A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden Summary

A Promise of Peridot is the second book in Kate Golden's Sacred Stones trilogy, following Arwen Valondale as she sails to the Kingdom of Citrine to find the Blade of the Sun—a legendary weapon needed to defeat the tyrannical Fae King Lazarus. After the battle of Siren's Bay and the loss of her mother, Arwen must navigate her complicated feelings for King Kane Ravenwood while discovering her newfound powers and confronting her prophetic destiny.

Kate Golden is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in Los Angeles and works full-time in the film industry developing stories with screenwriters and filmmakers. She wrote her debut novel A Dawn of Onyx in 2022 after her now-husband encouraged her to write her own romantasy story during a vacation when she couldn't find books she enjoyed. Golden initially self-published before securing representation with Root Literary and a publishing deal with Berkley.

A Promise of Peridot is perfect for readers who love romantasy with enemies-to-lovers dynamics, similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses or the Plated Prisoner series. Fans of fantasy worlds featuring Fae, dragons, magic, and political intrigue will enjoy Kate Golden's immersive storytelling. This book is ideal for those seeking dual POV romance with emotional depth, slow-burn tension, and high-stakes adventure, though readers must complete the first book before starting this sequel.

A Promise of Peridot is worth reading for romantasy enthusiasts who appreciate character-driven fantasy with rich world-building and emotional complexity. The novel was nominated for Goodreads Readers' Favorite Romantasy in 2024 and offers dual perspectives from both Arwen and Kane, providing deeper insight into their relationship dynamics. Kate Golden's descriptive language creates an immersive reading experience, though readers should expect a tragic, cliffhanger ending that sets up the trilogy's conclusion.

The Blade of the Sun is a legendary weapon that Arwen Valondale and Kane Ravenwood seek throughout A Promise of Peridot, as it holds the power to kill the tyrannical Fae King Lazarus. This weapon is inextricably tied to Arwen's fate and the future of the realm, making it essential to fulfilling the prophecy. The quest to recover this blade drives the central plot as characters face dangerous creatures, complex magic, and difficult moral choices.

Arwen Valondale and Kane Ravenwood navigate an uneasy truce in A Promise of Peridot after Kane's betrayal left Arwen directing her pain and rage toward him. The dual POV reveals Kane's deep love for Arwen—he describes being in love with her as "a fucking nightmare" and is willing to become darkness itself to protect her. Their relationship features intense banter, unresolved feelings, and toe-curling tension as Kane works to win back Arwen's trust while protecting her from her destiny.

A Promise of Peridot ends with Arwen's tragic sacrifice to save others, highlighting themes of selflessness and the power of love. Kane's profound grief over Arwen's death fuels his determination to continue fighting against Lazarus, even as he struggles with the loss of the woman he loves. The ending leaves the prophecy unresolved, suggesting the battle is far from over and setting up the trilogy's final book, which continues the characters' journey toward defeating the Fae king.

Kate Golden employs dual perspective narration in A Promise of Peridot, alternating between Arwen's and Kane's viewpoints to provide intimate insight into their thoughts and emotions. Golden uses vivid, descriptive language to create rich, immersive settings and character experiences, particularly when depicting the magical kingdoms and fantastical creatures. The author also incorporates foreshadowing and symbolism throughout the narrative to hint at future events and deepen the story's thematic resonance, building suspense for the trilogy's conclusion.

The prophecy in A Promise of Peridot foretells a battle that will determine the fate of the world and involves the rise of a powerful Fae. Arwen knows that failure to fulfill this prophecy will seal both her own fate and the fates of those she loves most. The prophecy drives the narrative tension as Arwen must discover the secrets of her past to defeat King Lazarus, though finding the light within might mean the death of everyone she holds dear.

Yes, readers must complete A Dawn of Onyx before reading A Promise of Peridot, as it is essential to understand the character relationships, world-building, and events that set up the sequel. The first book establishes Arwen's capture by King Kane Ravenwood, the battle of Siren's Bay, the loss of Arwen's mother, and the betrayal that shapes their complicated dynamic in the second installment. Kate Golden's Sacred Stones trilogy follows a continuous narrative arc that requires reading the books in order to fully appreciate the story.

A Promise of Peridot stands out in the romantasy genre through Kate Golden's background in film development, which brings cinematic pacing and visual storytelling to the narrative. The book balances adventure, romance, and political intrigue while exploring complex themes of sacrifice and destiny through dual perspectives. Golden's portrayal of Kane's internal struggle—loving someone he might lose while willing to embrace darkness to protect her—adds emotional depth that distinguishes this romantasy from more straightforward romantic fantasies.

A Promise of Peridot primarily takes place in the Kingdom of Citrine, a mysterious realm that Arwen sails to after the battle of Siren's Bay. The story is set against a backdrop of political turmoil with multiple kingdoms vying for power and shifting alliances. The fantasy world includes magical realms where different types of power are wielded by witches and Fae, featuring creatures like dragons and various magical beings that Arwen encounters beyond her wildest imaginings.