The Prince of Daybreak: The Heir to Moondust: Book Two

A year and six days had passed since prince Takayoshi of Helios witnessed the familial treason of prince Yue Cricket's uncle. It's also been that long since Yoshi had seen his true love; a fact his brain would not let him forget. After thinking of his prince nonstop and hearing the increasing rumors of his dragon-like appearance, Yoshi was determined to figure out how to change Cricket back to the beautiful man he knew. When his home library yielded no answers, with the companionship of his new (and first) friend, they set out to find the mystical Archive to get answers about cricket's draconic state. And so, the adventure begins. Again. While I love Cricket, I'm glad that the point of view (pov) of this novel is Yoshi's. I loved hearing about his life, his thoughts on the world, and seeing how he grew into himself as a character and person. Also his awkwardness made him feel more real and, to me, he is someone that you would want as a friend that you know would always be on your side. All of the characters were better fleshed out in this book versus the first, (The Prince of Starlight: The Heir to Moondust: Book One,) the dialog and scenery wasn't as repetitive and detailed out, respectively, making this book flow more smoothly. I love the story, the grand adventure to save someone you love is a beautiful concept, and this was done in a nice way with the fairy tale setting making everything seem possible and logical, while also staying fantastical. The multiple adventures through the story felt spooky and suspenseful, but also lighthearted with comedic bits thrown in between as the character's personalities clashed with one another. I am very much looking forward to the third book in this series, especially after reading the prolog of book three after finishing this story. I can't wait to follow Yoshi and Cricket on their future adventures, some hopefully spent together.

"Magic came at a price, and the price of answers would not be too steep. Not to Takayoshi." Having not read the first book in the series, I was glad for the prologue that brought me "up to speed." Takayoshi, who abdicated his throne because of a curse he placed on himself when he was 5, is traveling to the place where he might be able to find out how to possible reverse it to save the man he loves. In this group of travelers we have Claudia: a bookish chatterbox, Estia: a neuro divergent second son of another royal family and Leo: a knight of the realm with a secret of his own. The book reminded me of William Goldman's "Princess Bride" and, at times Terry Pratchett's "Discworld"However, it flows along at it's own speed as each rask is completed. What they will bring is another story. Highly Recommended 5/5 [Disclaimer:I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]