Allison Carr Waechter

Beneath the Alabaster Spire

My heart hasn’t stopped aching since this morning when I finished reading this book. I need a hug. Better yet, I need Finn.

 was one of my most anticipated sequels and it did not disappoint! Like its predecessor, this book stood out for its worldbuilding, incredible and diverse cast of characters, and most importantly for the character relationships—and I’m not just talking about the romance. This book is brimming with friendship and family bonds so pure that my heart aches happily just at the thought. (Can a heart ache from happiness? Mine sure does!) Harlow’s relationship with her sisters is perfection, and I especially adore Thea and Larkin, who once again stand out among the large brood of Krane witches. And as I mentioned, the friendships are goals. My personal favorite character among the friends is Cian. I love how they combine both the old and the new. They’re such a fresh and forward-thinking character, yet they have moments where they act like everyone’s favorite old aunt.

The romance in this one was perfection. Finn and Harlow are the best, the most beautiful, the healthiest, most passionate couple. Their every interaction was pure perfection. I just…I need a Finn in my life. Everyone deserves a Finn in their lives. He’s not your typical brooding hero with a dark past. Sure, he has his demons, but he remains a man with a good heart and soul. The darkness of his past hasn’t transformed him into a monster. He has his values. He respects those around him, and he loves with all his heart. And Harlow, well…she’s incredible. She’s perhaps the female protagonist I relate to the most above all. I see myself in her, in body and spirit. I also love how the author writes the spicy scenes. They’re hot but never vulgar, objectifying or degrading. Even their teasing, banter and dirty talk is perfection.

I am so looking forward to the next book! I seriously need it now to mend my heart!

Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC. Opinions are my own.

Maria Elena Vitale Zelaia

My heart hasn’t stopped aching since this morning when I finished reading this book. I need a hug. Better yet, I need Finn.

Beneath the Alabaster Spire was one of my most anticipated sequels and it did not disappoint! Like its predecessor, this book stood out for its worldbuilding, incredible and diverse cast of characters, and most importantly for the character relationships—and I’m not just talking about the romance. This book is brimming with friendship and family bonds so pure that my heart aches happily just at the thought. (Can a heart ache from happiness? Mine sure does!) Harlow’s relationship with her sisters is perfection, and I especially adore Thea and Larkin, who once again stand out among the large brood of Krane witches. And as I mentioned, the friendships are goals. My personal favorite character among the friends is Cian. I love how they combine both the old and the new. They’re such a fresh and forward-thinking character, yet they have moments where they act like everyone’s favorite old aunt.

The romance in this one was perfection. Finn and Harlow are the best, the most beautiful, the healthiest, most passionate couple. Their every interaction was pure perfection. I just…I need a Finn in my life. Everyone deserves a Finn in their lives. He’s not your typical brooding hero with a dark past. Sure, he has his demons, but he remains a man with a good heart and soul. The darkness of his past hasn’t transformed him into a monster. He has his values. He respects those around him, and he loves with all his heart. And Harlow, well…she’s incredible. She’s perhaps the female protagonist I relate to the most above all. I see myself in her, in body and spirit. I also love how the author writes the spicy scenes. They’re hot but never vulgar, objectifying or degrading. Even their teasing, banter and dirty talk is perfection.

I am so looking forward to the next book! I seriously need it now to mend my heart!

Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC. Opinions are my own.

BENEATH THE ALABASTER SPIRE was one of my most anticipated sequels, and it delivered exactly what I expected from it: more romance, more rep, more incredible world-building! This series is truly a must read for fantasy romance fans, especially if you love 

Finn and Harlow’s relationship was a big part of this sequel, and while I did love them in the first book (a lot), they’ve now truly cemented themselves as one of my favorite couples. If you enjoy this pairing, you can look forward to some amazing steamy scenes—which I deeply enjoyed—but also to an incredibly healthy and balanced relationship. I love the way these two listen and understand one another, the trust that unites them, and the room they give each other to grow as individuals and as a unit. Relationship goals right here!

Like in the first book, the author also didn’t shy away from getting deep and personal with Harlow’s character. Despite her being in a much happier place here than she was in DNGD, her insecurities didn’t magically vanish with her growing confidence. Her character resonates with me so deeply, and I’m sure many readers will feel the same.

Apart from my babies Finn and Harlow, I once again found myself loving the secondary characters. The ones that joined the cast toward the end of DNGD had a lot more page time now, and unsurprisingly, Cian became one of my favorites! Every character plays a pivotal role in the plot, which takes huge steps forward with plenty of reveals, unexpected twists and even a betrayal or two that had my heart shattering. The build-up to the climax was exquisite and shocking! I think I’ve seen this film before when I finished reading DNGD, but I cannot wait for the next installment of this series. This author is a gift that keeps on giving!

Chiara Vitale Zelaia

BENEATH THE ALABASTER SPIRE was one of my most anticipated sequels, and it delivered exactly what I expected from it: more romance, more rep, more incredible world-building! This series is truly a must read for fantasy romance fans, especially if you love Crescent City and A Discovery of Witches.

Finn and Harlow’s relationship was a big part of this sequel, and while I did love them in the first book (a lot), they’ve now truly cemented themselves as one of my favorite couples. If you enjoy this pairing, you can look forward to some amazing steamy scenes—which I deeply enjoyed—but also to an incredibly healthy and balanced relationship. I love the way these two listen and understand one another, the trust that unites them, and the room they give each other to grow as individuals and as a unit. Relationship goals right here!

Like in the first book, the author also didn’t shy away from getting deep and personal with Harlow’s character. Despite her being in a much happier place here than she was in DNGD, her insecurities didn’t magically vanish with her growing confidence. Her character resonates with me so deeply, and I’m sure many readers will feel the same.

Apart from my babies Finn and Harlow, I once again found myself loving the secondary characters. The ones that joined the cast toward the end of DNGD had a lot more page time now, and unsurprisingly, Cian became one of my favorites! Every character plays a pivotal role in the plot, which takes huge steps forward with plenty of reveals, unexpected twists and even a betrayal or two that had my heart shattering. The build-up to the climax was exquisite and shocking! I think I’ve seen this film before when I finished reading DNGD, but I cannot wait for the next installment of this series. This author is a gift that keeps on giving!


Beneath the Alabaster Spire

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