Carving Shadows into Gold

Forging Silver into Stars, Book 2

By: Brigid Kemmerer

Narrated by: Cecily Bednar Schmidt, Hunter Johns, Nezar Alderazi

Bloomsbury presents Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer, read by Nezar Alderazi, Cecily Bednar Schmidt, and Hunter Johns.

Dangerous magic. Fateful choices. Broken promises. The spellbinding series by New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer continues.

The King’s Courier Tycho has made a treacherous bargain. Now beholden to the magical scraver who saved King Gray’s life, one false move could end everything.

Jax escaped his life in Briarlock and traveled with Tycho to Emberfall. But life outside his small village brings unexpected challenges--and unlikely adversaries.

After years of hating the royal family and their magic, Callyn never expected to be at the Queen’s side, with magic on her fingertips. But at the royal court, she can’t trust anyone--including the man she thought she loved.

Cast apart, Tycho, Jax, and Callyn must learn to wield the magic that is dividing their kingdom. As the magical scravers attack from the north and the king’s rivals gain strength, time is running out.

War is looming. Love is tested. And magic could be the only answer. . .©2025 Brigid Kemmerer (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

I have a new favorite couple!

This book took everything I loved about Forging Silver into Stars and raised the stakes even higher. The character development in this one was phenomenal—I was absolutely dying for Jax and Tycho the entire book, anxiously waiting for them to be reunited and rooting for them every step of the way. Their bond, their tension, their longing… chef’s kiss.

I also loved watching Callyn’s journey as she learned about magic, questioned everything she was taught, and truly came into her own. Seeing her stand up for herself and carve her own path was so satisfying. And with the kingdoms at war over whether magic is a gift or a curse, the political intrigue, betrayals, and shifting alliances kept me completely hooked. The dark, moody vibes in this book were perfection, and I need book three immediately!

🔥 Tropes & Themes:
⚔️ Political intrigue & rebellion
🖤 Found family
✨ Forbidden magic
💘 Friends-to-lovers (Jax & Tycho forever!!)
⏳ Slow-burn tension
🌙 Dark, moody fantasy vibes

What a captivating sequel

Brigid Kemmerer is fast-becoming my favorite author. After reading book 1 I didn’t think the next installment could be just as good, if not better! I was happily wrong! She weaves such a beautiful and captivating storyline that book 3 can’t come soon enough! I am desperate to know what happens to these characters and will be waiting with bated breath. Her “Defy The Night” series made me a fan, but this series has me obsessed with her writing.
While I miss Chase Brown’s narration (he is always topt tier), his “replacement” does a really great job. Cecily never disappoints so I was delighted to see her still voicing our Callyn. All the narrators did a fabulous job!

cliffhangers like that need to be ILLEGAL

OUCH MY HEART. This series and it's connected universe is the absolute best. The characters are all written so well. I adore the writing style and the voice actors do an amazing job. 100000/10