Book Review: The Second Death of Locke by V. L. Bovalino
Title: The Second Death of Locke (ARC)
Author: V.L. Bovalino
Release Date: September 23, 2025
Rating: 3.75
Synopsis
The Second Death of Locke follows Grey and Kier, who not only are childhood friends, but are also partners in the military as a Well and a Mage. A Mage cannot cast magic without a Well–and they do everything in their power to stay together. Grey and Kier are sent on a deadly mission to deliver a prisoner of war to their kingdom’s capital. With the threat of magic disappearing from the kingdom because of the destruction of the Isle of Locke 16 years ago, the kingdom is determined to find a way to restore it. Grey and Kier must deliver the prisoner safely while fighting their pasts that haunt them, secrets threatening to surface. If they can get through this, they can escape the military and live a peaceful, quiet life together. However, delivering prisoners of war are never that simple.
Review
I loved how the magic system and the world was built in this book. It was so atmospheric. I also loved how in between each chapter you got a little diary entry, or letter to help better your understanding of the world and magic. It was a very nice touch and addition. I felt like I really understood the politics and the magic of the world from it. This was a highly anticipated read for me this year, so I am very grateful that I was able to read it as an arc. I will note that the pacing didn’t always feel great, I felt at times things were happening too quickly, and things weren’t as worked through as they could’ve been, while at other times there were additions that potentially could’ve been cut down. Overall, I think I would’ve enjoyed this more as a duology than a standalone. The relationship between Grey and Kier I personally found frustrating but I think that honestly falls to personal preference in romantic tropes such as flirty friends to lovers, lack of communication for angst, etc.
Overall, I recommend this book if you like romantasy. The world building, the magic, the romance (some spice), was all very well written.
Thank you again to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC.