The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino (Review)

Title: The Second Death of Locke
Author: V.L. Bovalino
Type: Fiction
Genre: Adult, Romantasy
Publisher: Orbit (Hachette Book Group Canada)
Date published: September 23, 2025

A complimentary physical copy of this book was kindly provided by Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Love. Loyalty. Sacrifice.

Grey Flynn has dedicated her life to her mage, Kier.

She will be his blade on the battlefield, his healer and protector. The deep well of raw power inside her is Kier’s to use. Grey would do anything for Kier – be anything for him – if he would only ask.

When a quest to protect the child of an enemy kingdom pulls them into the dangerous heart of their nation’s war, Grey and Kier will need to decide what they are willing to sacrifice to protect their secret.

For Grey is no ordinary magical well, but heir to the lost island of Locke – the root of all power. If she dies, all magic dies with her.

⤖ My Review ⬻

I had been craving a book like The Second Death of Locke so much, I can’t even put it into words! It really reminded me of the fantasy books I used to read when I was in high school–complex worlds and magic systems galore. And this book mixed that along with two of my other favourite things—pining and spice. I’m wiggling on the spot just thinking about how well this was done.

The characters will stay with me for a long time! And I definitely wouldn’t mind returning to the world…and it looks like my wish was answered because I just checked Goodreads and info on the next book (as well as a title! The Thief and the Traitor Bride! Ahhh!) were added there since the last time I had a look! The synopsis sound just like my cup of tea and I need this book in my hands right now! But back to The Second Death of Locke…I give it all the stars!