Exiled from the Shadow Fae, I'm left out on London's streets. The Knights of the Institute are dying of the plague, and they're sure I'm to blame.
Desperate to speak to Ruadan, I invade the Institue. Then, things take a turn for the worse. Like, "tortured in a tiny prison cell" worse. Seems like Ruadan has completely betrayed me. But when I finally reunite with my dark demigod, it turns out I'd totally misunderstood his actions.
Once I'm out of jail, Ruadan and I have to fix this mess, and we're thrown together once again. That means finding my father, and killing Baleros before the monster gets what he's after: the skin off Ruadan's corpse. If Baleros gets what he wants, then he'll control the world, and I'll lose Ruadan forever.
This is the final book in a four-book series
Court of Shadows Court of Darkness Court of Night Court of Dreams
This book is from the Demons of Fire and Night world.
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C.N. Crawford are Wall Street Journal bestselling authors of romantasy books, including books with fae, demons, and magical academies.
We write fantasy romance, urban fantasy, and portal romance. Our books often include trials, banter, and enemies to lovers stories.
CN Crawford’s books are perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, K.F. Breene, and Laura Thalassa.
Note: We are actually two people--a former biologist (Nick) and a former school psychologist (Christine).
Instead of writing a review for each book individually, I decided to review this as a series. This would've been so much better if it were just a single book.
Also this review is slightly spoilerish.
This is a hot mess, let me tell you. For almost the entire series there is barely any progress whatsoever, the story is stuck in the same place and there is zero character growth in any of the main or side characters.
For four books they have no idea how to kill Baleros, when just out of a sudden, Liora/Arianna just kills him forever.
For four books, she seems to be obsessed with Ruadan and apparently he returns the sentiment??? There are some big feelings involved, big words, but I wasn't convinced at all. For four books, Ruadan has the charisma of a used kitchen cloth and he and Liora have ZERO (in numbers: 0) chemistry. Liora has such an energetic presence on the pages, she really has more chemistry with everyone, with literally every villain she came across, than she has with Ruadan. I fully blame Ruadan. Honestly, Ruadan as the main love interest and as a person sucked. Lack of charisma aside (although for someone so full of life as Liora, it's definitely a crime to have such a bland love interest), he's a sociopath. That his general aloof behavior, his douchy "YoU sHoUlD hAvE TrUstEd mE" helps literally no one, and his I mean I'm totally with her parents on this one, Ruadan is definitely not good enough for Liora.
Moreover, whenever they go on an "adventure" together, Liora somehow always ends up seriously hurt. I'm talking broken ribs pearcing her lungs, I'm talking severe burns, I'm talking wounds from knives, swords, arrows, I'm talking a death wound through the heart, I'm talking shreaded wings and other body parts, and so on.
I want to rant a little about the Institute. The real purpose of the Institute was never really revealed throughout the series, but if it's just hunting down and killing paranormal creatures that mean no harm, then that's shady. And wrong. I am so confused about the purpose and the laws of this Institute. Vampires and demons are bad, they hunt them down and kill them (and that seemed extra cold-blooded because they hunt the vamps down in a bar and they were there for an open mic event, just like, having a fun night out. It only turned to slaughter when Liora intentionally provoked them by cutting her hands. Even the demons they hunted down were participating in an orgy, but as far as I could understand, everyone in that orgy was a consenting adult, so again, just demons going on about their lives being hunted for they are.), but then some kind of Fae that tortures you with your worst fears is allowed to own and operate a store? How does this make sense? Is it cause she's Fae, and they are vampires and demons? Seems awfully discriminatory to me.
I also want to rant about the continuity. At the end of the third book, Ruadan finds out who Liora's parents are. He gives her a wreath and walks away. But then at the start of the fourth book Liora is expelled from the Institute. I checked several times on GR to see whether I missed a novella or book or something like that, because there was never a word of Liora leaving the Institute before.
Lots of things I was unhappy with, but ultimately though, I read the entire series. It's fast-paced and funny, and Liora is definitely a great main character. Her friends are a delight, so that made the story at least tolerable. Wouldn't recommend it, to be honest. CN Crawford's other series, The Court of Sea Fae, which features Aenor from the fourth book, is far superior to this one.
Well, we’ve come to a point in a series I just hate: the end. I will definitely miss the characters in this series. However, the end was excellent with great writing, wonderful action, and a few surprising additions at the end. I laughed so much when Liora (Ariana) was talking to the red head (can’t say who she is) about her dead husband; that was a great scene! I do wish there was a little more action with the end fight with the bad guys (I’m probably being a little too bloodthirsty!), but all in all, this was a terrific end to a great series! I do recommend this book and the whole series, and I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.
This series as a whole wasn’t the best but it still kept me coming back for more. Liora is much more tolerable in this book than the last three which is really saying something.
The ending really left a lot to be desired with how nonchalant everything comes together. Like “no biggie you tried to kill your dad, he’s fine”. Ma’am what? And the HEA could have been written more, I’d especially like more detail with the gown.
3.75 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Let's just begin by saying that I haven't laughed so much reading a book in a while. The scenes in this last installment only got funnier as you went along, which broke up the seriousness of the whole all hell is about to break loose. The various comments about hungry and being cranky, makes the story relatable. At least for me.
We begin this last journey with Liora well a bit unhinged and Ruadan nowhere to be found. Through this book we are taken on a journey to find Liora's dad Adonis (Angel of Death) to save the shadow fae from the plague, and finally be able to defeat Belaros.
This last installment tidies everything nicely with the main characters, and introduced the next story line with only the charm and laughable quality, that only CN Crawford can bring.
I've loved reading this series, and the only thing I would say is that I'm sad to say goodbye to Ruadan and Liora, but I also cannot wait for Aenor's storyline. I mean a women with a name like Aenor Flayer of skin's, is bound to have an awesome storyline coming.
I was really hopeful for an epic conclusion to this series which started to fizzle for me after Book 1. I love the characters and think they had so much potential, but the final book just wasn't what I expected it to be. I thought with their roller-coaster of a relationship, they were finally getting to more solid ground with the final words of Book 2, but no. It starts with Arianna pining for Ruadan with him nowhere to be seen. Book 2 ends with him saying they'll go hunt Baleros together, but Ruadan standing her up isn't explained for several chapters. Starting with Arianna stalking Maddan throws the reader for an entire loop and starts the book off on the wrong foot. The first few chapters are Arianna bumbling around trying to figure out what to do next. The relationship between Arianna and Ruadan is constantly hot then cold was just too much drama for me to enjoy. And the PG13 sex scenes are so frustrating when you're reading a book about an incubus for crying out loud. If you don't want to write sex, pick a being that isn't a sexual one. I can see how some people could get hook on these series, but it just didn't live up to the hype. I'm glad I finished the series and that I know not to pursue the other spin-offs within this world.
In this book’s episode of “Ridiculous Things That Absolutely Did Not Need To Happen”, I present you: blending into a circus to ask a Satyr to stir a potion with his manhood to help save the world????????????????
I’m glad to rid myself of this series and do not think I will be venturing back into C.N. Crawford’s writing.
Frustratingly made it through the other three - mostly because they were short. DNF-Ed at 24%. Repetitive. Annoying. And tired of getting insane whiplash in emotions, motives, and actions from the mc.
This whole series was super good and the end was really cute. I'm happy with how every character evolved. Liora(Arianna) and Ruadan are freaking adorable together and this book was perfect to conclude the whole series.
Arianna is now Liora, the angel of death. She has always been Liora, the daughter of Adonis the Horseman of Death, but she preferred to live the lie. Once she told Ruadan who she really was it was his duty to keep her away from the Institute for the protection of the Shadow Fae, but also for her protection as well. Angels such as Liora were considered abominations and not suffered to live by the guardian fae.
Liora loved Ruadan and missed him terribly and now that she controlled the army of mist she used them to protect Ruadan. Baleros was still causing havoc and sent the black plague on the Institute, but most of the shadow fae believed it was Liora. Only Ruadan believed that Liora was innocent. Liora even flew into iron arrows and allowed herself to be captured to tell them of the intel she had pressed from a former knight who said there was a traitor inside the Institute.
Liora and Ruadan needed Liora’s father to undo the death magic unleashed on the Institute and once again they would need to face terrors and trials a plenty together to save the day.
This is the final book in the series and I hated to see it end. Wonderful characters set in our world that bleeds into supernatural realms, at a time perhaps a bit in the future? I loved every bit of these stories about slightly broken people out to save the world. Five star fun with mild spice.
I didn’t care for this book so much. It was mostly just a bunch of weird stuff going on. Not a lot making any sense. And trying to see how often clothes could come off. And weird stuff going on in the head. I generally like this authors work, but honestly not this series, and particularly not this book.
I finally finished this series, the ending was a little lackluster, but expected. I didn't feel any stress since there weren't really any consequences to stuff.
But, it was a fun series. I really do wonder though what happened to the crazy dude. I feel like his story is unfinished.
3.6 Stars: Wrapped Up Disclaimer: Please remember that these are my opinions and if you feel differently, that’s okay. Thanks!
RATING SYSTEM: 5 – Absolute Love 4 – Enjoyed it 3 – Kind of Neutral 2 – Forced myself to finish, it was bad 1 – Couldn’t finish it, Horrible
Notes: POV = 1st person, FMC Characters: I loved reading about these guys. There were multiple times I teared up, maybe I’m just tired. I love this story because I genuinely feel bad for the characters, and eliciting emotions for the reader toward characters is a very important part of enjoying a story. Romance: I love that we got four books of watching these two connecting. I feel that connection and I really like them together; they say some sweet things and have so much in common. General: I wish we got all of the laws of power, I really liked those bits when she fell back on her training. It made me love her a bit more because the books promised that she would be badass and she totally was. We get #1 to #20, #22 to #25, and then #34 but the rest are unknown. However, there were some inconsistencies. Rule number #1 went from get in your enemy’s head to knowledge gives you control and then, as if the author realised, it was get in your enemy’s head because knowledge gives you control. Also, in the very beginning of this book, Ari says they shagged in a sewer… but they just made out in the sewer, they shagged in the forest.
I've been putting off my review for a couple of days now as I just can't explain how torn I am about this book. I loved it completely and thought it was a great way to end this series, but I just don't want this series to end, so was hoping for a bit of a cliffhanger, just in case Liora and Ruadan return one day! You never know though....
It was great to see the two of them back together, fighting down the enemy, working against the odds to get what and where they needed, to see them both developing and using their powers, which were at times a bit scary for them! There were lots of happy moments too, some nerve-wracking ones, some sad ones and some hilarious ones (Think the one, two, threeeeeeeeeee parts were some of my faves!) - this book covered all the emotions!
This whole series was just brilliant and I highly recommend it and the authors, if you haven't read anything by them before!
Thank you to Christine and Nick for sending me an ARC copy to read and review! Loved it!
This is the final installment of this series and it was a phenomenal end! The anticipation and excitement I had for the book was crazy! I was so looking forward to it and I was not disappointed! Only upsetting part was that it was the end! Excellent writing, the characters are some of my favorite now! I have always enjoyed the books these two write and this series has now moved to one of my fave! I really enjoy the interconnected aspect of this story line with other series. Liora And Ruadan are some of the most unique characters and they have come so far along by this book. There is a large amount of hurt and confusion that they have to confront in this book. Their journey has not been easy. Baleros, gods and demi gods, Barry! The battles are intense, the drama is suspenseful I loved every second of this book! I really hope we see more of them Liora and her crew in future books. There is the perfect amount of action, romance, drama mystery and suspense in this conclusion. I highly recommend this series as well as their other books!
First of all.....we barely find out that her name is Liora (or whatever) and now thats just what she's called? So stupid 🙄 I mean we could have gotten a hint or it could have at least sounded similar to Ariana-you know that really pretty name we've been calling her for darn near 3 books?!- Its just poorly written with a lot of things trying to be squished in at the very end. Like what even is the point of a wedding ceremony explanation if we're not gonna read about it actually happening. The reunion with lioras parents is way too lighthearted for the weight they put on it in the series. I mean at least 20% of this books is italicized phrases of her "dark side" that I just started skipping over because it was soooooooooooo annoying to read. Like, we all freaking get it! She's a death angel, cool. It adds nothing to the story. It's boring and not even poetic.
I enjoyed this series less and less as the books went on. This final one was very repetitive with killing or near death happening to everyone and then coming back to life over and over. Also the FMC is this weird combo of living killing and fighting and shying away from it - it’s like the author couldn’t make up her mind. I know she has this death side of her from her dad, but even in her “human “ form she is schizo going back and forth. Also this was this unnecessary and out of place extra vulgarity (of male body parts doing or being used for weird things) thrown in all over the place for no reason throughout the series. The last two books I was just trying to get through quickly since I had already invested so much time in the series I wanted to see how she would finally end it. Just okay read for me.
I really enjoyed the end to this series. You really can’t go wrong with any of this author’s books. They are always so well written and easy to fall into.
Definitely the best book of the series. Overall I’d prob give the series 3.5-3.75?? There were some things I felt kind of got forgotten about ( like fmc’s supposed BFF ) but this last book gave you no time to breathe. Just constant action and plotting. I did feel the romance of this series was a bit lacking. Removing the spice factor entirely, the chemistry wasn’t anything earth shattering. The MMC is fine if not a little boring. BUT I also got the HEA I was hoping for so im very content in that aspect. Would’ve loved a lil’ epilogue to show FMC and her reunited family but I can’t win them all.
Overall, I probably won’t read much else by this author unless something groundbreaking is published, but I still enjoyed myself while reading this series and it’s nice that it’s 4 books all under 300 pages when I don’t want to commit to a massive story.
This series is just about everything I want in fantasy and this last book confirms it.
I loved:
- The humour. Almost endless. - When the heroine calls out men who are catcalling - The ultimate realisation that having a darker side doesn't make you a monster - The phrasing - The exploration of London - The you don't need me to survive but I want to be there anyway. Honestly, it's way more touching this way around. - The flower crowns - That in the moments when I cringed, afraid an animal was about to be hurt, the animals always got away.
There were a few small issues, but nothing off-putting. Please give this series a try!
I kinda felt like there was so much build up but we didn’t get to savor the triumph enough also there was so much tension SO MUCH TENSION between Arianna and Ruadan for these 4 books but there was never a full spicy scene of them getting it on.
That being said it was great I loved the characters and Arianna is so vulgar I love her
This series definitely could’ve been a duology, I think 4 books was a little excessive. I loved the characters, I think the plot twist was good, just lost me on the last book since it was so drug out. This one was a lot harder for me to read because it took so long to get there and a lot of fluff that could’ve been cut out.
This series was a slowwwww burn, but I had to keep reading to see how it ended. Overall, I love the series but him being able to portal anywhere made it seem “jumpy” at times- like in this book, I’m pretty sure they only had one day to save the world and it seemed like their adventures took them a whole week. I am happy with the ending though 🎉
I read the 4 books in 5 days and absolutely loved the evolution of Liora and Ruadan. It was beautiful seeing them embrace the monsters within themselves and each other. Once Liora accepted the power in her monster she was unstoppable and so BAD ASS, or as Ruadan said, “a formidable ally”. I’ve already downloaded books 5-7.
The final book in the series has the hero and heroine finally together and teaming up against their enemies, but the enemies may be closer to home than they realized.
I liked the conclusion to this story, and I thought there characters were really awesome together. I'm sad to see it end already though.
I really enjoyed this series. Only sad part is that it’s over. I’d love a continuation on Lora and Ruadan’s life afterwards. I’m very intrigued and will definitely read the prequels that focus on her father and mother’s story as soon as I can.
This was... grating. It was only 242 pages and yet it took me weeks to finish as I couldn't summon the desire to read it. It contained the same plot as other books which moved nothing on very quickly. And things that were meant to be surprises were really obvious clichés.
I am totally in love with this series...I have read them all.and im still yearning for more... completely enthralling and full of all the good stuff 💋💋💋