Scarcrossed

Castles of The Eyrie #3

by Evie Marceau

The wolves are closing in...

Wolves have haunted Bryn since she was a child. Now, as Bryn and Rangar return to the Baersladen, they're met with danger as a savage and cursed wolf pack terrorizes villages throughout the Eyrie.

As Rangar fights to vindicate himself from those who seek to hurt him, Bryn embarks on a mage apprenticeship, utilizing her newfound skills to investigate the malevolent wolves–and which of their enemies created them to sow discord throughout the kingdoms.

Will danger and politics stand in the way of the wedding that will finally bind Bryn and Rangar forever?

The thrilling conclusion to the Castles of the Eyrie series is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers, fated love, and Viking-inspired fantasy romances!

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romance, Audiobook

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2023

About the author

It's possible I was born in the wrong time. I've always been drawn to the past, the future, other worlds—basically anywhere but the here and now. I write fantasy to satisfy my nagging curiosity that there is more out there, just beyond the veil.

Until I find a portal through a magical armoire, I'll continue writing romantic fantasies with a touch of darkness and hint of magic.

I'm the author of fantasy romance sagas include The Godkissed Bride series and The Castles of the Eyrie series.

Reviews

[🌙henny✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not thrilled with the ending if I’m being totally honest, this series in general wasn’t as good as the godkissed bride but I do believe this one came first so it makes sense that the author’s writing improved.

I feel like Ragnar changed too much as a character during this book but I can’t explain why. He’s like obsessed with sex, but not in a sexy way. The smut scenes are plentiful, but short and not detailed so it just feels gratuitous. Definitely when it comes to smut, quality over quantity. I also feel like the introduction of the wolves made the plot drag a bit too much and I found myself forcing myself to carry on reading. Usually a book this length would take me about 4-6 hours to read, but I kept getting bored and distracted and it ended up being more like 9-10 hours.

But I did like this series!! I liked Bryn’s growth and Rangar’s adoration. I just wish we could have leaned into the yearning a bit more. Stuff just kept happening and they had to sort it all out but there wasn’t enough pining in the in between to keep me satisfied. But I finished the whole series pretty quickly so that’s something. Book 2 was the best I think

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐ Satisfying conclusion to the series. I grew attached to these characters through the audiobooks. They were low angst, tender, and just right.

[ᴼᴳᴵᴹᴬᴬᴷᵂᴱ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent conclusion to the series. Viking vibes and an interesting magic system. I really enjoyed their journey to finally being happy together. Bryn pissed me off a few times but overall this was a great story.

[Elyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this little romantasy trilogy!

[Kenna Penn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first two books well enough, but I really struggled to not DNF this last one. It really really felt like it didn’t fit with the rest of the story, and so many things seemed out of character. I think I would have liked it if I had read it as a stand-alone or something, but following the first two it just bothered me.

[Natalia Bar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely winter series! ❄️ I had all the cozy, wintery it is cold outside feelings - definitely should have read it later jn the year.
I liked this series, it gad a different vibe and story around it. I liked how magic was included in this world and the way the story played out. I am a Bryn fan all the way through, was slightly annoyed with Ragnar and his possessiveness at times, but he just complained and let her decide for herself anyways so I was good.

[Kinsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely conclusion to a trilogy I greatly enjoyed. Everything was tied up just a little bit too nicely but honestly? It's nice to get that kind of ending sometimes. This series is now one of my favorites and I loved the vikings feel to it. Definitely a series I look forward to rereading!

[Lissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series didn't need this third book at all. Not the worst, just not needed.

[Lauryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute ending compared to the book I just finished before this one 😂😂 I needed a happy ending after Iron Flame lol

[Gilly Giam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with this series! It had me on the edge of my seat, completely invested in these characters and desperate to know what would happen next. It’s officially up there with my favorite romantasies like ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, and Godkissed Bride. And honestly, I’m just thankful I’m reading it now and not having to suffer through the wait for the next books—because with cliffhangers like these? Phew!

With the stunning new covers, I really hope more people start picking up Evie’s books. They deserve all the love! She writes the perfect balance of strong yet delicate FMCs, grumpy but deeply devoted MMCs, great spice, and just the right amount of political intrigue. Add in an all-around fantastic story, and you have a series that’s impossible to put down. If you haven’t started it yet, now is the time!

[clio 𓆝 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review is not personal against the author; it's a mixed review of the entire trilogy📢



I was drawn to the premise and the chemistry between Bryn and Rangar, I felt the spark and they must turn to be something yk. BUT, the introduction of unnecessary love triangle drama, particularly involving the brothers made my jaws dropped cause WHYYYY (key word: 𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙮). As I read on, my belief in Bryn and Rangar's bond wavered, partly because Bryn often lacks conviction in her feelings and Rangar didn’t come out as worship love toward Bryn as it seems.

While I get that the challenges were meant to create angst, the execution comes off so chaotic. This making it not too far-fetched to imagine a polyamorous dynamic developing. The series seems to romanticize cheating and betrayal, which is disappointing considering how eager I was to dive in and I didn’t expect this messy romance(?)😫 (the world building and the magic system are both decent).

[Shannon K G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I liked the series. It's not as strong as the Godkissed Bride, but still had me hooked from start to finish.

I thought the characters were consistent throughout, the worldbuilding was decent, and the plot twists were intriguing.

No regrets reading and I'd probably reread in the future.

[Freyja's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
.
.
SCARCROSSED by @eviemarceaubooks
Castles of the Eyrie. Book 3
.
.
Again, I have been enthralled by this book!
Scarcrossed is the final book in the trilogy Castles of the Eyrie by Evie Marceau and, honestly.... There could not have been any better end.

As for the two first books in the series (Scarlight and Scarbound) I could not put this one down and got caught in the suspens, the political tensions, the grief and the pure, inconditional love between the characters. 🥲

I am actually sad this series is over. BUT let me tell you: I shall read more of Evie Marceau's books because she is outsanding!

I feel so honored I have had the opportunity to read this trilogy as ARC for the new covers relaunch. And I will definitely buy a physical copy of them because they entirely deserve a place of choice on my shelves!

For Scarcrossed, I cried less than for Scarbound - which had me bawling my eyes out for 20 chapters. But the emotions this book had me feeling... Goddess, that was intense! I got my heart utterly broken, then mended back together, then broken again, the remains set on fire, then mended back together again. ❤️💔❤️‍🩹❤️💔❤️‍🔥🖤❤️

Rangar, the man that you are... This MMC gives the most beautiful, purest exemple of TRUE INCONDITIONAL love I have ever read and I am crying just to write about it. 😭
He and Bryn went through SO EFF MUCH!!!
And Bryn is the most beautiful illustration of resilience and GROWTH. I feel so proud of her 🥲 Her soul is so fierce and yet so gentle and generous. She truly is a Queen of wonder 🙌🏻


Safe to say I am totally obsessed with this trilogy.
📍So if you like :

⚔️ Viking Vibes - 🏰 Fairytale Retelling - ☄️Fated Love - 🌼Strong FMC - 🐺 Grumpy AF MMC - 🔮 Old Magic - 👑 Political Intrigue

Don't walk, RUN READ THIS SERIES!
Available on KU

[Marta Pascual Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts right where we left on book 2, after they have defeated Captain Carr and Ranger and Bryn receive the new about Rangar´s dad illness. They must rush to the Bearsladen, and not only that, but they also have to deal with the trying to get married, saving the kingdom and some weird wolf attacks that might or might not be linked to magic.

So the first thing that I have to say is that I loved the character development that there was on this book as well as the world expansion. We have learned in the previos books that there is more than the kingdoms that we know and I think it was really funny to see all those Kigdoms and see how they play a role in the overall politics. In fact the best part about this book was that there was less action and more political intrigue. And even when Evie Marceau writes great action and battle scenes, I really enjoy how she writes political intrigue, that is something that in fact translates really well in the Goodkissed Bride series.

I think this book was slower than the other two, but honestly it is not something that was bothering me. I think it was such a good way to see the relationships, not only between main characters, but between all the characters settled. And it was a perfect way to actually see the romance unfold.

Overall this was such a fun read, that if not because I had a very busy week I would have completely devoured in one sitting. It was such a fun book and I cannot believe that I am done with this trilogy. Go check it out because it is truly addicting

[Lovelette · Rating 4 out of 5]

He saved her once as a child—now he claims her as his. In a world where a saved soul becomes a claimed one, can love grow from a bond forged in blood and fate?

This book starts with a strong and intriguing plot. It’s not weighed down by court politics or overly focused on romance in the beginning, which I appreciated. Instead, it builds its world through adventure and the personal growth of Bryn, our protagonist.

What stood out most for me is how much time Bryn, a princess, spends among the people. I loved seeing her step outside the confines of royalty and experience life through the eyes of her future citizens. It gave the story heart and grounded the fantasy in a relatable way. Not every romantasy needs to be about power struggles at court—sometimes, it’s about connecting with the people you might one day rule.

That said, I struggled to feel as connected to Rangar as I wanted to. While I understood Bryn’s growing love for him, I felt more drawn to side characters like Trei and Val. Rangar had his moments—especially his protective side—but I wish we got more emotional depth or vulnerability from him to fully invest in the romance.

Bryn’s character development was one of the highlights of the book. Her journey felt authentic and earned. I only wish we had seen more of her magical growth beyond the few daring moments she took to explore it.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read that offered a slightly different flavor from the usual romantasy. It blended action, heart, and cultural contrast in a way that kept me turning the pages.

[Deanna Wemitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but could have been more.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this series for what it was I felt some parts could have had much more of an emotional impact if we had more time with the other characters. (I realize that would have required more books and that probably wasnt the authors plan but I digress).

Bryn's reunion with both of her siblings felt a little lackluster because I felt no attachment to Mars or Elysander, which was disappointing cuz family reunions, especially after many hardships always choke me up. They seemed like interesting characters and I would have loved to have gotten Mars' pov when he faked his own death and lost his sight (maybe that would have ruined the surprise but still). I would have loved to seen Elysander's side as well leading a double life as bandits with her husband. A lot of missed opportunities with this one.

Rangar omg just when I thought I couldnt love him anymore he hits Old Bryn with "In any body at any age its you who holds my heart." Just aaahhhh my heart!

Queen Amelia seemed like a fun spunky old lady when she was sharing her body with Bryn. I was worried the queen would hate her for what she did but the old nut was having a blast! Shame we didnt get more time with her as well. I guess all in all I really wanted more time with the side characters.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟Final Book in the Series
🌟HEA
🌟🌶️🌶️.5

Scarcrossed is a fantastic and satisfying conclusion to Bryn and Rangar’s story—one that fans of the Castles of the Eyrie series will definitely enjoy. This final installment really lets Bryn shine. She’s grown so much since the beginning, and in Scarcrossed, we see her step fully into her power as a mage apprentice while facing bigger, more dangerous challenges. Her growth is empowering to watch, and it feels like she finally comes into her own.

Rangar also gets his moment here. His evolution as a leader is just as rewarding, but it’s his unwavering love and devotion to Bryn that really got me. Their romance is tender, fierce, and just… beautiful. She’s truly his whole world, and that kind of love? Yeah, it hit me right in the feels.

What makes this story even better is the amazing cast of friends and family who rally behind Bryn and Rangar. Their support and loyalty added so much heart to the story, and I loved seeing everyone working together to fight for the freedom to use magic.

There are twists, turns, and surprises throughout, but at its core, Scarcrossed is about love, resilience, and fighting for what matters. The ending is absolutely heartwarming—a perfect HEA that left me smiling.

Special thanks to the author, Evie, for the gifted copy 🖤

[Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarcrossed is the amazing conclusion to the Castles of the Eyrie trilogy—a Viking-inspired fantasy romance woven with magic, heartbreak, healing, and the kind of love that feels hard-earned and unforgettable.

Bryn and Rangar return to Baersladen only to face a dark new threat: a cursed wolf pack tearing through the land. As Rangar fights to clear his name, Bryn steps into her magic with strength and confidence, becoming the fierce, radiant woman she was always destined to be. Her transformation is breathtaking—she’s no longer just surviving, she’s leading, and she's unstoppable.

Rangar’s journey is equally moving. The burden of leadership, the grief of losing his brothers, and his unwavering devotion to Bryn all collide to reveal the true king he was always destined to become. And beside him stands Bryn—his equal, his match, his queen.

What makes this finale so special isn’t just the action or intrigue—it’s the bond between these two, the way their love is shaped by trials and strengthened by trust. The support from their families, the emotional stakes, the quiet moments of tenderness—they make the victory feel real and well-earned.

Scarcrossed is about love that endures, growth that hurts before it heals, and the fight for a future that’s worth everything. It broke me open in the best way, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect ending to this series.

[Valerie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series! Loved the MMC!!

Castles of the Eyrie Series (Evie Marceau): "Viking" like, FMC saved as a young girl from wolves by a "wild" prince from another kingdom, MMCs family claims she belongs to him by the fralen bond ("A soul saved is a soul owned") after but then they're sent away and not seen for years - however, both MCs think about each other and wish to see each other constantly all those years, 10 years later there's an event/10 day feast and during one night an attack happens at the FMCs palace, betr@yals, longing/pining/tension/stolen moments, really passionate kisses along with a "stolen" first kiss for the FMC, jealousy between brothers, a funny flirt (and cad and "drunk") of a prince (MMC2), magic/mages, broody/pøssessive MMC who is also head over heels in love with the FMC and makes it so secret how he feels towards her and is so sweet to her (MMC1), w@r, FMC learns how naive/sheltered she's been, a marriage leading to extreme tension and consequences, broken hearts, secret meetings, mûrdêr(s), attempted hanging, hiding/running, capture, bandits, a rebellion, a lying/slimy captain hoping to become king, attempted SA, loss of loved ones, found family, cursed wolves, HEA.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

What drew me to this series was the title. Clever, along with the premise that both lovers are bound through their scars. However, while this author builds strong characters both good and bad, and has a grasp of scenery, events, and sensory description, she seems obviously very young and inexperienced or was when she wrote this trilogy. She depicts anyone above the age of 36 to be old, infirm, and either decrepit or at death's door. Also, her "spice" moments leave a bit to be desired. Editorially, I found quite a lot of errors both spelling and continuity. For instance the heroine glances down at the ring now "permanently" on her finger at the end of the second book, yet in the beginning of the third book, the ring is handed back to her, as if she hadn't been already wearing it. Regardless, this trilogy would have best been one large novel. As it is, I am already tiring of the story and frustrated with both the errors and the unsavory description of the "elderly" or those who are older than 36. I'm thankful this was a free book on Kindle Unlimited. I'm returning the last book and moving on.

[evenromanceisnerdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarcrossed was a fantastic conclusion to the Castles of the Eyrie series! I loved how Bryn and Rangar’s journey came full circle, blending romance, magic, and political intrigue in such a vivid, Viking-inspired world. The tension surrounding their future added so much depth to the story, and the emotional payoff was incredibly satisfying.

I especially enjoyed seeing Bryn’s growth through her mage apprenticeship — it made her even stronger and more dynamic. Rangar’s loyalty and determination added so much heart to the story, and their bond was a joy to watch unfold.

If you love enemies-to-lovers, fated love stories, and richly imagined fantasy worlds, this series is an absolute must-read. I would definitely recommend Castles of the Eyrie to any fantasy romance fan looking for a series that delivers magic, love, and adventure from start to finish!

Tropes you’ll find:
✨Forbidden Love
⚔️So Many Twists and Turns
✨Magic Training
⚔️Slow Burn
✨Goldilocks & the Three Bears Vibes
⚔️Forced Proximity
✨Arranged Marriage
⚔️Vikings
✨Political Intrigue & Betrayal
⚔️Spice 🌶️🌶️

Thank you to the author for the e-arc!! 🥰🫶🏼

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't have much to say about this specific book so let this be a review for the series as a whole...

This story and these characters just never fully grabbed me. It was interesting enough to keep reading but I ultimately felt like something was lacking. I liked the premise of the romance with the Fralen Bond and Rangar pining after Bryn for years. I didn't care for the romance 'threads' with Rangar's brothers. I also liked the magic system with the hexmarks. But both just left me wanting a little bit more.

The pacing felt off throughout the entire series. In my opinion if things were tightened up this could have been an amazing duology. Most of book 3 felt unnecessary with the addition of a brand new problem that obviously found its resolution quickly. A lot of page time was devoted to the lead up and actual occurrence of Bryn & Rangar's wedding which just felt like a waste and had me bored.

Unfortunately this series was a miss for me but I cannot say enough good things about the author's other series, The Godkissed Bride.

I received a free digital copy of this book preceding the cover relaunch. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Ashley Probol-Schintzius · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You are the stars in the sky, the water in the ocean. You are the light in my dark days, the fire in my cold nights. You are my everything.” The stunning conclusion to the Castles of the Eyrie will have you wishing there was a 4th book!  With her brother seated on the Mir throne, Bryne and Rangar return to the Baersladen upon news of the King becoming gravely ill, but with the lingering accusations surrounding Trei’s death, who will be the next King, Rangar or Val?  In the midst of clearing Rangar’s name, dark magic rears it’s ugly head throughout the Eyrie Kingdoms, which begs the question should magic be allowed, or is it too dangerous to be permitted?  The Kings will gather to determine the fate of magic throughout the Eyrie, but will the parlay play out fairly, or are their other workings underfoot? This book will take you on a journey across kingdoms to find the truth behind the dark magic and the workings behind them, along the way experiencing passion that will make you clutch your pearls.

[Enelyae Is Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe it’s over 😩! I’m gonna miss Bryn and Ragnar and their family and friends! Such a fun series where the problems never seem to stop coming! So many tears shed throughout the series!

Bryn and Ragnar’s relationship just continues to get steamier and steamier as we go through the series! And seriously this one is definitely the steamiest and Ragnar sure knows how to use his words and his mouth 😉! I love how Bryn and Ragnar’s relationship developed and how much they care for each other. Ragnar is super protective but I love that he still gives Bryn her space and doesn’t try to stop her from doing what she wants, he supports and protects her fiercely! It’s beautiful!

I would love a book or 2 on our other brother Valenden! I feel like there would be an amazing story there! Thank you Evie for letting me be a part of Bryn and Ragnar’s world, even if for a short while!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️

[Lauren Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is a place for both science and magic”

Scarcrossed is an awesome conclusion to an awesome series!
The magic system in this world is so unique. Hexmarks, berserkir beasts and body possession are just some of the supernatural elements in this book. I love the focus on both magic and science, physical and spiritual, seen and unseen.
Scars are celebrated as representation of bravery and endurance.
I have grown attached to these characters. Bryn has grown so much. She started out young, naive and afraid of magic and now here she is embracing and encouraging magic for all. Rangar is just as gruff and possessive as ever 😏.
I loved this series so I’m sad to see it end.

Fav tropes:
Slow burn ❤️‍🔥
Fated mates 💘
Falconry 🦅
Quest 🗺️
Runes 🪄
Magic 🔮
Dire wolves 🐺
High stakes 📜
Court politics 👑
Rival kingdoms 🏰
Assassination ⚔️

Fav quotes:
“Magic needs no agreement. It’s a force of nature as sure as the air we breathe, the water flowing in our rivers. You can no sooner deny people magic than you can deny them that very air and water.”

“You are the stars in the sky, the water in the ocean.”

[Kelli Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarcrossed is the epic conclusion to the Castles of the Eyrie series and itdoesn’t fail to impress. This series has been a powerhouse from the get go and it just keeps getting better.

“Wolves have haunted Bryn since she was a child. Now, as Bryn and Rangar return to the Baersladen, they're met with danger as a savage and cursed wolf pack terrorizes villages throughout the Eyrie”

Both Bryn and Ragnar come full circle in this stunning conclusion to their story, both grappling with personal feelings about what has truly been happening within Bryn’s homeland. They band together with other familiar characters to make a stand for Bryn’s homeland and the people they love.

If you loved the rest of this series you will want to read this book.

Genre: Viking Fantasy Romance
Series: Book 3 in the Castles of the Eyrie trilogy
Spice: 2/5

[Rebelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this final part of the series! It has the same flow and vibes as the others but *spoiler* they FINALLY end up together! After everything and amidst lots more political turmoil, Bryn and Rangar finally do have their wedding. The bliss doesn’t last long before they’re needed to help the kingdom.
I’ll be honest, I had read some reviews beforehand and wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this one but I don’t agree with some other reviews stating that this book felt unnecessary towards the series as a whole. In fact I strongly disagree and think it’s needed to bring the whole story to a satisfying close. Without it, the story would feel incomplete!
Overall I loved this series. It was so easy to jump into and the action and politics felt organic and natural and I would totally watch this if it were movies or a tv series!!

[Dana Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book, it was really great to have the story conclude and everything work out for the characters. However, I found that it seemed like the characters were being forced into a storyline that didn’t suit who they were. There seemed to be quite a bit of things that seemed out of character or that was rushed for the character development.

I did love the series in its entirety but I felt that each book wasn’t as good as the one before it. The last book of a series should be eventful and exciting and this book didn’t deliver for me.

On that note, I do recommend reading the series as it was a good romantasy that has a great world with kingdoms and types of people that were different. As well and a different style of magic system.

[Jenny Losey · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this all wrapped up in a neatish bow, it was a little boring and the storyline went even more off the rails. Dark magic enhanced wolves now stalk the land and everyone starts to fear magic at the same time our FMC is just starting her journey as a mage apprentice….even though she’s been told magic is sinful all her life, she’s of course amazing at it.

Bryn is clear she’s not ready for a baby and while disappointed, Rangar supports the decision…but of course she’s knocked up at the end. While the character was happy with her unplanned pregnancy it disappointed me that ended up being the HEA when she was clear about not wanting a kid yet all book.

As a whole the series started strong, but just went downhill. I’ve enjoyed the authors newer series but this was meh for me.

[Haali M · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the final book of the Castles of The Eyrie trilogy, Scarcrossed boasts unending action, tension, political instability, power grabs, and magic. The final installment and bit of Rangar and Bryn’s romance was epic. Their constant support of each other in their new roles, as well as their desire to push each other while accepting their flaws and challenges at the same time, was freakin amazing.

One of my absolute favorite things about fantasy as a genre is the ability for authors to transport readers into a world we would otherwise not be able to experience. Art at its finest! I’m so thankful to have been a part of the team to re-introduce this series to the world. Thank you so much to Evie Marceau for the gifted review copy, I loved this series so much!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️