensibility. She wasn’t just rushing headlong into situations anymore; instead, she took the time to weigh her options and consider the consequences of her actions. This added a layer of depth to her character, showing growth and maturity from her earlier impulsive tendencies. But you know what? Emelin still had that spark of stubbornness and impulsiveness, and I loved it. It kept her character dynamic and unpredictable, adding an element of excitement to the story. There was a certain allure to those moments when she acted on instinct, reminding us that she’s still a force to be reckoned with.

Creon remained an enigmatic and captivating MMC in Lord of Gold and Glory. While we still didn’t get a glimpse into his point of view, Marshall masterfully unveiled layers of his past, adding depth and complexity to his character. Equally compelling was Marshall’s portrayal of Creon’s journey towards redemption and self acceptance. Through poignant flashbacks and introspective moments, readers were given insight into the trauma and guilt that shaped Creon into the character he had become. His struggles to come to terms with his past and heal from his wounds were deeply moving, adding depth and humanity to his character.

The romance between Emelin and Creon in Lord of Gold and Glory was undeniably one of the highlights of the book. What I appreciated most was how Lisette Marshall took the time to let their relationship develop organically, allowing for a credible emotional bond to form between them. Sure, there were some sizzling, spicy scenes between them that definitely turned up the heat sprinkled throughout the book, but what really stood out was the depth of their connection beyond the physical. Marshall masterfully crafted moments of vulnerability and intimacy between Emelin and Creon, allowing readers to witness the growth of their emotional bond. Their relationship felt real and relatable, with both characters navigating their own insecurities and past traumas while finding solace and strength in each other. From tentative moments of trust to passionate declarations of love, every step of their romance felt authentic and heartfelt.

The expanding cast of characters in Lord of Gold and Glory was a delightful aspect of the book. Lisette Marshall masterfully introduced new faces with Lyn, Tared, who we already knew from the first book, enriching the story with diverse perspectives and motivations. What impressed me most was how each character was given their moment to shine, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Lyn’s fierce loyalty and Tared’s haunting past brought new dimensions to the story, while the Alves’ struggles and alliances added layers of intrigue.

While Lord of Gold and Glory had many strengths, I can understand why some readers might find fault with the pacing of the story. For a significant portion of the book, not much significant seemed to happen, particularly in the realm of alf family politics and their reluctance to unite against an impending war. The first two thirds of the book flowed smoothly, with Lisette Marshall skillfully weaving intricate world building and character development into the narrative. However, I can see how some readers might have found themselves growing impatient with the slow build up and the emphasis on internal conflicts rather than external action.

In conclusion, Lord of Gold and Glory served as a strong second installment in the Fae Isles series by Lisette Marshall. Despite some pacing issues and a slow build up, the book excelled in its rich world building, complex character development, and compelling romance. While it may not have satisfied readers seeking immediate action and plot progression, those who appreciate nuanced storytelling and intricate interpersonal dynamics will find much to enjoy in this book. With its tantalizing hints of future conflicts and unresolved mysteries, Lord of Gold and Glory leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. I, for one, cannot wait to see where Marshall takes us next in this captivating fantasy world.