Brimstone by Callie Hart

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Duty. Blood. Honour. Power.

Saeris Fane doesn’t want power. The very last thing she needs is her name whispered on an entire court’s lips, but now that she’s been crowned queen of the Blood Court, she’s discovering that a queen’s life is not her own. A heavy weight rests upon her shoulders.

Her ward – and her brother – need her back in her homeland . . . but the changes that have strengthened Saeris have also made her weak. Born under blazing suns, Saeris will surely die if she makes her way home through the Quicksilver. Which means that, once again, she must send someone else in her stead . . .

‘Keep your mouth shut. Stick to the shadows. And for the love of all seven Gods, do NOT crack any jokes.’

Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate has defeated armies and survived all manner of horrors, but traveling back to Zilvaren with Carrion Swift might just be the death of him. The male just will not shut up. Hidden dangers await them down the narrow alleyways of the Silver City. Unfolding secrets pose impossible threats. Fisher must wrangle the smuggler and accomplish his goals quickly if he wants to see his mate again.

Brimstone Turns Up the Heat

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩷💚❤️💙💛
Spice/Steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍🌏
Character development: 😋🙂😁🥰🤯
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Duet Narration

Characters and Plot

Brimstone continues the gripping, emotionally charged journey of Saeris Fane and Kingfisher, deepening both the world of fae politics and the fragile, evolving connection between its central characters.

Saeris Fane remains one of the most compelling heroines in the genre, an alchemist whose abilities are as dangerous as they are rare. Her power is not just a skillset but a burden, tied to secrets that threaten to destabilize everything she thought she understood about herself. In this sequel, Saeris is no longer simply surviving—she’s reckoning with the consequences of who and what she is, and what that means in a world that would either control or destroy her.

Kingfisher, equally layered, continues to straddle the line between ally and enigma. As a powerful and calculating fae figure, his motivations are often shrouded, but Brimstone peels back more of his history and vulnerabilities. His connection to Saeris intensifies in this installment, evolving into something deeper, more dangerous, and far more emotionally fraught.

The plot picks up in the aftermath of Quicksilver, with tensions escalating across fae realms and political factions. Loyalties are tested as hidden agendas come to light, and Saeris finds herself at the center of forces far bigger than she anticipated. The story leans heavily into intrigue, betrayal, and slow-burn revelations, while continuing to build on the alchemy-driven magic system that sets this series apart. As threats close in, Saeris and Kingfisher must decide not only who to trust—but what they’re willing to sacrifice.

Highlights and Limitations

One of the standout strengths of Brimstone is its character development. Both Saeris and Kingfisher grow in meaningful, sometimes painful ways, and their dynamic is charged with tension, chemistry, and emotional complexity. The push-and-pull between them is addictive, making their scenes some of the most engaging in the audiobook.

The world-building also expands impressively. The political landscape becomes richer and more intricate, and the magic system continues to feel unique and thoughtfully constructed. There’s a satisfying sense of scale here, as the stakes feel larger and more immediate than in the first book.

However, with that expanded scope comes a slight limitation: the pacing can feel uneven at times. Some sections lean heavily into exposition or political maneuvering, which may slow the momentum for listeners eager for action. Additionally, the complexity of the plot requires close attention, this isn’t a passive listen, and it can be easy to lose track of certain details if you’re not fully engaged.

Narration

The audiobook truly shines thanks to the performances of Anthony Palmini and Stella Bloom.

Anthony Palmini brings a commanding presence to Kingfisher, capturing both his authority and the quieter, more vulnerable undertones of his character. His delivery enhances the mystery surrounding Kingfisher while making his emotional moments hit with real impact.

Stella Bloom is equally impressive as Saeris, embodying her strength, uncertainty, and resilience with nuance. She balances Saeris’s inner turmoil and outward determination beautifully, making her feel fully realized and deeply relatable.

Together, their performances elevate the story, adding emotional depth and tension that make the listening experience immersive and hard to pause.

Final Opinion

I absolutely loved Brimstone. It not only lives up to Quicksilver, it surpasses it. The stakes are higher, the characters are richer, and the emotional payoff is even more satisfying. While it demands attention from the listener, the reward is a deeply engaging, beautifully layered continuation of the series.

If you enjoyed Quicksilver, this sequel is a must-listen—and in my opinion, it proves that this series is only getting better.

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