Hey book lovers! This is one of my most anticipated releases of 2026 by one of my favourite authors. And if you like romantsy, you NEED to add this duology to your TBR.
✔️ 2nd in a duology
✔️ human x fae
✔️ found family
✔️ secrets & family
The Last Wish of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson
Oof! What a ride this one was — especially those last few pages. I actually had to take a few days to let this book (particularly the ending) sink in and to gather my thoughts before writing this review.
What is it about?
This is the second book in a duology so here’s the blurb of book 1
After losing both their parents, Bristol Keats and her sisters struggle to stay afloat in their small, quiet town of Bowskeep. When Bristol begins to receive letters from an “aunt” she’s never heard of who promises she can help, she reluctantly agrees to meet—and discovers that everything she thought she knew about her family is a lie. Even her father might still be alive, not killed but kidnapped by terrifying creatures to a whole other realm—the one he is from.
Desperate to save her father and find the truth, Bristol journeys to a land of gods and fae and monsters. Pulled into a dangerous world of magic and intrigue, she makes a deadly bargain with the fae king, Tyghan. But what she doesn’t know is that he’s the one who drove her parents to live a life on the run. And he is just as determined as she is to find her father—dead or alive. (Goodreads)
Mary E. Pearson is one of my favourite authors, and I loved diving into this new world she’s created — whimsical, complex, and enchanting, with strong, passionate characters in true Pearson fashion.
Book two picks up right where we left off in book one, which was perfect since the ending of the first book was a bit abrupt and left me hanging. I absolutely loved how the relationship between Bristol and Tyghan — our main characters — grew and solidified. I especially appreciated how they intentionally worked on their relationship amid all the pain and uncertainty.
The ending was a rollercoaster of emotions. I did love where it all concluded, but I’m still a bit conflicted about certain things. They’re spoilers though but if you’re still interested on reading this part just click here.
And I have to mention my favourite character… Eris! I adore him so much — he’s simply the best. Yes, my favourite quote was: “Eris put his hand on my head, like he was protecting me from the world, and said, ‘But on the days you can’t be strong, I’ll be strong for you.’” And yes, tears were shed.
I had such a wonderful time reading this duology, and I’m so excited to see what Mary E. Pearson writes next. I’m sure it’ll be nothing short of phenomenal.
Thank you, Pan Macmillan and NetGalley, for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
love, Lin
