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The Drake Chronicles #5
Fortunes of War
War looms on the horizon for the kingdoms of Aeretoll and Aquitainia, a war they’ll fight together, as the allies begin to plan their cooperative marches through missives sent via falcon. But in Aeres, Náli arrives with news of the he’s met the emperor of Seles, Romanus Tyrsbane, beyond the veil in the Between, and the emperor, it seems, is searching for Oliver. With Náli’s help, the three Drakes must now learn how to go walking between worlds, guarding their minds and their magic from an enemy who can reach out and touch them from afar.
Restless in a way he’s never been before, confused by his anger and his new instincts, Leif takes his wolfpack and departs early, traveling quickly and in secret toward the Southern camp in Inglewood. At his side, urging him to let his wolf take charge, is Ragnar. Cousin, war prize, thrall, wearing Leif’s torq, and testing all of Leif’s patience. He knows it’s foolish to trust him, but Leif cleaves to him regardless, distrustful and resentful of everyone who cannot understand the man – the wolf – he’s become.
Leading a ragged army of Southerners and woodland outlaws, Amelia spends her days planning their next move, and her nights walking in a world of dreams, visited by a pair of wolves with blue eyes and an irresistible allure. A letter from Oliver forewarned of Leif’s arrival, but nothing could have prepared her for the way her first glimpse of the prince rattles her to the bone.
For Oliver, the long march South is full of sword lessons, saddle sores – and clandestine meetings in the Between with the emperor himself. He’s only spying, he reasons, and he can stop anytime he wishes…can’t he?
Fortunes of War is the fifth installment of the ongoing high fantasy Drake Chronicles series, which is intended for adult audiences. It is not a standalone, and the series must be read in order. Dragons, shapeshifters, family drama, and romance abound as our heroes march toward a terrifying enemy, at the mercy of the fortunes of war.
Restless in a way he’s never been before, confused by his anger and his new instincts, Leif takes his wolfpack and departs early, traveling quickly and in secret toward the Southern camp in Inglewood. At his side, urging him to let his wolf take charge, is Ragnar. Cousin, war prize, thrall, wearing Leif’s torq, and testing all of Leif’s patience. He knows it’s foolish to trust him, but Leif cleaves to him regardless, distrustful and resentful of everyone who cannot understand the man – the wolf – he’s become.
Leading a ragged army of Southerners and woodland outlaws, Amelia spends her days planning their next move, and her nights walking in a world of dreams, visited by a pair of wolves with blue eyes and an irresistible allure. A letter from Oliver forewarned of Leif’s arrival, but nothing could have prepared her for the way her first glimpse of the prince rattles her to the bone.
For Oliver, the long march South is full of sword lessons, saddle sores – and clandestine meetings in the Between with the emperor himself. He’s only spying, he reasons, and he can stop anytime he wishes…can’t he?
Fortunes of War is the fifth installment of the ongoing high fantasy Drake Chronicles series, which is intended for adult audiences. It is not a standalone, and the series must be read in order. Dragons, shapeshifters, family drama, and romance abound as our heroes march toward a terrifying enemy, at the mercy of the fortunes of war.
555 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2023
16 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 20, 2024
*4.5* A fantasy series for grown-ups.
This is a world on the brink of war. Political alliances and magical dangers are woven together with intricate character journeys.
Náli's arrival in Aeres with unsettling news from the Between, a mystical space where he has met Emperor Romanus Tyrsbane.
Oliver begins to sharpen his magical skills against an unseen threat that can touch them from afar. He’s keeping secrets.
Leif, accompanied by his loyal wolfpack and the complicated Ragnar, travels to the Southern camp, wrestling with both his physical transformation and his loyalty.
There was a different between lust and love, and yet somehow the combination of both had the power to transform a person completely.
Amelia, the capable Southern leader, is haunted by strange dream encounters and the unsettling pull she feels when Leif arrives.
Reggie and Connor. Oh my heart.
Those battle scenes. Holy shit. Epic.
High fantasy
Dragons
Shapeshifters
Ancient magic
Complicated loyalties
Intricate plot-lines
MM romance
MF romance
MFM
Snark/humor
Graphic intimacy
Emotionally intelligent characters
While I love the world, this author has created, this book was a little hard to get through. You don’t get enough of the characters you love, the focus shifts to multiple different POV’s, and you are left frustrated with unanswered questions.
Mixed emotions about what could be a future poly relationship heavily hinted at in this book.
Not sure when book 6 will be released, but I will absolutely be reading it!
This is a world on the brink of war. Political alliances and magical dangers are woven together with intricate character journeys.
Náli's arrival in Aeres with unsettling news from the Between, a mystical space where he has met Emperor Romanus Tyrsbane.
Oliver begins to sharpen his magical skills against an unseen threat that can touch them from afar. He’s keeping secrets.
Leif, accompanied by his loyal wolfpack and the complicated Ragnar, travels to the Southern camp, wrestling with both his physical transformation and his loyalty.
There was a different between lust and love, and yet somehow the combination of both had the power to transform a person completely.
Amelia, the capable Southern leader, is haunted by strange dream encounters and the unsettling pull she feels when Leif arrives.
Reggie and Connor. Oh my heart.
Those battle scenes. Holy shit. Epic.
High fantasy
Dragons
Shapeshifters
Ancient magic
Complicated loyalties
Intricate plot-lines
MM romance
MF romance
MFM
Snark/humor
Graphic intimacy
Emotionally intelligent characters
While I love the world, this author has created, this book was a little hard to get through. You don’t get enough of the characters you love, the focus shifts to multiple different POV’s, and you are left frustrated with unanswered questions.
Mixed emotions about what could be a future poly relationship heavily hinted at in this book.
Not sure when book 6 will be released, but I will absolutely be reading it!
November 6, 2024
one of the best feelings ever is starting a series knowing absolutely nothing about it, Expecting nada and ending up adoring every precious character ✨✨
I can not recommend this series enough, I loved the families, the found family aspect as usual 💗 the romances. every romance!! Even the most unexpected ones that ended up being my most anticipated 🤐🤐 and it has dragons and wolves. It’s a series after my own heart.
I can not recommend this series enough, I loved the families, the found family aspect as usual 💗 the romances. every romance!! Even the most unexpected ones that ended up being my most anticipated 🤐🤐 and it has dragons and wolves. It’s a series after my own heart.
July 29, 2024
"...[his] head whipped around, white hair flaring dramatically, and he caught XXX's gaze before he could flee(...). He was utterly expressionless: no grimace, no sneer, no smile. Nothing. But his eyes burned"
This has some strongly Mo Xiang Tong Xiu-ish vibes that I'm loving so bad!!!!!"
*
Fifth book in this perfect series and still a favorite of mine💕
I have LOTS of thoughts and ideas about what’s happening and what could come next. BUT, as this is the fifth installment, I don’t want to leave too much spoilery things here. Just in case. I’ll be brief and not that specific.
Gilley’s Villains are always my FAVORITE treat (or even any “good” character who indulges in some bad trait of theirs… for the sole purpose of romance, of course).
Ragnar was, and still is, my Special Monster… But WOW, that Evil Emperor… The spice he added to the story was a surprise to me, and maybe is now my most favorite thing about the whole series. And that’s saying a lot, as this story has many amazing and memorable characters, arcs, plot twists, love stories, action and so on…
Still not a great fan of multiple partners, especially the one in this book. But that is totally a Me thing, so I can’t really complain. I don’t see them together; it all is still confusing to me. Too much insta-lust. Too much DESTINY involved, I think. And I don’t like that. I want my romance to build slowly. The first two were more naturally gravitating towards each other, I understood that part. But the third addition feels as if the book is forcing it. It felt as if physical attraction was the only aspect in play (if I don’t take into account the “destiny feeling” to it all). I really don’t see the connection😶
Lady Leda and Collum: Amazing new characters! And the prisoner!🎉
The cast keeps getting bigger and bigger, but the plot, complex as it is, manages to work with them all perfectly. It never gets too confusing. there's even a scene with the two guards of the first books: Magnus and his friend🙂. Nobody is left out.
I got a little Estrid appearance here! Yay!
I hope we get more of her in the future and maybe a romantic candidate? Everything here ultimately revolves around romance so it must be in the story’s plans, I hope🤞
The action scenes were remarkably well written. They were so engaging and fun to read😊
Can’t wait for Book 6 to be released!!!
But I will, bc I’m a very good, devoted fan! Haha
This has some strongly Mo Xiang Tong Xiu-ish vibes that I'm loving so bad!!!!!"
*
Fifth book in this perfect series and still a favorite of mine💕
I have LOTS of thoughts and ideas about what’s happening and what could come next. BUT, as this is the fifth installment, I don’t want to leave too much spoilery things here. Just in case. I’ll be brief and not that specific.
Gilley’s Villains are always my FAVORITE treat (or even any “good” character who indulges in some bad trait of theirs… for the sole purpose of romance, of course).
Ragnar was, and still is, my Special Monster… But WOW, that Evil Emperor… The spice he added to the story was a surprise to me, and maybe is now my most favorite thing about the whole series. And that’s saying a lot, as this story has many amazing and memorable characters, arcs, plot twists, love stories, action and so on…
Still not a great fan of multiple partners, especially the one in this book. But that is totally a Me thing, so I can’t really complain. I don’t see them together; it all is still confusing to me. Too much insta-lust. Too much DESTINY involved, I think. And I don’t like that. I want my romance to build slowly. The first two were more naturally gravitating towards each other, I understood that part. But the third addition feels as if the book is forcing it. It felt as if physical attraction was the only aspect in play (if I don’t take into account the “destiny feeling” to it all). I really don’t see the connection😶
Lady Leda and Collum: Amazing new characters! And the prisoner!🎉
The cast keeps getting bigger and bigger, but the plot, complex as it is, manages to work with them all perfectly. It never gets too confusing. there's even a scene with the two guards of the first books: Magnus and his friend🙂. Nobody is left out.
I got a little Estrid appearance here! Yay!
I hope we get more of her in the future and maybe a romantic candidate? Everything here ultimately revolves around romance so it must be in the story’s plans, I hope🤞
The action scenes were remarkably well written. They were so engaging and fun to read😊
Can’t wait for Book 6 to be released!!!
But I will, bc I’m a very good, devoted fan! Haha
May 23, 2023
*dissenting opinion ahead*
I. LOVE. RAGNAR.
The End.
Oh, one more thing... This is one of the best series I've ever read and it's getting better with every new instalment.
I. LOVE. RAGNAR.
The End.
Oh, one more thing... This is one of the best series I've ever read and it's getting better with every new instalment.
January 17, 2025
I LOVED the other books, but this felt so depressing.
I also want better for Leif...
I also want better for Leif...
September 7, 2023
3.5 Stars
I have some very mixed feelings regarding this installment. 555 pages but not a lot of actual story progression. The author's meandering "I don't need an editor" writing style is really beginning to impede my enjoyment of the story. There's so much unnecessary exposition and internal dialog along with the myriad other (lack of) editing issues. I am still planning on seeing this series to its conclusion but I'll very likely not read anything else by this author after that, and honestly that makes me a little sad because her writing contains a ton of untapped potential.
Regarding the plotlines themselves -- Leif & Ragnar ... yikes, I don't even know how to feel about that. Surprisingly, I don't hate Ragnar in this installment, but still, he did try to kill/have killed Rune, Erik, and Leif... I get that Ragnar can't lie to Leif at this point, but I'd be inclined to hold more of a grudge, ya know?
And Oliver's behavior? I do know I feel about that and it's pretty much how Náli feels about it. What a dumb, boneheaded move that is going to cause a whole lot of unnecessary angst (and I like angst in general). Also, he so easily broke his word to Náli regarding a certain piece of enchanted jewelry. He didn't need to do that at all, so why?? Oliver doesn't usually act so selfishly.
I have some very mixed feelings regarding this installment. 555 pages but not a lot of actual story progression. The author's meandering "I don't need an editor" writing style is really beginning to impede my enjoyment of the story. There's so much unnecessary exposition and internal dialog along with the myriad other (lack of) editing issues. I am still planning on seeing this series to its conclusion but I'll very likely not read anything else by this author after that, and honestly that makes me a little sad because her writing contains a ton of untapped potential.
Regarding the plotlines themselves -- Leif & Ragnar ... yikes, I don't even know how to feel about that. Surprisingly, I don't hate Ragnar in this installment, but still, he did try to kill/have killed Rune, Erik, and Leif... I get that Ragnar can't lie to Leif at this point, but I'd be inclined to hold more of a grudge, ya know?
And Oliver's behavior? I do know I feel about that and it's pretty much how Náli feels about it. What a dumb, boneheaded move that is going to cause a whole lot of unnecessary angst (and I like angst in general). Also, he so easily broke his word to Náli regarding a certain piece of enchanted jewelry. He didn't need to do that at all, so why?? Oliver doesn't usually act so selfishly.
July 22, 2023
I have no words to express how amazing this author is! She absolutely slays me with her story telling. I did not want this book to end! Same with all her other books.
January 8, 2026
4.25 stars for this instalment, although I still loved reading it. Some of the characters make extremely stupid decisions in this one [I'm thinking of Oliver in particular, silly man, with his solo dreamwalking trips to meet 🤐] although leaving a potential 'Trojan Horse' character like Cassius alive could also be another huge whopper of a mistake 🫣. At least we finally get it confirmed and admitted that .
My main bugbear with this and the other stories are the far too frequent typos and other sorts of errors...everything in fact that good beta readers and an actual, you know, editor would be able to take care of, sighs 🙄. Still looking forward to book 6, Avarice of the Empire though...
My main bugbear with this and the other stories are the far too frequent typos and other sorts of errors...everything in fact that good beta readers and an actual, you know, editor would be able to take care of, sighs 🙄. Still looking forward to book 6, Avarice of the Empire though...
August 30, 2025
5 ⭐️
[upd 08.2025] author has written on her IG that she is writing book 6, so let’s disregard my sadness about her not writing more. I’m WAITING for the next book 😍
Original review:
Firstly I loved this book. The scale kept getting bigger, the relationships messier, the plot plottier.
The tension between Leif, Amelia and Ragnar was wonderful. And I absolutely loved the depth of Ragnar’s character, how complicated he is. And Leif is justa poor and wonderful baby (wolf) boy.
The way the author could hold together all plot lines and twists and keep it interesting is absolutely amazing.
But.
What the hell was that with the emperor? What the fuck. I mean I loved it, but how is it supposed to resolve itself? Maaan.
And. Now about the awful part.
The author has written on her instagram past December that she’s not sure she will continue this series.
And it’s devastating and absolutely heartbreaking.
I don’t know her reasons. She has a right to them.
Whatever they are, it’s her books, she can do whatever she wants.
But I’m still devastated.
This is one of the best fantasy series I’ve read ever, definitely top 10 (and I’ve read a lot of those). I sincerely recommend reading them. Except. It’s doubtful it’ll ever be finished. And that sucks so so much 😭
[upd 08.2025] author has written on her IG that she is writing book 6, so let’s disregard my sadness about her not writing more. I’m WAITING for the next book 😍
Original review:
Firstly I loved this book. The scale kept getting bigger, the relationships messier, the plot plottier.
The tension between Leif, Amelia and Ragnar was wonderful. And I absolutely loved the depth of Ragnar’s character, how complicated he is. And Leif is justa poor and wonderful baby (wolf) boy.
The way the author could hold together all plot lines and twists and keep it interesting is absolutely amazing.
But.
What the hell was that with the emperor? What the fuck. I mean I loved it, but how is it supposed to resolve itself? Maaan.
And. Now about the awful part.
The author has written on her instagram past December that she’s not sure she will continue this series.
And it’s devastating and absolutely heartbreaking.
I don’t know her reasons. She has a right to them.
Whatever they are, it’s her books, she can do whatever she wants.
But I’m still devastated.
This is one of the best fantasy series I’ve read ever, definitely top 10 (and I’ve read a lot of those). I sincerely recommend reading them. Except. It’s doubtful it’ll ever be finished. And that sucks so so much 😭
April 1, 2024
I love Lauren Gilley as a writer, this series sucked me in in book 1, and here we are, 5 books later still going strong. However, there's a lot going on in this universe she has created and this book, for me, suffered from what I like to think of as the Game of Thrones dilemma, which is when there are too many perspectives crowding the read, and I was far less interested in some than others. So it took me a long time to finish, because I would fly through some chapters but drag my feet through others. Anyway, in this book we see the Great Northern Phalanx marching south to help with the war effort in Aquitainia. We get a lot of Leif and Ragnar, which was great, and we also see some new couples getting their moment in the spotlight. It has some great action, some decent smut and some really questionable decisions. Although it didn't quite end on a cliffhanger, the next one can't come soon enough.
May 22, 2023
What a brilliant series this author has given us.
So, so good.
But I must say, it surprised me how much I wished (and still do) that the romance between Leif and Ragnar remains their own. And what I mean by that, it became really important that their relationship, as complicated as it already is, stays uninterrupted by the third party. So, (although a lovely heroine that she really is) can we leave Amelia out of it?
Please!
(For some reason, this reminded me of Butch and Vishous. Don't know why, but clearly, years later, still not over that one 🙄)
And as the story grows in the most intriguing way (that emperor, babyy 👀), I just can not wait to read the next book in the Drake Chronicals series.
So, so good.
But I must say, it surprised me how much I wished (and still do) that the romance between Leif and Ragnar remains their own. And what I mean by that, it became really important that their relationship, as complicated as it already is, stays uninterrupted by the third party. So, (although a lovely heroine that she really is) can we leave Amelia out of it?
Please!
(For some reason, this reminded me of Butch and Vishous. Don't know why, but clearly, years later, still not over that one 🙄)
And as the story grows in the most intriguing way (that emperor, babyy 👀), I just can not wait to read the next book in the Drake Chronicals series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2023
So, so good.
I love this brilliant paranormal/fantasy/historical series.
At the beginning I would have told you Oliver was my favorite character buuuuut I had the most fun reading Ragnar. And to put it mildly Oliver kind of freaked me out so I’m curious to know what will come next in Avarice of the Empire, book 6 soon to be released…
I love this brilliant paranormal/fantasy/historical series.
At the beginning I would have told you Oliver was my favorite character buuuuut I had the most fun reading Ragnar. And to put it mildly Oliver kind of freaked me out so I’m curious to know what will come next in Avarice of the Empire, book 6 soon to be released…
August 28, 2024
ended on a cliffhanger and there is no release date for the next book
November 26, 2023
The book is fantastic, but I hated my favorite character's decisions.
I finished the book very sad.
I finished the book very sad.
June 6, 2023
Loved this! Ragnar & Leif are soo good, not sure about Amelia slotting in here though… can’t we just leave it as is? Anyway in Lauren we trust!
May 14, 2023
I’ve been waiting for the story to focus more on Leif since the beginning and this book did not disappoint! Some pretty exciting character development, twists and turns (no spoilers but what was THAT in the last chapter eeekk!!!), wolves and dragons galore. One thing I’m not particularly fond of so far is the angle Amelia’s story is taking - but I’ll give it a chance and see where the next books take us.
Already counting down the days to the next release!
Already counting down the days to the next release!
August 2, 2023
What an adventure
I love this story and I am so fond of all of the characters who the author is moving around like chess pieces as they meet and love and go to war to protect their homelands. There is so much going on that it required a lot of focus to read this one, but it was well worth it. Oliver is playing with fire in this one. Crossed fingers that it all works out in the next one.
I love this story and I am so fond of all of the characters who the author is moving around like chess pieces as they meet and love and go to war to protect their homelands. There is so much going on that it required a lot of focus to read this one, but it was well worth it. Oliver is playing with fire in this one. Crossed fingers that it all works out in the next one.
July 22, 2023
UHHH CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE
June 5, 2023
THIS REVIEW HAS SOME SPOILERS!!!!!!
So.... I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I was a bit disappointed with this one. I loved the previous books. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. But there were so many unnecessary sceenes, it felt a lot like a filler book. When I think about it, nothing much happened, the plot barely made any progress.
We spent way too long with characters I have no interest in, and some I've even come to dislike. Yes, I'm mainly thinking of Amelia. She's never been my favorite, but in this one I couldn't stand her. I just don't like when characters seem to do everything right with little to no effort, especially things that took others quite a bit of work to learn. And the whole potential thing with her, Leif and Ragnar? No, thanks. I was already having difficulties accepting that Leif would want to be with the man who almost got his brother killed, and later also himself and his uncle...
Anyways, was it necessary to also spend so much time with Leda, her son (WTF?), Reggie, Connor, his son, yada yada?
But what really, trully, was the most disappointing thing, was Oliver and the stupidity of his actions. The way he kept trying to convince Nàly that he was doing the right and smart thing? The betrayal! How can you keep that from your lover? He is almost in an illicit affair with the enemy. I have no words.
Nàly is the reason why I kept reading and why I will read the next book, hoping that things will get back on track, or at least, some of them.
So.... I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I was a bit disappointed with this one. I loved the previous books. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. But there were so many unnecessary sceenes, it felt a lot like a filler book. When I think about it, nothing much happened, the plot barely made any progress.
We spent way too long with characters I have no interest in, and some I've even come to dislike. Yes, I'm mainly thinking of Amelia. She's never been my favorite, but in this one I couldn't stand her. I just don't like when characters seem to do everything right with little to no effort, especially things that took others quite a bit of work to learn. And the whole potential thing with her, Leif and Ragnar? No, thanks. I was already having difficulties accepting that Leif would want to be with the man who almost got his brother killed, and later also himself and his uncle...
Anyways, was it necessary to also spend so much time with Leda, her son (WTF?), Reggie, Connor, his son, yada yada?
But what really, trully, was the most disappointing thing, was Oliver and the stupidity of his actions. The way he kept trying to convince Nàly that he was doing the right and smart thing? The betrayal! How can you keep that from your lover? He is almost in an illicit affair with the enemy. I have no words.
Nàly is the reason why I kept reading and why I will read the next book, hoping that things will get back on track, or at least, some of them.
May 27, 2023
I loved the previous books in this series, but this one? I could barely finish it. Barely anything noteworthy or interesting happens in this filler of a follow-up. The book is filled with overly long and unnecessary descriptions of clothing or weather or surroundings and so on. Things that are useless and don't further the plot in any way. The general plot advancement was minimal, we barely learned anything new. A few small battles, a few appearances of Romanus, the Emperor, who can't seem to decide what his goals are - kill or enslave the main characters. That was IT. The important moments were like 10% of the book volume. So many scenes that should've stayed in the draft because they brought nothing to the table.
Then, there's the ever changing POVs, the constant head-hopping was annoying and made the book very disjointed. It didn't flow nicely, it just hopped around randomly from character to character. Just as something was moving along and getting interesting, the author would switch to some random character and useless scene of petting dragons or whatever. At least six different POVs and for what? Reginald and Connor - two NPCs that get prime screen time for no apparent reason. They weren't interesting characters and barely brought anything to the table, not instrumental to the plot at all. Not interesting or even likable. Not to mention completely pointless sex scenes between them, skimmed those. They had no chemistry anyway.
Itwas just annoying, when supposedly, there's this great enemy and war looming ahead and tensions rising yet the author just fills pages with useless sex scenes featuring random characters for no apparent reason whatsoever. Or spends extreme amounts of book pages to describe the characters, what they're wearing and random backstory like with Leda and her son/lover (also, gross af btw). The author fails to convey why the hell Ishould care about these characters and why they're at all important to the plot or anything. They're just there.
The sex scenes in general- way too many. Also, boring, as most of them were between characters that aren't even couples so it's like, whatever, there's no chemistry or anything of use to these scenes. It's like, another brothel scene. Ok? Can we move on with the plot. Seemed as though the author was more invested in writing porn than anything else tbh. Meh.
The characters - Amelia is an insufferable Mary Sue, always the hero there to save the day. She's beautiful and smart and strong and has five dragons and yada yada. A lady and a warrior and a strategist and a magic user and and and, insert eyeroll. By far the most annoying self-important character in the books. It took Nali and the others ages to enter The Between but she does it just like that. With no help and she isn't even a necromancer like Nali. And ofc she's the one to save the day and close the portal, question the prisoner and do literally every important thing. The rest are just there to fall over themselves in her presence. No one can compare. She called Nali a brat but it's her who's rude and entitled. She never met Nali but rudely demanded he help her close the portal. Like, who are you again. She acts as though she's God's gift to the world and everyone should fall at her feet.
Ragnar and Leif - an interesting twist and dynamic that was later just ruined by Amelia who apparently just has to get between them and insert herself there, too. Showcased best when she interrupted their banter with an "'Anyway,' Amelia said, drawing both their attentions." Because ofc how dare they joke around and pay no attention to her godly presence. So, that development, and the future poly-triad the author lined up, made me lose any interest in Leif/Ragnar duo, as well. Because what's the point of their developing relationship if she's just gonna ruin that too anyway. Honestly, I don't even see why she needs to join them, other than the author just wants to neatly pair everyone up between the two families, and for Amelia to become the Queen of the North rme.
Sidenote, Amelia having no imagination and naming the dragon Alpha, idk if the author thought it was cute or funny that eventually Amelia would own two Alphas (a wolf and a dragon) but to me it came across as cringy. And it reduced Leif to another animal in her entourage.
The Emperor - the author can't seem to decide if he's thisall powerful man or he's dumb enough to be outsmarted by a bunch of amateurs. If he's spying on them, if he's this Unchallenged and Immortal supermagic user why do they continuously win the few battles there are. He has a huge army, many more dragons, a ton of magic, etc and they barely have anything and yet...If he is all that, then let's be real, he could've and should've easily rounded them up to put in his dungeon or whatever. It just makes less and less sense the more the story continues.
Oliver and his relationship with the enemy (Romanus) - biggest disappointment in the book for sure. There's no solid relationship without trust, and built on lies. I can't see how his and Erik's relationship can be salvaged once the truth comes out. Once a liar, always a liar. He's acting little better than Ragnar and Erik has already been betrayed enough. I used to like Oliver but this turn of events kinda destroyed his character for me. He keeps trying to justify why he can't just tell Erik but what it boils down to is, he doesn't respect/trust him enough to handle it and thinks he's better handling it by himself. Withholding important info during a war is just idiotic.
Basically, the only cute and enjoyable moments were the few glimpses of Nali (and Mattias). And Tessa and Rune. The rest- hard pass. The way it ended and where it seems to be headed, unfortunately looks like it's all downhill from here.
Sad, because this was one of my all time fav series and now I don't want to read any more of it.
Then, there's the ever changing POVs, the constant head-hopping was annoying and made the book very disjointed. It didn't flow nicely, it just hopped around randomly from character to character. Just as something was moving along and getting interesting, the author would switch to some random character and useless scene of petting dragons or whatever. At least six different POVs and for what? Reginald and Connor - two NPCs that get prime screen time for no apparent reason. They weren't interesting characters and barely brought anything to the table, not instrumental to the plot at all. Not interesting or even likable. Not to mention completely pointless sex scenes between them, skimmed those. They had no chemistry anyway.
Itwas just annoying, when supposedly, there's this great enemy and war looming ahead and tensions rising yet the author just fills pages with useless sex scenes featuring random characters for no apparent reason whatsoever. Or spends extreme amounts of book pages to describe the characters, what they're wearing and random backstory like with Leda and her son/lover (also, gross af btw). The author fails to convey why the hell Ishould care about these characters and why they're at all important to the plot or anything. They're just there.
The sex scenes in general- way too many. Also, boring, as most of them were between characters that aren't even couples so it's like, whatever, there's no chemistry or anything of use to these scenes. It's like, another brothel scene. Ok? Can we move on with the plot. Seemed as though the author was more invested in writing porn than anything else tbh. Meh.
The characters - Amelia is an insufferable Mary Sue, always the hero there to save the day. She's beautiful and smart and strong and has five dragons and yada yada. A lady and a warrior and a strategist and a magic user and and and, insert eyeroll. By far the most annoying self-important character in the books. It took Nali and the others ages to enter The Between but she does it just like that. With no help and she isn't even a necromancer like Nali. And ofc she's the one to save the day and close the portal, question the prisoner and do literally every important thing. The rest are just there to fall over themselves in her presence. No one can compare. She called Nali a brat but it's her who's rude and entitled. She never met Nali but rudely demanded he help her close the portal. Like, who are you again. She acts as though she's God's gift to the world and everyone should fall at her feet.
Ragnar and Leif - an interesting twist and dynamic that was later just ruined by Amelia who apparently just has to get between them and insert herself there, too. Showcased best when she interrupted their banter with an "'Anyway,' Amelia said, drawing both their attentions." Because ofc how dare they joke around and pay no attention to her godly presence. So, that development, and the future poly-triad the author lined up, made me lose any interest in Leif/Ragnar duo, as well. Because what's the point of their developing relationship if she's just gonna ruin that too anyway. Honestly, I don't even see why she needs to join them, other than the author just wants to neatly pair everyone up between the two families, and for Amelia to become the Queen of the North rme.
Sidenote, Amelia having no imagination and naming the dragon Alpha, idk if the author thought it was cute or funny that eventually Amelia would own two Alphas (a wolf and a dragon) but to me it came across as cringy. And it reduced Leif to another animal in her entourage.
The Emperor - the author can't seem to decide if he's thisall powerful man or he's dumb enough to be outsmarted by a bunch of amateurs. If he's spying on them, if he's this Unchallenged and Immortal supermagic user why do they continuously win the few battles there are. He has a huge army, many more dragons, a ton of magic, etc and they barely have anything and yet...If he is all that, then let's be real, he could've and should've easily rounded them up to put in his dungeon or whatever. It just makes less and less sense the more the story continues.
Oliver and his relationship with the enemy (Romanus) - biggest disappointment in the book for sure. There's no solid relationship without trust, and built on lies. I can't see how his and Erik's relationship can be salvaged once the truth comes out. Once a liar, always a liar. He's acting little better than Ragnar and Erik has already been betrayed enough. I used to like Oliver but this turn of events kinda destroyed his character for me. He keeps trying to justify why he can't just tell Erik but what it boils down to is, he doesn't respect/trust him enough to handle it and thinks he's better handling it by himself. Withholding important info during a war is just idiotic.
Basically, the only cute and enjoyable moments were the few glimpses of Nali (and Mattias). And Tessa and Rune. The rest- hard pass. The way it ended and where it seems to be headed, unfortunately looks like it's all downhill from here.
Sad, because this was one of my all time fav series and now I don't want to read any more of it.
December 20, 2023
So excited for the next book!
Oh man, I didn't want this book to end. I love where the plot is going (or where I think it's going lol)
What I liked:
Oliver's story has gotten really interesting. I think I know what is up, but it makes me anticipate the next book even more.
The writing was on point as well, immersive but not overly descriptive. The banter between characters was amazing and I liked seeing characters meet for the first time.
I loved getting to know a little more about the emperor although I wish there was more. It's more interesting to think of his as a person instead of just a villain.
What I wish wasn't there:
So many POVs: I get giving a secondary character a POV if they are in a different location from main characters and the plot needs to happen at that location.
I don't dislike any characters, but Connor and Reggie story, man, why did we have so much time with them lol It was a bit frustrating having to be pulled off from the plot to read about a couple that is new and frankly not that important for the plot lol it was kind of similar to having to read about Revna and her love story.
Anyway, still 5 stars of course, but in my opinion, the author should give us more of the main couple (they are what got me into this series after all lol). A lot of things were glossed over or just mentioned to have happened and I really wish we could actually read those parts hahah I'm losing connection with the main couple T.T Also, I need more emperor hahahha
As for Lief's story, I liked his POV bc it was interesting to read about his adjustment with the new wolf side and all. He also got more interesting as a character I think. It doesn't hurt that he has Ragnar as a side kick. Although I like their dynamics, I'm not a fan of the fact that they are relatives hahah I mean they're kind of like Sels lol
Amelia is alright, not annoying and I guess it's enough for me. She is a Drake so I get that she needs to get her POV. But I think I hope she gets her threesome bc her interactions with Lief without Ragnar were a bit boring to me.
To sum up, I loved the plot. But mostly Oliver's plot hahhaha so I want more of that and less of the others. I know that's probably not gonna happen but a girl can hope lol
Oh man, I didn't want this book to end. I love where the plot is going (or where I think it's going lol)
What I liked:
Oliver's story has gotten really interesting. I think I know what is up, but it makes me anticipate the next book even more.
The writing was on point as well, immersive but not overly descriptive. The banter between characters was amazing and I liked seeing characters meet for the first time.
I loved getting to know a little more about the emperor although I wish there was more. It's more interesting to think of his as a person instead of just a villain.
What I wish wasn't there:
So many POVs: I get giving a secondary character a POV if they are in a different location from main characters and the plot needs to happen at that location.
I don't dislike any characters, but Connor and Reggie story, man, why did we have so much time with them lol It was a bit frustrating having to be pulled off from the plot to read about a couple that is new and frankly not that important for the plot lol it was kind of similar to having to read about Revna and her love story.
Anyway, still 5 stars of course, but in my opinion, the author should give us more of the main couple (they are what got me into this series after all lol). A lot of things were glossed over or just mentioned to have happened and I really wish we could actually read those parts hahah I'm losing connection with the main couple T.T Also, I need more emperor hahahha
As for Lief's story, I liked his POV bc it was interesting to read about his adjustment with the new wolf side and all. He also got more interesting as a character I think. It doesn't hurt that he has Ragnar as a side kick. Although I like their dynamics, I'm not a fan of the fact that they are relatives hahah I mean they're kind of like Sels lol
Amelia is alright, not annoying and I guess it's enough for me. She is a Drake so I get that she needs to get her POV. But I think I hope she gets her threesome bc her interactions with Lief without Ragnar were a bit boring to me.
To sum up, I loved the plot. But mostly Oliver's plot hahhaha so I want more of that and less of the others. I know that's probably not gonna happen but a girl can hope lol
December 18, 2025
A 4.25 🌟
Might contain some spoilers .
For some reason I thought that it was the last book in the series , but apparently it's not . Like in the whole book I was like , soooo when's the war gonna start , cause like what . It's such a long book , but nothing that much happen , I mean it was still fun , but I was expecting for the war to start at least ( after I knew that this is not the last book ) . But okay Amelia's side are collecting resources and making troops and training them , which is understandable, but why is the other side not attacking them , like why .
We do get to see more of Leif and Ragnar , whose relationship I wasn't sure how to feel about earlier but I somehow found them cute together , I just hope the author doesn't add Amelia into their relationship, cause like girl just go find someone else . Also like what's wrong with Leif , in his mind he think about Ragnar so much , his wolf thinks of Ragnar as his mate and yet his wolf wanna go after Amelia , like does Leif's wolf not understand the meaning of mate . Yeah sure in the beginning he was referring to Ragnar as in 'pack' mate , but then later on he does refer to him as his actual mate , and yet go after Amelia .
Also that scene when Leif and Ragnar are probably talking about their feelings deeply , why do we get that from Amelia's pov , where she can't really hear them , but knows that they are being lovely and I want to see that too , like why just why can't we get get that scene from their pov .
Now , why do we get so less of Oliver 's pov , like all of the chapters from his pov are so short too . And then like Oliver meeting with the Immortal Emperor for the first time had me wondering if the gonna go south and the story did went south but in a different way . Also why do we not get more of their classes , like I wanna know what's going on in their classes . Also , the ending , the ending , this is gonna create such a big misunderstanding . I really wonder where the author is gonna take this story from here on and how she is gonna conclude it .
I am also really interested in knowing as to what that Emperor actually wants and what his motives are , cause like why are you doing this . Why ?
Anyways , it was still a fun book .
Might contain some spoilers .
For some reason I thought that it was the last book in the series , but apparently it's not . Like in the whole book I was like , soooo when's the war gonna start , cause like what . It's such a long book , but nothing that much happen , I mean it was still fun , but I was expecting for the war to start at least ( after I knew that this is not the last book ) . But okay Amelia's side are collecting resources and making troops and training them , which is understandable, but why is the other side not attacking them , like why .
We do get to see more of Leif and Ragnar , whose relationship I wasn't sure how to feel about earlier but I somehow found them cute together , I just hope the author doesn't add Amelia into their relationship, cause like girl just go find someone else . Also like what's wrong with Leif , in his mind he think about Ragnar so much , his wolf thinks of Ragnar as his mate and yet his wolf wanna go after Amelia , like does Leif's wolf not understand the meaning of mate . Yeah sure in the beginning he was referring to Ragnar as in 'pack' mate , but then later on he does refer to him as his actual mate , and yet go after Amelia .
Also that scene when Leif and Ragnar are probably talking about their feelings deeply , why do we get that from Amelia's pov , where she can't really hear them , but knows that they are being lovely and I want to see that too , like why just why can't we get get that scene from their pov .
Now , why do we get so less of Oliver 's pov , like all of the chapters from his pov are so short too . And then like Oliver meeting with the Immortal Emperor for the first time had me wondering if the gonna go south and the story did went south but in a different way . Also why do we not get more of their classes , like I wanna know what's going on in their classes . Also , the ending , the ending , this is gonna create such a big misunderstanding . I really wonder where the author is gonna take this story from here on and how she is gonna conclude it .
I am also really interested in knowing as to what that Emperor actually wants and what his motives are , cause like why are you doing this . Why ?
Anyways , it was still a fun book .
March 29, 2025
I finished this book yesterday and honestly I’m still in shock about how disappointed I am. I absolutely loved the previous four, giving them all 5*.
So what went wrong here?
For the most part it’s dull and unbelievably boring.
I know what you’re thinking how?
How can a book with all the same characters, dragons, wolves and an evil empire possibly be boring?
In a word sex.
It’s feels like it’s just going through the motions. There’s pages after pages after pages of sex. It felt like filler. It was filler. I had to skim just to get through it. The book could easily have been half its size without suffering at all.
Did I mention there’s a myriad of sex?
I’m not sure what else to put I’m still shocked.
So what went wrong here?
For the most part it’s dull and unbelievably boring.
I know what you’re thinking how?
How can a book with all the same characters, dragons, wolves and an evil empire possibly be boring?
In a word sex.
It’s feels like it’s just going through the motions. There’s pages after pages after pages of sex. It felt like filler. It was filler. I had to skim just to get through it. The book could easily have been half its size without suffering at all.
Did I mention there’s a myriad of sex?
I’m not sure what else to put I’m still shocked.
January 4, 2024
Great book as always but I do have one bone to pick with the Author though…….. why are all of Eric and Olivers sex scenes cut short!!??? Conner and Reggie who I completely don’t care about had so much time and even Ragnar who I completely hate btw all had time!? Like come on now? Yeah I love the story and all but I specially picked up this book for OliverXEric and basically go nothing T-T. Also am I the only one that finds leafs character slightly annoying now?he is just going all in on this ”no one understands me” teenager vibe huh? And his relationship with the rat is not making my opinion of him go up any higher not to mention the pack of NPC wolves. Lmao
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2025
This series started out ok. The previous book was already starting to bore me but this a definite DNF!
I can't! It seems everybody becomes this hormonal teenager who is obsessed with f#cking everything that moves.
Lief obsession over Ragnar just no ( i blame it on the lack of creativity of the author), this is not a tv show so "casting" new characters should not trouble the "budget"! Ragnar should have died. Erik should have kill him.
Than Reggie ... bringing Liam to his father asleep, bcs Connor was acting irresponsible toward his son, than go right at it in front of the kid...well... just no!!! So at this point i couldn't anymore. I'M done with this series... just disappointing.
I can't! It seems everybody becomes this hormonal teenager who is obsessed with f#cking everything that moves.
Lief obsession over Ragnar just no ( i blame it on the lack of creativity of the author), this is not a tv show so "casting" new characters should not trouble the "budget"! Ragnar should have died. Erik should have kill him.
Than Reggie ... bringing Liam to his father asleep, bcs Connor was acting irresponsible toward his son, than go right at it in front of the kid...well... just no!!! So at this point i couldn't anymore. I'M done with this series... just disappointing.
May 29, 2023
Oh boy, where to start? I've LOVED the other books in this series to the point of re-reading them, this one not so much. It felt endless, with a lot of filler with nothing much really happening bar a few skirmishes and a little relationship building with Connor/Reggie, Leif/Ragnar with a sniff of Amelia going to get in there. Can't forget Ollie pulling his TSTL moves with the Emperor which just put the cherry on the top of this disappointment.
Add to this it took a week and a hefty dose of skimming to finish this, and yep - not a fan of this one I'm afraid.
Add to this it took a week and a hefty dose of skimming to finish this, and yep - not a fan of this one I'm afraid.
May 20, 2023
I’m ready for the next book now!! I love these characters and there are definitely twists and storylines I was not expecting! Can’t wait to see what happens next! I’m hopeful for some things so fingers crossed!
**my thoughts/possible spoilers**
I am not softening towards Ragnar at all. I do not trust him and do not think he will change. I hope he exits soon!
I love Amelia and want her and Leif together! 🐺🐉
Oliver is stressing me out!! He better quit!! 😰
**my thoughts/possible spoilers**
I am not softening towards Ragnar at all. I do not trust him and do not think he will change. I hope he exits soon!
I love Amelia and want her and Leif together! 🐺🐉
Oliver is stressing me out!! He better quit!! 😰
June 25, 2023
OK, so it turned out that Ollie is a naive idiot. I really hope that his tea parties with the Emperor have some kind of purpose. I still hate Ragnar and don't trust him one bit. We didn't get a lot of answers and I have waaay more questions after reading this instalment but it is an awesome page-turner and I can't wait for the next part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2026
The excitement really heats up in this book in the series. The various factions each have their challenges and attacks as they begin to come together to prepare for war. This story has lots of romance, mysticism, magic, dragon, and visits to another realm. I look forward to the final book in the series to see how this story will culminate. Exciting reading!
Read
May 17, 2023Good, interesting story, as always. I spotted many typos and editing mistakes, though. Which is to be understood, since this is selfpublished and the author produces so many books in a year. I am honestly in awe of her hardwork, discipline, and creative juice.
Looking forward to the next book.
Looking forward to the next book.
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