Book overview Sacred Stones, Book 2 Kate Golden

A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden – Book Summary and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Quick Facts

Detail Information
Book A Promise of Peridot
Author Kate Golden
Series Sacred Stones, Book 2
Published 2024
Genre Fantasy Romance
Setting Underwater kingdom of Citrine, jungles of the Peridot Provinces, prison island of Hemlock Isle
POV Third‑person limited (Arwen and Kane)

Short Summary

Ten days after the battle of Siren’s Bay, Arwen Valondale sails for the mysterious underwater kingdom of Citrine, grieving her mother and struggling with emotional numbness. The prophecy that she must sacrifice herself to defeat the tyrant Lazarus hangs over her. She reluctantly joins Kane Ravenwood’s quest to find the legendary Blade of the Sun, the only weapon that can kill Lazarus. Their search takes them through the deadly Reaper’s Cavern, into a pirate ambush, and to the prison island of Hemlock Isle. Along the way, Arwen and Kane confront their broken trust, deepening their bond as they face betrayals from within their own circle. After a harrowing confrontation, Arwen is captured by Lazarus and forced into a betrothal, setting up the stakes for the final book in the trilogy.

Full Summary

Part One: The Voyage and Citrine

The book opens with a prophecy from the seer Ligeia, foretelling a king killed by his second son, a fallen star signaling war, and the sacrifice of the last two full‑blooded Fae. Arwen, the final full‑blooded Fae, has been numb since her mother’s funeral and the revelation that she must die to stop Lazarus. She avoids Kane, who lied to her about his intentions. On the ship to Citrine, tensions run high; her friend Mari uses an amulet (actually a magical trinket) to boost her powers, while Arwen keeps its true nature secret. Kane admits his love for Arwen is a nightmare that threatens his revenge against his father. They arrive at Citrine, an underwater kingdom protected by mermagic. Arwen’s lighte begins to regenerate. In Azurine, she and Mari explore the city, and Arwen defies Kane by joining a high‑stakes gambling den run by the crime lord Crawford. After winning a wager, Kane kills Crawford and they discover a map to the Blade of the Sun in Reaper’s Cavern, located in the Peridot Provinces.

Part Two: Reaper’s Cavern and the Jungle

Arwen agrees to join the expedition after a harsh talk with Dagan, who urges her to stop merely surviving. Prince Fedrik of Citrine also joins the party, creating romantic tension. They travel to the Peridot jungle and enter Reaper’s Cavern. Inside, they face a cave‑in that separates Arwen and Mari from the others. Arwen saves Mari by pushing her to safety, then jumps off a cliff into a lagoon, feeling strange itching at her shoulder blades. She is rescued by a pirate crew led by Studs, but they are ambushed by Halden, a former friend who betrayed Arwen to Lazarus. Halden tortures Arwen for information about the blade, but she escapes using her lighte. Kane, who had used a binding spell to feel her pain, finds her and rescues her.

Back at camp, Arwen heals Fedrik’s leg and learns from the young seer Beth that the blade was never in Reaper’s Cavern—it is hidden in the Onyx kingdom. Beth delivers a dire prophecy: Arwen will have to make a deal, and Kane’s hands will be coated in blood. After a bandit attack, Mari’s amulet shatters, and Arwen reveals it was never magical; Mari withdraws into a catatonic state. The group seeks help from the ancient witch Briar, who diagnoses Mari with magical withdrawal. Arwen finally confronts her grief over her mother, learning that the woman was not her biological mother—her true father is a Fae God. She breaks down in Kane’s arms, admitting she wants to live.

Part Three: Hemlock Isle and the Blade

Arwen and Kane travel to Crag’s Hollow, where they meet Beth, the daughter of a captive seer. Beth confirms the Blade of the Sun is in Onyx and that Arwen’s mortal mother survived the pregnancy only because Arwen’s healing abilities neutralized the lighte poisoning. Devastated, Arwen accepts her love for Kane and they begin a physical relationship. Back at Shadowhold, Arwen deduces that the thief Drake Alcott stole the blade years ago and hid it on Hemlock Isle, a prison island. She and Kane infiltrate Hemlock and confront the warlord Killoran, who captures Kane. Arwen is offered as a sacrifice to a giant spider creature but uses its venom to escape. She rides the creature through the city and reaches Kane, but Lazarus arrives with Halden. In a desperate fight, Kane partially shifts into a dragon and kills Killoran; the blade reveals itself as the Blade of the Sun. Lazarus impales Arwen, and she falls. Kane, grief‑stricken, vows to find the White Crow sorcerer to become full‑blooded so he can take her place in the prophecy and then die.

Epilogue

Arwen wakes in Lazarus’s prison in the Fae realm of Lumera, bound with lilium ribbon that suppresses her magic. Lazarus declares that with the blade destroyed, he will force her to bear his full‑blooded Fae heirs. He announces they are betrothed, leaving Arwen’s hope shattered as the book ends.

Main Characters

  • Arwen Valondale – The last full‑blooded Fae, prophesied to wield the Blade of the Sun. She struggles with grief and emotional numbness but eventually finds the courage to love and fight for her life.
  • Kane Ravenwood – King of Onyx and son of the tyrant Lazarus. Tormented by guilt over past betrayals, he loves Arwen and vows to sacrifice himself for her.
  • Mari – Arwen’s best friend, a witch who loses her magic after her amulet shatters, falling into a catatonic state.
  • Griffin – Kane’s loyal friend and dragon‑shifter who harbors feelings for Mari.
  • Prince Fedrik – Prince of Citrine who joins the quest and becomes a rival for Arwen’s affections.
  • Lazarus – The Fae King and primary antagonist; he seeks the Blade of the Sun and forces Arwen into a betrothal.

Themes

  • Prophecy and Fate – The prophecy dictates Arwen’s destiny, forcing her to question whether she can alter it.
  • Grief and Emotional Numbness – Arwen suppresses her feelings after her mother’s death until she finally breaks down.
  • Love vs. Revenge – Kane’s desire for revenge against Lazarus conflicts with his love for Arwen.
  • Trust and Betrayal – Characters must rebuild broken trust after multiple betrayals (Halden, Amelia).
  • Vulnerability and Healing – Arwen learns that opening herself to love and pain is essential for healing.

Symbols

  • Blade of the Sun – A sentient weapon that contains nine stones and can kill Lazarus. It calls to Arwen as its master.
  • Lighte – The Fae magical energy; Arwen’s lighte regenerates throughout the story and becomes her shield.
  • Amulet of Briar – A necklace that Mari believes gives her magic but is actually a trinket; its shattering leads to her withdrawal.
  • Bird Nickname – Kane calls Arwen “bird,” representing hope and freedom amid captivity.

Ending Overview

In the epilogue, Arwen awakens in Lazarus’s castle in Lumera, bound with lilium that suppresses her magic. Lazarus reveals the Blade of the Sun has been destroyed, so he now needs Arwen to bear full‑blooded Fae heirs. He forces a betrothal upon her. The book ends with Arwen captive and her hope shattered, but her spirit unbroken. Kane, meanwhile, has vowed to become full‑blooded by seeking the White Crow and then kill Lazarus, even if it means his own death. The story continues in the third book of the Sacred Stones series.

Chapter‑by‑Chapter Summary

Chapter Key Events
1 – Epigraph Prophecy by Ligeia: a king dies by his second son; the last full‑blooded Fae finds the Blade of the Sun; sacrifice of two full Fae needed to save two realms.
2 – Ch. 1 Arwen sails to Citrine, emotionally numb after her mother’s funeral. She avoids Kane. Mari uses an amulet.
3 – Ch. 2 Kane admits his love for Arwen is a nightmare. He drinks with Amelia and Griffin. Ship arrives at Citrine.
4 – Ch. 3 Arwen emerges into sunlight. Kane has sobered up; he interacts with Leigh. King Eryx announces Citrine is underwater.
5 – Ch. 4 Arwen uses a magical funnel to enter Citrine. Her lighte regenerates. Kane calls her “bird,” then apologizes.
6 – Ch. 5 Soldiers arrest the group. Kane negotiates with King Broderick. They learn the Fae exist.
7 – Ch. 6 Kane negotiates asylum. He struggles with longing for Arwen. He plans to find Crawford.
8 – Ch. 7 Arwen’s power manifests. Fedrik finds her. She crushes Kane’s apology flowers. Mari convinces her to explore.
9 – Ch. 8 Arwen and Mari dine and discuss the amulet. They hear a cry for help and investigate.
10 – Ch. 9 Arwen finds Kane gambling with Fedrik and Griffin. She defiantly decides to stay.
11 – Ch. 10 Strip poker with Crawford. Mari bluffs poorly. Griffin loses deliberately. Arwen bets her undergarments.
12 – Ch. 11 Arwen strips and wins a blade. Kane subdues Crawford. She sees pride in Kane’s eyes.
13 – Ch. 12 Interrogation of Crawford. Arwen finds a wanted poster. Kane kills Crawford. Map to Reaper’s Cavern discovered.
14 – Ch. 13 Argument about murder. Confession of love. Intense kiss stops when Arwen says Kane broke her heart.
15 – Ch. 14 Dagan urges Arwen to join the quest. She admits she loves Kane. Agrees to go.
16 – Ch. 15 Kane and Mari prepare to leave. Arwen changes her mind. Fedrik insists on joining. They fly to Peridot.
17 – Ch. 16 Camp in the jungle. Fedrik reveals his purpose. Arwen admits kissing Kane. Kane plays the lute.
18 – Ch. 17 Enter Reaper’s Cavern. Kane explains the “bird” nickname. Cave‑in traps them.
19 – Ch. 18 Arwen’s panic attack. Kane distracts her. Niclas dies. Mari finds the ledger. Candles go out.
20 – Ch. 19 Kane tries to break through self‑repairing stone. He obeys Arwen’s command to save others.
21 – Ch. 20 Arwen pushes Mari to safety. She jumps off a cliff, feels itching at her shoulders, loses consciousness.
22 – Ch. 21 Arwen rescued by pirates. Studs agrees to take her to Frog Eye. Ambushed by amber soldiers led by Halden.
23 – Ch. 22 Kane waits for Arwen. Mari uses a binding spell to locate her. Kane feels her capture and races into the jungle.
24 – Ch. 23 Halden tortures Arwen. She escapes using lighte. Kane rescues her.
25 – Ch. 24 Kane carries Arwen to her tent. She shows him the brand. He vows vengeance.
26 – Ch. 25 Arwen heals Fedrik’s leg. She learns about seer Esme. Fedrik kisses her after she says Kane loves her.
27 – Ch. 26 Kane sees the kiss. Bandits attack. Mari is shot with an arrow.
28 – Ch. 27 Amulet shatters; Arwen admits it’s fake. Mari accuses her of emotional detachment. Mari collapses catatonic.
29 – Ch. 28 Travel to Briar’s manor. Arwen confronts her grief and emotional walls.
30 – Ch. 29 Briar diagnoses magical withdrawal. Arwen reveals she is full‑blooded. Griffin admits fear of losing Mari.
31 – Ch. 30 Kane plans to sacrifice himself. Briar warns about the White Crow. Arwen enters his room.
32 – Ch. 31 Kane and Arwen share an intimate night. He initiates oral sex; she climaxes. They fall asleep together.
33 – Ch. 32 Morning after. Kane stops Arwen from trying to seduce him again. He confesses his love.
34 – Ch. 33 Arwen and Kane visit Crag’s Hollow. They meet seer Esme, who denies her powers. Arwen discovers Esme hides a daughter.
35 – Ch. 34 Beth, the young seer, reveals the blade is in Onyx. She delivers a dire prophecy about a deal and bloodstained hands.
36 – Ch. 35 Arwen learns she caused her mother’s illness. She breaks down, admits she wants to live. Kane holds her.
37 – Ch. 36 Arwen and Kane retreat to his cottage. He says she embodies hope. They declare their love.
38 – Ch. 37 Arwen wakes in Kane’s cottage. They return to Shadowhold. Mari is physically recovered but grief‑stricken.
39 – Ch. 38 Arwen deduces Drake Alcott stole the blade and hid it on Hemlock Isle.
40 – Ch. 39 Arwen confesses her love to Kane. They share a full intimate experience.
41 – Ch. 40 First full sex scene. Trust and vulnerability emphasized.
42 – Ch. 41 Morning after. Kane plans to find the White Crow. They prepare for Hemlock mission.
43 – Ch. 42 Reconciling with Ryder. Kane assigns tasks. Arwen and Kane fly to Hemlock Isle.
44 – Ch. 43 They meet Killoran, who captures Kane with lilium chains. Arwen is knocked unconscious.
45 – Ch. 44 Arwen wakes bound as a sacrifice to a widow creature. She uses venom to escape and rides it to Kane.
46 – Ch. 45 Kane kills Killoran. The Blade of the Sun is revealed. Lazarus impales Arwen.
47 – Ch. 46 Arwen fights Lazarus. Halden dies by the blade. Arwen is impaled again and falls.
48 – Ch. 47 Kane grieves. He vows to become full‑blooded, kill Lazarus, then die.
49 – Epilogue Arwen wakes in Lumera, bound with lilium. Lazarus forces a betrothal, planning to make her bear his heirs.
50 – Excerpt Promotional excerpt from A Reign of Rose; no narrative events.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the Blade of the Sun? The Blade of the Sun is a sentient legendary weapon forged with nine stones. It can kill the Fae King Lazarus and calls to Arwen as its destined master.

2. What is the prophecy in A Promise of Peridot? The prophecy, given by the seer Ligeia, foretells a king killed by his second son, a fallen star that means war, and the sacrifice of the last two full‑blooded Fae to save two realms.

3. Does Arwen die at the end of the book? No. She is impaled by Lazarus and presumed dead, but the epilogue reveals she survived and is held captive in Lumera. The prophecy remains unfulfilled.

4. Why does Kane call Arwen “bird”? Kane explains that he calls her “bird” because she embodies hope and freedom, contrasting with her captivity and despair.

5. What happens to Mari’s amulet? The amulet of Briar shatters after a bandit attack. Arwen reveals it had no magic; Mari had been using her own latent powers. The loss causes Mari to go into magical withdrawal and become catatonic.

6. Who betrays the group? Halden, a former friend, betrays Arwen by leading Lazarus’s soldiers to her. Later, Amelia is revealed to have given their location to Lazarus, leading to the ambush on Hemlock Isle.

7. What is the White Crow? The White Crow is a dangerous sorcerer mentioned by Briar. Kane seeks him to become full‑blooded Fae, so he can take Arwen’s place in the prophecy and sacrifice himself.

8. Where is the Blade of the Sun actually located? The blade was stolen five years ago by the thief Drake Alcott and hidden in an underground vault on Hemlock Isle, a prison island. Arwen deduces this from clues and confirms it by retrieving the weapon.

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