Guys it’s part two time! If you missed it, check out part one here, which has all the context and background info. We’re just going to jump right in here, starting with the state of the board where we last left off:
We have eight match-ups to go through this time, some of which were very painful for me. I should have learned from how much Ava suffered when she did this last year.
Let’s begin!
Don’t Let the Forest In versus Arcana Academy
Winner: Arcana Academy
As a whole, I think Arcana Academy holds up a little more. The plot has more going on, it left me excited for the sequel, and I was very invested in the magic. While Don’t Let the Forest In had an amazing atmosphere and good mystery, I did find myself having some issues with the plot, and the actions/inactions of the characters sometimes bothered me. Both are great reads and fit into their niche well, but I think Arcana Academy is just a smidge better.
Slewfoot versus The Knight and the Moth
Winner: Slewfoot
I think this was the hardest decision of the round. Can I admit something? When I originally made this bracket, I had The Knight and the Moth making it all the way to the FINALS.
But in typing this paragraph, I just couldn’t bring myself to eliminate Slewfoot. Slewfoot is atmospheric, deals with a historical time period that I find fascinating, and had some amazing moments of female rage and revenge. I hate that it means I need to eliminate The Knight and the Moth. What made my final choice for me was the fact that I have yet to read anything quite like Slewfoot, and I’m not sure if I ever will. It’s stuck with me a bit more than The Knight and the Moth has, even if I am stoked for the sequel.
I hate this.
The Binding versus Half a Soul
Winner: The Binding
Both of these books fit nicely into historical fantasy, adding in threads of magic and wonder that brighten up the world. While I enjoyed the simple nature and romance of Half a Soul, I appreciate that The Binding had quite a bit to say. I like the conversations about memory and accountability it posed. I also really like the implications of the magic system. And having a queer romance is always a plus. There isn’t anything wrong with Half a Soul, but it just stands out a little less in my mind. Still a great read.
The Bane Witch versus A Study in Drowning
Winner: A Study in Drowning
The Bane Witch really only made it to this round because it was up against a DNF book last time, so it got a free pass. I found the book to be tonally inconsistent and it had some plot points that I had a lot of issues with. A Study in Drowning is far from a perfect book, but I think it did a much better job of nailing the atmosphere and creating an effect that stayed the whole book. I was disappointed in The Bane Witch, but decently pleased with A Study in Drowning. It gets to move on.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries versus Legends and Lattes
Winner: Emily Wilde
Like I said last round, it’s going to be hard for anything to beat Emily Wilde. I think it’s literally me as a book. Legends and Lattes is a wonderful read, fits the cozy genre really well, and does pretty much everything right. But it is a little simple, tells a small story, and doesn’t offer much more than what it has within its pages (which isn’t a bad thing! It does it’s job very very well). Meanwhile, I feel that Emily Wilde is a book I keep thinking back to, and has been an inspiration for my own writing. I can’t knock it out yet.
Heartless Hunter versus Hemlock and Silver
Winner: Hemlock and Silver
This one was a little tricky. I think both of these books are just fine. They do what they set out to do within their pages, and they do it well. But while Heartless Hunter was an enjoyable book, it did feel a little burdened by its tropes, had some plot points that made me roll me eyes, and fell a smidge flat. Hemlock and Silver did have some similar moments, but I think the plot was a bit more unique and compelling.
The River has Roots versus The Cruel Prince
Winner: The River Has Roots
Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy The Cruel Prince quite a bit. I think it holds up well as a series and is better than some of the other popular Fae TikTok books (cough cough ACOTAR). But I do think when paired against something as unique and whimsical as The River Has Roots, it does pale a little. I think if you’re wanting a well done trilogy, The Cruel Prince has you covered, easily. I liked the grittiness it had, and the fact that it got dark without feeling edgy or forced. It simply was. But there was so much magic in TRHR that I was stuck thinking about it for days after finishing it. For such a short read/listen, it had so much to it, and really captured that fae magic I love so much. It gets my vote for this round.
The Enchanted Greenhouse versus Upon a Starlit Tide
Winner: Upon a Starlit Tide
I really enjoy what Sarah Beth Durst has done for the cozy genre, and I am a little bit sad that neither of her books made it beyond round two. They deserve special appreciation for being simple, enjoyable, and perfectly cozy. I’m very excited for the third installment in the series, and to possible get to meet Durst at Dragonsteel Nexus 2026. She will continue to be an inspiration to me. But I love a good mermaid book, and Upon a Starlit Tide just has so much going for it. Fairy tale elements, a good love triangle and betrayal, and reveals about the MC and magic and the world that I really enjoyed. It moves on to round three.
Okayyyy, let’s see where things stand now after this painful round:
A nice final eight! In two weeks, we will have the quarter- semi- and final rounds of the bracket, all in one post! Stay tuned for our winner!
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