The Second Death of Locke Review

Hello, all!

The category for this fall seems to be medieval fantasy, and one of my most anticipated releases was The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino. Big thanks to the publisher for the copy!

Pub Date: 9-23-25
Adult - Fantasy

Grey Flynn and Kiernan Seward have been best friends since childhood. Their bond runs so deep that neither can bear the thought of being parted from the other. When war broke out in their land, they lied about their ages to enlist; many believed them eager to fight for their country. In truth, however, Grey harbored a secret that could get her killed, making enlistment the safest option. Now, Grey uses the deep power within her to act as a well for Kier to tap into—helping him both on and off the battlefield.

The duo has flown under the radar for years without anyone suspecting Grey's true powers, but when they are tasked with protecting a child of an enemy kingdom, their facade begins to crack. As the threat of discovery grows, Grey faces a mounting internal struggle to maintain her secret, knowing exposure could cost her life and end magic itself. The stakes rise when a brutal demonstration of her powers lets slip her true identity, revealing that Grey is not just any well, but the heir to the lost island of Locke—the source of all magic. Caught between her loyalty to Kier and the survival of magic, Grey must decide what she's willing to sacrifice to protect her secret as they are pulled deeper into the nation's war.

I didn't know what to expect going into this, but I was immediately swept away. Bovalino's prose was beautiful and lush. It took me a few chapters to get my footing, as there is a bit of info-dumping at the start, but once I got past that, I was hooked. I loved Grey and Kier so much. Their bond was everything, and their connection felt even deeper than soulmates. They knew one another inside and out and were willing to sacrifice anything for the other. While that was swoon-worthy, it also led to some stubborn moments, especially as the conflict rose. The magic system and politics were interesting, and I liked how it all tied back to Grey. I also loved the found family aspect. While I don't typically enjoy a slower-paced story, it fit the vibe of this story perfectly, and so it didn't bother me. If you're looking for an atmospheric, romantic (the mutual yearning!) read for the fall, this is it.

Rating: 5/5