Goodreads Blurb:
After eight years in hiding as a prostitute, former priestess Andromeda never thought she would find love. Now she has, in Captain William Lennox, a brash pirate who uncovered more than a few secrets on their journey aboard the Bartered Soul.
Deciding to wait out the winter storms in the mild climate of New Aphros, a little serenity is just what Andromeda is hoping to find. Never having ventured far from her home in Selennia, she is looking forward to exploring a new city and, with any luck, settling into a new life with Lennox at her side.
When she meets the cunning Madame Salome, who holds more knowledge about the Old Ways than Andromeda could have ever imagined, it becomes clear this winter will bring much more than whiskeys by the fire as a respite from the storms.
When the threat of King Dargan Blackwell and his priests comes knocking even across the sea, Andromeda must choose — live the life of freedom she so craves, even if it means continuing to live in hiding, or face her past and step into the full extent of her power.
The City of New Aphros is the second book in Andromeda’s Account. Fans of fantasy, historical fiction, romance, pirates, and magic will enjoy this sequel to The Bartered Soul.
Content Warning:
The City of New Aphros is an adult fantasy/romance is intended for readers over the age of 18. Please visit the author’s website for detailed content warnings.
My Thoughts:
It has been so good to dive back into L. B. Benson’s ‘Andromeda’s Account’ series with ‘The City of New Aphros’. I really enjoyed this as a sequel, and it brought just as much excitement, heartache, and steamy romance as ‘The Bartered Soul’ (if not more). I’ve been looking forward to this one for a while, and it didn’t disappoint.
I really love this world that Benson has created, it has heart but can be cruel, it nurtures it’s characters as much as it challenges them. There is so much support and love between the main characters of this story that it is almost tangible. It makes it so much easier to sink into this world. In a similar train of thought, that romance, so beautiful, and so steamy! I love the support that Lennox and Andromeda give each other, it is so beautiful to read.
It was so lovely to catch up with Andromeda and see how her journey continues. Some pretty big things are revealed for her which further her journey and it was so exciting to see the results of said revelation as her power grows. Especially with that ending! It was wonderfully intense and heart breaking in equal measure. I am really looking forward to book 3!
Pick up this book if you are looking for something action packed with equal amounts of tender and emotional moments, a sweet found family and rich world building you can really sink into.
*Keep in mind there are some content warnings for this novel. You can find them on the author’s website if you want.
Thank you to the author for gifting me this ARC (Advanced Reader Copy). I am leaving this review voluntarily. This title was published 20th December 2022.
Writing(s) by Anna 