Crystal Bloom #2

to Snap A Silver Stem

Happy Wedneday, everyone! I hope your week is going well! Mine is a mix of deadlines, caffeine, doomscrolling, and minimal reading. I think this year I’m going to take my time reading like I used to. I got so wrapped up these last few years in completing my reading goals and exceeding them that I’ve read books I didn’t completely focus on or digest. I want to get back into the spirit of reading, instead of the spirit of consumption.

Anyways, this week I am reading To Snap A Silver Stem by Sarah A. Parker. It’s the sequel to her dark rapunzel retelling, To Bleed A Crystal Bloom, which reminded me a lot of the Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy. I’m enjoying it so far, not the most immersive read, but good.

Below is the full synopsis for To Snap A Silver Stem, followed by my thoughts on it thus far. Happy reading!

What It’s About

I want him to hurt. To bleed.
I want him to snap, just like he snapped me.

Once upon a time, my world was small and sheltered. Everything changed the moment I stepped over my Safety Line, barreling towards a coupling with a man I hardly knew.

He wants me. All of me.

Dunked in a charged political pit, I must secure the ships needed to quell the spill of murderous beasts still flooding the continent. But one wrong move could spur the war I’ve worked so hard to avoid.

I’ll wear the dress, the cupla, and the shoes. I’ll do it all with a smile on my face. Because everyone’s watching.
He’s watching—hunting a fissure in my frosty shield, trying to scrape back the layers and see my ugly insides.

He’s unyielding. Unguarded.
Changed.

Why is he looking now when I’ve got everything to hide?

Secrets sprout, truths bloom, and more than one of us will snap.
Crowned in the crippling weight of my mistakes, I must atone. Even if it costs me my life.

Fear was my overlord. Now, it’s my prisoner.

To Snap a Silver Stem is the explosive sequel of To Bleed a Crystal Bloom—a dark Rapunzel reimagining full of immersive imagery and breathtaking angst. A unique fantasy series perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout, guaranteed to grip you from the very first page.

Thoughts So Far

***Possible Spoilers below

To Snap A Silver Stem picks up where the previous book left off, with Orlaith on the boat to see her betrothed after escaping from Rhordyn, who had locked her in her chambers to keep her from leaving. So far, To Snap A Silver Stem is decent; I have a feeling it’s going to be a similar character build-up to Raven Kennedy’s Plated Prisoners series main female character, Auren. Orlaith remains naive to the world and who she’s betrothed to. I am getting the feeling that our main love interest will be Rhordyn, just because Cainnon is a cruel ruler and very dismissive toward Orlaith.

Unless I missed something, the full prophecy hasn’t been said yet, so that’s a little frustrating. Still have no idea what keeps Rhordyn and Orlaith apart, or what/who she is.

I am curious to see where this plotline goes, especially since there are other character plot lines with side quests. So far, Kai is my favorite. He’s such a sweetheart, and I’m happy he found another of his kind who may also be his mate. So cute.

Also, Cainnon not telling her about the traditional bridal trial is crazy! He didn’t think that was important?! Orlaith was told shortly after stepping foot off the boat, and Cainnon’s over here, saying, ‘Good luck!’

I can’t wait for the book where we get the full history of her kind, how they fell, and how she is alive.

I hope you guys have an amazing week! Thank you for subscribing and listening to my rants!

♡ G&P