The next books in bothThe Empyrean SeriesandA Court Of Thorns & Rosescould take a while, but audiences can find a perfect replacement to help cope with the wait in this romantasy trilogy.The Empyrean Series’third installmenthas left many with questions and excitement about the next book from Rebecca Yarros. Unfortunately, that wait is likely to be a long one as Yarros declared she would be focusing on the upcomingFourth Winggraphic novel as well as her next contemporary romance, resulting in audiences reaching forbooks likeOnyx Stormto pass the time.
In a similar vein, the lack of news aboutA Court Of Thorns & Roses' sixth book has been disappointing, even as readers find otherbooks likeA Court Of Thorns & Rosesto ease it. However, I and a lot of other people are fans of both series, which can result in a slightly unmanageable TBR as we try to fill in the voids left by these waits. Fortunately, one completed series is perfect for fans ofThe Empyrean SeriesandA Court Of Thorns & Rosesas it combines elements from each:The Sacred Stones Trilogyby Kate Golden.
Golden’s Series Combines Fourth Wing’s Cast And ACOTAR’s Worldbuilding
Kate Golden’sThe Sacred StonesTrilogyis perfect to read while the wait for the next books inThe Empyrean SeriesandA Court Of Thorns & Rosescontinues, as it combines the strongest elements from both series.The Sacred Stones Trilogyis the story of Arwen Valondale, a young woman with healing magic who is forced to serve the ruthless Onyx Kingto protect her brother. Conspiring with a fellow prisoner in the dungeons, Arwen attempts to escape her fate, only to find herself on an adventure that tests her will, magic, and heart.
The Sacred StonesTrilogycaptures the same level of strong characterization as Yarros’The Empyrean Series,the secondary cast and their interactions allowing for just as many great moments of levity and tension as The Iron Squad. In later books, the world-building gives audiences creatures on the level ofA Court Of Thorns & Roses' death godsand monsters, adding to the similar feel to Sarah J. Maas' series. Yet it is the romance within this trilogy that really makes it a perfect replacement, as it melds the best parts of each main couple.
The Sacred Stones Trilogy’s Romance Is As Swoon Worthy As Violet & Xaden Or Feyre & Rhysand
Kane Has Xaden’s Devotion And Rhysand’s Poetry
The romance withinThe Sacred Stones Trilogyis just as powerfully compelling as Violet and Xaden fromThe Empyrean Seriesand Feyre and Rhysand fromA Court Of Thorns & Roses,especially as Kane has the best traits of each male main character. Kane and Arwen’s story is much likeViolet and Xaden’s romance inOnyx Storm,specifically in thatKane and Arwen mold each other into the person they need to be to survive, with Arwen softening Kane somewhat as Kane helps her become stronger.Kane, though, has more in common with Rhysand from a personality and aesthetic perspective.
The Sacred Stones Trilogyincludes some of the best aspects ofThe Empyrean SeriesandA Court Of Thorns & Roses.
While Kane does have Xaden’s devotion to Violet and strict attitude, he largely takes after Rhysand in the form of his banter with Arwen, letting the enemies-to-lovers storyline play out similarly with a few notable changes. Kane also adopts Rhysand’s swoon-worthy vocabulary, resulting in monologues that magnify the romance in the most poetic way possible. Ultimately,The Sacred Stones Trilogyincludes some of the best aspects ofThe Empyrean SeriesandA Court Of Thorns & Roses, making it a great option for fans of both to help cope with the long wait ahead.
