Splintered Kingdom By Gretchen powell fox
Splintered Kingdom is the sequel that takes everything Smoke and Scar set in motion and twists the knife—in the best way possible.
Picking up after the fallout of the Crucible, this book is all about aftermath. The crown is shattered, alliances are uneasy, and the so-called truce between kingdoms feels more like a fragile pause than true peace. Everyone is scrambling to secure the pieces of power left behind, and the tension—political and emotional—never lets up.
At the heart of the story is the reunion between Elyria and Cedric, and Fox wastes no time reminding us that whatever passed between them in book one never actually went away. Their connection is still there—charged, complicated, and deeply inconvenient. What makes their dynamic so compelling in Splintered Kingdom is how much restraint it requires. This is no longer a story about possibility; it’s about consequences. Duty, loyalty, and fear are constantly at odds with what they want, and that push-and-pull gives the romance its slow-burn intensity.
Elyria continues to shine as a protagonist. She’s stubborn, sharp, and unapologetically herself—even when that puts her at odds with those around her. Her strength doesn’t come from perfection, but from conviction, and watching her navigate court politics while holding onto her own sense of right and wrong is incredibly satisfying. Cedric, meanwhile, gets a true glow-up in this installment. The weight he carries becomes clearer, his choices more layered, and it’s hard not to fall for him all over again as his loyalty and vulnerability come into focus.
One of the standout elements of Splintered Kingdom is its found family. Side characters like Nox, Thraigg, Kit, and others aren’t just background support—they actively shape the story, adding warmth, humor, and emotional depth. These relationships ground the narrative and make the stakes feel personal, not just political.
And then there’s the ending. Without giving everything away: it’s bold, unsettling, and absolutely intentional. It redefines what’s at risk moving forward and leaves you sitting with that quiet, dramatic ache only a truly effective sequel can deliver. The kind that makes you stare out a window and immediately need the next book.
Splintered Kingdom doesn’t just continue the story—it deepens it. With higher stakes, sharper emotions, and a romance that hurts so good, it proves this series isn’t afraid to break things apart in order to build something stronger.
