cecew804cw's review
5.0
This book has it all in my opinion. Kept my interest throughout the whole book and I'm not huge on fantasy books to begin with but I'm dying to continue the story of these characters. Book one ended on a cliffhanger and book two picked up right at the bottom of that cliff, there was no missing time/actions that most books following cliffhangers have. I fell in love with the creativity and world within this book and i can't wait for book three.
stephv99's review against another edition
5.0
Book 2 had an amazing start to it! This book kept my interest the whole way through and I could not put it down!! It was absolutely amazing and had beautiful writing can’t wait to read the next book
crookedly's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
To start, I will say that Mikayla LOVES to (lovingly) torture her readers with a cliffhanger! The second novel in the Hearts of Maya series is no exception. This one had me saying THAT ENDING! just like the first book.
The novel delivers a fantastic sequel that picks up tight where the first left off and builds upon the world and characters. Maya is explored more, and we get to see more of its lands and people. The four MCs develop and grow both their powers and their relationships - not only between each other, but with a host of newly-introduced characters. Cree and Camila find kinship and family among Kan and his people (although one grumpy shadow daddy takes a little longer to come around), and Xio and Holt deepen their bond while adventuring on a quest that sees Xio gain mastery over her powers.
The events in this novel are laid out in a way that serves to further the main plot well, and it is all leading up to what's eventually going to be an epic conclusion. There's action, a unique Mayan-inspired system of fae magic, amazing magical beasts, and plenty of spice - a little something to keep everyone enthralled!
There are, at times, moments where issues feel like they get resolved just a little too quickly (within a few lines), but it isn't jarring enough to throw off the pacing. I would've also liked an insight into Holt's grieving process during his POV chapters, as grief and loss is such a prominent theme for the sisters and Cree to some extent.
Overall, this was SUCH a joy to read, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!
(Huge thank you to Mikayla D. Hornedo
for choosing me to be a lucky recipient of an ARC of her novel! 🙏🏽💚)
The novel delivers a fantastic sequel that picks up tight where the first left off and builds upon the world and characters. Maya is explored more, and we get to see more of its lands and people. The four MCs develop and grow both their powers and their relationships - not only between each other, but with a host of newly-introduced characters. Cree and Camila find kinship and family among Kan and his people (although one grumpy shadow daddy takes a little longer to come around), and Xio and Holt deepen their bond while adventuring on a quest that sees Xio gain mastery over her powers.
The events in this novel are laid out in a way that serves to further the main plot well, and it is all leading up to what's eventually going to be an epic conclusion. There's action, a unique Mayan-inspired system of fae magic, amazing magical beasts, and plenty of spice - a little something to keep everyone enthralled!
There are, at times, moments where issues feel like they get resolved just a little too quickly (within a few lines), but it isn't jarring enough to throw off the pacing. I would've also liked an insight into Holt's grieving process during his POV chapters, as grief and loss is such a prominent theme for the sisters and Cree to some extent.
Overall, this was SUCH a joy to read, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!
(Huge thank you to Mikayla D. Hornedo
for choosing me to be a lucky recipient of an ARC of her novel! 🙏🏽💚)
dreag's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
booksandcurlz's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
I am grateful that I was chosen by the author to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book starts off with Xio and Holt on their quest to find the "weapon" during that adventure, they are relishing the newness of their relationship and Xio's new powers. Then there is Camila and Cree who are both now dealing with the aftermath of the end of book one and how they will move forward with that.
There are some great new characters introduced, some really funny moments and even tho there isn't a ton of Camila + Cree banter that I loved from book 1 there is so much Holt simping on Xio that it more than makes up for it.
This book had a lot of things I enjoy: adventure, quests, character development, a great plot, magnificent side characters and some of my favorite tropes.
Here is what I ♥️ about this one:
This book starts off with Xio and Holt on their quest to find the "weapon" during that adventure, they are relishing the newness of their relationship and Xio's new powers. Then there is Camila and Cree who are both now dealing with the aftermath of the end of book one and how they will move forward with that.
There are some great new characters introduced, some really funny moments and even tho there isn't a ton of Camila + Cree banter that I loved from book 1 there is so much Holt simping on Xio that it more than makes up for it.
This book had a lot of things I enjoy: adventure, quests, character development, a great plot, magnificent side characters and some of my favorite tropes.
Here is what I ♥️ about this one:
♥️ Let’s begin with the plot, after the cliffhanger and subsequent book hangover I had expectations for this book, it delivered. While our MCs Xio, Camila, Holt, and Cree work to fulfill the prophecy of the Messenger God, Kukulkan in order to save Maya from impending doom.
♥️ Xio discovering and mastering of her abilities with the help of the Prince of the Storm Court. Even when they can be difficult on her body and mind
♥️ Holt’s unending support and love for Xio 😮💨 😂 when he loses his shit and punches someone in the face for flirting with Xio 😆 10/10 moment. I would have liked to see more of him more processing his father’s death, I guess simping on Xio is his way of coping. I won’t blame him for that. The Storm Prince knows how to bring the lightning 😏
♥️ Camila continues to struggle with her anger, but the grump to her grump doesn’t seem to mind and Camila goes into her self discovery journey away from her sister, harboring new friendships, and being there to support Cree. She makes huge strides to how she channels her anger, especially in battle. She is such a baddie and when she unleashes her female rage, AMAZING!
♥️ Cree and his character journey - WOW, I can’t say too much without spoiling both books, but his journey wow. His love for Camila is just 😮💨 . Cree is top tier shadow Daddy, I rest my case. I am not ready to forgive him for what he did in the end of this book. I love him for it, but I can't forgive him just yet.
♥️ The coalt-rider duels were super cool too. Ugh I just love the coalts
♥️ All the people that now belong to this found family, I love it.
❤️🔥 The shadow play ahem, the lightning play ahem, THE WING play.
🌶️ In comparison to book 1, this is SPICY, full open door romance, that is well described and includes some elements or aspects of the what I mentioned in the bullet above. So be aware if you pick up this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and War
Moderate: Abandonment, Death of parent, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Misogyny and Sexual assault
toninicoleeee's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Huge thank you to the Mikayla for sending me an ARC of this book! I devoured the first one and am happy to say the second one was no different (I finished the book in a little over a day). I really enjoyed getting to see both sisters on their individual journeys and see them over come some personal battles. I LOVED that Camilla came into her own with the Serpents and allowed herself to trust and make friends with people other than her sister. I loved Cree’s story as well and how he found the family he so longed to have. My favorite chapters this book were definitely Cree & Camilla. I very much enjoyed getting to know new characters within the Serpents as well. Overall it was a great book and I can’t wait until the 3rd one because based on the cliff hanger, I know the action will be worth the wait!!
Spoiler
The only thing that bothered me is that we see Xio shift into a jaguar in the beginning of the book and after she meets with the mountain court it was never brought up again. I would have loved to read her telling Camilla about how she is able to shift into a jaguar or her to use that form during the battle in the end. Perhaps this is something that will happen in the 3rd book but it would have been nice to read.
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