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Season's War #3

Spring Blight

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Chaos and the wicked soul know no rest.”

(Old folk proverb)

Ina has no time to enjoy domestic life with Mar. As soon as life settles down after the Winter War, King Rewan calls his Royal Witch to give her a new task.

Southern rebellion, crops dying, and an endless stream of assassins attacking the king, leaving a trail that backs to a neighbouring kingdom. To make matters worse, an ancient cult has emerged from the shadows offering sacrifices to Winter’s Death.

One fateful letter and Ina is back on the road with an unlikely companion. But what can one Chaos mage do against so many enemies and the power of the Old Gods?

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2023

38 people are currently reading
369 people want to read

About the author

Olena Nikitin

12 books494 followers
Olena Nikitin is the pen name of a writing power couple who share a love of fantasy, paranormal romance, rich, vivid worlds and exciting storylines. In their books and out, they love down-to-earth humour, a visceral approach to life, striving to write realistic romances filled with the passion and steam people always dream of experiencing.
Meet the two halves of this Truro UK-based dynamic duo!

Olga, a Polish woman, has a wicked sense of humour with a dash of Slavic pessimism. She’s been writing since she was a small child, but life led her to work as an emergency physician. While this work means she always has stories to share, it often means she’s too busy to actually write. She’s proud to be a crazy cat lady, and together with Mark, they have five cats.

Mark, a typical English gentleman, radiates charm, sophistication, and an undeniable sex appeal. At least, he’s reasonably certain that’s what convinced Olga to fly across the sea into his arms. He’s an incredibly intelligent man with a knack for fixing things, including Polish syntax in English writing. If you give him good whiskey, he might even regale you with his Gulf War story of how he got shot.

Olena Nikitin loves hearing from their fans and critics alike and welcomes communication via any platform! https://linktr.ee/olenanikitinauthor

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Anastasia シ.
770 reviews262 followers
December 7, 2023
As with the first two books, I wasn't into the third-person narration, the weird layout of chapters, and the author's writing style. I really enjoyed this one more than the first two. A lot happens in this one and I don't know where to start.  Slight spoilers ahead:

The kingdom is in turmoil, plagued by deities both benevolent and malevolent, demons, deceitful dukes, and hostile neighboring realms. The southern region is particularly troubled, beset by drought-stricken fields, starving peasants, and rebellious nobles, all compounded by seditious activities from the neighboring kingdom of Verdante. In an effort to quell the unrest, King Rewan dispatches Ina and Velka, alerting them to the presence of a spy within the palace walls and the possibility of war, and, Ina understands that she has a vital role to play, even if it means placing herself at risk. Our FMC just can't catch a break I swear! It seems like every time she tries to settle down, she's forced to embark on another journey. And despite feeling frustrated about not being able to enjoy her time at home, Ina recognizes that her life as a chaos mage is inherently tumultuous.

Ina embarks on a journey South, where the threat of rebellion looms large, and despite her reluctance, Ina is literally forced to go because of an urgent family matter and along the way, she discovers that there's more going on in the South than anyone had realized, including curses on the land, an ancient cult, and spies lurking around every corner. Mar is assigned on a mission to track Ina, but he understands that he must proceed with caution. (I will say as a character he has grown on me ever since he was turned into a dragon in the second book).  Along their journey through the South, Mar and Ina find themselves embroiled in court intrigues and political schemes, while also having to keep a watchful eye on a potentially dangerous Orc.

Spring Blight was a great addition to Ina's story.  This book solidified my admiration for Ina, as she faced challenging situations and made tough decisions while staying true to herself and paving her own path, without bowing down to anyone. Ina is refreshingly unfiltered and will speak her mind, regardless of the other person's status. If I were part of this world, I would eagerly seek to become Ina's apprentice, despite the fact that she may have to throttle me with her magic a few times. heh

This third installment is rich with court intrigue, shadowy dealings, and the age-old question of who to trust. Some twists and turns left me hoping that certain conclusions were not true. Although I was able to predict some events/people... which is one of the reasons I'm only giving it 4 out of 5 stars, but I did enjoy seeing how they fit into the larger picture. 

Overall, Spring Blight is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment, Summer Veil, while also dreading the end of the series.

*a copy was provided by the author*

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A Little Accident | Review
Autumn Chaos | Review
Winter's Dragon | Review
Spring Blight | Review
Summer Veil | Review

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Profile Image for Blue.
25 reviews23 followers
May 19, 2023
LOVED THIS! I can't wait for the next boook :3
Profile Image for Lisa.
103 reviews5 followers
April 9, 2023
The authors nailed it again with Book 3! With more of a cliffhanger than book 1 ended with I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
395 reviews7 followers
April 23, 2023
This story keeps getting better and better. Yet another great addition to the series. The story is well written and absolutely keeps you guessing till the cliffhanger ending! I can't wait for the next book!
290 reviews3 followers
April 22, 2023
If you like “kick ass” women with good hearts - this is the book for you- the heroine is someone with amazing powers- she also has friends who she would do anything for and who would reciprocate- I liked all the characters in this book
Profile Image for Kylee.
109 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2023
♡Book Review♡
📖 Spring Blight By Olena Nikitin 📖
Pub date~ April 21st 23
Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶 🌶

My thoughts ~ for context I have read and reviewed the first 2 books in the series and have enjoyed them thoroughly, and if you havent read those you really should before starting this, there is however at the beginning of this book a synthesis for each of those books which I thought that was a cool thing to do especially if your someone like me who enjoys a refresher of previous books in a series. with that said once again Olena's writting and style didn't disappoint I absolutely was immersed into the book from the start. I love this world she has built and the character building throughout the books you can see so much growth, new struggles, wars,challenges and battles they have to fight and overcome. One thing you can always 100% count on is it will always be an adventure of some sort while reading her books.
Profile Image for Rae, shutupandbookup.
380 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2023
First and foremost! This series goes in order and ends on cliffhangers! Meaning my review will contain spoilers and be confusing if you haven't read the first two installments!


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"Mar, I'm not a housewife or a king's trophy." - Ina


Ina can't catch a small break! Before she can truly settle back into her life surrounded by those, she calls friends or a lover she has to journey out again. The South is threatening to rebel and King Rewan doesn't want an all-out war. Ina's not thrilled about going to the South but when an urgent family matter gives her no choice, she becomes an unstoppable hurricane of rage. As she ventures to Castle Thorn Ina finds there's a lot more going on in the South then any of them realized.


It's Mar's turn to chase after Ina! Only the dragon has to do this carefully as there's a lot on the line if they don't handle things accordingly. Court intrigue and politics really stink but Mar knows if he messes up Ina's life and the kingdoms could be endangered. Having to keep an eye on a certain Orc doesn't help things as the two warriors move through the South. Curses on the land, an ancient cult rising up, spies, and so much more!


"I don’t care. You’re not leaving me behind. I’m going with you, or you aren’t going anywhere. I’m your friend, and if you think I will let you jump into that pit of vipers alone, you are sorely mistaken." - Velka


Ina wanted to enjoy being at home for just a little bit, especially when some interesting doors finally opened up for her. But life of a chaos mage isn't meant for domestic and calm. She has to get to the South no matter what especially when a letter arrives for her. Only this time she has to play a part because of eyes watching her every move. Rewan warning her of a spy within the palace walls and the fact that the country cannot handle a war.


I loved how traveling companions changed up in this book immensely! Getting to see more of the dynamic and friendship between Ina and Velka. Velka's tired of being seen as only a "glorified gardener" and is able to catch the whirlwind that is Ina before she leaves the city. Ina doesn't want to take Velka with her or endanger her friend but Velka's not having it! We get to see Velka's strength and growth in this book. Don't underestimate the quiet and seemingly timid flowers!


I still absolutely love Ina! She's one of my top favorite FMCs! Her and I have so much in common and if I was within this world, I would beg to be Ina's apprentice. Even if she throttled me with her magic a couple of times. Ina has no filter and will speak her mind no matter what status the other person is! This installment really solidified things for me with Ina because of some of the situations she had to handle and conclusions she came to. I love how she paves her own way and doesn't bow down to anyone.


Mar and Daro are paired up as well in this book and it's the best! Mar having to be the levelheaded one this time knowing what all's at stake. Of course, he would love nothing more than to unleash his dragon and find Ina immediately. I really enjoyed seeing some original characters brought back and them getting more of the spotlight. Understanding why our two MCs gravitated towards their friends and seeing more of everyone's personalities.


This installment has so much more court intrigue and people working within the shadows. Wondering who can you trust and who can you not. Some twists that happened and conclusions people came to you're hoping are not true! I was able to predict some things and people, but I loved wondering how they fit into things. Everyone wants Ina for various reasons just like with the last installments. Chaos attracts chaos, and our lovely redhead is a very popular woman!


We also get to see more workings of the old gods and goddesses. I really love the Leshy and there are some things involving him that are fantastic! This book had quite a few twists and I am thoroughly enjoying this series! I want to know how all of it will end but will undoubtedly cry when the final installment is here!


This is an epic dark fantasy with heavier themes. We have violence, bloodshed, and death along with language. In this book we are dealing with necromancers and some of the rituals they do. Details of certain things and acts they perform. There's a scene dealing with a very powerful mind mage and mention of past torment some of the characters had to endure. Manipulation is a very clear thing. A character gets injured, and we get some details as to how the wound is progressing. Mention of slavery and prejudices against certain magic users.


We have multiple POVs and several couples within this series. We get MF action and implications of MM action. I really loved this one very intimate scene involving more of two minds coming together than their bodies. Mar has some special abilities that Ina's not mad about in the least. All of the men are very possessive of their mates and friends! But don't let the women fool you either!


The author really spoils us with the synopsis of book one and two at the beginning of the read! To help really jog your memory of what all has been going on and leading up to this moment. We also get a map at the beginning and there is a glossary and list of characters at the end of book. Continuation of the illustrations and we even get one with Daro in it! This read does end with a major cliffhanger and I am already ready for the next book! Thoroughly enjoying the world building of this series as we get to explore new regions of the map.


Enjoy the fantasy with dragon shifters, magic systems, court politics, and so much more. Don't forget to give the author some stars!


shutupandbookup.com
Profile Image for zthebookwormz.
118 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2024
Review 🖤🖤

Ina only becomes more bad** as the story goes on! I fricking love her! You get to see her struggle with her chaos magic and trying to find solutions to the problems around them.

I love that Mar is letting Ina be Ina and trying to be okay with her doing dangerous things! I absolutely love Mar and how he is with Ina and not hiding away from his feeling for her! And letting her have the time to voice hers! 🥰

I loved seeing Ayni and Rens and how they are together. Ayni also try’s to comes to terms with Ren and Ina’s friendship and bond.

I loved seeing more of Velka and her little surprise🥰!!!! And seeing Dari realise what was going on!

The ending!!!!! Omg 😦!
I can’t wait to read Summer Veil!!! Highly recommend you read this series!!!!!🖤🫶🏻
Profile Image for TaniaRina.
1,589 reviews117 followers
April 17, 2023
There’s nothing that a hearty breakfast won’t fix
Well, except perhaps an assassination plot against the king led by a bunch of death-cult zealots.

‘Stabilizing unhinged mages’…almost sounds like performing a lobotomy. Or at least how we NeuroDivergents are expected to undergo behavior modifications and lifelong pharmaceuticals to “fit into” a world that does not have diverse ways of thinking – then still shamed for being different. Ina, while, yes, is a Chaos Mage, has talents and skills that others do not. But she calls herself a ‘walking disaster’! And that’s all too common IRL…it’s way past time to change that mindset.
Rather than putting down others out of ignorance and/or envy, instead *appreciate* their differences then *utilize* them for the greater good. Don’t hold other people back just ‘cause you can’t do things they can. Just imagine what a better world we could have if we would only work together and help each other become the best we each could be.

This is rich with battles, curses, dragons, elves, family drama, flirting, mages, orcs, political intrigue, romance, spells…oh, and pretty dresses!


Some sage advice from the author:
Listen to your trusty steed
Be ‘a force to be reckoned with’
Live a life such that it entertains the gods
Don’t flaunt your money when you’re outnumbered
Find a way to deal with your pain rather than taking it out on others


Here are a couple of cool phrases that caught my eye:
‘smelled like death gone bad’
‘You sound like a furious cat with all this hissing.’


The ebook includes a Map, Synopsis of the previous books, and a Glossary (at the end) for the gentle reader’s pleasure. We even get some awesome character sketches that add to the story.


‘May your troubles vanish with the first blush of Spring and your discontentment burn away in chaos fire.’

‘Summer Veil’ is expected in July!
Profile Image for ꒰ঌAlejandra໒꒱ ♥️.
153 reviews27 followers
April 27, 2023
Cliffhangers will be the death of me. WHY! It’s really hard not to spoil. Spring Blight is the third book in the Season’s War series. One more book and it’s over. I don’t know how I feel about that, I’m still processing. Ina is still one of my favorite female characters. Spring Blight has some surprises for you.

Spice level (1-5): 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I would recommend Spring Blight to everyone! If you like found family, witches, dragons, shifters, fantasy, mages, Slavic mythology, bonds, banter, spice, action and adventure you’ll love Spring Blight. This book does contain mild violence. For the readers who enjoy being engulfed in a series with a mature FMC this one is for you!

Warning: Reading Spring Blight may make you work on your dragon ridding skills. Wink wink. May make you think how ‘your sense of direction is dubious at best.’ May make you want to practice your sword skills. May make you want your own dragon. May make you think that if your significant other won’t “go to Nawia and wrestle Veles for your soul,” you don’t want them. May make you think you wouldn’t mind an overgrown well-used lizard. Read responsibly.

*I received an Advance Reader Copy for free and I am leaving an honest review of my own volition. All thoughts are my own.*
204 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2023
Gods (both friendly and unfriendly), demons, treacherous dukes, dangerous nearby kingdoms. There is trouble in the south of the kingdom: parched crops, starving farmers, rebellious dukes, combined with subversive activity by the kingdom of Verdante. King Rewan sends Ina and Velka to an area of his kingdom with problems involving dukes and farmers. A goddess Marzanna, never very popular with adherents, suddenly has huge numbers of believers and she may be the cause of the failing crops. Ina suspects the kingdom of Verdante is behind all this, but has to prove it. She also has to undo Marzanna's curse on the farmlands. Note: Story ends in a cliffhanger. I should note I received an ARC copy from the author.
Profile Image for Book Prowler.
29 reviews6 followers
Currently reading
September 14, 2023
This is book 3 in the Seasons War series.
I look forward to reading of Ina's escapades, and this book didn't disappoint.
It's full to the brim with action, humour, and romance.
I love the use of old folklore to bring the story to life.
And it has DRAGONS!!! Who doesn't love a romance between an independent witch (with violent tendencies) and a possessive dragon???

Can't wait to read the conclusion in book 4 😍 it's going to be epic.

The first 3 books are available on #Kindle Unlimited!!!
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,030 reviews16 followers
July 31, 2023
This series just gets better and better! It's so fast moving and packed with so many elements that I forgot to keep track of the page count and got smacked in the face by the ending. There's magic, suspense, passion, and so much humor. It sucks you in and you forget the world around you. I loved it!!
22 reviews
February 9, 2024
I struggled getting into the Story. But as the plot progressed it drew me in. The characters are interesting but I personally had issues with the romantic relationships because for my liking the possessiveness of the characters often moved to not trusting each other and I personally dislike that trope. The plot still makes me want to pick up book number 4
Profile Image for beautiful A Reads.
398 reviews14 followers
May 6, 2023
The story gets better ! Enjoyed the 3rd book throughly , I felt I saw more of InA feelings and valuable side , my admiration for ina and Mar has grown and I enjoyed seeing Velkas character develop
as usual it ends on a cliffhanger ,

ARC was provided by the author
Profile Image for Barbara Harrison.
3,408 reviews86 followers
June 7, 2023
Allow at least two days for this adult supernatural paranormal fantasy romance involving palace intrigue and rebellion set on the continent of Warenga but do not read in public as chortles will ensue. I had an ARC via Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Marianne Antonichuk.
309 reviews19 followers
April 21, 2023
This was such a good book from chapter to chapter leaves you wondering what is gonna happen next I could not put it down will be waiting for more
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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